tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81098851567784875072024-03-06T00:15:09.640-05:00Thai DyedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-88504142894096374822019-06-24T16:17:00.000-04:002019-06-24T16:17:07.727-04:00Song of Ice and Ire - Day 2September 22, 2018<br />
<br />
A few of us packed breakfast food and carried it to Iceland in our luggage. This was a helpful tip for deferring the high cost of food here. We foraged for breakfast amid the granola bars, dried fruits and bagels piled onto the little kitchen table. Then we bundled up in our cold-weather gear and piled into the two rental cars, driven by Dad and Mike, that would carry us about the country. Even with just one bathroom for the eight of us, we managed to be out the door by about 9:30 a.m.GMT.<br />
<br />
Jenna kindly mapped out our tour of the Golden Circle, a popular tourist rout in southern Iceland. Our first stop was the gas station for fuel of the automobile (gas) and human (coffee) kind. The self-service stations are quirky in that, if you wish to use a card to buy gas, it must be a card with a PIN, and you have to pre-select how much you want to spend. Estimation is a handy skill to have here - tricky when you are switching from USD to Icelandic Króna, and from gallons to liters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9mVDzpsNSPL_AWpsWam2_yyVKr9i4DbBALPKoTJ3nPCXWkpYlv1i8gciHTt8bs1upmrtsvnFqEytLga0Ya0qIY-SXg_sjsrkNUleW-zUJTkRVlLcRKN0BErNk5uWGaQup3vVOhGDt9Go/s1600/IMG_0756.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9mVDzpsNSPL_AWpsWam2_yyVKr9i4DbBALPKoTJ3nPCXWkpYlv1i8gciHTt8bs1upmrtsvnFqEytLga0Ya0qIY-SXg_sjsrkNUleW-zUJTkRVlLcRKN0BErNk5uWGaQup3vVOhGDt9Go/s640/IMG_0756.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our little caravan headed off through the wide-open countryside, beautiful snow-capped mountains in the distance. Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park (the "th" looks like þ,so people want to say "Pingvellir.") This park is a UNESCO world heritage site, significant because this is where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930 AD, and where independence from Denmark was declared in 1944. It is a huge rift valley created by the drifting apart of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. They are drifting apart at the rate of about 0.8 inches a year. We walked through a relatively young gorge and climbed up a small stone lookout. We wandered along some trails - some went to check out a scenic little white church at the side of a stream. We saw several people in wet suits and wondered if it was some kind of training session. (I learned later that Silfra Frissure is the only place in the world where you can snorkle directly in a crack between two tectonic plates.) Ted and Mike jogged back to get the cars so Tim could rest his broken foot. Driving from one parking lot to another was a much longer drive than expected, so we had lots of time to relax while we waited.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000a12;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvSWJwfWy4kdoqrwSmm44ic9-Qe8lT0KUd4F1W9vvl3butXu0QsGA0RuAYj1WI748LvyAsJqy1Sj3i8NwiNgpueTIHSj2pfVfKLxIQEccapUAApnY0-INfQDMrUCKlm512QH98PXceZQI/s1600/IMG_0713b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvSWJwfWy4kdoqrwSmm44ic9-Qe8lT0KUd4F1W9vvl3butXu0QsGA0RuAYj1WI748LvyAsJqy1Sj3i8NwiNgpueTIHSj2pfVfKLxIQEccapUAApnY0-INfQDMrUCKlm512QH98PXceZQI/s320/IMG_0713b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa-FUxLwLJsRwbbWBjR-h8Pmyvy0UgnZqUQeH3zCFDfvxFXA1eV-u-MPczQ4dRg5QR1_ogIKIQE20DJIzzWpI2GGNoT63aMDtOsQKk47mDqkIXpnVUMbvuz2z5IJiVg8_GzkBj8jqDPXl/s1600/IMG_0716.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa-FUxLwLJsRwbbWBjR-h8Pmyvy0UgnZqUQeH3zCFDfvxFXA1eV-u-MPczQ4dRg5QR1_ogIKIQE20DJIzzWpI2GGNoT63aMDtOsQKk47mDqkIXpnVUMbvuz2z5IJiVg8_GzkBj8jqDPXl/s320/IMG_0716.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq26rkA_CENRofcAjwcngvZ9eA80yyUkWvXU_yfy_XYQrLOQ0KB3Q-36JlDHFnJnU93XPvrxXwAhWthOShpwCTti46gIqHhQdQpBVKWDCDrrB2HiQ8kjAenUBWo7Wt0aQPIblV8AZxguS2/s1600/IMG_0733.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq26rkA_CENRofcAjwcngvZ9eA80yyUkWvXU_yfy_XYQrLOQ0KB3Q-36JlDHFnJnU93XPvrxXwAhWthOShpwCTti46gIqHhQdQpBVKWDCDrrB2HiQ8kjAenUBWo7Wt0aQPIblV8AZxguS2/s400/IMG_0733.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A marked example of the rift between tectonic plates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82ZI57RH-cEvGCg4f7Ib0Cbd8y7TKSEBDMfwGqyjpUVPjXlPWO7zlch9BCNaPjo9tleNNak7mcGGV9oE2IExZx19vg6xXodaXxV6GssvAAlJqsRmP9LHtM9hgvu5me3Mp_jlXnAsxreft/s1600/IMG_0279.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82ZI57RH-cEvGCg4f7Ib0Cbd8y7TKSEBDMfwGqyjpUVPjXlPWO7zlch9BCNaPjo9tleNNak7mcGGV9oE2IExZx19vg6xXodaXxV6GssvAAlJqsRmP9LHtM9hgvu5me3Mp_jlXnAsxreft/s400/IMG_0279.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaPSxPhKB6We6TAGiokrEh5JiIGt2kDrcMu7WKoUl5sGU7q8zPUH4YwbaxSUZVXc6ogAB4u1KB_hRIdt7ymvbS6q94rkmUPjtPO3mKQd2ouGxO8ZHVfr3muP8DcSKqPfzWB8kjiXF4lJl/s1600/IMG_0271.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaPSxPhKB6We6TAGiokrEh5JiIGt2kDrcMu7WKoUl5sGU7q8zPUH4YwbaxSUZVXc6ogAB4u1KB_hRIdt7ymvbS6q94rkmUPjtPO3mKQd2ouGxO8ZHVfr3muP8DcSKqPfzWB8kjiXF4lJl/s320/IMG_0271.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2SB8Ast35MkUFXVkf0kJ-SPrIsy4OxvM60GOv_q1mXsASJVqvL1J9KEU_dKe6F70iFwZlW9Mtg47ATg3puCvCyVrAt4gvfUK9Uldz7bf9oHsGb5WOdycBHcHEaij6L9lI-V-HvWrrAH2/s1600/IMG_0750.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2SB8Ast35MkUFXVkf0kJ-SPrIsy4OxvM60GOv_q1mXsASJVqvL1J9KEU_dKe6F70iFwZlW9Mtg47ATg3puCvCyVrAt4gvfUK9Uldz7bf9oHsGb5WOdycBHcHEaij6L9lI-V-HvWrrAH2/s640/IMG_0750.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsQETiKvjqvWHrTFeSkE2z5QrCPc2Fp9u6vdPZuVii21zfCDDUz50IR3PPnGylColXtKLprSlnlpcYEo7af4k2vMo9WHR72A-qWfmfZkdoKYJp-P9k1Oa3dV6m6UODz__jDPF4I9unzS2/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsQETiKvjqvWHrTFeSkE2z5QrCPc2Fp9u6vdPZuVii21zfCDDUz50IR3PPnGylColXtKLprSlnlpcYEo7af4k2vMo9WHR72A-qWfmfZkdoKYJp-P9k1Oa3dV6m6UODz__jDPF4I9unzS2/s400/IMG_0740.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Next stop was the Haukadalur Geothermal area to see the Geysir. The entire valley is an active geothermal site, and we could see some plumes of steam in the distance. The Haukadalur field is surprisingly close to the road. We pulled into the lot, and stopped into the tourist center first, to use the restrooms and get some snacks - the gelato was quite popular. We walked across the small, two-lane highway and along a short fence to get to the geyser field. (We get the English word geyser from one of the vents here - it's an old Norse word for "gush.") We could get surprisingly close to the geysers; one had to pay attention to where the ground was wet for an indication of where not to stand. Large circles of boiling mud and water dotted the landscape. The star of the show used to be Geysir Glima, which holds the record for the highest geyser blast of all time at 400 feet. But it is quiet of late, with the smaller Litli now the main event. This geyser erupts every seven minutes, and the build-up to the eruption is spectacular. Visitors can watch in close proximity as the clear water of Litli appears to breathe as it gets more and more excited, creating a huge clear bubble just before shooting high into the air. We have seen geysers in the US and in New Zealand, but none with such a dramatic pre-show. I could have watched for hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFaOvcrJSt9mQGDdzsXt5gx_AUH-TF0UP1t5ufiBqB2fD5yTjHVkWhVtMBX6BBYvK1oX9eOz_z_xipMj1wTILP3o4EvFODuPNWbXRHT-EGeoGM6PRXXaukgglTBS9rRNVV5hQfl-U2wvG/s1600/IMG_0291.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFaOvcrJSt9mQGDdzsXt5gx_AUH-TF0UP1t5ufiBqB2fD5yTjHVkWhVtMBX6BBYvK1oX9eOz_z_xipMj1wTILP3o4EvFODuPNWbXRHT-EGeoGM6PRXXaukgglTBS9rRNVV5hQfl-U2wvG/s320/IMG_0291.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWmSBZaQ6ziLmfyoZvSTiCRr3hydEezc_abdXBZb-KCbNrHi4pG5dh8Sb0skLjTxpz_bxG9pnzpOV3jeiRUcNZby5j-KBLL6rtRrR5H2rP330LTYRaEsV8H4Sv3mvDXI6I7S3yb63rdTB/s1600/IMG_0294b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWmSBZaQ6ziLmfyoZvSTiCRr3hydEezc_abdXBZb-KCbNrHi4pG5dh8Sb0skLjTxpz_bxG9pnzpOV3jeiRUcNZby5j-KBLL6rtRrR5H2rP330LTYRaEsV8H4Sv3mvDXI6I7S3yb63rdTB/s400/IMG_0294b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEzC1uRtB8bJXroEudUq4fY4rIcvJjC6ZPtNDdcXqKV5yzcxIjof5zRo6fCG7SvK7QXl4mwylUSXXqyVnYDdP2trIj2pTkyNA82TOu4sLnJA9GHqCDz_rmcGLOlJ6j5ytB89ShbJYHK9B/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEzC1uRtB8bJXroEudUq4fY4rIcvJjC6ZPtNDdcXqKV5yzcxIjof5zRo6fCG7SvK7QXl4mwylUSXXqyVnYDdP2trIj2pTkyNA82TOu4sLnJA9GHqCDz_rmcGLOlJ6j5ytB89ShbJYHK9B/s320/IMG_0796.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000a12; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000a12; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Back on the road, this time we headed for the raw, wild beauty of the Gullfoss Waterfall, located in the canyon of the Hvitá River. Visitors can walk along the top of the canyon to view the multi-level cascading falls, or hike down to a lower lever for a closer up view. We all walked along the stunning rim, the roar of the water in our ears and the icy spray in our faces. An attention-grabbing rainbow posed for pictures at one side of the falls. The kids hiked down closer to the falls while the "old folks" went back to wait in the warmth of the welcome center. Tim grabbed some food, and I sat at one of the big windows so I could see our group when they came up. The center was big, with multiple entrances, and a big shopping area, so it was a bit tricky to get everyone back in one place. Once that was accomplished, we maneuvered our way through the crazy traffic in the parking area, making our way to our next destination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpPKpNGIJQMBPlwsoeoaAjcq81fiAgHjRxV1W4YmeqzPyhm1ZuhlwpUeX1qHXrkwLTQA7oRuEP7udmewIDelvgMPnzzntAmbE6TUvBdnUv6NpJgwOqwFLkfwMjDqQ7L8MU81ifedrb3nm/s1600/IMG_0797.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpPKpNGIJQMBPlwsoeoaAjcq81fiAgHjRxV1W4YmeqzPyhm1ZuhlwpUeX1qHXrkwLTQA7oRuEP7udmewIDelvgMPnzzntAmbE6TUvBdnUv6NpJgwOqwFLkfwMjDqQ7L8MU81ifedrb3nm/s640/IMG_0797.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IA90bdyWEch7I2nt2VtRhgUm-5kisH9kJ95_V1YRfYRo9GAP9bdnPadEDJfNUgWdqFuVyBFBWnhPKhBMKdOwNvAQ3ELyb-yqpQfjOjevsIGba0DZ-jAZbU7aqrDGdLf737N_JBbZ-j9f/s1600/IMG_0846.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IA90bdyWEch7I2nt2VtRhgUm-5kisH9kJ95_V1YRfYRo9GAP9bdnPadEDJfNUgWdqFuVyBFBWnhPKhBMKdOwNvAQ3ELyb-yqpQfjOjevsIGba0DZ-jAZbU7aqrDGdLf737N_JBbZ-j9f/s320/IMG_0846.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GL4AkMBLOkcchUxXMAU1JXVxW4g7nTt_2SIc2W03K9dCXo3pSblDwcL1wYUAYelCfibN8TeCpTdR_ddSC9FI68lhK4WyZhvrxGAtqSmPFBqZpMoJXGCZE0q0rak2k3uBZSyYB4VrttqV/s1600/IMG_0856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GL4AkMBLOkcchUxXMAU1JXVxW4g7nTt_2SIc2W03K9dCXo3pSblDwcL1wYUAYelCfibN8TeCpTdR_ddSC9FI68lhK4WyZhvrxGAtqSmPFBqZpMoJXGCZE0q0rak2k3uBZSyYB4VrttqV/s320/IMG_0856.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6BE10ALCpLEpOT6Bqra4NSaDKWi07kimqNSThrIhpWsB5hBPyLqa7ETMlVZvkkoOqvVF6ppaW__vtAf8NVYPw1DPVq3ZQcDEwmRj55W1J24sLCaw5b-A5UI0atAmfbpGejLihL9SymX6/s1600/0922181356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6BE10ALCpLEpOT6Bqra4NSaDKWi07kimqNSThrIhpWsB5hBPyLqa7ETMlVZvkkoOqvVF6ppaW__vtAf8NVYPw1DPVq3ZQcDEwmRj55W1J24sLCaw5b-A5UI0atAmfbpGejLihL9SymX6/s640/0922181356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78mROTRfEaAUYrBdFDjypI14u1g5pjF5g_dQS8HpT2XuJF66Ns0q41AtWs21adURVyugPD6eoxN7HyWMf08rW5xE3fDo5RXLIvxtqLET6iY-xFX4ic3BfofVzcJLTJIk13xyoK2ENa6-T/s1600/0922181450a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78mROTRfEaAUYrBdFDjypI14u1g5pjF5g_dQS8HpT2XuJF66Ns0q41AtWs21adURVyugPD6eoxN7HyWMf08rW5xE3fDo5RXLIvxtqLET6iY-xFX4ic3BfofVzcJLTJIk13xyoK2ENa6-T/s320/0922181450a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a tour bus!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9GAD8qpeaFWqQM6ZKI4Fyn4yHcceavXFwB5G3eTcZDXM6k7MaIgkUZDkKZtkG-yBMjRWd4x9XHC4myArOj-QSZjTxNsna6bjxz4t-xHKHJ67Vs7C1z681vzTgRVh1ZBxiCNvTMCS4-Ci/s1600/IMG_0300.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9GAD8qpeaFWqQM6ZKI4Fyn4yHcceavXFwB5G3eTcZDXM6k7MaIgkUZDkKZtkG-yBMjRWd4x9XHC4myArOj-QSZjTxNsna6bjxz4t-xHKHJ67Vs7C1z681vzTgRVh1ZBxiCNvTMCS4-Ci/s400/IMG_0300.heic" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Several of our group had read about the tasty, and fairly inexpensive lamb hot dogs that are available at gas stations in the area - an affordable alternative to the ubiquitous pricey fare. We'd been keeping an eye out for one such place. Jenna was using her GPS to try to guide us, and it took us along some <i>very</i> back roads. We saw some interesting sights hidden from the main highways, and finally found what we were looking for. An old, yellow-brick, two-story building with a gas tank in the lot. The proprietor of the establishment was a bit taken aback when we said we wanted eight hot dogs. But he lifted the lid of the boxy metal cooker behind the counter, and said he could do it. The place was much like a convenience store, with aisles of tasty snacks, and we all loaded up with chips, candy and drinks while we waited for the dogs to be ready. The guy made a killing on us! We sat at some little metal tables and chairs in one corner of the shop, and ate like Americans. The dogs were quite good.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbvUITdsEjVFJZxISXfGD9jhOzzcRcdO5LtjusotHV3wChWcz1Wa6RifubQSiulwiXd8Q2Ut2kqsNAlEQlhGl6kGqxHieH1bKH9BnkIw-Tyun39LIhLxnIdmz4bhthNJvwHTmuS3DeSiX/s1600/0922181549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbvUITdsEjVFJZxISXfGD9jhOzzcRcdO5LtjusotHV3wChWcz1Wa6RifubQSiulwiXd8Q2Ut2kqsNAlEQlhGl6kGqxHieH1bKH9BnkIw-Tyun39LIhLxnIdmz4bhthNJvwHTmuS3DeSiX/s320/0922181549.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK__SonJRgwsVwL2RwTQL4VHnN8emZQF6ivQUvr5xpbHM6PZD4udxVmAKvzEyenuqFd_z7rnd-E3IA5NT0PDASXkmeSk48yBLPbdFb4XtWIT-PblPBV6bqURaloWGJ72hccDbJQQXM6Ng6/s1600/0922181559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK__SonJRgwsVwL2RwTQL4VHnN8emZQF6ivQUvr5xpbHM6PZD4udxVmAKvzEyenuqFd_z7rnd-E3IA5NT0PDASXkmeSk48yBLPbdFb4XtWIT-PblPBV6bqURaloWGJ72hccDbJQQXM6Ng6/s320/0922181559.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The last stop of our tour was the startling Kerid Crater. Traffic backed up into the highway, and it took us quite a while to get into the lot. Weaving through cars, we made our way to the ticket counter, then followed the paved walkway to some seats along the rim of the crater. A dark, circular lake sits at the bottom of the red-rock caldera, formed as land moved over a localized hot spot in the earth. Tim and I watched as our younger counterparts made their way around the upper rim of the crater, becoming barely recognizable dots in the distance. Some tourists braved the climb down to the bottom of the crater, splashing in the water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcz-ltnBQPgY2dz3S7kZnSMxRmZ9yNwWeGiDNr29KcODq1gYYRRPi3lA8V1E8ltFRMZZGqU0eMlkZDYK1qx2yuCcRRv1U-Zwq8-xDDWih2fxg81iElJTfelnofy3ZxCs3D8gvlZ1PUjDW/s1600/IMG_0312.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcz-ltnBQPgY2dz3S7kZnSMxRmZ9yNwWeGiDNr29KcODq1gYYRRPi3lA8V1E8ltFRMZZGqU0eMlkZDYK1qx2yuCcRRv1U-Zwq8-xDDWih2fxg81iElJTfelnofy3ZxCs3D8gvlZ1PUjDW/s320/IMG_0312.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNgdQgcfo8CXbkaiOSDaY-YzFYD8Nwj8o9QVixsqmDx5d6WCaNX9Sc7ZTt5CI0gG2c6BiIZ7LhyphenhyphenMVuE1Mu-BzMzVjE056xuefTksSWlPIMdDM37TFQTLaLC0AFsq9FNYxe-bruhft0Pjl/s1600/IMG_0313.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNgdQgcfo8CXbkaiOSDaY-YzFYD8Nwj8o9QVixsqmDx5d6WCaNX9Sc7ZTt5CI0gG2c6BiIZ7LhyphenhyphenMVuE1Mu-BzMzVjE056xuefTksSWlPIMdDM37TFQTLaLC0AFsq9FNYxe-bruhft0Pjl/s640/IMG_0313.heic" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanCuduRbvokdaP_x3JDZ2OG8NNONLVHUoIvY_F3f1-ArW3MOqiu7UOM3CyvtWLFo_bRWPMq30jtbRdPcrYb0Hgsb34I7__EdkeIXE-j_uKJGFli57dyb1d6yIFuJT24EujRVpv7GZxu2V/s1600/IMG_0320.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanCuduRbvokdaP_x3JDZ2OG8NNONLVHUoIvY_F3f1-ArW3MOqiu7UOM3CyvtWLFo_bRWPMq30jtbRdPcrYb0Hgsb34I7__EdkeIXE-j_uKJGFli57dyb1d6yIFuJT24EujRVpv7GZxu2V/s320/IMG_0320.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Our Golden Tour complete, we returned to our house. Some of us napped, while others went out shopping. We all met at Brew Dog, a microbrewery at the corner of our street, for drinks and grub. The food was yummy, especially the Mars Bar Wellington dessert! The servers didn't seem too fond of Americans, but kindly asked if we wanted them to take a selfie - someone handed them a camera, and got a picture of the servers!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8olTcdRspCFySdlcB8VXw4siakBFGuvX6HBoWIwPQ5nanAvQx3c7wduoiLu6i_QP9nNYKhLPHYHL692Yyfx6ZJPOhT-5jrf-6ctzu8lGh5e8pXvpIdtvFOymS0qNPmhXGLGQdfUM69Tfm/s1600/0922181954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8olTcdRspCFySdlcB8VXw4siakBFGuvX6HBoWIwPQ5nanAvQx3c7wduoiLu6i_QP9nNYKhLPHYHL692Yyfx6ZJPOhT-5jrf-6ctzu8lGh5e8pXvpIdtvFOymS0qNPmhXGLGQdfUM69Tfm/s400/0922181954.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mars Bar Wellington - yummm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Crashed for a bit, then up at 10:30 p.m. to search for the Northern Lights. We drove to a peninsula not about fifteen minutes away, where a lighthouse stood guard over the sea. We shivered in the cold as we gazed up at the heavens, and saw whitish wisps that appeared and faded again and again. We saw four tremendously bright shooting stars as a bonus. Some of us walked back to the the cars around 12:30 a.m. to escape the cold, and saw some of the most brilliant green s-shaped ribbons in the sky through the rear window as we waited for the others to return. We dodged late-night partiers weaving across the streets as we returned once more to our little Reykjavik house for a quick nap before our 3:30 a.m. departure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-27610594471246898762018-11-11T12:47:00.001-05:002018-11-11T12:47:37.607-05:00Song of Ice and Ire - Day 1October, 2018<br />
<br />
Hello, old friend. How I've missed you!<br />
<br />
******<br />
<br />
We made a sacrifice to the wanderlust gods, and found ourselves on a journey to the lands of Ice and Ire - Iceland and Ireland. How happy we were to share the journey with our sons and their lovely ladies.<br />
<br />
Sept. 20th and 21st:<br />
<br />
Tim, Tim Jr and I left home around 9:30 a.m. and drove west to Chicago in the pouring rain, sheets of water blurring the drivers' vision. We were following the GPS directions to the hotel where we would leave our car for the duration of the trip. Driving through Chicago while following the directions of our electronic navigator was a challenge. We would be heading to the left lanes as instructed, when a random toll booth would appear on the far right. Most lanes were dedicated I-Pass lanes, used by most of the drivers on the road. We couldn't figure out the system, and inadvertently bypassed two different tollbooths along the way. We were more concerned with getting to the airport on time, and hoped we could sort it out later.<br />
<br />
We checked in at the Holiday Inn Express near O"Hare, and were given a parking pass and told where to leave the car. I told the guy at the desk that we had missed some tolls, and his eyes grew wide. He said we had better go online and try to pay as soon as possible. More anxiety to add to my already travel-anxious demeanor. We tried to relax in the lobby for a bit, before hopping on the airport shuttle. It was a quick drive to ORD. Because we were not on one of the major airlines, we were let off quite a distance from the terminal, and had to haul our luggage across to the entrance.<br />
<br />
We arrived in plenty of time for our Icelandic flight to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Our end of the plane was full of noisy American women, who seemed to be on some sort of girls getaway, and were determined to have rowdy fun the entire time. We plugged into our entertainment sets, and I was more than halfway through my movie, when I realized we were still on the ground! We sat for 90 minutes on the tarmac before finally taking off. We arrived in Reykjavik at 7:30 a.m., just a little over 30 minutes late. Tim's girl, Chloe, was waiting for us when we arrived. We got our first ridiculously expensive coffee (Iceland is notoriously expensive), before queuing at the Avis counter for our rental car. The lovely lady at the counter sat with her fur jacket around her shoulders, and instructed us to follow the "long plastic walk" to find our car. (The walkway was covered by a plexiglass roof.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ti2u4SgABv06E_Z0PrfpujDbCHZBpJ5SUDsAiwmhnSByusSwDLVxsWm7zaelvPQbZYIRmb1a485qj4nI3YW76tHfbdsZYklt6B2VZ_Jd0b9pddfN8tGdpNpkp73TD9AtC0lGxZ5peOyh/s1600/0921180252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="1600" height="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ti2u4SgABv06E_Z0PrfpujDbCHZBpJ5SUDsAiwmhnSByusSwDLVxsWm7zaelvPQbZYIRmb1a485qj4nI3YW76tHfbdsZYklt6B2VZ_Jd0b9pddfN8tGdpNpkp73TD9AtC0lGxZ5peOyh/s320/0921180252.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First things first - a stop in the snyrtingar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchYo4aBgkzsgfoGoS3JsvSIEfdE4e8f7sWRD08sEuakl29p_XWnohjJT3ACfjkrOaE1m2Y2fhwbpnRLuybE5WV6YgW91CnypBg9ORVshp2za7_NYMFTb5a3wkYLM3eCq7WUMjOuqBf5Dd/s1600/0921180314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchYo4aBgkzsgfoGoS3JsvSIEfdE4e8f7sWRD08sEuakl29p_XWnohjJT3ACfjkrOaE1m2Y2fhwbpnRLuybE5WV6YgW91CnypBg9ORVshp2za7_NYMFTb5a3wkYLM3eCq7WUMjOuqBf5Dd/s320/0921180314.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant puffin hangs over the baggage claim area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Luckily, Icelanders drive on the right side of the road, like we do. It was a 45-minute drive to Reykjavik, with lots and lots of roundabouts (traffic circles). The landscape was quite barren - very few buildings or trees and lots of lichen, making it possible to see for miles. Iceland is the least-populated country in Europe - almost 80% is uninhabited, with a population of only 338,000. A third of those inhabitants live in Reykjavik, which is located in southwest Iceland, perched on the edge of Faxa Bay in the North Atlantic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKrX48pxXq4ZpGcu7A3cU-M7MzqgsrNmFqANAach6Tyixa5RVBrPwz8_bfayX0LaoKSF0SE9BWSKH9sIQPQx15D8yQMA5YVKPzS9ervR1j6zRKytiqyu8fE39bK2a6K5UD8mCwohrYsia/s1600/0921180443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKrX48pxXq4ZpGcu7A3cU-M7MzqgsrNmFqANAach6Tyixa5RVBrPwz8_bfayX0LaoKSF0SE9BWSKH9sIQPQx15D8yQMA5YVKPzS9ervR1j6zRKytiqyu8fE39bK2a6K5UD8mCwohrYsia/s320/0921180443.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faxa Bay with Mt. Esja in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkGEdVSFzVzSOlAtYQeR15t3xm8fhwUDdVatXXpsKsGz0xNMTfcu6l9_zhki-e-E9Be1P3vcCOd2tPtDHQ0FNiw_SHmcmpWI7Plpg9Ul1DkgIP4meoWCnxacJT9ElQYUVUq33Gvvn2DMO/s1600/0922181026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkGEdVSFzVzSOlAtYQeR15t3xm8fhwUDdVatXXpsKsGz0xNMTfcu6l9_zhki-e-E9Be1P3vcCOd2tPtDHQ0FNiw_SHmcmpWI7Plpg9Ul1DkgIP4meoWCnxacJT9ElQYUVUq33Gvvn2DMO/s400/0922181026.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We arrived several hours before our rental home was to be available, so we drove around to get a feel for the city. We drove around and around...and around. At the waterfront, we got out of the car to take pictures of the <i><a href="https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/sun-voyager/">Sun Voyager</a></i>, a stainless steel sculpture depicting the bones of a ship. The wind was biting and cold - our first taste of the Iceland weather. We rushed back to the warmth of our car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbsGhVWeX0IJIlJllITgHRoI_NwHre01yKx7bLuqMA0Aqds_SZROFPBB2H1q926Xni36bRO0EHwNBBNv0n9QgqGH1xR5H6GLK0fwdK_ZG1cd7JsA3_nggV5t-gsgEKVOpIrXh6Jy1ZNO0/s1600/0921180442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbsGhVWeX0IJIlJllITgHRoI_NwHre01yKx7bLuqMA0Aqds_SZROFPBB2H1q926Xni36bRO0EHwNBBNv0n9QgqGH1xR5H6GLK0fwdK_ZG1cd7JsA3_nggV5t-gsgEKVOpIrXh6Jy1ZNO0/s320/0921180442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Parking is at a premium in Reykjavik, and almost all parking is for a fee. We were told we could park for free at the 10-11 store, but it was only for fifteen minutes. We parked and quickly walked the few blocks to the location of our rental - it was not visible from the street, so we wanted to make sure we could find it. It was actually tucked back behind another little house.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS5pZCnUrp7sRQkWVJcH26q_ONnkVQ6rdoFwnwrWfwvDjeder0C_Ls17BDuWJ18XMnB1RFvoDdIl4No9Jy9SxPse0xCDdFWsRgbMkvRnS8RlaHSbA4hrT2SUcZOdlfwP-1nmEV1nAiA8w/s1600/0922180933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS5pZCnUrp7sRQkWVJcH26q_ONnkVQ6rdoFwnwrWfwvDjeder0C_Ls17BDuWJ18XMnB1RFvoDdIl4No9Jy9SxPse0xCDdFWsRgbMkvRnS8RlaHSbA4hrT2SUcZOdlfwP-1nmEV1nAiA8w/s320/0922180933.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pathway back to our Airbnb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AzNqO1nKW2bxyVot0PHlc-uMjQ_bL2uPa2bWRGuahR-5DIoalXbSmTTzMeb8yWV57KPHOZhW7P3WzZKOvczo0E6jUbb6PX2QR0mS_p4VwqMsQxV_Xkv6L7ASYDTtRsOgOmzFyNzz9fFD/s1600/0922180933a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AzNqO1nKW2bxyVot0PHlc-uMjQ_bL2uPa2bWRGuahR-5DIoalXbSmTTzMeb8yWV57KPHOZhW7P3WzZKOvczo0E6jUbb6PX2QR0mS_p4VwqMsQxV_Xkv6L7ASYDTtRsOgOmzFyNzz9fFD/s320/0922180933a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le voilà</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we were confident we had found it, we hurried back to the 10-11 and drove to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkja">Hallgrimskirkja</a>, a huge, modern-looking Lutheran church in the center of the city that towers over the landscape. Here we could park for free. We slipped inside for a peek at the church, and enjoyed just being out of the car for a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pe0FlKfAQQE2r1pRsloGuMEbJMLnBI_7bwU3fUwenVHchZDVgfHH6lcQueKvaxdIy-xKCCdmOK_pZPFTTMM1PV2boCzbGoix5X3fw_oVka3fskmbHCTMz8pzydmYAQWk3jwof1H6Wo0p/s1600/0921180621a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pe0FlKfAQQE2r1pRsloGuMEbJMLnBI_7bwU3fUwenVHchZDVgfHH6lcQueKvaxdIy-xKCCdmOK_pZPFTTMM1PV2boCzbGoix5X3fw_oVka3fskmbHCTMz8pzydmYAQWk3jwof1H6Wo0p/s400/0921180621a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzLib8_qguigItWrgeBjtIfeoXZrndDROm4cVKJDdgqSNVHkskCYxeXjatboxPhSG4xc62i600DnPc_FV8c5ca09gP-Lxt8O6DA6nnUmUO0NA7raPqgD6O0y4cvhjfTWgKlp99l0DQ3Pr/s1600/0921180603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzLib8_qguigItWrgeBjtIfeoXZrndDROm4cVKJDdgqSNVHkskCYxeXjatboxPhSG4xc62i600DnPc_FV8c5ca09gP-Lxt8O6DA6nnUmUO0NA7raPqgD6O0y4cvhjfTWgKlp99l0DQ3Pr/s320/0921180603.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TTYyRMOfAbTpq4vTq9TKzSsJc9tx-4OExNbbZSFkxEXdrJ8_MR6bxklibCRmw80EM4URgNHYCwB-Aj53yTAykjrltxMQ0oXgRuHcTsA68fjCDJvY_7jRtVkC3sukZyFlKYay-9su0E6D/s1600/0921180605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TTYyRMOfAbTpq4vTq9TKzSsJc9tx-4OExNbbZSFkxEXdrJ8_MR6bxklibCRmw80EM4URgNHYCwB-Aj53yTAykjrltxMQ0oXgRuHcTsA68fjCDJvY_7jRtVkC3sukZyFlKYay-9su0E6D/s320/0921180605.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Martyr" by Sigurjon Olafsson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlj0lSVfGvTVjMFWCQVtm4QtX78nmwyp9ETdDQ__P0mJMBnjUe1DbB1c4UaXtgBYsUrKkUfdG1b_ZZnwh7GRsusGmvgRPUTVoQkCbjd0jWX9DPn9JwEzZ6_68gu6VZwULokvRqvtYyfat/s1600/0921180606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlj0lSVfGvTVjMFWCQVtm4QtX78nmwyp9ETdDQ__P0mJMBnjUe1DbB1c4UaXtgBYsUrKkUfdG1b_ZZnwh7GRsusGmvgRPUTVoQkCbjd0jWX9DPn9JwEzZ6_68gu6VZwULokvRqvtYyfat/s320/0921180606.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX1moTTjMsvZ1XJrCOLHJ79bq7OuI11ZxLrHfUExt-jr2DU0vjQjH4UDZbGeEZWI8Dx__XKwvPSu41BypFCBOhFdUlKj59nbyerARDz-is-KVmCmkiKJnjYvBXdJDyuksqueBlUBma4oZ/s1600/0921180606a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX1moTTjMsvZ1XJrCOLHJ79bq7OuI11ZxLrHfUExt-jr2DU0vjQjH4UDZbGeEZWI8Dx__XKwvPSu41BypFCBOhFdUlKj59nbyerARDz-is-KVmCmkiKJnjYvBXdJDyuksqueBlUBma4oZ/s320/0921180606a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimE5ZtWjTv_7CJVZ4PeAN_LfgCI5jIhOiKkvLppFZokR9Kl9vJGqMner0nHK-Ou4Do0H-ZLzTqKC147nLoG7cLM75WTChLml9DVbciL6ZXOaSODWwUywye1VPTAfOhw6vWam82hbXSCziQ/s1600/0921180620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimE5ZtWjTv_7CJVZ4PeAN_LfgCI5jIhOiKkvLppFZokR9Kl9vJGqMner0nHK-Ou4Do0H-ZLzTqKC147nLoG7cLM75WTChLml9DVbciL6ZXOaSODWwUywye1VPTAfOhw6vWam82hbXSCziQ/s320/0921180620.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leiff Ericsson Monument - a gift from the US in 1930</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bracing ourselves against the biting winds, we strolled up and down hilly Hverfisgata Street, stopping into some small shops to pick up some souvenirs. We saw lots of beautiful Icelandic wool sweaters, hats and mittens. The volcanic rock ice cubes caught my eye - apparently, once frozen, they will keep your drink cold better than regular ice cubes, and won't water it down. We saw mugs made out of animal horns that were used in the TV series, <i>Game of Thrones</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPrTPNBm5LX1J5g-egjG7TyTHMpGSSmj0qbER88Ic8Yy-uayjtRoTyxnPNj1M9TEpmrHDJOYtmDktYuVAAnmGg9th1TLQWn8tuZh-e4ZoH5yIu9r4PZg_iHr3x_-HY-Mt2bk_vVnjFGdy/s1600/0921180802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPrTPNBm5LX1J5g-egjG7TyTHMpGSSmj0qbER88Ic8Yy-uayjtRoTyxnPNj1M9TEpmrHDJOYtmDktYuVAAnmGg9th1TLQWn8tuZh-e4ZoH5yIu9r4PZg_iHr3x_-HY-Mt2bk_vVnjFGdy/s400/0921180802.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We were in search of some hot soup for lunch, and settled on a colorful little cafe, <i>Babalu</i>, where we enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup for around $15 US. The tomato soup was different than what we were used to, more like a runny tomato sauce, but we appreciated the warmth of it. The atmosphere of the shop was kind of retro/hipster - very cozy. We practiced using the Icelandic phrase for "thank-you": Takk Fyrir (sounds like Tahk FEE-rish with a rolled "r").<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9ePvAZsM2OQiod-WV_rNvY7rc2eX7wro5a8UHIZtSCOlLAcwJLXOh_5y-RemLsYfz7CLQ9guW1YFa56_hF1H7pLU8qH0_nGGjVAv17AhiBlJuNd0xJNbFJomD7oVJi0Og2iBmFH_UZE6/s1600/0921180717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9ePvAZsM2OQiod-WV_rNvY7rc2eX7wro5a8UHIZtSCOlLAcwJLXOh_5y-RemLsYfz7CLQ9guW1YFa56_hF1H7pLU8qH0_nGGjVAv17AhiBlJuNd0xJNbFJomD7oVJi0Og2iBmFH_UZE6/s400/0921180717.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babalu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFEmn9yWKgJF51ECSSJRzm4bSmihPdr784aqrS2ZnH4G3YYLFIUjF_hoekGXnL86l74XrTNsqOvspgLY9cpIqiY66FYlCxk1oPiiLo6nwI35uIs2M8M2lbZZDVxp5qOgWCqMJ_I1EKlbI/s1600/0921180740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFEmn9yWKgJF51ECSSJRzm4bSmihPdr784aqrS2ZnH4G3YYLFIUjF_hoekGXnL86l74XrTNsqOvspgLY9cpIqiY66FYlCxk1oPiiLo6nwI35uIs2M8M2lbZZDVxp5qOgWCqMJ_I1EKlbI/s320/0921180740.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a Thai lady in Iceland - she must be very cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back into the cold, we stopped in another shop where the Tims got Thor mugs, and I found a troll that Mary had asked me to get. Near the top of the street was an art museum, which we didn't want to see enough to pay the entrance fee, but a stranger recommended the free outdoor sculpture garden. The <a href="http://www.lej.is/en/museum/garden/">Einar Jónsson Museum</a> opened in 1984. Einar Jónsson (1874-1954) was Iceland's first sculptor. The sculpture garden is home to twenty-six bronze casts of his dynamic, passionate, complex pieces. Much of the symbolism of his work eluded us, but the pieces were beautiful in their own right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtfK9g9DpQMvXHBmuMVwLDk84mxAsi75v53aL5_B_Fq9mqlg0TCMzk8UqcZkXSyNiGksQ4cULHlH92jVVIyWdRZONnkcI12OB3fTotTp199j72N6ezQZxhyphenhyphenwmSjD-W26N7t3XsouhsVEl/s1600/IMG_0210b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtfK9g9DpQMvXHBmuMVwLDk84mxAsi75v53aL5_B_Fq9mqlg0TCMzk8UqcZkXSyNiGksQ4cULHlH92jVVIyWdRZONnkcI12OB3fTotTp199j72N6ezQZxhyphenhyphenwmSjD-W26N7t3XsouhsVEl/s400/IMG_0210b.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLSfVt6QWEn0-A10U8yL4s8wnTA4ZPvO2vniRIdq_o2ESV7id5NBHLfO8sUWgzXgz4KKWx9nQUR8ODnv89vn_tXkmuDoM5TxfUzkaFcq2ma4hTQuJvK54UGJbdofS_dK7fxRg06426DxX/s1600/IMG_0212.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLSfVt6QWEn0-A10U8yL4s8wnTA4ZPvO2vniRIdq_o2ESV7id5NBHLfO8sUWgzXgz4KKWx9nQUR8ODnv89vn_tXkmuDoM5TxfUzkaFcq2ma4hTQuJvK54UGJbdofS_dK7fxRg06426DxX/s320/IMG_0212.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hTiDROtsJjwpDtxKEYAzk48YhhHGdsk7VnR-tKDAOSzvwjuU8ZwAodajsPKeswD0dsEJuUUHjvsgt1kvooyqi_qCh5k-1n7pKGoC7wC98M7RJ_OEEieEL5BNsjgRQVTtlS-xa4cB_9Zd/s1600/IMG_0213b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hTiDROtsJjwpDtxKEYAzk48YhhHGdsk7VnR-tKDAOSzvwjuU8ZwAodajsPKeswD0dsEJuUUHjvsgt1kvooyqi_qCh5k-1n7pKGoC7wC98M7RJ_OEEieEL5BNsjgRQVTtlS-xa4cB_9Zd/s320/IMG_0213b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhteQkcw2uMrxU3EMtBH7Qt-7QNa7IR0CYYHSwF1_aSosGDgxf6HPWDHxkjj9sOXJl_6FRXbwX1rsH6XIrBzaAeEV3eXLEEEH7O7bkkVUPSZ-Ydwy8y_PanLyNdzyu2qgacWhIeceoqCMu/s1600/IMG_0216b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhteQkcw2uMrxU3EMtBH7Qt-7QNa7IR0CYYHSwF1_aSosGDgxf6HPWDHxkjj9sOXJl_6FRXbwX1rsH6XIrBzaAeEV3eXLEEEH7O7bkkVUPSZ-Ydwy8y_PanLyNdzyu2qgacWhIeceoqCMu/s400/IMG_0216b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57llGVobyZ-k8okIGOlUyrj7SeYX-1b5X8bQRLnKS6BcqCqaoREPjnj9oY1rJGv1_RDs6RwksMkxqkeQAgYcCnwn9u4k5fvspdsO-pvCgr8-3oP4urm4tiGONuVu8GoLpNKvf172jeoKw/s1600/IMG_0217b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57llGVobyZ-k8okIGOlUyrj7SeYX-1b5X8bQRLnKS6BcqCqaoREPjnj9oY1rJGv1_RDs6RwksMkxqkeQAgYcCnwn9u4k5fvspdsO-pvCgr8-3oP4urm4tiGONuVu8GoLpNKvf172jeoKw/s200/IMG_0217b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Still cold and too early to go to the Airbnb, we opted for a rest in our car. We watched tour buses come and go in the church parking area, until finally it was time to check in. Tim was able to find a metered parking spot on the street, and we used the lock box to let ourselves in to our place. It was a little house that had clearly had a makeover by a novice DIY. A bedroom was on the first floor just off the little kitchen and dining area, with two more up the steep stairs/ladder, and a fourth in the basement with the only bathroom and a tiny shower. Nothing glamorous, but it served our purposes well enough, and was well located in the downtown area. We were pretty whipped, so we took short naps until the rest of the gang arrived. They had opted for a trip to the Blue Lagoon before coming into Reykjavik. We heard about their adventures eating "Hákarl" (rotted shark), a local "delicacy," that apparently tastes and smells horrible. Hard pass.<br />
<br />
We all walked to dinner. We had a lot of restaurants and pubs to choose from nearby, and finally settled on a place called <a href="https://staffkitchen.is/">Staff</a>. It was cozy, with lots of warm wood and red plaid. Some of us had our first sampling of Viking beer, which was quite tasty. The dinner special was<i> plokkfiskur</i>, or fish stew - not really a stew in our sense of the word, but a tasty combination of fish and potatoes. I couldn't finish mine, and apparently doggy bags are not a thing here, so I just wrapped mine in a napkin and hoped it wouldn't be too messy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzS_dcWvFSH90coq4mvcdTOx5ae7iS9cl0muv8XQoD1TQA9sMIJKkFo9gxWV0cDG7naW9YcZDAwDtKWw6GPJ6EchwMYlj3Wt0VTw57PVONKO8jg-bThJq1UzRhlolC3GktIgEmAH2cZPq/s1600/0921182114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzS_dcWvFSH90coq4mvcdTOx5ae7iS9cl0muv8XQoD1TQA9sMIJKkFo9gxWV0cDG7naW9YcZDAwDtKWw6GPJ6EchwMYlj3Wt0VTw57PVONKO8jg-bThJq1UzRhlolC3GktIgEmAH2cZPq/s320/0921182114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Back at the house, we played the inaugural game of First Watch, a card game created by Mike and Jenna, currently in its beta form. It is cute and fun - watch for it soon in a store near you!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-12867209148305237392018-06-17T14:30:00.002-04:002018-06-17T14:30:45.252-04:00Thai DyedJune 17, 2018<br />
<br />
A final love letter to my beloved, adopted home, where I left my heart - Thailand.<br />
<br />
When we knew our time was drawing to a close, we lamented the loss of the beautiful sunsets we witnessed every day. We decided to capture a month of sunsets to preserve a little bit of the magic.<br />
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgLmiQhlkxHXrbKHszFJ_yxVv5E_lxh8NwDD_xI0UpyocDq02QHUy9wFwGzbC8wDgBOCkkkeSPpU8bkZyGFrScokh0zy0q43MMCm1iZ77LlBi_7vL6V5XEqvJuAxtlE2RFaUg5pEji40U/s1600/20170810_184008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgLmiQhlkxHXrbKHszFJ_yxVv5E_lxh8NwDD_xI0UpyocDq02QHUy9wFwGzbC8wDgBOCkkkeSPpU8bkZyGFrScokh0zy0q43MMCm1iZ77LlBi_7vL6V5XEqvJuAxtlE2RFaUg5pEji40U/s320/20170810_184008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUV1S6HTBuylg2owtzsZB6u9YnSJqUepo1glCbNV3zchHIx1cKpfPLg3RrH1Cm5V7XZMTP3_4NjBP_ao8q1ppLvEDjrzXk-veSQSBxgZ-YeCJHJXswmgmoh8B6pNOkayMbQotDzGY4zZA/s1600/20170811_184714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUV1S6HTBuylg2owtzsZB6u9YnSJqUepo1glCbNV3zchHIx1cKpfPLg3RrH1Cm5V7XZMTP3_4NjBP_ao8q1ppLvEDjrzXk-veSQSBxgZ-YeCJHJXswmgmoh8B6pNOkayMbQotDzGY4zZA/s400/20170811_184714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS58X896UPtTDK11-CqxRREDRURCsm3G_tfxYwoZEEx2XqIZG2_AmgBfiVwyHvL17rRVVsZZ9t_csHoglv3vFOFpuQdId7GHWgcZNgFKPh-fSu5Rz3xs4TcaSmHOWc1aXPDPFkiMk94X-/s1600/20170813_183641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS58X896UPtTDK11-CqxRREDRURCsm3G_tfxYwoZEEx2XqIZG2_AmgBfiVwyHvL17rRVVsZZ9t_csHoglv3vFOFpuQdId7GHWgcZNgFKPh-fSu5Rz3xs4TcaSmHOWc1aXPDPFkiMk94X-/s640/20170813_183641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVo6q1fTOIW6ZJJfATnVOnBy_wvaBE0CSXe9XQyXaJPxsM4hyphenhyphenNNIMuoITBLDHeEV4iSI7rc4O16x0IQ6ICVlIWHpNH8pNe3rtn3ZxvBWRBITdssU5PsSeYXfAHo7XMkVgooA2mqZtxzlc/s1600/20170814_183103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVo6q1fTOIW6ZJJfATnVOnBy_wvaBE0CSXe9XQyXaJPxsM4hyphenhyphenNNIMuoITBLDHeEV4iSI7rc4O16x0IQ6ICVlIWHpNH8pNe3rtn3ZxvBWRBITdssU5PsSeYXfAHo7XMkVgooA2mqZtxzlc/s320/20170814_183103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusP_mEXqYmyrhyphenhypheng1w6fBUQdz3EFdAUCg2sHqSrohObm6iORd97ma-Kg2iCfKOrt1YHlVsh27vFMHyLu8Z-HH6dgbX4DXLZNu6YIrXbVqydOzBDuzAySlp5sUtUuGt0suwtokgwGXWcM9k/s1600/20170816_181337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusP_mEXqYmyrhyphenhypheng1w6fBUQdz3EFdAUCg2sHqSrohObm6iORd97ma-Kg2iCfKOrt1YHlVsh27vFMHyLu8Z-HH6dgbX4DXLZNu6YIrXbVqydOzBDuzAySlp5sUtUuGt0suwtokgwGXWcM9k/s320/20170816_181337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ5VPZTnaA-u8jNYnsKasKlLPu5LBf9vN5y9_2iikI0BeH42sUbalctfTWRgkEgymsMNos_wH3RlaS68aZi2ahhtLf7eNcTSS4jP8XahBnnWeE6hyphenhyphen0iz_g_4EMrFFsaWL8tUSrjdZqksr/s1600/20170817_180452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ5VPZTnaA-u8jNYnsKasKlLPu5LBf9vN5y9_2iikI0BeH42sUbalctfTWRgkEgymsMNos_wH3RlaS68aZi2ahhtLf7eNcTSS4jP8XahBnnWeE6hyphenhyphen0iz_g_4EMrFFsaWL8tUSrjdZqksr/s320/20170817_180452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyADRPGlmhAmkc0oK84I01gX62qYTKzlMX-aYhmK8_mp7cn0OVbUJKEzWXMJ5QpZaNYWyDT0EnAAiJGmfFI5c6N-wECzbvVztqnh9U2I-bRszOxTxm1HLJymsD-YRS2OhOczc38vYyy5v/s1600/20170818_182826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyADRPGlmhAmkc0oK84I01gX62qYTKzlMX-aYhmK8_mp7cn0OVbUJKEzWXMJ5QpZaNYWyDT0EnAAiJGmfFI5c6N-wECzbvVztqnh9U2I-bRszOxTxm1HLJymsD-YRS2OhOczc38vYyy5v/s320/20170818_182826.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETzwAQL_GioORz8OGVUjnw1xk0yGNXLscOZvfcGEY73Hpzjs4YjvLkxeCD_-BmEqbOU6jkPej-iNTokoun8I7OMzjSIhJNC1zQnS72-doPZrbXqnemmKtNBfcNE-41ANhWn41tfhyphenhyphenGRRu/s1600/20170818_183656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETzwAQL_GioORz8OGVUjnw1xk0yGNXLscOZvfcGEY73Hpzjs4YjvLkxeCD_-BmEqbOU6jkPej-iNTokoun8I7OMzjSIhJNC1zQnS72-doPZrbXqnemmKtNBfcNE-41ANhWn41tfhyphenhyphenGRRu/s320/20170818_183656.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie129krs71F354ZPZ9j5v13agxL-ctya058E4Vefm9u1Cy33eFqVN_mXqovK6QcTbmdNQSp7zM45Moo1iNm7EKNyYV8ealEOlJ6vXrP_U_fR9QP5JjmbOmFBM_GHWqrLDPMwW6CYXdmc4/s1600/20170820_182608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie129krs71F354ZPZ9j5v13agxL-ctya058E4Vefm9u1Cy33eFqVN_mXqovK6QcTbmdNQSp7zM45Moo1iNm7EKNyYV8ealEOlJ6vXrP_U_fR9QP5JjmbOmFBM_GHWqrLDPMwW6CYXdmc4/s320/20170820_182608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLguwBwMFQqZ58qC0CypMzDOhZ-A3WLu71a81GlTp0lloF_GdtIBm2jfeId2W1gTqvvp6GWp3WoywdXXn2JnngAn3eks9RCPQgeb0_n2ou7n2WC97nDxLfgHE9K9nQ2yUetTy3gbayhoG/s1600/20170821_183228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLguwBwMFQqZ58qC0CypMzDOhZ-A3WLu71a81GlTp0lloF_GdtIBm2jfeId2W1gTqvvp6GWp3WoywdXXn2JnngAn3eks9RCPQgeb0_n2ou7n2WC97nDxLfgHE9K9nQ2yUetTy3gbayhoG/s400/20170821_183228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyOJ6dg0Ckmd48LArBPNzulP1gT2DBXBIFZVqtsV2KX99HB6-oMobYa62pE8ynYzlUn16E0oQMoGlgKolxyWDatmzIN-Ynhk4NVK6g1rfuBtk8QxRkO3-kPQMhWHQR0QsPlBiV3JE9mF2/s1600/20170821_183239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyOJ6dg0Ckmd48LArBPNzulP1gT2DBXBIFZVqtsV2KX99HB6-oMobYa62pE8ynYzlUn16E0oQMoGlgKolxyWDatmzIN-Ynhk4NVK6g1rfuBtk8QxRkO3-kPQMhWHQR0QsPlBiV3JE9mF2/s640/20170821_183239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7RhgNbSMnc-WJvHvYcgJogMjwijxn1GthFLZZ8UNeykfuSdT9W-DPsrFMoUAibhyphenhyphenEWgItia-CJsfTJgeiYNeGTqQxcepl6V68wkZjq4pIqGY-dX8ysApuyGP_5Q-tis2QroTEZXzuMga/s1600/20170822_180841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7RhgNbSMnc-WJvHvYcgJogMjwijxn1GthFLZZ8UNeykfuSdT9W-DPsrFMoUAibhyphenhyphenEWgItia-CJsfTJgeiYNeGTqQxcepl6V68wkZjq4pIqGY-dX8ysApuyGP_5Q-tis2QroTEZXzuMga/s320/20170822_180841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3i6pi-GG6w8uZK9Jg6BWYt95pr96sz_cUuzfbc2FNulnH4mQiVQXSwgGrCY-qBtVpASs8I4RAxcYtvcTCNp7SDIMWHtgS_bezi8ufTJSVghWTcBsBeyn7nQb33FrCa5fhPQYGVq6p9p3/s1600/20170823_184510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3i6pi-GG6w8uZK9Jg6BWYt95pr96sz_cUuzfbc2FNulnH4mQiVQXSwgGrCY-qBtVpASs8I4RAxcYtvcTCNp7SDIMWHtgS_bezi8ufTJSVghWTcBsBeyn7nQb33FrCa5fhPQYGVq6p9p3/s320/20170823_184510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN-CAzYVrQjOlZkeMJeodHe-E_97POBQu721gQM5SgyqaxCr58gTCRdSZSS-jRVByPrAtupLRBRNFwgrSIRX49HW9QnwMriQWr99e-p7L18i2QYcz1mpEug_SlwatlKndmLBNoIr1BBmW/s1600/20170824_181201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN-CAzYVrQjOlZkeMJeodHe-E_97POBQu721gQM5SgyqaxCr58gTCRdSZSS-jRVByPrAtupLRBRNFwgrSIRX49HW9QnwMriQWr99e-p7L18i2QYcz1mpEug_SlwatlKndmLBNoIr1BBmW/s320/20170824_181201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMRxBvED0io2XS4FmAaPtyLV_NLLWLIFI3k-HwmLA__3we1e9NfUb-FUnpg89z3RfBmlmA9eX9X0mR-fsBr-1CAG58T0f-AhdL5HPCSWIpFYvJAmdZy8gQEyambTOg__iMe8ekxUr4v1V/s1600/20170825_181842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMRxBvED0io2XS4FmAaPtyLV_NLLWLIFI3k-HwmLA__3we1e9NfUb-FUnpg89z3RfBmlmA9eX9X0mR-fsBr-1CAG58T0f-AhdL5HPCSWIpFYvJAmdZy8gQEyambTOg__iMe8ekxUr4v1V/s320/20170825_181842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7ufNopEYJDepxffEehIQUZuNJEBZVLU6Gz22RI0C4U_vp62Ra5IASe08PYx6-YTNDmglPpWj7aadGJUGllSpuw4yzQri_L8zble_oAs0cwfhXqwaiq9UgbbVL-EZTrrD-xwhG9hu4NZM/s1600/20170826_172137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7ufNopEYJDepxffEehIQUZuNJEBZVLU6Gz22RI0C4U_vp62Ra5IASe08PYx6-YTNDmglPpWj7aadGJUGllSpuw4yzQri_L8zble_oAs0cwfhXqwaiq9UgbbVL-EZTrrD-xwhG9hu4NZM/s400/20170826_172137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSd33OaDSnCdCLCZqYU16V_gNexmVryi3UFdO02pmdncN_ePrphYTfYbxD7uJypjHlyR9tfOWST2CpkaeL9LlxdXjVzgQJqf-v1tlQ-2X5Qe2cNuSHx2VCWnfkuvPTFqAxbOgaNhKFEPy/s1600/20170827_180606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSd33OaDSnCdCLCZqYU16V_gNexmVryi3UFdO02pmdncN_ePrphYTfYbxD7uJypjHlyR9tfOWST2CpkaeL9LlxdXjVzgQJqf-v1tlQ-2X5Qe2cNuSHx2VCWnfkuvPTFqAxbOgaNhKFEPy/s640/20170827_180606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii23jCmIB0gdmjdXcHtRwC9UT78SxhrfnH1dFIC5OUqxHcg6CL1jNW7XPFIUQ1PRLeq8xKxVjJmc1w8CB4Z8_KJa9wKHh1uhd8q2mGkCmFgb3ytiNaX_C-ao3ni7LY4HbYn6LIm8-vrVm3/s1600/20170828_175116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii23jCmIB0gdmjdXcHtRwC9UT78SxhrfnH1dFIC5OUqxHcg6CL1jNW7XPFIUQ1PRLeq8xKxVjJmc1w8CB4Z8_KJa9wKHh1uhd8q2mGkCmFgb3ytiNaX_C-ao3ni7LY4HbYn6LIm8-vrVm3/s320/20170828_175116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3k8IvmyAdGKFdWDTOBP9m4RzEtcuPKZ6_qPoKc1kFBvKJwoVBYp5vbsaAv6yC4ch7hLESMAeMnStZzsOpcUg6uKYMAZuBSG1TWLwhWilziw18sdfcHAHRcqq2_fKT9ON6LYxKIma_WlZ/s1600/20170829_182048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3k8IvmyAdGKFdWDTOBP9m4RzEtcuPKZ6_qPoKc1kFBvKJwoVBYp5vbsaAv6yC4ch7hLESMAeMnStZzsOpcUg6uKYMAZuBSG1TWLwhWilziw18sdfcHAHRcqq2_fKT9ON6LYxKIma_WlZ/s320/20170829_182048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNUdffU0K89HWQFgP-39uyyEVTJwQrP6SimzLhGawaXBdvvROKFNOFNAwb7wqkDxOdHnByM80Bgl3KbYYzzx6-LYhjFXoeyqTLKnY5EEuv_GRhvYrn0_GLWqjfIimYttT56eIJK5Z8RkB/s1600/20170831_174101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNUdffU0K89HWQFgP-39uyyEVTJwQrP6SimzLhGawaXBdvvROKFNOFNAwb7wqkDxOdHnByM80Bgl3KbYYzzx6-LYhjFXoeyqTLKnY5EEuv_GRhvYrn0_GLWqjfIimYttT56eIJK5Z8RkB/s320/20170831_174101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVCJae-Pz6MWI5pSjSBzohziivjL4fO3HDgVsNMgvoMBpC8gk6zOVzoyDociqe6oJk937HRwsamy2r2VwLtmrVV-TaI_xSwTEGfy7zVAIqRb7PJ9w-V6A-_MqMTNC8TN3Dzpt0PpiOQfY/s1600/20170831_184508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVCJae-Pz6MWI5pSjSBzohziivjL4fO3HDgVsNMgvoMBpC8gk6zOVzoyDociqe6oJk937HRwsamy2r2VwLtmrVV-TaI_xSwTEGfy7zVAIqRb7PJ9w-V6A-_MqMTNC8TN3Dzpt0PpiOQfY/s320/20170831_184508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5crq8vvmBqrxS49Ia9Ya6hWUjrbjix6ZYqROs5oqV7mp8eneXhXMJgD7BM3o0k0IvO_djjR38ItjnssWslvkjnWw-R4bl4K2h5EawKNZkBmf-OPgaq5nXNFHuzyDZ8MVyPBBM29mwUiH3/s1600/20170901_180058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5crq8vvmBqrxS49Ia9Ya6hWUjrbjix6ZYqROs5oqV7mp8eneXhXMJgD7BM3o0k0IvO_djjR38ItjnssWslvkjnWw-R4bl4K2h5EawKNZkBmf-OPgaq5nXNFHuzyDZ8MVyPBBM29mwUiH3/s400/20170901_180058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrflGn7DsE22fjQO79KYRhP8-uFwB38CwVt-38WbHOLkIZw8VaX0JF6nxO6ICNQSLv7BlKhUJnetfMnyRZBkDissx11DhrVK24p-tiXTED2ZUETpLWvIs92aHL3QbOB2f_Zn1uNjPejf3Y/s1600/20170902_181107_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrflGn7DsE22fjQO79KYRhP8-uFwB38CwVt-38WbHOLkIZw8VaX0JF6nxO6ICNQSLv7BlKhUJnetfMnyRZBkDissx11DhrVK24p-tiXTED2ZUETpLWvIs92aHL3QbOB2f_Zn1uNjPejf3Y/s640/20170902_181107_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7W-bfiYu8ICfhmVmhOh69su_Ypg9TlLcWacGP1x55oGpWWttzrvYkDf05yliXwcNJVO_ZKcLWMi1fdSIsgd9nBTwrTU2_pLLFf1GFzvj2wQRm6jHKLkRNAWK8E0y7pZVYXhhTX_jKnj-/s1600/20170904_182447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7W-bfiYu8ICfhmVmhOh69su_Ypg9TlLcWacGP1x55oGpWWttzrvYkDf05yliXwcNJVO_ZKcLWMi1fdSIsgd9nBTwrTU2_pLLFf1GFzvj2wQRm6jHKLkRNAWK8E0y7pZVYXhhTX_jKnj-/s320/20170904_182447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRvNmIxqV1ZWHSShQxShLCx59P4F6Bj39PQOKMVJYSqZ9ACWoXpw_hBweRAj4n07PpWkgdoCR4fuUbPGcSSM7jxtj7m54CZpWy9L-nDAtH6leTwYCUOHdro-MhIzY6AFyoB3cuznCkCHK/s1600/20170905_183227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRvNmIxqV1ZWHSShQxShLCx59P4F6Bj39PQOKMVJYSqZ9ACWoXpw_hBweRAj4n07PpWkgdoCR4fuUbPGcSSM7jxtj7m54CZpWy9L-nDAtH6leTwYCUOHdro-MhIzY6AFyoB3cuznCkCHK/s320/20170905_183227.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S0-HgdvawRcdo9nnxC3oCIOoWM6pS_goPm26SvgndhMjLXV8zhpi1sKDbqAfT0jF3-imFGAmkrURZ5yICYEmqFpKqah5fza8rOnQLnfxrItVTomk6WDEk0jfaWv2NhH1EbeTc1-ATPw6/s1600/20170906_183114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S0-HgdvawRcdo9nnxC3oCIOoWM6pS_goPm26SvgndhMjLXV8zhpi1sKDbqAfT0jF3-imFGAmkrURZ5yICYEmqFpKqah5fza8rOnQLnfxrItVTomk6WDEk0jfaWv2NhH1EbeTc1-ATPw6/s320/20170906_183114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKErizWL4qE2lO5Mm4juhNxL7XIH7tfHj1PftCbe8bkHQ9_90DW7MPgwi_Fy0KVAxzY7IXaVrNDsyuuBF12K2kqtVofaOXIEwQ77eZ2hjBDRM-FPUMMzx_u4mNSKPzf2nrwYPDW7dfal4b/s1600/20170907_183038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKErizWL4qE2lO5Mm4juhNxL7XIH7tfHj1PftCbe8bkHQ9_90DW7MPgwi_Fy0KVAxzY7IXaVrNDsyuuBF12K2kqtVofaOXIEwQ77eZ2hjBDRM-FPUMMzx_u4mNSKPzf2nrwYPDW7dfal4b/s320/20170907_183038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV2gq0cvEF7aYHxNQPBdbNAaOYp25RPZ5W0ZZfB2C4hAczi4ld_ykBcsHHJfopdw-ha13YokOwz-Dah4AcWYRVXPzo6nPdJd2Z8_iF_NRoQAVKVqq2W72PPHz8GgqhUvQXVUGBYuc5G4I/s1600/20170907_184612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV2gq0cvEF7aYHxNQPBdbNAaOYp25RPZ5W0ZZfB2C4hAczi4ld_ykBcsHHJfopdw-ha13YokOwz-Dah4AcWYRVXPzo6nPdJd2Z8_iF_NRoQAVKVqq2W72PPHz8GgqhUvQXVUGBYuc5G4I/s400/20170907_184612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WDtLbklI5fJtg_WyUINsVQUdJVU7tnwH4U6WGSW0E_6w6d8mrqdiHr5_466-LGb59wtNriW9REnpGD0h7gXiDvoxvNP8viM3xbWUF8_xxC2lzqnjhpwuvEWiBR8dV1Yc-y48-Cigykjr/s1600/20170907_184624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WDtLbklI5fJtg_WyUINsVQUdJVU7tnwH4U6WGSW0E_6w6d8mrqdiHr5_466-LGb59wtNriW9REnpGD0h7gXiDvoxvNP8viM3xbWUF8_xxC2lzqnjhpwuvEWiBR8dV1Yc-y48-Cigykjr/s640/20170907_184624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>The Permanence of
