Birthday Celebrations

I like Birthdays; I think they’re important –even if you don’t want to admit you’re another year older I still feel it’s important to celebrate the event even if it’s just by taking the day off. This is a mentality that I hope to spread through my company as it expands, having the Birthdays as the equivalent of a bank holiday –a little unusual I realise but why should you have to sacrifice a day of annual leave? Anyway, I digress.

Last year (2005) I had a superb celebration at home with friends and family, the year before (2004) I was whisked away for my first trip to Alton Towers courtesy of Stacey, the year before (2003) that (my 21st) I had a party in Cornwall, playing paintball at The Wargame Company etc. Each year there’s been something to remember (hopefully not just for me but everyone else involved). This year it was Thailand which was enough for me. The Hilton and Stacey however had other ideas.

On returning to our room after a very enjoyable morning of sunbathing (there is indeed a hint of sarcasm there as, for those of you who know me well know I don’t do sunbathing, but I felt it was something I had to do because the plethora of excursions we’ve been doing meant that Stacey hadn’t had a chance to fry herself yet… -that’s dedication for you lads!), there was a cake waiting for us on our room’s table! This was completely unexpected, at first I thought it was something Stacey had arranged but she denied it, then we thought it was mum, but on calling reception we found out it was something that they had arranged! I thought that really was going above and beyond the call of duty, no other hotel we’ve stayed in has ever done that –very impressed.

In the evening, we went to the restaurant on the 17th floor for a Chinese dinner, what a view! At night, the surrounding area is lit up like a Christmas tree. All the local fishing boats sit on the horizon with their lamps on making a small chain along the horizon, it really is breath-taking.

In-case the cake wasn’t enough, on returning from the restaurant, the maid had prepared the beds as she did every other night but this time she also left about 20 chocolates and a birthday note on the bed as well as a little present –an elephant keyring! I know it’s a tad corny but I think it’s a really nice touch.