hopkinsonfamilytravels: September 2011

A very easy night flight - we all slept fairly well, and Joseph elected to sleep rather than watch TV.

Quick transfer between terminals 3 and 5 at Heathrow and our flight to Newcastle was bang on time, arriving at 11.15am when we were pleased to be met by Rosemary and Ben.

Before leaving the UK we all weighted ourselves. The aggregate weight of our family on return home was exactly the same as when we left!. The only thing that is considerably lighter is our bank account, but our life experiences we all agreed are considerably enhanced.

Overall our jet lag was not too bad, although Jim and Joesph had a afternoon nap before a refreshing walk on the beach.

Despite the 6 hour time difference we all slept pretty well, and after breakfast in Newcastle we had an easy run down to Leeds arriving just in time for lunch, and to the wonderful surprise of a full fridge thanks to our neighbours Mollie and Keith.

The family consensus is - no regrets!

Joseph at Heathrow

Leaving Warkworth

Arrival back in Leeds

Our last day!. After a leisurely breakfast, we took the time to pack our bags for the flight home and checked out of the hotel at around 12 noon leaving the bags in the hotel store, including a bag for swimming and travel home clothes. We left a significant number of no longer required clothes and shoes (etc) which the hotel agreed to donate to someone more in need than us. We took left over food and gave it to a beggar by the river boat terminal.

Then it was off in the river bus. We agreed as a family to return to the Ko San Road (backpackers area). Loads of things we could do - if we had the time - lots of lovely food, opportunities for foot massages, market shopping etc.

It was very hot on the last day, so we wandered through the markets, and the kids picked up a few last minute items - some "stock" birthday presents for their friends, Eleanor some badges representing countries she had visited to sew onto a blanket, Katherine a mobile phone cover and Liz some cushion covers.

Then it was time for our last meal - Jim had a lovely snapper, Liz her last Thai green curry.

By the time we had eaten time had started to evaporate , so the idea of massages etc disintegrated. Joseph of course was mad keen to return to the hotel for his last swim, and the girls for a fish spa experience. In the event we split up. Liz (plus camera) took Joseph back on the river bus back to the hotel. Jim (minus camera) took the kids for a 20 minute fish spa. Basically this involves putting your feet into a tank of small fish who nibble away and give a fish pedicure. They enjoyed it so much that Jim regretted he did not try it too - but he was keen to preserve cash in case it was needed later.

Then it was back to the hotel for us too by river boat. We arrived in at 6.05pm, and postponed the taxi that we had booked to get us to the airport by an hour.

We all had a lovely swim in the fantastic hotel swimming pool, a shower, got changed and then took a taxi to the airport. Economies of scale means that for 5 people its cheaper to take a taxi than the airport bus.

At the airport we checked in, send a couple of pounds on snacks, brought a few bits and bobs with our last £5 or so.

The plane was bang on time, boarding at 11.30pm for a 12.10am departure - this time the carrier was British Airways.

We were sat to be leaving, but excited to be retuning home. We reflected what a hassle free holiday we had had!