Dye</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dye has a sense of
permanence</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It changes
unchanging</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The transformation
cannot be undone</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have been Thai
dyed</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Forever changed</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yet the colors
disappeared into the skin</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
lingering just below
the surface</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where I can no
longer see them</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is left</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is a lingering
sadness</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
a mourning for the
colors that once were</div>
<br />
<br />
LFWUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-54637837441647591142018-04-11T15:59:00.000-04:002018-04-11T16:02:01.468-04:00The Last Thing She Ever DidIt has been a struggle to get myself back to writing since returning home. I've started and stopped this post several times. But it has also been hanging over me as a bit of unfinished business. So...<br />
<br />
Sept. 2017<br />
<br />
After the kids left, we began our litany of "lasts." My last mass at St. Nikolaus revealed the newly completed renovation. Everything was shiny and new - the wood had been refinished, broken pieces had been replaced, and the accents had received a fresh coat of gold paint. The crucifix was now accentuated by a beautiful, shiny copper background and new accent lighting. White flowers adorned the altar in anticipation of the feast day celebration. Booklets were shared that told the history of the church and its patron saint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d0vMVm643F4N5w0pl25OJiG9mIAjVV4InrUm6KqcJU3pIXJfhzCkq3wEaeO2gX9uFVb3_UVU8QtQoh6fyMXXouSy75pvX2Q1td3SD4GXDbMY55U6roh6puKRqQ0QDGIuCEM3EfGmIniV/s1600/20170909_175405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d0vMVm643F4N5w0pl25OJiG9mIAjVV4InrUm6KqcJU3pIXJfhzCkq3wEaeO2gX9uFVb3_UVU8QtQoh6fyMXXouSy75pvX2Q1td3SD4GXDbMY55U6roh6puKRqQ0QDGIuCEM3EfGmIniV/s400/20170909_175405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzquBLTiczCkIvrQvcZzubBz-6IjlMfqoiGXrqCrVo1GrbpptWOaWX7fhtH7w9t1XAYQVidKobZx-faCrla4K1o-GkslwIepznuYaIdYf-gl8H8SlE_qVlRO3TWsbKsTaIkm17TVK6b-PA/s1600/20170909_175522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="693" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzquBLTiczCkIvrQvcZzubBz-6IjlMfqoiGXrqCrVo1GrbpptWOaWX7fhtH7w9t1XAYQVidKobZx-faCrla4K1o-GkslwIepznuYaIdYf-gl8H8SlE_qVlRO3TWsbKsTaIkm17TVK6b-PA/s320/20170909_175522.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I quietly celebrated my last birthday in Thailand. Tim got me a huge bouquet of flowers, and K. Mick and K. June gave me a beautiful elephant set, something I will treasure as a reminder of these lovely people who came to be like family to us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4oZj4foQT9V9FJKMhUNUseXIxDER2PukTPKOkVAp3ByE119nDv3qCQqVA2yetPi4VNcw8W-eG3wuEsIblkLGYxZQWHb0akx7XCfEsSxd0WFumkkwOXxXS1hOH3udapAf3BTlclxsSs7A/s1600/20170919_094139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4oZj4foQT9V9FJKMhUNUseXIxDER2PukTPKOkVAp3ByE119nDv3qCQqVA2yetPi4VNcw8W-eG3wuEsIblkLGYxZQWHb0akx7XCfEsSxd0WFumkkwOXxXS1hOH3udapAf3BTlclxsSs7A/s400/20170919_094139.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt_yBVA97ntR-bMrzOG8hkkgLW2fbteJM4NkwKo84asMGLIPOte6_1WB8HzRaXFVAjAmAO6kVRKwv9I0oNNuMaYbNijiZlpTrgoiq1qpzJ5Q6LZs4tXUjan3ZSQAPKcM2fipPJHcz8Pf5/s1600/20170917_114628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt_yBVA97ntR-bMrzOG8hkkgLW2fbteJM4NkwKo84asMGLIPOte6_1WB8HzRaXFVAjAmAO6kVRKwv9I0oNNuMaYbNijiZlpTrgoiq1qpzJ5Q6LZs4tXUjan3ZSQAPKcM2fipPJHcz8Pf5/s640/20170917_114628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueiVW1lbxPru6ytmDz9AjoWqL_sQ9NE-cSi65O-G9EbfHbkaw7pBuCQ_pVBSjyeLOqU7CqKHBlc0GkQs6LdLgLYkQhhjv3C9ugfoE3GNF0ZfYAxrCh0efeBC34nfZwG0uQEAwSpq5DVRl/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueiVW1lbxPru6ytmDz9AjoWqL_sQ9NE-cSi65O-G9EbfHbkaw7pBuCQ_pVBSjyeLOqU7CqKHBlc0GkQs6LdLgLYkQhhjv3C9ugfoE3GNF0ZfYAxrCh0efeBC34nfZwG0uQEAwSpq5DVRl/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my last birthday with this lovely backdrop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mika and I had our last lunch out together at A' La Campagne restaurant on south Sukhumvit Rd. We tried a couple of different times to go there, but something always came up. It's a charming place with extensive grounds and several amenities, like a tea shop, souvenir shop and bakery. We had a lovely lunch, and tried not to think about this being the "last." Mika had become a very dear friend, and was a big part of the reason my time in Thailand was so precious to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwafgBOt9E2sG0_03DQ9IasMiY9ctv69L0fG_e3AxevAo6J8aubGUuXbbwQ-ISUIplLBvfx0ylce5KGXW8B4tg301gDXlDiIp_kgMeQilNG-8uVgWZlroa_HqsjoGZKPuyhi92L1MPkic/s1600/20170920_115223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwafgBOt9E2sG0_03DQ9IasMiY9ctv69L0fG_e3AxevAo6J8aubGUuXbbwQ-ISUIplLBvfx0ylce5KGXW8B4tg301gDXlDiIp_kgMeQilNG-8uVgWZlroa_HqsjoGZKPuyhi92L1MPkic/s400/20170920_115223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw4Rw1VYM8rvyzPuMDFby4CIYDQbvAuL_rtIK4k5Dxq0N-H6nUbUvhFz9aBIHPVnehJALuir-rQpS4ikDm3tWJXFLRUrR4mDTvAwPnEaR366TLldTHp2_QWXW0PTEmItE9U1mCUwylP2B/s1600/20170920_115306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw4Rw1VYM8rvyzPuMDFby4CIYDQbvAuL_rtIK4k5Dxq0N-H6nUbUvhFz9aBIHPVnehJALuir-rQpS4ikDm3tWJXFLRUrR4mDTvAwPnEaR366TLldTHp2_QWXW0PTEmItE9U1mCUwylP2B/s320/20170920_115306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY7Kus50pOidSP0gbx9zx2_HTS5bbK7U0kXP80VCToqj0wumuLyBSsMrINyCuagFEaC1Zw4hac77sQc61BYVdxyxuevKum7OWvAYcYtYlhnXRLm4TycYiODmf3oY-nWHhU8HFvngSTEcf/s1600/20170920_123554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY7Kus50pOidSP0gbx9zx2_HTS5bbK7U0kXP80VCToqj0wumuLyBSsMrINyCuagFEaC1Zw4hac77sQc61BYVdxyxuevKum7OWvAYcYtYlhnXRLm4TycYiODmf3oY-nWHhU8HFvngSTEcf/s400/20170920_123554.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GAJRnJy-VoiCJMEJIYSjs1Dfli1J4bNvmeh3vKLkxI7MTxRL0UvIGnnSo_vzAFvMHEM_isoF9CBBPrRJQXq7Fkxc6ViVVbw-JSOm-nyCDYbhufO-w0AygTxk0RwwrXh7j1PB2via5VJ7/s1600/20170920_130313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GAJRnJy-VoiCJMEJIYSjs1Dfli1J4bNvmeh3vKLkxI7MTxRL0UvIGnnSo_vzAFvMHEM_isoF9CBBPrRJQXq7Fkxc6ViVVbw-JSOm-nyCDYbhufO-w0AygTxk0RwwrXh7j1PB2via5VJ7/s320/20170920_130313.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the courtyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had my last lesson with my Thai teacher, K. Ded. I wanted to buy him lunch for our last day, so we met at Wooden Box restaurant. Not the best choice in hindsight - it was noisy, and he didn't order anything to eat. It was hard to say goodbye to this lovely, gentle soul, who was patient and kind and always ready to share a laugh. I hope many more people are as lucky as I was, to be able to study with this fine teacher. Kawp Koon Mak Mak!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TuVC07pYgw3ber-O0o1GcvTwWoRGlTSV_wuYtoNEYm_tRGe-QdLqdKyv034srJ_7dTOTUQpwkHkZ2tswDvNwxbxmIFfkEjtWHyXRc78NF3PxLNPnePCQdW6xk5rWG7b66SB7meFwWKjR/s1600/20170922_134105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="950" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TuVC07pYgw3ber-O0o1GcvTwWoRGlTSV_wuYtoNEYm_tRGe-QdLqdKyv034srJ_7dTOTUQpwkHkZ2tswDvNwxbxmIFfkEjtWHyXRc78NF3PxLNPnePCQdW6xk5rWG7b66SB7meFwWKjR/s320/20170922_134105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bPu-jzPL1aZ0_lmMlZthNv5EuP0O08mGPiofppjO-m4cYCkz0_524piXl4cJMaIoGaee3xJT7FM_vF6QyQx7jgG4c-S8clGIR5EZKLo1dstkfwzrIqwmD5nTRjxsfVS9ppXhMV2ygj2W/s1600/20170923_155907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="691" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bPu-jzPL1aZ0_lmMlZthNv5EuP0O08mGPiofppjO-m4cYCkz0_524piXl4cJMaIoGaee3xJT7FM_vF6QyQx7jgG4c-S8clGIR5EZKLo1dstkfwzrIqwmD5nTRjxsfVS9ppXhMV2ygj2W/s400/20170923_155907.jpg" width="303" /></a>We stopped into our tailor/friends' shop to say goodbye to them. K. Noi and K. Muu were also gentle and kind souls. They were always so patient with me when I tried to speak Thai with them. And they always did such fine work, making shirts and capris, and a dress that I wore to my nephew's wedding. They were so sweet to give us a little going-away gift - a tie for Tim and a handmade scarf for me. I wish them much success in their business.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU0eCyDdI1hT7t-q05ta2YIfNbiLHCt5sHuhUVAaf5HTpaYBPOEK1JfYAbhmCNj9LWjTjCNHgh1PsSnvLCyjzRYEFn_vygvriSxbs0UGA27oP-ztTsypjNq45RN2FFPjZ5YycA-vq8Tsk/s1600/20170923_153637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU0eCyDdI1hT7t-q05ta2YIfNbiLHCt5sHuhUVAaf5HTpaYBPOEK1JfYAbhmCNj9LWjTjCNHgh1PsSnvLCyjzRYEFn_vygvriSxbs0UGA27oP-ztTsypjNq45RN2FFPjZ5YycA-vq8Tsk/s320/20170923_153637.jpg" width="267" /></a>We visited our favorite tea shop friends, K. Lita and K. Vee. Their shop,<a href="https://tea-village.com/en/"> Tea Village</a>, was always a stop when we had visitors in town, a charming, surprising oasis of solitude in a busy city. Vee had just returned from his long visit home to Russia. We were happy we were able to see him again before we left. We ordered some tea and teacups to be sent home for gifts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We hosted one more dinner with friends at the Royal Thai Garden resort, the western-style buffet restaurant with the roving mariachi band from the Philippines! We were graced with the presence of K. Lita, K. Vee, Mika, Maki and Momo, K. Mick and K. June, and a family who had recently arrived in Pattaya from Vietnam: Minh, Anh and Dora. We had a very nice time, and I couldn't help getting weepy when the mariachi band came over to play for us. Promises to stay in touch were made, and we parted ways.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN51TKdi4-6vHP1k-RD9y_Jsu_RWeP40pddIcHjxIcm4oNwU4_2pkA53lUQfOJ_bLuzMj8f9y2tM34MCK1CDRZykFVtrKJvCaGoigz7vTJXLOoK9DoAqxXCJ96KgTCm8QHByO0RZCWDgHa/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN51TKdi4-6vHP1k-RD9y_Jsu_RWeP40pddIcHjxIcm4oNwU4_2pkA53lUQfOJ_bLuzMj8f9y2tM34MCK1CDRZykFVtrKJvCaGoigz7vTJXLOoK9DoAqxXCJ96KgTCm8QHByO0RZCWDgHa/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7RhR1Lvn8HNJVNGjki1HjtFJhtIcaET_6hthAi0fD__xgzO6xzn017Np_isGr0zEjvoetPL2Nrtxs3aL6moEBoXg4XkTx9cyXAWpZ4K-U8Bz8bxmCmdhZnK2vbAA-oHZAqZanBSJV3I4/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7RhR1Lvn8HNJVNGjki1HjtFJhtIcaET_6hthAi0fD__xgzO6xzn017Np_isGr0zEjvoetPL2Nrtxs3aL6moEBoXg4XkTx9cyXAWpZ4K-U8Bz8bxmCmdhZnK2vbAA-oHZAqZanBSJV3I4/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb6yQXl7xnYqsdI38X2ArC4dm1ELnmTFBPH62ZafUiSyhO5JRJqoC9BuO-kPlFriW8ws9sjJ4aoCS4G4toRRRUzL0WpdMaN8IwZa39VWiyQUCol2TlD8NUcgkbwCwHkIo_C8HUxPzM2At/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb6yQXl7xnYqsdI38X2ArC4dm1ELnmTFBPH62ZafUiSyhO5JRJqoC9BuO-kPlFriW8ws9sjJ4aoCS4G4toRRRUzL0WpdMaN8IwZa39VWiyQUCol2TlD8NUcgkbwCwHkIo_C8HUxPzM2At/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K. Mick and K. June</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCWIB9FlyT78tRMQ8cPcygoPAFPsFMBaOmHHuoF3ycXEBjokIuC95lSsWEOb0LmokQsMHOlfJmvbwkEUf3CgrlsXvGPD9hzt0jembuV4ovkCpXOzy4KTTq2m_Go8uxcrLNw8evRiLpDQZ/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCWIB9FlyT78tRMQ8cPcygoPAFPsFMBaOmHHuoF3ycXEBjokIuC95lSsWEOb0LmokQsMHOlfJmvbwkEUf3CgrlsXvGPD9hzt0jembuV4ovkCpXOzy4KTTq2m_Go8uxcrLNw8evRiLpDQZ/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K. Vee and K. Lita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TEYHR0IDOoYEd6zM9_vsgITGEGQuvIuHxa-di-oMITHuSWn75Wf0jkWytNa03XtDY4vc7-cMZfLnwzrsRaYq3Z-IEfV7NcqBu-_p_mg4uh_sNFqiuGz_G68WRVgqpfhLXgAEsIH9FXLl/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TEYHR0IDOoYEd6zM9_vsgITGEGQuvIuHxa-di-oMITHuSWn75Wf0jkWytNa03XtDY4vc7-cMZfLnwzrsRaYq3Z-IEfV7NcqBu-_p_mg4uh_sNFqiuGz_G68WRVgqpfhLXgAEsIH9FXLl/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Muramatsu family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA5MsdrSmTHbaSgbdF-huLaKAvTeasNBMe1SUxXm_u7R394Qaa3r8FXM6iWX6vGcmf-Z1CwSxWFQ2Vimo9GIxHQNbYe0VtXwf2bvsW1COULLkMCD-ky6mHAmaCguKXn3SmOFhhikntGU4/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA5MsdrSmTHbaSgbdF-huLaKAvTeasNBMe1SUxXm_u7R394Qaa3r8FXM6iWX6vGcmf-Z1CwSxWFQ2Vimo9GIxHQNbYe0VtXwf2bvsW1COULLkMCD-ky6mHAmaCguKXn3SmOFhhikntGU4/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anh, Minh and Dora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEkqX8qf_sX63BatIiT1Pln9z6dE9zESrdUwdwaF9PBj5eO2zXTf3hBC-9gwdxCilaLdAJSjU_envaZ1M0v-_ij4HY2bNNWshBVsW9tb1nSwZqkqTr9t9MQRjApQRfBvfojloXWsQWWpc/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEkqX8qf_sX63BatIiT1Pln9z6dE9zESrdUwdwaF9PBj5eO2zXTf3hBC-9gwdxCilaLdAJSjU_envaZ1M0v-_ij4HY2bNNWshBVsW9tb1nSwZqkqTr9t9MQRjApQRfBvfojloXWsQWWpc/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9tYyHYgPKazX33ulvGvk1TH71K64leamspwfHdl1CPDlaEd9g2f_gDtf4-03ppPSgXsTIIC6MEeUDuoriOVUbue3gojxnObIp3xG0rjW7r7MQJUtSFe2TuhrRpYrTYVFmciXoEVukApR/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9tYyHYgPKazX33ulvGvk1TH71K64leamspwfHdl1CPDlaEd9g2f_gDtf4-03ppPSgXsTIIC6MEeUDuoriOVUbue3gojxnObIp3xG0rjW7r7MQJUtSFe2TuhrRpYrTYVFmciXoEVukApR/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3CpqBAlQiuQKq_c9iNGGDBcHahqDg9VXPZoTrZSyAdXOWHnQEeS40Q4WEbFHb45SBzCBI1biaQdfI7sMwu7gWJfEEVEP4N7H0bjEQpSG1pS_z-N5BRVqr1nclVDXOD4uw3HyoEAoDDfs/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3CpqBAlQiuQKq_c9iNGGDBcHahqDg9VXPZoTrZSyAdXOWHnQEeS40Q4WEbFHb45SBzCBI1biaQdfI7sMwu7gWJfEEVEP4N7H0bjEQpSG1pS_z-N5BRVqr1nclVDXOD4uw3HyoEAoDDfs/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the lovely ladies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On our last weekend, we made our usual visit down to the beautifully-landscaped poolside at our condo. A bunch of bananas hung under the shade of the massive banana leaves. A perfect lotus at one side caught my attention. It was the most perfect example of the iconic flower I had seen since we arrived. It felt like a final blessing being bestowed upon us before our departure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4Hk7ODist7WKL5rppp_kQuKN3uOMNa6Ia6MMY0DhyphenhyphenDyi7M77IasFksFQYVHUeBQfOWLIU-Nks9ZSCLIy-UEElqWaqc5Y3mFYgRF2PKcWrZMcdnjl7wsy337SEtrporcV5_Oj2SpAA9E6/s1600/20170924_121457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4Hk7ODist7WKL5rppp_kQuKN3uOMNa6Ia6MMY0DhyphenhyphenDyi7M77IasFksFQYVHUeBQfOWLIU-Nks9ZSCLIy-UEElqWaqc5Y3mFYgRF2PKcWrZMcdnjl7wsy337SEtrporcV5_Oj2SpAA9E6/s320/20170924_121457.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabYyZcJRj3MiWDVwWpQ1yaA5nCAcb2PbdsWYuYpFHGlP4Cx8XAM8g0flQ5ZsjelpbICqUDeuL1sQo0bcw2YWl4W3TX6q17YIEWAOH6aqAMkqIf1qVfFwKpy8LCUCUxI_iG3a53Vw9Aanr/s1600/20170924_121332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabYyZcJRj3MiWDVwWpQ1yaA5nCAcb2PbdsWYuYpFHGlP4Cx8XAM8g0flQ5ZsjelpbICqUDeuL1sQo0bcw2YWl4W3TX6q17YIEWAOH6aqAMkqIf1qVfFwKpy8LCUCUxI_iG3a53Vw9Aanr/s320/20170924_121332.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzTKrcqQ1-csxHTLcFWUL6n2lp7IpSPify-2qsp37-3IPg_gCJfvi6mgUUKreFhvUgOsWsaYCebpZwE0shMwp4iZMb20vI7Ee-vjJFsSoJlRKRrPS3YbCl9e6lg2cOmzBAoZwiA64B1Jj/s1600/20170924_121400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzTKrcqQ1-csxHTLcFWUL6n2lp7IpSPify-2qsp37-3IPg_gCJfvi6mgUUKreFhvUgOsWsaYCebpZwE0shMwp4iZMb20vI7Ee-vjJFsSoJlRKRrPS3YbCl9e6lg2cOmzBAoZwiA64B1Jj/s640/20170924_121400.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The packers arrived and quickly and efficiently packed up all our belongings that would be coming back to the states with us. They were done in just a few hours. We had cartloads of stuff we were leaving with K. Mick and K. June. They had already taken our plants, and I knew they were going to be better cared for than when they were with us. We also had some stuff to donate to the Hand to Hand Foundation in Pattaya, a Christian organization that cares for children and the poor in many different ways.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gFXFy1hYXmfuBn3yoL-y571vBYtEel-Td-im2rGSToc5_xzN84jHUB1y8xZ3dELkr5jjaVYMq4x4S9HBMxDEfIS68LYbSzJXkjzahw1CiMvmcRq2xc3MWlWYlzzMhoMeuP-mpZxIh8_E/s1600/20170925_104437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gFXFy1hYXmfuBn3yoL-y571vBYtEel-Td-im2rGSToc5_xzN84jHUB1y8xZ3dELkr5jjaVYMq4x4S9HBMxDEfIS68LYbSzJXkjzahw1CiMvmcRq2xc3MWlWYlzzMhoMeuP-mpZxIh8_E/s320/20170925_104437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVNbErQYaXf6lppmrpRy5P8saxNG4UyxO4sV27opPcy_x73rrW6hXDg2jP7L0V_eQPFwazho7vagMvOig7zINQ6t8CQ-fhkA6VtZb4gNtWU_yhRadCf-NLApNwns8KgPu41krvSa5GxF5/s1600/20170925_104443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVNbErQYaXf6lppmrpRy5P8saxNG4UyxO4sV27opPcy_x73rrW6hXDg2jP7L0V_eQPFwazho7vagMvOig7zINQ6t8CQ-fhkA6VtZb4gNtWU_yhRadCf-NLApNwns8KgPu41krvSa5GxF5/s320/20170925_104443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKOPpz0SdjIlyYk9S5TxQc-T7oPFdFpzR9vlJ1vBt9oC1KJcLL1atukRR4IPruNat6v1xGLyXoKHBBt8cH16nMh6esVqdRuvk8nI6T-iDTVgnUkntLr_csuauT_GxfJywqfoNFqMYfE08/s1600/20170925_120903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKOPpz0SdjIlyYk9S5TxQc-T7oPFdFpzR9vlJ1vBt9oC1KJcLL1atukRR4IPruNat6v1xGLyXoKHBBt8cH16nMh6esVqdRuvk8nI6T-iDTVgnUkntLr_csuauT_GxfJywqfoNFqMYfE08/s320/20170925_120903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3gk50Ck5mtWjG3EgSwFFZHxLqV6knJPNkyq2cq38cDWtPbBY6jhS_e07LwdJslpSV0dbHdvzK8HWxKEC_Hsbaqlo9qwhsh0cj3MatTnM1wn7_DiDZL3JQ_q6M2MHe2ld_L60KUDIxf4p/s1600/20170925_120913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3gk50Ck5mtWjG3EgSwFFZHxLqV6knJPNkyq2cq38cDWtPbBY6jhS_e07LwdJslpSV0dbHdvzK8HWxKEC_Hsbaqlo9qwhsh0cj3MatTnM1wn7_DiDZL3JQ_q6M2MHe2ld_L60KUDIxf4p/s400/20170925_120913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once all of our things were gone, we did some final cleanup, then K. Mick drove us over to the Holiday Inn, where we would spend our final night in Pattaya. It was lovely to see some the nice people who took care of us when we first arrived in Pattaya there. Some even remembered us from three years before!<br />
<br />
The next morning we had our final walk-through in our condo - it was quick and painless, and we said goodbye to K. Jek, the condo manager who was always so kind to us. We said our good-bye to K. Somchai, the ever-present security guard who was stingy his smiles. It was quite uncharacteristic of Thais not to smile, but it made the few smiles we did get, like the one today, all that more precious.<br />
<br />
Mika came by the Holiday Inn to squeeze in one more visit - we had drinks and chatted in the lobby, then had the dreaded last, tearful goodbye.<br />
<br />
Late that night, K. Mick and K. June drove us to the airport for the last time. Instead of dropping us at the door as usual, they parked the car and walked in with us. It was a lovely gesture. They stood with us as we waited to check in, then walked us to immigration, where we said a very difficult good-bye to these two dear people who cared for us like we were one of their own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ22PpfNSJ528IOJ4mf7a5mSOUMkWigv684sNfArS8SkTM5fDM6YiF3FpXcSy5GpxnMUH03bQmfmxVcZ9W_BeICZVfwnFPqm9JohExQ9AVCMqensv5QJxCZeaAUW53O-jXGicjj-ycUu8/s1600/2017.09.27SuvarnhabumiDeparture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ22PpfNSJ528IOJ4mf7a5mSOUMkWigv684sNfArS8SkTM5fDM6YiF3FpXcSy5GpxnMUH03bQmfmxVcZ9W_BeICZVfwnFPqm9JohExQ9AVCMqensv5QJxCZeaAUW53O-jXGicjj-ycUu8/s400/2017.09.27SuvarnhabumiDeparture1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We passed by the giants standing guard over the airport, and the now familiar sculpture that depicts a great tug-of-war by demons and gods, using the massive, three-headed serpent, to churn "the ocean of milk," and uncover the nectar of immortality. Vishnu balances atop a lotus at the center. Such startling beauty in a country of startling beauty, the final taste of Thai culture to end a startlingly-quick three-year adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9746mCIfGXP3cOjTM4xITQVsX1NtE6EnOjTLT8m7Lu9775PY3V05sasBmOv1XeGt0GEthg1GoXr2KM_0TgCr5O_Rtwn6tjEhgLzeX8Q1shMMPhp9ueIyGEBRrfxLgZlI2sIqgbZOS0EaG/s1600/Suvarnabhumi_Airport%252C_Bangkok+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1065" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9746mCIfGXP3cOjTM4xITQVsX1NtE6EnOjTLT8m7Lu9775PY3V05sasBmOv1XeGt0GEthg1GoXr2KM_0TgCr5O_Rtwn6tjEhgLzeX8Q1shMMPhp9ueIyGEBRrfxLgZlI2sIqgbZOS0EaG/s640/Suvarnabhumi_Airport%252C_Bangkok+statue.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-73869595895278048252017-12-05T15:21:00.000-05:002017-12-05T15:22:55.060-05:00Return to Paradise - Hok. Sed Laow.September 5-6, 2017<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHR0Atq77Qr5KY9JsEd3W4pcncr3v6oIWyUEZTxj1-HMDZW6q9k-o3oayGlCdqqLjAspBxaFRYIHBAvmXDOqeVEvTcyDNZ69CJAlC3rIMVNCI1RLDUq4u5xDCfYnmM2qAAmO_765UCrih/s1600/IMG_8118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHR0Atq77Qr5KY9JsEd3W4pcncr3v6oIWyUEZTxj1-HMDZW6q9k-o3oayGlCdqqLjAspBxaFRYIHBAvmXDOqeVEvTcyDNZ69CJAlC3rIMVNCI1RLDUq4u5xDCfYnmM2qAAmO_765UCrih/s320/IMG_8118.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobody gets out of here without playing Chinese checkers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ted, Hiustyn, Tim and I packed our bags and bid farewell to Pattaya as we headed to Bangkok. The crew in Chiang Mai would be returning to Bangkok in the evening, and we wanted to spend our last night together. On the way to Bangkok, we stopped at Suvarnabhumi Airport to see if Ted and Hiustyn could get seat assignments for their flight, as they were unable to do so online. We hustled in to the customer service counter, but no one was able to help. We hurried back out to the car, and K. Mick dropped us at the Best Western Premier Amaranth hotel, which would serve as our rendezvous point. It was fairly close to the airport, and provided free airport shuttle service for our travelers' early morning flights.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghom4nmb4XAJaywaOHXacwEJ6eiplg_Okk_yyeitsBk9KloEFeMAKVhD8ybnNhB_22QQoyYoNT-bas27fMe1Y_TWs7d9rOFywHeT8QpMo2q74-Z5za0eQpuhiJRMjuT3l33FIrbLcSN9VU/s1600/IMG_20170904_220930623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghom4nmb4XAJaywaOHXacwEJ6eiplg_Okk_yyeitsBk9KloEFeMAKVhD8ybnNhB_22QQoyYoNT-bas27fMe1Y_TWs7d9rOFywHeT8QpMo2q74-Z5za0eQpuhiJRMjuT3l33FIrbLcSN9VU/s320/IMG_20170904_220930623.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to leave our durians outside 😜</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u069cQGin7KZzdreEhYsVWJoACoUFVcVTTCsqMqocDfPQXsjKzjOHgEN_5g5u8OtOmExb7Bo4C_VxiAK76nIz2a0xeNbT8YAZLAwPYAFljrxhES0PLhVmG59DNkNBqdNtdJcRv1B_RN6/s1600/IMG_20170904_230613490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u069cQGin7KZzdreEhYsVWJoACoUFVcVTTCsqMqocDfPQXsjKzjOHgEN_5g5u8OtOmExb7Bo4C_VxiAK76nIz2a0xeNbT8YAZLAwPYAFljrxhES0PLhVmG59DNkNBqdNtdJcRv1B_RN6/s320/IMG_20170904_230613490.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hotel room looked down onto the roofs of an outdoor market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took a taxi into the city. Our destination was Wat Arun, a beautiful temple complex on the west side of the Chaopraya River; it was one of the few attractions in Bangkok we hadn't yet visited. I'd intended for the taxi driver to take us directly to the temple; but showing off my Thai language "skills" cost us some time and money, as the driver dropped us at a boat dock on the<i> east</i> side of the river. At first, he dropped us at the wrong pier. Luckily, it took him some time to turn his taxi around, so we were able to catch him before he left and get a lift around to the correct pier. No matter, it was a quick, inexpensive trip across, and we disembarked right at the foot of the temple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NuTki39d_roUm1nCruqcyHjxtVcSeW8L69kC9ZURCt2eiTBd1zeQoro8q1isuiacFkstPwvfCTO9KNsz1riZpS1sfZRCuWRyDvJAC7yRLOZyrMgDrVwI8ehOf2NRdSSZVAKUTjrDPA6h/s1600/IMG_20170905_002235504_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NuTki39d_roUm1nCruqcyHjxtVcSeW8L69kC9ZURCt2eiTBd1zeQoro8q1isuiacFkstPwvfCTO9KNsz1riZpS1sfZRCuWRyDvJAC7yRLOZyrMgDrVwI8ehOf2NRdSSZVAKUTjrDPA6h/s320/IMG_20170905_002235504_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MncfTt1ONityuPnfvwoWR52Xh03f7ZWr_khezi0wQFo4u6eP7UoOgUtdur-nHKCnNKqiiqd33rJd_v1ZyyOlTfGULe2xdY00_rXKwbo_o9Vd-gDukNbuHaS3mtDFQP7M3mV4-5awJYqe/s1600/IMG_20170905_002650419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MncfTt1ONityuPnfvwoWR52Xh03f7ZWr_khezi0wQFo4u6eP7UoOgUtdur-nHKCnNKqiiqd33rJd_v1ZyyOlTfGULe2xdY00_rXKwbo_o9Vd-gDukNbuHaS3mtDFQP7M3mV4-5awJYqe/s640/IMG_20170905_002650419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVlKOsKreFd0kZxlJd4rYJKB9hdIMSROzj0ww2H6nT_m7tzxgiDCypo5lH7tel7dwo6Vmcw2QT2rlgVrvF4tmp4C8zyvRmlc5hF7gIiquGTGRtpQjOyUBCOEaocRGgq1IPsNwr8UVMeh_/s1600/IMG_20170905_003835446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVlKOsKreFd0kZxlJd4rYJKB9hdIMSROzj0ww2H6nT_m7tzxgiDCypo5lH7tel7dwo6Vmcw2QT2rlgVrvF4tmp4C8zyvRmlc5hF7gIiquGTGRtpQjOyUBCOEaocRGgq1IPsNwr8UVMeh_/s320/IMG_20170905_003835446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerc-LcQLKhxhWBZIvchmWYAR3fmrDUs6fGJpCKewsRzCRyu-Z8L7ARy8A-NLzl-wrttk5wLLvgcg_i9z8prBNroMYdsnYJZGwgZegc8YBJ07GdMlHYz2_eHm99anqSnNLgsY-HUcFRdSD/s1600/IMG_20170905_004849459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerc-LcQLKhxhWBZIvchmWYAR3fmrDUs6fGJpCKewsRzCRyu-Z8L7ARy8A-NLzl-wrttk5wLLvgcg_i9z8prBNroMYdsnYJZGwgZegc8YBJ07GdMlHYz2_eHm99anqSnNLgsY-HUcFRdSD/s400/IMG_20170905_004849459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many displays honoring the royal family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoK9PKL1ONLMHbrS-pGxf_BEaPA-Hh1YXeus7twwhpjd9y-6VgGILKA7RzcqT3M-qeZxwXzD6vZy3nB8ofi0arP1owPcUKiMB7bnYQEEi6ENjjHA_lAXwvxjCH-Zt-fRDcspcS9GtNE0L/s1600/IMG_20170905_005104227_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoK9PKL1ONLMHbrS-pGxf_BEaPA-Hh1YXeus7twwhpjd9y-6VgGILKA7RzcqT3M-qeZxwXzD6vZy3nB8ofi0arP1owPcUKiMB7bnYQEEi6ENjjHA_lAXwvxjCH-Zt-fRDcspcS9GtNE0L/s400/IMG_20170905_005104227_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
With a central spire of nearly 230 feet, Wat Arun is difficult to miss, towering over four corner spires at a bend on the muddy Chaopraya River. The ornate facade is breathtaking, with delicate patterns of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. We picked up our fifty-baht tickets (about $1.50 USD), and passed through the small opening leading into the temple grounds. We made sure we were properly dressed, and that we didn't "dangle any dolls." (?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1MKFNKS5EJCPV8uG29CX5WFfFe6Kw7zXCKztixTde01H1X26ely4eUd1JxGarBFE9zhgbYGDzCjXnrZbn_hnQVmpLdcVKsROMVOqQlLCGaT7ZKR0Xx_gmcTJtNtrpqS-Gd8KCEZNJ_j/s1600/20170905_145111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1MKFNKS5EJCPV8uG29CX5WFfFe6Kw7zXCKztixTde01H1X26ely4eUd1JxGarBFE9zhgbYGDzCjXnrZbn_hnQVmpLdcVKsROMVOqQlLCGaT7ZKR0Xx_gmcTJtNtrpqS-Gd8KCEZNJ_j/s400/20170905_145111.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXObRXp3L5iAljZQsfFe-zrYlkXI2T3rFfzFkg3aWjQ2pKAN-lrnAhAunhkHyxsrtwWo8qdfhUKMA78C6wt22kgd9CDaxnJ3iXRVXBrX8Wr1Z5l2-BXeW5FWt9ZK_-WmLwmDAaUzEgKtO/s1600/IMG_20170905_005518016_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXObRXp3L5iAljZQsfFe-zrYlkXI2T3rFfzFkg3aWjQ2pKAN-lrnAhAunhkHyxsrtwWo8qdfhUKMA78C6wt22kgd9CDaxnJ3iXRVXBrX8Wr1Z5l2-BXeW5FWt9ZK_-WmLwmDAaUzEgKtO/s640/IMG_20170905_005518016_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Every inch of the magnificent structure was adorned, a true feast for the eyes. This temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Chaeng, is a remnant of the Chakri dynasty. It was built before the capital was relocated to the east side of the river, and was added to by Ramas II and III. The ashes of Rama II are interred here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3OjtI028lpzSKcSQEKbvM80hqdD382rEcQKofOefU5w7FKVunJxoH8PovUPmT-uWKoBbtDAXq15hnAjIQgrpowme87Y2ZMTsAkLk-2MCKxp3sdgCm0Z0_LZkm8Qeq4q-owjkpnf8zIHe/s1600/20170905_150223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3OjtI028lpzSKcSQEKbvM80hqdD382rEcQKofOefU5w7FKVunJxoH8PovUPmT-uWKoBbtDAXq15hnAjIQgrpowme87Y2ZMTsAkLk-2MCKxp3sdgCm0Z0_LZkm8Qeq4q-owjkpnf8zIHe/s640/20170905_150223.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6GezqjTJANJR3Ir41aoaHAQShdsgfqC_N_uE57ux3r6LGAKguc2FdfjKWhoPCfOMxuUO77PF9aWduDmS5tBAf5QqOK4Jx3aLvRCcsQ7t32C4WWm0dGndrcPBpd-3FIG2CGgmZBQpVJR5/s1600/20170905_150231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6GezqjTJANJR3Ir41aoaHAQShdsgfqC_N_uE57ux3r6LGAKguc2FdfjKWhoPCfOMxuUO77PF9aWduDmS5tBAf5QqOK4Jx3aLvRCcsQ7t32C4WWm0dGndrcPBpd-3FIG2CGgmZBQpVJR5/s400/20170905_150231.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHBwA2BPqIObSazFh3ljOhVO8a7sqeSlW3oNKVs7R_pQKAwH_Tbib9uFdtECJtm1fwB5SezBFtWMCowCBCkpeLn5JVqzb8E24oUnQNFNHaCXnFeAnKGgOJXO6C1UbQtQpuRnHSOKqEjhL/s1600/IMG_20170905_005638921_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHBwA2BPqIObSazFh3ljOhVO8a7sqeSlW3oNKVs7R_pQKAwH_Tbib9uFdtECJtm1fwB5SezBFtWMCowCBCkpeLn5JVqzb8E24oUnQNFNHaCXnFeAnKGgOJXO6C1UbQtQpuRnHSOKqEjhL/s640/IMG_20170905_005638921_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVNoHmBNwDCkYMPoThgazbdi2LEjV3E2fXa1QSbzgT_VdmW3vXa-DfWHfBHKZZ63akqfr6ni35WANjTWHwtYDRgdqLYl5zPLTbzg_ZdtW7Vq6MbhbYi1-njfNb8vdlXQF5EtZyCiXPRL8/s1600/IMG_20170905_005727653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVNoHmBNwDCkYMPoThgazbdi2LEjV3E2fXa1QSbzgT_VdmW3vXa-DfWHfBHKZZ63akqfr6ni35WANjTWHwtYDRgdqLYl5zPLTbzg_ZdtW7Vq6MbhbYi1-njfNb8vdlXQF5EtZyCiXPRL8/s400/IMG_20170905_005727653.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4hGZYsFb38roAOUVZVO9fXxb6T2KH5SHP0zU6sMV-e3VapHwGd5IPVDV5IpAVxYU0JUmEbCcbkFW8J3KZDq0RtijM37j_Sj0wKXAZt5H5yDtw1vvbn7lI5FOxxx84OHTOIx8pLeANKmE/s1600/IMG_20170905_010227631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4hGZYsFb38roAOUVZVO9fXxb6T2KH5SHP0zU6sMV-e3VapHwGd5IPVDV5IpAVxYU0JUmEbCcbkFW8J3KZDq0RtijM37j_Sj0wKXAZt5H5yDtw1vvbn7lI5FOxxx84OHTOIx8pLeANKmE/s320/IMG_20170905_010227631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqvatMtQ3w3w-w3sLPtDGMjuGH3aiONCuVDtz0RNJIKC41OuYQdGA4WYT8tIi9fBR4TDDYwSZRW6QjVPMVjojLmIrodGOSiMmfil46q6YNzvldZuQq6s1XTvFW3gHKtUCID3_XG7M1m25/s1600/IMG_20170905_010307798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqvatMtQ3w3w-w3sLPtDGMjuGH3aiONCuVDtz0RNJIKC41OuYQdGA4WYT8tIi9fBR4TDDYwSZRW6QjVPMVjojLmIrodGOSiMmfil46q6YNzvldZuQq6s1XTvFW3gHKtUCID3_XG7M1m25/s320/IMG_20170905_010307798.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARdqhhuw-8WyPLO0uFmloneojo8i9zhhJPLvnZenqPcDGE91Z552cu7WYKR3L6KT3n0kMWZVkqNCaE5ib30XUdIoQ6puY8lXhOCtgzAfezbwarBC_fr6JN6wGu80NDqMtSWflyZq472nO/s1600/IMG_20170905_010330945_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARdqhhuw-8WyPLO0uFmloneojo8i9zhhJPLvnZenqPcDGE91Z552cu7WYKR3L6KT3n0kMWZVkqNCaE5ib30XUdIoQ6puY8lXhOCtgzAfezbwarBC_fr6JN6wGu80NDqMtSWflyZq472nO/s320/IMG_20170905_010330945_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLUcySCwqfdgx_QL2okQiahJ0gDdjTUXczDbgOL6EByMgdC35M-nnCepiZWYVcUaPVY5nPAfaF0yibkYIBvPKw3ZNL9kWv_puzkb0dMKiW2eg_KyVdoHCK2o3u5g1GXpSCD5wmdBOaf_n/s1600/IMG_20170905_011559918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLUcySCwqfdgx_QL2okQiahJ0gDdjTUXczDbgOL6EByMgdC35M-nnCepiZWYVcUaPVY5nPAfaF0yibkYIBvPKw3ZNL9kWv_puzkb0dMKiW2eg_KyVdoHCK2o3u5g1GXpSCD5wmdBOaf_n/s400/IMG_20170905_011559918.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtT2yXvDaN8LER1D19B9Rf38Z_yjT2tz6RIDuW4EPDR7gscUcHLQ2ypRerAVFOrxQk23YHrp9KDHhOcEuCLNWtLwgmlXqyiwK9nsK1EtqvW4-rsBV0Wx9GwYXhlCUJGwWWDSBbk0kb7B3/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtT2yXvDaN8LER1D19B9Rf38Z_yjT2tz6RIDuW4EPDR7gscUcHLQ2ypRerAVFOrxQk23YHrp9KDHhOcEuCLNWtLwgmlXqyiwK9nsK1EtqvW4-rsBV0Wx9GwYXhlCUJGwWWDSBbk0kb7B3/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULh2HyS7VaaH0x8TPT-ZjOmo_42G01oTkyvUM0TNPnhfPfKevjmflpEsNvQ5zKTg9M4fqRXmfU9MgC9WAV-LdA3QsrfCx7Mdoi4zw_dc3tq_AtV5gNbXWizG1WKIufAvIB9HAldP0epIo/s1600/IMG_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULh2HyS7VaaH0x8TPT-ZjOmo_42G01oTkyvUM0TNPnhfPfKevjmflpEsNvQ5zKTg9M4fqRXmfU9MgC9WAV-LdA3QsrfCx7Mdoi4zw_dc3tq_AtV5gNbXWizG1WKIufAvIB9HAldP0epIo/s320/IMG_2413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Steep steps up the side of the main structure allow visitors to climb onto the upper level for a lovely view of the complex and the river. We took our time strolling around the spire, then walked through the adjoining garden that was dotted with whimsical stone statues. In this garden, a second, more traditional temple was flanked by two massive guardian giants, or <i>yags</i>, common characters in Thai mythology. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhZ753mpV3QbexDVvKvX1D0BOdL6GAeLp1VTc9RkR-0FNFSkHaODem1pn23zTFEqfsNARKGGY_LhQgXiY46VPdYfPeEhmNrf9Za6AjXOKdl0MMSY3sz7dxIJFdVkz-6BB52Rx7Gd4YXtm/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhZ753mpV3QbexDVvKvX1D0BOdL6GAeLp1VTc9RkR-0FNFSkHaODem1pn23zTFEqfsNARKGGY_LhQgXiY46VPdYfPeEhmNrf9Za6AjXOKdl0MMSY3sz7dxIJFdVkz-6BB52Rx7Gd4YXtm/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswS05yhrqQEJH7neyojg4M9W5IPmnYhsGqy0RSgJx1OF8O0eUs4LHquSQrTq1UyzchdgCOz0iNdy4AVpJGn3eNrvvKjlmGOXPEXejBbhX5WAbTtjb9FLeVygiuintNkDqX8MiZ_BmmPGd/s1600/IMG_20170905_010456987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswS05yhrqQEJH7neyojg4M9W5IPmnYhsGqy0RSgJx1OF8O0eUs4LHquSQrTq1UyzchdgCOz0iNdy4AVpJGn3eNrvvKjlmGOXPEXejBbhX5WAbTtjb9FLeVygiuintNkDqX8MiZ_BmmPGd/s400/IMG_20170905_010456987.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtUHB_fT6EZh1knTA7FWrW9C8YbgKenI1z67TmrMo1xpp2T3-hRJ6FJHrAf3aU1B11w2V27Gt-1gkisfsBU3S3QFdBlEP8kuhthtDsnDdvpHsT70TQaLGwlsjt_GoacdPLg_sDSzArFWv/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtUHB_fT6EZh1knTA7FWrW9C8YbgKenI1z67TmrMo1xpp2T3-hRJ6FJHrAf3aU1B11w2V27Gt-1gkisfsBU3S3QFdBlEP8kuhthtDsnDdvpHsT70TQaLGwlsjt_GoacdPLg_sDSzArFWv/s320/IMG_2403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD-SjOaN2tPqL3Bx4sY99hs6y0WipJZ6rrhxegNzLq8EY0wI72w1wJB4EZy5L9Vc13zU8M6Su0FLB83pK1uYCcXqmhe8qp4KA41qO7cmC1D-cbXZkuTzuIBChEHE28jL4wWeQovRFRWd2/s1600/IMG_2409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD-SjOaN2tPqL3Bx4sY99hs6y0WipJZ6rrhxegNzLq8EY0wI72w1wJB4EZy5L9Vc13zU8M6Su0FLB83pK1uYCcXqmhe8qp4KA41qO7cmC1D-cbXZkuTzuIBChEHE28jL4wWeQovRFRWd2/s320/IMG_2409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjXO0gwqltRdrRKqbsbfpWgqqp35WqyaV9W8qB9MQdpMp2B-Fe7XR_UEYgEoKBlipzfjyJ9ciMWN6Edfq0VQ61roHTImE-C8cj4U9DubVG8ddfSjG6xgCTiZM2H_Ux0SP9-ikCVuNB132/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjXO0gwqltRdrRKqbsbfpWgqqp35WqyaV9W8qB9MQdpMp2B-Fe7XR_UEYgEoKBlipzfjyJ9ciMWN6Edfq0VQ61roHTImE-C8cj4U9DubVG8ddfSjG6xgCTiZM2H_Ux0SP9-ikCVuNB132/s400/IMG_2411.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roof of Wat Pho is visible across the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1GPSJth0Os5Ku8tHQds_1tGm3iomPUStEYNnaQGylfNfU56ji4eX4gn-I7AROvU2ndk08Ospcbh4sNp1tcH75_dKRTHSMfDx_sUydoFwOOBuRKy6_afKr3kWdyFljgcWVKgmPUj8tQN6/s1600/IMG_20170905_010033872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1GPSJth0Os5Ku8tHQds_1tGm3iomPUStEYNnaQGylfNfU56ji4eX4gn-I7AROvU2ndk08Ospcbh4sNp1tcH75_dKRTHSMfDx_sUydoFwOOBuRKy6_afKr3kWdyFljgcWVKgmPUj8tQN6/s320/IMG_20170905_010033872.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijF2egqohOk98XGvKDCS42KZ6q5Tb4SU6HjNe-YRnmYA-KDhTAhgLwE_-q39S-v6O63CUcm0Tt3nAhLEBvIALAsSY04MnSciEX7vpaEXjp6PyBJs37OnDrwi-kbVsVZ9HKxN1CUeRy6B_/s1600/IMG_20170905_010142217_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijF2egqohOk98XGvKDCS42KZ6q5Tb4SU6HjNe-YRnmYA-KDhTAhgLwE_-q39S-v6O63CUcm0Tt3nAhLEBvIALAsSY04MnSciEX7vpaEXjp6PyBJs37OnDrwi-kbVsVZ9HKxN1CUeRy6B_/s320/IMG_20170905_010142217_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHamtxeFDwYIUWBNeS9U5dHczErH8AkD7jVGwvz_p6xqRot2w6ziZCdVYMHVZjpOGDoExtkSrFsHvgxpX3DKoppNbjxf54aTeL-CKCEtiZgKMiyWKHilJ71JRwZd_NeXoYUkuFXs5xDEi/s1600/IMG_8031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHamtxeFDwYIUWBNeS9U5dHczErH8AkD7jVGwvz_p6xqRot2w6ziZCdVYMHVZjpOGDoExtkSrFsHvgxpX3DKoppNbjxf54aTeL-CKCEtiZgKMiyWKHilJ71JRwZd_NeXoYUkuFXs5xDEi/s400/IMG_8031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUdQuaVQyElCbXk0GpGi-6YH5GLgm4tR-cH0W60LvNLm4IgSmg-b7VWgnfrYpPljB5lz8pHfJHJ8d2F_koROIm_980Ii6G-cktpSjXek_MzLVpdnbg-CTVQN_dKsQBYmnxLY15sGXTFCO/s1600/IMG_20170905_015127271_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUdQuaVQyElCbXk0GpGi-6YH5GLgm4tR-cH0W60LvNLm4IgSmg-b7VWgnfrYpPljB5lz8pHfJHJ8d2F_koROIm_980Ii6G-cktpSjXek_MzLVpdnbg-CTVQN_dKsQBYmnxLY15sGXTFCO/s320/IMG_20170905_015127271_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu06sTASSSwUf7btrbjqtpSues3Nxb2SPK6ARncEcg-FwSZgMJZUuY_T-CH55QCtc9NNMJjUOLVasKEWLcKP6lZgVagkeVFLyEl8pfgzPuZmab3RTYUCna8cGc_rwciM4fnpfD-DWZ3vC/s1600/IMG_20170905_015137934_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu06sTASSSwUf7btrbjqtpSues3Nxb2SPK6ARncEcg-FwSZgMJZUuY_T-CH55QCtc9NNMJjUOLVasKEWLcKP6lZgVagkeVFLyEl8pfgzPuZmab3RTYUCna8cGc_rwciM4fnpfD-DWZ3vC/s640/IMG_20170905_015137934_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR5-mXhP8yvpfUG31nHYT1P6ZkCSwTdkP2Fyn4lUN2R9r6iIHm8cNjymMZGpZc-xrTm-_YAx6B_CMAhlYRp-ahI4zipA_OVndbkaOx_EBouAp9EnalayWvDsczwGGsINnpjnihb0S5voT/s1600/IMG_2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR5-mXhP8yvpfUG31nHYT1P6ZkCSwTdkP2Fyn4lUN2R9r6iIHm8cNjymMZGpZc-xrTm-_YAx6B_CMAhlYRp-ahI4zipA_OVndbkaOx_EBouAp9EnalayWvDsczwGGsINnpjnihb0S5voT/s320/IMG_2443.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSyej3H5pynplAqWblzZNY8myO_qlJjdyOs-SqsiaDnDSJOiM9zB4DVUpl_UrIn-B6jd60DeYQ2aI_OAaZDxzG05EfxmrIZ5zAKSwOozmcCCP11ipfHUNzBeqVjlC6nc_KGMBVPpINuwq/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSyej3H5pynplAqWblzZNY8myO_qlJjdyOs-SqsiaDnDSJOiM9zB4DVUpl_UrIn-B6jd60DeYQ2aI_OAaZDxzG05EfxmrIZ5zAKSwOozmcCCP11ipfHUNzBeqVjlC6nc_KGMBVPpINuwq/s320/IMG_2449.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFUbp8vbqfaMS8u94In11co-jQ__u6J6i0lUE_DGvYcJgYYNkMCtlwNDcWck7lDZdfw7ExX4yZzmfd_aGa3q1bgXgu7EH-KDl0QlhlhWLAbuP6XQCd-ykcX_lgQnaXyndO0PxWcKzDddU/s1600/IMG_20170905_012033997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFUbp8vbqfaMS8u94In11co-jQ__u6J6i0lUE_DGvYcJgYYNkMCtlwNDcWck7lDZdfw7ExX4yZzmfd_aGa3q1bgXgu7EH-KDl0QlhlhWLAbuP6XQCd-ykcX_lgQnaXyndO0PxWcKzDddU/s320/IMG_20170905_012033997.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsakjvqvRBZlDq8A57AtImKlTRA5kVqenYLRI8i4Qbjq-5tEU1UFsDEcXHF9fYzH5MzmBMrPVF21648ggCVUQ3vCDBTe8HuS5T7gNlYD-cowa60TijA1fBvcVvdZxYl3VoaEa1nHbVrFX/s1600/IMG_20170905_005739600_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsakjvqvRBZlDq8A57AtImKlTRA5kVqenYLRI8i4Qbjq-5tEU1UFsDEcXHF9fYzH5MzmBMrPVF21648ggCVUQ3vCDBTe8HuS5T7gNlYD-cowa60TijA1fBvcVvdZxYl3VoaEa1nHbVrFX/s320/IMG_20170905_005739600_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS4PWCtAejRWi362n8MI2-p64AEGG4yOJau7F9UzveUbHN3GaLrkoDwVgSC8Z96E35rtcSohSqE_HiWpqeaquLjENHKfklIgwlF1nhEa-ILMJG3hODLexC_hz5Jonn1wXytOLTi_r7zDH/s1600/IMG_20170905_011451006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS4PWCtAejRWi362n8MI2-p64AEGG4yOJau7F9UzveUbHN3GaLrkoDwVgSC8Z96E35rtcSohSqE_HiWpqeaquLjENHKfklIgwlF1nhEa-ILMJG3hODLexC_hz5Jonn1wXytOLTi_r7zDH/s320/IMG_20170905_011451006.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYSmgFD7XjXj6rgozco4dXHFkQq6cLsNv_7jU7IXP0n_BM9oZ9xCXWmCYD_6-_v-CUCA9mDfnUYm2QpYP9pc69ncHETknCwfqYLMyau0eJHd_x8R48ZgXjnWcfjiUiPSeGSDkHSDWPhmr/s1600/IMG_20170905_011759437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYSmgFD7XjXj6rgozco4dXHFkQq6cLsNv_7jU7IXP0n_BM9oZ9xCXWmCYD_6-_v-CUCA9mDfnUYm2QpYP9pc69ncHETknCwfqYLMyau0eJHd_x8R48ZgXjnWcfjiUiPSeGSDkHSDWPhmr/s320/IMG_20170905_011759437.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LiqQmoD2Xqq20-wDqydreZErVkTL7GfjE617vIjdCjnCErQIphKq2JImDs5I1bKhd8-_xrSiEKKWy2uApq0rzbiTr5iJYL-zSTJK6T4lnqYma-qW1Nz4er_SV4N8ZwZ_-SSOQx_CqLxk/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LiqQmoD2Xqq20-wDqydreZErVkTL7GfjE617vIjdCjnCErQIphKq2JImDs5I1bKhd8-_xrSiEKKWy2uApq0rzbiTr5iJYL-zSTJK6T4lnqYma-qW1Nz4er_SV4N8ZwZ_-SSOQx_CqLxk/s320/IMG_2422.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tyZr9VtkeS0NfpygBx3oHAUl2jxpXt3FkeQwQpHXgzD2jrVun8nda5qjahpN90HxuAlN6IOa4jPPr4np-aG3Ou8Q5SWg9OyVgpKUfqJHoQvT7doj_lO2FUYUdCOtJ2ijZJZLy5PBP8Jq/s1600/IMG_20170905_015614024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tyZr9VtkeS0NfpygBx3oHAUl2jxpXt3FkeQwQpHXgzD2jrVun8nda5qjahpN90HxuAlN6IOa4jPPr4np-aG3Ou8Q5SWg9OyVgpKUfqJHoQvT7doj_lO2FUYUdCOtJ2ijZJZLy5PBP8Jq/s320/IMG_20170905_015614024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> These stone statues were originally imported as ballast on ships trading with China.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwBdWf5RcMmGJ1C_dsvJfgxmasRyI_XhGwMpJ30h82zogcOWXeqFM0pO3aDvTa-ud3NPafzO6KoqaoJvZp7opOAlpUvfz9Ut0mQCI71jxlwI9vo2nkg5x-PVyWvYkWOt7tYYQHFIfyEzk/s1600/IMG_20170905_015641242_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwBdWf5RcMmGJ1C_dsvJfgxmasRyI_XhGwMpJ30h82zogcOWXeqFM0pO3aDvTa-ud3NPafzO6KoqaoJvZp7opOAlpUvfz9Ut0mQCI71jxlwI9vo2nkg5x-PVyWvYkWOt7tYYQHFIfyEzk/s320/IMG_20170905_015641242_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where did <i>he</i> come from?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WU5XMCBALEMIPfKezyJXoWG6ouZd46Nb3H_GDFuu1s-6eyEu1jUWolmMJ0UkPVoqut-FPB-qr5XuBk0IQg02I3ZWhtLxMY3kvcaPS9LuuXV7lbc7CsI0C2RmHt1O3NvkIJGMvatXUs3T/s1600/IMG_20170905_011835172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WU5XMCBALEMIPfKezyJXoWG6ouZd46Nb3H_GDFuu1s-6eyEu1jUWolmMJ0UkPVoqut-FPB-qr5XuBk0IQg02I3ZWhtLxMY3kvcaPS9LuuXV7lbc7CsI0C2RmHt1O3NvkIJGMvatXUs3T/s320/IMG_20170905_011835172.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many people think this is Buddha - it is actually Budai,<br />
(known as Hotei or Pu-Tai in other Asian cultures), a Chinese monk associated with good luck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKN258dDmTeBx0jlyCCVbwsFuJvwz8Ofx4zBL0lPor1clU3D31oRUexR-s4EVff8dNQB8dhb1kNG4Efq1Cjfii-3N9N58EVgmYSNZ3hn9U6RB8L8UW5QJDna6lohiaibw-fHHyZv5e52U/s1600/IMG_20170905_015840780_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKN258dDmTeBx0jlyCCVbwsFuJvwz8Ofx4zBL0lPor1clU3D31oRUexR-s4EVff8dNQB8dhb1kNG4Efq1Cjfii-3N9N58EVgmYSNZ3hn9U6RB8L8UW5QJDna6lohiaibw-fHHyZv5e52U/s400/IMG_20170905_015840780_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Afterward, we visited the little outdoor riverside market stalls. We bought some beautiful colored wall hangings made of water buffalo skin, and some jade-green statues.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYZd2gZ7C-J5x6asOFuFjJjh0VP8mimdNkQqY1hhT4aR9Rr03GkeNbNHR-fLkb5GwFz1o_hk6s6aoAu89fyHG1u4EFBTvCG0vMJLcF9ADDuptqXWAi_lySU8O-FUvUST1XMCeckXPHe9Q/s1600/20170905_150820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYZd2gZ7C-J5x6asOFuFjJjh0VP8mimdNkQqY1hhT4aR9Rr03GkeNbNHR-fLkb5GwFz1o_hk6s6aoAu89fyHG1u4EFBTvCG0vMJLcF9ADDuptqXWAi_lySU8O-FUvUST1XMCeckXPHe9Q/s320/20170905_150820.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some monks near the market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUxrBHuirSToSAIBzoTAB6b_hNZ3uQMcPbQyQ_uZK3wJJ2ZGsDcdmsmGa1QZtXsK4BSJw5fta-ESfaeJbIsrJeEZCGIs5vRjhoi5c2JAZ7AV3IPCG1FMC2rizMazXzv3Vl02MjYmNRjNl/s1600/IMG_2428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUxrBHuirSToSAIBzoTAB6b_hNZ3uQMcPbQyQ_uZK3wJJ2ZGsDcdmsmGa1QZtXsK4BSJw5fta-ESfaeJbIsrJeEZCGIs5vRjhoi5c2JAZ7AV3IPCG1FMC2rizMazXzv3Vl02MjYmNRjNl/s320/IMG_2428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhril8sE6zV8l1c7Gmuks54Y2bYNaCS8_D-MMBFrmuetQKO9VJl77KzupzNAvZNYTuNIZK8NQq95ALvyHIVMVLtNBaBhFaOD3l6vBDIq4TkgNBkhfe58GABxfHB7UD6AcIGwwukRCoGJBAr/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhril8sE6zV8l1c7Gmuks54Y2bYNaCS8_D-MMBFrmuetQKO9VJl77KzupzNAvZNYTuNIZK8NQq95ALvyHIVMVLtNBaBhFaOD3l6vBDIq4TkgNBkhfe58GABxfHB7UD6AcIGwwukRCoGJBAr/s400/IMG_2427.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists can try on the traditional Thai dress - for a fee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4qJ1h8qlSpjelIVFExbHyrpTiFKZdbQSLWgWGO8GHQhWMbnAVHMfU-3lgOWdy6egxXfUKWMZsrhykTpc9ShpilvZYfmEWO3TyH4MH6QdJ7dB2ArDTAODBBEE4r2hLK3OvsSq2zkt8zOt/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4qJ1h8qlSpjelIVFExbHyrpTiFKZdbQSLWgWGO8GHQhWMbnAVHMfU-3lgOWdy6egxXfUKWMZsrhykTpc9ShpilvZYfmEWO3TyH4MH6QdJ7dB2ArDTAODBBEE4r2hLK3OvsSq2zkt8zOt/s320/IMG_2425.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The waiting area for the ferry to cross back over was a bit chaotic. It seemed people had two or three different kinds of tickets, with indeterminately-marked lines for the different ferries. We were sent to wait in a side courtyard, and were entertained by watching people try to figure out where to go, and by the growing trickle of water at our feet as the river's level slowly rose.<br />
