Tuesday, January 01, 2019

2018 The year that was..

For good or bad, 2018 was a quiet year. Whilst boring as you live it, looking back now I’m pleased that it was quiet and hopefully 2019 will be just as steady...

I’m publishing this review on my less often used blog, there was was a time when my blog was my social media outlet. Since the on set of Facebook, Twitter etc etc I’ve used it less and less. I would love to start it going again but never seem to.

The weather was the big thing for the UK this year, a very cold Jan-Mar with plenty of snow. I was caught out twice, once in north Derbyshire and then in Cumbria. Scary, but very beautiful...







Another phenomena this year has been some of the sunsets there have been, stunning is the word! Whether this is an Oman for the end of the world, pollution or just one of those things I’m not sure, but as someone who dabbles in photography, it’s given me some great opportunities.






I’ve spent a lot of time away from home with work, I’ve stayed at some great hotels and also some pretty award ones, mostly the bad ones are the chains were the hotel is in serious need of refurbishment. I want name and shame, but Jury’s Inn and Novotel you aren’t at the top of my list to stay. However, I must mention The Titanic hotel in Liverpool as being this years outstanding hotel in the UK, Faultless...



This year also saw our bi-annual trip back to Thailand, this year followed the same format, I drive....

We had the compulsory visit to Hua Hin which is one of my fave places, especially the surrounding places of interest. This time we stayed at the Dusit Thani, you know I mentioned about old hotels needing a refurb, well that is a case in point. Great Hotel, just needs all the rooms to be bought up to 21st century standards.

Whilst in Bangkok we always stay at the Chatrium Riverside, my fave hotel in BKK, well should I say my fave place that I can reasonably afford!!!

My wifes family seem well and are always happy to see their grand daughter, shame about the token Farang. we met up with friends old and new and generally had a great time. One thing I did learn is: Never fly with Thai Airways again, over priced, too many undisclosed T & Cs, poor cabins and the worst customer service ever (Never have got back to me)...




The biggest surprise is that we spent several days in Pattaya, I wasn't looking forward to it, having seen it 15 years ago as nothing more than a giant brothel. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with how there was to do, excellent Cafes and Restaurants and Jontiem was fairly impressive compared to my last visit.