Oh, how I loved to poke and prod at the presents under the tree when I was little. And, oh how, when they were little, I tried to outwit my own kids’ attempts to snoop on Santa.
In November last year, as if getting hugged (you could say mugged) by a monkey wasn’t enough I went along to the Lopburi Monkey festival. It’s a huge feast in honour of the monkeys. But they are expected to wait till the speeches are done and the gong has sounded.

Christmas trees decorated with goodies for the Lopburi Monkeys
But, like kids everywhere, some just can’t wait.

Kids are kids whatever the species and he’s extra cute!
This year we’re having a classic Kiwi Christmas. Nineteen of us at a bach by the beach, eating too much and drinking more than we should, playing secret Santa games and laughing till our sides hurt. When we’ve had enough of that maybe we’ll go for a swim or a walk.
And then, a few days later, John and me – we’re going on an adventure. One that will take us off the beaten track. To a place where the WiFi will be unreliable, perhaps non-existent. We’ll probably see more monkeys. I’ll be keeping my distance – at least, that’s the plan.
Posts are likely to be erratic but they’ll be interesting. And maybe some of them will raise a laugh because, one thing’s for sure, I’ll still be me.
Thank-you for reading my blog this year. And sharing your reactions. I’ve had fun. I hope you have, too.
Merry Christmas! And a Very Happy New Year to each and everyone of you.
Categories: Off-shore Adventures, Thailand
Perfect way to spend Christmas family, fun, beach and sun. Best wishes and safe travels for 2015 Jill, I look forward to following along and will wait with bated breath to find out where you are going. Love the pohutukawa heading it shouts Christmas to me… 🙂
LikeLike
I’m new to your blog, so still have some back stories to catch up on! Merry Christmas to you.
LikeLike
Sounds like a wonderful adventure. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Bach by the beach, sounds like an amazing Christmas to me! Once celebrated Christmas in the summer (Australia) and I absolutely loved it! We spent it barbequeing in King’s Park in Perth. One of the best Christmasses I ever had. Merry Christmas and I hope you’ll have an sweet as adventure! By the way, your pohutukawa header is gorgeous!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas!!! and enjoy the holidays, the “out of civilization” hooked me already, can’t wait to read your future posts. Was great meeting you this year and looking forward to reading all your new adventures 🙂
LikeLike
Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year to you and your family.
LikeLike
Thanks and the same to you 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog all year. Enjoy the holidays and if you don’t have WiFi, just save those stories for when you return. Remember, over here in the US, we are slogging through winter, we need good stories.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Dan. Stay warm and have a great Christmas.
LikeLike
Merry Christmas Jill. Have a fab getaway!
LikeLike
Thanks desleyjane. I’m looking forward to checking out your photography when I’m on WiFi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill, it’s been wonderful reading your blog posts. I don’t know much about New Zealand but, after reading your posts, I do now 🙂
I love the fact that the Christmas trees on this post have treats for the monkeys. They must be very happy monkeys. Wouldn’t it be great if they allowed the monkeys to decorate those trees as well. I wonder what the results would have been like?
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family, Jill. Have a great time.
LikeLike
Now that would be a sight, Hugh! I think there’d be a lot more eating than decorating if it were left to the monkeys!
Thanks so much for all your encouragement, Hugh, and enjoy the holidays.
LikeLike
sounds like a great way to spend the holiday – have a great Xmas and Happy New Year!
🎄💫🎄
LikeLike
The same to you, Y!
LikeLiked by 1 person
for u:

LikeLike
Wow!! Wordless right now. Hugs to you, Y!
LikeLiked by 1 person
well I am just making a few for a page that will honor my blog buds from 2014… have a great holiday and see you after the break amiga
LikeLike
Kids are kids indeed 🙂
LikeLike
What a funny sight ! Monkeys do own special privileges and they seem to know it 😀 Merry Christmas and a very Happy New year to you too 🙂
LikeLike
They certainly do, Ady. Happy holidays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for all your wonderful 2014 posts, Jill! Best wishes to you and your family! Happy Holidays! 🙂
LikeLike
And the same to you, Fabio! I’m looking forward to seeing many more of your beautiful photos in 2015.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jill! Enjoy the Kiwi-style Christmas on your beautiful beaches! Our son lives in Nelson and we had a chance to visit him last year. Happy 2015! 🙂
LikeLike
That’s wonderful! Nelson is a particularly beautiful part of the country and very sunny.
LikeLike