<br />
Back on the east side of the river, we looked for a place to get lunch. Chosen for it's air-conditioning, the Tha Tian store sufficed for a simple meal. We walked the streets outside the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, then wound back toward the river, passing a colorful row of waiting tuk-tuks. We took a couple of wrong turns and wound up behind a warehouse - no ferry, but a lovely view of Wat Arun across the water. We crossed an old wooden walkway to the pier where we boarded a ferry for a leisurely trip down the Chaopraya.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYe4mnQxUxt2hikcJAsjYJMwf66v26AKCZClQGodDRVFv8jV4ctCQh3zrLhyphenhyphen2HdMrWdo90XtpYQnCsDQc1wBfd3cykXWDj5DOMqtbZh0kBMEvBOcpFzLRtP3tKeGVFHj3iCvFDAa5E1nO/s1600/IMG_20170905_025532077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYe4mnQxUxt2hikcJAsjYJMwf66v26AKCZClQGodDRVFv8jV4ctCQh3zrLhyphenhyphen2HdMrWdo90XtpYQnCsDQc1wBfd3cykXWDj5DOMqtbZh0kBMEvBOcpFzLRtP3tKeGVFHj3iCvFDAa5E1nO/s640/IMG_20170905_025532077.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN3ExyKwC2sk6X5hcTBPpQW5XfpzuUU7UpTsnVN7nx29LmL33lzMP-LQbEndMX2KeRfIH149VVu-ZsM9U4eThraXerERB03fp9Krb75A3_HRLLyrSZhNmVDXk7128WVtzBRSrAYE2Q8hX/s1600/IMG_20170905_022530840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN3ExyKwC2sk6X5hcTBPpQW5XfpzuUU7UpTsnVN7nx29LmL33lzMP-LQbEndMX2KeRfIH149VVu-ZsM9U4eThraXerERB03fp9Krb75A3_HRLLyrSZhNmVDXk7128WVtzBRSrAYE2Q8hX/s320/IMG_20170905_022530840.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTM-nQK-nJtQ1LaHtOhhCwjbvWUm-714RMPVBIF0fsAfdgmNGADGJceOZdeD4E6ol3p98ygqRumd52SoOtdMmqxPLUQ9vQ7xXk1z073-seybnnx7H3VVY1ZSCK54BQepadQVOKeh8MCGz/s1600/IMG_8039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTM-nQK-nJtQ1LaHtOhhCwjbvWUm-714RMPVBIF0fsAfdgmNGADGJceOZdeD4E6ol3p98ygqRumd52SoOtdMmqxPLUQ9vQ7xXk1z073-seybnnx7H3VVY1ZSCK54BQepadQVOKeh8MCGz/s320/IMG_8039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuk-tuks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-r_c-gJYojFFdeysl5azeQ4jlGazuypToY0qVEctltTLb4aaRAD3K1xUIKjZzCDEKK1D-FfvyihwyRNc8hUhxOs2WhPQWYxh9wmyEnwBFYSx7_vZ0_WxIz2VuAAT6j9azlX3SSKol3h5/s1600/IMG_20170905_030220658_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-r_c-gJYojFFdeysl5azeQ4jlGazuypToY0qVEctltTLb4aaRAD3K1xUIKjZzCDEKK1D-FfvyihwyRNc8hUhxOs2WhPQWYxh9wmyEnwBFYSx7_vZ0_WxIz2VuAAT6j9azlX3SSKol3h5/s320/IMG_20170905_030220658_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI6N6SClPgRqJKmVUGK8HcTzGDpAPOzEPOXjSibdUbIkkLsNYCrBJ_sEXU8z4jS5z_pJ7PFiCU-FMnYAG6jaJ9BXI8UB9QL95QhEanyTsPTJoOgCJX5-U-v5kzP256VBWbwYigHK-83e3/s1600/IMG_20170905_030759198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI6N6SClPgRqJKmVUGK8HcTzGDpAPOzEPOXjSibdUbIkkLsNYCrBJ_sEXU8z4jS5z_pJ7PFiCU-FMnYAG6jaJ9BXI8UB9QL95QhEanyTsPTJoOgCJX5-U-v5kzP256VBWbwYigHK-83e3/s320/IMG_20170905_030759198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJSDy3YuZzY0F3fevenHgqu28-no-CvwkBDOhwliUBTwBBtt4-xb4Qgh5H0UNEEbViUWieMroyGSJwmCSydE0IrADNxYkArJeAd4kebbUCDd49xFxdNJAfZKQQMgfYEu0AiN7r0912wwD/s1600/IMG_20170905_030904350_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJSDy3YuZzY0F3fevenHgqu28-no-CvwkBDOhwliUBTwBBtt4-xb4Qgh5H0UNEEbViUWieMroyGSJwmCSydE0IrADNxYkArJeAd4kebbUCDd49xFxdNJAfZKQQMgfYEu0AiN7r0912wwD/s320/IMG_20170905_030904350_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD234PyqxPdy7y6OVV2-A2nfjBnPXmoOmURVcc0d1QQGuZAxPt4vkCn2QlNg2MQNpS4z75AU3FEZ_x-bPJX2v4sASq8Sgg_e8AG39LzFzdioS2Ln6K9rg2WP6oJxf67ZjoKcSJgXez4c5/s1600/IMG_20170905_021558782_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD234PyqxPdy7y6OVV2-A2nfjBnPXmoOmURVcc0d1QQGuZAxPt4vkCn2QlNg2MQNpS4z75AU3FEZ_x-bPJX2v4sASq8Sgg_e8AG39LzFzdioS2Ln6K9rg2WP6oJxf67ZjoKcSJgXez4c5/s400/IMG_20170905_021558782_TOP.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrived at the modern entertainment venue, Asiatique, just as the sun was setting and the lights were coming on. We spent an hour or so visiting the shops, then went in search of the air-conditioned gelato shop we'd visited the last time Ted was here. Amazingly, he remembered where it was after nearly two years. We enjoyed some gelato (almost as good as Iorio's,) then walked a bit more before queueing up for a taxi to take us back to the hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkFbZ9fniS3f4ZdfZ7sFeFON95hp-U0yL4zSgo_QTGPEZktpKmsxoDhvxtB93e5RF6EGvo4SMpo9hEPGxQvUs6D6oBFkW1L5wOtOTNNKbUIarpKz_rE_gi_lZUNRTp67647aZGJkA-J7n/s1600/IMG_8079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkFbZ9fniS3f4ZdfZ7sFeFON95hp-U0yL4zSgo_QTGPEZktpKmsxoDhvxtB93e5RF6EGvo4SMpo9hEPGxQvUs6D6oBFkW1L5wOtOTNNKbUIarpKz_rE_gi_lZUNRTp67647aZGJkA-J7n/s320/IMG_8079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFsneDax3mg_OXN_fFKXF1xEZnbY7UFnqFz8amjNapx7W5yrjhDoFTUbPQl0butLZebpShjWT387fdL6v1EcHC5fwUIZgZiGpZA9D0MIyu06yUanAtRIBOHl1M6Bjh75F0FYmNo-xwCCr/s1600/IMG_8041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFsneDax3mg_OXN_fFKXF1xEZnbY7UFnqFz8amjNapx7W5yrjhDoFTUbPQl0butLZebpShjWT387fdL6v1EcHC5fwUIZgZiGpZA9D0MIyu06yUanAtRIBOHl1M6Bjh75F0FYmNo-xwCCr/s320/IMG_8041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7P1GFQtJeDcmOCybrg-bwjVuXjodCFZeSnxG0UQmUNbnh5MBbvs2um7GKN4P4foa8ojrWls9hJg_U7FKUsYa2n8__rDWEL6UUcooMMbRv2-fXIiqKSEbWi2BALFS9BWJnEC8A9tUp7lj/s1600/IMG_8044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7P1GFQtJeDcmOCybrg-bwjVuXjodCFZeSnxG0UQmUNbnh5MBbvs2um7GKN4P4foa8ojrWls9hJg_U7FKUsYa2n8__rDWEL6UUcooMMbRv2-fXIiqKSEbWi2BALFS9BWJnEC8A9tUp7lj/s320/IMG_8044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JfSqAydQYeFs-PRZIj9QtZA6nzbETILVb4ddPD9SiJM4o99KBc2eKI0YLfQNCdeCRMkuToc_0waGdWZV4Xn7NIKs54ZHg36LeLG3jpMuEwTpEQ-b0hqBv2VjKzFU-44hmnQMQi-pzWo/s1600/IMG_20170905_043955613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JfSqAydQYeFs-PRZIj9QtZA6nzbETILVb4ddPD9SiJM4o99KBc2eKI0YLfQNCdeCRMkuToc_0waGdWZV4Xn7NIKs54ZHg36LeLG3jpMuEwTpEQ-b0hqBv2VjKzFU-44hmnQMQi-pzWo/s320/IMG_20170905_043955613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7Auh17HTnMusxgy_p03QD2R9jMu_iNH-mPyi72_sgcUQE4OOMQPNkdl8LDRWCiy_4K61BKicNNZJG-rMJjdK6OtK-NQWxOuEUIQlKwS9gCUSYflcD_OxSFXqHtfUKitLZfOe32VCJkip/s1600/IMG_20170905_044234925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7Auh17HTnMusxgy_p03QD2R9jMu_iNH-mPyi72_sgcUQE4OOMQPNkdl8LDRWCiy_4K61BKicNNZJG-rMJjdK6OtK-NQWxOuEUIQlKwS9gCUSYflcD_OxSFXqHtfUKitLZfOe32VCJkip/s320/IMG_20170905_044234925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM5tTmc_Et7xX2iARBwQo9vq3BMXHG9oS0FyVF6hsP7d1M-_S_Ia0JNJQlc-2AGcErjuQESnuvJJUF_GkqQ3MeXaMuLJT1r4zqWNBA0H3OCqxqq-24I1bK2OLu8LkyC4MfZO10o04tCEH/s1600/IMG_20170905_044537046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM5tTmc_Et7xX2iARBwQo9vq3BMXHG9oS0FyVF6hsP7d1M-_S_Ia0JNJQlc-2AGcErjuQESnuvJJUF_GkqQ3MeXaMuLJT1r4zqWNBA0H3OCqxqq-24I1bK2OLu8LkyC4MfZO10o04tCEH/s320/IMG_20170905_044537046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxEe6n1tYnkwROaPViL5AZAHpBsu2CgC57tIk059hrkYiT56waJIIaGeBLGMFmFosMM1DyIrJNV0cI9CQUNWXQLYtXtqKA25_FP5MMdTJm97Dux0z0kAGdbvr0YKSadcgdTxpgNlZpKGL/s1600/IMG_20170905_044554378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxEe6n1tYnkwROaPViL5AZAHpBsu2CgC57tIk059hrkYiT56waJIIaGeBLGMFmFosMM1DyIrJNV0cI9CQUNWXQLYtXtqKA25_FP5MMdTJm97Dux0z0kAGdbvr0YKSadcgdTxpgNlZpKGL/s320/IMG_20170905_044554378.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXpg1LfcqZ63E81nFXwbdvGfNuJIz29CkQ5JMO4_F7r90N2VK75_T0Z0sP-xf5N9cxD-uouy5K-k1as-E-G8yBgL2GDT7_GjwtEuMSQstelUcVdC44hgfdgYoVt0dhaECMD8IvFVt-qjc/s1600/IMG_20170905_051748924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXpg1LfcqZ63E81nFXwbdvGfNuJIz29CkQ5JMO4_F7r90N2VK75_T0Z0sP-xf5N9cxD-uouy5K-k1as-E-G8yBgL2GDT7_GjwtEuMSQstelUcVdC44hgfdgYoVt0dhaECMD8IvFVt-qjc/s320/IMG_20170905_051748924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZH3aasCHV2pbaVxGeHk4061CGKLuxOVu2Tm8ElV1DdOO2tvP2-ffW9VlQ_XcF00fqKOiQ-boUQjYzVJru4VgVp63scepNfNZFji6406297zHODekAPj_wDDaSAdVi2ABr8iAZpvA77EEc/s1600/IMG_8048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZH3aasCHV2pbaVxGeHk4061CGKLuxOVu2Tm8ElV1DdOO2tvP2-ffW9VlQ_XcF00fqKOiQ-boUQjYzVJru4VgVp63scepNfNZFji6406297zHODekAPj_wDDaSAdVi2ABr8iAZpvA77EEc/s320/IMG_8048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O5puCL7XqNrkd-7nLPmMA2imuampQQlXe-gcYJB4YWK0Yz-LsH0qRBxfo1ChaczQB0e3a8xShcB9W2DUzExWXN-t60PFttV1sxuIexjjce4Ze8mo5OzIO3R3ktmeNGr_97_7qHKo7FYd/s1600/IMG_8045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O5puCL7XqNrkd-7nLPmMA2imuampQQlXe-gcYJB4YWK0Yz-LsH0qRBxfo1ChaczQB0e3a8xShcB9W2DUzExWXN-t60PFttV1sxuIexjjce4Ze8mo5OzIO3R3ktmeNGr_97_7qHKo7FYd/s640/IMG_8045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Chiang Mai crew arrived at the hotel on schedule. Here are a few<span style="text-align: center;"> pictures from their day at the Elephant Nature Center.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe92emayZPK7zIf_fSYxiBeWTD-wtCew2Kkjsc37yTnxs9Y2A9O8Z4kUULMLUOp2XSWgJlJ_2DFHvJP4rBaCiaGtxVvNi4S6ecGcin52CqIPE1bxM9i8TyZM8N7rXRJV1sqC61X7jn5oZ/s1600/a36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe92emayZPK7zIf_fSYxiBeWTD-wtCew2Kkjsc37yTnxs9Y2A9O8Z4kUULMLUOp2XSWgJlJ_2DFHvJP4rBaCiaGtxVvNi4S6ecGcin52CqIPE1bxM9i8TyZM8N7rXRJV1sqC61X7jn5oZ/s320/a36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGBWp3WxOjo25nScsWSwi4RkWxSuxZhnQXpL61Y9KUNluxLxlK_gzV5jXu2tScTF8fuDyl3PMgATdLP8vW3wzxSeAEjEl8yvBiN1wfEe2Sc1M9vsA3kLQPQxAGFYT2udHkmK9qsK7Wd8L/s1600/a38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGBWp3WxOjo25nScsWSwi4RkWxSuxZhnQXpL61Y9KUNluxLxlK_gzV5jXu2tScTF8fuDyl3PMgATdLP8vW3wzxSeAEjEl8yvBiN1wfEe2Sc1M9vsA3kLQPQxAGFYT2udHkmK9qsK7Wd8L/s320/a38.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias2a8x1t48FCWQwCCgSEC6K21JbIC-7L_KMAdnqHvhyphenhyphenxJVQUDEBgEc2cityzYVYEDlBRve49aWAMEE2Z58Rd_cz-FS9UyZg1rfNARuIkGQcsjSrm1sEgQvPsxgZE0hHdCEQvPgpqJwwBb/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias2a8x1t48FCWQwCCgSEC6K21JbIC-7L_KMAdnqHvhyphenhyphenxJVQUDEBgEc2cityzYVYEDlBRve49aWAMEE2Z58Rd_cz-FS9UyZg1rfNARuIkGQcsjSrm1sEgQvPsxgZE0hHdCEQvPgpqJwwBb/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8i0GD9YHpUiGFmRA6oINYiVxBrb8XaFDjQpABpnmNpjL9wbpyuuPtzjPQTqCu7FNhMuTOKY8RerzfA-tnDp8RH3YhBijY24FSYCSgmRFtSg1VBc74qYMRRrVw_9YKXUtyzVqqjf9REWG/s1600/IMG_1918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8i0GD9YHpUiGFmRA6oINYiVxBrb8XaFDjQpABpnmNpjL9wbpyuuPtzjPQTqCu7FNhMuTOKY8RerzfA-tnDp8RH3YhBijY24FSYCSgmRFtSg1VBc74qYMRRrVw_9YKXUtyzVqqjf9REWG/s320/IMG_1918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They all got caught in a huge downpour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hOQiWRNk0Oq5Y_G3mSfkiafxe57w4bXEKYKfXrQ0VSK4fTOt0u3c2AQgoO8hSceM6xj_zlXwgs31TqV64j97ODvhzWAVSJomXIFQHp-dqNHfYs1J3bS2_QH3YxbFz8Hy4LXxvSpPiHmy/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hOQiWRNk0Oq5Y_G3mSfkiafxe57w4bXEKYKfXrQ0VSK4fTOt0u3c2AQgoO8hSceM6xj_zlXwgs31TqV64j97ODvhzWAVSJomXIFQHp-dqNHfYs1J3bS2_QH3YxbFz8Hy4LXxvSpPiHmy/s400/1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
We enjoyed our final evening together in the Red Brown lounge, where Michael hijacked the singer's microphone for some karaoke. We enjoyed his singing, as did one young lady on staff who decided to try to dance with him as he was singing. At one point, husband Tim and Mike sang a duet of - what else - Sinatra.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHiPFlUk9sCVzG_VinYIQsDuir40BCf_UPcd0JeXU5Xa8dPKuNne6T7Mh9KXUaonUxUZPjc72s6CBcNxKzHevwijyVSM-QrgChr-uXSamZ9cxXMM6rDhnAh0gWVBhMPJ7DOtqha0tBotR/s1600/IMG_8053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHiPFlUk9sCVzG_VinYIQsDuir40BCf_UPcd0JeXU5Xa8dPKuNne6T7Mh9KXUaonUxUZPjc72s6CBcNxKzHevwijyVSM-QrgChr-uXSamZ9cxXMM6rDhnAh0gWVBhMPJ7DOtqha0tBotR/s320/IMG_8053.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-53d_W3Vrsiy63QzKqWA-2osem9pc6gujYwQl5oek69lU8oDF7rDZnyaDHi1AqsL80HOmr1fXihzBRKyFk2UUiRMxfAuvlcIO1RkEhtDZLLDVxsJv7zQjY6R_z7Rdb5qwjY2e5RRClxl/s1600/IMG_8056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-53d_W3Vrsiy63QzKqWA-2osem9pc6gujYwQl5oek69lU8oDF7rDZnyaDHi1AqsL80HOmr1fXihzBRKyFk2UUiRMxfAuvlcIO1RkEhtDZLLDVxsJv7zQjY6R_z7Rdb5qwjY2e5RRClxl/s400/IMG_8056.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
We bade goodbye to Ted and Hiustyn, Mike and Jenna, and Evan and Katie, as they would be leaving for the airport very early the next morning. It was not so difficult, as we knew we would be seeing them soon on the flip side of the globe.<br />
<br />
Our last day in Bangkok was spent with Tim and Chloe, and we all enjoyed a low-key day. We had a lovely breakfast in the Bua Chompoo restaurant in our hotel, then walked around the surprisingly extensive grounds. Tim and Chloe wanted to do some last-minute shopping, so we took a taxi into the city to MBK, the multistory indoor discount mall of street vendors. It took a lot longer than we expected; should have known the traffic would be a big factor.<br />
<br />
We were fortunate to choose this day for indoor activities, as a mighty downpour drenched the afternoon. Chloe found some Thai pants for her sisters, and Tim bought me a wind chime as an early birthday present. We contemplated seeing a movie, but nothing good was showing.<br />
<br />
Another long taxi ride took us back to the hotel, where we ordered pizza from Pizza Company, and watched a movie. We squeezed in a last game of Chinese checkers, and called it an early night. Tim and Chloe were catching the same early-morning flight as the others had the day before.<br />
<br />
Koon Mick was home in south Thailand, so we had our frequent substitute driver, Koon Tawit, pick us up early the next morning. We dropped Tim at work, then returned to Pattaya. Long morning.<br />
<br />
Wonderful memories.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEBkpl70YBL1fQs0uFTZKmn5fs8yuREp2bj6Ti2nMgYyRZuYtSXnNUsHX-hnH3fZD-k5aGhbSZdNtXlPpqTRT1HkwYr7XyB1AKdpvSFNwZ7EpuiRoxFBM8cH87zibUvl1IsknEbw4UvvW/s1600/IMG_1989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEBkpl70YBL1fQs0uFTZKmn5fs8yuREp2bj6Ti2nMgYyRZuYtSXnNUsHX-hnH3fZD-k5aGhbSZdNtXlPpqTRT1HkwYr7XyB1AKdpvSFNwZ7EpuiRoxFBM8cH87zibUvl1IsknEbw4UvvW/s640/IMG_1989.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
PS - Thanks to everyone in the group for sharing their amazing photos for this blog. Hugs!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-17607372800150723542017-11-29T10:54:00.000-05:002017-11-29T10:54:10.664-05:00Return to Paradise - HaaSeptember 4, 2017<br />
<br />
Our final day together in Pattaya - we took one more stroll up Prathumnak Hill, this time hiking up to see the Big Buddha. It was another hot, humid morning, but we all soldiered on. This was the first time I'd ever walked up to Buddha Hill. Many times before, we had K. Mick drive us and our guests up to the top, then we just walked back down. We even saw a monkey on the way this morning. I hadn't seen a monkey up there for many months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtapYdxNvX0wc-l2Qpfsli0zqSpwkbKMNRLeA5ww63bKY3SJqPwbIzSgnF_zej2yAAsDDuwRFOz9hj0eqbBKLE9iMzGw-eOpX9jFcIvIldiPSpgIB8wucUbYkjJanK-dW7AkV-cTHEMtEt/s1600/IMG_20170903_172806922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtapYdxNvX0wc-l2Qpfsli0zqSpwkbKMNRLeA5ww63bKY3SJqPwbIzSgnF_zej2yAAsDDuwRFOz9hj0eqbBKLE9iMzGw-eOpX9jFcIvIldiPSpgIB8wucUbYkjJanK-dW7AkV-cTHEMtEt/s320/IMG_20170903_172806922.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VttC24JWKOps9kxD4nY9X28eHkNyn-CygNwlQ_A54UfwjaSQhm6ALhgf87hw4WCpPHw2k3CUGGiI38sMuXsy6QwJ0NpnnR4b_cv0UxpjWdl54A656k243eu8xtPXSVlHTujx8sY7ygZ9/s1600/IMG_20170903_172818919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VttC24JWKOps9kxD4nY9X28eHkNyn-CygNwlQ_A54UfwjaSQhm6ALhgf87hw4WCpPHw2k3CUGGiI38sMuXsy6QwJ0NpnnR4b_cv0UxpjWdl54A656k243eu8xtPXSVlHTujx8sY7ygZ9/s320/IMG_20170903_172818919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC85BgRRYiyHT4KyBdu1caLTG76Ap0i8vogdp12TN5PoF7Dik4ot_jkEzklsROU_5XfDYhT9iWgY-aW9iZCgCdd7Bgjqyf3bdioz7Tn12O57R-mGmfskKRsuQ-KyS9LtpFyb4di4n-DIT/s1600/IMG_20170903_172830819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC85BgRRYiyHT4KyBdu1caLTG76Ap0i8vogdp12TN5PoF7Dik4ot_jkEzklsROU_5XfDYhT9iWgY-aW9iZCgCdd7Bgjqyf3bdioz7Tn12O57R-mGmfskKRsuQ-KyS9LtpFyb4di4n-DIT/s400/IMG_20170903_172830819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_QpNkTvAsPV4fxXb5nE9ql-SiUMRUFpbzB1aSCdvop9lgdjs2PEmpSTm5uy7gbCG-ESNAa_XeHMbkIWE9UuSGJzEKfTO9ltW_xgsTnZhzpxXEYHah_52Q-noDdZZ5VdInJI_Jje7AI-V/s1600/IMG_20170903_173155355a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1190" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_QpNkTvAsPV4fxXb5nE9ql-SiUMRUFpbzB1aSCdvop9lgdjs2PEmpSTm5uy7gbCG-ESNAa_XeHMbkIWE9UuSGJzEKfTO9ltW_xgsTnZhzpxXEYHah_52Q-noDdZZ5VdInJI_Jje7AI-V/s320/IMG_20170903_173155355a.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I couldn't remember whether we needed to worry about proper attire on Buddha Hill, so I brought a couple of big scarves, just in case some of the ladies in shorts needed to cover up. It turns out they do require legs and shoulders to be covered. We were able to borrow the extra wraps we needed from a vendor at the bottom of the hill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYS2xGk5si5HdZsvC30BCfggqrlhkTJgB6XN51WSJ_mO33IjxOc9_9dTEMUkAk-yLAB2YiS82T1MnSBKQTKT9ZD2nxKcT4np4sHWpyWck3bqyDE7svsJm6D2oLaveGBaeUQDtxeOaFzvS/s1600/IMG_20170903_180149337_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYS2xGk5si5HdZsvC30BCfggqrlhkTJgB6XN51WSJ_mO33IjxOc9_9dTEMUkAk-yLAB2YiS82T1MnSBKQTKT9ZD2nxKcT4np4sHWpyWck3bqyDE7svsJm6D2oLaveGBaeUQDtxeOaFzvS/s320/IMG_20170903_180149337_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz8i96iq8u4mFTO8wNRKiUkM1S4pH2qgVdekj40uQRV35tT2RTp3BIi4oFGZD9bZMyW_Dcp8YTIzTBtIwo4jqTftuCCB2xkvBNuWnr4esuf-iAljJeoGu1vLGVXMaTToOr_Qylhyphenhyphen96DeQ/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz8i96iq8u4mFTO8wNRKiUkM1S4pH2qgVdekj40uQRV35tT2RTp3BIi4oFGZD9bZMyW_Dcp8YTIzTBtIwo4jqTftuCCB2xkvBNuWnr4esuf-iAljJeoGu1vLGVXMaTToOr_Qylhyphenhyphen96DeQ/s200/13.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It was early enough that we almost had the place to ourselves. A few Buddhist <i>Mae-Chee</i>, or women who have dedicated their lives to religion, tended to some of the altars around the hill. Buddhist nuns are not allowed in Thailand, but these laywomen are recognized by their white robes and shaven heads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmEQJi3Xz4Jhj3rFEQQGnPyjFU0w0OFGobb5J14_gCHXMIyVaivue7q6FZDKJPyYUYOTVW8GUX5yl2bmI7raVxpQDbWUTOoMKs_4yFf4YNYZ9k86gTauq6oMGAZsGADnfcI35vZdb3eBs/s1600/IMG_20170903_174427344_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmEQJi3Xz4Jhj3rFEQQGnPyjFU0w0OFGobb5J14_gCHXMIyVaivue7q6FZDKJPyYUYOTVW8GUX5yl2bmI7raVxpQDbWUTOoMKs_4yFf4YNYZ9k86gTauq6oMGAZsGADnfcI35vZdb3eBs/s320/IMG_20170903_174427344_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstqrAEKz9gVTTpcES5ZVeIcUVw8swJkZKOmanXqfyAmm7rXnC-2aCZEoQ7mG_ghsuavpo_-p_WMBfzsqoO1XcD8U1aKMyROZPB-NzWbzXzxVXWShqk-Y2Bqyfjjaq5iHaK_s1_WzbcKRP/s1600/IMG_20170903_174517861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstqrAEKz9gVTTpcES5ZVeIcUVw8swJkZKOmanXqfyAmm7rXnC-2aCZEoQ7mG_ghsuavpo_-p_WMBfzsqoO1XcD8U1aKMyROZPB-NzWbzXzxVXWShqk-Y2Bqyfjjaq5iHaK_s1_WzbcKRP/s320/IMG_20170903_174517861.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVr3nk_P2-CclWstOHvqALgcoF2WPbl7jb9Fx3ltm0LSY6naAdAqOryUr0gC3DCUk8hFfnrNnn3Z8fIbkLW8DxiS_r9ft4L0lYETWc7oYNwaAVsxV61QfIryCaSq0f7qRFLg67tywAdkZ/s1600/IMG_20170903_174555320_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVr3nk_P2-CclWstOHvqALgcoF2WPbl7jb9Fx3ltm0LSY6naAdAqOryUr0gC3DCUk8hFfnrNnn3Z8fIbkLW8DxiS_r9ft4L0lYETWc7oYNwaAVsxV61QfIryCaSq0f7qRFLg67tywAdkZ/s320/IMG_20170903_174555320_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7bDs9F1NbNcLqpwyOaZmIeR2C2rYM9NvieoAkMiwlxzL-HRT9pfV8Otabe4cKIuk0PgEI-Af9ICIzg_vglvibtB6NrVlOlIiOL9Us-6OjnYKMb0v2pkAktTLMJdBzPhQs7jkICabtKzm/s1600/IMG_20170903_174932155_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7bDs9F1NbNcLqpwyOaZmIeR2C2rYM9NvieoAkMiwlxzL-HRT9pfV8Otabe4cKIuk0PgEI-Af9ICIzg_vglvibtB6NrVlOlIiOL9Us-6OjnYKMb0v2pkAktTLMJdBzPhQs7jkICabtKzm/s320/IMG_20170903_174932155_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EjwPjw0m_CtKDdLNVamh0DMQX9j1ElHqFyUJ4uRt6Zoy39akV2skyhsNFUlpfY6itGTq6fOKwt2BK051pq3yJUS-COvL11avB8_wYbk36gIY8rWbo2flpzI6IyJ9IX-XzrI97lFDpBQM/s1600/IMG_20170903_180336978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EjwPjw0m_CtKDdLNVamh0DMQX9j1ElHqFyUJ4uRt6Zoy39akV2skyhsNFUlpfY6itGTq6fOKwt2BK051pq3yJUS-COvL11avB8_wYbk36gIY8rWbo2flpzI6IyJ9IX-XzrI97lFDpBQM/s320/IMG_20170903_180336978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaSx77WX9uHTPb9c05FAA12CT5fp6d6PihQQoOl7WTfaNUMhUGUKzdaTnj-Gb-5k12ilkP0EnCaEXqet6WSQRvsW-dv0ubRxex1oswAjOx5lb2x7oaBhb3VnwuugUUNiSj9-tK6_uwo3Y/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaSx77WX9uHTPb9c05FAA12CT5fp6d6PihQQoOl7WTfaNUMhUGUKzdaTnj-Gb-5k12ilkP0EnCaEXqet6WSQRvsW-dv0ubRxex1oswAjOx5lb2x7oaBhb3VnwuugUUNiSj9-tK6_uwo3Y/s320/23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuneKEilg8mKabRb3qI-de7iofD9tmsMDLYUaBx8_ygmagc6MEtWwKcDOniWDvvqaDr5ACRNXVaADb4-k9XiABTnsjzVqEKXhyLFy_nOVG0_Mt-xpSlgVTw9s8oxOQxayLi__Gxgwk6_gs/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuneKEilg8mKabRb3qI-de7iofD9tmsMDLYUaBx8_ygmagc6MEtWwKcDOniWDvvqaDr5ACRNXVaADb4-k9XiABTnsjzVqEKXhyLFy_nOVG0_Mt-xpSlgVTw9s8oxOQxayLi__Gxgwk6_gs/s320/16.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLsVi_JVvk90hFgP8isDnklmGqSbLaG-JV4kNI7QEjQ8zfv9ir5RRt6cfnySoA4Cp-bX32cx0vubacBGJsd9BOV9Y2xxLEYkilT3zVHS-ZGccTY03FmJ31HN9kIiYCNmLUNOVyjfY2SZT/s1600/IMG_20170903_175729232_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLsVi_JVvk90hFgP8isDnklmGqSbLaG-JV4kNI7QEjQ8zfv9ir5RRt6cfnySoA4Cp-bX32cx0vubacBGJsd9BOV9Y2xxLEYkilT3zVHS-ZGccTY03FmJ31HN9kIiYCNmLUNOVyjfY2SZT/s320/IMG_20170903_175729232_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mae-Chee</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took in the lovely view from the top, looking out onto the bay in one direction, down Jomtien Beach in another, and back at the city from still another direction. We strolled through the Chinese garden just below on our way back, and had a harrowing minute or two in search of a restroom as one of us suddenly felt the effects of the previous night's spicy larb dish!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaczd3XSRYAcbzgaALep23ifEg_emJAxYEMcgNVEP_QaxsQSX6M4awu4bjtpJWBBE9WgX_2XOcWfRNKXN3ykMg_JYaAmt8zhWjJ8Ce3zHndjXj3FHCc0kjZwiRMoALXY242U_qoN8hb6o/s1600/IMG_20170903_175125921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaczd3XSRYAcbzgaALep23ifEg_emJAxYEMcgNVEP_QaxsQSX6M4awu4bjtpJWBBE9WgX_2XOcWfRNKXN3ykMg_JYaAmt8zhWjJ8Ce3zHndjXj3FHCc0kjZwiRMoALXY242U_qoN8hb6o/s320/IMG_20170903_175125921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sItZVXkE06Paf6wEkRbAyIVXnsID6OEeqyyyZFF-GLxsksOpDTJpRR4y2rbEhFeN5KEYgW4QWb-A5RicElZjsTKtGkVywC4rfSDrJTDVhjUeXwbA1D17n2rBj2kOWC_QiW99EOKcVcnv/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sItZVXkE06Paf6wEkRbAyIVXnsID6OEeqyyyZFF-GLxsksOpDTJpRR4y2rbEhFeN5KEYgW4QWb-A5RicElZjsTKtGkVywC4rfSDrJTDVhjUeXwbA1D17n2rBj2kOWC_QiW99EOKcVcnv/s320/20.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9G9WxzjHzLfa5VCX64HTgyU1qnzqu_wcxDK8_ZwtuFfHT_M-CayETfgUeyIC9XjNBRnqK1wlhN1AFPp4ChASfCisyEpQMe9wGGN4KYlqr60vHW-P7_Cbe9qg1X48g19x98wQG5hDKDlP/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9G9WxzjHzLfa5VCX64HTgyU1qnzqu_wcxDK8_ZwtuFfHT_M-CayETfgUeyIC9XjNBRnqK1wlhN1AFPp4ChASfCisyEpQMe9wGGN4KYlqr60vHW-P7_Cbe9qg1X48g19x98wQG5hDKDlP/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnGm7Zk1DYKOrU6908hx_8UYndnSM6mTfFkNTpqIYw4KjZIS0YGe-lVK4lFJkLP078AM8zZSksbYfF1FWjNqi-YGRJS9f6VN328H6XBekf147coyxr8oc8IZ-D9xU21PbVrb8ddo7k5Mx/s1600/IMG_20170903_180905397_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnGm7Zk1DYKOrU6908hx_8UYndnSM6mTfFkNTpqIYw4KjZIS0YGe-lVK4lFJkLP078AM8zZSksbYfF1FWjNqi-YGRJS9f6VN328H6XBekf147coyxr8oc8IZ-D9xU21PbVrb8ddo7k5Mx/s400/IMG_20170903_180905397_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Chinese garden...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1pcwCNnkOUgIKi-QZ34BOJ0peJ6JeHeqP2HTa_dewUcp3EZU3p_v7920s-8-8eqJB-onqnv54hzd8xs_EFjFihim_lR-NItBJqfQHHuqPF2E3jhlfzVPkn8sw2lhU7hNIDejBakNHim4/s1600/IMG_20170903_182305865_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1pcwCNnkOUgIKi-QZ34BOJ0peJ6JeHeqP2HTa_dewUcp3EZU3p_v7920s-8-8eqJB-onqnv54hzd8xs_EFjFihim_lR-NItBJqfQHHuqPF2E3jhlfzVPkn8sw2lhU7hNIDejBakNHim4/s640/IMG_20170903_182305865_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAakB_D671BY97CtNrS_Qp-0HlHecCGjm0DCl7FtsH6tM_reDKjNZRfyOL0L92rzn89j6oivpMvdTHj3EQ8i72whEs4VqPFrpxdm0K1UbEeh9DitdvrnSGtk1p0kodRssOp4MVAb7z-FV/s1600/20170904_080943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAakB_D671BY97CtNrS_Qp-0HlHecCGjm0DCl7FtsH6tM_reDKjNZRfyOL0L92rzn89j6oivpMvdTHj3EQ8i72whEs4VqPFrpxdm0K1UbEeh9DitdvrnSGtk1p0kodRssOp4MVAb7z-FV/s400/20170904_080943.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous story of the Three Kingdoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeNwNZDA6tAGjdWet0g9IAVJPtuG3kqzku_Ok03yPiCZGfyOPDl-FYUxdjo-S0deOb2E30McZFHHst-R_0xOQDDBIqZTrhX8RXt7JMHcJlACzmNH_L59LydmziLWSaYMNrAZu-tnhfo12/s1600/IMG_20170903_182646584_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeNwNZDA6tAGjdWet0g9IAVJPtuG3kqzku_Ok03yPiCZGfyOPDl-FYUxdjo-S0deOb2E30McZFHHst-R_0xOQDDBIqZTrhX8RXt7JMHcJlACzmNH_L59LydmziLWSaYMNrAZu-tnhfo12/s320/IMG_20170903_182646584_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had plenty of food left from our Koh Chang jaunt to feed our small army for breakfast. Some of the group wanted to do a little shopping, so Tim led that group down to the "Night Bazaar" (opened all day) on Second Road while others stayed back to do laundry or lounge by the pool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxZ7poOAh2J6QCf7SBYvrV_QHrHLphjA58nw31gsRyZHzDiI_KcZ914HB78o7Uc5kd8O0IIBcfY0tXkLPuxs-9_pmylian2l0tD2kW1GLshuInRFw-_-Al5L-WbGUvEWGHY4tzX3TaRZW/s1600/IMG_20170903_195638678_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxZ7poOAh2J6QCf7SBYvrV_QHrHLphjA58nw31gsRyZHzDiI_KcZ914HB78o7Uc5kd8O0IIBcfY0tXkLPuxs-9_pmylian2l0tD2kW1GLshuInRFw-_-Al5L-WbGUvEWGHY4tzX3TaRZW/s320/IMG_20170903_195638678_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC5mg3v4Prx4EgEb6FbACBMj8fM4oGOQ2wCuZ-twz8mkCEVtHzIC877hqmCHwNb4wdA_g3CXjNsIfnwgMkKKkqFUcNpE98Tc9W0TbOVHiCG_IMPU1yr-exBQWIl0VRzkDRSYCZFAUQvxO/s1600/IMG_20170903_195805811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC5mg3v4Prx4EgEb6FbACBMj8fM4oGOQ2wCuZ-twz8mkCEVtHzIC877hqmCHwNb4wdA_g3CXjNsIfnwgMkKKkqFUcNpE98Tc9W0TbOVHiCG_IMPU1yr-exBQWIl0VRzkDRSYCZFAUQvxO/s320/IMG_20170903_195805811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0JWfmS2UpKnbY3b3T7iFwV6dcknN21J6ws7HkJ1eOl7AI8AYFV3VTgneXFswD6WGeMNaZuE8FDF5-AA7nSmIufrAVbzDHJ49u_QRwqeyha6_arTA7hgZjx9bPfftIBWNoyIO9wuE4M6x/s1600/IMG_20170903_201144651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0JWfmS2UpKnbY3b3T7iFwV6dcknN21J6ws7HkJ1eOl7AI8AYFV3VTgneXFswD6WGeMNaZuE8FDF5-AA7nSmIufrAVbzDHJ49u_QRwqeyha6_arTA7hgZjx9bPfftIBWNoyIO9wuE4M6x/s400/IMG_20170903_201144651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iby59gJ5pJo7D62Y_3JJ3LLqJ9v-CmtZbHTzZlxdWSGxAdcgA5rJxZXQVU6jH5i0Cz8X9R2VtT5VJyuaEXNwqOoCoE6N9zwzW3p4Kio69bDFoCB6yKpYtuFhvyOGmxZyX06TPRGDXx1i/s1600/IMG_20170903_203212066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iby59gJ5pJo7D62Y_3JJ3LLqJ9v-CmtZbHTzZlxdWSGxAdcgA5rJxZXQVU6jH5i0Cz8X9R2VtT5VJyuaEXNwqOoCoE6N9zwzW3p4Kio69bDFoCB6yKpYtuFhvyOGmxZyX06TPRGDXx1i/s320/IMG_20170903_203212066.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Mike Shopping Mall<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-EE7KKXZgLq-7M2g-eCCnFVIlwwsTbkN8a8mSEKj9WD0oZKbVt9_U9LDhteFYrZhcdqLo4bHMUpc1zwPU2-9QnesHXaUb5fAnEzshIfqBoBICLNX84e_mQE2KfQfEgPkEpRPyRO2fvBH/s1600/IMG_20170903_204307618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-EE7KKXZgLq-7M2g-eCCnFVIlwwsTbkN8a8mSEKj9WD0oZKbVt9_U9LDhteFYrZhcdqLo4bHMUpc1zwPU2-9QnesHXaUb5fAnEzshIfqBoBICLNX84e_mQE2KfQfEgPkEpRPyRO2fvBH/s320/IMG_20170903_204307618.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbI6ADc_KN2uwR7aVG6o5S_KGVeFMuhmP35ItXuc1wx7-QNJKk9mTfIqlRMkZ8rqQ2UjwGW7tn_0XCqR_1lIunkX-z6Q3FOXeUA0IvNxnViEs4lYU9zww5Nm1WeePelPTXR8wNJ2D7tOs/s1600/IMG_8003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbI6ADc_KN2uwR7aVG6o5S_KGVeFMuhmP35ItXuc1wx7-QNJKk9mTfIqlRMkZ8rqQ2UjwGW7tn_0XCqR_1lIunkX-z6Q3FOXeUA0IvNxnViEs4lYU9zww5Nm1WeePelPTXR8wNJ2D7tOs/s320/IMG_8003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIySu4zqq3KbUM7iEwFD0CnLyA40lW0vyZw9MlwQmjcqJ8D8x8hlG8C7wlJIgn3HaogNjbgjA3dpwqQPQfm9tcOV2l_ABmvPUrKnK1wU9ekWq_YOLRbl5GImT3Rf7q4QZaCFBuMhN0zU1i/s1600/IMG_20170903_205819295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIySu4zqq3KbUM7iEwFD0CnLyA40lW0vyZw9MlwQmjcqJ8D8x8hlG8C7wlJIgn3HaogNjbgjA3dpwqQPQfm9tcOV2l_ABmvPUrKnK1wU9ekWq_YOLRbl5GImT3Rf7q4QZaCFBuMhN0zU1i/s320/IMG_20170903_205819295.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0zeELMCwWHn2EZSGXt_JrwysDa272h2aW7sQ3Shqd5OgGcxkO_CLjqOScaJdHHcwyfsVKbi8XC9wj9cBTkHsP7g5e2Ep5vOfePAShAmlmB3jsxCzFPXmA8t2bv1-ZFfvQpLHY20vPXab/s1600/IMG_20170903_215915221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0zeELMCwWHn2EZSGXt_JrwysDa272h2aW7sQ3Shqd5OgGcxkO_CLjqOScaJdHHcwyfsVKbi8XC9wj9cBTkHsP7g5e2Ep5vOfePAShAmlmB3jsxCzFPXmA8t2bv1-ZFfvQpLHY20vPXab/s400/IMG_20170903_215915221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2xz20Ra3cPU7H2xQ3sBlj3aFPEvQhhxLh-K20cwhLecjFNXdpwet2Cd5mfphWwG74iIO4g4yrvWqSJYUQxridKBgMa-m0lcM_jetqnrFoUINmDFBkEu7TnJ6Vdt5X4tQeTD8nwITwg81/s1600/IMG_8006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2xz20Ra3cPU7H2xQ3sBlj3aFPEvQhhxLh-K20cwhLecjFNXdpwet2Cd5mfphWwG74iIO4g4yrvWqSJYUQxridKBgMa-m0lcM_jetqnrFoUINmDFBkEu7TnJ6Vdt5X4tQeTD8nwITwg81/s320/IMG_8006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2YwphyZTpA5M1Vlyn8edacIzReZpv8XfYzqOQCyWuzaEkLaNVqdfXCa2RJVSy-16Dulgn5yCElL3X0BVRZj4Il-rwxy2nz4bDaronkkOKNm4eufiK6EJszsat0pCxnqtXD21bT3uyVzc/s1600/IMG_20170903_223421922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2YwphyZTpA5M1Vlyn8edacIzReZpv8XfYzqOQCyWuzaEkLaNVqdfXCa2RJVSy-16Dulgn5yCElL3X0BVRZj4Il-rwxy2nz4bDaronkkOKNm4eufiK6EJszsat0pCxnqtXD21bT3uyVzc/s400/IMG_20170903_223421922.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central Festival Plaza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the late afternoon, six of the group headed to the airport for a flight to Chiang Mai and a visit to the Elephant Nature Center. Ted and Hiustyn stayed back with Tim and me, and we enjoyed a nice evening with just the four of us. We had dinner at <i>Sunrise Sunset</i> in the Siam Bayview Resort, followed by a stroll through the infamous Walking Street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftM09rMGV-_g7U8X1X45or2HHgARkEjDtkBoF0wcRPelGnU0qw1-D5QPkP_Ayu5GJuKezcxU7JZ5r7i2F9KZ_BWQc4EfEqKxXTLcrZMK3c0m46D9ci29Tr_tEIqCEL6NXGlqzkPqZt2r-/s1600/IMG_8010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftM09rMGV-_g7U8X1X45or2HHgARkEjDtkBoF0wcRPelGnU0qw1-D5QPkP_Ayu5GJuKezcxU7JZ5r7i2F9KZ_BWQc4EfEqKxXTLcrZMK3c0m46D9ci29Tr_tEIqCEL6NXGlqzkPqZt2r-/s320/IMG_8010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZHHyg_rC03aUJSR6R7gnB1j_yZe5lcW9Nly7lolHIX3etbYTCg_T9qcOpf9X7RKlnZn1Hlx5pSW17IqD7NBzo9w8j7s_zFwkgoHEejjiaFJGwjJ8WOuyi6jVTF_gy8-WdTXesreXGs9v/s1600/IMG_8011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZHHyg_rC03aUJSR6R7gnB1j_yZe5lcW9Nly7lolHIX3etbYTCg_T9qcOpf9X7RKlnZn1Hlx5pSW17IqD7NBzo9w8j7s_zFwkgoHEejjiaFJGwjJ8WOuyi6jVTF_gy8-WdTXesreXGs9v/s320/IMG_8011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p_vtqgOx8_jf36W1pTujHrdcKrH5UWEFo7yAP9uc3FSI6TNxwoA2NEuYvdwqAWj32B3XeHLBKmFfmnK3YleHdOQeVI_UumzwcVO3Dic1CAMiHz1ouzw2tmASKvwl4PfrETxBlhePvBhT/s1600/IMG_8013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p_vtqgOx8_jf36W1pTujHrdcKrH5UWEFo7yAP9uc3FSI6TNxwoA2NEuYvdwqAWj32B3XeHLBKmFfmnK3YleHdOQeVI_UumzwcVO3Dic1CAMiHz1ouzw2tmASKvwl4PfrETxBlhePvBhT/s320/IMG_8013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Chiang Mai group made it safely to their destination, and even happened upon a bar that carried <i>Dirty Bastard</i>, a craft beer bottled by Founders Brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrBH0cdwl93Ly6NH2pPZj43ajdCaHMx_-OLYKT21m6Ma3458Kcbwsg9S5npo-zZE7hPdYDNqBoXvrKppyAnxVf3FIoZrSHYLpotT-KQdoNAjnEwp2EwwHudHM3RFCGnIYGPmP6X5WGVgK/s1600/IMG_1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrBH0cdwl93Ly6NH2pPZj43ajdCaHMx_-OLYKT21m6Ma3458Kcbwsg9S5npo-zZE7hPdYDNqBoXvrKppyAnxVf3FIoZrSHYLpotT-KQdoNAjnEwp2EwwHudHM3RFCGnIYGPmP6X5WGVgK/s320/IMG_1765.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-33812470717694158652017-11-10T16:10:00.001-05:002017-11-29T10:26:30.118-05:00Return to Paradise - SeeSept. 2-3, 2017<br />
<br />
A couple of kick-back-and-relax days were spent playing in the sand, lounging in the pool and playing some chinese checkers. Tim created a mini Seven Kingdoms - well, two kingdoms anyway. Ted and Hiustyn cooked some Venezuelan arepas for us, creatively substituting for some of the usual ingredients.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzWfQumaeS587pEBu2eE84obUzpc57bpm3qqYqG0i_I8xBwziVe2YCE9Nms3dF08C3jURLnBW5c65SAyRBnfk-bZsWXKzYnTl0Q843GFBoFbEnhN5F3HGUiP-KpDQy3cwBxjSy0L45Ux0/s1600/20170902_120609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzWfQumaeS587pEBu2eE84obUzpc57bpm3qqYqG0i_I8xBwziVe2YCE9Nms3dF08C3jURLnBW5c65SAyRBnfk-bZsWXKzYnTl0Q843GFBoFbEnhN5F3HGUiP-KpDQy3cwBxjSy0L45Ux0/s320/20170902_120609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Landing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV1bknPd85Nhf8enRXXDXpNVbi0bJJx83BRVARUl5jwJndWQhqkX-PCnfzsNgU_A55ChgIIRlvu8aEqyJoALQSuO5YC1zWgadT600fzCI0skGUaiwuKVtaQ7aikCcb-JEGZqbKgeqGrBR/s1600/20170902_120657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV1bknPd85Nhf8enRXXDXpNVbi0bJJx83BRVARUl5jwJndWQhqkX-PCnfzsNgU_A55ChgIIRlvu8aEqyJoALQSuO5YC1zWgadT600fzCI0skGUaiwuKVtaQ7aikCcb-JEGZqbKgeqGrBR/s320/20170902_120657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winterfell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeW9EM2Qli5ZgaX30nFy3iLskO7Fhmyl6h0lGt3C_M0RINPfg695oxImr59IK61cYtvS0d1thxF9qMxPOy-UVcZ_JTE77wytCO6hhNGfU-dzblu2CwYPfFPNnjDvlwarhwWXBbEYwYgPb/s1600/20170902_120708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeW9EM2Qli5ZgaX30nFy3iLskO7Fhmyl6h0lGt3C_M0RINPfg695oxImr59IK61cYtvS0d1thxF9qMxPOy-UVcZ_JTE77wytCO6hhNGfU-dzblu2CwYPfFPNnjDvlwarhwWXBbEYwYgPb/s320/20170902_120708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDJGmUv2wUJat-XJcUAwXAQXi-eWHqf-vwJ1lhTqj02_O-_MPh6GYQN0UpssiGOuy2FMxLv9_aE-NBoRiLbc-sZQYEOfsiPRFdquXSqdCnd61ntleQAwqwGXHvGB0kr7l4HVrSayVbVWZ/s1600/20170902_134551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDJGmUv2wUJat-XJcUAwXAQXi-eWHqf-vwJ1lhTqj02_O-_MPh6GYQN0UpssiGOuy2FMxLv9_aE-NBoRiLbc-sZQYEOfsiPRFdquXSqdCnd61ntleQAwqwGXHvGB0kr7l4HVrSayVbVWZ/s320/20170902_134551.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arepas con huevos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the sun was out, we got lots of great group shots in the pool. And our adopted pet hermit crab hung out in a plastic water bottle on the table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SRipLI4Y2uNEaccJ5osNX1_uTOgihekv2MSbH5JsW3Nb27x-9DA4ovMEMWre6elyiO1_jOn6CVBdj6vpLJoJEUxdMr5YiZ2hcppDxAa6x4s5c3fotPbKjKgj3_-PkEVUR-mFfMnm3jD6/s1600/20170902_121014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SRipLI4Y2uNEaccJ5osNX1_uTOgihekv2MSbH5JsW3Nb27x-9DA4ovMEMWre6elyiO1_jOn6CVBdj6vpLJoJEUxdMr5YiZ2hcppDxAa6x4s5c3fotPbKjKgj3_-PkEVUR-mFfMnm3jD6/s320/20170902_121014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_tqZ1O2TWoPVVe3TVjqjYFzWu7h8VkRbmazglBumql33apMqcJa7lkGZd7JcE3DeVUMMcQNSRa_pzXoq5AEhB-pMlrxx_UNwf26ZVqbw216F39-vnf4vqLkZQEo75wohZ9Vj2xifU2hW/s1600/20170902_121622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_tqZ1O2TWoPVVe3TVjqjYFzWu7h8VkRbmazglBumql33apMqcJa7lkGZd7JcE3DeVUMMcQNSRa_pzXoq5AEhB-pMlrxx_UNwf26ZVqbw216F39-vnf4vqLkZQEo75wohZ9Vj2xifU2hW/s320/20170902_121622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4gBTGEUU4B8UBpC9leU3Uyr-WTtRzbKr51HF_jX4AY1LqiFsCIuGdQXz_V6rDdkl8bIMFZJvk3KFkcIJO6oCEGSW32uUJIMS9vKERHfbr7t9jYv1kCevDWH7xpaCZ2T48ThWyzOnE00l/s1600/20170902_121651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4gBTGEUU4B8UBpC9leU3Uyr-WTtRzbKr51HF_jX4AY1LqiFsCIuGdQXz_V6rDdkl8bIMFZJvk3KFkcIJO6oCEGSW32uUJIMS9vKERHfbr7t9jYv1kCevDWH7xpaCZ2T48ThWyzOnE00l/s320/20170902_121651.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsaSq-QrNm1w6v3HY2AqHFYb56OCI80hChk_QiyIFfqidEqSIXtg0y_5vbzrC6Pdkgefs9uyuj_j4ZoFuIL8KFGBuDxkCsVdWt6sHVSf4IAU5Ml27Vb53kfzSh2YSiN5PMNLDaefQ8kmu/s1600/20170902_121717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsaSq-QrNm1w6v3HY2AqHFYb56OCI80hChk_QiyIFfqidEqSIXtg0y_5vbzrC6Pdkgefs9uyuj_j4ZoFuIL8KFGBuDxkCsVdWt6sHVSf4IAU5Ml27Vb53kfzSh2YSiN5PMNLDaefQ8kmu/s320/20170902_121717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZPNE8oHikX_xk_SSgS9TSCJhm3T5v3A6B180chaKxr446Bo52W51Nom0aiY6vhvVA6oVRz1-MQmgkMpJ9D3ikzQLKenRxJ7KhVJH4iue07iJBNmoVEaVdkrWw7qxRorV3ik07FFwELxf/s1600/20170902_121740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZPNE8oHikX_xk_SSgS9TSCJhm3T5v3A6B180chaKxr446Bo52W51Nom0aiY6vhvVA6oVRz1-MQmgkMpJ9D3ikzQLKenRxJ7KhVJH4iue07iJBNmoVEaVdkrWw7qxRorV3ik07FFwELxf/s640/20170902_121740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKoH_xecT2qroed5gBBo7Xz9LfWO1say2UmBPqylrgC1BSGyJPYyhogYeYcizphxNWsXsZ278ox6kWLuBmgPrS8DnEHBIWvQfv4z6p9UrR8f3hijKnYci3NppvNTXvvX2jBgly40IUOQv/s1600/20170902_151333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKoH_xecT2qroed5gBBo7Xz9LfWO1say2UmBPqylrgC1BSGyJPYyhogYeYcizphxNWsXsZ278ox6kWLuBmgPrS8DnEHBIWvQfv4z6p9UrR8f3hijKnYci3NppvNTXvvX2jBgly40IUOQv/s320/20170902_151333.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
In the afternoon, most of the group walked down the beach to the swim-up bar and had a swimming contest. I walked down toward the other end of the beach to check out the clubhouse. It was fairly deserted, with a few staff at an outdoor kayak rental stand, and some others setting up their massage stations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP8wXMSTYQZIOOqK_Cfcnr0qLQQ_Yu5b2QIKlf12hr_OqAUFSs9OYGajSS7a3KY0-XhS7KUAW3aUJOQFfB5NcVk4DX7A_IvYmkUUjJlQwBgZZiQbx8UTBvgYzjDGJmPC2K8r26Zt6u8HM/s1600/IMG_20170902_010102395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP8wXMSTYQZIOOqK_Cfcnr0qLQQ_Yu5b2QIKlf12hr_OqAUFSs9OYGajSS7a3KY0-XhS7KUAW3aUJOQFfB5NcVk4DX7A_IvYmkUUjJlQwBgZZiQbx8UTBvgYzjDGJmPC2K8r26Zt6u8HM/s320/IMG_20170902_010102395.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNOLkINXhbPO110oPdszmuvTfu5kMk02aQPyrF71-PNaBRS-iAhyMD_DAOKldZptvz9pZ06D02F7U0qlZ6xUfDPcBk0sT6ytb_Q0hzFWGDS0RpbGomhsRv75gDlVz0WtfgMX71ud9jQno/s1600/IMG_7968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNOLkINXhbPO110oPdszmuvTfu5kMk02aQPyrF71-PNaBRS-iAhyMD_DAOKldZptvz9pZ06D02F7U0qlZ6xUfDPcBk0sT6ytb_Q0hzFWGDS0RpbGomhsRv75gDlVz0WtfgMX71ud9jQno/s320/IMG_7968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g2Ri7VnlCfrYqZgH1EAl52h2O3-eveyed3xXfo8ndh7XFfUdbyxTkYSeSSnJOOpvJiP0UrozAIK9yry9CaM3N9ha5DVWX0Nc0MExKo4XxKDAguzkcElmjCm9d9yHUzUZ_yEx_ROxs6Ca/s1600/IMG_7969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g2Ri7VnlCfrYqZgH1EAl52h2O3-eveyed3xXfo8ndh7XFfUdbyxTkYSeSSnJOOpvJiP0UrozAIK9yry9CaM3N9ha5DVWX0Nc0MExKo4XxKDAguzkcElmjCm9d9yHUzUZ_yEx_ROxs6Ca/s320/IMG_7969.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdojkc_5drTG06ETW1nv74arGpdJeWayx9pDqPnxdq6JSVBr_jjDt8OkWjL6OOqTUS5vhTt1rAeX3w7rD3kEzkNdsC1Sq16C1DBZtF84EbZx9XH8xUMczrax2uYa2polm5vGdzGDIUxPot/s1600/IMG_7966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdojkc_5drTG06ETW1nv74arGpdJeWayx9pDqPnxdq6JSVBr_jjDt8OkWjL6OOqTUS5vhTt1rAeX3w7rD3kEzkNdsC1Sq16C1DBZtF84EbZx9XH8xUMczrax2uYa2polm5vGdzGDIUxPot/s400/IMG_7966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-GEfvHBftRD0Ur0BciU4bJRibt8yP4Ndcbo5rU6ac8cifFDwsHlSU05_GXH_fTO78hdgZDMErrE_CqzyCofSsanou3LJxpCxYGPzvBitllp65wTk-fPsG_zO8ogHH0XHGRxTxM12oZDW/s1600/IMG_7957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-GEfvHBftRD0Ur0BciU4bJRibt8yP4Ndcbo5rU6ac8cifFDwsHlSU05_GXH_fTO78hdgZDMErrE_CqzyCofSsanou3LJxpCxYGPzvBitllp65wTk-fPsG_zO8ogHH0XHGRxTxM12oZDW/s320/IMG_7957.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz4JHsRB8JsgP8yJGDDpp_oSfsqAK8YWS-YfqoJVGfj42SMc_cQNzcvc7vdfPGpLDc9vnzc615j5ZNytlGS-pUjP3FmjiQAL6JNNRmsgn-TRAuDLZOCHUFrqInuW7jFQrFWyswZMXk2Uz/s1600/IMG_20170902_011346874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz4JHsRB8JsgP8yJGDDpp_oSfsqAK8YWS-YfqoJVGfj42SMc_cQNzcvc7vdfPGpLDc9vnzc615j5ZNytlGS-pUjP3FmjiQAL6JNNRmsgn-TRAuDLZOCHUFrqInuW7jFQrFWyswZMXk2Uz/s320/IMG_20170902_011346874.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
People took turns taking the somewhat unstable kayak out into the water. I nervously watched from the shore, lest someone should capsize and no one was paying attention.<br />
<br />
