Wherever we’ve been and wherever we may go, we’re inspired by travel and adventure. We’re big on living life outside the 9-5 and getting out there to do our own thing. This season is all about celebrating the inspiration that comes from travel, so we’re about to hand over to Darren, who works at Head Office, to find out about his own recent adventure in Thailand…
My Adventures Outside the 9 To 5: Thailand
July 19, 2018
“Sat next to my brand-new wife in a room filled with our friends and family, listening to my father in law deliver his speech, I had somehow forgotten what was about to happen. For six months, our surprise honeymoon —arranged by my in-laws — had been kept secret. The only details given up by Rachel’s parents were two weeks of sun — departing shortly after the wedding — and jabs that we had to obtain with a nurse sworn to secrecy!
An excited hush descended as we all realised what was about to be revealed…”
“Thailand!”
“Cheers and applause erupted… Rachel and I looked at each other, our smiles revealing that of all the possible destinations we had dreamed of, this was top of our list.”
Bangkok
“We arrived early in Bangkok, weary from a 12-hour flight that I hadn’t slept a wink on! A short walk from our hotel took us to PatPong night market. The stifling heat and humidity that fogged my camera is made up for by the mouth-watering aroma that filled the air as we passed food stalls selling an array of undeterminable meat on a stick. Each corner we turned presented a scene more fascinatingly bizarre than the last… Market rows doubling as roads, arguments erupting over games of draughts, and saying “Hi” to the kids in their dens beneath the stalls.
“We awoke at 5am the following day to torrential rain lashing at our balcony and fork lightning wrapping around the city’s skyline. We had an early start as we were heading off to explore one of Bangkok’s floating markets by boat. We were advised to keep our hands inside the boat at all times — great advice as bumping was commonplace and seemed almost essential for getting where you needed to be!
“We sat eating fresh mango absorbing the scene; row upon row of canals teeming with boats captained by the young and strong, or the old and hardy! The sounds of market traders calling from their canal-side shops alongside the roar of diesel-powered long tail boats, their fumes mixing with the scent of chicken satay grilled fresh on board. Two young lads floated by on a kayak with a cool box between them, offering us an ice cold can of beer. It was tempting, but it was also 10am!
“We left Bangkok awe-stricken, but more than ready for the beach. After an hour’s flight south, then two hours by car and ferry, we reached the south island of Koh Lanta…
Koh Lanta
“On arrival at the Layana Resort and Spa, fresh garlands were placed over our heads and we were carted to the beach front bar. Having lived by the sea almost my entire life, it was good to be back in what felt more like my natural habitat.
“After a day of exploring our surroundings, we sat at our table on the beach with the sand between our toes and enjoyed the food and festivities of the best BBQ we’d ever been to. This was honeymooning!
“The change of pace was welcomed, but we were still eager to explore. We took our first TukTuk ride to Lanta Animal Welfare, a charity that rescues hundreds of dogs and cats every year and finds them homes all around the world. On arrival, we were given the opportunity to take two rescue dogs, Skitch and Tequila out for a quick walk around the hot, humid jungle that surrounded the shelter. Their characters shone and if they weren’t already adopted and waiting for flights to their new homes, it would have been difficult for us to not consider taking them home!"
“We jumped at the opportunity to explore the nearby islands on a boat trip from the hotel. We hopped from island to island, before arriving at our final destination…
“I stared nervously at the narrow opening beneath the sheer cliff face whilst donning a life jacket I was very grateful for. I love the sea, but I couldn’t have been further out of my comfort zone as we swam towards the Emerald Cave. After nervously swimming around 50 meters in complete darkness, light appeared ahead and we eventually swam into a paradise lagoon surrounded by 360 degrees of tall cliffs scattered with tropical plants! I hadn’t researched any of our stops before the trip, making this the most wonderful surprise and probably the most beautiful place I’d ever seen — proof that to get the best experiences you really have to go outside your comfort zone.
Great things to come…
“Thailand had blown us away, exceeding every expectation and leaving us wishing we could stay! We’d only seen a tiny portion of this part of the world but it had truly been the trip of a lifetime, the perfect way to mark the start of our married life.
"On the way home I couldn’t help thinking, now the real adventure begins!”
Feeling inspired?
Wherever you're heading this year, we've got threads for the job.
Oh, and if you're staying in the UK this year but don't know where to go, come and see what our store crew around the UK have to say about their area, and why each one is such a great holiday destination.
Don't forget, we want to see what you're getting up to this summer. Be sure to mention @fatface and #fatfaceadventures for your chance to be featured on our Social pages.