• Flying Home

    3. januar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☁️ 28 °F

    Our flight was delayed for 6 hours, Molly and Kyle could not make their connecting flight through JFK and had to switch to our flight this morning. Airport checkin was a mess and VAT tax return took forever 🤣 We got on the plane, not exactly thrilled with the Delta experience!!! At least we are taking off 😊 Landed safely in Detroit I have never seen the immigration line so long in my life luckily they let the kids go through global entry with us. Happy to be Home!!! Created amazing memories!!!Læs mere

  • Florence to Frankfurt

    2. januar, Tyskland ⋅ ⛅ 34 °F

    We woke up and packed up for the drive to Bologna. We are flying Lufthansa back to Frankfurt and the weight limit is 50 pounds, everyone was overweight and it required some creativity the purchasing of extra bags and lots of stress. 🤣 We landed in Frankfurt walked to the hotel and checked in. After a drink and snack in the vip lounge Klaus and Bryce went to get Bryce’s first ever Döner Kebab, he said it was amazing. Meanwhile the 4 of us had a quick bite at the hotel restaurant.
    Early night to bed, Kyle and Molly fly out in the AM and the rest of us fly at 2pm because of a delay.
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  • San Gimignano

    1. januar, Italien ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Klaus, Myself, Kyle and Molly drove to San Gimignano. We started at a beautiful vineyard called Tenuta Torciano for a wine tasting and tuscan lunch. The food and wines were delicious and luckily they offered shipping back to Michigan. We then drove to the Medieval town of San Gimignano the town and views were beautiful, everything I picture when I think about the Tuscany region. We explored and had a snack before making our way back to Florence. We grabbed the other two kids and walked to a wine window before making our way to our Pasta and Tiramisu cooking class. We drank prosecco and learned to make Tiramisu, ravioli, and tagliatelle. Once everything was prepared the restaurant cooked the pastas for us with sauce and we sat down with wine and tasted our creations. Back at the condo we started packing for our flight to Frankfurt tomorrow.Læs mere

  • Montepulciano

    31. december 2024, Italien ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F

    We got ready, I went to grab coffees and Klaus grabbed the car, which was luckily still there this morning! We stopped at the high end designer outlets on our way the Montepulcino. There is definitely some big savings if you can find your sizes. Then we drove about an hour to Montepulciano. We did some wine tastings including a very beautiful underground experience at De Ricci. We explored the town a bit before making our way back to Florence. We went to New Year’s Eve dinner at a wonderful restaurant, listened to live music in the Santa Croce square and watched the fireworks at the river. Happy New Year!Læs mere

  • Bologna

    30. december 2024, Italien ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    Today we headed to Bologna, it was about an 1.2 hour drive. We arrived and got lucky enough to find very tight street parking. We met our guide for the food tour and spent three hours, tasting local foods and learning some history of the town. We did a little shopping and had dinner at a local restaurant before jumping in an uber to the Bologna vs Verona soccer game. The game was so much fun!!! The fans definitely take this sport very serious, lots of yelling, chanting, and excitement! Then even let off some loud device that sounds like a cannon. The boys had the time of their life. We got back to Florence around 12:30am and fortunately found street parking because the parking lots close at midnight.Læs mere

  • Florence

    29. december 2024, Italien ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    We all slept in! We are staying in the Santa Croce area, it is a little less busy than the main square, has some of the best restaurants, quaint streets and houses the largest Franciscan church in the world, associated with St. Francis of Assisi, Italy's patron saint since 1939. Kyle, Molly, Myself and Klaus walked around a bit, grabbed a bite to eat and a coffee. We did a little shopping before Bryce and Brooke met up with us. We went to an amazing food market with 3 levels and everything you could ever want to eat. Bryce and Brooke said it was some of the best pasta they had. We walked the packed streets filled with leather markets and stores. Next stop Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo, ranks as the world's third-largest cathedral. It took over 140 years to build and is still today the largest masonary dome. We climbed all 463 steps to the top with amazing views and then back down. We stopped for a quick aperol spritz and went to the famous I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti sandwich shop, it was very delicious but we all agreed we were more impressed with the sandwiches in Milan. Molly, myself and Brooke did a little shopping while the guys waited and had some beverages. We all took a little rest back at the apartment before dinner at II Vezzo. The dinner was great, the boys got the Florentine steak again and we had probably the best bolognese pasta ever. We went back to the market for gelato and walked back to the apartment, it was incredible how empty the streets that we could barely navigate earlier were. Off to bed early morning to Bologna tomorrow.Læs mere