Mick wanted to take Ted out fishing in the kayak, so they loaded up the vessel with fishing gear and a cooler stocked with squid for bait and beer for...well, you know. They paddled out into the bay. They sat for a bit in one spot, then lifted anchor to move to another place. However, the lifting was a little too destabilizing (not naming names,) and soon two men and a cooler were in the water. Fortunately the water was quite shallow, so they just walked the boat back into shore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyALNaW3Dl4xcrqtZvncHN_dPnLg3S9ZBsyBBZMz3kJ2cB7XdQMbmgC4l7xNQJofHs-Hdyz2qK4m6dzGZtRvhvQKdpBb7psbO8e3VLcLUjBcb2srvqigkE-0BeFUzLxl2S0cC_Y3IBSlTy/s1600/20170902_173308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyALNaW3Dl4xcrqtZvncHN_dPnLg3S9ZBsyBBZMz3kJ2cB7XdQMbmgC4l7xNQJofHs-Hdyz2qK4m6dzGZtRvhvQKdpBb7psbO8e3VLcLUjBcb2srvqigkE-0BeFUzLxl2S0cC_Y3IBSlTy/s320/20170902_173308.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRvnc76pzLqpY5k4ivSx7PDHY7OcMSKhirqF4Hic-kgrGCdmV54XpOLBZ3cUfkEvFyax3bTU6pvPVGgt0gsK5xSR1B-54S-CsNjdj-oNPHV5Xx-UtTjhS6yry5hDym3PM5e8Xc8VNLM9p/s1600/20170902_181407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRvnc76pzLqpY5k4ivSx7PDHY7OcMSKhirqF4Hic-kgrGCdmV54XpOLBZ3cUfkEvFyax3bTU6pvPVGgt0gsK5xSR1B-54S-CsNjdj-oNPHV5Xx-UtTjhS6yry5hDym3PM5e8Xc8VNLM9p/s320/20170902_181407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzjUik4nyVVabH6r1C_LNwGhmcAzZoNGBFqWTb2QP2mhg0Ufx6ty22rOUq40ojbTK9dX0U26YjtraPflVeqcoIkqS7_VVPfwSeEHdhIluQtmqOeS2tLZa-n49s2C1gCHZ2xSy1c048O4U/s1600/IMG_20170902_045444466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzjUik4nyVVabH6r1C_LNwGhmcAzZoNGBFqWTb2QP2mhg0Ufx6ty22rOUq40ojbTK9dX0U26YjtraPflVeqcoIkqS7_VVPfwSeEHdhIluQtmqOeS2tLZa-n49s2C1gCHZ2xSy1c048O4U/s320/IMG_20170902_045444466.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mick and June grilled up the squid that was intended as bait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had lots of food to use up, including the leftover chicken wings from Mick and June's party, so we stayed in for dinner. People turned in early so they could wake up for the Michigan football game at 2 a.m. I passed on that opportunity.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEU505NfsVZJ7KqAriLwudfXMc9AObcJxJF90JwUGK4YJSXk4BB_nPPrjyTRphpFn2tYYABlUrkLO6-EASZOIyo84ibX3HFU-LGMwAo2u58LAcAnKYCjVbVug4xdlXQuXeaetofxHLway/s1600/20170902_181236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEU505NfsVZJ7KqAriLwudfXMc9AObcJxJF90JwUGK4YJSXk4BB_nPPrjyTRphpFn2tYYABlUrkLO6-EASZOIyo84ibX3HFU-LGMwAo2u58LAcAnKYCjVbVug4xdlXQuXeaetofxHLway/s640/20170902_181236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more sunset...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Tim and I were up early on the last morning, and waded far out into the water at low tide. Hermit crabs were everywhere, as well as beautiful, perfect shells in all shades of white and gray. We enjoyed watching one of the local dogs fishing in the shallow water - something I imagine must happen every time the tide is out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDA7X1NSvu-8xKZ-L3Aay8H9y7wSVhUll2K2E8SbyalUtBsJ_sawXnG80xgpWbQrWYlrPq-Htt55xCEqZP_tGLriWyWOBDLxfczzoKR720q0WnHOXpELHNqbgOJS6K_v28jXl9QbW5Ta/s1600/IMG_20170902_164044000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDA7X1NSvu-8xKZ-L3Aay8H9y7wSVhUll2K2E8SbyalUtBsJ_sawXnG80xgpWbQrWYlrPq-Htt55xCEqZP_tGLriWyWOBDLxfczzoKR720q0WnHOXpELHNqbgOJS6K_v28jXl9QbW5Ta/s400/IMG_20170902_164044000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and one more sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQkt7er4xf8UkX9a0Oa5EWCBgF1MsCfG_8voZtBC2f3UrPIG6vE3B4BvWM63dPGQU1OwcPsCuPU0Vv_u28MXrpYa_Vzcgl-m790cWhlYwJEETaQLPKrN-34-lvbbckWvXbjZ4M_nZM6kb/s1600/IMG_20170902_164742516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQkt7er4xf8UkX9a0Oa5EWCBgF1MsCfG_8voZtBC2f3UrPIG6vE3B4BvWM63dPGQU1OwcPsCuPU0Vv_u28MXrpYa_Vzcgl-m790cWhlYwJEETaQLPKrN-34-lvbbckWvXbjZ4M_nZM6kb/s400/IMG_20170902_164742516.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepv0X37-CGSjNfqGLb5uQDoKAfgZ_6_QheHrR2_1jp3LtiBmdpDrGCbYQbow7IzUnpsMyUg8xzsYixlDkO6dfEkX7iOJ8ogakf1mFsf5bz0-UBcQBOdsxhvt40ekOHOEgMvTZICs2NCqC/s1600/IMG_20170902_171558281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepv0X37-CGSjNfqGLb5uQDoKAfgZ_6_QheHrR2_1jp3LtiBmdpDrGCbYQbow7IzUnpsMyUg8xzsYixlDkO6dfEkX7iOJ8ogakf1mFsf5bz0-UBcQBOdsxhvt40ekOHOEgMvTZICs2NCqC/s320/IMG_20170902_171558281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOtha9jhIGarWO7SKtaz8-kHtxmhyphenhyphenGB6hotQF7MgqsmbaAcjK-QBO49jwVGeDsm8xjuOe7F-Jw_ZQe-mE-6fjnm1rdQlO6X3ici7GNkdkeafdATo3vmxNGFEcd6u4gvH_5n8AWpmtxYbj/s1600/c17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOtha9jhIGarWO7SKtaz8-kHtxmhyphenhyphenGB6hotQF7MgqsmbaAcjK-QBO49jwVGeDsm8xjuOe7F-Jw_ZQe-mE-6fjnm1rdQlO6X3ici7GNkdkeafdATo3vmxNGFEcd6u4gvH_5n8AWpmtxYbj/s320/c17.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU-C2dlKZVAB-xA39FdPajxmZJj3TvQFQ3WKczFR2cIE3KxthT9qMyzUx2DMP6V-9LonHdpTlV8f1i1nAYFt25TdGapN7vyIhwgV5sT7AZnu6XLeXeWKqdT7UN3PNF8EgBwvGDRjjp_-H/s1600/c18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU-C2dlKZVAB-xA39FdPajxmZJj3TvQFQ3WKczFR2cIE3KxthT9qMyzUx2DMP6V-9LonHdpTlV8f1i1nAYFt25TdGapN7vyIhwgV5sT7AZnu6XLeXeWKqdT7UN3PNF8EgBwvGDRjjp_-H/s320/c18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWCwHwdpXzKsiln80UmfXG5_3WOJh9jZ6qQEuUxc4e8sSMcvzvK0QPTwjYnzgddHOG6IfvBXz_QFbKex8VFE9rc6nZzgW4pv6GvkXHDwmlqqJ9HbFXt1vdts-EXhQxP9PPxYL2Z3gL2SH/s1600/c23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWCwHwdpXzKsiln80UmfXG5_3WOJh9jZ6qQEuUxc4e8sSMcvzvK0QPTwjYnzgddHOG6IfvBXz_QFbKex8VFE9rc6nZzgW4pv6GvkXHDwmlqqJ9HbFXt1vdts-EXhQxP9PPxYL2Z3gL2SH/s320/c23.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW5kYFociHFHyBhg_vCyYzYDb5CfB11OR78W0yI10toKAf29HhC2kra5EOXI_GCebh_G5e9_npOgBniZCHANZpw6KzGs5zwPWj-F7IeQM3v-JSVlxDCQBhfFdkfAvLsvPVDw8FdoQ2Vm8/s1600/c24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW5kYFociHFHyBhg_vCyYzYDb5CfB11OR78W0yI10toKAf29HhC2kra5EOXI_GCebh_G5e9_npOgBniZCHANZpw6KzGs5zwPWj-F7IeQM3v-JSVlxDCQBhfFdkfAvLsvPVDw8FdoQ2Vm8/s320/c24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CUlFR20m_FQuyiNjo5j5qTolJSBDX0kgVpR5pdwv01AHPSKQNLDH8gGOv3SO72KmeM0vg1eFTTJQr6nJiKQ1FeuyC6BL1LMSqAOgzGs-aElJwVT0eaab93rvMbAltA-tlOw1UpnTtKzx/s1600/20170903_072027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CUlFR20m_FQuyiNjo5j5qTolJSBDX0kgVpR5pdwv01AHPSKQNLDH8gGOv3SO72KmeM0vg1eFTTJQr6nJiKQ1FeuyC6BL1LMSqAOgzGs-aElJwVT0eaab93rvMbAltA-tlOw1UpnTtKzx/s320/20170903_072027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchwKoaLtW16J1Ff1YeZu74uifyOnYqPuHG8GYxjlPDfsW79_t8NV4CS7i3aPjxMEJKuWWa6faHivZbpdPwaYP1n7_Ef5rUzUUEvZcTy8KipyGQMAl-rdBNxSzbvwygHFbcq-QOcJI4CG3/s1600/20170903_072049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchwKoaLtW16J1Ff1YeZu74uifyOnYqPuHG8GYxjlPDfsW79_t8NV4CS7i3aPjxMEJKuWWa6faHivZbpdPwaYP1n7_Ef5rUzUUEvZcTy8KipyGQMAl-rdBNxSzbvwygHFbcq-QOcJI4CG3/s400/20170903_072049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyJQaxQODb4Ta5T7ODOCwLan-nNQat4FvjEi-ntnvq1qVqD2mKnOqOMOzNGNdE_GSL4lzwAUqClN6OqDZB5JyME3glwiiS7gTeA3SBJim_gkAkx4Ku16iObWIfPdO2erX5Cak9_SdMw-3/s1600/20170903_072103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyJQaxQODb4Ta5T7ODOCwLan-nNQat4FvjEi-ntnvq1qVqD2mKnOqOMOzNGNdE_GSL4lzwAUqClN6OqDZB5JyME3glwiiS7gTeA3SBJim_gkAkx4Ku16iObWIfPdO2erX5Cak9_SdMw-3/s320/20170903_072103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We returned the motorbike, paid our bills, and packed as much of the leftover food as we could into the van for the journey back to Pattaya. We didn't have to wait long for the ferry, and had an easy sail across to the mainland, then a three-hour drive back home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgNkGBUx10kkDkQwFW6vmlcBw1S8m9WjPUWvWXIv_TdOqo9Nu3zH2j_pt1YKWsNGIgQFuzd6od4irljQlnbp5j1laMAcjPN2xiQECjtCXTdpVkMWmMvkMJ5WzPXMBCxgiIhRl7RfgqRRw/s1600/IMG_20170902_223556978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgNkGBUx10kkDkQwFW6vmlcBw1S8m9WjPUWvWXIv_TdOqo9Nu3zH2j_pt1YKWsNGIgQFuzd6od4irljQlnbp5j1laMAcjPN2xiQECjtCXTdpVkMWmMvkMJ5WzPXMBCxgiIhRl7RfgqRRw/s320/IMG_20170902_223556978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMeUk1mxcrB3_yuJ6bCaPOfeN1J2J6IJzYy1d0JAHtscCMMYdVMP3uSKTSXv1EoPtpvhGs2nK_Cr_9TZ20YKEvIeDVJlu90Si8MhyzW9W5s3GpRWzLQJJEjabOAGqCQzozo0Hx1SLjEiW/s1600/IMG_20170902_224035802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMeUk1mxcrB3_yuJ6bCaPOfeN1J2J6IJzYy1d0JAHtscCMMYdVMP3uSKTSXv1EoPtpvhGs2nK_Cr_9TZ20YKEvIeDVJlu90Si8MhyzW9W5s3GpRWzLQJJEjabOAGqCQzozo0Hx1SLjEiW/s320/IMG_20170902_224035802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc1fbGahwCMcheNHCCDz_0M9gZMR5qkZsQ4d0uEzTFbO2Win3abn_5wrkM5CzDvcrEB-_u2ijYpHsOxoE58Q-XURoaAQuYKfIzI-Da9cCpWejZln82CreQPS66BR5lC0KIVDrbwQnFqhd/s1600/IMG_20170902_224106254_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc1fbGahwCMcheNHCCDz_0M9gZMR5qkZsQ4d0uEzTFbO2Win3abn_5wrkM5CzDvcrEB-_u2ijYpHsOxoE58Q-XURoaAQuYKfIzI-Da9cCpWejZln82CreQPS66BR5lC0KIVDrbwQnFqhd/s320/IMG_20170902_224106254_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObjgF9GsmIfmhQLhWzxTdRzSaDaPulhuSdXbp6CZP3e3FCHcEIwArDyID1gQTUaFLzeGpoweO1XStcJr40gUOIOb2a_OEgGSdXirtjxUDWSokgeKvCn_1o6Ss9Hlkp6CYy_7YjiS9DEiZ/s1600/IMG_20170902_224344426_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObjgF9GsmIfmhQLhWzxTdRzSaDaPulhuSdXbp6CZP3e3FCHcEIwArDyID1gQTUaFLzeGpoweO1XStcJr40gUOIOb2a_OEgGSdXirtjxUDWSokgeKvCn_1o6Ss9Hlkp6CYy_7YjiS9DEiZ/s320/IMG_20170902_224344426_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We took the group to one of our favorite eateries, the Wooden Box, for dinner. We got the royal treatment from our "regular" waitress, Muay. The food was delicious as always.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Zvbv2vWXII_etbX-1wc84JyZhWE_rECk_sVn_Igwr4yMab3rT1o_tjv_xhsfwu4zxpfJ2yii4VT6vM5WUB58ZA0pSOmVduCPP0as-9__RwuhAqOeXprKLphDa0a54d_ydVu2zDM0npf/s1600/IMG_20170903_040541048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Zvbv2vWXII_etbX-1wc84JyZhWE_rECk_sVn_Igwr4yMab3rT1o_tjv_xhsfwu4zxpfJ2yii4VT6vM5WUB58ZA0pSOmVduCPP0as-9__RwuhAqOeXprKLphDa0a54d_ydVu2zDM0npf/s640/IMG_20170903_040541048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSll0jCYm-mA4odUMRJroB-rZChoCNFUWmB-qOb5TIsHdNOjurv-BKNfXwR1zX22JP0ToGN_H5plLBJ91ENonZiadNPE-OrfJjbi8at6WtFtHQQqUBEDJWXXivM170wGvukNJljd4mn0N/s1600/IMG_20170903_041103616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSll0jCYm-mA4odUMRJroB-rZChoCNFUWmB-qOb5TIsHdNOjurv-BKNfXwR1zX22JP0ToGN_H5plLBJ91ENonZiadNPE-OrfJjbi8at6WtFtHQQqUBEDJWXXivM170wGvukNJljd4mn0N/s320/IMG_20170903_041103616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQxefwvn2I_6YwsTBmgtoyzRftEWjRA8DUMQUj0f7yXYflpGS-wl5ZSoCwPqVIrHpdC29S6p5pbRrnt2OEucpcqWEo_T7pxdRqwf0jAzB90Nf7835i7R5TvZLk6I99DaWmSUezij69X3g/s1600/IMG_7981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQxefwvn2I_6YwsTBmgtoyzRftEWjRA8DUMQUj0f7yXYflpGS-wl5ZSoCwPqVIrHpdC29S6p5pbRrnt2OEucpcqWEo_T7pxdRqwf0jAzB90Nf7835i7R5TvZLk6I99DaWmSUezij69X3g/s320/IMG_7981.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT3UJ4fFMgGfSsoFreLJ9d9elJsh5fUVS85hR2hmqO2ErRuapgqgKAHWHGUjhfCetsivBWumlK6vdH-qgy_ZbwDgDQ9ee0Z3jwL9ieyi7_8Q6ZXZEYOHa-K05nNov9G1FHsUjdWLYyHVH/s1600/IMG_7984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT3UJ4fFMgGfSsoFreLJ9d9elJsh5fUVS85hR2hmqO2ErRuapgqgKAHWHGUjhfCetsivBWumlK6vdH-qgy_ZbwDgDQ9ee0Z3jwL9ieyi7_8Q6ZXZEYOHa-K05nNov9G1FHsUjdWLYyHVH/s320/IMG_7984.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sides of honey and simple sugar come with the fruit shakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn4INvqzqd3klquy4jvCLWzH5yaoO8LWtp5pVXtI2LIFWH2feToH6soGtx9mThH24b1kr2F3KfKSR-wv93P7FhB56I47OyfjeCtkV8mzVGSo9AeP9oufPEtYvJNwFpYtvNpjy2fiqMuOG/s1600/IMG_7994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn4INvqzqd3klquy4jvCLWzH5yaoO8LWtp5pVXtI2LIFWH2feToH6soGtx9mThH24b1kr2F3KfKSR-wv93P7FhB56I47OyfjeCtkV8mzVGSo9AeP9oufPEtYvJNwFpYtvNpjy2fiqMuOG/s320/IMG_7994.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh, that carrot-ginger soup - "Aroi Mak Mak!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLJ1gdD0skwdlPPm0WA0vzAo56_ENdK31a3Gk2WyYidSz0mUZPClvT9D3SgdRSiJ6vX8LB9-RibfByWZeDY37LO2KNGnknhtzxfzOJWH7QgYnxGIXWWIVKXKUTJM5jJFSz6kggSas9_Te/s1600/IMG_20170903_042937495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLJ1gdD0skwdlPPm0WA0vzAo56_ENdK31a3Gk2WyYidSz0mUZPClvT9D3SgdRSiJ6vX8LB9-RibfByWZeDY37LO2KNGnknhtzxfzOJWH7QgYnxGIXWWIVKXKUTJM5jJFSz6kggSas9_Te/s400/IMG_20170903_042937495.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They toned down the spice in the salmon larb to "farang spicy," but it still packed a punch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-87897876192577165052017-10-09T15:14:00.000-04:002017-11-29T10:22:41.088-05:00Return to Paradise - SaamSept. 1, 2017<br />
<br />
The first morning on Koh Chang - some who were fighting jet lag were up before sunrise, and enjoyed an early morning walk on the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0CU_kbjGo_BSS9M-5zLXpd7hTi6otO-tmgyUlnR2XJJYS4Ru4RLU05dFmKYMwt2ueCqzzfKErLsVayTndL5MnSkjeNhhJamM-_Fm_kNUL8yvZzeJOpWLJ3efd7YDzvBzcvTWDjOlZssa/s1600/IMG_20170831_154534247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0CU_kbjGo_BSS9M-5zLXpd7hTi6otO-tmgyUlnR2XJJYS4Ru4RLU05dFmKYMwt2ueCqzzfKErLsVayTndL5MnSkjeNhhJamM-_Fm_kNUL8yvZzeJOpWLJ3efd7YDzvBzcvTWDjOlZssa/s320/IMG_20170831_154534247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sKrplCBhn7M9h4tbU8M2si7ALErxBKSJkbvz41V5s2ddEpwcJ3KhKnm4Ok7_vpNwFZkLgZ5PfKkSBnq05W_OyBjGRzWMLjaXVWbzwRIHQeg6mWCkLCNhYmZTxvmg8nddpN4HYzROD3kM/s1600/IMG_20170831_160504184_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sKrplCBhn7M9h4tbU8M2si7ALErxBKSJkbvz41V5s2ddEpwcJ3KhKnm4Ok7_vpNwFZkLgZ5PfKkSBnq05W_OyBjGRzWMLjaXVWbzwRIHQeg6mWCkLCNhYmZTxvmg8nddpN4HYzROD3kM/s320/IMG_20170831_160504184_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco_wxLbrSAlJ09-4POlKElFq-YI2pEokCCfwtElqFfMWgIKu3JtADWjaYHtRsnM4Anrg3vlpnkXfGyHXkL_6ggZKJiiCGh47zTTOVz1Xssk6tGMpIqmUmluy_M5wLbE5RrUGEvJQAXGc-/s1600/IMG_20170831_160629260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco_wxLbrSAlJ09-4POlKElFq-YI2pEokCCfwtElqFfMWgIKu3JtADWjaYHtRsnM4Anrg3vlpnkXfGyHXkL_6ggZKJiiCGh47zTTOVz1Xssk6tGMpIqmUmluy_M5wLbE5RrUGEvJQAXGc-/s320/IMG_20170831_160629260.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jellyfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx70zM7fTKRreUrbzIMoC9sGNOLkRVPnS0NcettvyLAkvTtFo1Rv5LWOpFIXZS75b3M_3o6Csed1daAIvQ57NemU3MVfhaQkFiYpjhQwE1D6jHX2d46O4NgHH4H3RyUzy6xppksehUbJui/s1600/IMG_20170831_164648151_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx70zM7fTKRreUrbzIMoC9sGNOLkRVPnS0NcettvyLAkvTtFo1Rv5LWOpFIXZS75b3M_3o6Csed1daAIvQ57NemU3MVfhaQkFiYpjhQwE1D6jHX2d46O4NgHH4H3RyUzy6xppksehUbJui/s640/IMG_20170831_164648151_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0ZR_ZZa1ofJvemEA6T79RLykXF0hyphenhyphenhXJ4YUMSDypuaUrd7UPnChtTPrxcp4KCBAqVavqZFQY-b18KMsaPCIn8x3ygsi8kuVkTNk2l-YtfXVUn_xan9mWPv3onywpkprlSa3P68mzKm1X/s1600/IMG_20170831_164837747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0ZR_ZZa1ofJvemEA6T79RLykXF0hyphenhyphenhXJ4YUMSDypuaUrd7UPnChtTPrxcp4KCBAqVavqZFQY-b18KMsaPCIn8x3ygsi8kuVkTNk2l-YtfXVUn_xan9mWPv3onywpkprlSa3P68mzKm1X/s320/IMG_20170831_164837747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of hermit crabs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had rented a motorbike for K. Mick and K. June to use, to make travel between the properties a little more manageable. They came by in the morning, and told us that the TV didn't work and that they were the only ones in the entire complex. It was clearly not the experience we were hoping to give them. I felt really bad - the place looked so nice online.<br />
<br />
Tim and I discussed the difficult housing arrangements with K. Mick, and we decided to try to cancel the remaining nights at the deserted condo. The local manager said she couldn't give us a refund, of course, but let Tim talk to the owner over the phone. The guy was a first-class jerk, and saw no reason he should refund anything. The local manager wound up giving us a partial refund from her own pocket, I think because she recognized the unfairness of the situation.<br />
<br />
That morning, nearly everyone piled into the van to go shopping for food. They came back about an hour later with enough food to feed an army! We crammed everything into the fridge as best as we could, and everyone grabbed some breakfast.<br />
<br />
Soon after, a makeshift game of water volleyball was arranged. No net was available, so they used the rope attached to the property's kayak and stretched it across the pool - clever. Tim Jr had picked up a small ball from the store, so they were all set. The game was well under way when a mighty downpour moved in. The players were undaunted, and continued playing in the rain, "big ol' fat rain" splashing water up into their faces. It reminded me of the scene in<i> Forrest Gump</i> when the title character describes the different kinds of rain in Vietnam. "Sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y_56VcpTR-0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y_56VcpTR-0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvLr0Foa4t-kaH6TuQzosNUCqXWrnu9zztEWAB5p9LRver5zfPgFcflYurtFHevJchB_cq-X1jrbIPMWd0I5qXV5Fl0jcedMEtxQMD4tbhYTnwvqrUYqD2Ly0JlIrREVjTL3foFjhjzjW/s1600/20170901_115520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvLr0Foa4t-kaH6TuQzosNUCqXWrnu9zztEWAB5p9LRver5zfPgFcflYurtFHevJchB_cq-X1jrbIPMWd0I5qXV5Fl0jcedMEtxQMD4tbhYTnwvqrUYqD2Ly0JlIrREVjTL3foFjhjzjW/s640/20170901_115520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuymXtLd_OFenWJPucodwac1i6af1oLkYyad8XndLldh2lSQy_P8rUJ852cSkxDUwPNhFHScXua0TVh5zB3RF9UNu-gC5uYVWP1UiLxRyEQaQpeqvfGkaYf4ZKr3qMC9NciZhR4M4H5Wo/s1600/20170901_115540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuymXtLd_OFenWJPucodwac1i6af1oLkYyad8XndLldh2lSQy_P8rUJ852cSkxDUwPNhFHScXua0TVh5zB3RF9UNu-gC5uYVWP1UiLxRyEQaQpeqvfGkaYf4ZKr3qMC9NciZhR4M4H5Wo/s320/20170901_115540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkOIhzgpNuoMPieVB_UP6YGOtq4qOG2AujEyC_VTlN23P0GndFqo3XE0m60_gkHh_8KoCiZBVFJmFN70gw3RCXiQ_sQkjclPJVL4QnN-0AUPG9rLoou0jC8JMzyqJwocYZIxh7hhcdn4h/s1600/20170901_123734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkOIhzgpNuoMPieVB_UP6YGOtq4qOG2AujEyC_VTlN23P0GndFqo3XE0m60_gkHh_8KoCiZBVFJmFN70gw3RCXiQ_sQkjclPJVL4QnN-0AUPG9rLoou0jC8JMzyqJwocYZIxh7hhcdn4h/s400/20170901_123734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The rain (literal and metaphorical) soon cleared, leaving some nice, wet sand for sculpting. I love the feel of wet sand and seeing what takes shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq45N7p8iCUe_7KcXbZB9MEcP3n5MiGz2C89XN0BI00IzaqsF4FxBWl_1dW55vmy-wu7vB7fuUlBMBtQG-JsW-jTHnAxPmtH4mccCBHgCWKwcY2Mwk9ZcnYnr8slu3jK2lWC1BJkbw8i3b/s1600/20170901_170521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq45N7p8iCUe_7KcXbZB9MEcP3n5MiGz2C89XN0BI00IzaqsF4FxBWl_1dW55vmy-wu7vB7fuUlBMBtQG-JsW-jTHnAxPmtH4mccCBHgCWKwcY2Mwk9ZcnYnr8slu3jK2lWC1BJkbw8i3b/s400/20170901_170521.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The sun was soon setting, and K. Mick had just gotten his fishing line in the water - K. June stood at the shore and he rowed out in the little kayak with the line - when we announced it was time to go. (Guess we should have communicated our plans a little better.) We heard about a fire show on the beach further down the coast, and decided it would be a fun place to have dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc-0L8kBL_5vWjDmXiDLcYLtG7kvEwUbKMQYWp0zzWLa_T32S3fkL-Xr0QCc0J9xZH8J8kl5ANl2jDIw1OS8auHYP4BUxHkv3DIXX8NQlvfS1bdyiZ-gBsxtC0Yb0WD3N0UufbqE1h-kF/s1600/20170901_180058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc-0L8kBL_5vWjDmXiDLcYLtG7kvEwUbKMQYWp0zzWLa_T32S3fkL-Xr0QCc0J9xZH8J8kl5ANl2jDIw1OS8auHYP4BUxHkv3DIXX8NQlvfS1bdyiZ-gBsxtC0Yb0WD3N0UufbqE1h-kF/s400/20170901_180058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziVS6Cp8JFHTNH3dihV4fwW29I2mjny7q6n2QLfDaC1aeM9O-me9w9BqPbATev56-D35bnHBGmoPFcjthg1WV3wVc7V7LJNvLOudXvg-4Q8y3ajnWl2oIDiA-SP3gobTYWo-jtAkQSe1w/s1600/20170901_180223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziVS6Cp8JFHTNH3dihV4fwW29I2mjny7q6n2QLfDaC1aeM9O-me9w9BqPbATev56-D35bnHBGmoPFcjthg1WV3wVc7V7LJNvLOudXvg-4Q8y3ajnWl2oIDiA-SP3gobTYWo-jtAkQSe1w/s320/20170901_180223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When we pulled up in front of the Sabay Bar, the staff gladly helped find us a parking spot. I'm sure they were happy to have a van full of customers. The Tiki-style front is decorated with walls of bamboo, and leads to the beachfront dining area. Everyone ordered drinks, and took some time pouring over the large menu. The waiter had jokes, ones I'm sure he'd used a thousand times before, but I was amused. Some people ordered chicken pad thai, and he asked them if they didn't want pad thai chicken. Colored lights that looked like jellyfish hung from the trees. A good soundtrack added to the ambiance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfauAayCIWjt_UzNnxHCMWZ90AugPrq_IE3CHvc5hKzqDxaVTYOlQ76ZmyyV-eMjJySe4vF_JhtaG5upvStEzSYa-ezI0EHaBHTCbkIJHzep9p5oCSC4ewso9nXj-m8qxLWlK_WW9O7Sy8/s1600/20170901_212548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfauAayCIWjt_UzNnxHCMWZ90AugPrq_IE3CHvc5hKzqDxaVTYOlQ76ZmyyV-eMjJySe4vF_JhtaG5upvStEzSYa-ezI0EHaBHTCbkIJHzep9p5oCSC4ewso9nXj-m8qxLWlK_WW9O7Sy8/s640/20170901_212548.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShvkxhpGEBaoqgTIZFRjvHiln6NW8hpP6X0fN1IHMrdJa9EBEmdC2AJVwrUx-5zzb5kK_w-ck-cJIf_GZx2eQVFq-VPimfhCEDygZbvmUvKOS1AZlUl6XWKL0t6FYXI14-KGnaL8Obz7z/s1600/IMG_20170901_045325494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShvkxhpGEBaoqgTIZFRjvHiln6NW8hpP6X0fN1IHMrdJa9EBEmdC2AJVwrUx-5zzb5kK_w-ck-cJIf_GZx2eQVFq-VPimfhCEDygZbvmUvKOS1AZlUl6XWKL0t6FYXI14-KGnaL8Obz7z/s320/IMG_20170901_045325494.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No babies under twenty? No grenades?<br />
No eating poison??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCKjXKyQmvTJTod_b3rBANMjnAsJgIMJknkcbUDoA6QdUou6cAq8UWPQ6QO39Azj6YUSpoxmhZP5v8XYwgJL_FzmK3ewKe9PG7XXGExQVphHsR0uZm9AdnGhgAmsMeUjBjzHK5GX_gkhy/s1600/IMG_20170901_065354598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCKjXKyQmvTJTod_b3rBANMjnAsJgIMJknkcbUDoA6QdUou6cAq8UWPQ6QO39Azj6YUSpoxmhZP5v8XYwgJL_FzmK3ewKe9PG7XXGExQVphHsR0uZm9AdnGhgAmsMeUjBjzHK5GX_gkhy/s320/IMG_20170901_065354598.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTykoWf7KhJeW73NOAO4OfrBC7i15Fblby78VFStdm_6TCr0M59A-fZkkjfQpRDsmcZMJxYifqNcl8_eceagHQiehPWP9boHnbpj3HV6Mzn3ApXNrq7x6oefHJZwX5P6K2A2lpZdF6hN7t/s1600/20170901_202102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTykoWf7KhJeW73NOAO4OfrBC7i15Fblby78VFStdm_6TCr0M59A-fZkkjfQpRDsmcZMJxYifqNcl8_eceagHQiehPWP9boHnbpj3HV6Mzn3ApXNrq7x6oefHJZwX5P6K2A2lpZdF6hN7t/s400/20170901_202102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sO_yJn5cM7hDuSiJGpHLU6gbIfI3TC0hvHwHl63nYkjA8Kj_ctvUJDYcFlWUX7dFv-VkUGLXr_nTrgShpEzgG5gACU0YoWSp6nx5ksvORD72RFVZI_QJX8cSbkf4mA2VYbwG7czFkiPE/s1600/IMG_20170901_065847225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sO_yJn5cM7hDuSiJGpHLU6gbIfI3TC0hvHwHl63nYkjA8Kj_ctvUJDYcFlWUX7dFv-VkUGLXr_nTrgShpEzgG5gACU0YoWSp6nx5ksvORD72RFVZI_QJX8cSbkf4mA2VYbwG7czFkiPE/s400/IMG_20170901_065847225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqymezDH82FzS8hwtSK-Y8An6tWO7sR8_ypOoWpBPVXoB-QZxIEJNJDgRfM-i4RHWjyg5cnWOe7A8Y-x_FHv3G_4K8cVv4yOsocYzaeDsJjqZci9W4ksDBvRjO1sOt3PqwDDgqBUZCPcj/s1600/IMG_20170901_045544415_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqymezDH82FzS8hwtSK-Y8An6tWO7sR8_ypOoWpBPVXoB-QZxIEJNJDgRfM-i4RHWjyg5cnWOe7A8Y-x_FHv3G_4K8cVv4yOsocYzaeDsJjqZci9W4ksDBvRjO1sOt3PqwDDgqBUZCPcj/s320/IMG_20170901_045544415_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU61-C568TzFvsyuTnHFFWONNMS8-BUQlmExJ4fJAV-o35MaI2k7cHGRqsQ0eAYEtlu0LBWsRftcSex2Vq9hJ1Y9AqVfAFo3Rh4Xz7fENQ_2xW9o6M6LLwm5tn5sgO76ARmwIOYpvJJ-K/s1600/IMG_20170901_065632023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU61-C568TzFvsyuTnHFFWONNMS8-BUQlmExJ4fJAV-o35MaI2k7cHGRqsQ0eAYEtlu0LBWsRftcSex2Vq9hJ1Y9AqVfAFo3Rh4Xz7fENQ_2xW9o6M6LLwm5tn5sgO76ARmwIOYpvJJ-K/s320/IMG_20170901_065632023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wN5OSfQWY1wbcJ1yPde9Ub16W0TewpXhBl5H6R6ycyQdAZ-ip1jtfg0hRQ2PhLrVF2qHYSPqSDWxnNWWZ6DbAk-S3wmqwHWImfeC8zLB2UPH6NWvJtllGXJGz3BencNbkuJoZOkma2Qp/s1600/IMG_7841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wN5OSfQWY1wbcJ1yPde9Ub16W0TewpXhBl5H6R6ycyQdAZ-ip1jtfg0hRQ2PhLrVF2qHYSPqSDWxnNWWZ6DbAk-S3wmqwHWImfeC8zLB2UPH6NWvJtllGXJGz3BencNbkuJoZOkma2Qp/s320/IMG_7841.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always time for a dance on the beach...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMpbxhlh15dH3HcqqgJdwy5RLTWk8X9o_euOGeLnzunIwuXE-eY8zHtTVwZTPxh_NBHbpZSQXZCsROqjq_nnHQH_wAp5E-XXufqHvns9JCRC5NSDs5IDDzrbW3a20rlquEWMflYL67jCQ/s1600/IMG_7839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMpbxhlh15dH3HcqqgJdwy5RLTWk8X9o_euOGeLnzunIwuXE-eY8zHtTVwZTPxh_NBHbpZSQXZCsROqjq_nnHQH_wAp5E-XXufqHvns9JCRC5NSDs5IDDzrbW3a20rlquEWMflYL67jCQ/s320/IMG_7839.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogV9mbXnWVGMlqqnKywUcKv0PsPT2EnKDFs9Uz7Z6AR5f7awrjAri6ZyDlUeHYjzNBnaWZMY2bqBZ-kc9gJnfKU0FwwKlKrZ_tLtZtRWpizR2rjC5W3cf9zapB_C12ThjXSMnEOeIi_zL/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogV9mbXnWVGMlqqnKywUcKv0PsPT2EnKDFs9Uz7Z6AR5f7awrjAri6ZyDlUeHYjzNBnaWZMY2bqBZ-kc9gJnfKU0FwwKlKrZ_tLtZtRWpizR2rjC5W3cf9zapB_C12ThjXSMnEOeIi_zL/s400/IMG_2374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdu2kUnlXO28vK2gDroq95c_rKq0HUUy_o3tztvA0aOcltvmCKmsK2pvBcz5vgnPXcFlh-Da2B6rHaX-mz0rBvTdnohUvqN1Q9zgARcykCgErT19-PA_vZVCsJ_qoMLYnbcpXqbjfUvtk/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdu2kUnlXO28vK2gDroq95c_rKq0HUUy_o3tztvA0aOcltvmCKmsK2pvBcz5vgnPXcFlh-Da2B6rHaX-mz0rBvTdnohUvqN1Q9zgARcykCgErT19-PA_vZVCsJ_qoMLYnbcpXqbjfUvtk/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFBOlAoRAV-MMJrln5Mo4i8W0LT3zv7_2fRSDrGg6ONTnbJFBSo_1_1i1H2KJy14jhqV1igJqF0yg0DUijry1AK2UqWOE9Nt4oeZ8owOXAYpE79KBi6KjnqyR4tgAr8GTFnS-NyGWJYyJ/s1600/IMG_20170901_050158779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFBOlAoRAV-MMJrln5Mo4i8W0LT3zv7_2fRSDrGg6ONTnbJFBSo_1_1i1H2KJy14jhqV1igJqF0yg0DUijry1AK2UqWOE9Nt4oeZ8owOXAYpE79KBi6KjnqyR4tgAr8GTFnS-NyGWJYyJ/s640/IMG_20170901_050158779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before the fire show began, we watched a man stack wine glasses into a pyramid. He poured some kind of alcohol into the top, and watched it cascade down into the other glasses, then set the alcohol on fire.<br />
<br />
The food was pretty good, but the fire show was the highlight for sure. Young men spinning and whirling with flaming props - hoops, swords, ropes, etc. It was a feast for the eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfiSuRDPy7VqHxd3fwdhoWkCeJgmC4Xn7WW2JmaZtLOAc1eT6Bt2lhq0koIvHAtCHmR0dG2VAqpqciTcql-LooPh_ElSKXKOM66qloIMZAgHutq23jtIQoX5bYGlyTlmIFq623WBNHnS9/s1600/20170901_204908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfiSuRDPy7VqHxd3fwdhoWkCeJgmC4Xn7WW2JmaZtLOAc1eT6Bt2lhq0koIvHAtCHmR0dG2VAqpqciTcql-LooPh_ElSKXKOM66qloIMZAgHutq23jtIQoX5bYGlyTlmIFq623WBNHnS9/s320/20170901_204908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTJTwSKyzvx1QxkaBlr4q-srD3ySh_osvZTxEPC0ottVHHXI1k_hcmX7FlJ4eCndHu8PjALu0wJXUyP35NywugpV29RtvrLrIxUZrPJdJ29LCFWhu0R4zcdrSKyRbl0Hu59HaVlsTG0PW/s1600/IMG_20170901_065328632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTJTwSKyzvx1QxkaBlr4q-srD3ySh_osvZTxEPC0ottVHHXI1k_hcmX7FlJ4eCndHu8PjALu0wJXUyP35NywugpV29RtvrLrIxUZrPJdJ29LCFWhu0R4zcdrSKyRbl0Hu59HaVlsTG0PW/s400/IMG_20170901_065328632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After the show, we took a walk along the main street, and some picked up some souvenirs. Hiustyn decided she needed a giant floating donut for the pool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdLjTPDikx0AKVbw0d0dBA4eBaPpjeqJ5KWR3zi8-nkatnhrF_XjchuMxDy5IxxDcdV3M7qhCTNLVEzm81gVCDUReMJRhtBQ3eASc_EJ_UcyHYltW9j7wrDmjRrA-sSY4u0xWNW2ZXmuf/s1600/20170901_211949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdLjTPDikx0AKVbw0d0dBA4eBaPpjeqJ5KWR3zi8-nkatnhrF_XjchuMxDy5IxxDcdV3M7qhCTNLVEzm81gVCDUReMJRhtBQ3eASc_EJ_UcyHYltW9j7wrDmjRrA-sSY4u0xWNW2ZXmuf/s400/20170901_211949.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed sharing the evening with great company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVpq8LfrNtZkwQ6zo5KVF1ILuZ79gw1WDkp5b2Z0o3QKllWa9dMT3da8oPlqCOWDWQN0pcID0J87369LwsVX2ZCTfvP7gXFItILxQYO-oZbQxZtRe2OiddPfmvEtde6-RO6LLwkvGSOM_/s1600/20170901_194525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVpq8LfrNtZkwQ6zo5KVF1ILuZ79gw1WDkp5b2Z0o3QKllWa9dMT3da8oPlqCOWDWQN0pcID0J87369LwsVX2ZCTfvP7gXFItILxQYO-oZbQxZtRe2OiddPfmvEtde6-RO6LLwkvGSOM_/s320/20170901_194525.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h8LcevNsPbeKCYCHquKS0T90Y6HdpIVWVTXfYrG9y843b1mVsNOs2jLBDgw1l77dGeiXjTvzp0IjwhIPtgG1uVlqOFQyDsSGeohxJCi7aZeCghzrGh_EfbKLQXBzgLsygHnfno7PaJ0k/s1600/20170901_194546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h8LcevNsPbeKCYCHquKS0T90Y6HdpIVWVTXfYrG9y843b1mVsNOs2jLBDgw1l77dGeiXjTvzp0IjwhIPtgG1uVlqOFQyDsSGeohxJCi7aZeCghzrGh_EfbKLQXBzgLsygHnfno7PaJ0k/s320/20170901_194546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oRTbmSwzOm9U92hhKQ6w3aluiY9sbxmRRi4A6ftZ5XvaHUtmmWJfqUDDxxaFQH40-kSv4VGf7K0bHxxrStpEnlEeVIlcdQUxT_RhrQbPSrI7fV0NTZpNZ3Y-N5KGsQvpNBXlqWnx3MR8/s1600/20170901_194604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oRTbmSwzOm9U92hhKQ6w3aluiY9sbxmRRi4A6ftZ5XvaHUtmmWJfqUDDxxaFQH40-kSv4VGf7K0bHxxrStpEnlEeVIlcdQUxT_RhrQbPSrI7fV0NTZpNZ3Y-N5KGsQvpNBXlqWnx3MR8/s320/20170901_194604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WPVlypjd9H6bh_YGd1HJbtgld-5DT7-kGm2rtEwkOol5LYL13NqMuorDRwkqhVlVJRm-eWF6NyCfpvDREGnOkLEqNahW-7KWs-vSGSTAySaXJX8u-_xH8VjJJQLxy-qXD2JFWcFr6Q_E/s1600/20170901_194646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WPVlypjd9H6bh_YGd1HJbtgld-5DT7-kGm2rtEwkOol5LYL13NqMuorDRwkqhVlVJRm-eWF6NyCfpvDREGnOkLEqNahW-7KWs-vSGSTAySaXJX8u-_xH8VjJJQLxy-qXD2JFWcFr6Q_E/s320/20170901_194646.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-7950320207392872522017-10-04T23:15:00.000-04:002017-10-29T16:58:11.364-04:00Return to Paradise - SorngAugust 31, 2017<br />
<br />
When our guests were planning their Thailand invasion, someone asked each person in the group to rate the things they wanted to do while in country. Nearly everyone put "visiting an island" at the top of their list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK268V9HAlAGvMo8OxZET_HfsEEYE55h-cq60e1Kx0lqmDHYrqz_6fkvsDgWlFZLNTZK9rGuy-2JmsVE2Ag828-13Fs-cUMM9nm10r9WOkW7NAbDzlK9A9g2L5Ev033jMEW6lqyk-7mrH/s1600/KohChangPostcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK268V9HAlAGvMo8OxZET_HfsEEYE55h-cq60e1Kx0lqmDHYrqz_6fkvsDgWlFZLNTZK9rGuy-2JmsVE2Ag828-13Fs-cUMM9nm10r9WOkW7NAbDzlK9A9g2L5Ev033jMEW6lqyk-7mrH/s400/KohChangPostcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Koh Chang is a picturesque island off the coast of eastern Thailand, one of the largest Thai islands in the Gulf of Thailand, and not far from the Cambodian border. The entire island is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, with steep hills, waterfalls and jungles, and has some of the best beaches within driving distance of Pattaya. This is where we would be spending the next four days.<br />
<br />
Another early morning walk with my entourage - this time we hiked up to the top of Kao Pratumnak Hill and the Scenic Lookout. Already the place was busy with Chinese tourists posing for their kooky group photos. We enjoyed looking down on Pattaya bay, and got some pictures by the temple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsrB1OI_rbRzBMyFzw8hxVrVmfTG9UqZ7CIb3o5ssx8n-YWlCyYeN7d6ePBvzFFG5bMr1HbWUHwFhwEWAppUxfbs0JPuoo0IMZcAAi5a-ohVgoHk6CAso832j5CTNTsvS_d11fWUv7lbM/s1600/IMG_1565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsrB1OI_rbRzBMyFzw8hxVrVmfTG9UqZ7CIb3o5ssx8n-YWlCyYeN7d6ePBvzFFG5bMr1HbWUHwFhwEWAppUxfbs0JPuoo0IMZcAAi5a-ohVgoHk6CAso832j5CTNTsvS_d11fWUv7lbM/s640/IMG_1565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Zg9cW3Bl9umydFhkny16VpRF2rIiyahRZdMoYHjCXz5XOaR7zILusclLLlpfxjTSvCX50fvuuweZzRzfNATzvjjNw3ThV-56lw1ONoH1ufSD-t4E65UGKIuOYDyqTJaxKjnPbvY3NTg/s1600/IMG_1588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Zg9cW3Bl9umydFhkny16VpRF2rIiyahRZdMoYHjCXz5XOaR7zILusclLLlpfxjTSvCX50fvuuweZzRzfNATzvjjNw3ThV-56lw1ONoH1ufSD-t4E65UGKIuOYDyqTJaxKjnPbvY3NTg/s320/IMG_1588.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone helped themselves to an impromptu breakfast, then we packed up for our road trip. Our driver and his wife were able to join us, making it an even dozen in our rented van. The three-and-a-half hour drive gave us a good chance to see the Thai countryside. The bumpy ride was a bit much for the backseat passengers, however. We stopped for "benzene" and got some snacks at the 7-11 before turning off the main road to the village of Trat, where we would catch the ferry across to the island.<br />
<br />
The ferry runs every forty-five minutes, so we could have been in for a long wait; fortunately, we drove right onto the ferry when we arrived. We piled out of the car and climbed the stairs to the passenger deck. From above, we had a good view of the vehicles below, including a truck piled high with lobster traps. The blue skies and puffy white clouds above the island made for perfect photo opportunities on the thirty-minute trip across to the island.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5iKh3tFTuXaAq6D6ixZ5H_5-6dG96U5YUeYp-NQREJ5VhOb9RL-SkeHaTHHBJR1v_dqIAV7VZlzbrOy6QggOv6uVGzznEbEmjY8t9zzdMhmFbzS5c8bpPWhL91d2ymIu4MzEMFYPv_0m/s1600/IMG_1592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5iKh3tFTuXaAq6D6ixZ5H_5-6dG96U5YUeYp-NQREJ5VhOb9RL-SkeHaTHHBJR1v_dqIAV7VZlzbrOy6QggOv6uVGzznEbEmjY8t9zzdMhmFbzS5c8bpPWhL91d2ymIu4MzEMFYPv_0m/s320/IMG_1592.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgDi-8SYYF6RnAFv-d4BEGB1Z0g2nc__p0pGCgdBubjbRDPjX-Upo7_RolyMyh5aTqxrjPEnRgZE7wV2m1HRpl6gkSGWlVGfy-JiwZ0opgDfoIZ_OXlEEQ2ul-mZ3zS9my8z8VDqkS88p/s1600/IMG_20170831_031614969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgDi-8SYYF6RnAFv-d4BEGB1Z0g2nc__p0pGCgdBubjbRDPjX-Upo7_RolyMyh5aTqxrjPEnRgZE7wV2m1HRpl6gkSGWlVGfy-JiwZ0opgDfoIZ_OXlEEQ2ul-mZ3zS9my8z8VDqkS88p/s320/IMG_20170831_031614969.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAkzGqufWECEZGj5EGnchKf8zfIVOmt2oxLJjva1jvcn2fmtZ0ffZMT8Ct7wL5UoyxzY6DvkLALsU7ogQxuQK-2Sp-x51qtmr8Ozq4eaA0HWilW9157ENWLeAXyF-DHWANrReMB6zkQ15/s1600/20170831_145455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAkzGqufWECEZGj5EGnchKf8zfIVOmt2oxLJjva1jvcn2fmtZ0ffZMT8Ct7wL5UoyxzY6DvkLALsU7ogQxuQK-2Sp-x51qtmr8Ozq4eaA0HWilW9157ENWLeAXyF-DHWANrReMB6zkQ15/s320/20170831_145455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGa7u86zcTx4UZJWkNwuyad9d7E_SMPVIheJ1Nw3I7sj3etByBNlWt1Y52aNxy-wKXWwpfTQnaubBXvSTSMeGqwrloZkgyxj-N7Z455KY4FQoC9parThda2y0UlFTzyrdQ6EFnGV8tzVD/s1600/IMG_20170831_005231289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGa7u86zcTx4UZJWkNwuyad9d7E_SMPVIheJ1Nw3I7sj3etByBNlWt1Y52aNxy-wKXWwpfTQnaubBXvSTSMeGqwrloZkgyxj-N7Z455KY4FQoC9parThda2y0UlFTzyrdQ6EFnGV8tzVD/s320/IMG_20170831_005231289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdWhBQWG7n06sl3-_5pNuxWIhH0S-ZsYnvEYyGM-0v6G4UFDhud5ot1-yGnEBgBhf8e-hVqL_L0xbVNWNjhn3QRh-QQqJ7uuVs9PC6Bz-M_CS8LFHn-F5Eq-trbQ_CrN7-rvjUcJJ4WFS/s1600/IMG_20170831_010617134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdWhBQWG7n06sl3-_5pNuxWIhH0S-ZsYnvEYyGM-0v6G4UFDhud5ot1-yGnEBgBhf8e-hVqL_L0xbVNWNjhn3QRh-QQqJ7uuVs9PC6Bz-M_CS8LFHn-F5Eq-trbQ_CrN7-rvjUcJJ4WFS/s320/IMG_20170831_010617134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe and Tim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5AhZIOCBa3ttxZVfpSZRQpnGZxtsOEl-MnGvKoadqWb4_XYgSPlPWDDob2m7ow9dmlZvzkJPVy6GQnQxRRo5EGc8_KmYomTbFYwgRL7RBunWJ5lFqlrtcUAnwSU1qNwCHW1JuV0bGvkq/s1600/20170831_151021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5AhZIOCBa3ttxZVfpSZRQpnGZxtsOEl-MnGvKoadqWb4_XYgSPlPWDDob2m7ow9dmlZvzkJPVy6GQnQxRRo5EGc8_KmYomTbFYwgRL7RBunWJ5lFqlrtcUAnwSU1qNwCHW1JuV0bGvkq/s320/20170831_151021.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mick and June</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DsbdH_L2SIiGYOWqhyphenhyphenmxAZmSlY9Iv8qFt2V8Ej9zuJr0Bz97DNX2-f6vB0SK2uYN_JloPuNLjIY0WfCd5f0aJOqv-Nz4JKw3RcBX9-l5zo2J2FmKOL0_DDipZtbgpEyqtnGT11yGisq7/s1600/c37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DsbdH_L2SIiGYOWqhyphenhyphenmxAZmSlY9Iv8qFt2V8Ej9zuJr0Bz97DNX2-f6vB0SK2uYN_JloPuNLjIY0WfCd5f0aJOqv-Nz4JKw3RcBX9-l5zo2J2FmKOL0_DDipZtbgpEyqtnGT11yGisq7/s320/c37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and Evan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAbPDMYIQgSXqOOw8ccxutew6MLiJeNUQQCOFmIyEQaC0qXfvFcSfSW3laIN7fIMMGXChSr4mQwP4ICkZKHoXzKJcId_l58tDyQaCljneVxg2ihgbkfGzgTd-W38Max-V6bhU3tDI9xTj/s1600/c38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAbPDMYIQgSXqOOw8ccxutew6MLiJeNUQQCOFmIyEQaC0qXfvFcSfSW3laIN7fIMMGXChSr4mQwP4ICkZKHoXzKJcId_l58tDyQaCljneVxg2ihgbkfGzgTd-W38Max-V6bhU3tDI9xTj/s320/c38.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTTOjfy1GCKOX4PxQljYTF7sUb_csfLpmbr_HcON4p2IO9-iBjAK0lYn__RN7Hjhnv-Nr6KPxyQBCylMh4AX0ydueOa4hyh1TEAWQjr5kecqW5U4r9mxHjK1_oM2QDep28hBj5GSmu7Yr/s1600/c40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTTOjfy1GCKOX4PxQljYTF7sUb_csfLpmbr_HcON4p2IO9-iBjAK0lYn__RN7Hjhnv-Nr6KPxyQBCylMh4AX0ydueOa4hyh1TEAWQjr5kecqW5U4r9mxHjK1_oM2QDep28hBj5GSmu7Yr/s320/c40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiustyn and Ted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhWFCisIOKt9eCR_W3TG9RH4Xa_wxdowhDYsnQQfuYT2pt8VjT10efon6wE4CdzUDBwGFVSlTOtounoaDZaVLzNWmM_QTlt1RJ7_4lyoseZBw3F0eiJNk9_VHZ5P0BbUgWRhBcnrV16a6/s1600/b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhWFCisIOKt9eCR_W3TG9RH4Xa_wxdowhDYsnQQfuYT2pt8VjT10efon6wE4CdzUDBwGFVSlTOtounoaDZaVLzNWmM_QTlt1RJ7_4lyoseZBw3F0eiJNk9_VHZ5P0BbUgWRhBcnrV16a6/s320/b3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna and Mike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreGEK2mKVq0LrPmZN7GLlOV5mgjIAeMNzfX-mgofCEtvHcWQpKl4OWY2Q4d9Rv6M8hK67aTcpA5SkIP3BvqsLtgNgIdhyphenhyphenx2_fc9LpkZRmEDdCb3uGeH1bhocaHVcFyfx7J-kCw_ba15N2/s1600/20170831_150845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreGEK2mKVq0LrPmZN7GLlOV5mgjIAeMNzfX-mgofCEtvHcWQpKl4OWY2Q4d9Rv6M8hK67aTcpA5SkIP3BvqsLtgNgIdhyphenhyphenx2_fc9LpkZRmEDdCb3uGeH1bhocaHVcFyfx7J-kCw_ba15N2/s320/20170831_150845.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lobster traps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxza95FHlO3ZeCCg3g-LZ4L4EeQo2tsbUBqe38-yQ2h5oPc7AsNXPQrT7HusfD-eUXI0GaP593D2bb9ltc6sUzt37kdkLIa4XPRrlHteGdLbLrpJzWNh59Nzp_NP5g3VCJwbDZYpGBM1bm/s1600/IMG_20170831_012108310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxza95FHlO3ZeCCg3g-LZ4L4EeQo2tsbUBqe38-yQ2h5oPc7AsNXPQrT7HusfD-eUXI0GaP593D2bb9ltc6sUzt37kdkLIa4XPRrlHteGdLbLrpJzWNh59Nzp_NP5g3VCJwbDZYpGBM1bm/s320/IMG_20170831_012108310.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading back down to the car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQujHDIqfBjD06nlr6FpmeTpG33EHH7o0PVs0MVkEmzYYAgsUr9ZPMz1R6RWv6z0iFGyWLN50VRSI5Qpx-iRz-vPDgjSXEgYbzSpxkDtnSzDGQLTI2ICTH1zx346D6vvCXAJKZ9VXp5eYg/s1600/IMG_20170831_012259455_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQujHDIqfBjD06nlr6FpmeTpG33EHH7o0PVs0MVkEmzYYAgsUr9ZPMz1R6RWv6z0iFGyWLN50VRSI5Qpx-iRz-vPDgjSXEgYbzSpxkDtnSzDGQLTI2ICTH1zx346D6vvCXAJKZ9VXp5eYg/s400/IMG_20170831_012259455_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
From the ferry, it was a short drive to the resort. We had booked a condo for our driver and his wife, since we were only allowed ten people in our Airbnb house. The manager of the condo met us on her scooter and escorted us to the property. The drive in was pretty rough - unfinished roads and messy construction. The condo seemed deserted when we arrived, but we didn't want to be swayed by first impressions. We climbed the stairs to the third-floor unit, and paid for the three-night stay. The manager informed us that we would be charged extra for water and electricity - I never heard such a thing before, and we were pretty unhappy about it. (I missed it in the fine print of the booking.com listing.)<br />
<br />
We had booked the condo because it was inside the same resort as the house, and expected it to be easy traveling between the two properties. But because of all the mess with the roads and construction, we had to drive all the way back out to the main road and down a different road to get to our rental house - very disappointing. <br />
<br />
The house was lovely - a five-bedroom villa with a private pool and the beach just steps away. Our early afternoon arrival allowed us to enjoy the pool and the beach for a few hours. The local pooches welcomed us and kept us company for most of our stay. One was dubbed "Sansa" (Mike's girlfriend has a dog of similar color named Arya.) The beach was splendid, with more beautiful shells than I have ever seen on a beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqweKkDe5uA1Rcf_5L6xwXW4UW8NH4h183NnsDpimnmrFBWSzKhtT7-QC6r0FAegb4L5YOEpi0l_MRhz6oXJMxsUkBTw-enYgEVV6ciPlopwmLdsWuccBO3gH04HjQeEf-PWjJe-KpoFon/s1600/20170831_174736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqweKkDe5uA1Rcf_5L6xwXW4UW8NH4h183NnsDpimnmrFBWSzKhtT7-QC6r0FAegb4L5YOEpi0l_MRhz6oXJMxsUkBTw-enYgEVV6ciPlopwmLdsWuccBO3gH04HjQeEf-PWjJe-KpoFon/s320/20170831_174736.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLSYC9KJMRCuEufsZJBBXv1ncpRs0JXNmtswHiztQmg0k3T5Ppux7ld935BTPLjOujko43ZbGAv4q4yyE22SIydOp8U8B0GdJHeO-v1dlEfPl20sy1JsVOZDz2IRRPfb5njGfRg6cTgmb/s1600/IMG_20170831_020554382_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLSYC9KJMRCuEufsZJBBXv1ncpRs0JXNmtswHiztQmg0k3T5Ppux7ld935BTPLjOujko43ZbGAv4q4yyE22SIydOp8U8B0GdJHeO-v1dlEfPl20sy1JsVOZDz2IRRPfb5njGfRg6cTgmb/s320/IMG_20170831_020554382_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IiopcC3HI-ghhaBTvuXB-xUuTZWOL7HtUvOv_nbjcrKyLUzU9K04D4QIdO8g313nY_VP05kpI392AK6G8yf33GId4sQctoUd7kmyi9IY7ZT6wtls5rcT9hyphenhyphenF44awqZoNi4MeU0rTcD_x/s1600/IMG_20170831_022411268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IiopcC3HI-ghhaBTvuXB-xUuTZWOL7HtUvOv_nbjcrKyLUzU9K04D4QIdO8g313nY_VP05kpI392AK6G8yf33GId4sQctoUd7kmyi9IY7ZT6wtls5rcT9hyphenhyphenF44awqZoNi4MeU0rTcD_x/s400/IMG_20170831_022411268.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ornate front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasdT4Ic5elME6a-ImZnjsJxNTbGa-Ox7YDOdZcfb1D9GtTkoq6WUOwjy08iPmFnEP6DBvvw2QAoaJ8q5cZKSb3IpiOUZEfYcOV8NwKVgx125gSSD4tbkRW8rbOYkyo9N4nv357ktssUoT/s1600/IMG_20170831_022414195_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasdT4Ic5elME6a-ImZnjsJxNTbGa-Ox7YDOdZcfb1D9GtTkoq6WUOwjy08iPmFnEP6DBvvw2QAoaJ8q5cZKSb3IpiOUZEfYcOV8NwKVgx125gSSD4tbkRW8rbOYkyo9N4nv357ktssUoT/s320/IMG_20170831_022414195_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our first look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIKxkbFQi6QJuX5zN8V4NjTSoOghMZ-EPspmMGEM6OotCVvmv_6LAg9bdG2C8xFRCr231j08_2IjVkPI0IItS88frNx0MrEcfc0x2GtjuXqDE03a_4rAChfn7CNbd5SGYp4vHUKsViTWW/s1600/IMG_20170831_024359133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIKxkbFQi6QJuX5zN8V4NjTSoOghMZ-EPspmMGEM6OotCVvmv_6LAg9bdG2C8xFRCr231j08_2IjVkPI0IItS88frNx0MrEcfc0x2GtjuXqDE03a_4rAChfn7CNbd5SGYp4vHUKsViTWW/s320/IMG_20170831_024359133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_ZIT-CCLxABL5XKXju5uD9g49aVuzuJYszogfmzoNHD8xPE9E_brqmtI9XzvGNQxvNKo01BJcOIo7eeD2tQYCdqgtsRVbJ-mfHsGTf2eloxdeRGVFLcclG27qjdJ1vlCfX3zW7PNlKmY/s1600/IMG_20170831_024505640_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_ZIT-CCLxABL5XKXju5uD9g49aVuzuJYszogfmzoNHD8xPE9E_brqmtI9XzvGNQxvNKo01BJcOIo7eeD2tQYCdqgtsRVbJ-mfHsGTf2eloxdeRGVFLcclG27qjdJ1vlCfX3zW7PNlKmY/s320/IMG_20170831_024505640_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHzttkCYxZsae0FQFb2QeLb5-2fBlMIXj2MEMZRHJ1ScpGS5Jnh1-JTQ7Gad0sRPcIZAsI0FMW4r9KBdB-j2PvOsxtKD_8FfHQs5NWfJcoSGYqET94L1Ix2e17THZ1wBUe7tBH3N9zgdf/s1600/c08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHzttkCYxZsae0FQFb2QeLb5-2fBlMIXj2MEMZRHJ1ScpGS5Jnh1-JTQ7Gad0sRPcIZAsI0FMW4r9KBdB-j2PvOsxtKD_8FfHQs5NWfJcoSGYqET94L1Ix2e17THZ1wBUe7tBH3N9zgdf/s400/c08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YqG0W6u3pSUWcSYqFhtcz_KT-w1Ve28Jr54qum-2jiAulmqiVde_1VIV6eQo6ZNQ9leDQPiRWLEIX_dLmSs4crUgzibeyicgZYpAXmARhqsgjVohoWgBufSWNI729qHzVYrnqiu6y-_n/s1600/c09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YqG0W6u3pSUWcSYqFhtcz_KT-w1Ve28Jr54qum-2jiAulmqiVde_1VIV6eQo6ZNQ9leDQPiRWLEIX_dLmSs4crUgzibeyicgZYpAXmARhqsgjVohoWgBufSWNI729qHzVYrnqiu6y-_n/s320/c09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmGTLIxrMLjbjprsgRcYCMXRQjA9buoLymCuhbEk_zCXoNVXAVwKVPAfIDjf1yeCpzkVcsykDubKmwA-RPDEUWa9JUqav3aOnnyAyvxrAx97mfZzdwAbXoz3TXtE6gQdcu1GqJ0RhNEUo/s1600/c12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmGTLIxrMLjbjprsgRcYCMXRQjA9buoLymCuhbEk_zCXoNVXAVwKVPAfIDjf1yeCpzkVcsykDubKmwA-RPDEUWa9JUqav3aOnnyAyvxrAx97mfZzdwAbXoz3TXtE6gQdcu1GqJ0RhNEUo/s320/c12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-NO3NsENc3aPUo773tJTE5MCIzpkXjQ_5G8nRablKxb2EaLK0S2r2IYA5RMhdmUepGzMHk4Ox8IWWspYZZHn9fTACaRr4RvbU8rkvoMz-WTMBehFAGl5ZNkmVQn6IyQhhDHQJDsgt_4c/s1600/IMG_20170831_155522832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-NO3NsENc3aPUo773tJTE5MCIzpkXjQ_5G8nRablKxb2EaLK0S2r2IYA5RMhdmUepGzMHk4Ox8IWWspYZZHn9fTACaRr4RvbU8rkvoMz-WTMBehFAGl5ZNkmVQn6IyQhhDHQJDsgt_4c/s320/IMG_20170831_155522832.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTn33S0ncOMLaoIOU7FyoOYulY9Ov51obaWVW-dbtIEDnUcckA7AfSwlcBmwuI2jT4js1hn5WOWKWsgnp1Oi_bI7GKKhEspY6IhejVnPzJxNUE5BKoYhfedceVxp8kU7ypzk_fsSGpfHW/s1600/c13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTn33S0ncOMLaoIOU7FyoOYulY9Ov51obaWVW-dbtIEDnUcckA7AfSwlcBmwuI2jT4js1hn5WOWKWsgnp1Oi_bI7GKKhEspY6IhejVnPzJxNUE5BKoYhfedceVxp8kU7ypzk_fsSGpfHW/s320/c13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES73OUidttXRb1UbLew-5Dt8tWj0OR_c2bpSUqKgE02vfAGVjs7Q_CBmiIyxqqp6pSHBbTAbe8WE7ULY7yvBRLsGksL6pMqPm0byZcH4WjsV9n64SyM5Lmr3mwSFKGrZB6jL4PJBgYN1y/s1600/c14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES73OUidttXRb1UbLew-5Dt8tWj0OR_c2bpSUqKgE02vfAGVjs7Q_CBmiIyxqqp6pSHBbTAbe8WE7ULY7yvBRLsGksL6pMqPm0byZcH4WjsV9n64SyM5Lmr3mwSFKGrZB6jL4PJBgYN1y/s400/c14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0ZvdoWHMPkZVnaPk4yKz23tIe-7I1C0t3fsyfiVmBYrOrm7T4OdnpHMdMbUn5o7fjT-WiTWRfNhkrEXdtLzzO_jtRmxoIX-sbNluGphNKNE8FHtFhs_xcid78AfV6NKTV8o47xURL2OJ/s1600/c07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0ZvdoWHMPkZVnaPk4yKz23tIe-7I1C0t3fsyfiVmBYrOrm7T4OdnpHMdMbUn5o7fjT-WiTWRfNhkrEXdtLzzO_jtRmxoIX-sbNluGphNKNE8FHtFhs_xcid78AfV6NKTV8o47xURL2OJ/s320/c07.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUiJkzdnw9ikcOFnEoZyD5Fvke3EglmhXEQZBxHbawKAhs28eenB6bOXM2URTRawZlzMrLb7yfoF-7ZyIl992slBJLV0lAV4T9DvtbhrPQlfpZC4eNNWGV7qOtsCsO6Ot4ZxCnk7FY4Ob/s1600/20170831_174736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUiJkzdnw9ikcOFnEoZyD5Fvke3EglmhXEQZBxHbawKAhs28eenB6bOXM2URTRawZlzMrLb7yfoF-7ZyIl992slBJLV0lAV4T9DvtbhrPQlfpZC4eNNWGV7qOtsCsO6Ot4ZxCnk7FY4Ob/s320/20170831_174736.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti92r5GPI4H58A8N3cXbmTFUVN7JARXd4tx4hVUe9AM6BIWi_kWIy8n6Xp9si5j8fdZqRgX24wyr6oi27QtFhyphenhyphenlH6VFZgG0tgG3Jlc3-DhJRtE5JjaNJAKeYtgyb8vuG3H8DuM2Rqv0XD/s1600/20170831_174854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti92r5GPI4H58A8N3cXbmTFUVN7JARXd4tx4hVUe9AM6BIWi_kWIy8n6Xp9si5j8fdZqRgX24wyr6oi27QtFhyphenhyphenlH6VFZgG0tgG3Jlc3-DhJRtE5JjaNJAKeYtgyb8vuG3H8DuM2Rqv0XD/s320/20170831_174854.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-41bQaKEex5-33pjacRN5wyJg6xLRw8rV33T0nAyR3KF1LYhwRJXsGQSVBJWOX1B4EFdbSXDbs-4rc0Gr8cFgUddGgr9lvs0-MvLdD85H32qKv136yE6Cl5KMN-a8b8FJ6UlFXNz1S3wk/s1600/20170831_174101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-41bQaKEex5-33pjacRN5wyJg6xLRw8rV33T0nAyR3KF1LYhwRJXsGQSVBJWOX1B4EFdbSXDbs-4rc0Gr8cFgUddGgr9lvs0-MvLdD85H32qKv136yE6Cl5KMN-a8b8FJ6UlFXNz1S3wk/s320/20170831_174101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, the first swimmers in the water spotted some jellyfish, so we kept our exposure to a minimum. It was a good opportunity to practice my Thai writing in the sand - I tried writing everyone's name in Thai. Our driver's wife helped with a few corrections. It seems "Ted" is spelled with the "ay" sound in Thai - who knew? Not Tayd!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU-Bb8CNnjT8Wg2bnNNzRjSSzsrEN_-Za3b6NBe5uCMQoOrbAYM1scAXJGSweHyJPFyGDPbZIOJfWYpnAiE20bkKLPvC8mdxYu2YehNynWuZCvV7LUtQwjqxWHblg-_Ib0h4Zj0xgmpqw/s1600/20170831_174231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU-Bb8CNnjT8Wg2bnNNzRjSSzsrEN_-Za3b6NBe5uCMQoOrbAYM1scAXJGSweHyJPFyGDPbZIOJfWYpnAiE20bkKLPvC8mdxYu2YehNynWuZCvV7LUtQwjqxWHblg-_Ib0h4Zj0xgmpqw/s320/20170831_174231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ted + Hiustyn" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRMl7a_077q37UpoKn6dvRtQ25CH6BAzxrwaBYz13-w6kDmBzN_Dt5Ue0p1SRNUBpwxCWoTC9Ap0i2D95aqnlDdLtn7jadC4bOxgrIuCDz9umh9KsRrx9iNrJgWHpUuGEElBKBOQhJQH3/s320/20170831_174349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tim + Chloe"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNkL0mTyTIrNpJf1rM5BF_BTPNqFmXhx56L74VQwpreNil2F1loIyTAbiWu43JWensX9z9Yu8ru2L8oGaDNMUQiapDF5iEkPivSvHASP3XpUx2fk6JK8OvygNT8JlasU8gw7JeUgg9Jh6/s1600/20170831_174408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNkL0mTyTIrNpJf1rM5BF_BTPNqFmXhx56L74VQwpreNil2F1loIyTAbiWu43JWensX9z9Yu8ru2L8oGaDNMUQiapDF5iEkPivSvHASP3XpUx2fk6JK8OvygNT8JlasU8gw7JeUgg9Jh6/s320/20170831_174408.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mike (kinda) + Jenna"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtcUElZIDTLt7QBshWhz8UBH0DyYOFRT6Dqr96GUcXPrxGdyQO6xc5pdNX-E3ZThIgkixHVdOVUQppBwi-7FUaWkZ2InzWQjgvoMvaPf0ARVDfPlSoau1zSH2CLwTg3XpQNuCZ2ZMHym1/s1600/20170831_174419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtcUElZIDTLt7QBshWhz8UBH0DyYOFRT6Dqr96GUcXPrxGdyQO6xc5pdNX-E3ZThIgkixHVdOVUQppBwi-7FUaWkZ2InzWQjgvoMvaPf0ARVDfPlSoau1zSH2CLwTg3XpQNuCZ2ZMHym1/s320/20170831_174419.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Evan + Katie"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-ridtliQGmxHtYvh7yOE0K7F1KQtW_7lPLu9883Z5KzmbjVRpOcdAgmafbPmKWwG1BgSf3WSyg6zFhQax3AYToVRaB1J9jTAwfSnO8RE-mW0FaNaUJMyloYLkkoFKkn7IYDOlCQyGycj/s1600/20170831_174431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-ridtliQGmxHtYvh7yOE0K7F1KQtW_7lPLu9883Z5KzmbjVRpOcdAgmafbPmKWwG1BgSf3WSyg6zFhQax3AYToVRaB1J9jTAwfSnO8RE-mW0FaNaUJMyloYLkkoFKkn7IYDOlCQyGycj/s320/20170831_174431.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Liz + Tim"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It didn't take long for Tim and Mick to pull out the backgammon set. It was a fierce battle, with the winner being dubbed "The Boss." Mick was wearing his "Boss" shirt, which I think gave him an unfair advantage. The rest of us enjoyed the beautiful sunset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQNQexhuQEf-6q63O4LPKDgg_aFJ5SLCDLFyh1HYWQiTVCZiRvAQPfrDzKMYlP9bfswqnoZgLDSLjVMdmwkAtOR3qkL5KeaGT-jCa5QZiUCQBSuapyi-XSZP1wypBxGTMbI4zTBSocq9Q/s1600/IMG_20170831_035339334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQNQexhuQEf-6q63O4LPKDgg_aFJ5SLCDLFyh1HYWQiTVCZiRvAQPfrDzKMYlP9bfswqnoZgLDSLjVMdmwkAtOR3qkL5KeaGT-jCa5QZiUCQBSuapyi-XSZP1wypBxGTMbI4zTBSocq9Q/s320/IMG_20170831_035339334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjPJFDKKhmIOgAAsCued5YAf7ZjtMHwRTffrqByrTlE6byJM-9hv-tFcEXku2ht4D5aNpLYpkDFeki8tO3aATcze4aibov66GtmkfCh-LE5Dwqjs4Xx2H-J-0lcJrJi0-z15_YPx_eLFu/s1600/20170831_191146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjPJFDKKhmIOgAAsCued5YAf7ZjtMHwRTffrqByrTlE6byJM-9hv-tFcEXku2ht4D5aNpLYpkDFeki8tO3aATcze4aibov66GtmkfCh-LE5Dwqjs4Xx2H-J-0lcJrJi0-z15_YPx_eLFu/s320/20170831_191146.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iCqj9KhcABWEfYat9V02SR85oByd0yOi6zzd87xIuL_1Zwe4Xp0ZrVKSqEylpVPMkkify6sRQ4Y3eYSyUIzb1hJLzFZptLKN5c1ZSH6EBYYciT9cpH5TvqZTsOLgjh0VQv3oagZJmkDV/s1600/20170831_191148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iCqj9KhcABWEfYat9V02SR85oByd0yOi6zzd87xIuL_1Zwe4Xp0ZrVKSqEylpVPMkkify6sRQ4Y3eYSyUIzb1hJLzFZptLKN5c1ZSH6EBYYciT9cpH5TvqZTsOLgjh0VQv3oagZJmkDV/s320/20170831_191148.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QJyfQSR-tOKnyiuUTj-d6syqWkW2ISOqGIG2KliAnKymY98c48r1vwtt10vve3-Ub8PmE1W8y7kLXQtSehuxA9Ioeciq5JLaHrqDOpL9IQ9FMacl5oGnXC25RINBLc6_D3NSTeaI7Gbv/s1600/20170831_181454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QJyfQSR-tOKnyiuUTj-d6syqWkW2ISOqGIG2KliAnKymY98c48r1vwtt10vve3-Ub8PmE1W8y7kLXQtSehuxA9Ioeciq5JLaHrqDOpL9IQ9FMacl5oGnXC25RINBLc6_D3NSTeaI7Gbv/s320/20170831_181454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8kgloSCiR-dvZb03gO1NA5QR9imdvf-PYwcEufX_34EZqZwNV-4KEv25jculV2LgI9um2Iav_gxmFNgrxkEfZ5e3KE9ir5EyG4GepV5tNYCoL1CT-8XfCoPUTln2oPvmLF8KF6aCP0ru/s1600/IMG_20170831_043728241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8kgloSCiR-dvZb03gO1NA5QR9imdvf-PYwcEufX_34EZqZwNV-4KEv25jculV2LgI9um2Iav_gxmFNgrxkEfZ5e3KE9ir5EyG4GepV5tNYCoL1CT-8XfCoPUTln2oPvmLF8KF6aCP0ru/s320/IMG_20170831_043728241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHYrMYs_kV6FysWCuXo6dxf5tTW0VKm0T_KZOngQAos6hOxAKEv_paUTC_o0c7K1eynaRQZy7Rl9UEBCfiQXCv0guYGpseEM1m62R4-7s9b087xNKs0-yKmuFMJfR2In8GZ_SpilQ1V2u/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHYrMYs_kV6FysWCuXo6dxf5tTW0VKm0T_KZOngQAos6hOxAKEv_paUTC_o0c7K1eynaRQZy7Rl9UEBCfiQXCv0guYGpseEM1m62R4-7s9b087xNKs0-yKmuFMJfR2In8GZ_SpilQ1V2u/s320/IMG_1646.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWibSqvAELCV7TfqCFSM3uRNoGez1foBuizW-Z3nvoFIIhnpXFzueKc6YKTfkMOfs1vKBqVXEf5B6Y-jnK7m_R8xPpQAfGoklDgjl8ycQBXV2hyGyUDuiGvy1uW08ym6ciWuxTVXwwP8/s1600/IMG_1644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWibSqvAELCV7TfqCFSM3uRNoGez1foBuizW-Z3nvoFIIhnpXFzueKc6YKTfkMOfs1vKBqVXEf5B6Y-jnK7m_R8xPpQAfGoklDgjl8ycQBXV2hyGyUDuiGvy1uW08ym6ciWuxTVXwwP8/s320/IMG_1644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZtR6OJ4yPzTnL_RSGURGPaopwQgYn4FwS5SWDK9VYCQ208JCqIC-F40IPQ0bkiCtknrH0jIMBbmhUbC3T7FB4Yoqydjii8DzNtXX5eglSKN62wxrgdkNsTh_HvbTVxo5OWnXesWGYBwP/s1600/20170831_184508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZtR6OJ4yPzTnL_RSGURGPaopwQgYn4FwS5SWDK9VYCQ208JCqIC-F40IPQ0bkiCtknrH0jIMBbmhUbC3T7FB4Yoqydjii8DzNtXX5eglSKN62wxrgdkNsTh_HvbTVxo5OWnXesWGYBwP/s400/20170831_184508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq8O216qzFa3PFiqrwBYXXFtnvbAY-qMQYFFsSf9r_rLvST5rcy6gGEPyYQmKcHMKdHzK628SCllRZU5EL0hMIbtVbTttuPRuq15VZGliV8mzyIlROm99TPXQP2DOB9tejkTIc2_VrSL9/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq8O216qzFa3PFiqrwBYXXFtnvbAY-qMQYFFsSf9r_rLvST5rcy6gGEPyYQmKcHMKdHzK628SCllRZU5EL0hMIbtVbTttuPRuq15VZGliV8mzyIlROm99TPXQP2DOB9tejkTIc2_VrSL9/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XIc5LmdH6bmcsTdTAgf8nLC8uK76Ulx4SGFEbpKltr9UolJQkH_uQsMNZ012_deRtacEfztsclEHwP4VOcfLcy77-z3XkKcRANR7L_dZD8tyNwNZa4k8wXgY2xbrrUnoFW-7WM49YtmF/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XIc5LmdH6bmcsTdTAgf8nLC8uK76Ulx4SGFEbpKltr9UolJQkH_uQsMNZ012_deRtacEfztsclEHwP4VOcfLcy77-z3XkKcRANR7L_dZD8tyNwNZa4k8wXgY2xbrrUnoFW-7WM49YtmF/s640/IMG_2341.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I'd read about a good Mexican restaurant nearby, but after driving around for a bit, we discovered it was closed during low season. Instead, we stopped into the first place we stumbled upon, since by that time everyone was starving. The Shambhala Bar served drinks, and had food delivered from another location, so it took awhile for the food to arrive. Some of the group enjoyed a game of pool in the meantime. The food and the service were so-so, with drinks slowly coming out one at a time, and the food being delivered in shifts. But we were happy to be fed so we could go back to the house and crash. "After all, tomorrow is another day."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK5xEmFVDG9J3dibrpQPL4pMi3czO-UZ5nK-tI4eaXTZWAfZvmgOAXpo8LeT8iV31_kYhaTK7Vk2oym4pVRySjJjeFU38alKp7U2JeblIPmAkSdk7GmS_tYduaxOlPcN6CkvUakpNTvSX/s1600/IMG_20170831_071230305_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK5xEmFVDG9J3dibrpQPL4pMi3czO-UZ5nK-tI4eaXTZWAfZvmgOAXpo8LeT8iV31_kYhaTK7Vk2oym4pVRySjJjeFU38alKp7U2JeblIPmAkSdk7GmS_tYduaxOlPcN6CkvUakpNTvSX/s320/IMG_20170831_071230305_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xo7wuMMPCCwKykGXa173yHwSOx8eKU72bb7y2n9wxMkxzYQ3jM2PaJWGZzREHAvJYTI7DdGdHvXcVjrMbAOQulyY03b7M8y9g3NZdw5qeC599dC9Ao-DtmHIdwra1JEykgeF2NbuBWpb/s1600/20170831_201907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xo7wuMMPCCwKykGXa173yHwSOx8eKU72bb7y2n9wxMkxzYQ3jM2PaJWGZzREHAvJYTI7DdGdHvXcVjrMbAOQulyY03b7M8y9g3NZdw5qeC599dC9Ao-DtmHIdwra1JEykgeF2NbuBWpb/s320/20170831_201907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_2YxnQVftSGayXjJCE9i0dPhFJlGrAF_PDbhWSTeW3OEF8N9smCYwVae7mboJs7jdp-QBkr8pFidzXZpNHyubU2Zqn10A0xB7S9cnCdn5G67aIC9kdK-BF1p4zAyOgrg-kB6I4rZHpoW/s1600/20170831_201923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_2YxnQVftSGayXjJCE9i0dPhFJlGrAF_PDbhWSTeW3OEF8N9smCYwVae7mboJs7jdp-QBkr8pFidzXZpNHyubU2Zqn10A0xB7S9cnCdn5G67aIC9kdK-BF1p4zAyOgrg-kB6I4rZHpoW/s320/20170831_201923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemhomGMFWZwVAcAzqru5EnjmwHZUCt8apbaYFEAQsnWSn37DekY9U5xW7VgwAc4FDI-3NH-rhvp0qR_eBQEO18llWg6iw1jl42u7NYQhBu1B5sa732ervKgIxwUBTSP203-i_UZpY2X3h/s1600/20170831_201941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemhomGMFWZwVAcAzqru5EnjmwHZUCt8apbaYFEAQsnWSn37DekY9U5xW7VgwAc4FDI-3NH-rhvp0qR_eBQEO18llWg6iw1jl42u7NYQhBu1B5sa732ervKgIxwUBTSP203-i_UZpY2X3h/s320/20170831_201941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESwhawllEdty_5szuNo4QgPffkUno891H7t3xi4rP6x20bPwTRTcmIdfULbAbsegsiTK1ziZHYk1NoNdGlH2C4osm0uUTh3R5dYAN-K_yPIT_zfb9C_-yKo-VItyFDgDaXR5EyvNEXnw-/s1600/IMG_20170831_060629711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESwhawllEdty_5szuNo4QgPffkUno891H7t3xi4rP6x20bPwTRTcmIdfULbAbsegsiTK1ziZHYk1NoNdGlH2C4osm0uUTh3R5dYAN-K_yPIT_zfb9C_-yKo-VItyFDgDaXR5EyvNEXnw-/s320/IMG_20170831_060629711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43yBvR0cvmJGZRphW7QC8js8CnUdHi2yLM5ArR3s4I4YDKc7N-jzG-GZRv7REBs_nPSivzBGfAtr8IkGIdXHWcy1ZmMjLZdXX_sPsjAVf4hsv_4jC327htgDvjtuLL6aF_w0cdjOohAwa/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43yBvR0cvmJGZRphW7QC8js8CnUdHi2yLM5ArR3s4I4YDKc7N-jzG-GZRv7REBs_nPSivzBGfAtr8IkGIdXHWcy1ZmMjLZdXX_sPsjAVf4hsv_4jC327htgDvjtuLL6aF_w0cdjOohAwa/s320/IMG_2351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-71238808720091572992017-09-20T06:23:00.000-04:002017-10-29T16:57:07.190-04:00Return to Paradise - NeungAugust 29 - 30, 2017<br />
