June 10 Wonderful Thailand

After breakfast, trying some new fruits, Brendan and Deb decided to head into town to do some birthday shopping for Ryan (his birthday is on the 12th) and try on a few clothes for ourselves. It was a stinking hot walking into town and we were dripping with sweat and were thoroughly baked when we arrived. We half-heartedly tried on some clothes but soon discovered that we couldn’t get them on and off as it was just too humid. Instead we went for some cold ice tea and aromatherapy massages. When we went in Brendan whispered with indignation, “I’m not taking my shorts off!” When I explained to him that we were just to wear our underwear and that they would think it odd if he kept his clothes on, he relented. We asked to be put together in a little room so they moved one of the mattresses over. Two Thai women came in with their little pots of oil and the massage began. Brendan was instructed to lie on his back. He was a bit unsure at the beginning but soon got right into it. We chatted away with the women although communication was very basic. When we just lay back and listened to the calming music for a while Brendan came close to falling asleep. He just loved it and I felt that it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had (being with Brendan for his first really added to it!). We resolved to bring dad and Ryan back with us in a few days to repeat the experience.
The day slipped by and we felt as if it were another day in paradise. After returning to the resort (after a stop at the mini-mart for beer, water and snacks), we returned to the hotel to change into our tennis gear. Robert picked us up and off we went to the nearby Laguna Tennis Club to play. Vasco, their little guy, and Brendan played while Robert and I had a ‘Thailand vs. Canada’ challenge. Thailand won handily. Afterwards, we were invited to return to their place for drinks and a swim. Wow. What a home. They had a traditional Thai ‘palace’, right on the Laguna resort grounds. They back onto the golf course and also have an 18m lap pool which of course we enjoyed. The pool has its own waterfall and is kept clean with a copper ionization system (no chlorine nor salt). We chatted, ate exotic fruit, and reveled in the wonderful company. How very lucky we are to be hosted by some locals. Nothing is better when travelling and we felt very privileged to be looked after with so much generosity and kindness. Afterwards, we treated them for dinner and drinks. Oh, to be in the lifestyles of the rich and famous, albeit temporarily!