Ayutthaya

After the kids returned to school T's mom and dad and I decided to go out and do some exploring on our own. We drove up to Ayutthaya, about 45 minutes north of here. This is the former capital of Thailand and now sits in ruins. It was a big, bustling, beautiful place until 1767 when it was attacked by the Burmese. In the decades before, it is thought that the population may have reached 1,000,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time. The city was never rebuilt. Instead, the monarchy relocated down the Chao Phraya River to what is now Bangkok.

It's an interesting day and a fun place to bring the camera.

Welcoming 2012

It was fun to be here in Bangkok for New Year's Eve. Lots and lots of places to choose from for dinner and entertainment. We chose our favorite Italian place, DiVino, and a great jazz club downtown called Fat Gut'z. Was a guaranteed good time! We should have taken a group shot but, attending that evening were T and I, Kristi and Joe, and our Bangkok friends, Jeff and Laura. Lookin' good people!

Then we were up the next morning and on a flight to Krabi!

It was raining when we arrived and then did so for the next 24 hours, but eventually the skies cleared and we enjoyed sea kayaking, snorkeling, massages, sunset, and wonderful beach time. Krabi is beautiful!

Found the biggest variety of shells and coral we've ever seen on 1 beach!

We always say "We're going to have to come back here!" but there are just too many beautiful places to visit in Thailand. Better spend 2012 visiting all the others, and then revisiting!

Buddhas, Tuk-Tuks, and Mythical Creatures

T's family was up for all things Thai so day 3 was spent visiting 3 of the most famous Buddhist temples in Thailand. The best way to get there from our "suburb" was by river taxi. So down the Chao Praya River we went. Much nicer than sitting in traffic on the expressway!

 Making an appearance with D below, is Flat Zachary, of Ankeny, Iowa, USA! Welcome to Thailand Flat Zachary!

So we visited Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and The Grand Palace. All big tourist spots, and for good reason. They are beautiful, interesting, and give you some insight into the Thai way of life and worship.
Wat Arun means, "Temple of the Dawn." It is decorated with porcelain dishes that were once used as ballast on Chinese trading ships. Brilliant early recycling!

Anyway, it's a fun stop, and a steep climb!

 What Pho is famous for housing the world's largest reclining Buddha. And he's somethin', right Kristi and Joe!?

Below, the kids couldn't resist giving alms in the monk bowls. They make a fun noise in the metal bowls that echoes through the entire temple. Clink! Clink! Clink! 

Tuk-tuk rides to the Grand Palace! We should have put C in the driver's seat.

What's on the menu C?

And finally the Grand Palace and Wat Phra See Keow. Home of the Emerald Buddha. He's carved from 1 solid piece of jade and they dress him in golden clothes according to the seasons. It's winter here, ya know, better put him in a big golden parka! (Just kidding, there's no parka....and really no winter. He's currently wearing a robe-type garment. And a hat.)

Difficult pose to hold but anything for the shot!

Searching the massive murals for all of the Thai mythical creatures: Naga- serpent like protector of the Buddha, Singha- lion like temple guardian, Yaksha- giant, Garuda- half-man, half-bird, Erewan- 3-headed elephant, Kinnari- half-woman, half-bird. Plus more! The paintings kept the kids busy!

So pleased to bring visitors, T, and the kids here. What a fun day in the city!

Great Winter Break Highlights!

Over the winter break, T's mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law all came to visit us here in Thailand. We LOVE having visitors, but while playing tour guide, there's no time to blog about it. SO, please forgive the delay and sharing the tales and photos of our adventures from the past month.

On day 1 of our visitors, T took Loren, Joe, Kristi, and C fishing. Everyone got a turn or two reeling in a big one. See them with their prize catches!

 The rules say you have to throw them back, but wait!!!

Day 2 was a drive to Pattaya and D's first time on the jungle zipline. She was awesome!

It took a few lines for me to cope well with watching her sail through the treetops, but it was a delight hearing her squeals and giggles echoing through the jungle. So fun!

King's Birthday Weekend- Pattaya

In early December, Thailand celebrates the King's Birthday with a 3-day weekend. We had heard about a great family resort in Pattaya so off we went. We spent the whole time in the pool. Except for the 1 night out to Mike's Mexican Restaurant. Mmmmmm-mmmm! But the rest of the time- in the pool!

Behind the kids, suspended between the 2 towers of the resort, is a giant, inflatable gorilla. The kids liked that he was in the photo with them. Can anyone who was there that weekend explain the gorilla?

 I'm guessing daddy was making bunny ears behind me.

All weekend, in the pool. It was a great time!!!

Budding Author

D: You know, mom, some kids are so dumb that when they get put in time out, they tip their own chairs over so their moms will worry about them and forget about the time out.
Me: Really? Where did you hear about that?
D: I didn't really hear about it.
Me: Then where did it come from?
D: I just kind of thought of it. You know, it's like realistic fiction.

Only in Thailand

Often I say and hear others use the phrase, "Only in Thailand..." when something happens around here that you are unlikely to see anyplace else. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, sometimes it just leaves you shaking your head. Today's only in Thailand moment came at lunch.
T and I took his dad and the kids to a nearby fondue restaurant. It wasn't busy (Thank goodness!) and our meal was nice. Between the second and third courses, C expressed a need to use the restroom. D offered to take him as she knew where it was, so we let them go together. A short time later, we look up to see D returning to our table, followed by C, holding hands with a member of the housekeeping staff and wearing just his shirt and little red Crocs, with nothing on his little bottom half. My jaw hit the table. We are in the middle of a restaurant and his little parts are on display!!!
The housekeeper is grinning from ear to ear and carrying a soggy pair of Thomas the Tank Engine underpants and his shorts. At the time, there was one other table in the place and I'm sure they were wondering what was going on. I avoided making eye contact with them.
As little kids do, C didn't make it to the pot in time. It happens, no big deal, kids do it all the time. What DOESN'T happen all the time is when a hotel employee cleans your son up, washes out his dirty undies and shorts, and returns him to your lunch table half-naked.
Unsure of what to do next, (and still awaiting the chocolate fondue course which was not to be missed), the sweet girl then took his wet items off to the laundry, dried them, and returned 15 minutes later. C re-dressed himself and went about playing with his cars as though none of this had ever happened.
Yes, we tipped the wait staff AND housekeeping well. Seriously... only in Thailand!