<br />
A bright and happy spot in our final days of goodbyes, we were blessed to have our three boys back for one more visit. This time they brought along their lovely ladies, as well as a good buddy and his new wife, for a total of eight guests! <br />
<br />
Logistics for a group this size had to be taken into consideration. We rented a fourteen-seat van that would fit our eight guests, Tim and I, and our driver. Tim accompanied K. Mick to the airport while I waited excitedly at home. Ted and Hiustyn arrived around ten p.m., with the rest following close behind at eleven. It was nearly one in the morning by the time they made it back to Pattaya. I took four of them over to the Suites next door, and we settled the other four in our spare rooms. Feels so right and wonderful to have us all together!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r94QdmtqO1GZE_J1l54sFW3aDcSEaG7Y33le1wZcBuFp3chxhzOXP-5bCpmnRlFQ77sgShAkK3sBLpPQ5gPslPxsEkPQumKhsZrJqcKDPHr_lJxIlrQ3g72OMu1vd98qumfmtX9dG5ta/s1600/20170830_092159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r94QdmtqO1GZE_J1l54sFW3aDcSEaG7Y33le1wZcBuFp3chxhzOXP-5bCpmnRlFQ77sgShAkK3sBLpPQ5gPslPxsEkPQumKhsZrJqcKDPHr_lJxIlrQ3g72OMu1vd98qumfmtX9dG5ta/s400/20170830_092159.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of shoes at the door!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Their first morning here, I dragged half of the group out on my morning walk. Nice to have such excellent company! Even the "Mayor of the Hill" noticed my entourage. He said (in his simplified English many of us westerners fall into when speaking with Thais) - "Oh, today have many people! She usually come alone!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPBUt5QKqu8jGwCUo81Wg8uYgcWZ5bWOANbJGH9IECfAGK_Z7zMa-q0CFrDJ8faS675N3Q1WBY0xgDgtxlz_rx_sQ1P81ZhiuCzqli1HR1j4JmVZVuRoEaPL8cz-TSb-t6YZ-9NmgFri_/s1600/IMG_20170829_161251731_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPBUt5QKqu8jGwCUo81Wg8uYgcWZ5bWOANbJGH9IECfAGK_Z7zMa-q0CFrDJ8faS675N3Q1WBY0xgDgtxlz_rx_sQ1P81ZhiuCzqli1HR1j4JmVZVuRoEaPL8cz-TSb-t6YZ-9NmgFri_/s320/IMG_20170829_161251731_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxP45VlkgbdhV-nfHhrTGFjsYheHxWr3WWBGyPxAPBljQZbbp1j9aHtotdHNTT_W_wrvxXaWVX1KioR9JebdNA3z1Caf5b3eagQB5YmRHqv4QvDoExeuRRKDBlxjQKNfbmGxXTOEP_QJb/s1600/IMG_20170829_174207132_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxP45VlkgbdhV-nfHhrTGFjsYheHxWr3WWBGyPxAPBljQZbbp1j9aHtotdHNTT_W_wrvxXaWVX1KioR9JebdNA3z1Caf5b3eagQB5YmRHqv4QvDoExeuRRKDBlxjQKNfbmGxXTOEP_QJb/s400/IMG_20170829_174207132_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvYB25OGofAdKB-MhjaigTx-oGIiLosdruXtrw8egMPqlGi-V_luSC-vDd7h6IEgupZTf_cE6oWXFbXD1hdXZuiF7IlmiY658vxCi_Q95Snrc8jzx05skSylf8aSoyr0QT5715ectETkE/s1600/IMG_20170829_174339937_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvYB25OGofAdKB-MhjaigTx-oGIiLosdruXtrw8egMPqlGi-V_luSC-vDd7h6IEgupZTf_cE6oWXFbXD1hdXZuiF7IlmiY658vxCi_Q95Snrc8jzx05skSylf8aSoyr0QT5715ectETkE/s320/IMG_20170829_174339937_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7v-Sk0xSK23zGt9-tAAKvJ3fTpKywMl-QhK3SA8kHTFCcXF2dYFxSAK_K-77OUFiTF-YhXkeGaGVNS417rS5jQmEQlcqwHnAKyUsjpXLhDT9Wgh7o19q67qWudSK0Y8v3loWDYNbSek_/s1600/IMG_20170829_174504537_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7v-Sk0xSK23zGt9-tAAKvJ3fTpKywMl-QhK3SA8kHTFCcXF2dYFxSAK_K-77OUFiTF-YhXkeGaGVNS417rS5jQmEQlcqwHnAKyUsjpXLhDT9Wgh7o19q67qWudSK0Y8v3loWDYNbSek_/s320/IMG_20170829_174504537_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDprkQP3P6RdZ65hS-8rmskERBViAItD7KYqY2Adxbk8_1W-4CR3umDemYNSzZZ1eoRDRP7Psjfs_08iUmQZRFKcQDxfTnhEj6kUJtZSGwJkyUOCuZ2KDBbKazAbsYFC8QCiUAzMiOukmI/s1600/IMG_20170829_174512646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDprkQP3P6RdZ65hS-8rmskERBViAItD7KYqY2Adxbk8_1W-4CR3umDemYNSzZZ1eoRDRP7Psjfs_08iUmQZRFKcQDxfTnhEj6kUJtZSGwJkyUOCuZ2KDBbKazAbsYFC8QCiUAzMiOukmI/s400/IMG_20170829_174512646.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiApbWA5BDnqA_uUStqsEz0gST2GoiFGfomShd_fz6t1o4mR7l2Be0Xv-bhP95spkSHoNcAbAHlj74z1xFnhFKV8MJAD9gKTC7yJZ-jdQyFbMLX6r4IRV1pDfmanVvgN_kVKhP7h7J2I5j/s1600/IMG_20170829_182025981_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiApbWA5BDnqA_uUStqsEz0gST2GoiFGfomShd_fz6t1o4mR7l2Be0Xv-bhP95spkSHoNcAbAHlj74z1xFnhFKV8MJAD9gKTC7yJZ-jdQyFbMLX6r4IRV1pDfmanVvgN_kVKhP7h7J2I5j/s320/IMG_20170829_182025981_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condo in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we returned to the condo, the other four had appeared, and we all walked next door to the Intercontinental Hotel for a lovely welcome breakfast. The grounds of the hotel are lovely, and we all went for a stroll down to the water. When we all gathered on the lower level, we noticed that Tim and Chloe were not with us. We were confident they could find their way back to the condo, and headed that way ourselves. They were waiting for us in the hot and humid stairwell. We all decided this would be the perfect time for a swim!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LbFhPWra2eolLssn7cVHf6oUYMATJjHHOYQTpag36YqcbxaBDuIJVsFzJEhWS-caHJ3oHsw3WrTFZaFaonMALYuUxIRA47Qvd2l-PRP-HSEdg7uz9BlIzJNEqVW-mp7KT-homXZO-deo/s1600/IMG_20170829_202925975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LbFhPWra2eolLssn7cVHf6oUYMATJjHHOYQTpag36YqcbxaBDuIJVsFzJEhWS-caHJ3oHsw3WrTFZaFaonMALYuUxIRA47Qvd2l-PRP-HSEdg7uz9BlIzJNEqVW-mp7KT-homXZO-deo/s320/IMG_20170829_202925975.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koh Larn in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk-Yu853yt7GFzMTOeXSre2t7FWP5lmmij89Ug0QdHQM39oQ35nk12NhsPQJXVehEjMoh5QR5g1tG8UXJWfNP2bekF4VbYUxzPFh2z_fRTp-Hf8-w9sH0j-R-Zco4Idb-IYC-LK6teXx2/s1600/IMG_20170829_205014572_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk-Yu853yt7GFzMTOeXSre2t7FWP5lmmij89Ug0QdHQM39oQ35nk12NhsPQJXVehEjMoh5QR5g1tG8UXJWfNP2bekF4VbYUxzPFh2z_fRTp-Hf8-w9sH0j-R-Zco4Idb-IYC-LK6teXx2/s320/IMG_20170829_205014572_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1T1O1ABpCNZ0p6IRWywNR8h_93_3_RMvLvYmYps0sD6IQmxzh8OdvVnX2XnYY-GjTwLbqsuFOEX9t2PPJIRQk2lY0pxJmzQNUFLsH7dycccWsEfRFjchC_D2d1GJbtkIq6cnGk9FpeSu/s1600/IMG_20170829_223058039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1T1O1ABpCNZ0p6IRWywNR8h_93_3_RMvLvYmYps0sD6IQmxzh8OdvVnX2XnYY-GjTwLbqsuFOEX9t2PPJIRQk2lY0pxJmzQNUFLsH7dycccWsEfRFjchC_D2d1GJbtkIq6cnGk9FpeSu/s320/IMG_20170829_223058039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9v7e50gQ-P7j3POlq-caw0NqSXabVpU714pn3sujP5TwmnuU3gzmKD4_3GvfkTPZ-ZeMp6X-KzIjH7THD3uuldrJm9SGRg0HQavsRCYFSv6qLK_Jdtvvn_f1NwNIoShm9bjH4JPqV5CJ/s1600/IMG_20170829_223425362_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9v7e50gQ-P7j3POlq-caw0NqSXabVpU714pn3sujP5TwmnuU3gzmKD4_3GvfkTPZ-ZeMp6X-KzIjH7THD3uuldrJm9SGRg0HQavsRCYFSv6qLK_Jdtvvn_f1NwNIoShm9bjH4JPqV5CJ/s320/IMG_20170829_223425362_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infiniti restaurant on the gulf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc36zO7U6dW85Sp40HuLKkiYpt4_GoNQy5XuUI1XB_zShtblE5MwWoLfkXTXFGSXpz3557MtCgdC_VRr5updio5-3LCTmV4uGG9rhOYRIzNtSHn9oodu3hetfMTKsbsmxlzW5sHaY36Rf/s1600/IMG_20170829_223432045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc36zO7U6dW85Sp40HuLKkiYpt4_GoNQy5XuUI1XB_zShtblE5MwWoLfkXTXFGSXpz3557MtCgdC_VRr5updio5-3LCTmV4uGG9rhOYRIzNtSHn9oodu3hetfMTKsbsmxlzW5sHaY36Rf/s320/IMG_20170829_223432045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBMQvrDHWIgvyW7vP9DPoU2eAC0L2Sevcu3tt6c2tVUh6qTGa0dKOI3k8Mm0RMuW_LIKADF2ExTGOEPsGdMuieDh5TrD9HgvJ7UYiN5D4Zdb6llwu2grznEq1FPY4I6XLaoAl8flHVAgS/s1600/IMG_20170829_224021807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBMQvrDHWIgvyW7vP9DPoU2eAC0L2Sevcu3tt6c2tVUh6qTGa0dKOI3k8Mm0RMuW_LIKADF2ExTGOEPsGdMuieDh5TrD9HgvJ7UYiN5D4Zdb6llwu2grznEq1FPY4I6XLaoAl8flHVAgS/s320/IMG_20170829_224021807.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the "Blues"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHorY2pg0cRA_F21kQ4Pcbn7qJZWqKya0n0O0QyWP5YORXXMHO8taoGS-ib8_jH0-6t9Ss3OHBNba2jxETllhyphenhyphenDU72sPXybpoehmLBq1wJbUecVVYdLbgLyqL31dsjpZBh4utvaHeBobEf/s1600/20170830_103948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHorY2pg0cRA_F21kQ4Pcbn7qJZWqKya0n0O0QyWP5YORXXMHO8taoGS-ib8_jH0-6t9Ss3OHBNba2jxETllhyphenhyphenDU72sPXybpoehmLBq1wJbUecVVYdLbgLyqL31dsjpZBh4utvaHeBobEf/s320/20170830_103948.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We threw on our suits and migrated down to the beckoning pool. The never-cold water was still a refreshing relief from the heat. Tim had his waterproof GoPro and told everyone they had to enter the pool as an animal. You can imagine the crazy iterations this creative bunch came up with. Tim's flying squirrel and Evan's rhino were especially memorable. We stayed in the pool way too long, and I got a pretty good sunburn. But it was so enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpJCs6o1rViMyQIcjXSTH7mDi1zIErQVXMpInmHKOpPoskY_ycrS5fyCgncKVHYiRRkWB_O-J2O6Ny5sRV_di4rV0rg1NeGDPcGLQq5FfdyhuLw4cJFng7S8ARltsRtmxnbbVzxC5Rmwf/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpJCs6o1rViMyQIcjXSTH7mDi1zIErQVXMpInmHKOpPoskY_ycrS5fyCgncKVHYiRRkWB_O-J2O6Ny5sRV_di4rV0rg1NeGDPcGLQq5FfdyhuLw4cJFng7S8ARltsRtmxnbbVzxC5Rmwf/s640/IMG_2310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F6ny3ldaZU6xq3AMBIpiYqN7eAuX8unU5LYK8d6a5udbF_juUpkVcjZmbiL7RjHjY0UedZ_rygK2501fTk13vxSWX-HM9FjHVni2hQjMK-IiN8EcnbG5DqUkDOqrWGDbN9bo5zMP4gTN/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F6ny3ldaZU6xq3AMBIpiYqN7eAuX8unU5LYK8d6a5udbF_juUpkVcjZmbiL7RjHjY0UedZ_rygK2501fTk13vxSWX-HM9FjHVni2hQjMK-IiN8EcnbG5DqUkDOqrWGDbN9bo5zMP4gTN/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRKkQaFJNWnOHrmPRLT23QXEE_lFrWUFjTz5mCxPhRVItyLPB4rUoN_dlzV0rbu85oBT9iGVY9qy-_K9cJuancnoJEFzVwtWaL4vzD3yJ9bUVYEEYZCQ5C2Pgk6W3ePKeK98unTcc8XMy/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRKkQaFJNWnOHrmPRLT23QXEE_lFrWUFjTz5mCxPhRVItyLPB4rUoN_dlzV0rbu85oBT9iGVY9qy-_K9cJuancnoJEFzVwtWaL4vzD3yJ9bUVYEEYZCQ5C2Pgk6W3ePKeK98unTcc8XMy/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlUKjr1XkVY2zwhRhfeAKTOBaqOyFw5jTJN3qJ-LzLWZnEIucgBvxmIcl92piehKRhOcre270sbNav61N728hd8exMSdK4irQCyH3cECr6VAEYswCY5agnkpe7ljuKkrZUc9RbB3mFrN6/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlUKjr1XkVY2zwhRhfeAKTOBaqOyFw5jTJN3qJ-LzLWZnEIucgBvxmIcl92piehKRhOcre270sbNav61N728hd8exMSdK4irQCyH3cECr6VAEYswCY5agnkpe7ljuKkrZUc9RbB3mFrN6/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the evening, K. Mick and his wife had us over to their house for a farewell party. They went all out with many tantalizing dishes. They were very thoughtful and conscientious, keeping the usual Thai spiciness to a minimum for our western palates. I'd ordered some chicken wings to supplement, but there was more than enough food already. K. Mick cooked his Coke chicken he'd been raving about for weeks - he told us we wouldn't want to leave Thailand once we tasted it! Their friend helped prepare pork, fried fish, fried rice and beautiful crabs. K. June showed us how to crack open the crab and just eat the legs. Our guests sampled some rambutan for the first time. Everything was so delicious. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a0VQPkTHK5rbTCeQZirpVeb0WOPuFv7aqndZHInWfIu5Lm2e134ApBg4PEd5GptdU1df6XenkVzX9otfJYPuIpMQB1zt1OgDHVVn2jYQxYdMUvLu6-ct506NergJdRliVtxaIVYI1r-W/s1600/20170830_174821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a0VQPkTHK5rbTCeQZirpVeb0WOPuFv7aqndZHInWfIu5Lm2e134ApBg4PEd5GptdU1df6XenkVzX9otfJYPuIpMQB1zt1OgDHVVn2jYQxYdMUvLu6-ct506NergJdRliVtxaIVYI1r-W/s320/20170830_174821.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen on the way to K. Mick's - that looks safe, doesn't it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAiwynjehDXRjKhnO0ZU8K_ZLUEQgG8KZhoY42ABpkkQu7LobQC34FEZIxvdYWZU3JBVlPwfW4-8f8f4uEYKz5-KAD2YYrMi76CsnnQGbbE9CtCCn57SAWd9G4KY-eG86YBT1NfvnfN9R/s1600/20170830_180852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAiwynjehDXRjKhnO0ZU8K_ZLUEQgG8KZhoY42ABpkkQu7LobQC34FEZIxvdYWZU3JBVlPwfW4-8f8f4uEYKz5-KAD2YYrMi76CsnnQGbbE9CtCCn57SAWd9G4KY-eG86YBT1NfvnfN9R/s400/20170830_180852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbENdl7vgpKw-WIvITcZUVHhpLk30DFPpAW8PsO5V87k11In-RbrYCg8cmpVRIW78FqTI45Qn8DcjQqSXswBVa9Wg9vDhYWFBzWGDlED7vOdGoKU_lreVU9agGojMlYSciwjZcoxtadhMF/s1600/20170830_182301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbENdl7vgpKw-WIvITcZUVHhpLk30DFPpAW8PsO5V87k11In-RbrYCg8cmpVRIW78FqTI45Qn8DcjQqSXswBVa9Wg9vDhYWFBzWGDlED7vOdGoKU_lreVU9agGojMlYSciwjZcoxtadhMF/s320/20170830_182301.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LOeWTeSZqmh2ENAHf6VV-068J2pDSpAsqFDCd8klsAk9uaaoh_GICi_9_Uz8ZT6-G_Bir2_7lS1_SpJ3Cx51y8XixyeLV5lXq2RA7vulfpCaXISoikdxRQ3lSuqDCjH73FQy0E61E-Lq/s1600/20170830_182316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LOeWTeSZqmh2ENAHf6VV-068J2pDSpAsqFDCd8klsAk9uaaoh_GICi_9_Uz8ZT6-G_Bir2_7lS1_SpJ3Cx51y8XixyeLV5lXq2RA7vulfpCaXISoikdxRQ3lSuqDCjH73FQy0E61E-Lq/s320/20170830_182316.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgTy9G3n9orVgm9XkereHbdZVU5in2ls64eoe1AmC1KtQxeV7hrnXGBD1Kp14hP62xh3ssBjlRX6kCA6Sbf-8xyL7crKb-0DUHVCe-mnEFB3G6z8c7haSieYs1GWHVlvxzsQ9ZRn_jcOf/s1600/IMG_20170830_041708872_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgTy9G3n9orVgm9XkereHbdZVU5in2ls64eoe1AmC1KtQxeV7hrnXGBD1Kp14hP62xh3ssBjlRX6kCA6Sbf-8xyL7crKb-0DUHVCe-mnEFB3G6z8c7haSieYs1GWHVlvxzsQ9ZRn_jcOf/s320/IMG_20170830_041708872_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuG196NofUvrPquGEYltXbB0h0fRUiDscCbGMeV62K5zSlgOcMOX1vzAHNi85Ay-NXkdcOd_gmDoGOKZMG7sOkx8hoqpYcFZMY7Jk2JNyv9Bwe8yW412szsmul1z2N138ajdVNudpwAR-/s1600/IMG_20170830_042254955_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuG196NofUvrPquGEYltXbB0h0fRUiDscCbGMeV62K5zSlgOcMOX1vzAHNi85Ay-NXkdcOd_gmDoGOKZMG7sOkx8hoqpYcFZMY7Jk2JNyv9Bwe8yW412szsmul1z2N138ajdVNudpwAR-/s320/IMG_20170830_042254955_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLnjz8m5L-DoxepAAJm2CSXCgUyBzDGXmDBGQhJHelRx5cp1PjBCWbTt56qDm5wpmt_v2r5H8vUx1127hosFvjNIlYxIYlDLRocHWURjTos5vkUqxpOgWo1jvgcKkATVu4Y2imU9NI0bq/s1600/IMG_20170830_044151659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLnjz8m5L-DoxepAAJm2CSXCgUyBzDGXmDBGQhJHelRx5cp1PjBCWbTt56qDm5wpmt_v2r5H8vUx1127hosFvjNIlYxIYlDLRocHWURjTos5vkUqxpOgWo1jvgcKkATVu4Y2imU9NI0bq/s320/IMG_20170830_044151659.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8viy67ZHMbAzKiNN4ZW6bLYjaNrwqX8JynViPw3WgHU5UghvPzcw6PAfhiNWeAU5O3dz7sfl5O-3yeSYtFwHyYsFc7LoaqIb2aOcD_gJ8P_z51O30mXF-4FrwIOG4c4Ntk_KJxD6GpMId/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8viy67ZHMbAzKiNN4ZW6bLYjaNrwqX8JynViPw3WgHU5UghvPzcw6PAfhiNWeAU5O3dz7sfl5O-3yeSYtFwHyYsFc7LoaqIb2aOcD_gJ8P_z51O30mXF-4FrwIOG4c4Ntk_KJxD6GpMId/s320/IMG_2323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEhR3z_GeB48b1_QoxCanl4qdvcMFL0TciVe4alJnyW32EUPT5sy_0R-6EBfnwvQLnwIVf08BtB5ruiZZomOq3q16dsYLjkJ5cDieEp31O8X9ew0zGCf06XKUyhCowqGSn31GsSJRXJWO/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEhR3z_GeB48b1_QoxCanl4qdvcMFL0TciVe4alJnyW32EUPT5sy_0R-6EBfnwvQLnwIVf08BtB5ruiZZomOq3q16dsYLjkJ5cDieEp31O8X9ew0zGCf06XKUyhCowqGSn31GsSJRXJWO/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaxS1tLWbHCT1aE1oQ_HHgvzS4L3hyphenhyphenCD3uvZrWPB_-3znQVx-i2xGYOIUsaJAfSbBFcZ1JRQzrgjpHM5FnWGL0wCzSJ4eBwqyiIGKzNbNbApPyQyGKwVUbRF3hry9k2C1KSKTyczwf068/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaxS1tLWbHCT1aE1oQ_HHgvzS4L3hyphenhyphenCD3uvZrWPB_-3znQVx-i2xGYOIUsaJAfSbBFcZ1JRQzrgjpHM5FnWGL0wCzSJ4eBwqyiIGKzNbNbApPyQyGKwVUbRF3hry9k2C1KSKTyczwf068/s400/IMG_2326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGA9EuEHzF4cY7VKR5msNkGwp8guZDU11hD5JvePJ6bQxKg7wG7f_0mj4mQWrOiabCo5e8A5YXIrzyeUDvX_fyjzV-VLlnA8B7wB0B1D4PMFxeYDvISv4gowK9utKy-fO9Mtc0MQPIaV9/s1600/IMG_20170830_044158512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGA9EuEHzF4cY7VKR5msNkGwp8guZDU11hD5JvePJ6bQxKg7wG7f_0mj4mQWrOiabCo5e8A5YXIrzyeUDvX_fyjzV-VLlnA8B7wB0B1D4PMFxeYDvISv4gowK9utKy-fO9Mtc0MQPIaV9/s640/IMG_20170830_044158512.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel like someone's looking at you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTtzYlTT5_FNQOnrxm1U4q-eqf5xdd9OpqVd-LGcxYoUagk9KYUyrhkP5cOdx2F2u0qjLIDCjtyDy3e10Ci53noDObryW6mo9yrz-MyYLJgErlaFpCBtHzA4ocT7OOHfsh-RQy58zZpQr/s1600/IMG_20170830_052209877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTtzYlTT5_FNQOnrxm1U4q-eqf5xdd9OpqVd-LGcxYoUagk9KYUyrhkP5cOdx2F2u0qjLIDCjtyDy3e10Ci53noDObryW6mo9yrz-MyYLJgErlaFpCBtHzA4ocT7OOHfsh-RQy58zZpQr/s320/IMG_20170830_052209877.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambutan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGk1kZj16X08Fttr_MkIoeWqTUxfeFF0v28FxVc7JtEByczQ9YITTfEWd6dMiikRs4JnZHt5nwmQ1AWfMMc3-pz6OZFj4Pe1zSsSuhOtqr3U7895Nr8MwNmHn7dg8V_lqN683x0wEyE-/s1600/IMG_20170830_062313162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGk1kZj16X08Fttr_MkIoeWqTUxfeFF0v28FxVc7JtEByczQ9YITTfEWd6dMiikRs4JnZHt5nwmQ1AWfMMc3-pz6OZFj4Pe1zSsSuhOtqr3U7895Nr8MwNmHn7dg8V_lqN683x0wEyE-/s320/IMG_20170830_062313162.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyvyYnq03mu2iAE36M39ZVID5oQECaIEGJApDA2oGq8p5psgzEUyHvQm8Bi29vZTuyR3BhhziEgn1aHed8sFp5dShM2Il7h47mgWF3ds_8_l99UYUzE59_5_7FSdhHOrBhyphenhyphennN_AMt173Z/s1600/IMG_20170830_062319900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyvyYnq03mu2iAE36M39ZVID5oQECaIEGJApDA2oGq8p5psgzEUyHvQm8Bi29vZTuyR3BhhziEgn1aHed8sFp5dShM2Il7h47mgWF3ds_8_l99UYUzE59_5_7FSdhHOrBhyphenhyphennN_AMt173Z/s320/IMG_20170830_062319900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coke chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We enjoyed playing with their friends' little ones - so cute. The three-year-old girl passed out candies to each of us when we arrived. In honor of Ted's return to Thailand, K. Mick gave us a framed picture of our ATV trip from his last visit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZZzNMCkIjeoVBZlFYcybjsloARgKGrjFubx-lN1aLEBzQ1lY2jASvCkq6XV3Y1M3Xt0DqoPgfvhGNnW5f13lTdQ8bquAzLsjwWLqBa5JIMVLECDW41FqhW2m-nkzsIf0myMGZdsX7633/s1600/20170830_182328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZZzNMCkIjeoVBZlFYcybjsloARgKGrjFubx-lN1aLEBzQ1lY2jASvCkq6XV3Y1M3Xt0DqoPgfvhGNnW5f13lTdQ8bquAzLsjwWLqBa5JIMVLECDW41FqhW2m-nkzsIf0myMGZdsX7633/s320/20170830_182328.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsMh9mlgvP6N-4BjYAfZt6axiR44vPM-K_STMUlbIpxlSWQEI67DP9rJouuraaxnjAqdzTZMTaAUz6HxDtTK9qA4mabKJSeJJ-KieQVuF9VkM1-tlHZhJ_7Lmq5N7MQeQNbVzg7CWYE5B/s1600/20170830_200623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsMh9mlgvP6N-4BjYAfZt6axiR44vPM-K_STMUlbIpxlSWQEI67DP9rJouuraaxnjAqdzTZMTaAUz6HxDtTK9qA4mabKJSeJJ-KieQVuF9VkM1-tlHZhJ_7Lmq5N7MQeQNbVzg7CWYE5B/s400/20170830_200623.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qQpO0aBDl0XtGcZfB7q8xK70uo_mgu__FPnVdf1DMMxwbsCcoOIJrZ1lbMkcdA7hdU1WR3HTKeFgKhtYeIg7W3wmoXkCYYBztVP148TDe9Pm-3HDUq7btIBddU5fDvjGybJBSiz0etNh/s1600/20170918_114116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qQpO0aBDl0XtGcZfB7q8xK70uo_mgu__FPnVdf1DMMxwbsCcoOIJrZ1lbMkcdA7hdU1WR3HTKeFgKhtYeIg7W3wmoXkCYYBztVP148TDe9Pm-3HDUq7btIBddU5fDvjGybJBSiz0etNh/s320/20170918_114116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Jet lag was setting in, so we bid our farewells and piled into the van for the drive back to the condo. What a lovely evening, shared with our favorite people.<br />
<br />
💓💓💓<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-77824830696562560652017-09-14T02:54:00.003-04:002017-09-25T09:11:11.082-04:00The Long GoodbyeAugust, 2017<br />
<br />
<h tr=""></h><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k8ur0EL4ZZzaGemGsBrRkyacs8jY5ZV2WeLWJMqvAUkjNop6LPyhhQaZDOSh8tWMAd9opFF9Sz13-CgTgy58GviHTt_NvXBV8O_oUoLU5MWStfIt_AG7pVGXm_6twvs4lYzq_48AFP6R/s1600/20170910_164211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="709" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k8ur0EL4ZZzaGemGsBrRkyacs8jY5ZV2WeLWJMqvAUkjNop6LPyhhQaZDOSh8tWMAd9opFF9Sz13-CgTgy58GviHTt_NvXBV8O_oUoLU5MWStfIt_AG7pVGXm_6twvs4lYzq_48AFP6R/s320/20170910_164211.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<header>
<br />
<br />
When we first arrived in Thailand for our three-year assignment, it seemed like an interminable amount of time to be away. I remember when we counted our time here in weeks. Now, suddenly, the end of our assignment is imminent, and so begins the long goodbye. Tim spent a week in India, at two different plants in two different cities. And in each city, his colleagues celebrated his contributions and wished him well, Indian-style. nbsp; This was no simple "cake in the staff room" good-bye. Group photos were taken, dinners were held, speeches were made. Tim was expected to talk at length about his time working in India. Team recognition was the order of the day. (This message has been approved by the candidate.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZP9exquPZXnI0uqCShpV2njwYE0W244zjQqL4YSKhzWz2H0nTaXykOoymPt09YZMOKV1I1KsCfc9C1EUANZhUUhiZVv9xAd-ArPLpXuEhawEoifyNehrGkpHmbZrZ3b4H-bQulz9cN9d/s1600/2017-08-21-PHOTO-00000022A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1169" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZP9exquPZXnI0uqCShpV2njwYE0W244zjQqL4YSKhzWz2H0nTaXykOoymPt09YZMOKV1I1KsCfc9C1EUANZhUUhiZVv9xAd-ArPLpXuEhawEoifyNehrGkpHmbZrZ3b4H-bQulz9cN9d/s320/2017-08-21-PHOTO-00000022A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA5edok_r9B7WrSto07bcPWB-pmFK54JZMY4yTu_uauM8CQouW-hP79BuXQz7488P5wK1alCH7RPvVZP7vSuUgj4CK7Ny3N2z5AfHHh6PbWMA-FMaSub0qtSThLflhkiz2PgiMTngdsjy/s1600/2017-08-22-PHOTO-00000026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA5edok_r9B7WrSto07bcPWB-pmFK54JZMY4yTu_uauM8CQouW-hP79BuXQz7488P5wK1alCH7RPvVZP7vSuUgj4CK7Ny3N2z5AfHHh6PbWMA-FMaSub0qtSThLflhkiz2PgiMTngdsjy/s320/2017-08-22-PHOTO-00000026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnQCgRvITblrfPV6jWhpSBHCeyat31aR2QC5UFyALLPZsPyZ3hX8UZKZf64_wfQMk2PNPP6vvVs9WYuTBitdzf_eNLfj3RA3bRAribezfdAQLxVxfQ_xInxWHca1EBVIhpmdehwR9BOI4/s1600/2017-08-22-PHOTO-00000027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnQCgRvITblrfPV6jWhpSBHCeyat31aR2QC5UFyALLPZsPyZ3hX8UZKZf64_wfQMk2PNPP6vvVs9WYuTBitdzf_eNLfj3RA3bRAribezfdAQLxVxfQ_xInxWHca1EBVIhpmdehwR9BOI4/s320/2017-08-22-PHOTO-00000027.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgmCG7XZdIAIbQyeIrTbaq5TxZmD18KD3ru9TwV1ySbh5PwiqSruaEm5QT0Zi1_g42rFYducLZ75FMv0HxZv8UdcMCapUCf3uMNP7yHaE_1PUbe6n86cpkUVua4HnsHiHQj4rnZ6ET_j_/s1600/2017-08-22-PHOTO-00000028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgmCG7XZdIAIbQyeIrTbaq5TxZmD18KD3ru9TwV1ySbh5PwiqSruaEm5QT0Zi1_g42rFYducLZ75FMv0HxZv8UdcMCapUCf3uMNP7yHaE_1PUbe6n86cpkUVua4HnsHiHQj4rnZ6ET_j_/s320/2017-08-22-PHOTO-00000028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tim came back with armloads of gifts (and a chest cold, which he kindly shared.) The teams were very generous and thoughtful with their gifts. With so many people moving in and out of the region, they have the routine down pretty well. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIEmZUFThu8xjl33YVjxNpIfPIhKC13kVaeixRgCMLymm-9v7aNBdXopoqhed6A77AR-7L3m9gw2k0_lLsOC93ZpqlrYLoMHp8tkHqTobcVP9hKui_2KbxwvMYl_pyonszFYGOE6IwsRh/s1600/20170910_163950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIEmZUFThu8xjl33YVjxNpIfPIhKC13kVaeixRgCMLymm-9v7aNBdXopoqhed6A77AR-7L3m9gw2k0_lLsOC93ZpqlrYLoMHp8tkHqTobcVP9hKui_2KbxwvMYl_pyonszFYGOE6IwsRh/s320/20170910_163950.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lion Capital of Ashoka" - the official emblem of India</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyboGeB0Er5-J03XlfrmpQPxX4Yg6yLjGc8eYzSFgJPDkPge9zwZHaC_AUX_PxceM6rfGYcdkDMe3GyoB_TvzdkVT7KY8MmQHMAxbt87GG558WPeMtrbX1pDg5kWfLkIkDBySvjjX1HHit/s1600/20170910_164135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="629" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyboGeB0Er5-J03XlfrmpQPxX4Yg6yLjGc8eYzSFgJPDkPge9zwZHaC_AUX_PxceM6rfGYcdkDMe3GyoB_TvzdkVT7KY8MmQHMAxbt87GG558WPeMtrbX1pDg5kWfLkIkDBySvjjX1HHit/s400/20170910_164135.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful brass bell with "Om" symbol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k8ur0EL4ZZzaGemGsBrRkyacs8jY5ZV2WeLWJMqvAUkjNop6LPyhhQaZDOSh8tWMAd9opFF9Sz13-CgTgy58GviHTt_NvXBV8O_oUoLU5MWStfIt_AG7pVGXm_6twvs4lYzq_48AFP6R/s1600/20170910_164211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="709" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k8ur0EL4ZZzaGemGsBrRkyacs8jY5ZV2WeLWJMqvAUkjNop6LPyhhQaZDOSh8tWMAd9opFF9Sz13-CgTgy58GviHTt_NvXBV8O_oUoLU5MWStfIt_AG7pVGXm_6twvs4lYzq_48AFP6R/s320/20170910_164211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Elephant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YLnKV41DFlHHR7-EasPokb238-NJSFpOqsdl_11AP8XakZjMeyaT9aKN3NwZDURcEPoU3aYfDhB8hgOvOIcoB7PzTrHZl4ZUNEoYWzukwmu8Pw2rxxTLtXCAvaSpkGNtnuEUMP4lNHqJ/s1600/20170910_163255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="907" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YLnKV41DFlHHR7-EasPokb238-NJSFpOqsdl_11AP8XakZjMeyaT9aKN3NwZDURcEPoU3aYfDhB8hgOvOIcoB7PzTrHZl4ZUNEoYWzukwmu8Pw2rxxTLtXCAvaSpkGNtnuEUMP4lNHqJ/s320/20170910_163255.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light-up cube with Tim's picture (taken in Tibet!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The group pictures are quite homogeneous, save one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6OpzUH_my1OHEW7OKWDorcL3xHDu4-Nj3hYwMwWUhy5J1AcPdVBiXIkJkDbaD0jcYRw3O7uGBU2EAjyDOp8XXGiXx1TxOQOyK_3oDHPiP7ATV5-9Oc0_lEikcs5Aa-hMesYhjLkPRgPp/s1600/20170910_163748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6OpzUH_my1OHEW7OKWDorcL3xHDu4-Nj3hYwMwWUhy5J1AcPdVBiXIkJkDbaD0jcYRw3O7uGBU2EAjyDOp8XXGiXx1TxOQOyK_3oDHPiP7ATV5-9Oc0_lEikcs5Aa-hMesYhjLkPRgPp/s400/20170910_163748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdEKrfY3djP4EhsN0V3iOn98gl7Xnk_jg6aJ3Hbxz9V-7OO0Gu5eO-49Ce4m67QfDEd5ytI5ewQy5G9PGHezC1xRkW8a2akpj7cMBNJ56aRZAzWs_ZSXIzdypi0Y8ZnGzemh_TVIB4vUA/s1600/20170910_163800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdEKrfY3djP4EhsN0V3iOn98gl7Xnk_jg6aJ3Hbxz9V-7OO0Gu5eO-49Ce4m67QfDEd5ytI5ewQy5G9PGHezC1xRkW8a2akpj7cMBNJ56aRZAzWs_ZSXIzdypi0Y8ZnGzemh_TVIB4vUA/s400/20170910_163800.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">didn't fare so well in Tim's luggage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkLpR6DKSm3E_4rL0otnMOb5S5vv7xyXu7h6HhVvFdwNv-Y6HExqXhxfLSA59B6c9xk8W0RbVePncvcfVMAMswqDe4tKY93VNfHVWl3zgLA-gtIRsyxavsZR3Bxl-3A52Ow1lxK1jKUGI/s1600/12x18+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkLpR6DKSm3E_4rL0otnMOb5S5vv7xyXu7h6HhVvFdwNv-Y6HExqXhxfLSA59B6c9xk8W0RbVePncvcfVMAMswqDe4tKY93VNfHVWl3zgLA-gtIRsyxavsZR3Bxl-3A52Ow1lxK1jKUGI/s400/12x18+01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
He arrived home on a Friday morning, and then Friday evening was another dinner, this time with the Thailand team. I got to tag along to Moom Aroy, a lovely outdoor venue in nearby Sriracha, about a forty-five minute drive from Pattaya. I enjoyed meeting Tim's team, many for the first time. We dined on traditional Thai food as we watched the sun set over the gulf. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6201tBCW4qxdwXPCJgTzDlOjVBIYjPAEzR5emL_FI6gAomfFlIl2pOidG3Vu9QkPNj1wU7O-Iz7zqBXEl_rTXTE4mg0cJbxJYCu-4s9EqfHK36Dkg6j4Okemqcj3TPtclujpHOSL_xEYT/s1600/20170825_193657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6201tBCW4qxdwXPCJgTzDlOjVBIYjPAEzR5emL_FI6gAomfFlIl2pOidG3Vu9QkPNj1wU7O-Iz7zqBXEl_rTXTE4mg0cJbxJYCu-4s9EqfHK36Dkg6j4Okemqcj3TPtclujpHOSL_xEYT/s320/20170825_193657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moom Aroy" (tasty corner)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6POwHNOFVzzSnEyQGEfhuEGiI5TzSHAbMXqmmBpeOHk226jMx6NBNuUXF2XTQw0AwoMWIDuG_IwcbEW_U-gQCpKwj4I0Tm-nPHSVkR8WJ8az_j1Jf-DsIvROkT19dOxHTiiDMA_WPkq3I/s1600/20170825_171509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6POwHNOFVzzSnEyQGEfhuEGiI5TzSHAbMXqmmBpeOHk226jMx6NBNuUXF2XTQw0AwoMWIDuG_IwcbEW_U-gQCpKwj4I0Tm-nPHSVkR8WJ8az_j1Jf-DsIvROkT19dOxHTiiDMA_WPkq3I/s320/20170825_171509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpQCbt8274VmucQMlCm4QqftabMQeCHH3E3f1JT1J5I7BxBCPvYolLlUlLSHZ7KXyY7Lqe8rCdQFsobl_8st9V31NUODphv6jgeggr9HpYp9Y4v5q4ZCuTnWcvut2EB0Pcw1_HyRww_JK/s1600/20170825_171631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpQCbt8274VmucQMlCm4QqftabMQeCHH3E3f1JT1J5I7BxBCPvYolLlUlLSHZ7KXyY7Lqe8rCdQFsobl_8st9V31NUODphv6jgeggr9HpYp9Y4v5q4ZCuTnWcvut2EB0Pcw1_HyRww_JK/s400/20170825_171631.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiKERs7vw5Ot0Zw6PCOFHl3FZSyUmLFKsc3B8Ob7g5SFOoKqUzskIdgNfPYTvTqkezoMBBaon1jUvZIjR37pXyhXTpiLMEcvs6YlKt0NmoKbfT1bSMGRupEZRgJkSJAEjgbmgbuatsf-5/s1600/20170825_180225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiKERs7vw5Ot0Zw6PCOFHl3FZSyUmLFKsc3B8Ob7g5SFOoKqUzskIdgNfPYTvTqkezoMBBaon1jUvZIjR37pXyhXTpiLMEcvs6YlKt0NmoKbfT1bSMGRupEZRgJkSJAEjgbmgbuatsf-5/s400/20170825_180225.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thais traditionally dine out "family style," <br />
with many dishes in the middle for everyone to share</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-_K9WyKbtvaa4FGgzuwiCEej_9b_wV_W_sHc2GyGlPdbv1Z7BywhztPngWs9yMvioDjQExLwvyINRZo3EbU-VFBSnjO4OzwvtDG6wKpjFHfjoa1_VMRhyphenhyphenwYAKzxgaaC1_6vBBQIzTrlo/s1600/20170825_180300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-_K9WyKbtvaa4FGgzuwiCEej_9b_wV_W_sHc2GyGlPdbv1Z7BywhztPngWs9yMvioDjQExLwvyINRZo3EbU-VFBSnjO4OzwvtDG6wKpjFHfjoa1_VMRhyphenhyphenwYAKzxgaaC1_6vBBQIzTrlo/s320/20170825_180300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpe9AXou9-U73C5SiIYCwBx0k3huMlmb2NMXgCSkVkcL1TOwXTvcvgGtu3b4GnwySfs8fNaS2TRDSssPnbRu33cWPrhE04_sX3AuG4hLWtAIVztl0gacHAFodUw0F07GtUIZU4Pb6fPmY/s1600/20170825_180314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpe9AXou9-U73C5SiIYCwBx0k3huMlmb2NMXgCSkVkcL1TOwXTvcvgGtu3b4GnwySfs8fNaS2TRDSssPnbRu33cWPrhE04_sX3AuG4hLWtAIVztl0gacHAFodUw0F07GtUIZU4Pb6fPmY/s320/20170825_180314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxof63tMzOrE-I_eQUYIxoNoGSED8vCz_SWcyzVVE4VpnyKKb_SRRqUSe0T0J4tWXuDqBDUcBx7hU3aeUMYcJMTZtDRAWzGz0VqMyCj0uPV8nF7a5N1UC35bFzfnEHE5orVVImp4EZ-jJ/s1600/20170825_181151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxof63tMzOrE-I_eQUYIxoNoGSED8vCz_SWcyzVVE4VpnyKKb_SRRqUSe0T0J4tWXuDqBDUcBx7hU3aeUMYcJMTZtDRAWzGz0VqMyCj0uPV8nF7a5N1UC35bFzfnEHE5orVVImp4EZ-jJ/s320/20170825_181151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnSCbwL8iOaxHNgs_GVz62kKJAi6kCedRhrP50VXnVsdfuQBzMReVi4RMd4ugUPtCahsyT-mKl_asZKnpYwm4mXveDF3tSaBQHMOXsmmlJRE7cFMfQVnF0XUAJvw0ZiU1X4nuOt-vRVK0/s1600/20170825_181842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnSCbwL8iOaxHNgs_GVz62kKJAi6kCedRhrP50VXnVsdfuQBzMReVi4RMd4ugUPtCahsyT-mKl_asZKnpYwm4mXveDF3tSaBQHMOXsmmlJRE7cFMfQVnF0XUAJvw0ZiU1X4nuOt-vRVK0/s400/20170825_181842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDvsBy4gmgCVb9G6tbD_r06BpDf5lUacSQE1LnJp9rmu-uOKRhxPOUrtAR01bg3TW6yB4ZmPTkGFJEW-yTA-ztvOEnbl-7Yn5X6jGmnxh9uOxFFGJympRoDfydAJfIOM5pGMKK2RIuZ3d/s1600/20170825_184659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDvsBy4gmgCVb9G6tbD_r06BpDf5lUacSQE1LnJp9rmu-uOKRhxPOUrtAR01bg3TW6yB4ZmPTkGFJEW-yTA-ztvOEnbl-7Yn5X6jGmnxh9uOxFFGJympRoDfydAJfIOM5pGMKK2RIuZ3d/s320/20170825_184659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghin Yang Nai? "How do I eat these?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Thai team had a caricature drawing done of the team in the style of the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Kingdoms"> Chinese Three Kingdoms.</a> Very cute, although I think Tim looks a bit more like Billy Crystal in a graduation cap!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUsrsPYRAtm4BeqKLKavMsP2i5JSdXjLwkc5nsig9KPr4WkDGVIrYwF1J98PaTyrLTfZFOoWCW7Vz1ypp4CitCbjCymSpqvtel8JihkmUtw-yc6LMkQA13TyETRDy9zh7i_B5Q0wsNAET/s1600/20170910_164023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="987" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUsrsPYRAtm4BeqKLKavMsP2i5JSdXjLwkc5nsig9KPr4WkDGVIrYwF1J98PaTyrLTfZFOoWCW7Vz1ypp4CitCbjCymSpqvtel8JihkmUtw-yc6LMkQA13TyETRDy9zh7i_B5Q0wsNAET/s400/20170910_164023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It is going to be so difficult to say goodbye...</header>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-38421576149500289812017-08-22T06:06:00.000-04:002017-08-22T06:06:14.900-04:00Big SkyAugust 22, 2017<br />
<br />
I have been enjoying all the excitement about the total solar eclipse from afar. I spent a fair amount of time perusing everyone's Facebook posts and pictures, and tracing everyone's travels to obscure locations - places that I imagine don't get many tourists: Carbondale, IL, Glendo, WY, Princeton, KY, Beatrice, NE, somewhere south of Ashville, NC. As it set yesterday, I told the sun it was going to be the center of attention on the other side of the world. (I really did...I hope the neighbors didn't hear.)<br />
<br />
I remember being a somewhat unimpressed ten-year-old when we had an eclipse in Michigan. Since we couldn't look directly at it, we put pinholes in paper plates and looked at the image on the ground. Eclipse glasses were not widely available in the seventies. It was quite anticlimactic to my young mind. "That was it??" I am sorry to have missed this one - I'm sure I would've appreciated it more.<br />
<br />
The idea of everyone looking to the heavens prompted me to share some slightly less spectacular pictures of the Thailand sky from the past year. These images are certainly "eclipsed" by the rare phenomenon enjoyed by many Americans yesterday, but you may find them enjoyable all the same.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXeVEviCoRt137TnwNRCsnFFotGUpQkXrFkSp_I_XboUFgPHhFf05UJb2dv3rTdeONJnzT2zjTZJRyE1NNHP2vrQZNgzqlmrQL1lsAoh-QfKWwVBB38CjQA32GLIpJnbs6bGiukpe_qFm/s1600/20170111_171603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXeVEviCoRt137TnwNRCsnFFotGUpQkXrFkSp_I_XboUFgPHhFf05UJb2dv3rTdeONJnzT2zjTZJRyE1NNHP2vrQZNgzqlmrQL1lsAoh-QfKWwVBB38CjQA32GLIpJnbs6bGiukpe_qFm/s320/20170111_171603.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In January, a rainbow spanned both sides of our building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOiKEldga7V6ZpfZaQlo056VbSVBc1FbxA3sy5i3sJjfF4ft-zdl4s7dOvOerRFJDhQz6m27GX-HxPEvcCKDq6MsJNpd9uPFdMHMWGBjgPVfa9DHUsLarHV9h3AdDZYIkqzRS68BVUVF_/s1600/20170111_171856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOiKEldga7V6ZpfZaQlo056VbSVBc1FbxA3sy5i3sJjfF4ft-zdl4s7dOvOerRFJDhQz6m27GX-HxPEvcCKDq6MsJNpd9uPFdMHMWGBjgPVfa9DHUsLarHV9h3AdDZYIkqzRS68BVUVF_/s320/20170111_171856.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5559PGZm5GtP7Ks8oekzk7o9jZYz-cfptxyYQHcY3QvKcbPBETxlk6ArBcPTuZcvAr972I77nUlbthv_bsssaFRsjHohEPbkF04eUVZzbzKhlPT0BUQAzzg58ia0ZlszrKDDgPlxo5JNp/s1600/20170319_065838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5559PGZm5GtP7Ks8oekzk7o9jZYz-cfptxyYQHcY3QvKcbPBETxlk6ArBcPTuZcvAr972I77nUlbthv_bsssaFRsjHohEPbkF04eUVZzbzKhlPT0BUQAzzg58ia0ZlszrKDDgPlxo5JNp/s400/20170319_065838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfAWU60CHRI9n1wD-71UaZ_-16Dp-pAlB7kG4sPYCWkyY9iObxMlrUzreOPQ7jmRff0lYBanS_w7R6_QoYg8OWu1AaPFxwkgELSTUqe1zsYzDEE9ls-qbkXfTrr72dGq2hpwV52Ei-yY6/s1600/20170331_180725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfAWU60CHRI9n1wD-71UaZ_-16Dp-pAlB7kG4sPYCWkyY9iObxMlrUzreOPQ7jmRff0lYBanS_w7R6_QoYg8OWu1AaPFxwkgELSTUqe1zsYzDEE9ls-qbkXfTrr72dGq2hpwV52Ei-yY6/s320/20170331_180725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cO5sujJ2Alk7O508vs6Sv-CKo_BZrW1q2BZdp5J7DgoIqCmtKBwEtN9AIH2Ul2AhExgTn7Q8xpoyYRaZPDPh8DuFgWAhcNqZF9m1SieBMb1hItkUh6dPQBH9aRA8m9RZ3BRWFQWKJKCJ/s1600/20170331_182353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cO5sujJ2Alk7O508vs6Sv-CKo_BZrW1q2BZdp5J7DgoIqCmtKBwEtN9AIH2Ul2AhExgTn7Q8xpoyYRaZPDPh8DuFgWAhcNqZF9m1SieBMb1hItkUh6dPQBH9aRA8m9RZ3BRWFQWKJKCJ/s640/20170331_182353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyg6FCcQj6uc0ezSU-UwNYtvR9zJ03WCKCUdQpdCC6ZtUvP4c0WuJjU5pBlkpF3O3SFDdhDwLntW9_B5sroWn-PPptaItHIwGIRyfNYntiW2uRXKKnsFp3EI4THWEJJbSf0NVaUlXPWwF/s1600/20170406_180302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyg6FCcQj6uc0ezSU-UwNYtvR9zJ03WCKCUdQpdCC6ZtUvP4c0WuJjU5pBlkpF3O3SFDdhDwLntW9_B5sroWn-PPptaItHIwGIRyfNYntiW2uRXKKnsFp3EI4THWEJJbSf0NVaUlXPWwF/s320/20170406_180302.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome summer storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7EXz3UdYozRPDWlyb9N76wShvbolYm3TKXfkBrP5ACS1RLC-oMCRTAaNe3GBBvabo61NkLco_CQfnID26MAQCcZ-TTxof4yKERHvp2iFOSlRcvfOQuNdZA4VZClfAP6U1bTpkI2UypKz/s1600/20170407_064327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7EXz3UdYozRPDWlyb9N76wShvbolYm3TKXfkBrP5ACS1RLC-oMCRTAaNe3GBBvabo61NkLco_CQfnID26MAQCcZ-TTxof4yKERHvp2iFOSlRcvfOQuNdZA4VZClfAP6U1bTpkI2UypKz/s320/20170407_064327.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another rainbow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz7YaBHr8c2a76JxqcAECKbZBlz2mSCucN2UGvicCPtZMg7fzZckCxfCY4ka-VH5xoy9qn75LAcrKwd0CVYdU4lHu9zOMt1qDZ7ufFhPhwne6p5ufRLz3IeyPDgFAPTPGQ-Eug-l-cZ60/s1600/20170430_213408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz7YaBHr8c2a76JxqcAECKbZBlz2mSCucN2UGvicCPtZMg7fzZckCxfCY4ka-VH5xoy9qn75LAcrKwd0CVYdU4lHu9zOMt1qDZ7ufFhPhwne6p5ufRLz3IeyPDgFAPTPGQ-Eug-l-cZ60/s320/20170430_213408.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think our proximity to the equator makes the crescent moon lay on its back?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03vOK7LeFpvHr8GoPFGgUI5YQMX2trAZa-2BAd96FoFOpo-mygmm2El1QQi_4a97o8BVWqeUTvUo59A-Jmvy0fQGsuBmQ7hzSrH3b1rnxfSd5-O8CGo2uiIH4wwlrBw6Ui2TG_s0V7Tca/s1600/20170506_120944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03vOK7LeFpvHr8GoPFGgUI5YQMX2trAZa-2BAd96FoFOpo-mygmm2El1QQi_4a97o8BVWqeUTvUo59A-Jmvy0fQGsuBmQ7hzSrH3b1rnxfSd5-O8CGo2uiIH4wwlrBw6Ui2TG_s0V7Tca/s320/20170506_120944.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up...through the branches of a coconut tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMLZwj1Slx_tN-fCQDR6GOlB_BhWo9M0zI2164RvphYYlfodiMsPp82qTtGLJnxKhntGP5tJ7OlBNXGxNJXoxPVoRu2WqWnh3gzwtSTBX0L_tzTBeB7_gAa615qA4eEdAhWHqXrqFFgdV/s1600/20170602_174026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMLZwj1Slx_tN-fCQDR6GOlB_BhWo9M0zI2164RvphYYlfodiMsPp82qTtGLJnxKhntGP5tJ7OlBNXGxNJXoxPVoRu2WqWnh3gzwtSTBX0L_tzTBeB7_gAa615qA4eEdAhWHqXrqFFgdV/s400/20170602_174026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another amazing storm out over the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpKfjgCOqoxV-5Ov93Gb_DmOv0GpkZFfwtrPTeYeTsHOgIhxydPog9gWVOMovbGg2CXN2V0URbJutw2GaQlVnOeR6L2ENbzOECPJ_TXtotvn9Yc3EDYNZeOm6X6ramm70bQVI5aFDT76i/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpKfjgCOqoxV-5Ov93Gb_DmOv0GpkZFfwtrPTeYeTsHOgIhxydPog9gWVOMovbGg2CXN2V0URbJutw2GaQlVnOeR6L2ENbzOECPJ_TXtotvn9Yc3EDYNZeOm6X6ramm70bQVI5aFDT76i/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Congratulations to all of you who were able to witness the amazing eclipse of 2017 - hope the clouds didn't get in your way! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-26833266506583246132017-08-17T03:28:00.000-04:002017-08-23T00:54:49.220-04:00The Build-UpAugust 17, 2017<br />
<br />
