Finding the Right Hotel

We are slowly beginning our plans for our move to Scotland (later is better than never…) Because there happen to be no flights currently running out of Phuket to Europe, we will most probably fly out of Bangkok, possibly into London.  That of course, would be the quickest and direct option, but when traveling with a toddler we keep looking at cutting the 12 hours in half with a stay over in Dubai or thereabouts.  But, if London’s the winner, we’ll stay overnight near the airport and eventually take a train up to Fort William, where one of the houses we have been eyeing is located.On top of booking the plane tickets, we also need a room in Bangkok, London, and in Lochaber, so I’ve begun researching family friendly hotels in our price range. Bangkok is where Billy and Kaya will pick up their visas for the UK…and where I may, possibly, enjoy a day to myself by the pool, and maybe the spa… and perhaps, the pool again. The last time we were in Bangkok was during our honeymoon and it was the highlight of our trip. We stayed at Davis Bangkok, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Sukhumvit. It was not only inexpensive and charming, but had many restaurants and stores in walking distance. One of our favorites just happened to be Cabbages and Condoms; a wonderful restaurant that uses its proceeds to help educate Thailand about safe sex and, like the name states, condoms.  They had a bar in a separate sala that upon entering, you were hit with a pleasant peppermint aroma that may or may not have been from peppermint condoms… which hung like wallpaper… AHEM.  Anyway, it – Davis Bankok – provided the perfect base for us to explore the city for a week.  We’ve dreamed of taking Kaya there for some time now, to share the memories we have of exploring Bangkok. Kaya’s a city gal at heart (though she denies this…) and there is so much to do in this city. The floating markets certainly will intrigue her!

As far as London is concerned, I’m not too familiar with hotels so will need to continue my research. In Lochaber, we will most probably stay at the Loch Schiel House Hotel in Acharacle. If you take one look at this place, you will wish you were there now. I certainly do! A quaint hotel set amidst the Scottish Highlands….it certainly is making my wanderlust kick in. A full Scottish breakfast is served every morning and in the evening guests can dine on local salmon or stew simmered in Guinness! And to top off such a quality meal….strawberry shortbread ice cream.  My husband drools at the local delicacies but his gluten intolerance keeps him at bay.  I just remind him of the Scottish smoked salmon and he walks away happily.

It’s not definite that our family will live in Lochaber and the Fort William area, but it’s a good possibility for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s considered the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’ and for a family it gives us a multitude of activities to do with our little one. Secondly, the house we found is relatively inexpensive and very large. Located next to Loch Schiel, it benefits from its proximity to Fort William and lots of greenery, a river a stone’s throw away, and the Loch which offers all the serenity and beautiful photographic opportunities that Phuket did.

We’re almost there.  Wish us luck in closing the move.  We’ll adorn our blog with tons of new photos of Scotland soon!