Firemen

Thailand 2017, Day 8
Backblipped on Thursday 2nd feb
Today was supposed to be nice and restful as it was our last day with our family. As we knew that we would not see a cash machine for about the next 8 days, C and I went in search of cash at an ATM. None in the one nearby. The lady who manages the bungalows took C on her scooter to the next cash point - empty. The lady therefore called a truck which duly arrived and which took us to the village where there are several ATMs. First - no paper so it wouldn't work as it couldn't print a receipt. Next - out of order. The following three just wouldn't accept our cards - we tried 4 cards. all rejected for various reasons - contact your bank (they are prepaid cards so we know there is money in the accounts) or "wrong pin no". Eventually we went into the bank and queued on the waiting area chairs. When it came to our turn they told us that they would not accept MasterCard, only Visa. Try the pharmacy. The pharmacy said they would give us money against our cards - but they had only 5,000 Baht (about £112 - not a lot for food and accommodation for 8 days). Eventually we went back to the first village ATM (no paper) and told it not to do the money conversion - success! We managed to get 10,000 baht on 2 cards - enough to keep us going for a while anyway. and hopefully we can get some more at the pier on the mainland tomorrow.
By now we were both hot and exhausted. The truck to us back to the beach where our family was, and I had my first glass of wine since leaving home - I needed it!
When we arrived back at our bungalow there were a pair of hornbills in the trees above the roof. They must have been around all week as we had heard them before, but not seen them. At the same time, we could also see a sea eagle circling over the trees. What a treat!
In the evening we ate at a French-owned restaurant just along from our hotel. We had made reservations days ago, as they are always fully booked if you just turn up. We had one of the best and most memorable meals ever. I was really pleased as this was my birthday treat for C whose birthday was the day we left home. Starters to share - freshly caught tuna sashimi (raw tuna so not to everyone's taste maybe) and vegetable tempura.  Main courses - Teresa had black crab, Dylan ate tuna again - just seared, C plumped for Nicoise salad and I had white snapper with red rice. The boys shared chicken nuggets - but not as we know them in the UK. Big luscious chunks of soft chicken in a lovely crispy breadcrumb coating, with some great chips and mayo. 
It's goodbye time tomorrow when we move to another island and our family return to Taiwan. 
Our grandsons came and called at our door. They said they were firemen come to put out a fire. The snorkels are their fire hoses and the masks are their protective equipment. Obvious now you know. 
Extras are a local man washing his dog to cool him down in cold water, plus more of our grandsons. I make no apology - after tomorrow we don't know when we shall meet again.