I love so much about Pattaya. The people are true-hearted and kind, caring for one another and for the creatures that share their city. People of all backgrounds and lifestyles are an accepted part of society. The city enjoys an international flavor, with expats from many parts of the globe. Restaurants of every kind of cuisine make dining out a pleasure. Affordable public transportation makes it easy to get around the city. Several supermarkets cater to western tastes. Being on the Gulf of Thailand means we are usually a few degrees cooler than those inland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXBWTeIXHvo3C9siv5ffFSHpOFyyvpRfKAkKD4Iy-Vc4sTLMurIE_AwsYqoG0y9MODlELUWL8Ob5xFOe1brIOhH3gqbZCb20jIknLMdkaMYph_q6DwwZh4QLud71ipL7iNVOwnTnncq5g/s1600/PattayaCitySign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1036" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXBWTeIXHvo3C9siv5ffFSHpOFyyvpRfKAkKD4Iy-Vc4sTLMurIE_AwsYqoG0y9MODlELUWL8Ob5xFOe1brIOhH3gqbZCb20jIknLMdkaMYph_q6DwwZh4QLud71ipL7iNVOwnTnncq5g/s320/PattayaCitySign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One thing I don't like about the city is the constant construction happening all over the city. You can't see any skyline without the ever-present silhouette of the construction cranes. I don't believe there is enough people or businesses to fill all these vacancies. Many completed projects sit empty, or appear to be at just ten- or twenty-percent occupancy. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfwxdCCazbeDrupRhfuOt-aecpmBcrYgb-_7RfIdetu7bw2Aglr2zf1Vsv_sB-h8x4Lm3IzRpiu8hjEzPftt3rFwUYO25waxhyc9ll9UIKPVIdthASylAF7UNTZ72jz-KU0xwa234vUke/s1600/Pattaya+then.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="729" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfwxdCCazbeDrupRhfuOt-aecpmBcrYgb-_7RfIdetu7bw2Aglr2zf1Vsv_sB-h8x4Lm3IzRpiu8hjEzPftt3rFwUYO25waxhyc9ll9UIKPVIdthASylAF7UNTZ72jz-KU0xwa234vUke/s320/Pattaya+then.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattaya then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdBSO8JXuuOsipeosT6YjaIWEeIAc7b7xX7AkD42-pHMLR3ns575YQhZp1hKFIjHdGxkYl9q0wf7PI8yiSapx9B-_vwcyMsSJ7qokyrHPw_RBAqOPa-dE9HKGN-hmu6CkeOlTa0KTAylK/s1600/Pattaya+now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1024" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdBSO8JXuuOsipeosT6YjaIWEeIAc7b7xX7AkD42-pHMLR3ns575YQhZp1hKFIjHdGxkYl9q0wf7PI8yiSapx9B-_vwcyMsSJ7qokyrHPw_RBAqOPa-dE9HKGN-hmu6CkeOlTa0KTAylK/s320/Pattaya+now.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattaya now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31K_pLvrr00Gccv3fUTJQaCjT9ysA6xuQaDO36wyaQU__2Ik7q54eXg94QKnneesZNwRVlm4GbMR4ZKrnThjbpu4mdke9XZzCF-q4y7RhlqBD2fSEZkX6dxW3SkSsfOSrGodOZ06sH0v_/s1600/20170817_105646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31K_pLvrr00Gccv3fUTJQaCjT9ysA6xuQaDO36wyaQU__2Ik7q54eXg94QKnneesZNwRVlm4GbMR4ZKrnThjbpu4mdke9XZzCF-q4y7RhlqBD2fSEZkX6dxW3SkSsfOSrGodOZ06sH0v_/s320/20170817_105646.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ubiquitous rooftop cranes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDywg5HWemRBEO8zGHcn9q6lWV49cfRKhMIBbCYHafkXfnuvq0IYjhQoMS5N-zM2Jdcg7Yk5eEbd-oQVCzFxgN1aDR71Irv3bk4tjAKU8AyZcTVNUxQie2P7wqRHJWvs6Hy_eYjfX3utsC/s1600/20170817_105549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1214" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDywg5HWemRBEO8zGHcn9q6lWV49cfRKhMIBbCYHafkXfnuvq0IYjhQoMS5N-zM2Jdcg7Yk5eEbd-oQVCzFxgN1aDR71Irv3bk4tjAKU8AyZcTVNUxQie2P7wqRHJWvs6Hy_eYjfX3utsC/s320/20170817_105549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hfoNRICljLTZZVG60-QSdPJE-vqiNVaL08yQolhkp2FK2gHBLOD3cvxwuknouidsaERLKBqlTXcKjhEVk_3V_Bjsp8ew0QxZ09g4cyKGCS7F6W69mrb133FuCsdmbquAy7wKbxTu73Ka/s1600/20170817_105540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hfoNRICljLTZZVG60-QSdPJE-vqiNVaL08yQolhkp2FK2gHBLOD3cvxwuknouidsaERLKBqlTXcKjhEVk_3V_Bjsp8ew0QxZ09g4cyKGCS7F6W69mrb133FuCsdmbquAy7wKbxTu73Ka/s320/20170817_105540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
An unsightly, half-finished high-rise mars the view on the hill outside our condo. Not a single minute of work has been done on it in the nearly two years we've lived in our current location. I've heard that the construction is being held up by court cases against the builder, who defiantly built it several stories higher than was allowed. Many Thais want it torn down, because no building is supposed to be higher than the shrine at the top of the hill. And still it sits, an ugly reminder of greed and corruption. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFNCFT3WHlk6nXf5xlx1dWDOikp4cADMA9SiLH6pAbJdXokF6Pealq6n3N5Eyap0OYRTU4TAEJDbfygXSXGuU5AP2DsdE87wBAH9APnTN-62kiPRnvEC1Yy7C-18xRK5Kg5dyLlCIRef2/s1600/20170817_105531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFNCFT3WHlk6nXf5xlx1dWDOikp4cADMA9SiLH6pAbJdXokF6Pealq6n3N5Eyap0OYRTU4TAEJDbfygXSXGuU5AP2DsdE87wBAH9APnTN-62kiPRnvEC1Yy7C-18xRK5Kg5dyLlCIRef2/s400/20170817_105531.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On the flip side, halfhearted attempts are made to crack down on illegal buildings here and there. According to the newspaper, business owners are served with demands to tear down their construction. Warnings are given and ignored, deadlines come and go. Companies are finally hired to do the demolitions, but abandon the jobs half-way through.<br />
<br />
Building in many areas has gone unchecked for years. Now, some residents whose families have been in homes for generations are learning those homes were built on public land. Others, who realized they were living on borrowed land but hoped for continued apathy, are being forced to find other options for their families. It seems those with the greatest need often suffer the most. It has always impressed me, however, the way Thais pick themselves up and find a way to get by.<br />
<br />
We have seen brand new construction torn down before ever being utilized. But sometimes renovation takes place. We have had the somewhat constant din of renovation drifting down from the condo above us for the last month or two. When the power tools get going, it's a little hard to hear ourselves think. Thankfully, the work ends at a reasonable hour each afternoon; they must be close to finishing by now...<br />
<br />
A project I have personally enjoyed witnessing is the renovation of St. Nikolaus church. One weekend, a huge backdrop suddenly appeared at the front, with a picture of the front of the church on it. Seemed like someone went to unnecessary great lengths, but perhaps it was a donation. The church is opened to the elements, and so the primarily wooden decor suffers from the effects of the weather. The pews were refinished, the wooden door-walls were removed and redone, and many of the decorative elements were removed and repaired. Even the front of the church was getting some attention. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOiZDickswqGSqn7fDG1reXEtuwZ5O58u7RPdmxpR8UcP_cXqEXBtqHK4ia-8WTV1IN764K_EPK37U6lnwlS7-4GNw8PMbXAXNh_Rs_i7Uy3FeAcqrUBA5e2pisSBkCGLv3S4PA3G7gfD/s1600/20170715_175515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOiZDickswqGSqn7fDG1reXEtuwZ5O58u7RPdmxpR8UcP_cXqEXBtqHK4ia-8WTV1IN764K_EPK37U6lnwlS7-4GNw8PMbXAXNh_Rs_i7Uy3FeAcqrUBA5e2pisSBkCGLv3S4PA3G7gfD/s400/20170715_175515.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAF5yCQja32wgjn_cgR-c6A9ujkKg-QTbMXGJVBRyDUbwFexgtFtR_PT2qreejkHRceraX3BF5hyR0YsiJ8m7s909qZsrZC-0hL7MmGFS-T2H1Iix-uAh2_zAtQ6YDwZf207A-PCobl7f/s1600/20170715_175130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAF5yCQja32wgjn_cgR-c6A9ujkKg-QTbMXGJVBRyDUbwFexgtFtR_PT2qreejkHRceraX3BF5hyR0YsiJ8m7s909qZsrZC-0hL7MmGFS-T2H1Iix-uAh2_zAtQ6YDwZf207A-PCobl7f/s400/20170715_175130.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This week, the backdrop was finally gone, and a shiny, new sanctuary was revealed. Not everything is finished, but it was good timing to honor the queen's birthday and Thai Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1bT7zLWegFvswl_7g9wu2GVyaAfAs5R8U4aZSr0Xkpm0y4rXsggIcwkRjllh5yeQqrXYqkzn8HhPTMRNnOFshYmJUjnm3Xdp-pyGfl2vxcMGfAwoLnVr6FXmekoTnFfNMV6oRR6SRLUH/s1600/20170812_175112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1bT7zLWegFvswl_7g9wu2GVyaAfAs5R8U4aZSr0Xkpm0y4rXsggIcwkRjllh5yeQqrXYqkzn8HhPTMRNnOFshYmJUjnm3Xdp-pyGfl2vxcMGfAwoLnVr6FXmekoTnFfNMV6oRR6SRLUH/s640/20170812_175112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEeJKk_LnKVwRknt-etISymV8vnEbvR1dCfG_1HIaF3U9JD-6IMWi6vu97SqmKG67ozU01KO8lZGBqQJ70ZCg2jB0cHtF9F49coQYa0f1P0wMwWXwftiLCQV3JMatLxQodeVgCLNgmm7V/s1600/20170812_175531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEeJKk_LnKVwRknt-etISymV8vnEbvR1dCfG_1HIaF3U9JD-6IMWi6vu97SqmKG67ozU01KO8lZGBqQJ70ZCg2jB0cHtF9F49coQYa0f1P0wMwWXwftiLCQV3JMatLxQodeVgCLNgmm7V/s400/20170812_175531.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Queen Sirikit;<br />
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all, there is a lot to love about my adopted home. My heart aches to think about how little time we have left here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/odnQQoi_v_A/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/odnQQoi_v_A?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-9523549092307126492017-08-09T01:59:00.002-04:002017-08-17T01:39:52.514-04:00The Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Drink one large glass of water. Take five or ten minutes to stretch, while simultaneously preparing a thermos of coffee. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMGaUzFIDB5m9sYlthyphenhyphenGlKTbzkK_TMJ4SehbaxWzxK2hQXux8ZC2pDwAeDO2gGB21tvsMZV5hQO81Vc3R0kPTQSv4phvm7tJFzI7x6BMeMjD6gJSH4sjyX_jLjsjzo3M5JLnbPKza7AtR/s1600/20170809_081737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMGaUzFIDB5m9sYlthyphenhyphenGlKTbzkK_TMJ4SehbaxWzxK2hQXux8ZC2pDwAeDO2gGB21tvsMZV5hQO81Vc3R0kPTQSv4phvm7tJFzI7x6BMeMjD6gJSH4sjyX_jLjsjzo3M5JLnbPKza7AtR/s320/20170809_081737.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYL7pAzcU5Ws9mDMOkjjTn0c34qDmIIDRR-h4z2AggGupuJ8m-r1ODZ6VeC4p5lvOlSqSj891Jr0lOC35fnjfI5OfLIBekBEpOuBtF2kAXINL9wfbAV-IDwVvusy7bUSBW_axPx8f7wRO/s1600/20170809_081606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYL7pAzcU5Ws9mDMOkjjTn0c34qDmIIDRR-h4z2AggGupuJ8m-r1ODZ6VeC4p5lvOlSqSj891Jr0lOC35fnjfI5OfLIBekBEpOuBtF2kAXINL9wfbAV-IDwVvusy7bUSBW_axPx8f7wRO/s320/20170809_081606.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Slip on walking shoes and take elevator seven floors down to the lobby. After a few quick horizontal meters of walking, start uphill climb by taking stairs to second level parking, passing under hundreds of white and pink blooms. From the upper level parking, climb steep incline up to security gate. Be greeted by smiling security guards who salute and say, "So-wat-dee-ka, Madame!" Pass the ever-present one-eyed dog that substitutes for a lion statue at the entrance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7492qHCMvdtYni6gfIzzmql0J5hJig_MvY5q8hVs4iJltPW-2Jz1cybTJSVXmdwketD2CyMI3RFi4O39DKnGiTxFRu3_TN6X0diA7MrMJvMzxvvRAvHJbr1SS8JWCCarIKe3NSh1z3ea/s1600/20170809_071326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7492qHCMvdtYni6gfIzzmql0J5hJig_MvY5q8hVs4iJltPW-2Jz1cybTJSVXmdwketD2CyMI3RFi4O39DKnGiTxFRu3_TN6X0diA7MrMJvMzxvvRAvHJbr1SS8JWCCarIKe3NSh1z3ea/s320/20170809_071326.jpg" width="111" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGei9Yx4tVkClSP3cak63BkJ3tfeyz6sRX4AmWZVLUwjd-AA02rUidVrLkuycQKsLY-ZQAfZQm3CeyrCNm8nMXLtJmYYQS2E2qGfPVBwpfucqfW4mHbuHG2QBENU7xkV4N4Y38mvWBOml/s1600/20170809_071405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGei9Yx4tVkClSP3cak63BkJ3tfeyz6sRX4AmWZVLUwjd-AA02rUidVrLkuycQKsLY-ZQAfZQm3CeyrCNm8nMXLtJmYYQS2E2qGfPVBwpfucqfW4mHbuHG2QBENU7xkV4N4Y38mvWBOml/s320/20170809_071405.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd5aVOI5ZuIcAnf-cM0gdodgYC-pH7U2uLvEnUSoFzEA8Fs7dZRJibGA3GABSYXZr_l8612OnYkoIR1IwdnXt3ZpgbzVr18HUCmXm4vqgRHus9Lj1NvaR7v42M5mwGANLnJUEvcFOmNmv/s1600/20170809_071520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd5aVOI5ZuIcAnf-cM0gdodgYC-pH7U2uLvEnUSoFzEA8Fs7dZRJibGA3GABSYXZr_l8612OnYkoIR1IwdnXt3ZpgbzVr18HUCmXm4vqgRHus9Lj1NvaR7v42M5mwGANLnJUEvcFOmNmv/s320/20170809_071520.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, they are <i>usually</i> smiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ENl_QdTrkBu7Jd2ZeTzfDONlSc08GvVihyphenhyphen68srhLI3M9IvAB1qQ4_VOiufEyoeQ_f0D7H-GMcJkLKdBTNSxiGX_liexNCfj1DRni43OT9NIwzzxqzTAlZYzjv1W9bSge-cHTJ1eJAI8_/s1600/security+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ENl_QdTrkBu7Jd2ZeTzfDONlSc08GvVihyphenhyphen68srhLI3M9IvAB1qQ4_VOiufEyoeQ_f0D7H-GMcJkLKdBTNSxiGX_liexNCfj1DRni43OT9NIwzzxqzTAlZYzjv1W9bSge-cHTJ1eJAI8_/s1600/security+dog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Enjoy a slight reprieve by walking along the flower-laden fence on the perimeter of the property. The reprieve ends by crossing the street and climbing the hill at the entrance to the park. Avoid the stones that were wedged under the tires of cars parked on the incline yesterday. Encounter the first of many packs of stray dogs; these lounging near the taxi drivers. Climb another set of stairs, avoiding the broken stones. Reach the Peace Plaza with the Rotary Club monument and green-copper fish statuary. Walk across the pavers threatening to swallow you up. Momentarily interrupt a flock of pigeons who soon go back to their pecking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqOv9pDuPKTZhnSAdUkOx1wml4VJVGLs6nZJunzRcod8WpVR7CV-E9eFfi02DlXgN9tDv5yMBGb4zRnz3_MdImBuNtZId2ALz2xsg4GiAkkSUkLR1L2nFqPmu6qtO6VnnHsUZJjPCmvrB/s1600/20170809_071536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqOv9pDuPKTZhnSAdUkOx1wml4VJVGLs6nZJunzRcod8WpVR7CV-E9eFfi02DlXgN9tDv5yMBGb4zRnz3_MdImBuNtZId2ALz2xsg4GiAkkSUkLR1L2nFqPmu6qtO6VnnHsUZJjPCmvrB/s320/20170809_071536.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_NwahVVQYkIXOLRF7kyfXfCtuYLUBUygB56W7aD0-IeQPapv3FiBpJR_tTosOdRAZq09xrFwYi0C2RaeEzYMCcekQAksD0ns2zwqac9t3jkT32TqlMeJTqBuwGphPGkr9-FAQ0AluWyu/s1600/20170809_071630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_NwahVVQYkIXOLRF7kyfXfCtuYLUBUygB56W7aD0-IeQPapv3FiBpJR_tTosOdRAZq09xrFwYi0C2RaeEzYMCcekQAksD0ns2zwqac9t3jkT32TqlMeJTqBuwGphPGkr9-FAQ0AluWyu/s320/20170809_071630.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZJpHAuTTrAnzu2hA0YnXqha6U81obLPb4hE_6VHZEOIXZPVygDNHSH8uGEZ4q9936y0eIltLUR5yxLEiB5phtD3XE2NwxhyphenhyphenAvsn4u6UzKSJZFheLV34Op0fDZuIPwf7lTJgA6oA2yJ4u/s1600/20170809_072039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZJpHAuTTrAnzu2hA0YnXqha6U81obLPb4hE_6VHZEOIXZPVygDNHSH8uGEZ4q9936y0eIltLUR5yxLEiB5phtD3XE2NwxhyphenhyphenAvsn4u6UzKSJZFheLV34Op0fDZuIPwf7lTJgA6oA2yJ4u/s320/20170809_072039.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y31viMPXid7AT33JWG7gwlKdi8fXVia2QtU23IUCNncpvLS6vAdQ1_Wbumk1pimwIafcjhsoRNvITL5oQZfaNPcuOB4fePgrptXB-SQXC8IM2HjNSbdsuOykv0u8unm_l7rLczfWeTpg/s1600/20170809_072053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y31viMPXid7AT33JWG7gwlKdi8fXVia2QtU23IUCNncpvLS6vAdQ1_Wbumk1pimwIafcjhsoRNvITL5oQZfaNPcuOB4fePgrptXB-SQXC8IM2HjNSbdsuOykv0u8unm_l7rLczfWeTpg/s400/20170809_072053.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Pass dog pack number two, these grey and black, striding four across toward you as you approach. Channel your inner Cesar Millan, mustering as much calm, assertive energy as you can to give the impression of a pack leader. Watch the four make way for you as you pass. Enjoy the peeks of the harbor through occasional spaces in the greenery to your left, catching your breath on this downward slope. Have this stretch to yourself...and the dogs, of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXGFbKeqAaLPJo1BaCKUUmBGBtWzmUPwbr5amfc1NE-Seu8ug9TOJaqWsXFO-SbficbMYkCV05Y1OT7OmJf_fb0QCtBfnzDVYz4ElxgSHqa_lXBbz-JjXKWYVAhiVQeabhzec9QBrg5Gg/s1600/20170809_072212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXGFbKeqAaLPJo1BaCKUUmBGBtWzmUPwbr5amfc1NE-Seu8ug9TOJaqWsXFO-SbficbMYkCV05Y1OT7OmJf_fb0QCtBfnzDVYz4ElxgSHqa_lXBbz-JjXKWYVAhiVQeabhzec9QBrg5Gg/s320/20170809_072212.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SEPHYsw7d4k-qnr4ZnNnC4w7PfwYiXbEqEYkUuXA5vRdKmazf2R3FDnI1rtD1-Si9IDMfpb9bRhovgO8oU4EozHp7qMI7p40uSDzSE5TUJ0oASvm_Z7Uqg-cKVa9xn3v8IckBzw_wx40/s1600/20170809_072108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="835" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SEPHYsw7d4k-qnr4ZnNnC4w7PfwYiXbEqEYkUuXA5vRdKmazf2R3FDnI1rtD1-Si9IDMfpb9bRhovgO8oU4EozHp7qMI7p40uSDzSE5TUJ0oASvm_Z7Uqg-cKVa9xn3v8IckBzw_wx40/s320/20170809_072108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeythUG2NGm7CWF5wt3mmpshP8m6tAeb_ajqSOTnoS2snpTMsOlXfAzMERI1YFB6eRw_MaJVKguBHeQXOUCGhGh6e3y0_Z90tg8IfNh7_0psJJmlTXcTr62YwEbK0IGj1Ss5Yt2L_MDfF/s1600/20170809_072622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeythUG2NGm7CWF5wt3mmpshP8m6tAeb_ajqSOTnoS2snpTMsOlXfAzMERI1YFB6eRw_MaJVKguBHeQXOUCGhGh6e3y0_Z90tg8IfNh7_0psJJmlTXcTr62YwEbK0IGj1Ss5Yt2L_MDfF/s320/20170809_072622.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVarQl_nK3Upkm9k7EYHOe_DVWj2oz9_xPKvgUogJ2HAA1U3rnX2vrErYlhPTuIMVAS91HVKwF6WlHP7etupTDdJHkcaQ97aVw7McH5yuN4CkwSH2eVX-JkHqrIyJmRsCaBoje3bJOkaKu/s1600/20170809_072815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVarQl_nK3Upkm9k7EYHOe_DVWj2oz9_xPKvgUogJ2HAA1U3rnX2vrErYlhPTuIMVAS91HVKwF6WlHP7etupTDdJHkcaQ97aVw7McH5yuN4CkwSH2eVX-JkHqrIyJmRsCaBoje3bJOkaKu/s320/20170809_072815.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys make me think of the Wickersham brothers,<br />
for some reason</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Observe one of many feeders of stray dogs, usually young Thai couples or older farangs, who probably all believe they are the only ones who feed the mutts. See that all the mutts appear to be well-fed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6N2HuHiz8QQrvRUWFY5DtgINEALVT68yFXgBmrQIw4IVOGn7WP6qvK4KohaibcOtYbr7U2e1l3Kx8n6BFINMe04rPtjh9K4PgOAhHwGLtE9uiWa0SQCtWfR5q4tgwraZo-t6Hl4_OjpN/s1600/20170809_072843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="705" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6N2HuHiz8QQrvRUWFY5DtgINEALVT68yFXgBmrQIw4IVOGn7WP6qvK4KohaibcOtYbr7U2e1l3Kx8n6BFINMe04rPtjh9K4PgOAhHwGLtE9uiWa0SQCtWfR5q4tgwraZo-t6Hl4_OjpN/s640/20170809_072843.jpg" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The puppies get the most attention, of course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq93Wm4D39sbK3vSJaMd_Q7CgYhyysNIzJZd8UkeKtWf9916Jyn5Up1ZpGEKcchXnx_C6v3fX0sl0GfHwMKw9dTWXvNRTowl5KEOAbOObedC8VGJ9UzLwRMdd2WHaUY-L35LXf2MF6a0v/s1600/20170809_072852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="601" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq93Wm4D39sbK3vSJaMd_Q7CgYhyysNIzJZd8UkeKtWf9916Jyn5Up1ZpGEKcchXnx_C6v3fX0sl0GfHwMKw9dTWXvNRTowl5KEOAbOObedC8VGJ9UzLwRMdd2WHaUY-L35LXf2MF6a0v/s320/20170809_072852.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The temporary downward slope gives way, and you begin another upward climb, albeit on a fairly gentle slope. Pass the "tire trees," where people much more fit than you leave tires tied to ropes; they put the ropes around their waists and drag the tires behind them for an extra workout. Reach the fork in the road where the man always stands outside his car, smoking a cigarette, giving the impression he is waiting for a friend. Greet him with a "So-wat-dee-ka!" Take the fork to the right, climbing steeply up to the busy road that is the main thoroughfare from the city up to the hill. Dodge tour buses and motorcycle taxis, and cross the road to the other park on the other hill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz__QZVbZxTNYgb17DbIq2naQ_pFGsjxMpBqucDrcznBWB3fMDL6wkiTo975sAdgSfv35plQ4CVlAjIJGRxOqZS5YYCSDVrnQXA7RSJzCibumZWgj4tT3Zof4p8xJIxCHbvYJzILAagKr/s1600/20170809_073011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz__QZVbZxTNYgb17DbIq2naQ_pFGsjxMpBqucDrcznBWB3fMDL6wkiTo975sAdgSfv35plQ4CVlAjIJGRxOqZS5YYCSDVrnQXA7RSJzCibumZWgj4tT3Zof4p8xJIxCHbvYJzILAagKr/s320/20170809_073011.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnHMgfp8VPhklkZ6p2xatRlzRQJmdHdYl_Zd9N9MGGQiUC2fr5ggNGy3jqvEurW9DVseSIg5B0TQa12PHvphkKezSteQaFQ99pSquw1pQmV3B_BxcgJfW68f6HT44KW1SBOvbNXgzYKSO/s1600/20170809_075419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnHMgfp8VPhklkZ6p2xatRlzRQJmdHdYl_Zd9N9MGGQiUC2fr5ggNGy3jqvEurW9DVseSIg5B0TQa12PHvphkKezSteQaFQ99pSquw1pQmV3B_BxcgJfW68f6HT44KW1SBOvbNXgzYKSO/s320/20170809_075419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Step across the plaza where several seniors are gathering to exercise with bamboo poles. Notice the van parked above the plaza that brings food and drink for the group, and holds the loudspeakers that broadcast the count for their calisthenics - "Neung, Sorng, Saam, See..." Muster some enthusiasm and jog up the two sets of stairs that go from the plaza up to the track that circles the Big Buddha hill. Encounter many other people out for their morning exercise: Thai women chatting in slow-moving groups, Muay Thai boxers in training, older, overweight white men. Decide whether to say, "So-wat-dee-ka" or "good morning" by doing a quick visual assessment. Frequently guess wrong.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu98_rTXco6LFR74mKi7b8MT8mq5dy133q655naSZ2p_DcHgKXTQTUjPrPq_EGtF3RckxuVFfI3NZb3eJL_jW4XfTqz0RUflD2deXJlAyK-sHH6_8jDREMPq1EaK5kmEXkp2VoFGjYbtTw/s1600/20170809_073326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu98_rTXco6LFR74mKi7b8MT8mq5dy133q655naSZ2p_DcHgKXTQTUjPrPq_EGtF3RckxuVFfI3NZb3eJL_jW4XfTqz0RUflD2deXJlAyK-sHH6_8jDREMPq1EaK5kmEXkp2VoFGjYbtTw/s320/20170809_073326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfY2Me4qQ7D2imtjSx25TdG450HeLIOLzLyX0y87jXXba6Cz3CHKy1JiXNzlZH9IPbBLt7-RCRTQO-mP0ZOdx3cmCzVy6FvcjA735rHJQNYWYyPJKvqyEBlpThiakPdL6VOUJy0htWKl7/s1600/20170809_073339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfY2Me4qQ7D2imtjSx25TdG450HeLIOLzLyX0y87jXXba6Cz3CHKy1JiXNzlZH9IPbBLt7-RCRTQO-mP0ZOdx3cmCzVy6FvcjA735rHJQNYWYyPJKvqyEBlpThiakPdL6VOUJy0htWKl7/s320/20170809_073339.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2_JvSHTzGVUIoeQO3lXpvWurXNlyJMa4oLmQCxd0VrgiaRiOUtLA7d_d30nOLmY0CYn293aQ9V9PsMQOXkrAD3ip8DCtRIU6B43s5iN3gi1hMThdDzAFZILSc47x0iAl1orI_-xSwori/s1600/20170809_073415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="753" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2_JvSHTzGVUIoeQO3lXpvWurXNlyJMa4oLmQCxd0VrgiaRiOUtLA7d_d30nOLmY0CYn293aQ9V9PsMQOXkrAD3ip8DCtRIU6B43s5iN3gi1hMThdDzAFZILSc47x0iAl1orI_-xSwori/s320/20170809_073415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Pass the well-worn, built-in exercise stations where someone is always attempting a chin-up or push-up. Feel inadequate as you see the older guy run up a long flight of stairs...repeatedly. Pass the black dog lounging on the bench under the cement shelter, then ascend the long hill up to the back of the hill. Ignore the two orange tabbies just like they ignore you. Enjoy the short, flat road before mustering a little speed to jog down the short hill, past the plaza where the shirtless man in the too-short camo shorts and knee socks performs his exuberant stretching routine. Try not to stare.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj0VJEkRJMubmFndFwQPBJOSyf5AGqVFBQ_Zw3OKB0Rew1vqDYcaMtI_0f7PW8LgBY8qzkQxwHhKWgH5xkV1FNC0vBFiEDzJeqGf0oagRzTiikByL-jJ-0Yw4l8nNkjPPvDs_I76GAKtY/s1600/20170809_073459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj0VJEkRJMubmFndFwQPBJOSyf5AGqVFBQ_Zw3OKB0Rew1vqDYcaMtI_0f7PW8LgBY8qzkQxwHhKWgH5xkV1FNC0vBFiEDzJeqGf0oagRzTiikByL-jJ-0Yw4l8nNkjPPvDs_I76GAKtY/s320/20170809_073459.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV6eLwY59xsiXngmvZgtnGYqExder57XHQlaTvoU0Sf2aYmA_b8DYPS1yvS3Omu9RMTgHgX5zjgSi5O-JhC1IJaORS-jd6dDm7dG5J7jNmFTPkxHbBF3HNrc6s_3LpYr6-spsT4cnjVdu/s1600/20170809_073622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV6eLwY59xsiXngmvZgtnGYqExder57XHQlaTvoU0Sf2aYmA_b8DYPS1yvS3Omu9RMTgHgX5zjgSi5O-JhC1IJaORS-jd6dDm7dG5J7jNmFTPkxHbBF3HNrc6s_3LpYr6-spsT4cnjVdu/s320/20170809_073622.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFnWelj1OJeltvmDDdqpF92aLl4GKerwqKoOGCchKkUSSjF5KDAzMWL1KEFyHqrGbIpDzYPZvuQh3I1QYvlscZz-sqT6_buSbA44kVKLyb0QnvHUcIeQDF96wXQ4wwhT6pVt3PpXrTHnP/s1600/20170809_074245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFnWelj1OJeltvmDDdqpF92aLl4GKerwqKoOGCchKkUSSjF5KDAzMWL1KEFyHqrGbIpDzYPZvuQh3I1QYvlscZz-sqT6_buSbA44kVKLyb0QnvHUcIeQDF96wXQ4wwhT6pVt3PpXrTHnP/s320/20170809_074245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCC3ADHBJUhUkJcJbXLlfeV3yxdpqjyzzc_GzyaT7jeWcBoxPukQQ_Qikc5EDxx4YoYjAWPn-27MrSItYhdOaUl1yvZ1N68GlxRpR_Vmil1WZVu_I7CpwMvwoi5jxVUjP5VTa2PV_V_At/s1600/20170809_074329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="993" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCC3ADHBJUhUkJcJbXLlfeV3yxdpqjyzzc_GzyaT7jeWcBoxPukQQ_Qikc5EDxx4YoYjAWPn-27MrSItYhdOaUl1yvZ1N68GlxRpR_Vmil1WZVu_I7CpwMvwoi5jxVUjP5VTa2PV_V_At/s320/20170809_074329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pass the flower-lined path that leads up to the top of Big Buddha hill where the giant gold-colored Buddha watches over the city. See the unofficial mayor of the hill, a small, white-haired British man in white shorts and white shirt, always accompanied by friends. Smile and wave when he enthusiastically says, "Good Morning! So nice to see you!" Listen to the chirp of frogs in the underbrush and the cluck of chickens at the construction site to your left. Pass the third pack of dogs with the puppies that hardly look like puppies anymore. Don't be startled when the black pup with the neon collar approaches you, looking for handouts. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxw3fPh-t8ATqoNA6-f1YFvg7QXaBQ5WAi2nDxuNhAHoKluMaYIoVORpraREaJH01rtLLR7hacnPg3SCGcZLGepqgo9xulNupXrjBCSxV3GZ7AHe92nZ6laTLpFphH_8k6hDrLVsvgTS_/s1600/20170809_074349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxw3fPh-t8ATqoNA6-f1YFvg7QXaBQ5WAi2nDxuNhAHoKluMaYIoVORpraREaJH01rtLLR7hacnPg3SCGcZLGepqgo9xulNupXrjBCSxV3GZ7AHe92nZ6laTLpFphH_8k6hDrLVsvgTS_/s320/20170809_074349.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way to Buddha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjNEr_jccCmYoiF1aFQsX0rHlJMUdzvo5CCc81eWlFppZgKdNoV1C2x7ndqjsD8FtEDY1w3p9uz99g_ITxDqPe1yaom5y7mb3yeiEVJq3t2eBPPoO9K_gEFp2bt3KTcLO4BBgoyT__aU1/s1600/20170809_074721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjNEr_jccCmYoiF1aFQsX0rHlJMUdzvo5CCc81eWlFppZgKdNoV1C2x7ndqjsD8FtEDY1w3p9uz99g_ITxDqPe1yaom5y7mb3yeiEVJq3t2eBPPoO9K_gEFp2bt3KTcLO4BBgoyT__aU1/s320/20170809_074721.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the mayor is on duty...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJQTXLsWiUYwlxQTJ_NgGFCxbpxQ0oXvteysspkjMi6BA41uxKJAq0V28PWZbg1fxBmeyvkgomfidQ2E-5wlrg4lo0K8C9YlJ4MPkdNPsZ4AyDaKP5Oa54R6wS3smgtSVCI8mbGLm3YDt/s1600/20170809_074743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="621" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJQTXLsWiUYwlxQTJ_NgGFCxbpxQ0oXvteysspkjMi6BA41uxKJAq0V28PWZbg1fxBmeyvkgomfidQ2E-5wlrg4lo0K8C9YlJ4MPkdNPsZ4AyDaKP5Oa54R6wS3smgtSVCI8mbGLm3YDt/s320/20170809_074743.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpdWPYkpUCuooHGf-VwI7vrXzkfzxjisgfNh19y9XZ-ozqaWxkhr3ZuG7oWb9qOA7ep0LPkx4SBfWIM0dL-91hPpPvcxuaLObzwTQBhvRU0F4cU2QfDJSB3nkZucLpU2rUMUKiOpmtkao/s1600/20170809_075025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpdWPYkpUCuooHGf-VwI7vrXzkfzxjisgfNh19y9XZ-ozqaWxkhr3ZuG7oWb9qOA7ep0LPkx4SBfWIM0dL-91hPpPvcxuaLObzwTQBhvRU0F4cU2QfDJSB3nkZucLpU2rUMUKiOpmtkao/s320/20170809_075025.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Prepare for the steepest part of the walk. Sing "Let it Snow," or "Winter Wonderland" in your head to trick yourself into believing it isn't ninety degrees and you aren't panting furiously to get up to the top. Feel pleasantly surprised when you make it. Pass the plastic container someone placed under the dripping water pipe to catch water for the strays. Muster a little speed again and scoot past the colored flags down to the road. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueAFStTE0tMD22f364CWagRo1nu3oe2Kfy2Bwd-f3N1fgldfLZX3lX1BNzKe2sObP56xoS9LY2GZSx4i4by9kGleUnBO1tOGgefJ4wy580EgaFZpp3HMd5Bznjd50-7l4qJbYZYMsj96G/s1600/20170809_074909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueAFStTE0tMD22f364CWagRo1nu3oe2Kfy2Bwd-f3N1fgldfLZX3lX1BNzKe2sObP56xoS9LY2GZSx4i4by9kGleUnBO1tOGgefJ4wy580EgaFZpp3HMd5Bznjd50-7l4qJbYZYMsj96G/s320/20170809_074909.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BElAkpx5TfwG3RtjWozpiVJ3Pw4GzaesidbhEx1EH8duPAmVQfYfkiztXeuIEMBxJWHhQA8z-Q0L4ufSiKiPj934fHWXHore0hhh2K5egNDNfitDaVhwgCwjmNCe-43Xj-X8It4ClL53/s1600/20170809_075139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BElAkpx5TfwG3RtjWozpiVJ3Pw4GzaesidbhEx1EH8duPAmVQfYfkiztXeuIEMBxJWHhQA8z-Q0L4ufSiKiPj934fHWXHore0hhh2K5egNDNfitDaVhwgCwjmNCe-43Xj-X8It4ClL53/s320/20170809_075139.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJvBzNtqeb5g_WarkrFY5Md62VdcCIT_eUkHJ2NTCyioC4SoQBS1qgwwp7dApPAKYXhTC5fyiI4DjpeRRLqZT9SRmsYGSu6fNmHppTTtwYjePEyiZO-fv57pPm4VX_tjQgL-xtnZxKB3V/s1600/20170809_075203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJvBzNtqeb5g_WarkrFY5Md62VdcCIT_eUkHJ2NTCyioC4SoQBS1qgwwp7dApPAKYXhTC5fyiI4DjpeRRLqZT9SRmsYGSu6fNmHppTTtwYjePEyiZO-fv57pPm4VX_tjQgL-xtnZxKB3V/s320/20170809_075203.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Pass the taxi driver lounging in his makeshift hammock, and walk along the busy road until you find a break in traffic to zip across the five-way intersection. Dodge tour buses and motorbikes heading up to Scenic Viewpoint, and head for the state of exclusivity and fascination. Enjoy the easy walk past orange and yellow flowering trees, and give a wai to the friendly hotel security guard who always comes out to give you a salute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPFG-zHNQCwxFx6xqfIRXUyL8QF863-HGG1Q-i8qOSfIp3a4kIabOGAI2PJKTwZ1wVTIuV9-rUMwTS_k8YjVZFMkBunHPdwoaHY0gsI5TxOtN9RETd6uwt6LM4bZ68GqWOG_yYaK0eflb/s1600/20170809_075327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPFG-zHNQCwxFx6xqfIRXUyL8QF863-HGG1Q-i8qOSfIp3a4kIabOGAI2PJKTwZ1wVTIuV9-rUMwTS_k8YjVZFMkBunHPdwoaHY0gsI5TxOtN9RETd6uwt6LM4bZ68GqWOG_yYaK0eflb/s320/20170809_075327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uJLCAYpbdh4FBuw1V_cGu8MhvZr-LqFPTSOTaeYTplVblggLeCT7wAyGwCbcteYBkS0QQjxX1iucav0LG4DBvmmFd2j3lFRNAkHOH6PCWZMsl0ezYOJcYGGzoQhOWYgWMFEHocf7lTPa/s1600/20170809_075415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uJLCAYpbdh4FBuw1V_cGu8MhvZr-LqFPTSOTaeYTplVblggLeCT7wAyGwCbcteYBkS0QQjxX1iucav0LG4DBvmmFd2j3lFRNAkHOH6PCWZMsl0ezYOJcYGGzoQhOWYgWMFEHocf7lTPa/s320/20170809_075415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd7HgOOP5P9RVD_NLb6-3R3QOUUbVtA0K4aOBAZorFVPftNYq_1ZGy2SVPzefG3atYZdzF1UG0AiqXHVf9AVGqqS7VektCA2dG8RGIwKODX-DhPw21PIiM-fgTslOYQoPsFkc2PbC2e0y/s1600/20170809_075448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1279" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd7HgOOP5P9RVD_NLb6-3R3QOUUbVtA0K4aOBAZorFVPftNYq_1ZGy2SVPzefG3atYZdzF1UG0AiqXHVf9AVGqqS7VektCA2dG8RGIwKODX-DhPw21PIiM-fgTslOYQoPsFkc2PbC2e0y/s320/20170809_075448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JreaMCbOZ2FbDDWsey45XdD1vqVyTDZkASxkx7k0VZTAq8e6A0-tx-bKsAbfUMQxFyRbqdnkHkwAj4Ccwv_ANV1uk4pe9kk-gYxnTJcwcuKatkBN_OYJ6SiOKlMQcBQ81U6gpN585KC-/s1600/20170809_075542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JreaMCbOZ2FbDDWsey45XdD1vqVyTDZkASxkx7k0VZTAq8e6A0-tx-bKsAbfUMQxFyRbqdnkHkwAj4Ccwv_ANV1uk4pe9kk-gYxnTJcwcuKatkBN_OYJ6SiOKlMQcBQ81U6gpN585KC-/s320/20170809_075542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA68MqyeYNLnvM0eRzMRdzcQG7QRSVP5npnLW3Uv-TtcyNXZ0zwuQdhKOwSKqfoMuAX4D80uEOX22nuuIciCkMR9M-O7jiQlNJrI8egDm_tcSdAqcXtk139QqOX3K06tlBe3OI9ThgDXYL/s1600/20170809_075604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA68MqyeYNLnvM0eRzMRdzcQG7QRSVP5npnLW3Uv-TtcyNXZ0zwuQdhKOwSKqfoMuAX4D80uEOX22nuuIciCkMR9M-O7jiQlNJrI8egDm_tcSdAqcXtk139QqOX3K06tlBe3OI9ThgDXYL/s400/20170809_075604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E9Siqg5noNOfmuxDjlX2M8ssIddcRcNpy73ebWdx6uXIynDssy-TJL8TQ-PBZ6PE65Jzor_6xesc02YVBUj1tK10TH8TGTASnALlYHiTWIb4cgBMi9m1UMriHbo8bG1ZjZTle5tTAeyT/s1600/20170809_075845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E9Siqg5noNOfmuxDjlX2M8ssIddcRcNpy73ebWdx6uXIynDssy-TJL8TQ-PBZ6PE65Jzor_6xesc02YVBUj1tK10TH8TGTASnALlYHiTWIb4cgBMi9m1UMriHbo8bG1ZjZTle5tTAeyT/s320/20170809_075845.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm34dg0fQr8zCEq0kEE9wDKxVNJRIgSq7Xa7ijPhSB-Wb3_soj9qgvUX_CaS27nS1O9vjOjHDHOMK73DKqOHPxsYqDKDI7-RBi-YANY4MJMTJY64OTBzCoEqautGLVUdx42QytNHOe37PS/s1600/20170809_080300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="1147" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm34dg0fQr8zCEq0kEE9wDKxVNJRIgSq7Xa7ijPhSB-Wb3_soj9qgvUX_CaS27nS1O9vjOjHDHOMK73DKqOHPxsYqDKDI7-RBi-YANY4MJMTJY64OTBzCoEqautGLVUdx42QytNHOe37PS/s320/20170809_080300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Pass the meteorological station and see that it is already hot so early in the morning. Veer off the road into the colorful exercise plaza always busy with fitness buffs and lazy dogs. Climb a few short steps and walk around the permanently closed refreshment stand. Weave in and out of the palm tree pillars and "answer your questions three" to pass down the stairs and around the garbage cans that always smell like pineapple. Savor the easy downhill slope toward home, greeting the friendly food vendor who parks her cute little food truck at the side of the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-EumUT3PwnZ4hZKj13UGl-dbVeoTznVOz4-0koAJ6nLoAniBtP_oB-GKHteD9IwrCEz24t701fe5xRtzRaReslIni4V9GZtuMT3aonnsYelUagJnYRFU-dUWMTt5VZswplnyxGB4_juV/s1600/20170809_080413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-EumUT3PwnZ4hZKj13UGl-dbVeoTznVOz4-0koAJ6nLoAniBtP_oB-GKHteD9IwrCEz24t701fe5xRtzRaReslIni4V9GZtuMT3aonnsYelUagJnYRFU-dUWMTt5VZswplnyxGB4_juV/s320/20170809_080413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9TYjLBp3diY_90lOGc9y8sDF4fU4WlLlHRijYaRyurtOQ4luHxU8k3MNt5OztzmkxEKIpJinaNxvtVE7gwSHWHcppW1vT5ityCwhxGaF1affsWpCPbQCaBlP_dg6D_m4620RA-vlVrLC/s1600/20170809_080425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9TYjLBp3diY_90lOGc9y8sDF4fU4WlLlHRijYaRyurtOQ4luHxU8k3MNt5OztzmkxEKIpJinaNxvtVE7gwSHWHcppW1vT5ityCwhxGaF1affsWpCPbQCaBlP_dg6D_m4620RA-vlVrLC/s320/20170809_080425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">83<b>°</b>F</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2goeYoR4qkNDuTe-x2pe_NAmVVHtAg0kpM_H39F7X-eLd3JjPvN1ExNh_62dgg2Hha5Cu39mckUK1PSM3T08t_iLshGmhCJXelv4LX3ofoRwA0bz73qehbOUiPmSbzMESXED3kmDMgsCc/s1600/20170809_080504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2goeYoR4qkNDuTe-x2pe_NAmVVHtAg0kpM_H39F7X-eLd3JjPvN1ExNh_62dgg2Hha5Cu39mckUK1PSM3T08t_iLshGmhCJXelv4LX3ofoRwA0bz73qehbOUiPmSbzMESXED3kmDMgsCc/s320/20170809_080504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWhOvBDaeX5aHz5-jdhjFzhWgr6Lr0NZj41co8q3lXveG45sRARvg4mMV5dmTovhoIQEUeL0lXYh5NGj6ckzZ1JFhXEOlTCR3mIrPHq8fs4OI1q3t3M_EIviLXg8QayYSm9uXmgWZGBq5/s1600/20170809_080547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWhOvBDaeX5aHz5-jdhjFzhWgr6Lr0NZj41co8q3lXveG45sRARvg4mMV5dmTovhoIQEUeL0lXYh5NGj6ckzZ1JFhXEOlTCR3mIrPHq8fs4OI1q3t3M_EIviLXg8QayYSm9uXmgWZGBq5/s320/20170809_080547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyKivM1k1K0oesZdMwCy1NzbIwdD4Ea7JPdB4P-psgA1ugDUlEOYt9E88Co3V9MtnHHYE-20TTl-t6jgJn5SpZMcDkyntyIe3NsDyt_BYUx2dClH5RCN99fXLfmD0kXo_YfaWvShamVew/s1600/20170809_080605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyKivM1k1K0oesZdMwCy1NzbIwdD4Ea7JPdB4P-psgA1ugDUlEOYt9E88Co3V9MtnHHYE-20TTl-t6jgJn5SpZMcDkyntyIe3NsDyt_BYUx2dClH5RCN99fXLfmD0kXo_YfaWvShamVew/s400/20170809_080605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IYbO-aUxD76jwLOik8rEn0SXtVsdcFt9llmq2T6wEBG6E0kDrcrj2B5IJ_1dMe8SihxMuxLsHkhf6DaF2rPLpvBatyuAWpRFqlzMvei34P7KnqcI5YdZN1l1bH9oeqEi47vSqnpP7i8Y/s1600/20170809_080629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IYbO-aUxD76jwLOik8rEn0SXtVsdcFt9llmq2T6wEBG6E0kDrcrj2B5IJ_1dMe8SihxMuxLsHkhf6DaF2rPLpvBatyuAWpRFqlzMvei34P7KnqcI5YdZN1l1bH9oeqEi47vSqnpP7i8Y/s320/20170809_080629.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQGgu62vZeHA2q3Ipr1fv9D7hJ4DkjcR2kTnvdb0Tpf965UIrp6KCI4DPoN8xCPhfCm7C6xbVrtNdoEuDB0kT2J2DchIxPkB45j4bdxakQxoBvqMMZHBkxD5FDwksRDtDPdnhREew0cKw/s1600/20170809_080702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQGgu62vZeHA2q3Ipr1fv9D7hJ4DkjcR2kTnvdb0Tpf965UIrp6KCI4DPoN8xCPhfCm7C6xbVrtNdoEuDB0kT2J2DchIxPkB45j4bdxakQxoBvqMMZHBkxD5FDwksRDtDPdnhREew0cKw/s400/20170809_080702.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is your name? What is your quest?...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8DfWfdJqV165ilUEKjI4IbInOlK7z6653j8w8N3R18JR0l8ZqqMdVAmJs88svvqfOm49kbxyL7ZLLxZ4kJ0JElgo9Afndw_tHIxjMYuPnZ-hixtepxneLBT1xMStoBYQTPVT0rgdMH8h/s1600/20170809_080727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8DfWfdJqV165ilUEKjI4IbInOlK7z6653j8w8N3R18JR0l8ZqqMdVAmJs88svvqfOm49kbxyL7ZLLxZ4kJ0JElgo9Afndw_tHIxjMYuPnZ-hixtepxneLBT1xMStoBYQTPVT0rgdMH8h/s400/20170809_080727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNd09R-BQyY31x3F3mDYJK-aqTDxiRPyySlyv5F0NFPJM3h8nnFPU3gIauOvuLU7RLSEGzqLTpABYsOAT26P6HP5Pw3NhekG2MxUkTezPanI9Iv49cTMCzfotgUPfukoT9Yc6OL2x-X5W/s1600/20170809_080931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="941" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNd09R-BQyY31x3F3mDYJK-aqTDxiRPyySlyv5F0NFPJM3h8nnFPU3gIauOvuLU7RLSEGzqLTpABYsOAT26P6HP5Pw3NhekG2MxUkTezPanI9Iv49cTMCzfotgUPfukoT9Yc6OL2x-X5W/s320/20170809_080931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Turn onto the home stretch, pass the security guards, descend the final set of stairs, enjoy the welcoming sculpture in the lobby, and hope the security guard is around to open the elevator for you. Rinse, repeat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof-MnFqyRe4ZGGa0EyoNTRGwAhhpa5TDyqLzui_HHE9zslLfhq1NDm56sdI-YCAd_0GCuPZhekw64F0XOo1wb0HaQXkRKDLtIHPmLeuJAe5UFpDwC4xWxJw5Gp57nk2IOoU9AOcR4oH51/s1600/20170809_081006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof-MnFqyRe4ZGGa0EyoNTRGwAhhpa5TDyqLzui_HHE9zslLfhq1NDm56sdI-YCAd_0GCuPZhekw64F0XOo1wb0HaQXkRKDLtIHPmLeuJAe5UFpDwC4xWxJw5Gp57nk2IOoU9AOcR4oH51/s320/20170809_081006.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre2gNPJJX1kj6CR7XYNoWNYsTHuPO8ffuq92wXz_Qv0MGsOv37fnyxzOLy7Uk80sOb8BEz_DEqXn7GulWDes7cpk1htO3jP7z5ONoPbwn2UhK7KAGaw1CpuWiU02qMNAR7N7_vyIXYXB_/s1600/20170809_081109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre2gNPJJX1kj6CR7XYNoWNYsTHuPO8ffuq92wXz_Qv0MGsOv37fnyxzOLy7Uk80sOb8BEz_DEqXn7GulWDes7cpk1htO3jP7z5ONoPbwn2UhK7KAGaw1CpuWiU02qMNAR7N7_vyIXYXB_/s320/20170809_081109.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzWEazSn-W5o0mcy0brRvMFzi45k23LSzBI1a7F9LOFJPBagfsHjYrR5eIO44GLzaehtMRYFu03cFcuaStytNdEkVhE02B33PWvJWl2OmUd3h3ohtIMjO6jwdgAjAvSrBfSEJMxRvo2pY/s1600/20170809_081310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzWEazSn-W5o0mcy0brRvMFzi45k23LSzBI1a7F9LOFJPBagfsHjYrR5eIO44GLzaehtMRYFu03cFcuaStytNdEkVhE02B33PWvJWl2OmUd3h3ohtIMjO6jwdgAjAvSrBfSEJMxRvo2pY/s320/20170809_081310.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnuLJzgC5YU83Pn907mXno0Qc95kceRR60IWF3OawIO8DZAvnFdzSalYI7M72OO86_eVxA-vOUA0w-6Q4KWkVNfZlsQwUeCrIQMX7fl96JNxnNzHuDX5OloeJbpTDYe0YdC46cw7Syagi/s1600/20170809_081324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnuLJzgC5YU83Pn907mXno0Qc95kceRR60IWF3OawIO8DZAvnFdzSalYI7M72OO86_eVxA-vOUA0w-6Q4KWkVNfZlsQwUeCrIQMX7fl96JNxnNzHuDX5OloeJbpTDYe0YdC46cw7Syagi/s320/20170809_081324.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-91215446801408410102017-08-03T01:45:00.001-04:002017-08-03T01:45:46.986-04:00Band of BrothersJuly 8 - 15, 2017<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX4FTwqpIVsExiu08xvSlrm8MCMRw5nS0Srp8A6xj8ISdLV4JDSLb6tz8n1TKhvPUu_RNYHd3yo1Snr9krbhxsL4BPBbGUV7pr2reD5nGMQsHhR2wZi9YXPb0K_hyphenhyphenZgYzGTFxFhK8CBsd/s1600/Asanha+Bucha.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX4FTwqpIVsExiu08xvSlrm8MCMRw5nS0Srp8A6xj8ISdLV4JDSLb6tz8n1TKhvPUu_RNYHd3yo1Snr9krbhxsL4BPBbGUV7pr2reD5nGMQsHhR2wZi9YXPb0K_hyphenhyphenZgYzGTFxFhK8CBsd/s320/Asanha+Bucha.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Asanha Bucha Day takes place on the full moon of the sixth lunar month. It celebrates Buddha's first sermon after he achieved enlightenment, when he laid out these four noble truths: <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>There is suffering </li>
<li>Suffering is caused by craving </li>
<li>There is a state beyond suffering and craving </li>
<li>The way to nirvana is via the eightfold path. </li>
</ol>
<br />
Followers who heard him speak asked to be accepted as his disciples, and the first order of monks was established. The date marks the beginning of Buddhist lent. On a simpler level, it meant a two-day work holiday for Tim.<br />
<br />
Four days after our return from the US, I was still battling jet lag, waking up at three or four in the morning, getting sleepy at three in the afternoon. My remedy arrived in the form of Tim's younger brother, Mike, and his wife, who endured the never-ending flight from Indiana to visit us in Thailand. Tim was able to extend his two-day holiday to spend time with his family. <br />
<br />
We spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool and taking them to our favorite eateries. Their first night here, we walked next door to the Infiniti at the Intercontinental Hotel. We enjoyed some fancy drinks (because of the Buddhist holiday, they were unable to include alcohol), and a lovely, if overcast, sunset.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ta9LqQoZ0HGADo6qJH0BVxnasJkzosRuZN9Y44jHdd-Fj_Q7OK6VnE0x1UEgA2mmdfcxWfZySnjnU1uEwvpHIxc23pP8QIG5EWF4ZuV9PicD-2qTnaW8A6NPetMSaV7op8tFTTxETv-/s1600/20170709_165512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ta9LqQoZ0HGADo6qJH0BVxnasJkzosRuZN9Y44jHdd-Fj_Q7OK6VnE0x1UEgA2mmdfcxWfZySnjnU1uEwvpHIxc23pP8QIG5EWF4ZuV9PicD-2qTnaW8A6NPetMSaV7op8tFTTxETv-/s400/20170709_165512.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used to think they didn't look at all alike...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOto39ycv7AHroxvrIBnnU8upx-EmYx0-v_9R_OjPZX6gUMySGwKAE4cQ4vL2sdZCkTt2vGKIhzEWZToUWAiG-VmksVgk53nTf1OzdbmEVQ4KTTyMegycUW33z1QyZ9mn2EHaygi30Q5-/s1600/20170709_172334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOto39ycv7AHroxvrIBnnU8upx-EmYx0-v_9R_OjPZX6gUMySGwKAE4cQ4vL2sdZCkTt2vGKIhzEWZToUWAiG-VmksVgk53nTf1OzdbmEVQ4KTTyMegycUW33z1QyZ9mn2EHaygi30Q5-/s320/20170709_172334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FSOAAyDRaFUrCaCufWrt2O_HpRBOjRp7QMQiGXoFlRFu9htXrfSC76jo69pPt-UzmxfMods_LlUAhjW-GHzBNWxZKOamkwAR95rcj2G6O6urKMaIZJpzKUzvy_GlapvOMP9g836HRv38/s1600/20170709_172350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FSOAAyDRaFUrCaCufWrt2O_HpRBOjRp7QMQiGXoFlRFu9htXrfSC76jo69pPt-UzmxfMods_LlUAhjW-GHzBNWxZKOamkwAR95rcj2G6O6urKMaIZJpzKUzvy_GlapvOMP9g836HRv38/s320/20170709_172350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a9hXZtbmnj-eito1KXul-oiLr9eF50i0EiybT8f3V_KVOjzy-ukUV4AWKcnfEHfB5ccmsnYodD6r41JCciZmQMZKHuzRhcOe6GUkYn1QsG2397OWO3nyFX7sV3KcTgl0XlZP4QSU9xWs/s1600/20170709_173116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a9hXZtbmnj-eito1KXul-oiLr9eF50i0EiybT8f3V_KVOjzy-ukUV4AWKcnfEHfB5ccmsnYodD6r41JCciZmQMZKHuzRhcOe6GUkYn1QsG2397OWO3nyFX7sV3KcTgl0XlZP4QSU9xWs/s320/20170709_173116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY8t2U8Jl3dokBIDaGnao6cDUQ4slJQynf9YJy5qxE_TFujpSU6ZDJ1mnnhVwf-IQMUVtUXeKyVs3oL95OkpGnqPYaNWwOZ6gU4sSr6uk8BhAF8th9weUsHc7DhEwTd8777xaoPoJ3l5G/s1600/20170709_173215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY8t2U8Jl3dokBIDaGnao6cDUQ4slJQynf9YJy5qxE_TFujpSU6ZDJ1mnnhVwf-IQMUVtUXeKyVs3oL95OkpGnqPYaNWwOZ6gU4sSr6uk8BhAF8th9weUsHc7DhEwTd8777xaoPoJ3l5G/s320/20170709_173215.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koh Larn and the Thailand Gulf behind them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4omnHIYCXk7ZfTtK4Lj8_9i9hPHIcVC3p85fGFA88mQcVXwokCTsgHNPTxFHtBGGyjoEJHxLqpOzHIRrKhntwoBJVCk7qnLuNc5TihYQH_1LVLzm5nI5K_zsF7SVOteTscJ-2cpP0j_C4/s1600/20170709_185823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4omnHIYCXk7ZfTtK4Lj8_9i9hPHIcVC3p85fGFA88mQcVXwokCTsgHNPTxFHtBGGyjoEJHxLqpOzHIRrKhntwoBJVCk7qnLuNc5TihYQH_1LVLzm5nI5K_zsF7SVOteTscJ-2cpP0j_C4/s320/20170709_185823.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely ITC lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOUa-iZtYThyphenhyphenm5MHLNv7MAU6C27w8RybxTN03lEW_y1RmdmgaLe66Jec5kvdEJEwEW1yT_0I-rbIxH7_VBHJx7WjTFgooZkRJS1hPO4gS1CsiZqeOMoHExNzmxkkLp8k0KNNJKXE33pvZ/s1600/20170709_185837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOUa-iZtYThyphenhyphenm5MHLNv7MAU6C27w8RybxTN03lEW_y1RmdmgaLe66Jec5kvdEJEwEW1yT_0I-rbIxH7_VBHJx7WjTFgooZkRJS1hPO4gS1CsiZqeOMoHExNzmxkkLp8k0KNNJKXE33pvZ/s320/20170709_185837.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After putting them through the Chinese Checkers initiation, we went to the Sanctuary of Truth. Always learn something new with each visit, and the guide we had this time was particularly knowledgeable. P reenacted her Ann Arbor Dance Theater Studio logo pose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwAAZIOyMjvFwg6o1JboF2tI-TgeMb07SgAsGLo7EWitqkH83_ebMiphjNhFznB0VMUCik0ZIYO_shJ34ENlUuaCQjNgpXgnSesxCfcnp2OZEZ4LxztLeYt9b6LopNHq7QvbjmFCrWPX_/s1600/20170710_095209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwAAZIOyMjvFwg6o1JboF2tI-TgeMb07SgAsGLo7EWitqkH83_ebMiphjNhFznB0VMUCik0ZIYO_shJ34ENlUuaCQjNgpXgnSesxCfcnp2OZEZ4LxztLeYt9b6LopNHq7QvbjmFCrWPX_/s320/20170710_095209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr3Q5Wa7US9zsTvtBFMFYj66s9Cr2Ora2mDf9WB53ISmSBs3Hct0JOl4lC3Rg1Sm3VN95_vmdhNyErBBE0FrWsbTOxv5vzg3fnWAD0nZWvtjIe5fL-7nFu8hT4KsqHBsVhigO5zHGzT8y/s1600/AnnArborDanceTheaterStudioLogoP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr3Q5Wa7US9zsTvtBFMFYj66s9Cr2Ora2mDf9WB53ISmSBs3Hct0JOl4lC3Rg1Sm3VN95_vmdhNyErBBE0FrWsbTOxv5vzg3fnWAD0nZWvtjIe5fL-7nFu8hT4KsqHBsVhigO5zHGzT8y/s1600/AnnArborDanceTheaterStudioLogoP.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZKQauwbuph1MqGAgvwjkZcdlOMYmJQqMbQOqiKMuIy-DF0-XOPgZnWut4-DM8rrXywLqFUgUULL67keHF6_4cBackZv7IjGQtFZlQHLTSPgSKScooUFlUh_oCdIHWlMTxshFzXOCw4ui/s1600/20170710_115420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZKQauwbuph1MqGAgvwjkZcdlOMYmJQqMbQOqiKMuIy-DF0-XOPgZnWut4-DM8rrXywLqFUgUULL67keHF6_4cBackZv7IjGQtFZlQHLTSPgSKScooUFlUh_oCdIHWlMTxshFzXOCw4ui/s320/20170710_115420.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl's still got it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ot44S3TAzVTQ9GtDxWvvhCidUUM5czoop2qfOY9DEVd0cqVDtZrySTfKC_4Rn-NkZvOLPkzfxhs8w8CkE84LSmkurLMWvec1ZUvpbl6vBuXcefCExxyf7wgUya3boj5egI8NHD87TlsD/s1600/20170710_122232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ot44S3TAzVTQ9GtDxWvvhCidUUM5czoop2qfOY9DEVd0cqVDtZrySTfKC_4Rn-NkZvOLPkzfxhs8w8CkE84LSmkurLMWvec1ZUvpbl6vBuXcefCExxyf7wgUya3boj5egI8NHD87TlsD/s400/20170710_122232.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Thai culture places significance on the day of the week on which you were born; each day has a corresponding planet and god, with certain character traits. Our guide also told us our lucky colors - mine was dark blue.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNN6F3wFkaL0COUuPhQAPUGksjMetEQOAPjGQkC4rtWRBywQ7Unjzyv2qeyKk7tX21McPspuLiVn9FVem2Hbdwae3sXgJhxx2ZFhQqI_MkWV7A5oXdB-sWsH8LLTr9ij5BAbHCHPo-AxR/s1600/20170710_123826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNN6F3wFkaL0COUuPhQAPUGksjMetEQOAPjGQkC4rtWRBywQ7Unjzyv2qeyKk7tX21McPspuLiVn9FVem2Hbdwae3sXgJhxx2ZFhQqI_MkWV7A5oXdB-sWsH8LLTr9ij5BAbHCHPo-AxR/s320/20170710_123826.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of us were born on Thursday... Jupiter's day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyfB4KTt6raF1hAhCkU3jlmiYJ7NxNcf0-KA4cXATC7vjjzh3r3kyweqlUTgcgQFLiHcpEDzGpoXVm46cZ_9WNzmFJ30CwLGIpLlZtOu9yrn4WeumdbpxG53KQ-LyoRA9s7NlfM7AIvJu/s1600/20170710_123854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyfB4KTt6raF1hAhCkU3jlmiYJ7NxNcf0-KA4cXATC7vjjzh3r3kyweqlUTgcgQFLiHcpEDzGpoXVm46cZ_9WNzmFJ30CwLGIpLlZtOu9yrn4WeumdbpxG53KQ-LyoRA9s7NlfM7AIvJu/s320/20170710_123854.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...with one outlier - Monday, Moon's day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSKyHhLZRXJLD12eYSJAgeERGLfNY29zBR1Kjrg3iAKHVcV7Yz6lL4f0YG4q1R7wDTZbVndQ8X7sMo9sDtkoBpyPkTZoLhgwuU3HxuIwfFopY8NLP3-11eMpFidEAxlemCYsBilaug0Xn/s1600/20170710_124542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSKyHhLZRXJLD12eYSJAgeERGLfNY29zBR1Kjrg3iAKHVcV7Yz6lL4f0YG4q1R7wDTZbVndQ8X7sMo9sDtkoBpyPkTZoLhgwuU3HxuIwfFopY8NLP3-11eMpFidEAxlemCYsBilaug0Xn/s400/20170710_124542.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the central shrine w/ Buddha relic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aANvyex1aiXKu11PyNm2JV2Z1Q90M6d5UO_QzX836jIWCBuc2mDcrU186QGMzstlr4M5va28k-L3hZzJAKQO99J16V2BxUwtZzoH_veEQrNyEprQ5yOEmSaJ2qJz2J9UryyhZmHSCKZk/s1600/20170710_124633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aANvyex1aiXKu11PyNm2JV2Z1Q90M6d5UO_QzX836jIWCBuc2mDcrU186QGMzstlr4M5va28k-L3hZzJAKQO99J16V2BxUwtZzoH_veEQrNyEprQ5yOEmSaJ2qJz2J9UryyhZmHSCKZk/s640/20170710_124633.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed lunch at Baba Eating House in Naklua, then stopped in for tea at Tea Village. Afterward, we walked down to Best Supermarket to buy some ingredients for Mike's famous margaritas, forgetting that alcohol cannot be sold between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Such a random rule. <br />