  • Milan to Florence

    28. december 2024, Italien ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    We woke up, loaded the van and made our way to Florence. Along the way we stopped at Opera 02 in Modena a beautiful Agriturismo for a Lambrusco and Balsamic tour and tasting. We had an amazing lunch after at their restaurant. Molly accidentally ordered beef tongue and most of us tried it. 😂 Mixed reviews because of the texture the flavors were great. Our pastas were incredible and the bottle of lambrusco was delicious. We then drove around 10 minutes to a parmesan farm. We made some purchases and made our way to Florence. Once we got to Florence we had to climb 4 flights of stairs with all of our suitcases to the apartment. Thank god we are here for 5 nights. Klaus had to find a parking garage that has openings, it is a crazy parking system, they keep your keys and have to pull it out by moving other cars all around 30 minutes before you’re ready to leave. Everyone got settled and we walked to dinner and had an amazing meal that included a huge steak that Kyle got. Back at the apartment. We had some wine chatted and had many many laughs!!Læs mere

  • Milan

    27. december 2024, Italien ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    Everyone slept in today, Kyle and Molly had a leisurely day including a little exploring and having dinner at an amazing restaurant with the best cacio e pepe ever according to Kyle. Klaus, myself Brooke and Bryce went to a local sandwich shop and had some of the best sandwiches of our lives and a bottle of prosecco. Next we went to a pastry shop and the christmas market to try the two different cannolis of Italy one is made of cream and the other with ricotta(the sicilian way). We all loved the ricotta one best. Went in the Duomo which we learned is the largest church in Italy besides St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The architecture was stunning. We had an aperol in the city square which was so packed it was almost unbearable. Klaus and Bryce headed back to the hotel while Brooke and I did a little shopping. Back at the hotel we got cleaned up and took an Uber to the Navigli section of Milan it is considered the Venice of Milan with a canal running through the entire city. We had a cocktail at cute bar and great dinner before walking to the smallest bar in the world called Backdoor 43. (It only holds 4 people) We had such a fun time! They let you play your own music and made incredible cocktails for 1 hour. We had many laughs and DJ Bryce played all of his favorite EDM hits. We Ubered back to the hotel and called it a night.Læs mere

  • Final Day in Zermatt

    26. december 2024, Schweiz ⋅ ☀️ 37 °F

    We woke up to a hot tea in our rooms, after putting on our snow gear we paid the tab and made our decent to Riffelhaus for breakfast. After a quick bite to eat Bryce hit the slopes and we got on the train back to town. Once we got back to town we checked on our luggage which we left in the laundry room of our apartment building for the night and made our way to Cervo Mountain resort for wellness and massages. The spa was beautiful with so many amenities including a sauna, cold plunge pool, infinity hot tub, steam room and Yurts 🛖. The kids said it was one of the best massages of their lives. Bryce met up with us showered and returned his skis. (He truly loved Zermatt and had the time of his life skiing for 3 days) We walked back to the Apartment and picked up our luggage and walked to the train station. We took the train back to Tasch loaded the car up and made our way the Milan. Once we got to Milan we checked into the hotel, Kyle and Molly stayed in and had room service and the 4 of us went to dinner. We all had an early night to bed.Læs mere

