Bangkok Week 652

December 24, 2020

Arlo spends a wonderful long weekend with his grandparents in Trat; including a special 2-night stay on the white sandy beach! What a nice start to the tropical Christmas holiday!

Arlo says, Look! There's Mum in the phone screen!

Special Friday morning activity: finger painting!

Arlo's perfecting his signature one-finger technique.

Puu is back from his doctor's checkup...

... but heading out to Trat again so soon!

We gave Arlo one Christmas present early: a tractor!

And what a great tractor: Arlo approves!

Saturday morning: just making sure his belly button is still there.

Chatting with Mum in the garden: are we getting ready to go somewhere?

Stretching his legs now, while he can.

Although Mr. Chipper might not realize just how long the ride ahead is.

All smiles: and a nap is in the near future.

At the rest stop: another great rest stop, in Arlo's opinion.

Finally, we're here! But Puu, I feel like I've just seen you, Arlo thinks.

Arlo wastes no time climbing into Puu's truck.

Vroom vroom! Now, if only this darned truck would move!

And how to get this wheel to spin?

Every Saturday, Trat has a walking street along the road with many old wooden houses.

Seems like a popular event!

Lots of home-made food, and some clothes too.

Arlo was pretty jazzed about it. It helped that there were lots of small bands (many of them students) throughout.

Back at home, it's dinner time for Arlo: a face-off.

And a birthday cake for Aa Top! (Although somehow, this photo makes it look like Arlo's birthday...)

The next (chilly) morning, helping Puu in the store.

Oh wait! Isn't there a truck to drive?

Playing in his bathtub, which we'd left at the door to make sure we don't forget it.

Hmm. The bathtub looks different, but I can't quite put my finger on why...

Arlo, personally making sure we don't forget his bathtub.

Lounging around: a relaxed morning.

Having a laugh with Yaa.

Arlo hasn't forgotten about these spinning soda cans.

He's quite comfortable with his Aa Top.

A short drive later, and we're at the Centara in Trat, along the eastern-most coast of Thailand.

Compared to all the hotels in Hua Hin, this really feels like a nice, secluded Island resort!

Enjoying the seaside view. It was cool enough, despite the sun.

Someone's not happy about something!

Playing with ice cubes: all better now.

Trying out the swimming pool in the late afternoon. It's on the chilly side (by local standards).

Nevertheless, Arlo has fun.

But the real fun to be had was beachside.

Reacquainting himself with the waves.

Look! Another wave!

I think the sea water was warmer than the swimming pool water!

But considerably more salty, too!

Group shot!

Becoming more comfortable with the sand with each subsequent beach visit.

Sandy feet: large and small.

Not long until he's up to Dad's waist.

Beautiful sunset; we're indeed facing west!

Someone's getting tired; but we still have dinner ahead.

Dinner with a view.

And what a view it was!

Colorful sunset wefie.

The next morning, Arlo's leading the charge to breakfast, apple in hand.

Stopping at the fountain we'd avoided the day before; woah!

A quiet morning on the beach.

All three generations.

Look, Arlo! A boat!

Look, guys! I see a boat!

Just a tropical boy, enjoying the beach... in sweatpants. Because it's winter.

The chase is on!

Wow, Arlo! Pretty advanced for your age.

Breakfast time! Arlo loves a good buffet breakfast.

Arlo had french toast, pancakes, papaya, watermelon, and noodles!

Digesting his big breakfast with Yaa.

Taking over the beach bar.

What a nice, chill place. Island life!

Watching the waves with Dad.

Arlo talks about boats all the time; but this was his first time riding in one.

Mum demonstrates how to row-row-row your boat. (Or, paddle your kayak... but that doesn't fit the beat.)

All these waves and the cool breeze are the perfect recipe for... a nap!

Can't blame him!

Awake and refreshed... it's time to get some exercise!

Playing soccer with a volley ball.

Arlo seems to be a natural, with his monkey feet.

Then Aa Top came back to visit for the day.

Just lounging in the shade by the sea.

Seaside head massage.

And picking coconuts with Dad.

We drove to another beach about 10km further along the road for lunch.

It was even windier, and the waves were wilder! What a view.

Arlo's not so sure: it might be too wild for his taste!

Dad doesn't seem too fussed; enjoying the nice breeze in a hammock.

Okay, maybe this isn't so bad.

That's a lot of food for the 5 of us!

Where to begin!?

Back at the hotel, Arlo sits out on the balcony, watching ants.

Pretty pleased with himself, and all the ants he pointed out.

Arlo insisted on visiting the water fountain again... and he couldn't help but touch it!

Excitement of the afternoon!

We continued our walking tour of the hotel: check out these wheels!

And a stretch golf cart, all for Arlo!

And even a little jungle walk.

Hmm! What a strange looking flower.

And time for another late-afternoon swim. Judging by Arlo and Dad, the water's still chilly!

Yup! These are definitely winter swimming conditions.

Resting in the pool, before heading onto the main attraction.

The beach! Where there are lots of tiny things for Arlo to inspect.

Being watched by Lifeguard Yaa.

Arlo is really into wave-spotting.

Checking in to make sure he's doing okay.

Resting after a long time in the water.

Another beautiful sunset.

And an even better dinner view tonight.

The photo doesn't do justice to the sunset.

It looked like the sky was on fire!

Our last morning here: and Arlo is a pro at dashing to breakfast.

The aftermath of his baked beans.

Enjoying the shaded morning beach; Arlo heard we might be leaving soon.

Simon says: hands up!

Checking out the kayak again. It's a bit hard to roll this boat...

Enjoying the sea view with Yaa. And trying to take off her mask.

Aww. Big family hug.

Not such a shabby view!

Playing with the wonderful fountain one last time.

Arlo missed the memo, so he's not doing his part in this coconut operation.

One last ride back out to the car in the golf cart. Wheee!!!

On our way home, stopping at... Makro!!!

Wow! So many things to look at!

And stopping at the City Pillar for the New Year.

Arlo took stock of all the lions on the premise.

This one was nice and colorful and life-like.

But this lion ultimately won Arlo's heart. Kiss kiss!

And hug hug!

Wednesday morning: another winter one. Helping Puu at the store.

And having one last "spin" on the truck.

Arlo would love to take this truck back to Bangkok with him.

Family shot; Arlo didn't get the memo about the blue... See you in 2021!

Enjoying a long 1-hour nap during the first hour of the ride back. The special foot rest must have helped.

Entertaining himself with a slice of bread. (But not for long.)

Stretching our legs at a rest stop: Mum drinks the coffee and Arlo eats the receipt.

Finally back home, and with a special message for Great Aunt Chris! Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas Eve! Santa, we're ready whenever you are!