<br />
Mike and P are both fans of Thai food, so we took them to Cabbages and Condoms for dinner. Mike is especially fond of spicy food - the spicier, the better - and he was a little disappointed by the moderate heat of his Thai dishes. I think it is a tendency of restaurants here to dial down the heat when serving westerners.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWkAJTDYULlYuvzMUJZRBZYSHOGL5_DxlQpHi0pHpXRTxt84t_d5YhhysHWVIPNfpGV4bXbILu7rHDc0oA3AP_V5ooZN_cXBR6blyV7yLt8WXviwvR1gqkx64aPhILynekQxJag76xO6h/s1600/20170710_195218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWkAJTDYULlYuvzMUJZRBZYSHOGL5_DxlQpHi0pHpXRTxt84t_d5YhhysHWVIPNfpGV4bXbILu7rHDc0oA3AP_V5ooZN_cXBR6blyV7yLt8WXviwvR1gqkx64aPhILynekQxJag76xO6h/s400/20170710_195218.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gecko on the wall at Cabbages and Condoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-mhp0qkkwuZZyWS0bNWVXZu5BgiWyaKC58pWkvwtYzzPluA4RXNIvbnK35AMPwk7yVBxgomM_MF6xn5gr08Gz3fsOwi4anQbd_O6MLAXhJZb4cZbO3S2Phyphenhyphen1dMA8eu2UpM1W8ot4o3i3/s1600/20170711_170455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-mhp0qkkwuZZyWS0bNWVXZu5BgiWyaKC58pWkvwtYzzPluA4RXNIvbnK35AMPwk7yVBxgomM_MF6xn5gr08Gz3fsOwi4anQbd_O6MLAXhJZb4cZbO3S2Phyphenhyphen1dMA8eu2UpM1W8ot4o3i3/s400/20170711_170455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little boys in the grocery store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It had been disappointingly rainy weather since they arrived, but we decided to take a trip to Koh Samet anyway. We generally get some sun during the day, even when it's mostly rainy. Mick drove us to the pier in just over an hour, arriving in plenty of time for the 11 a.m. ferry to the island. The ferry seemed smaller than I remembered, maybe scaled down for the smaller numbers of travelers this time of year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlgtKDnm_-e-QHQjGt9hxV_-tUcacVxqJPmntAcXRsHkD3tXww11VCSuDEbHxCHTrZ_N8gXqGOW-ZlPD2vyFMESWNV-KxK7QnqRHBq9HgL0ceEGWoZDhpsb35TT1IaeGwEPTSu9PMTr-v/s1600/20170712_105735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlgtKDnm_-e-QHQjGt9hxV_-tUcacVxqJPmntAcXRsHkD3tXww11VCSuDEbHxCHTrZ_N8gXqGOW-ZlPD2vyFMESWNV-KxK7QnqRHBq9HgL0ceEGWoZDhpsb35TT1IaeGwEPTSu9PMTr-v/s320/20170712_105735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Last time we came, we stayed in the little cottages of Sai Keaw Beach, which were nice, but didn't keep the mosquitoes out very well. This time we stayed in the hotel part of the same resort. The rooms were nice, and we were right near the pool. We managed to get in some beach time, even though it remained overcast. The water had some rather unpleasant floating debris this time - perhaps because of all the recent rain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_8yK4wC3mnAl8mJWnc1LvW0rk4DFEchrojr2Q8fcUhmBMWjkIhCfwgmbYbd1LxfUFmpks6mvIdVzL3wUc1tjpiHPhJDPEJ1PZ2SCcqY9uVByGuO7y-IvRAT-Mczpq2y5_dhdUiisjn6d/s1600/20170712_151639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_8yK4wC3mnAl8mJWnc1LvW0rk4DFEchrojr2Q8fcUhmBMWjkIhCfwgmbYbd1LxfUFmpks6mvIdVzL3wUc1tjpiHPhJDPEJ1PZ2SCcqY9uVByGuO7y-IvRAT-Mczpq2y5_dhdUiisjn6d/s320/20170712_151639.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely fruit brought to our rooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At least I had a chance to play in the sand. Thirty seconds after taking these pictures, a wave came up and washed it away. That's what I call ephemeral art!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4f5gaQqeTlRZg-BdA9egYvTJrznke3jfnE0JYnzLL2fdJuDnRKOq5KaZxninKV44mEZabQpX8USWt0hI84SuzkgBAmQeqP6yH_pXhXMjxD6DapYOSZz7xpjeRqSPb0Kyz2xGlJTL6hMG/s1600/20170712_170249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4f5gaQqeTlRZg-BdA9egYvTJrznke3jfnE0JYnzLL2fdJuDnRKOq5KaZxninKV44mEZabQpX8USWt0hI84SuzkgBAmQeqP6yH_pXhXMjxD6DapYOSZz7xpjeRqSPb0Kyz2xGlJTL6hMG/s640/20170712_170249.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was going for octopus, but I think it looks more like an alien</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4xkU82WgliHrtSGeL2KvJR7oZg-sT6TkDFfQwnmogvtYyFCQwwf0lsF_76btvhp3zpLWKoXMnFufXBFk22DkiHsOVPVwBnCmFGhijg9Vdc3kZq3l86nsBj9rNPwiRML92E3-oSW3rh3p/s1600/20170712_170316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4xkU82WgliHrtSGeL2KvJR7oZg-sT6TkDFfQwnmogvtYyFCQwwf0lsF_76btvhp3zpLWKoXMnFufXBFk22DkiHsOVPVwBnCmFGhijg9Vdc3kZq3l86nsBj9rNPwiRML92E3-oSW3rh3p/s320/20170712_170316.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed chatting with the server at lunch, and returned for happy hour and dinner. The breakfast buffet the next morning was very nice - lots of yummy choices. P and I bonded over our mutual love of bread pudding. Had a short floor show from a group of Chinese tourists who were having a bit of a row, perhaps letting the rainy weather get the better of them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFFcKv12WCz8YilgOQB_SU_HWsshij55sBnq-N9GqXd4OYmPf6T2VkgNg8twcJyqFxHO_t9MkbYfzCSWrqvywcI-dSNatxus7wLoSdVMVeKn3C9FNBOLFCjFIFO8zWzEFwhG3dCAhPkNt/s1600/20170712_133822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFFcKv12WCz8YilgOQB_SU_HWsshij55sBnq-N9GqXd4OYmPf6T2VkgNg8twcJyqFxHO_t9MkbYfzCSWrqvywcI-dSNatxus7wLoSdVMVeKn3C9FNBOLFCjFIFO8zWzEFwhG3dCAhPkNt/s320/20170712_133822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqxGDBNA5qWocgxXyQ3FK-glww6tATlLwkJYeUqMoh_u4U9mArSIN3OKH5Dl3l33-hA74-PnPKj9efNgmTuVtJLSnzCXcYYlbXowHotqN6a1-DbRaoq-OGqqlY71U-Ghi6r05o2yNJOWJ/s1600/20170712_180224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqxGDBNA5qWocgxXyQ3FK-glww6tATlLwkJYeUqMoh_u4U9mArSIN3OKH5Dl3l33-hA74-PnPKj9efNgmTuVtJLSnzCXcYYlbXowHotqN6a1-DbRaoq-OGqqlY71U-Ghi6r05o2yNJOWJ/s320/20170712_180224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We got checked out of our room, then spent some time walking through the village. We turned toward what turned out to be the long way to the village. The songteaw driver from the resort kindly stopped and gave us a lift. P picked up some souvenirs as we walked along the main drag. At the end of the road, we used our complimentary passes to get into the "national park" - actually, most of Koh Samet is part of a larger national park that includes nine islands. The part we walked through was basically a little visitors center and some shops, leading us back out to the beach. Our waiter served us one more round of drinks, kindly inviting us into the air-conditioned bar to escape the heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHToJufkt8ZcDvgQq4haEtPl-qGX1-wZSTKtrH8twO2ZMCM5ECrWy74aQbCvOLJ53MI1eg7dyK2PLt-qPzf9Fq_tVsV2V1l-31-J3iUgwa8tS75lg23fCwDlAUDHIRnBR_I81K1L3p6g8/s1600/IMG_2097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHToJufkt8ZcDvgQq4haEtPl-qGX1-wZSTKtrH8twO2ZMCM5ECrWy74aQbCvOLJ53MI1eg7dyK2PLt-qPzf9Fq_tVsV2V1l-31-J3iUgwa8tS75lg23fCwDlAUDHIRnBR_I81K1L3p6g8/s320/IMG_2097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome staff at Sai Kaew Beach Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We climbed onto the songteaw for the drive to the pier. The driver stopped at a little shop run by a cute, little, old lady, to put some air into one of the tires on our way to the pier. The songteaw was parked on a slant, and seemed to be tipping dangerously toward the road, and at one point, the guy was tilting it even farther to...make it easier for the air to go in?? After that, we continued on to a fairly empty ferry ride back to the mainland, where Mick was waiting for us. We stopped at Iss Was, our favorite German restaurant, for dinner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOIWJbQaUmfAQnNVx0LzJouVOLek8IpoC9gfwdxpF1AEh1FpC6KMlGTUhPaaV5-w20dXkGuClt7-asKcDbdagLvNgLEKOG-isb5P9lvwxfrhfts83kc8N-006COXo6_4eZpOLqx0E3jFg/s1600/20170713_165756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOIWJbQaUmfAQnNVx0LzJouVOLek8IpoC9gfwdxpF1AEh1FpC6KMlGTUhPaaV5-w20dXkGuClt7-asKcDbdagLvNgLEKOG-isb5P9lvwxfrhfts83kc8N-006COXo6_4eZpOLqx0E3jFg/s640/20170713_165756.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The common English phrase used when a place doesn't have something? "No have." </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
P joined me on my walk one morning. We went up to the Scenic Viewpoint and the shrine to the father of the Royal Thai Navy. It was hot, but not rainy, so we were able to enjoy the view. We were entertained by the Chinese tourists posing for their selfies and group action shots. We saw a local woman come out from the back of the temple and drop a little puppy down more than two meters to a ledge below. 😦 We hoped the little guy found his way back to his mother.<br />
<br />
We hit the weekend Night Market here in Pattaya, where Mike and P picked up some last-minute souvenirs. It seemed like every other stall had fidget spinners - the vendors are really quick to pick up on the latest craze. Didn't see a single one the last time I was there.<br />
<br />
Mike and P enjoyed one final day at the pool before heading to the airport for another endless day of travel. This time it was even more endless, as their flight out of Bangkok was delayed seven hours. They had to reroute their entire trip, but ended up with one less layover. Hope the memories of their visit last longer than the memories of that endless day! It was great to be able to share our Thailand experience with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-47152637797425836802017-07-26T00:53:00.004-04:002017-08-06T01:36:00.774-04:00State of the UnionJune 14 - July 3, 2017<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdPspnyRxDLywPgC15wDS2GvEqHebxUNHfpZLstmjdr2rhC0qO5rgvNtzkW2_GMGP9YArMUIAelb9MjdQgUw2zKxJBvqbp247alpiCl5uiZFWfwoTUWzNvZEBrGYpaGbN304waNud-B_t/s1600/20170614_064713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdPspnyRxDLywPgC15wDS2GvEqHebxUNHfpZLstmjdr2rhC0qO5rgvNtzkW2_GMGP9YArMUIAelb9MjdQgUw2zKxJBvqbp247alpiCl5uiZFWfwoTUWzNvZEBrGYpaGbN304waNud-B_t/s320/20170614_064713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layover in Incheon, S., Korea. The symbols next to 10:15 say "Detroit" in Korean!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvIE9N6LnLXws7a8l5XzaDB3w2lY87V4ZjcsK7PyEZhLAtrHnsQiP2TrRXR_H8D7c6QPepsMN4p6jw5zZ0S5CshlbjnDUtGUskv0wZtj_5JS8qRodp0d-ksiz2jb3KrllVUrMj30p8hOw/s1600/20170614_203327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvIE9N6LnLXws7a8l5XzaDB3w2lY87V4ZjcsK7PyEZhLAtrHnsQiP2TrRXR_H8D7c6QPepsMN4p6jw5zZ0S5CshlbjnDUtGUskv0wZtj_5JS8qRodp0d-ksiz2jb3KrllVUrMj30p8hOw/s640/20170614_203327.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storms over Michigan from above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is an odd sensation to feel like a stranger in one's own home. Yet this was our experience when we returned to our Michigan home after nearly two years away. Our home looked tired, and I was faced with an accumulation of things the <i>old</i> me thought was important to keep. Living in a smaller space and making do with little in the way of "stuff" has changed my view of what was really needed to live a good life. I hope I can retain that new attitude when we're back in Michigan for good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55wtDE5edY1M-8ORo0ADCYTO3opCq-XMDBCrudkEEJ2C-_CisjRfyFBcPrv4CTFn9-t2V8U2qLaM9nq386MG_MUKr8I1ZuXp48pEJh1wfhTWXMBqWHKj_3LHfU41mVycfXPFSzI5n1VlK/s1600/20170615_202559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55wtDE5edY1M-8ORo0ADCYTO3opCq-XMDBCrudkEEJ2C-_CisjRfyFBcPrv4CTFn9-t2V8U2qLaM9nq386MG_MUKr8I1ZuXp48pEJh1wfhTWXMBqWHKj_3LHfU41mVycfXPFSzI5n1VlK/s320/20170615_202559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yrdyKEiqxwGt3pXNEfBUAqD-eBudof1hcQsmJaPMc8JiEjnOAIxCz1qlWaaSGUlh9bHrtMPIl2YXPGN8bVnTrK33gMh0jl__-0pu_KmZCZ_AmcguT5QFmaXJhohphk2QSTSj9zwBxqjP/s1600/20170615_202710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yrdyKEiqxwGt3pXNEfBUAqD-eBudof1hcQsmJaPMc8JiEjnOAIxCz1qlWaaSGUlh9bHrtMPIl2YXPGN8bVnTrK33gMh0jl__-0pu_KmZCZ_AmcguT5QFmaXJhohphk2QSTSj9zwBxqjP/s320/20170615_202710.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some things haven't changed a bit...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaUIVsJdxBuu7ca7Pu7jzJgYvMR1C32rv7linaQCyeLhCjaOnnfPCvhlaB5Y95R3NVC99ruYyap8i3C8r4fnl-pHphjW0U2fLX00PozNOCTNpm5it0Gj53Ry7ufhapkllFxnsfX61hFLP/s1600/20170615_211230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaUIVsJdxBuu7ca7Pu7jzJgYvMR1C32rv7linaQCyeLhCjaOnnfPCvhlaB5Y95R3NVC99ruYyap8i3C8r4fnl-pHphjW0U2fLX00PozNOCTNpm5it0Gj53Ry7ufhapkllFxnsfX61hFLP/s320/20170615_211230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But this time we were just back for a short visit. Our nephew was getting married, and we were thrilled with the opportunity to be back with family. I arrived in the middle of June, and spent some cherished time with our son who has been taking care of the house. I enjoyed getting to know his dog, Sully, and dragged the reluctant canine out on a walk every morning. He is definitely not a morning person/dog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu7_QZcwhqCs-qt6b1CgGpwwEcpRr223K-gOtcOBg4LrCLBWy2f_vVBcJwBYzQwu5_Mo-5yRGBAFb7MdlHwEw6xPMuvboQ6wmSV0Ab7iiuXMHiQOyiWT-roDM_JXYJpHCS4HTxSznvOp3/s1600/20170614_233128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu7_QZcwhqCs-qt6b1CgGpwwEcpRr223K-gOtcOBg4LrCLBWy2f_vVBcJwBYzQwu5_Mo-5yRGBAFb7MdlHwEw6xPMuvboQ6wmSV0Ab7iiuXMHiQOyiWT-roDM_JXYJpHCS4HTxSznvOp3/s400/20170614_233128.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOW I'm home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bHYTWNxpW3RwWO3knLDHCuzrNxi_HKHqf1Dd10lttlQmTBvoAhI0mV2ca8mG-sw0EspDlS55dbJQH7o4RarCF34pNHWvHuTu4HQzVY7z5sN33q1D2wL5kiyx9shldpiPH6U2C_GOJJEM/s1600/20170616_121336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bHYTWNxpW3RwWO3knLDHCuzrNxi_HKHqf1Dd10lttlQmTBvoAhI0mV2ca8mG-sw0EspDlS55dbJQH7o4RarCF34pNHWvHuTu4HQzVY7z5sN33q1D2wL5kiyx9shldpiPH6U2C_GOJJEM/s320/20170616_121336.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sully, AKA Sultan, AKA James P.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B202JHH2d93IBxr0EKH8CUoKpVa7_aX3aTcEDf1OgNVDBrXPrLU1EKu67h3-CubuxHciqcbBI95oR8BQ4SMfkqas9gxnsNf8Tp8PVJ4PJLhYy00PVsBqRFQrdjWxtAJ4KyHiR9xbgldL/s1600/20170616_121546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B202JHH2d93IBxr0EKH8CUoKpVa7_aX3aTcEDf1OgNVDBrXPrLU1EKu67h3-CubuxHciqcbBI95oR8BQ4SMfkqas9gxnsNf8Tp8PVJ4PJLhYy00PVsBqRFQrdjWxtAJ4KyHiR9xbgldL/s320/20170616_121546.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Being back in the states, I was excited to pile cartons of blueberries into my grocery cart at Kroger. Oh, how I miss my blueberries when I'm in Thailand! The multitude of options in the grocery aisles is dizzying; we Americans need to remember to be grateful for such bounty. I made sure to stop in at Marv's Meats in Brighton to get some good ol' USDA beef. Nothing like it. (Most of the beef available in Thailand is from Australia, and just doesn't taste the same.) Tim and I enjoyed some burgers on the grill - simple pleasures.<br />
<br />
I got to have lunch with my sweet sister-in-law, who drove all the way to Brighton to pick me up, since I was without a car for much of the time. I was also able to meet my Dad and his wife, along with my youngest brother and his family, for Sunday mass and lunch afterward on American Father's Day. (Father's Day is in December in Thailand, on the late King's birthday.) My Dad and his wife are struggling with the challenges of old age, but still managed a laugh or two. Our family is so grateful to the siblings who are shouldering the burden of their care.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed a trivia night at Cottage Inn in Ann Arbor with my son, Tim, and some of his friends - "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make <a href="http://www.ioriosgelato.com/">Gelato</a>!"™ Our team won both rounds, winning gift cards to make it a very inexpensive evening. Tim and I also had the opportunity to meet Mike and his girlfriend for sushi in E. Lansing. We stopped in at Iorio's Gelato and Caffe for some delicious gelato - yum. I highly recommend the salted caramel!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS-7WKqq_2VjkTYgBD459YpgNv41v1nRAqzKoSdE1H4zhcusA3RW48yzKcB8bOjBf7YMnUKtUYBDlNVW8yXe2nv8KQSO51LOtlp0FiHcFjcR0O4SkFiaVjCJenCST58P6bn9SQqluWWPM/s1600/20170618_184201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS-7WKqq_2VjkTYgBD459YpgNv41v1nRAqzKoSdE1H4zhcusA3RW48yzKcB8bOjBf7YMnUKtUYBDlNVW8yXe2nv8KQSO51LOtlp0FiHcFjcR0O4SkFiaVjCJenCST58P6bn9SQqluWWPM/s320/20170618_184201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQfal_zXJNYjvT6tdBUyRhHlMv6fR8AFUi54xmb4hFVmWhmzK2SePRMdxKByAT4zG2LXyAN4gvw9sAeAS2GYUD5vbSDcKd-ca1rOon6z1wEhoYix-mREcu6JcTXUXnc3LTC5FDDYi-vjS/s1600/20170618_184619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQfal_zXJNYjvT6tdBUyRhHlMv6fR8AFUi54xmb4hFVmWhmzK2SePRMdxKByAT4zG2LXyAN4gvw9sAeAS2GYUD5vbSDcKd-ca1rOon6z1wEhoYix-mREcu6JcTXUXnc3LTC5FDDYi-vjS/s320/20170618_184619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeMUM3LEL8r4jhiQk3gvBaze2Fov9WMlWPUDkW7s7DZqYfkU0VsoYb-5wOBskNAMni_rh_R5nfCwcdMdSJGSTZJRFiK9YNZ1JQBjeGCgOxxyVxNUmwFqSIjNCMxHzCVOuJgKI9aObh4BU/s1600/20170618_190130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeMUM3LEL8r4jhiQk3gvBaze2Fov9WMlWPUDkW7s7DZqYfkU0VsoYb-5wOBskNAMni_rh_R5nfCwcdMdSJGSTZJRFiK9YNZ1JQBjeGCgOxxyVxNUmwFqSIjNCMxHzCVOuJgKI9aObh4BU/s320/20170618_190130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mf-q0nfAaoMc-a-etQFnsys0dIlVbEqRBw3eVsECC8h-L3KngJOFv1r0DDHf5oQLkCgZvJC1PlTKgBUYyvgK-9FeUU9H7GDwbXB-0Ak_Ipp5c00dMOy6CxP5TA7TjmAmd8rATt8TnNVW/s1600/20170618_190146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mf-q0nfAaoMc-a-etQFnsys0dIlVbEqRBw3eVsECC8h-L3KngJOFv1r0DDHf5oQLkCgZvJC1PlTKgBUYyvgK-9FeUU9H7GDwbXB-0Ak_Ipp5c00dMOy6CxP5TA7TjmAmd8rATt8TnNVW/s320/20170618_190146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD8eXkFGOI2nYlbm3DtId-R-F7s8utBK3AaCP7f_bF-Ci3P4lDFnC8YavSmPt01JDpuenM_ClRGeZHD1zgmkKnH2URhlnZXkmWEsXFOprB8RstD8EFvuTqHSlqKkmmk8NTCSBCz_XLxk_/s1600/20170618_190136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD8eXkFGOI2nYlbm3DtId-R-F7s8utBK3AaCP7f_bF-Ci3P4lDFnC8YavSmPt01JDpuenM_ClRGeZHD1zgmkKnH2URhlnZXkmWEsXFOprB8RstD8EFvuTqHSlqKkmmk8NTCSBCz_XLxk_/s320/20170618_190136.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When husband Tim arrived, we had some of his family over for pizza. We got our signals crossed about who was bringing what, and had pizzas aplenty, pizzas galore! It was actually fine, because we had several guests in and out of our house for the next week. My brother and his lady arrived from Oregon that same day, and survived the onslaught of the Wagner brand of humor. <br />
<br />
Several of us took in a Tiger game at Comerica Park - three of my brothers and their wives and kids, my sister and some of her kids and grand kids. Many were in from out of state for the wedding, and it was doubly fun to spend time with them and watch Justin Verlander pick up a W. Tim and I dropped in for a visit with my Dad earlier in the day, then made our way downtown. We stopped up on the roof of Hockeytown for a drink before the game, and got our first look at the shiny, new Q-Line gliding down Woodward Avenue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM0W4wYkJvlrHUfyNKtAS3tOew-ykCTq01k5E4qVj4fpiaOkYNbUVM0O66ppHMo8ArB_9n1GUqioBS_Nf1NSL4fNRNArBrtVsv5mkpdwc9iROC7faag17LNAJi6DZTUaT9Y1KjK3ZA7Uj/s1600/20170627_173225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM0W4wYkJvlrHUfyNKtAS3tOew-ykCTq01k5E4qVj4fpiaOkYNbUVM0O66ppHMo8ArB_9n1GUqioBS_Nf1NSL4fNRNArBrtVsv5mkpdwc9iROC7faag17LNAJi6DZTUaT9Y1KjK3ZA7Uj/s320/20170627_173225.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfhyphenhyphenCmEoXgE8XzK6yAs2uZfEmrijL79VlkaNM43FjShC7ZLz6ZCHXm0vyAayzyWh7IO70T0T3TLxbZ_XEBPZsOHQORHcU7OIwvsTzSLbPlX37KcZ57kp-uHZS8dkGw1Mg7vKPlz-b5MBL/s1600/20170627_173336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfhyphenhyphenCmEoXgE8XzK6yAs2uZfEmrijL79VlkaNM43FjShC7ZLz6ZCHXm0vyAayzyWh7IO70T0T3TLxbZ_XEBPZsOHQORHcU7OIwvsTzSLbPlX37KcZ57kp-uHZS8dkGw1Mg7vKPlz-b5MBL/s320/20170627_173336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh9IVRctKEx4HAXrKVRmSeRhNJij7wnXP1JubEs1iznqu4Hx5k0GKooK6x9WzD7hXF4L5zmoK16ZMp9b-tFZTe-uBHsYn6B03Rlo4RV3fiOjbclB1jTHBg7qG2Si1lEIGp-Bhx9H7vt-q/s1600/20170627_173236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh9IVRctKEx4HAXrKVRmSeRhNJij7wnXP1JubEs1iznqu4Hx5k0GKooK6x9WzD7hXF4L5zmoK16ZMp9b-tFZTe-uBHsYn6B03Rlo4RV3fiOjbclB1jTHBg7qG2Si1lEIGp-Bhx9H7vt-q/s320/20170627_173236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Q-Line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNdYAgQSmzYQMPxvvjglZDaH-rLZ10rcMg3U7nossL68gU8EEAGZg7iOXtM1E3xwz2UnTG91kx_cXhfKTPAvYYiStJ2Ko8csF9JGmKvVc_XJ9WeDJIRl5vybymzXUX4KlVldmpt4s1G-_/s1600/20170627_173357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNdYAgQSmzYQMPxvvjglZDaH-rLZ10rcMg3U7nossL68gU8EEAGZg7iOXtM1E3xwz2UnTG91kx_cXhfKTPAvYYiStJ2Ko8csF9JGmKvVc_XJ9WeDJIRl5vybymzXUX4KlVldmpt4s1G-_/s640/20170627_173357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful day at Comerica Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also was lucky enough to meet a few of my ex-colleagues for dinner, and get caught up on what's been happening in their lives. It was almost like I'd never left, but I felt myself thinking about how divergent our lives had become, trying to picture myself back in their world. It was odd to be having a conversation with friends using complex sentences and nuanced phrases. I have become accustomed to simplifying my speech for the many non-native English speakers in my life. It was like putting on an old pair of shoes that you haven't worn in a long time - it felt comfortable and odd at the same time.<br />
<br />
My Oregon brother left to visit our sister in Houghton Lake, and shortly thereafter, one of my Colorado brothers arrived with his three kids and one granddaughter. A bunch of us went to dinner at a brewpub in Ann Arbor, and I got to see my brothers in from Virginia. The next morning some of us met for breakfast at our place, then headed en masse to Grand Rapids for the wedding festivities. We all met for the rehearsal dinner at the B.O.B., where nine of my eleven siblings were reunited, along with their spouses and children. This was the greatest gathering of cousins we've ever had - twenty of twenty-four! And I finally had all my boys together again! 😍 One sibling arrived later that evening, and the final sibling zipped in just hours before the wedding - Hail, Hail, the gang's all here! We all wished our Dad was well enough to be there with us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eh2SmUpIzCZxwLwv5gFCEJ6qhGCBHhrhf2w-BNE26Mved68kUHzDkf7gbpO70svX_P6iWJXQ_KOIg_ZOXwtqTYo93QkrTC6F1xUwQDpoaWgiCnKDqJ_HdK8qFvMaBW4qoH1U6bZZsDON/s1600/20170630_180541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eh2SmUpIzCZxwLwv5gFCEJ6qhGCBHhrhf2w-BNE26Mved68kUHzDkf7gbpO70svX_P6iWJXQ_KOIg_ZOXwtqTYo93QkrTC6F1xUwQDpoaWgiCnKDqJ_HdK8qFvMaBW4qoH1U6bZZsDON/s320/20170630_180541.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother, Bob, at the BOB (Big Old Building)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ol6eQNYaltbNdXmqc7RSZM2CssQWYulAUx2Pol5L3qqV7ZYB_dZ70oVoKqplqtLUpQdSb2-PcA5KF_UKMcmb2UL1Nogyitu8DhY3tmMTGnIupMTOwgkOEnsu9PV0hpqwBS6fJ8YKrebQ/s1600/20170630_182818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ol6eQNYaltbNdXmqc7RSZM2CssQWYulAUx2Pol5L3qqV7ZYB_dZ70oVoKqplqtLUpQdSb2-PcA5KF_UKMcmb2UL1Nogyitu8DhY3tmMTGnIupMTOwgkOEnsu9PV0hpqwBS6fJ8YKrebQ/s320/20170630_182818.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cousins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBmnKzfRzYooUMMtvVPPDZt06IIf3l-yfPijs23jM82xQfqN2HXNNHgrtHeLBSVsw0meJCMhXzEYCWNTjCreLr198RilGIWcbtxnIUNiTVd6D90s5oPZZb_ZfJyt38YhCTFQx6qo11F1i/s1600/20170630_182848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBmnKzfRzYooUMMtvVPPDZt06IIf3l-yfPijs23jM82xQfqN2HXNNHgrtHeLBSVsw0meJCMhXzEYCWNTjCreLr198RilGIWcbtxnIUNiTVd6D90s5oPZZb_ZfJyt38YhCTFQx6qo11F1i/s320/20170630_182848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb567Oe1w-xxjaeYd59Dza-fp5-ZzebeO2HMnrKBads-2aMzdJe21vjqMkdmlceWa28qa3o8PhyfarNxIfOkx-el5cXmUCBAb2gMp6xezY5PD3Y5XMgNBaqD5NAbs3liOQXf7pDzbjv07/s1600/20170630_182909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb567Oe1w-xxjaeYd59Dza-fp5-ZzebeO2HMnrKBads-2aMzdJe21vjqMkdmlceWa28qa3o8PhyfarNxIfOkx-el5cXmUCBAb2gMp6xezY5PD3Y5XMgNBaqD5NAbs3liOQXf7pDzbjv07/s320/20170630_182909.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">long awaited reunions...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVAywuOgfDJJlJNm_yF100aLfxeRkFwsUKfMtkHkIoY_2fB8fGVjnBbvYCVsB3tV0LZlr2SC46D7ICmoiR3lPOXCXA_mRH7sgGBRRQ7TCx3GId3L_ynkTZmd76Olq1DiPuNwDml0_pdMU/s1600/20170630_183156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVAywuOgfDJJlJNm_yF100aLfxeRkFwsUKfMtkHkIoY_2fB8fGVjnBbvYCVsB3tV0LZlr2SC46D7ICmoiR3lPOXCXA_mRH7sgGBRRQ7TCx3GId3L_ynkTZmd76Olq1DiPuNwDml0_pdMU/s320/20170630_183156.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrh8sk2VnhkFLs0hu2pTNajfPAs6_XMPZagOXGhsRyj7qIn5K71ije-Zy0ww3udNg0ffe4gwZsok39MDIuupv3gzcOq3-cpd698Z-BRh4J0M7W53TNIUMXtYp4IyXsdi1oww8HN8I4yiU/s1600/20170630_183431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrh8sk2VnhkFLs0hu2pTNajfPAs6_XMPZagOXGhsRyj7qIn5K71ije-Zy0ww3udNg0ffe4gwZsok39MDIuupv3gzcOq3-cpd698Z-BRh4J0M7W53TNIUMXtYp4IyXsdi1oww8HN8I4yiU/s320/20170630_183431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sister-in-law with mother of the groom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi3tmaYPYJXfip6RgHycXykfyJvuDtuLUAtLjiiUYAUlZVT4UuKBLOtzgakfiRFpRVLm-Ie8hjngkoNAjSh_1sl-tNUmPbseJ1VL8KWXyOCONWE5IsY1VffePpSGB1FBIUaBBk0JAbdDv/s1600/20170630_185102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi3tmaYPYJXfip6RgHycXykfyJvuDtuLUAtLjiiUYAUlZVT4UuKBLOtzgakfiRFpRVLm-Ie8hjngkoNAjSh_1sl-tNUmPbseJ1VL8KWXyOCONWE5IsY1VffePpSGB1FBIUaBBk0JAbdDv/s320/20170630_185102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RoBros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBrJhVEkfXHbfqBQ62SUWxiVE6Xao3WkH73Aq4y7RPjFn0Aw-usMtc6NC7339BCNthGRsRLbx93gIbXqgF5L5Lh_cS_aeVXGZdAtOaJfAFLDJ0nRoePrKmP8iJTEGxnjCwgSzOCsdzheN/s1600/20170630_185332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBrJhVEkfXHbfqBQ62SUWxiVE6Xao3WkH73Aq4y7RPjFn0Aw-usMtc6NC7339BCNthGRsRLbx93gIbXqgF5L5Lh_cS_aeVXGZdAtOaJfAFLDJ0nRoePrKmP8iJTEGxnjCwgSzOCsdzheN/s320/20170630_185332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only picture of the bride and groom :-(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoqNoO5BBKnNR6IjTAXCs2squL3-Slns7u7HFZkfxWRj0uX6CG5D40KyUh7JKMVrkSGCgg0kgWYS5XY7EXU3MI-4WmkLFYfkalgp_0Hx4BlDTva_Ztgk01j2bNn02IMfeFUxhYvZBeOVm/s1600/MK+and+Edd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoqNoO5BBKnNR6IjTAXCs2squL3-Slns7u7HFZkfxWRj0uX6CG5D40KyUh7JKMVrkSGCgg0kgWYS5XY7EXU3MI-4WmkLFYfkalgp_0Hx4BlDTva_Ztgk01j2bNn02IMfeFUxhYvZBeOVm/s320/MK+and+Edd.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a better picture from their online wedding page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg5O9IbK-eRy_Zs51ft0TAJwaSdX-vPWIypILiZcl1K1JTBGMnHgvF-sKqjafEMaonEWeGurLme34HV9gXOb8qbN05eVucYsAtzpaCXXZrENQb9X7akoM37CxKRQCwJvJHnVwY87jZT_7/s1600/20170630_195103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg5O9IbK-eRy_Zs51ft0TAJwaSdX-vPWIypILiZcl1K1JTBGMnHgvF-sKqjafEMaonEWeGurLme34HV9gXOb8qbN05eVucYsAtzpaCXXZrENQb9X7akoM37CxKRQCwJvJHnVwY87jZT_7/s320/20170630_195103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUr-dFL3JICLSHdXgdCvYaeja7ysUqCLjTrinGFEUeRPw0p60wrKpdZqAeZQze9GTfmycpVOEkD0LS4_thTLevK3Nc3psVNgqVGtCmi5iQiyBljB0TMxgPfvGLDV_tUi8sAB78jwCf58v/s1600/20170630_201314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUr-dFL3JICLSHdXgdCvYaeja7ysUqCLjTrinGFEUeRPw0p60wrKpdZqAeZQze9GTfmycpVOEkD0LS4_thTLevK3Nc3psVNgqVGtCmi5iQiyBljB0TMxgPfvGLDV_tUi8sAB78jwCf58v/s320/20170630_201314.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more cousins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahVeDf-YncYtApYpM3PpFsT0ypFEv8BrU6tbAfYraE00DHraEUOyoe3XMmPf19oyST1afsQqf48Vude551Th-vI2cEfHxyZckQO-QROI6V2-P2BrILpjfc-4xPMvQ4DA_cRV69Wn-xGQ1/s1600/20170630_201331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahVeDf-YncYtApYpM3PpFsT0ypFEv8BrU6tbAfYraE00DHraEUOyoe3XMmPf19oyST1afsQqf48Vude551Th-vI2cEfHxyZckQO-QROI6V2-P2BrILpjfc-4xPMvQ4DA_cRV69Wn-xGQ1/s320/20170630_201331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76lJSUeKHIZRcayy-zgbH1wA1OjQkMXPLRadVfpVtT3k12IjBAqC6eKhVfCNXumkCZD5aXjzN6ZfJ5yPcYBrOiYbM_wIFSGJE_BqERzRKxrq3xvI7_dMi3GG24iRPxr5S4dU4Huz3QDWq/s1600/20170630_201610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76lJSUeKHIZRcayy-zgbH1wA1OjQkMXPLRadVfpVtT3k12IjBAqC6eKhVfCNXumkCZD5aXjzN6ZfJ5yPcYBrOiYbM_wIFSGJE_BqERzRKxrq3xvI7_dMi3GG24iRPxr5S4dU4Huz3QDWq/s320/20170630_201610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYqZnYmX3en6LbviHH9O357dcWqgVRaPrQU2B9O7mfLCPSwSGqBqxOZGxSICSaSSXQKy2lSadNWY6KWB4l10ONc_DWzKVu4-qC8w4uM6owfB69ddA87O_9CzwK7kQR07QaKMSbO70Dhyphenhyphen0/s1600/20170630_201645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYqZnYmX3en6LbviHH9O357dcWqgVRaPrQU2B9O7mfLCPSwSGqBqxOZGxSICSaSSXQKy2lSadNWY6KWB4l10ONc_DWzKVu4-qC8w4uM6owfB69ddA87O_9CzwK7kQR07QaKMSbO70Dhyphenhyphen0/s320/20170630_201645.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ring Security"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdREhCD1Oy5ThI8IU__b0Vl5MY_40WiZiWXjDgcAAhqP44ZotYP97WDqM_qA_lIrespJ4dZPAa605B3-b7EGBXy8gG0lDMLH_UdMnbJiSmFMnq0hhvwn3_jxIQ6FhV-ZPlACnzdmFrTAPD/s1600/IMG-20170702-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdREhCD1Oy5ThI8IU__b0Vl5MY_40WiZiWXjDgcAAhqP44ZotYP97WDqM_qA_lIrespJ4dZPAa605B3-b7EGBXy8gG0lDMLH_UdMnbJiSmFMnq0hhvwn3_jxIQ6FhV-ZPlACnzdmFrTAPD/s320/IMG-20170702-WA0000.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Lizzes and a Little Lady</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The morning of the wedding, the second now-traditional "Cousins Breakfast" took place, at the behest of some of the younger cousins, who had such fond memories of the first. The dining area didn't have room for everyone, so breakfast was procured from Starbucks and commenced in the lobby. Our boys headed out for wedding party duties, and Hiustyn and I took a walk along the river in downtown Grand Rapids. We saw people setting up for that evening's fireworks display on this Independence Day weekend.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwtDvd47Ao6er6uD9aYXZG9bXDfSiMWV0n1iyXsZFXK5IrFcWM0vVtX1bSDpnEH-iNp4EwcSH0kJWaS7OUoTNyViMeIa4pskqSlBkDtb8K3Yhyphenhyphen6ejCUTvFunTtdXVID5jodw6zGiGMiDe/s1600/20170701_112726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="999" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwtDvd47Ao6er6uD9aYXZG9bXDfSiMWV0n1iyXsZFXK5IrFcWM0vVtX1bSDpnEH-iNp4EwcSH0kJWaS7OUoTNyViMeIa4pskqSlBkDtb8K3Yhyphenhyphen6ejCUTvFunTtdXVID5jodw6zGiGMiDe/s320/20170701_112726.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiustyn and I ran into this giant button on our walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAHV-1jPp9eobfYqxeO2rJEXU0zjzSFO90tidecRO1KenQb8L_ZY5xolRwFmf95kWhQkHxznsYsTJt_4xpL9pAE71eknZUc4sisV2wU_7u7Qiwcexd41cr9dapyeXvZJVoi6kB4ZTsIA5/s1600/20170701_112747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAHV-1jPp9eobfYqxeO2rJEXU0zjzSFO90tidecRO1KenQb8L_ZY5xolRwFmf95kWhQkHxznsYsTJt_4xpL9pAE71eknZUc4sisV2wU_7u7Qiwcexd41cr9dapyeXvZJVoi6kB4ZTsIA5/s320/20170701_112747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The wedding was lovely. The bride and groom were obviously so in love, and that love emanated out to all those in attendance. It's such a joy to attend a wedding when it is plain to see that the couple are right for each other! My sister, the mother of the groom, was beautiful, and I enjoyed seeing our three sons in their wedding party finery. Small vials of bubbles were distributed outside the church, and the bride and groom received a bubbly reception when they emerged. Such a blessing to be a part of this happy occasion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiE1dIxqgER-RHLW0uNV5EdNPYlejJAyeKYsgsgvmH_0rMlOYFIq00JIAsvcBTCK4vzqZq8yFEIB2vFUeeHIq8TNnLYchMXX2nJxVhNOx_swGA4zD-BhBH5SSq8zKFNoPUmKZUuH7ayDP/s1600/IMG-20170702-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiE1dIxqgER-RHLW0uNV5EdNPYlejJAyeKYsgsgvmH_0rMlOYFIq00JIAsvcBTCK4vzqZq8yFEIB2vFUeeHIq8TNnLYchMXX2nJxVhNOx_swGA4zD-BhBH5SSq8zKFNoPUmKZUuH7ayDP/s320/IMG-20170702-WA0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWLkeK_iFXTtLNTw-qYUerNcQiXfhHNQLCrNozoHN8xKjD8QOS1QW1o7_5q3VmVQ49vIX9nbUYTk5JBXCMjHY79AhMPbmbWR8Sd2IbukU0c7SBNpEQUdJ8oOqGZeaWTax3UtzUrkPbaxA/s1600/FamTouchup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWLkeK_iFXTtLNTw-qYUerNcQiXfhHNQLCrNozoHN8xKjD8QOS1QW1o7_5q3VmVQ49vIX9nbUYTk5JBXCMjHY79AhMPbmbWR8Sd2IbukU0c7SBNpEQUdJ8oOqGZeaWTax3UtzUrkPbaxA/s400/FamTouchup2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgHL2AqUcSUKDNd_zlDjaRvdtqT3dtzdy-jVGqqXQRl96QfDKTaq8ExK5RsTt1rbmpYLh2azK-wWm23kFi19CIhxtR3VzbN-vxrrytkIxTOU5ESmymTyhiFEoc8qdgW3t2nVSBzDNUNNP/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgHL2AqUcSUKDNd_zlDjaRvdtqT3dtzdy-jVGqqXQRl96QfDKTaq8ExK5RsTt1rbmpYLh2azK-wWm23kFi19CIhxtR3VzbN-vxrrytkIxTOU5ESmymTyhiFEoc8qdgW3t2nVSBzDNUNNP/s320/IMG_2086.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky me doing Great-Aunt duty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tim and I enjoyed breakfast with our three men, then said a sad goodbye to two, and headed back to Brighton. We hosted one more set of guests that night, two nephews and a niece-in-law, and got to meet Tim's girlfriend for a quick minute. Then we said goodbye to Tim, goodbye to our Brighton home, goodbye to the USA and got on a plane for the marathon flight back to Thailand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="256" src="https://giphy.com/embed/JDKxRN0Bvmm2c" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/terminator-gif-arnold-schwarzenegger-JDKxRN0Bvmm2c">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-77381366133987965832017-07-17T05:54:00.000-04:002017-07-17T05:54:40.659-04:00Sailor SongMay 28 - June 4, 2017<br />
<br />
Fraser's is a very Australian restaurant not far from our place. There are always many Aussies hanging out here, watching Australian rugby and drinking Fosters. We like to come for the good western-style food. This week they were celebrating their third anniversary with a special party, complete with free wine tasting and Aussie meat pies. It was a good crowd, and quite lively, as Australians tend to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCYqLX4fn-yv5frWE-x4WpB2dFp5pwX1L7ZaV1UcADElN2PCyLtgzslnjwPkXQ2C09Nw5FOQFzbgItVUKq-X-iYjxjK0EpFvhfiw2CNUuyCt3xex2pXFmSyEQ1c6D4YlfVB4ZPloH3tnl/s1600/20170527_210418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCYqLX4fn-yv5frWE-x4WpB2dFp5pwX1L7ZaV1UcADElN2PCyLtgzslnjwPkXQ2C09Nw5FOQFzbgItVUKq-X-iYjxjK0EpFvhfiw2CNUuyCt3xex2pXFmSyEQ1c6D4YlfVB4ZPloH3tnl/s400/20170527_210418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZznCAPfz0UOxy8qOZDeBY8ilnw_ZE6E5GnCctotWHz-kUncIsaFFGgf-jesXGqLoWKN-z6pHxEL4ezLNfzeLpgZHCrySVKOgO8L_HvTrLdo8P5WUQCUHM20yrhDQX3DMQ7teBKLeOC6Fm/s1600/20170527_195608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZznCAPfz0UOxy8qOZDeBY8ilnw_ZE6E5GnCctotWHz-kUncIsaFFGgf-jesXGqLoWKN-z6pHxEL4ezLNfzeLpgZHCrySVKOgO8L_HvTrLdo8P5WUQCUHM20yrhDQX3DMQ7teBKLeOC6Fm/s320/20170527_195608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The following Friday, Mika and I met for lunch at a new restaurant in South Pattaya called The Greyhound. Apparently this is a very popular restaurant in Bangkok. It is just in front of a new, shimmering gold theater called D'Luck. According to the literature, a multimedia show called <i>Kaan</i> is on offer here - a hybrid of live action and cinema, stage performance and technology. The story is adapted from classic Thai literature. At 1200 Baht (about $40) and up for a ticket, I can't imagine they will get much traffic from the locals. I expect busloads of Chinese tourists might fill the seats. In any case, the food at the Greyhound was nice, and the decor was eye-catching. It was a nice place to get caught up with my friend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW5F_xS2ei4d0tuVb63aGBGKp030jnRYV58VmcuklKDoHvb0ykBlm9bT7SwIMzvDu4FKimFenMXAicSYZjMinG_rlyXlHpA3WQG1drvQUCR7Flj4iB0HWU6RILr6-53kFclWJWnvzZW1-/s1600/20170602_133735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW5F_xS2ei4d0tuVb63aGBGKp030jnRYV58VmcuklKDoHvb0ykBlm9bT7SwIMzvDu4FKimFenMXAicSYZjMinG_rlyXlHpA3WQG1drvQUCR7Flj4iB0HWU6RILr6-53kFclWJWnvzZW1-/s320/20170602_133735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF5N_Q3uP8OKKizMlekmV0AvYGo2zvizv7KR_PZl17dh10eYhQi_irSLbz33Z1RFBpnkmZ3RbcMbEu7ROBh1N5KSyx4DnaHqYVmfu2dz4wEiKr1_SvvNvVYImWVSXmtGaFF-MPVfRoC1X/s1600/20170602_133808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF5N_Q3uP8OKKizMlekmV0AvYGo2zvizv7KR_PZl17dh10eYhQi_irSLbz33Z1RFBpnkmZ3RbcMbEu7ROBh1N5KSyx4DnaHqYVmfu2dz4wEiKr1_SvvNvVYImWVSXmtGaFF-MPVfRoC1X/s320/20170602_133808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsovzkI9TbEZTfiGSHX5L9YEgAob66fOWkYZG3qXJvypNQt2ONpnngim8XepxH5YuM0jNBQukQBiZvU4PSR1cCvY64XIMSnZf3Ua5nz2DDjCEHrbYmQ9_xSe7uDB8pOPeX-DGPuKAOJcIp/s1600/20170602_134000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsovzkI9TbEZTfiGSHX5L9YEgAob66fOWkYZG3qXJvypNQt2ONpnngim8XepxH5YuM0jNBQukQBiZvU4PSR1cCvY64XIMSnZf3Ua5nz2DDjCEHrbYmQ9_xSe7uDB8pOPeX-DGPuKAOJcIp/s320/20170602_134000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid917jg_yN5fgtBqDWU3pXYi3hZKbyyAhFWOXGHQINnBQ1vLZ9V1XJcKGRp241fb19NPgC8BM01D3G30ycFQd0XOllDoQL-P-wb-OE3zyRjLZdJPxdopEjSzF8wt6iAgnIBkoffXaFNYyi/s1600/20170602_134026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid917jg_yN5fgtBqDWU3pXYi3hZKbyyAhFWOXGHQINnBQ1vLZ9V1XJcKGRp241fb19NPgC8BM01D3G30ycFQd0XOllDoQL-P-wb-OE3zyRjLZdJPxdopEjSzF8wt6iAgnIBkoffXaFNYyi/s640/20170602_134026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty jellyfish sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbocsocKDU1YVQP_P9D6dENLnAq5hyphenhyphenR3osoyaj9DazmMLOCj1J2H7WzqRE2S6Vg7OBxOoSreFPXkplyBtkHp4nQv7-SpD5O3cgqlOIr85Z9Bu1PWXTIu49I8dWdJHYf-1ORRwC8-DgsQ4A/s1600/20170602_134040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbocsocKDU1YVQP_P9D6dENLnAq5hyphenhyphenR3osoyaj9DazmMLOCj1J2H7WzqRE2S6Vg7OBxOoSreFPXkplyBtkHp4nQv7-SpD5O3cgqlOIr85Z9Bu1PWXTIu49I8dWdJHYf-1ORRwC8-DgsQ4A/s320/20170602_134040.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Had a pretty spectacular show outside our window that evening. We have a great view of the cloud activity over the gulf.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1UpIjfhhcPIgPa6Nl4hmt8hSiZAzWSlC5hX8w5tKHGLMOAQiNzHDEQLeUYXAE4yt3F7sObKW8tiZcbdr_Unbl5lXmxovgEGT15czCZ4gGbkAWweqQNuUXKYOek7ZFlu2UUcYxWMHQ3_z/s1600/20170602_174026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1UpIjfhhcPIgPa6Nl4hmt8hSiZAzWSlC5hX8w5tKHGLMOAQiNzHDEQLeUYXAE4yt3F7sObKW8tiZcbdr_Unbl5lXmxovgEGT15czCZ4gGbkAWweqQNuUXKYOek7ZFlu2UUcYxWMHQ3_z/s640/20170602_174026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sunday is our driver's day off, but an afternoon concert in town inspired me to find another mode of transportation. I walked about forty-five minutes, down the twisty road from the hill where our condo is located. Hot and sweaty at that point, I was able to jump on a <i>song-teaw</i>, or baht bus. For just ten baht (about thirty cents) I was delivered right outside the Royal Garden Mall where the concert would take place.<br />
<br />
The United States Navy Seventh Fleet's <i><a href="http://www.c7f.navy.mil/band/welcome/">Orient Express</a></i> was performing, along with the Royal Thai Navy's band, as part of <i>Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training</i> (CARAT), an annual joint exercise between the two countries. I ran into a couple of US sailors when I entered, and exclaimed, "My people!" I'm sure they were a bit alarmed by this sweaty, red-faced, crazy lady.<br />
<br />
The Thai navy was already performing when I arrived - playing pop songs with a heavy brass section. The band was all-male, but had a succession of female (and some male) vocalists that stepped to the front of the stage for each new song. I recognized a few western tunes, like <i>Beyond the Sea</i>, Michael Buble's <i>Feeling Good, </i>and <i>What a Beautiful World</i>, complete with their own unique and charming pronunciations. They even brought the cuteness factor with a little girl in a sailor dress singing a Thai song.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/4ivPwj7Ex1o/default.jpg?sqp=CMSJsssF&rs=AOn4CLC-2wz1P57CO8jOfQrfGCPj2LNMww" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ivPwj7Ex1o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf4OgJ2rXAXsJX_kSYmyFnJ5_yH398-xlPW6oSsGwjNdtOnh_L8ZBkix9tNqLCt7ckBAfvJr2xWOAyIbFiyafviNQwyGURngiDAf-5OHA1yxeJAmt2PX2FMjnm-iFF4SCuubfIIQRSyzx/s1600/20170604_144448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf4OgJ2rXAXsJX_kSYmyFnJ5_yH398-xlPW6oSsGwjNdtOnh_L8ZBkix9tNqLCt7ckBAfvJr2xWOAyIbFiyafviNQwyGURngiDAf-5OHA1yxeJAmt2PX2FMjnm-iFF4SCuubfIIQRSyzx/s320/20170604_144448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibA1ilehBKQ9rSFDlLLuc0Ks3l_GdcCE82dgHWdI92JKDi6Efdbzb7DOsD5B0QXfiK_guAY6XyHpeEjBc30L57Y-5mOBRq61nTv7UaU_aeDuJwRREM-B8FBCCJQvFrqcV7O_RPyBwQtar/s1600/20170604_155104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibA1ilehBKQ9rSFDlLLuc0Ks3l_GdcCE82dgHWdI92JKDi6Efdbzb7DOsD5B0QXfiK_guAY6XyHpeEjBc30L57Y-5mOBRq61nTv7UaU_aeDuJwRREM-B8FBCCJQvFrqcV7O_RPyBwQtar/s400/20170604_155104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphPMB_D-tAa9ZflTrGincjnyuJ_Uznck1DI8MHEz8r-V-80Dnt6078yWRroFq5SM7QFtvAmNfuIuTD3JZFz16eukJQKnDpbbTaKb3Ap9PGee3x2xSUBuo4GyDHMjsr2NR5oZX5x2IkFTM/s1600/20170604_155434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphPMB_D-tAa9ZflTrGincjnyuJ_Uznck1DI8MHEz8r-V-80Dnt6078yWRroFq5SM7QFtvAmNfuIuTD3JZFz16eukJQKnDpbbTaKb3Ap9PGee3x2xSUBuo4GyDHMjsr2NR5oZX5x2IkFTM/s320/20170604_155434.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D_9SE5rpWqgqrpwr_57M3IoKdGXbkCcbkFeLI3VBr481STsT7rNHYzegWaKTGLF4288vL5m0TOc5mTlP4s5ilUMKoOZy9Dz29iwMO9oL5-SRS0t6ipkQ4XlCxajSd3f43dLwmQMQG6C3/s1600/20170604_160758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D_9SE5rpWqgqrpwr_57M3IoKdGXbkCcbkFeLI3VBr481STsT7rNHYzegWaKTGLF4288vL5m0TOc5mTlP4s5ilUMKoOZy9Dz29iwMO9oL5-SRS0t6ipkQ4XlCxajSd3f43dLwmQMQG6C3/s400/20170604_160758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJhRBXbWHzf8wnRJ5kx7EsWSrscH9w-6lDZ-ESHo-HkdU1WTCKABJN1U2k7EvEzl-54RqbuzMEcfyd3HfcH4Exckh1vU1dVaOSIwwZXqMCUJuwh-x1QCfWq7M-f1M8hykZjMhKdPM7HSr/s1600/20170604_162758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJhRBXbWHzf8wnRJ5kx7EsWSrscH9w-6lDZ-ESHo-HkdU1WTCKABJN1U2k7EvEzl-54RqbuzMEcfyd3HfcH4Exckh1vU1dVaOSIwwZXqMCUJuwh-x1QCfWq7M-f1M8hykZjMhKdPM7HSr/s320/20170604_162758.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, the US sailors took the stage. Theirs was a smaller band, with guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and four or five horns. I was impressed with the quality of their music, and happily recognized nearly every tune. It's kind of difficult to look the part of a rock star when sporting a crew cut and a naval uniform, but they put on a good show. I especially enjoyed their rendition of John Legend's <i>All of Me</i>. I was thinking that although the Thai navy performed several songs in English, I doubted the Americans would reciprocate. Imagine my surprise and delight when they belted out a song or two in Thai. Well done, sirs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNpAIZIBjlQXIOcTImgNUjfXJ4mRST83jX4AJRh51W-Ok3ws0L879lwsuiyUy3nC9LZPyWt7zqMeM3GlrUqiHqG0lIya6MKqRnwPcSj5M6VgfmhPTA2DER9oyGi_GjBTB3opftPuMInLr/s1600/20170604_150124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNpAIZIBjlQXIOcTImgNUjfXJ4mRST83jX4AJRh51W-Ok3ws0L879lwsuiyUy3nC9LZPyWt7zqMeM3GlrUqiHqG0lIya6MKqRnwPcSj5M6VgfmhPTA2DER9oyGi_GjBTB3opftPuMInLr/s320/20170604_150124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx549s4lIo7yySCY3Q8PHWTXH1bWK_JUbGzPpmftp_7pjlrRzauqFZhBLtqezaqVIKp8QHPzLyRcYHxYh5n4XE5Sa5WPBZLQtoK4CFRFBToKMSido3tIJrQglkJ5vMsAaK2uoXhTmvh6wq/s1600/20170604_152252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx549s4lIo7yySCY3Q8PHWTXH1bWK_JUbGzPpmftp_7pjlrRzauqFZhBLtqezaqVIKp8QHPzLyRcYHxYh5n4XE5Sa5WPBZLQtoK4CFRFBToKMSido3tIJrQglkJ5vMsAaK2uoXhTmvh6wq/s320/20170604_152252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgTryHiuT6wCRIRYz1ltmjptkHW8S9014C8mbIn6EB10LbFrO4Rej5Yx4a3YtUFUIN3TxBEmIhK6FFBsUDVqdvfivlgDKvlJsl3Ib3-wbbUw_rxPhQfeDFxcTEVyyNn7-rboGETrZUN1/s1600/20170604_152223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgTryHiuT6wCRIRYz1ltmjptkHW8S9014C8mbIn6EB10LbFrO4Rej5Yx4a3YtUFUIN3TxBEmIhK6FFBsUDVqdvfivlgDKvlJsl3Ib3-wbbUw_rxPhQfeDFxcTEVyyNn7-rboGETrZUN1/s320/20170604_152223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx3Rt3gyfDgoBWHHPfU5GqwCuguOTf5_KczT5kq1MRgu3NZjZZHP2iyc9cZqoJNrZMZuPs1o81_xvR4thUgTmX-NM3W3d-aB25QaSwx0VZDKGGmQth80_hHiANHZtp3Js5_rHXLG2WNq-/s1600/20170604_145903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx3Rt3gyfDgoBWHHPfU5GqwCuguOTf5_KczT5kq1MRgu3NZjZZHP2iyc9cZqoJNrZMZuPs1o81_xvR4thUgTmX-NM3W3d-aB25QaSwx0VZDKGGmQth80_hHiANHZtp3Js5_rHXLG2WNq-/s320/20170604_145903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/iHlN3G9czGE/default.jpg?sqp=CMSJsssF&rs=AOn4CLBCmERj70kTNamZukHNBbu1xXCjrw" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iHlN3G9czGE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Finally, the two groups joined forces and performed a final set. It was encouraging to see the spirit of cooperation between the two countries' military units, especially in these days of so much isolationist rhetoric. That alone was well worth the trek. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGURyGcLO4vP9Av4ENtX4rf9_7icQV4p2i41IhxpelkPa2P02s-fRkJdUmctz0osH7eah9Dg2dSDUKwWySP76rWQXr8PY0xABf5E3WaLHOsNNaLZjAYrI8NfwWcX_5bVBUyEpGaAVJqOXe/s1600/Thai+flag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGURyGcLO4vP9Av4ENtX4rf9_7icQV4p2i41IhxpelkPa2P02s-fRkJdUmctz0osH7eah9Dg2dSDUKwWySP76rWQXr8PY0xABf5E3WaLHOsNNaLZjAYrI8NfwWcX_5bVBUyEpGaAVJqOXe/s200/Thai+flag.png" width="200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WtV3845g_cOKrBowK2eRx8Hh26aGfN8KSSGtswQrn8no3ZKSI_3MIBmi8ITW1q7ihbP3ialCVmFMKvNyfBxN_sZzbocDxwZrhcSiu79Vadapd5MxH54-bDTWpbAr_evvEALUUemH2_HH/s1600/flag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WtV3845g_cOKrBowK2eRx8Hh26aGfN8KSSGtswQrn8no3ZKSI_3MIBmi8ITW1q7ihbP3ialCVmFMKvNyfBxN_sZzbocDxwZrhcSiu79Vadapd5MxH54-bDTWpbAr_evvEALUUemH2_HH/s200/flag.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-37516391871595565772017-06-19T16:33:00.001-04:002017-06-19T16:33:14.022-04:00California FinalMay 13-15, 2017<br />