  • Zermatt Day 3 Christmas

    25. december 2024, Schweiz ⋅ ☀️ 37 °F

    We woke up Christmas morning, had a mimosa and gave the kids their present. We surprised them with a wellness package including massage at the Cervo Mountain resort for the next day. We packed our back packs for the Igloo and checked out of the apartment. Kyle and Molly went to Mass, Bryce left to go skiing and the 3 of us finished getting everything ready for the igloo experience. We met back up with Kyle and Molly and took a train that shoots up the mountain from inside the mountain. We got to our stop and had to walk 15 minutes down the mountain to the Michelin Star restaurant Chez Vrony for Christmas brunch. Bryce skiied there and was already waiting when we arrived. It was a beautiful restaurant with amazing views and incredible food. After brunch we took a chair lift back to the train to town. We walked around town for a bit and hung out before having to get on the 4pm train to the Igloo experience. We arrived at the train stop and the guide met us for the trek to the Igloo village. There was some steep hills and Brooke wore moon boots which have no traction. Lots of laughs by all when she kept falling and finally slid on her butt for the ride down. Bryce skiied to the village and has been enjoying apres ski waiting for us to arrive. Words can not describe how amazing this place was. They rebuild it every year and it takes a handful of men around 2000 hours and 3 guys 300 hours for the carvings. We had a welcome drink and tour before eating a fondue dinner. After dinner we hung out in the Kota hut which was warm, went snow shoeing and enjoyed the sauna. Around 11:00pm we all went to sleep in the igloo rooms, it was cold at first but got better as you warmed up in the sleeping bag. Kyle was sick with a cold and miserable, 😞 Brooke was cold all night, and Bryce drank to many coffee drinks and ended up sleeping in the warming room. It was an experience we will never forget!!Læs mere

  • Zermatt Day 2 Christmas Eve

    24. december 2024, Italien ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    We woke up geared up for the ski day and walked to the train station to take the train to the first runs. Molly had strategically mapped out where we should start to get a little practice in. Unfortunately because of the conditions the train was closed for a few hours. We jumped in a taxi and took it to the Gondola 🚠 that does the slopes near the Matterhorn. Approximately 20/30 min later we made it to the top. I knew I was in trouble the moment we stepped onto the slope, Brooke was no better. Bryce was off to the races and I told Molly and Kyle to go enjoy the day. Brooke and I had no choice other than to remove the skis and WALK all the way down the mountain to the next Gondola station. It is definitely one of the most difficult things I have did and we had some moments of wanting to call ski rescue but we made it. It is safe to say I will never attempt skiing again. We got off the lift and walked up hill to meet Bryce at an outdoor bar. We had a quick cocktail and got back on the Gondola to meet Klaus at the bar that is located at one of the train stops. Kyle and Molly also met up and the kids did some ski runs in that section while Myself, Brooke and Klaus had a snack and drinks. The train was finally operational again and we took it further up the mountain where there was amazing views of the Matterhorn. At this point Bryce, Kyle and Molly spent the rest of the skiing all the way back to town. and stopping at Apres Ski along the way. The rest of us took the train back into Zermatt. Brooke and I changed our shoes and returned our ski gear!!! Molly, Kyle and Bryce decided to take another lift (which happened to be the last one of the day with no other choice but to ski back once they got to the top) Unfortunately the conditions were getting icy and it was a bit more than Kyle and Molly expected, Bryce was long gone and waiting for them with champagne at the Vevue bar while they got escorted by ski patrol down part of the mountain. 🏔️ Ski patrol told them she can’t go home till everyone is off the mountain. They met up with Bryce and agreed it was a cool experience. Meantime Brooke and I met up with them at the ski shop with a change of shoes and everyone but Bryce turned in their gear. Molly, me and Brooke enjoyed the mini spa while the guys went to a local bar and got some beverages for the evening. We ordered carry out and spent Christmas Eve evening in the apartment.Læs mere

  • Zermatt

    23. december 2024, Schweiz ⋅ ❄️ 23 °F

    We woke up in Montreux had breakfast with Dennis, Jelena and the kids before loading up the car for the drive to Zermatt. Zermatt is a car free town so we parked in Tasch and took a train into Zermatt. When we arrived it was snowing and beautiful but made for a challenge dragging all the suitcases to the hotel to check in and then to our apartment. The town is amazing and magical and our apartment was beautiful with incredible views. We got bundled up and went to the ski rental shop to get fitted for our day of skiing tomorrow. Klaus warned us (well mainly me and Brooke this is not Mt. Brighton) we insisted that it is like riding a bike and got our rentals. We dropped our gear off in the storage room at the apartment and walked to dinner at Republic Zermatt for amazing burgers. 🍔Læs mere

