Faceless man in formal wear raising top hat in greeting

Xmas Away Day 3 - Christmas Day

Bonoky Blog

Still suffering from the previous night’s overindulgence we struggled to get up and out, but the dog has to be serviced. He is really good and has never let us down; but we don’t want to push it. He is being treated for an illness that makes him always feel hungry and thirsty. Within reason we can control his eating, but not his drinking, so he does drink a lot. As a consequence we need to ensure he can frequently go for a pee. Another symptom is that he has very smelly flatulence. We have to put up with it, but it’s not very nice for everyone else when we go into public areas of the hotel, as a result we have to avoid doing so as much as possible.

After breakfast another bracing walk up to the watchtower at the end of the headland. Lots of other people out and about, even some brave surfers.

After the walk we chilled out for a while and got changed for Xmas Lunch. Still so full from last night that we’re not sure we can take it. Unusually for us we definitely didn’t want the complementary glass of Champagne before hand.

However, we did manage lunch, which was small portions of high quality dishes. Salmon for starter, haddock for main followed by poached clementine and sorbet. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet, except for the Sinatra tribute singer who was far too loud, making conversation difficult. The staff were amazing. Despite the long hours and full house, they remained very friendly and cheerful.

We gave afternoon tea and Christmas cake a miss, opting to make our own tea in the comfort of our room watching people walking on the beach and the surf breaking over the rocks - very relaxing.

By the evening I think everyone had maxed out; considering the hotel was full there were not many people around. Evening meal was a wonderful spread of cold buffet which was more than adequate - there were a lot left overs - I hope it doesn’t go to waste; probably have it in one form or another tomorrow.

We sat in the lounge for a while to do some serious people watching but it was spoiled again by a woman next to us watching and listening loudly to a video on her phone, and a large family at the next table with 5 yapping dogs that barked every time someone went past. Shame; we decided to call it a night.

Xmas Away Day 4