7th August 2007
Our flight from Heathrow departed on time at 9.45 pm, and the journey was excellent. EVA now operates brand-new 777s, equipped with the latest entertainment systems. We each had personal screens and could choose what to watch whenever we liked, so Sarah and Jamie were occupied for the entire flight. Even Sue and I managed to fit in a couple of films between meals and naps.

We landed at Bangkok’s new airport, which, having been built on a swamp, is beginning to sink. I must admit I preferred the old airport; it had more character and, crucially, less queuing. We were stuck in a long line at passport control, something we had never experienced in the past.

A private minibus took us south to Cha’am, though the journey took half an hour longer than usual since the new airport lies on the opposite side of the city. We passed the time with a three-hour game of “I Spy”, broken only by a loo stop and an ice cream break.

We’re staying in a couple of chalets within the hotel grounds, quite spacious, very peaceful, and quiet. The only real noise comes from the little brats next door (Jamie and Sarah!). We’ve been coming to this hotel for around eight years now and have stayed in most of the different room types. This time, Sarah and I agree that the chalet is the best yet; Jamie and Sue are still undecided.

So far, we’ve done very little beyond eating, sleeping, walking, and talking. We’ve run into quite a few familiar faces from previous years. Sadly, Sarah’s friend Charlotte left the day after we arrived, but her grandparents are still here. (I look forward to the day when I’m old enough to send the grandchildren home myself!)

We’ve each enjoyed a massage from the ladies on the beach. I must be truly relaxed; I very nearly fell asleep. Today, we strolled to one of our favourite restaurants for lunch, followed by a dip in the pool and a half-hour blast on the jet skis. The sea was calm, so it was more of a high-speed cruise than an adrenaline rush.

It’s the low season in Thailand, and the resort is particularly quiet this year. We’re used to a bit of peace and solitude, but this is extraordinary. One evening, we chatted with Wan, the owner of a local restaurant and Sarah’s favourite Thai. She’s kept cats and dogs for years, and Sarah has been friends with her since she was nine. Wan remarked that this is the quietest she’s ever known it. It’s surprising, especially as there seems to be plenty of money being poured into local development; there’s building work going on everywhere.

Tomorrow I’ll take a trip to Hua Hin with Jamie to hire a car. Then we can revisit some of our old haunts and see what’s changed, if anything.