  • Montreux

    22. december 2024, Schweiz ⋅ 🌧 37 °F

    We drove from Bern to Montreux and arrived at our amazing hotel called Grand Hotel Suisse. We checked in and headed to the markets despite the on again off again rain we loved everything about this beautiful city!!! Kyle decided to try to time the waves and as you will see in the video was not successful. 🤣 We had yummy sausages and fondu served in a large baguette and some bubbly at a cute bar while Kyle changed his clothes. We gambled at a local casino, (Bryce was the only winner) and went to the Freddy Mercury Museum. Later in the day Dennis, Dalibor and both Jelena’s along with the kids met up with us. We rode the ferris wheel and had cocktails back at the cute bar while waiting for Santa to fly over the lake. (Unfortunately because of the weather he never came) We took a nice walk to the old town for dinner. After dinner it started to snow it made for a nice walk back to the hotel. At the hotel we hung out in the lobby, exchanged Christmas gifts, had a push up contest, put on tattoos, but most of all had lots of laughs with the kids and grandkids. We got scolded for being to loud after the 10:00pm swiss curfew in hotels. 😂 Lots of hugs and off to bed.Læs mere

  • Bern

    21. december 2024, Schweiz ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    We drove from Colmar to Bern, we stopped for lunch in Basel and had a little adventure. We got confused about the parking for the restaurant and ended up having to walk 15!min through a children’s petting zoo to get to Restaurant Park. Upon arrival we realized there was a parking lot directly in front of the restaurant. We arrived to Bern Klaus had to check into the hotel at a box and they lowered the steel beams to drive into the pedestrian zone (this was hectic as it was packed with people for the market). We checked into Hotel Savoy while he then had to go find a parking garage. We made our way to the beautifully decorated markets and enjoyed gluehwein and beers. Walking to dinner we checked out some cool stores that are under ground. Dinner was at Noumi a delicious restaurant with a cool atmosphere and DJ. We had one final drink at a local bar before calling it a night.Læs mere

  • Colmar

    20. december 2024, Schweiz ⋅ ☀️ 23 °F

    We drove to Colmar, we checked into our apartment and took an uber to downtown. We arrived in this charming town and took a boat ride through the canals. We walked all of the Christmas Markets that were slightly spread out, before meeting Dalibor, Jelena and Danilo for dinner.Læs mere

  • Strasbourg

    19. december 2024, Frankrig ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    We woke up and before making our way to strasbourg we walked into town for coffee, a little shopping and a snack. We reloaded the Van and made our way to Strasbourg. After checking in we changed and walked in the pouring rain to the beautiful markets. We took a train ride around the city and visited the beautiful cathedral. Explored multiple markets and ate dinner at Le Restaurant L’Oignon a cute french restaurant. After dinner we went to an Irish Bar named Molly Malones. The family next to us were drinking B52 shots (a shot that is on fire and you drink it with a straw) Kyle didn’t quit get the concept and managed to catch the table and his pants on fire and burnt is finger to the point of blistering. We had a fun evening, lots of laughs and everyone said this was probably their favorite market with beautifully decorated themed streets and lights. Back at the hotel we managed to get stuck in the elevator and the staff had to come help us out.Læs mere

  • Heidelberg

    18. december 2024, Tyskland ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    We woke up and drove back to Frankfurt to pick up Kyle and Molly from the airport. We barely fit all the suitcases in the sprinter van. We drove to Heidelberg checked into the hotel, explored the Christmas Markets and visited the Castle. We had a late lunch of Lebanese food and more beers and Gluhwein (a warm spiced mulled wine) The goal is to collect all the mugs from each market. We went to dinner at a fusion restaurant with a cool vibe. Unfortunately Bryce was back at the hotel doing interviews and Kyle had to take a work call. We brought them back some food and they went out for a night cap while I I pooped out.Læs mere

