After a couple of frustrating days trying to get information from our airline, we finally talked with an agent who was a straight-shooter.  In broken English, he explained that we would probably be put on their waiting list for a flight every day -- to no avail. But he could confirm our reservations to fly home on December 10. It was a eight days later than our original itinerary and came as a real shock. 

But once the reality of the situation set in, the rest of the family helped me see the light.  While this delay home was unplanned and inconvenient, an extra week in Thailand would give us an unexpected opportunity to have a few more adventures.  

So, it was time to make the best of the bump in our road.

The first bonus was a three-day journey south to Phuket. Dave made the arrangements and they were perfect -- a great hotel with ocean views from our rooms, a family friendly set of swimming pools, nightly karaoke in the lounge, and just a few steps to the white sands and warm clear waters of the Andaman Sea. 

We swam, sunned and went snorkeling. But for me, a highlight was a jet-ski ride in the ocean, which Dave, Jenny, and Lisa surprised me with. It's something I've longed to do for years. It was fantastic.