I have been holding off on posting a new blog, basically because I can't think of a theme. Things have been rather random, so in continuing with that theme, here is the first edition of 'The Phuket Post'.

Work
Work has been busy, but very rewarding. I am spending more and more time with the kids and enjoying it a lot. I was literally pulled in 2 different directions the other day by 2 girls. You know you are in when that happens 🙂 Yes, most afternoons I spend in the heat playing with sticky orphans – FUN!

We did have a large group of volunteers here last weekend from different parts of Asia, and hence I worked all weekend. They did an 'Amazing Race' style event around the island, so that was fun, though I would have prefered to be a part of it and not a judge. Then Sunday they came and helped out around the school and did a beach clean up with the kids. It was the highlight of my weekend! The kids in my group had an absolute blast at the beach. Yes, they did 'some' cleaning, but the challenge of trying to swim when I had told them they couldn't was too great. They spent most of the time trying to get wet while looking at me with a cheeky smile. Lying down on the sand while a wave washes over you 'technically' isn't swimming…. And the volunteers absolutely fell in love with the kids. They took over my favourite restaurant on the beach, gave the kids drinks and just generally played with them. The kids stole as many iphones as possible and videoed themselves and watched themselves. It is one thing they love to do – have their photos taken and then look at themselves. I guess they don't really get much of an opportunity to do that.

Weather
Sounds boring, but actually the rainy season appears to be back. After a month of heavenly weather, the rain is here. It rained so loud last night that I could barely sleep. Roads were flooded and caved in this morning. Crazy. I am back to looking sexy in a rain coat and helmet on my bike. Woo hoo! The weather does appear to be distressing the resident King of the house, Biscuit and so I am getting used to a cat sleeping on or as close to me as possible.

Socialising
Monday Angela announced a week-long ban on drinking…to give her credit she did last all Monday night. The ban was broken when we were given free drinks at the pub Tuesday night. I mean, who turns down free drinks! We are unpaid volunteers after all! 🙂 There 'may' be something that will help though…Joao. My new flatmate. He has arrived from Portugal and is lovely and doesn't drink. Surely he can keep me on the straight and narrow…right?

Angela has had (more) friends come and stay – yes, she is very popular 🙂 James from Singapore spent a weekend inebriated and being doubled on the back of a bike. It is hard doubling drunk people – I should know, it's usually me being doubled! Then last night Fabio, the Brazilian Dancing Bean arrived. I'm sure tonight will involve more fun and doubling…

Now for this week's random selection of photos…