  • Weisbaden

    17. december 2024, Tyskland ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    We flew with Brooke and Bryce from DTW to Frankfurt. Picked up our car that I had booked for the day after not the day of arrival. Charged us extra money and we were on our way. We went to downtown Frankfurt for a little bit of shopping and Bryce to buy a winter coat. From Frankfurt, we drove to Weisbaden. We stayed at the oldest hotel in the world built in 1486 it was beautiful. We had a fun night that ended at a bar with an over the top bar tender from Scotland who handed out shots called Baby Guinness. “ there is no Guinness and a baby Guinness.” was the quote of the night.Læs mere

  • Going Home

    12. februar 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ ⛅ 28 °F

    We arrived at the Bangkok airport and went to the lounge. Boarded the plane for Singapore a 2 1/2 hour flight and that’s when it went downhill. A couple did not show up for the flight and their luggage had to be taken off the plane. We had an hour delay which was going to cause us to most likely miss the flight from Singapore to Munich, which would mean re- booking 3 flights.

    We landed in Bangkok/thank god we did not check bags. We jumped off the plane and had to run to the skytrain which took us to a different terminal. We then continued to run(Jill did)sweating our asses off, luckily an airport cart grabbed us and drove us to the gate. They called the gate and told them we were coming. They held the plane and we made it. Turns out there was others and the plane took off 30 minutes late. 13 Hours later we landed in Munich Terminal 1, picked up our winter luggage from the Hilton, and went to terminal 2, had to do Global Blue before making it to the lounge for a few. Next flight is Munich to Amsterdam 1 1/2 hour flight where we will have 30 min to make it to Delta flight home. 10 Hours later we arrived!
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  • Bangkok

    9.–11. feb. 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 95 °F

    We flew from Phuket to Bangkok, got picked up from the hotel in a beautiful Mercedes S class. I have never been in a sedan with reclining back seats. 😂 An hour later we arrived at the hotel, checked in and walked to an Italian restaurant down the street for a great (non asian) meal. Walked back to the hotel and went to bed.

    Day 2 - Woke up, got ready, had a cappuccino and got a cab ride to meet the group for a food tour. We sampled over 15 items, many of which I did not try, lol!!! We rode a tuk tuk, the water taxi and public bus. It was a fun experience in this overwhelming super busy packed city. We went to one the super large malls called MBK, the malls are so big you can’t possible even see everything. After the mall we got cleaned up and went to the rooftop bar at the hotel for a drink and appetizer before walking to dinner. I had the brilliant idea of stopping at an abandoned mansion for an additional drink but after 45 minutes of walking around, we never did find an entrance and Klaus was pissed and sweaty. We gave up and went to dinner at a super cool rooftop bar with live music and DJ. we decided that the walk was a bit too much and took a tuk tuk , which is a crazy experience in itself.

    Day 3 - Woke up, had a coffee and took a taxi to the Chatuk weekend market, there is over 8000 vendors and it would take all day to see everything. We had to get back to the hotel to change and check out. Our flight was not till 8pm so we walked to the Italian restaurant from the first day and had lunch, we had to order quick because there is no alcohol served from 2 to 5 every day in Bangkok. Kids get out of school and they don’t want them trying to sneak it. After lunch, we walked to another mall called terminal 21 this is designed like an airport with a bunch of levels and the most massive food courts taking up two floors I’ve ever seen. We stopped on the way back to the hotel for a final massage (I will miss these and the warm weather of course the most). A quick aperol on the walk back to the hotel where the car was waiting to take us to the airport.
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  • Sailing the islands Part 1

    7.–10. feb. 2024, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F

    We woke up, had breakfast, got cleaned up and packed our back packs with only the essentials for 4 days on the catamaran. The driver picked us up with his wife they were both so sweet and found us an amazing wine shop to grab a few bottles of bubbly for the boat. An hour later we arrived at the captain’s house who happens to live on the beach where he anchors the boat. We left our suitcases at his place and loaded the backpacks and bubbly into the dinghy and motored to the boat. His mates name was Fon, she had worked for Alex for awhile now and would be doing all the cooking and helping Alex out when needed.

    We spent the next 4 days, visiting islands, paddle boarding, snorkeling, (well mainly Klaus because day one a baby jellyfish stung me near my lip and I decided not to risk it anymore) sleeping under the stars (It was way to hot to sleep in the boat) eating amazing food prepared by Fon, reading, and watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

    On the final full day we visited a beach cove back in Phuket, after lunch on the boat we took the dinghy to shore and had a fun afternoon having cocktails at a couple of beach bars. We sailed to a larger beach area in the town Fon happened to live in, it is there we anchored the boat for the night. After dinner we took the dinghy to shore and Fon took us to her home town bars, we had WAY too much fun and paid the price the next day.

    The final morning we had incredible winds and sailed back to Alex’s house. The same driver and wife picked us up and took us to a restaurant for lunch before the airport. We flew to Bangkok to spend a couple of nights before heading home.

    A list of the islands we stopped at:

    Ko Maithon
    Racha Noi
    Racha Yai
    Nui Bay Phuket
    Nai Harn Phuket
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  • Final Day at Sri Panwa

    5. februar 2024, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    We woke up, had breakfast and booked a cab to take us to Kata Beach which is about 40 minutes from the hotel. We spent the day on the beach, got a massage and ate dumplings at a Russian restaurant. The beach and area were absolutely packed with people. After the beach we grabbed another taxi and because of traffic it took 1 hour and 15 minutes to get back. We quickly showered and to the tuk tuk to the roof top bar for the sunset. It was a beautiful view. About an hour later we had the tuk tuk take us to the entrance and walked to the small village and had dinner at an Indian restaurant. Tomorrow is check out and heading to the catamaran.Læs mere

  • Phuket- Sri Panwa - Day 1 & 2

    3.–6. feb. 2024, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    We woke up in Chiang Mai walked down the street to a little breakfast place for our morning coffee and tried coconut toast with mango. Super yummy!!! Klaus ordered an iced orange coffee which is orange juice and coffee, surprisingly good. We got a taxi to the airport for a quick and easy 2 hour flight to Phuket. We flew Thai Air Asia, thank goodness Klaus did some research and we did not book Nok Air, they had a bunch of cancellations. An hour drive later we arrived at the beautiful Sri Panwa resort it is an amazing resort built into the cliff. When ever you want to go some where within the resort a tuk tuk picks you up and takes you. We checked in, changed our clothes and went to a casual dinner over looking the ocean. We took our remaining bottle of prosecco back to the room for an evening swim in our pool.

    Day 2 - We woke up and took the tuk tuk to breakfast. It’s is one of the nicest breakfasts to date. After breakfast we threw on bathing suits and went to the large pool for a bit then the beach pool for the rest of the afternoon. We met a nice couple from Wales and enjoyed chatting with them and drinking aperol. We got cleaned up and took a taxi to the Sunday night market in old town Phuket, it was street after street filled with people and vendors. A very cool experience, we tried a couple of things including the best dumplings ever! Next we walked to dinner at a very cool Michelin restaurant called Day and Night. We had great food and an interesting conversation with a former model/actress from London. After dinner we went to a couple of bars with live music and had a fun evening. We got a taxi, more like a party van 😂😂 back to the hotel. It was late and we were tired!!
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  • Chiang Mai Day 3

    2. februar 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Today we woke up, went downstairs for a coffee and got ready for our 11:00am lunch reservation. We had great lunch at a Michelin recommended restaurant. After lunch we went to the flower festival and walked around for a bit. Next we grabbed a cab and went to Loi Kroh road where all the action is, we walked for a bit and purchased tickets for a Muai Thai Fight. The fight does not start until 9:00pm so we went and got massages and a snack at the italian restaurant from the night before. After a glass of wine at a cute wine bar we went back to Loi Kroh street and experienced the crazy busy night markets. The streets were lined with never ending vendors and street food. We really enjoyed the one very modern market with food stalls and live music.

    We arrived at the fight club, sat ring side and watched fights until after midnight. Klaus was so excited to watch this and I was glad it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

    We grabbed a cab back to the hotel, lights out, this is the latest we have stayed awake since getting sick. Off to Phuket tomorrow!!!!
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