<br />
Saturday morning I asked Ted to take me to Wal-Mart to exchange something I got earlier in the week. I didn't realize that Wal-Marts are so few and far between around these parts. The first store we went to just happened to be on the way back from my niece's house, but nowhere near Ted's. I never dreamed there was a place in America that didn't have a Wal-Mart nearby! Ted found another one northeast of his place in Burbank, a good twenty-plus miles away. He thought we could drive there and back in plenty of time for him to get to his football game in the afternoon. <br />
<br />
But the Los Angeles highways had other ideas. Traffic was terrible nearly all the way there, and it took us an hour to reach our destination. When we finally arrived, I rushed into the store and found the item I wanted to exchange. I was so tempted to just swap out the item, stick it in my bag and zip out. But Ted convinced my to do a legitimate exchange at Customer Service, even though we had to wait in line. I know he was right - the child schools the parent!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUiz8Gobzt3dNsd25IBZoVj3YBP-yqfoxFx7s39LcGPMrks1vDpQYDofe3pNIXLw9a_zFZAMXHEk_Shhsi6RrxmGf3EUmP6VLDnwFtD_j_I1XB3OqrDa42p1qMSUaQi0oJzrU9Hqf301O/s1600/20170513_124803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUiz8Gobzt3dNsd25IBZoVj3YBP-yqfoxFx7s39LcGPMrks1vDpQYDofe3pNIXLw9a_zFZAMXHEk_Shhsi6RrxmGf3EUmP6VLDnwFtD_j_I1XB3OqrDa42p1qMSUaQi0oJzrU9Hqf301O/s400/20170513_124803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Back on the road, the highway was nearly at a standstill. The other side of the freeway was completely empty - obviously shut down. Soon an endless line of motorcycles streamed past. It was the South LA "10-33" benefit ride for fallen police and firefighters ("10-33" is the police code for "emergency.") We were lucky to be on the other side, but it seemed to affect traffic on both sides. Ted kept his cool, even though I suspect he was simmering inside. We made it back with little time to spare - he quickly changed and shot out the door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zv-mVIE1Hym1cEge5e8HJUGtIpOlVNd-PUlhQgvhOshyMO8iPewSPXhYZTTiesRrt8S7nZvLp9LL2sk4k4EdpCQ-0Yk4cDR3GuU5f5Csu8J7vgb6Wg9vR3mPBFmr5uHWi0wdVU5WXg9G/s1600/20170513_123923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zv-mVIE1Hym1cEge5e8HJUGtIpOlVNd-PUlhQgvhOshyMO8iPewSPXhYZTTiesRrt8S7nZvLp9LL2sk4k4EdpCQ-0Yk4cDR3GuU5f5Csu8J7vgb6Wg9vR3mPBFmr5uHWi0wdVU5WXg9G/s640/20170513_123923.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hiustyn was working and Ted was playing, so I had a quiet afternoon. When Ted returned, he said some friends were having a party that evening. The last thing I wanted was for him to miss a fun evening because he had to babysit his mom! I told him he should go ahead, but he said I was invited, too, and should come along. Again, I didn't want to put a damper on his evening because he had to bring his mom along. But he finally convinced me, and I got myself ready. His buddy who lives nearby kindly picked us up and drove us all to their friends' house about thirty minutes away. <br />
<br />
Most of the friends there were part of a co-ed recreational sports group that often plays beach football. The owners of the house had just moved in, and had a big, sweet dog that was the star of the party. Our hosts were busy trying to set up tables and lights in the little yard, and people congregated around the big table ( a makeshift old wooden door) filled with snacks. They started cooking on their little grill, and I did the mom thing by stepping in to do the job. I felt less intrusive with a job to do.<br />
<br />
After a delicious meal, including my first grilled burger in months, everyone went inside to play games. Now this was my kind of party! They also had a version of JackboxTV, but with different games. I sat on the sofa, and as people filed in, they announced that only eight people could play at a time. I wanted to give others the opportunity, but they'd already counted me in. Ted and Hiustyn did not make the cut, however. Now I really felt awkward! <br />
<br />
The game was Quiplash, where wittiness and creativity are key. You have to respond to prompts like,"After a hard day at work, I really just need to _______" or "Pick the name of a city and make it sound dirty." Every player gets two prompts. Each prompt is received by two players, who answer it independently. After all the answers are in, the game announces the prompt, and shows the two answers anonymously. Everyone who didn't get that prompt votes on their favorite response. The points are split based in the percentage of players who favored each response. As you can imagine, innuendo and humor often got the most votes. Guess who won?? After the first game, I thought I should give the others a chance to play 😉.<br />
<br />
It was a fun evening with a very nice group of people, most of whom were transplants from various other parts of the country. Reminded my of our little neighborhood of transplants in Texas. I enjoyed meeting Ted's friends and getting a little peek into his life in LA.<br />
<br />
I packed my bags the next morning and sadly said my goodbyes to my wonderfully generous hosts. The pain of our parting was softened by the fact that I would see them again the following month at a family wedding in Michigan.<br />
<br />
Once through security at LAX, I had my last fix of American food with a delicious citrus chicken quesadilla at Border Grill. I was delighted to discover that my ride from Air China was actually parked at the gate this time - no thirty minute bus ride to the far reaches of the airport. I squeezed into my seat for the interminable flight back. Politeness eluded me as I decided I would claim my share of the armrests this time. Thirteen hours is just too long to keep my arms crossed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWl9lggUXD06pC_WQ-xRmE1QqTv7sX7IIRF71M8xmw63y5SFjSzBf8P2kmvkzcvK8Zn33WsZ0sZ7EBJLdmz3j7Rg4XcpxkLVYaXXspBKEUcW8_9OuKGH1H2mjgU07ZdWiH3j277Q1CnNq/s1600/20170514_124403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1175" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWl9lggUXD06pC_WQ-xRmE1QqTv7sX7IIRF71M8xmw63y5SFjSzBf8P2kmvkzcvK8Zn33WsZ0sZ7EBJLdmz3j7Rg4XcpxkLVYaXXspBKEUcW8_9OuKGH1H2mjgU07ZdWiH3j277Q1CnNq/s320/20170514_124403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JkkzE66I5t_vJTdGkkih8YxArTOHAfMJQ6NMyDaL54G7nQd4Dq6QWlReLGmHG6xaELc6XkTMFBa62S-DDtVzPrnGED2o_MXLrgKYW8b-oXdZ6tQiCZnUbK1-VKCW6Cob5LlqER6kxhDk/s1600/20170515_025301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="767" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JkkzE66I5t_vJTdGkkih8YxArTOHAfMJQ6NMyDaL54G7nQd4Dq6QWlReLGmHG6xaELc6XkTMFBa62S-DDtVzPrnGED2o_MXLrgKYW8b-oXdZ6tQiCZnUbK1-VKCW6Cob5LlqER6kxhDk/s320/20170515_025301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was evident just how bored I was on the flight when I started reading through the duty-free pages on the screen in front of me. It did have its entertainment value...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vOdS8z70hXzHf2B44DvgJ6Fi8GpR11gMEgH9G9Z8w7abI1vhO4TF7vLdWD4LusWQS0QJhifwgrrSnb7_fbD976hotRwAeu5E7q2p8slnpY6Snw_IgsiwwkreYMIAER2-BOmmxc3u-z8t/s1600/20170514_230900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vOdS8z70hXzHf2B44DvgJ6Fi8GpR11gMEgH9G9Z8w7abI1vhO4TF7vLdWD4LusWQS0QJhifwgrrSnb7_fbD976hotRwAeu5E7q2p8slnpY6Snw_IgsiwwkreYMIAER2-BOmmxc3u-z8t/s640/20170514_230900.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Has your skin ever suffered from this malady??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-72359429105225938782017-06-16T13:25:00.000-04:002017-06-16T13:25:22.547-04:00California IIIMay 11 - 12, 2017<br />
<br />
The four of us jockeyed for position to use the shower this morning, but we had to concede to Ted, who needed to be at USC a half hour before the rest of us. He donned his flattering USC cap and gown and headed to the train, getting thumbs-up and congratulations from strangers along the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a-Ue5qUb1J7fdwPWfwVmH_ZPpjWgoUMIPRHu5JMZZogiF2ZX9_QwJHdLAblhfOCDvfyhZUzvCXiqjj4CigVTc6NE1DYawZQxTIWMP0rB7V-2HAuhkYWse-y5gZOv_QNzWLfZJfUdv2sy/s1600/20170510_135010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a-Ue5qUb1J7fdwPWfwVmH_ZPpjWgoUMIPRHu5JMZZogiF2ZX9_QwJHdLAblhfOCDvfyhZUzvCXiqjj4CigVTc6NE1DYawZQxTIWMP0rB7V-2HAuhkYWse-y5gZOv_QNzWLfZJfUdv2sy/s320/20170510_135010.jpg" width="121" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaS_orlutGdnluPrDRwzwn565NPX40DBF7YXioC5GALmg4ANbOgliljBmZvdlad7TqaUPOiGV8MGPQYYfFtzTHPFik3ZzdSk22PHtVkFz0JEcAl6pmU9UpFfZuwvVbhuPVCOPBGiwcX7R/s1600/IMG_6272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaS_orlutGdnluPrDRwzwn565NPX40DBF7YXioC5GALmg4ANbOgliljBmZvdlad7TqaUPOiGV8MGPQYYfFtzTHPFik3ZzdSk22PHtVkFz0JEcAl6pmU9UpFfZuwvVbhuPVCOPBGiwcX7R/s320/IMG_6272.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tim, Hiustyn and I brought up the rear, walking to the train in our graduation-attendee finery. We got on the train with plenty of time to spare...but then the announcement came. A train was stuck on the tracks ahead, so our train would only get us about half the distance we needed to travel, where it would stop and go back the other way. The stop where it would leave us was not in the best part of town, so Hiustyn suggested we get off the stop before and call Uber. I did not allow myself to look at the time and convinced myself we would not be late. We waited ten or fifteen minutes, or so it seemed, and our car arrived. Driving in the car is often much slower in LA because of the unending traffic, but the car was able to let us out closer to our destination, so that was a plus. <br />
<br />
We walked past fields of chairs set up outside, but realized they were being set up for the general graduation ceremonies the next day. We followed the crowd to a sea of red and wondered how we would find Ted. After a few false sightings, we finally met up, just as they were preparing to go inside the auditorium. We found our own seats and waited for the commencement to commence. We grabbed a couple of pictures before the multiple announcements asking everyone to take their seats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN51eI2A11JO3O_DA3Vgg3JnRggWKFv6FO7dVO3eghu8BfVB_w2Wp5j4dOTrL2ukoAOSDpc3Nry6ULf5aTGSg89Qd0wb_bRjLh5rAymXwLn88-LQtjX3mq2TudS7ClksDsjpcuAHNiTP4/s1600/20170511_081513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="537" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN51eI2A11JO3O_DA3Vgg3JnRggWKFv6FO7dVO3eghu8BfVB_w2Wp5j4dOTrL2ukoAOSDpc3Nry6ULf5aTGSg89Qd0wb_bRjLh5rAymXwLn88-LQtjX3mq2TudS7ClksDsjpcuAHNiTP4/s400/20170511_081513.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi677m-3hHyQhM5luMYIdTWrrgnQDGdx7Ccf4M9r8k6Rd1hopE8F5QZxs_acj9AMrwjzMBqJhHHjVX-Tv9W1fKwRiUH07m1XU6RZCKkV6eBzn6_SJhU_z6U9y1nTfZK0UcYRZaDh9p0wX9Z/s1600/IMG_20170511_073504486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi677m-3hHyQhM5luMYIdTWrrgnQDGdx7Ccf4M9r8k6Rd1hopE8F5QZxs_acj9AMrwjzMBqJhHHjVX-Tv9W1fKwRiUH07m1XU6RZCKkV6eBzn6_SJhU_z6U9y1nTfZK0UcYRZaDh9p0wX9Z/s320/IMG_20170511_073504486.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bovard Auditorium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaxcz26iTSr-SQR62IMRgoosJBlvuldLXzStI-75KaypMwBGOXTH7bAWS4JsoeY8Li-xlPn1tI5C50K1W3i3JCv__ttHr7sEjdKmAlLLeh7vH8qEvzRNrJfuShsWEOZAH4eg4C01_a_Uu/s1600/IMG_20170511_073508145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaxcz26iTSr-SQR62IMRgoosJBlvuldLXzStI-75KaypMwBGOXTH7bAWS4JsoeY8Li-xlPn1tI5C50K1W3i3JCv__ttHr7sEjdKmAlLLeh7vH8qEvzRNrJfuShsWEOZAH4eg4C01_a_Uu/s320/IMG_20170511_073508145.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq83v2zksMUbtEmSyi6FqXjA-Wg5HouxoA5sQI78feBY40hAztrU309MG8c_hp0-Yc32l0760arZaF_bSA729uF7HUgrlEdwXtk1GDVxVZqMuduS7yRqy1vt1j1VkKUFBgPRC_-K8aV0w/s1600/20170511_082016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq83v2zksMUbtEmSyi6FqXjA-Wg5HouxoA5sQI78feBY40hAztrU309MG8c_hp0-Yc32l0760arZaF_bSA729uF7HUgrlEdwXtk1GDVxVZqMuduS7yRqy1vt1j1VkKUFBgPRC_-K8aV0w/s400/20170511_082016.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found him! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTrxkwlcTIVMnPiBe68I5xKADkGOlFz-xUsYBxH3hlI_y-KO0TvZizj25Gpv5To2fBi77JpbFGmHlh2LlKmYl295BYstWq87R7s3-Fiic3do4HAweB4aTAklSiIdFA8co2-Zb3CjvVBvz/s1600/IMG_6279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTrxkwlcTIVMnPiBe68I5xKADkGOlFz-xUsYBxH3hlI_y-KO0TvZizj25Gpv5To2fBi77JpbFGmHlh2LlKmYl295BYstWq87R7s3-Fiic3do4HAweB4aTAklSiIdFA8co2-Zb3CjvVBvz/s320/IMG_6279.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5D59QhpohphuHsq9hQPGs8F3LZ-JA8SXsSo_p4q_v0EVa3M1H81EpexfMHRxHjAPA1AAEI0AOifxoNTBPYga9XQRnOtgCLfmK8fac6rLgObBs9w1Jc7TDDgFaN4MAt74B_y-HSGacv7g/s1600/IMG_20170511_102554031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5D59QhpohphuHsq9hQPGs8F3LZ-JA8SXsSo_p4q_v0EVa3M1H81EpexfMHRxHjAPA1AAEI0AOifxoNTBPYga9XQRnOtgCLfmK8fac6rLgObBs9w1Jc7TDDgFaN4MAt74B_y-HSGacv7g/s320/IMG_20170511_102554031.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdecKH0zHwzCh7wJ_u94yx8hHD1s0TX7yr0WjHlWQQLNCrese6LiEUnoZHMQnMb2JIKoxu5GB_A9gwAfs8YvxCipOoWWLZcfir4EyTTDt2MEPZDtmg2hWk8beEc9IqeVRIlfA62tipEFM/s1600/IMG_6283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdecKH0zHwzCh7wJ_u94yx8hHD1s0TX7yr0WjHlWQQLNCrese6LiEUnoZHMQnMb2JIKoxu5GB_A9gwAfs8YvxCipOoWWLZcfir4EyTTDt2MEPZDtmg2hWk8beEc9IqeVRIlfA62tipEFM/s320/IMG_6283.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His last moments as a padawan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was the PhD Hooding and Awards Ceremony for over 150 candidates in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The advisers of the PhD students processed in. Each student had an adviser; some, like Ted, had two. This is the person(s) who guided their research study over so many years. Many advisers had multiple PhD candidates under their tutelage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdKXL8KjLDA1RP9jtSAHaQ_zaCYHYRQo6ND5n3oHzPVN0fucLDOLeOckaCYiFYPTuW0WE4fYYWOm7rijZ40PTwULrTjYAdLMYAbf1pMqdFRAf5Vl3fIn-my_OWiw8evbVqu3cpRAIsVka/s1600/20170511_082931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdKXL8KjLDA1RP9jtSAHaQ_zaCYHYRQo6ND5n3oHzPVN0fucLDOLeOckaCYiFYPTuW0WE4fYYWOm7rijZ40PTwULrTjYAdLMYAbf1pMqdFRAf5Vl3fIn-my_OWiw8evbVqu3cpRAIsVka/s320/20170511_082931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XWRZAxXuatKO8n2LbatZMCav0JkVCdbUdIJ6VZEugklaGqsZrBMIBFNLRmL1wIe1geE2EKOf0gMwqIOgmNmTr6c4HD2ZK1bdunRH8Z1nE4tTTy3fkXN9c5qwuR4slN6eliAfrlunh0xy/s1600/IMG_6285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1299" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XWRZAxXuatKO8n2LbatZMCav0JkVCdbUdIJ6VZEugklaGqsZrBMIBFNLRmL1wIe1geE2EKOf0gMwqIOgmNmTr6c4HD2ZK1bdunRH8Z1nE4tTTy3fkXN9c5qwuR4slN6eliAfrlunh0xy/s320/IMG_6285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-cxMDXnCsRF7UEEHRF0-fXReH7J8_i3CpT3NM0RtGx-AORtUX44n2CmV5XwPEaERGYAVMkBmdZUPspuXiuMnWUA8lndu0_FgNq83X4t0U4FZAPHzHphmgWJ6ZuGVLQRbLYYpaBuU9S2C/s1600/IMG_20170511_104053015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-cxMDXnCsRF7UEEHRF0-fXReH7J8_i3CpT3NM0RtGx-AORtUX44n2CmV5XwPEaERGYAVMkBmdZUPspuXiuMnWUA8lndu0_FgNq83X4t0U4FZAPHzHphmgWJ6ZuGVLQRbLYYpaBuU9S2C/s320/IMG_20170511_104053015.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted's adviser, Dr. Henryk Flashner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ltGiFijOk3c_RPP3K_a0xGhSdHtkSLzoCtFQyalGOAEoyoXyzf4nQ5UHmFOeYrTIW82Xjtp9LeLyLacFAUdfYxMmmRo7-BP9PS0ELyKb-t8m8p89B7Qb210PXz9mRm6USOQRwYWxlmHy/s1600/IMG_20170511_104102366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ltGiFijOk3c_RPP3K_a0xGhSdHtkSLzoCtFQyalGOAEoyoXyzf4nQ5UHmFOeYrTIW82Xjtp9LeLyLacFAUdfYxMmmRo7-BP9PS0ELyKb-t8m8p89B7Qb210PXz9mRm6USOQRwYWxlmHy/s320/IMG_20170511_104102366.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted's other adviser, Jill McNitt-Gray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn0hot27_ZZJlaqx6PkEiEINnT_M25kWhGynD_q3W3dvG9YVFgN_oHTiHvBOUwWwqFz3ZEp_ImGbZhgB8JkbXxEBs48UR0bYgSeslg7QBWVmJGmYOuqJ0HEeQWey13iPXflNMQCfPwo8q/s1600/IMG_6288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn0hot27_ZZJlaqx6PkEiEINnT_M25kWhGynD_q3W3dvG9YVFgN_oHTiHvBOUwWwqFz3ZEp_ImGbZhgB8JkbXxEBs48UR0bYgSeslg7QBWVmJGmYOuqJ0HEeQWey13iPXflNMQCfPwo8q/s320/IMG_6288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The dean of the engineering school, Yannis Yortsos, gave an entertaining talk. He remarked on the lengthy titles of many of the students' theses, and suggested that perhaps they should soon allow emojis to be part of the titles.😊😁😄😋😏😉 He reminded us that PhD stands for the Latin <i>Philosophiae Doctor; Philosophiae </i>can be translated as <i>lover of wisdom.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh1JKthffrBt2yCL-qQCqaa7d64cEsBQpBWKDg6riba2c1CPKI0F4U5NUi5x9A9ermBqzVbH3oogB5QEHuyDPVU-cPkHCCA4sAeitLBNRlFsqh1XuVYDaopGWMOAtKnO9rwxymQTKow5Q/s1600/50299405_00701_0076_Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh1JKthffrBt2yCL-qQCqaa7d64cEsBQpBWKDg6riba2c1CPKI0F4U5NUi5x9A9ermBqzVbH3oogB5QEHuyDPVU-cPkHCCA4sAeitLBNRlFsqh1XuVYDaopGWMOAtKnO9rwxymQTKow5Q/s320/50299405_00701_0076_Large.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean Yortsos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrc0_mZfs8viv6udK5LKD51oL3UUeJtgLsTAz3z6HkJ43KE0cm4GdhdDToohzePDCwmI2PZTeejjwrF32Ks40DCe5dFr3byxSIXgjOMTHNsKl-wuqeDSCYLRFwOmnj1F7Uvu9KMwr68oP/s1600/50299405_01101_0004_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrc0_mZfs8viv6udK5LKD51oL3UUeJtgLsTAz3z6HkJ43KE0cm4GdhdDToohzePDCwmI2PZTeejjwrF32Ks40DCe5dFr3byxSIXgjOMTHNsKl-wuqeDSCYLRFwOmnj1F7Uvu9KMwr68oP/s320/50299405_01101_0004_XLarge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Awards were presented first, and I am proud to say that my son received the Jenny Wang Award for Excellence in Teaching for the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. That's my boy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUDCK_fh51QWzIq3xjae8C_486Zj54NjUipYsfstC4WdqKau0IU1JGoTkGKXgMWlbxTVCXHFZD4aXl_zx5E77tKuWIDWdbe8MaJ-57V9URqkL_gf0YYltRLpdw42T12KPqzhc9-alfK4c/s1600/20170511_092143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUDCK_fh51QWzIq3xjae8C_486Zj54NjUipYsfstC4WdqKau0IU1JGoTkGKXgMWlbxTVCXHFZD4aXl_zx5E77tKuWIDWdbe8MaJ-57V9URqkL_gf0YYltRLpdw42T12KPqzhc9-alfK4c/s400/20170511_092143.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted standing for his award recognition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After all the awards were presented, the students migrated up to the stage to be hooded. They carried their hood draped over their arm onto the stage, where their adviser(s) took the hood and placed it around their candidate's neck. Some tall students with short advisers had to do contortions to help their adviser's reach, making for some entertainment as the ceremony wore on. All in all, the ceremony was an enjoyable and joyful celebration of the accomplishments of some very bright students.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3A2yOy6UHFDQLNWZLkXFNgD8BA7Ik7zLwywFtGAEZBY8r8uCADE-dbBLvIt4GoJitVADy_KSSIYI3a9rg6ERLa2G0VjCwgTBkNLIoLAwQbFRe3BBm-KU8WD4yHtVR5FSh8yd5U6H1FnG/s1600/20170511_093323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3A2yOy6UHFDQLNWZLkXFNgD8BA7Ik7zLwywFtGAEZBY8r8uCADE-dbBLvIt4GoJitVADy_KSSIYI3a9rg6ERLa2G0VjCwgTBkNLIoLAwQbFRe3BBm-KU8WD4yHtVR5FSh8yd5U6H1FnG/s320/20170511_093323.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQSXMqwTuJUGY2qA8FQ4__g_pKY8IlVHiwhwOmXVzlHrtGRav9H4BuWdqRwpd6GoqKEUm3bU6rOp0W8_796cWqVt1i8QrD9ZOn8kfoxCmrd0BWfmwqchSPP_s_DGD7w7_0bld9oYPYNHr/s1600/50299405_01401_0024_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQSXMqwTuJUGY2qA8FQ4__g_pKY8IlVHiwhwOmXVzlHrtGRav9H4BuWdqRwpd6GoqKEUm3bU6rOp0W8_796cWqVt1i8QrD9ZOn8kfoxCmrd0BWfmwqchSPP_s_DGD7w7_0bld9oYPYNHr/s320/50299405_01401_0024_XLarge.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoBFuAyNt8JZLSorwhmhkfc85fCgfI7xi2_aiX4rxZ6H0I8__E_ikjiefGT_o7bl98eP8ONtWmSV5TmZDU45nNwFX7vwFP_8tXkY7Bt32id_oFp2ufA-EYOZYYBW5jUs2EXg7iA03JS7Y/s1600/50299405_01401_0026_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoBFuAyNt8JZLSorwhmhkfc85fCgfI7xi2_aiX4rxZ6H0I8__E_ikjiefGT_o7bl98eP8ONtWmSV5TmZDU45nNwFX7vwFP_8tXkY7Bt32id_oFp2ufA-EYOZYYBW5jUs2EXg7iA03JS7Y/s640/50299405_01401_0026_XLarge.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean Yannis Yortsos, adviser Jill McNitt-Gray, Ted, adviser Henryk Flashner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfcbM0ZZU_m-BDjhU7MuCpnrJuye5FBqF-10VhzxmTWUzoGcchos1ibEhdSTNgNq8mOi4A7sD1cbvVblVjHw15nNcqCul5QMMyJIz9ZtxbK8Cekg9k98UFkbzBPb8_Vt3zBjIQ7Bsq0Ek/s1600/50299405_85201_0009_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfcbM0ZZU_m-BDjhU7MuCpnrJuye5FBqF-10VhzxmTWUzoGcchos1ibEhdSTNgNq8mOi4A7sD1cbvVblVjHw15nNcqCul5QMMyJIz9ZtxbK8Cekg9k98UFkbzBPb8_Vt3zBjIQ7Bsq0Ek/s400/50299405_85201_0009_XLarge.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSrdoyvPwAB8-02JKxa-CnUFSb3DcedXeuUSqClbLTD2G9ZSjRoejjT9RDGQLqxceED6tN_ePO6cyqsEYxjsOdI32_4LfX60DDays6TDwUG9rv61kJgY5OTnILf1dmyFPrXghgomZLOoX/s1600/20170511_100440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSrdoyvPwAB8-02JKxa-CnUFSb3DcedXeuUSqClbLTD2G9ZSjRoejjT9RDGQLqxceED6tN_ePO6cyqsEYxjsOdI32_4LfX60DDays6TDwUG9rv61kJgY5OTnILf1dmyFPrXghgomZLOoX/s320/20170511_100440.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted was one of the first to be hooded. After that, well...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The school hosted a lovely breakfast reception in the park behind the auditorium. We were able to meet Ted's advisers and some of his fellow PhDs. Attendees enjoyed fresh fruit, salads, cookies and such in the cool morning sunshine. A group of Ted's acquaintances, including one of his advisers, walked over to the front of the Engineering building for some pictures, then on to the<i> Moreton Fig</i> for drinks. The <i>Moreton Fig</i> is so named for the two giant Moreton Fig trees that shade the outdoor patio of the restaurant. They are massive, ancient-looking specimens of a giant species brought to the US from Australia in the nineteenth century.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRngPMW6GLlEHY4WYQKELLmac2X8vky_WZMtt1npiu5asLBXqgR7rHTkh5SB1G3d_vuUj8db-xARYBv4ZHTctKggklB1FMignpdEExdeiCcdhJvjWE3vCPR4RW_lAXA92jLwPXB5fQYRkH/s1600/IMG_20170511_104443264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRngPMW6GLlEHY4WYQKELLmac2X8vky_WZMtt1npiu5asLBXqgR7rHTkh5SB1G3d_vuUj8db-xARYBv4ZHTctKggklB1FMignpdEExdeiCcdhJvjWE3vCPR4RW_lAXA92jLwPXB5fQYRkH/s320/IMG_20170511_104443264.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aEr0zpo1t_VmpP8DRigBslByEF8DvFmFfinCk7H3Wb6p3gFe4ixRmJVJSFWj1oWAzHIWWsvT-4NhEH_s8JrgJsFymOFN2sFbvnObNvdsy9XNlWu9vQvgeW8CucGKGFEUfL8YpXtOS7Bk/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aEr0zpo1t_VmpP8DRigBslByEF8DvFmFfinCk7H3Wb6p3gFe4ixRmJVJSFWj1oWAzHIWWsvT-4NhEH_s8JrgJsFymOFN2sFbvnObNvdsy9XNlWu9vQvgeW8CucGKGFEUfL8YpXtOS7Bk/s320/IMG_6315.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEshtR_e9OS7G0ctTuIhe8Sc3pvMrMPe9fGls1E9oyAShzryjgwJZJaju00FSq7o84KJKTzbxZ8cMP86OCFzleQn_wbByUn-rybeNGqeTLia4zOX0dpbtH1QUlp6BMohlmQDHXWXeEN1gj/s1600/IMG_6324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEshtR_e9OS7G0ctTuIhe8Sc3pvMrMPe9fGls1E9oyAShzryjgwJZJaju00FSq7o84KJKTzbxZ8cMP86OCFzleQn_wbByUn-rybeNGqeTLia4zOX0dpbtH1QUlp6BMohlmQDHXWXeEN1gj/s320/IMG_6324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwwwgZrrZ7xvv_nS9ZEpPfI3mTMhye22uRjqzwjWSh1K66hYVAZh9DMB67jwuw3zYgixYRneEKN-Ux0iMpoHgFxzf2VcoAmVdzzP3eWRdjnoKVZ_4netBzx1XmGIrz5Fu5Vbmg4WX_m77/s1600/IMG_6360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwwwgZrrZ7xvv_nS9ZEpPfI3mTMhye22uRjqzwjWSh1K66hYVAZh9DMB67jwuw3zYgixYRneEKN-Ux0iMpoHgFxzf2VcoAmVdzzP3eWRdjnoKVZ_4netBzx1XmGIrz5Fu5Vbmg4WX_m77/s320/IMG_6360.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something seems to be missing from this photo...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3YK80ug8T2A8bVDvqBQNU33YVLVR56Ik3GHm0CcQ9JVYiScm6TrR8Q-lu7gOGezerkva5aioY91AHUUTR3bhaDpOtUxWR18cWFvH8AvVycx13qLS26B8QYdYM7io_zFjFxquVNwGqTxa/s1600/20170511_113432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3YK80ug8T2A8bVDvqBQNU33YVLVR56Ik3GHm0CcQ9JVYiScm6TrR8Q-lu7gOGezerkva5aioY91AHUUTR3bhaDpOtUxWR18cWFvH8AvVycx13qLS26B8QYdYM7io_zFjFxquVNwGqTxa/s320/20170511_113432.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_DbwScTJRiXojguBRDArZwqNHh3s3gYgJGvNlJSKvMNhl3mOc8M0NHKrucSbwrKFc3lwbsGesnZanrmSfofMl45FqRpZhV0Ohp3ms4YCYVq6xhQsFGWBLmAZVJFRrJxNGR_gBaC-fq_f/s1600/20170511_115943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_DbwScTJRiXojguBRDArZwqNHh3s3gYgJGvNlJSKvMNhl3mOc8M0NHKrucSbwrKFc3lwbsGesnZanrmSfofMl45FqRpZhV0Ohp3ms4YCYVq6xhQsFGWBLmAZVJFRrJxNGR_gBaC-fq_f/s320/20170511_115943.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A reminder of "home!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwq4fDX7oAvFE8AIK52sraIDNxYtyTJUMiCBFFzOZ9yYMRKtWWx2Gg-9alVkAduxPuGfVGfE1MpALECukhUC-KixQdXBRbwzvmz5kbbZGe2F8w7eHNoc74Ub2N6JAM8w1dHsstdarxPXG/s1600/20170511_121019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwq4fDX7oAvFE8AIK52sraIDNxYtyTJUMiCBFFzOZ9yYMRKtWWx2Gg-9alVkAduxPuGfVGfE1MpALECukhUC-KixQdXBRbwzvmz5kbbZGe2F8w7eHNoc74Ub2N6JAM8w1dHsstdarxPXG/s640/20170511_121019.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One massive Moreton Fig tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFxEnv9RQO3clEGJJVfqi_hQgcWtCFTGUl5o-VXG1beM8m9fHWaeMg8zftvYqKRbUWMoqFtjlXTOi1Epx1Z04DEh0NSuwji5g2hYt7Gic8VCpbkXLaZJJTSoOCtydBKpWB1EP6rTuoq0k/s1600/20170511_145611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFxEnv9RQO3clEGJJVfqi_hQgcWtCFTGUl5o-VXG1beM8m9fHWaeMg8zftvYqKRbUWMoqFtjlXTOi1Epx1Z04DEh0NSuwji5g2hYt7Gic8VCpbkXLaZJJTSoOCtydBKpWB1EP6rTuoq0k/s640/20170511_145611.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the other.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHTyxLa7q1xYduM5h7uSgAfB7edx6SxufxgLzWvPyqBne9xjEjWaPK0_E3-jZjH9-9eOHD5hrU5myLhKAjYfLwmB0gGLjw9eoknyPB2HercvOSHSVQJJCdHK53m0WO7YKMqfUgtJwzs4t/s1600/IMG_6380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHTyxLa7q1xYduM5h7uSgAfB7edx6SxufxgLzWvPyqBne9xjEjWaPK0_E3-jZjH9-9eOHD5hrU5myLhKAjYfLwmB0gGLjw9eoknyPB2HercvOSHSVQJJCdHK53m0WO7YKMqfUgtJwzs4t/s320/IMG_6380.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted borrowed his friend's "fancy" cap </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLUWY6Zrn2kVmucZ3hHr4wE2StjcAS2GCCP3_5MCN8oTupiCSxUvNf4Rv7ZzUgLbQfh895PTaOaCAUZIwbllCIeglAmN766Dfa8QJmvVWb1gLAtMeshKAFXIY7o0prCpsYznxu6guvR7R/s1600/For+the+Win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLUWY6Zrn2kVmucZ3hHr4wE2StjcAS2GCCP3_5MCN8oTupiCSxUvNf4Rv7ZzUgLbQfh895PTaOaCAUZIwbllCIeglAmN766Dfa8QJmvVWb1gLAtMeshKAFXIY7o0prCpsYznxu6guvR7R/s320/For+the+Win.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW73mja3IHEoLBMuaigKmtKEd9eJ9VFJ0KPHlHkAmcu5u8Yvp2vrawNB_xHXM0t_MRpXsmXLXGOO6fDy4kzRnfAcY1N2oFJwIkgRoGOU-JQkOu9coZUJasIn089-EiIeIKB5TOTmnhyphenhyphenC2/s1600/20170511_142711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW73mja3IHEoLBMuaigKmtKEd9eJ9VFJ0KPHlHkAmcu5u8Yvp2vrawNB_xHXM0t_MRpXsmXLXGOO6fDy4kzRnfAcY1N2oFJwIkgRoGOU-JQkOu9coZUJasIn089-EiIeIKB5TOTmnhyphenhyphenC2/s400/20170511_142711.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxing eloquent about dual quaternions or something...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then it was on to the iconic statue of Tommy Trojan for some final pictures before returning the rented robes. Tommy is quite the celebrity; we had to wait in line to have our picture taken with him!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-xAQg1jzHPkvlSekk99s4MuUY8T1C6eldvVysUset4yCoH7lsB_2-oX-XynEIwq142p-rsb6vQDXzPLeqlj5eqiPzELkxfPKmVHfP_jZJ2eYa4kR6k2K6TWr1vG_xc3BHY9BgU_OzCxJ/s1600/IMG_20170511_152337045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-xAQg1jzHPkvlSekk99s4MuUY8T1C6eldvVysUset4yCoH7lsB_2-oX-XynEIwq142p-rsb6vQDXzPLeqlj5eqiPzELkxfPKmVHfP_jZJ2eYa4kR6k2K6TWr1vG_xc3BHY9BgU_OzCxJ/s320/IMG_20170511_152337045.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkoHloxkPG2qs9UI6c1OXuJGuwKujJL15hOeWIB7CFprN3PDd9KpA3_uYS-jO0x-rrti4OtSYlSDVhI_nciHuexpkbVcwGOsuJHHwz17n8gp2sCaIQ27kn_8MEl7ONxTR5hV3O_ASxF4x/s1600/IMG_20170511_152411044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkoHloxkPG2qs9UI6c1OXuJGuwKujJL15hOeWIB7CFprN3PDd9KpA3_uYS-jO0x-rrti4OtSYlSDVhI_nciHuexpkbVcwGOsuJHHwz17n8gp2sCaIQ27kn_8MEl7ONxTR5hV3O_ASxF4x/s320/IMG_20170511_152411044.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHyAHaYG7K4NgKHi5c-R8DZLKruRX-qnSMFSgL49b23TRpemNgWy59Yk5in__mIG6wBkcDFDS6zB-qbwsfYC4z6k3rnIgd3nNLnC1cb6QHif5jhKhWMkGqyKpe_1nxuad-OgDe9YHAhG/s1600/IMG_20170511_152554711_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHyAHaYG7K4NgKHi5c-R8DZLKruRX-qnSMFSgL49b23TRpemNgWy59Yk5in__mIG6wBkcDFDS6zB-qbwsfYC4z6k3rnIgd3nNLnC1cb6QHif5jhKhWMkGqyKpe_1nxuad-OgDe9YHAhG/s640/IMG_20170511_152554711_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKDBd2ytSh3EOcuK7ABccPr3p0M6XZ7ELxsV6uiIT2tSRJyUhBlqF-ROyvhvvanSRFNrAvn-ZSCIExRBrR7OshOdVK3K3pi0BGJfeWppp_4Dq6PFN4XCccdUBPqGU94e2Mg9WUJiG8CDm/s1600/IMG_6367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKDBd2ytSh3EOcuK7ABccPr3p0M6XZ7ELxsV6uiIT2tSRJyUhBlqF-ROyvhvvanSRFNrAvn-ZSCIExRBrR7OshOdVK3K3pi0BGJfeWppp_4Dq6PFN4XCccdUBPqGU94e2Mg9WUJiG8CDm/s320/IMG_6367.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full-on Jedi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the evening, we enjoyed some fresh handmade pizza and craft beer at the <i>Doughroom</i>. Kudos to the customer service there - Tim's pizza was just slightly burnt on the edge, so they insisted on making him a new one, but in the mean time, let him have the first one anyway.<br />
<br />
The next morning Ted drove Tim and me to a popular breakfast eatery near Venice Beach, <i>Egg Slut</i>. He said people frequently stand in line for an hour to eat these delicious egg sandwiches. They were very tasty, but I'm not sure I'd wait in line an hour for one! I think waiting in line for good eats is part of the foodie culture in LA.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2GVDoRep_QoWmMrg-mDSIdA4XhsUwwNWAd9XTDd5mSkAbZiwshw7rKlllWAGFsQfAq1hY-P786qwYsv9xufz1JyOh9GKXfC86DNeZpd1gEQLgewNpWnRju7l4r1j81Zk1iqwvd3neOF2/s1600/20170512_085655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2GVDoRep_QoWmMrg-mDSIdA4XhsUwwNWAd9XTDd5mSkAbZiwshw7rKlllWAGFsQfAq1hY-P786qwYsv9xufz1JyOh9GKXfC86DNeZpd1gEQLgewNpWnRju7l4r1j81Zk1iqwvd3neOF2/s320/20170512_085655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPqUWWzlnxM4kjRFjbYJr1oqmJB0DSuF5ZLWIaTbRbMoK3Yz_jL8VPDx93EfmpMY7PojvjCPiDW1u6-ep1hq6rfxbd0IcDxbYcI1Ev_kN5LAW9w4BpiMQQfPu72Kuhjm7dic7VXY7p8On/s1600/20170512_090121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPqUWWzlnxM4kjRFjbYJr1oqmJB0DSuF5ZLWIaTbRbMoK3Yz_jL8VPDx93EfmpMY7PojvjCPiDW1u6-ep1hq6rfxbd0IcDxbYcI1Ev_kN5LAW9w4BpiMQQfPu72Kuhjm7dic7VXY7p8On/s320/20170512_090121.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDj9bp3O1_u_dJhGbMuyLa-cx3ty2eXQp_FygQsTPRZC0206PgGCbjUhh6SNjhAyy5FBg3K3KXU10P63WaYVDatXcersqfFA8XguxXUB4ckiouKl4o92irc-nQbF42G7O70Uyj_-eXZ88/s1600/20170512_090131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDj9bp3O1_u_dJhGbMuyLa-cx3ty2eXQp_FygQsTPRZC0206PgGCbjUhh6SNjhAyy5FBg3K3KXU10P63WaYVDatXcersqfFA8XguxXUB4ckiouKl4o92irc-nQbF42G7O70Uyj_-eXZ88/s320/20170512_090131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We walked down to Venice Beach. It was a cool, overcast morning, so not a lot of activity. We were entertained by a couple of guys obviously shooting some kind of music video there, dancing in and out of the palm trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg6NcLj9Li6Y0nL2Q8Vmqk3NH2Iv8KmR67UGdfRLyj579E3Cry_4yXZTka9CB6HKBDhyphenhyphen7SpTsM09R45EESCkrpoPyAZTQ3oea6uCPdaZf-xO5bSDKM978qY-Oub-fSx2vQKgRQubmDhgZ/s1600/20170512_091151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="623" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg6NcLj9Li6Y0nL2Q8Vmqk3NH2Iv8KmR67UGdfRLyj579E3Cry_4yXZTka9CB6HKBDhyphenhyphen7SpTsM09R45EESCkrpoPyAZTQ3oea6uCPdaZf-xO5bSDKM978qY-Oub-fSx2vQKgRQubmDhgZ/s320/20170512_091151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo02EZcC3h-5FtSp63dHrQsA-xl-FSTS0dDMVDNQKoWZYTWFybybWMBVY6J9L_snUoXSYYP9ULSmTykRSfu_x-PHaSyF0-MeYLjb0IlKy1A9wko5tGlXXr7tZ5rOrS6V0cJQ3Wt6T-VrGh/s1600/20170512_091706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo02EZcC3h-5FtSp63dHrQsA-xl-FSTS0dDMVDNQKoWZYTWFybybWMBVY6J9L_snUoXSYYP9ULSmTykRSfu_x-PHaSyF0-MeYLjb0IlKy1A9wko5tGlXXr7tZ5rOrS6V0cJQ3Wt6T-VrGh/s320/20170512_091706.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PeXlIvaO8mUZx7dNQhsK5YExmEjoCJNQDCFeSW5Q_-eslzbknWqpYANCgA7ArZWmVzN1qKXEBQtS35-VtOj_-8c44pOh07R5NVY-X2NHMrEGnOgUATVYD2Z63BFk7B_EV6u6_I5Wa8FK/s1600/20170512_091728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PeXlIvaO8mUZx7dNQhsK5YExmEjoCJNQDCFeSW5Q_-eslzbknWqpYANCgA7ArZWmVzN1qKXEBQtS35-VtOj_-8c44pOh07R5NVY-X2NHMrEGnOgUATVYD2Z63BFk7B_EV6u6_I5Wa8FK/s320/20170512_091728.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music video in progress...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrI5SK4vL8VFaXE5QL227g6_bh8ArdZmdC3WzWnpDwRycDDojOaFjGa0pRqKGEDOxeTeaGG3IoAeuTWmsDykaqefmpKGGxN2d2LqTnxlop7sEGxldk9I6KYdYLGpjld0cq6y2ZwkRtZMoJ/s1600/20170512_093133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="714" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrI5SK4vL8VFaXE5QL227g6_bh8ArdZmdC3WzWnpDwRycDDojOaFjGa0pRqKGEDOxeTeaGG3IoAeuTWmsDykaqefmpKGGxN2d2LqTnxlop7sEGxldk9I6KYdYLGpjld0cq6y2ZwkRtZMoJ/s320/20170512_093133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From here it was just a short drive to see the Venice Canals. It's a lovely little area - very pricey to live here I would imagine. Some of the homes looked like they were vacation rentals. I was surprised we were allowed on the walkway between the homes and the canals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwlw54ujb1Htn0SAoKkSlfqHCkwFnVIYZeYQoGEeGhOu4Ali1k6xPmb0aQvecXHa09ob04I0YbMj3srVOiKMbiqoS4Z_747YegqZbYlN01PBaVj8iyBpcWBkaLsJNZBctUQXF4AGUHTe4/s1600/20170512_094148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1135" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwlw54ujb1Htn0SAoKkSlfqHCkwFnVIYZeYQoGEeGhOu4Ali1k6xPmb0aQvecXHa09ob04I0YbMj3srVOiKMbiqoS4Z_747YegqZbYlN01PBaVj8iyBpcWBkaLsJNZBctUQXF4AGUHTe4/s320/20170512_094148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEToJi4ibspz6HTutTd4QMlkMhIbH7ZZ1dqxIUavBvaD2_U3XPAbPe9wvl_aK1uEVUmVXIv6XtMRZN7KYynsu8cMJHcRzMmwXRmflmvZev2hfH5UgRxFkO2bOB9mpcxaU9Y9tevxm7uun/s1600/20170512_095233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEToJi4ibspz6HTutTd4QMlkMhIbH7ZZ1dqxIUavBvaD2_U3XPAbPe9wvl_aK1uEVUmVXIv6XtMRZN7KYynsu8cMJHcRzMmwXRmflmvZev2hfH5UgRxFkO2bOB9mpcxaU9Y9tevxm7uun/s320/20170512_095233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBWEQQGFsPOxKvjwRrofymdhmbq7PUVZdluiNDDjKp6Vi4brc8WNVgL0Zs4N0lMsWs5Qy9sUNkqbcJMRYpe88PLk3J7pHLNHrjQnEn30rQXEAzW0Pn1nyCLJDqG8mY_2YSaOdMUZTkktk/s1600/20170512_094159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBWEQQGFsPOxKvjwRrofymdhmbq7PUVZdluiNDDjKp6Vi4brc8WNVgL0Zs4N0lMsWs5Qy9sUNkqbcJMRYpe88PLk3J7pHLNHrjQnEn30rQXEAzW0Pn1nyCLJDqG8mY_2YSaOdMUZTkktk/s400/20170512_094159.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPZiE1u_lID-BvR1OfyAbrrVewlbJ0uLVli6imr51RHqdE0fQieasblE0BUQDDlcalHhaC-RAohrVhQKU3_WHzQtYwoDglTjsuOZN1DS77NpQHkxsBHsRd8Gd4sV8MCjvFrzcWpX_lbcX/s1600/20170512_094215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPZiE1u_lID-BvR1OfyAbrrVewlbJ0uLVli6imr51RHqdE0fQieasblE0BUQDDlcalHhaC-RAohrVhQKU3_WHzQtYwoDglTjsuOZN1DS77NpQHkxsBHsRd8Gd4sV8MCjvFrzcWpX_lbcX/s320/20170512_094215.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are real! I thought they were metal...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBO08RqZWarF5r2HeYQnOGfSAPOAlRzknzIqt9ac6PAjWc4MDrS7jGHhckbnP5b6n43G1hT6S09E9awtZWCCH7P_RCQY1aQIEYMzQVRcGpQHbpQzG-Y9f_LbgAH8hMiakwx10fcSP010s/s1600/20170512_094504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBO08RqZWarF5r2HeYQnOGfSAPOAlRzknzIqt9ac6PAjWc4MDrS7jGHhckbnP5b6n43G1hT6S09E9awtZWCCH7P_RCQY1aQIEYMzQVRcGpQHbpQzG-Y9f_LbgAH8hMiakwx10fcSP010s/s320/20170512_094504.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V4fDr85udXlFiIPjaZNmRu3im7QK2oJ3AgH3ps7EDpyqGrYqfX75qKLsKJgxpWx2_-xfoCdaoextFLR9IBtJ_1gqZ8RnS8T61UNaKHSVMx4UjRGUGWexcI9iYI09SDB8jcdJoNs-4P3m/s1600/20170512_094814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V4fDr85udXlFiIPjaZNmRu3im7QK2oJ3AgH3ps7EDpyqGrYqfX75qKLsKJgxpWx2_-xfoCdaoextFLR9IBtJ_1gqZ8RnS8T61UNaKHSVMx4UjRGUGWexcI9iYI09SDB8jcdJoNs-4P3m/s400/20170512_094814.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another eye-catching tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigklUUWQCn79rLug60FPAegVr1-JY8jHwqt29C52gOwaY8NnUn37OFwhodsHVZZz8qzjqXqfcVQEmWNDv4fpQpshSnmGQ_G8HjWEABAPoeH0y8_gPf08ai03ztxbHs2ypWWreG_Xym9pUW/s1600/20170512_095152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigklUUWQCn79rLug60FPAegVr1-JY8jHwqt29C52gOwaY8NnUn37OFwhodsHVZZz8qzjqXqfcVQEmWNDv4fpQpshSnmGQ_G8HjWEABAPoeH0y8_gPf08ai03ztxbHs2ypWWreG_Xym9pUW/s320/20170512_095152.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of lovely and unique homes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgqeY5V49SkSD_YwnlsgKOZ7CKJXkg3h7cqe4WiYH9xeInbWV30fG09M5fJmVI0GsYqGh-bo9Y7d16YA9CWo7YLBv7HEEH8TVIvKckaQ_k_6p-jH7UzDZL8CsChLFfeGb1FI-yCSrWZBb/s1600/20170512_095201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgqeY5V49SkSD_YwnlsgKOZ7CKJXkg3h7cqe4WiYH9xeInbWV30fG09M5fJmVI0GsYqGh-bo9Y7d16YA9CWo7YLBv7HEEH8TVIvKckaQ_k_6p-jH7UzDZL8CsChLFfeGb1FI-yCSrWZBb/s320/20170512_095201.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wx6w_3ghFIzFch2mS3ATgwHQmD-KnVWQrBbhGVtoZySulQ1nY7-uMpGP1sSjhlig-4ncqmsawCgZgGAVcVCWTcZMWNWzpcE3MdI9vyuBzSlZbliwro9r2Du421PrYhz1QhTquw6D1lbp/s1600/20170512_095413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wx6w_3ghFIzFch2mS3ATgwHQmD-KnVWQrBbhGVtoZySulQ1nY7-uMpGP1sSjhlig-4ncqmsawCgZgGAVcVCWTcZMWNWzpcE3MdI9vyuBzSlZbliwro9r2Du421PrYhz1QhTquw6D1lbp/s320/20170512_095413.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBHteYL7X5mZjT9AFsHvp_LkJbyhrD1S86-e-vuVo5mWU2yhoiGDRZWWmfRI2G5Fe6XNUSCRIrnW-BPGRb1vd1cCC0n-z7sFXjRqo0nI46QbHLZZ5QPmYgVcurAlKtd4hMMYBMAwV7LJq/s1600/20170512_095537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBHteYL7X5mZjT9AFsHvp_LkJbyhrD1S86-e-vuVo5mWU2yhoiGDRZWWmfRI2G5Fe6XNUSCRIrnW-BPGRb1vd1cCC0n-z7sFXjRqo0nI46QbHLZZ5QPmYgVcurAlKtd4hMMYBMAwV7LJq/s320/20170512_095537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlrJsG2GRwLusxhu9_Feo_3OjU376bDBzmSY1HA66CPjxl5G9oZ5WC4ydwIObkUj10UFx7iMVnmTtH-e-7ctZA6hLMZpVhIa7XyxxNH_lk1i7hHrqzfHY66_yUc3qwT47bmELyKebvdmz/s1600/20170512_100057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlrJsG2GRwLusxhu9_Feo_3OjU376bDBzmSY1HA66CPjxl5G9oZ5WC4ydwIObkUj10UFx7iMVnmTtH-e-7ctZA6hLMZpVhIa7XyxxNH_lk1i7hHrqzfHY66_yUc3qwT47bmELyKebvdmz/s320/20170512_100057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sadly, it was time to say good-bye to Tim - his visit went by much too quickly, but I am so glad I got to see him. We drove him to LAX, then headed back to the apartment, stopping for some groceries on the way. American grocery stores - such selections!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAWYFKDOrNYIST58pj5IEfTFkJQxdSErPE3inT5tv9pwr1Rwil-8VArwcMTwtwslmKHsccLVZ0A-42ZHYnGA7AXR0ux1xTJ2ZgUKGR8N5jpzBsZMC2se6BFLRSrLstBgbb-nRoYkt3L1h/s1600/20170512_114030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAWYFKDOrNYIST58pj5IEfTFkJQxdSErPE3inT5tv9pwr1Rwil-8VArwcMTwtwslmKHsccLVZ0A-42ZHYnGA7AXR0ux1xTJ2ZgUKGR8N5jpzBsZMC2se6BFLRSrLstBgbb-nRoYkt3L1h/s320/20170512_114030.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long time no see! I was weak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In the evening, Ted and I enjoyed an outdoor jazz concert at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It was a fine performance by the Charles Owens Quintet. Charles Owens is a seventy-eight-year-old world-class sax and flute player and vocalist. We were especially impressed with the piano player, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b3L2npx8NQ">Tamir Hendelman</a>, who Charles Owens said was "born in a Steinway." So refreshing to soak in some good quality live jazz - not many opportunities in Pattaya (I know I've whined about this before).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6b91qpeW-uPlOc9NfkdsUNvGBdmOA8FPg6pLTcFjXe_DkOf7dFB4kgASVKeJDfOGwNN4Roj87xYgVU7Cz4LeG8lOtaUX__4qobqP_v9HfqWksPCTAvys23mli4hVS4jvqiZL6TArzCuW/s1600/20170512_173540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6b91qpeW-uPlOc9NfkdsUNvGBdmOA8FPg6pLTcFjXe_DkOf7dFB4kgASVKeJDfOGwNN4Roj87xYgVU7Cz4LeG8lOtaUX__4qobqP_v9HfqWksPCTAvys23mli4hVS4jvqiZL6TArzCuW/s400/20170512_173540.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is "Gort" from the old movie, <i>The Day the Earth Stood Still</i>, <br />in a shop front we passed on the way to the concert!<br />"Gort, Klaatu barada nikto!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmACyI2uLCfdp-wQ1lWU-tTdqPoVhS4HltvGa7MEtPUM-j2tk-34IYSDTQH8xLbL7wRyI1zELIX9SsNNygg63MiY3E7WdGNCp2sGoeoUkbzgLQ0TA944bVYAE3cDd1mkgrpuvM25_nfM5Q/s1600/20170512_190422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmACyI2uLCfdp-wQ1lWU-tTdqPoVhS4HltvGa7MEtPUM-j2tk-34IYSDTQH8xLbL7wRyI1zELIX9SsNNygg63MiY3E7WdGNCp2sGoeoUkbzgLQ0TA944bVYAE3cDd1mkgrpuvM25_nfM5Q/s400/20170512_190422.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N0lQlfJmwUEt5S1IEre4K-LcMg38Ny4LrsZ2d0wC016ztdRMJJIehsyNC4tSqiYAyNRsauObB_-kq0ST9hfCRSbblgMJaEqRzwdXSmO27kTPEHnpOJlmUvVe40GMwOHVn4pSJT1mEZY2/s1600/20170512_192854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N0lQlfJmwUEt5S1IEre4K-LcMg38Ny4LrsZ2d0wC016ztdRMJJIehsyNC4tSqiYAyNRsauObB_-kq0ST9hfCRSbblgMJaEqRzwdXSmO27kTPEHnpOJlmUvVe40GMwOHVn4pSJT1mEZY2/s320/20170512_192854.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Charles Owens Quintet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HfdNwMq8zEfeAnk_2PKyngwHBvRbicL9WDNFElY3ulrpAngZ9YrDIHKUajRwuY_luqBfo12PS8G1SZoyE07dYL11ip4HVD2qa-dgN5fXkSH_Hw7n3arIEEazY-RT8Gas91Xw_uMNmlsI/s1600/20170512_193901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HfdNwMq8zEfeAnk_2PKyngwHBvRbicL9WDNFElY3ulrpAngZ9YrDIHKUajRwuY_luqBfo12PS8G1SZoyE07dYL11ip4HVD2qa-dgN5fXkSH_Hw7n3arIEEazY-RT8Gas91Xw_uMNmlsI/s320/20170512_193901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5m3RkvMRF0RpXN1NwQMSzqQJJbLBfeSm6s4hZPA158f5XOwAUgBPmPYC_GS_teiTwGM6nikXvKs8XDp1mGqGdqjAQ_eX9YX4q5tCTVOMpCYLpztX9Bk_e-63bJFCil5EBVms1FqwzmwH/s1600/20170512_193944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5m3RkvMRF0RpXN1NwQMSzqQJJbLBfeSm6s4hZPA158f5XOwAUgBPmPYC_GS_teiTwGM6nikXvKs8XDp1mGqGdqjAQ_eX9YX4q5tCTVOMpCYLpztX9Bk_e-63bJFCil5EBVms1FqwzmwH/s320/20170512_193944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrqx_0ZW4Sc5K-YQ5izUE1vnGomo86bS76OKe7bsu3OUGpnnIm2ia_NvGvwf-oSz7nFMcxULyUoByAG4CaLMBQhNyC-ag_JSgkSaTnSYxFmdD9IlC_5HDiS4YiGDMNHH8WDf3WMvWx-Z7/s1600/20170512_194033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrqx_0ZW4Sc5K-YQ5izUE1vnGomo86bS76OKe7bsu3OUGpnnIm2ia_NvGvwf-oSz7nFMcxULyUoByAG4CaLMBQhNyC-ag_JSgkSaTnSYxFmdD9IlC_5HDiS4YiGDMNHH8WDf3WMvWx-Z7/s640/20170512_194033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic "Urban Light" sculpture outside the LACMA, <br />as seen in the movies<i> No Strings Attached</i> and <i>Valentines Day</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-50503206032233777702017-06-12T10:48:00.001-04:002017-06-18T08:26:38.896-04:00California IIMay 10, 2017<br />
<br />
Wednesday morning we drove to El Segundo to see the Aerospace Corporation where Ted would be working for the summer. He wanted to plot out the route before starting work the following Monday. Aerospace Corporation works closely with the US Air Force, among other entities, and in fact is located directly across El Segundo Blvd. from Los Angeles AFB. Many large aerospace companies have facilities in El Segundo. Looks like an interesting place to work. We took a drive through the little downtown area and down to the ocean.<br />
<br />
In the afternoon, Ted took me to The Last Bookstore - a place he knew would feed my soul. It is a very hip, artsy bookstore in downtown LA with amazing collections of new and used books, and an artistic homage to the printed word. It is the largest new and used books and record store in the state of California. The LA Times suggests thinking of it as an illustrated bookstore, and that is a pretty good description. The main room is huge; black walls with white Romanesque columns and huge abstract wall sculptures made of books. Even the checkout counter is built out of books. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnwpJqNfLtybdziIMGeP_F2Zv3M4qCKV6W8cySzb7e2Yrofl_1Cvp17JfI5hYnRWo6tMjkDQnZie2mJt_Wy67hBk5d1JS6ubFniyuoGxPulX_HXvYWcO6tpZQcRMmDOG3r7AHpD5CRxD5/s1600/20170510_153149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnwpJqNfLtybdziIMGeP_F2Zv3M4qCKV6W8cySzb7e2Yrofl_1Cvp17JfI5hYnRWo6tMjkDQnZie2mJt_Wy67hBk5d1JS6ubFniyuoGxPulX_HXvYWcO6tpZQcRMmDOG3r7AHpD5CRxD5/s320/20170510_153149.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QiEDaRaW4ZB5Sg4EObuhJRQl3zL3p3ORxMLJPObtes_rmqnITzcVIIgSrebm79P8uTikO5aB6Pe06g_Tb33l5L8AIlzw5CNbS_NzOSq_HWSKIoLWcD7vIXei5F3bZQQyJyfrOjYoJ7Qu/s1600/20170510_155048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QiEDaRaW4ZB5Sg4EObuhJRQl3zL3p3ORxMLJPObtes_rmqnITzcVIIgSrebm79P8uTikO5aB6Pe06g_Tb33l5L8AIlzw5CNbS_NzOSq_HWSKIoLWcD7vIXei5F3bZQQyJyfrOjYoJ7Qu/s320/20170510_155048.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCH4Q0qQSmYq7Vgp0Vgxf_6NVaEwA-q12EDm0zyU5I4KTgfiYN-p8MfxATICNveCydTAeVVuEeJBxfqV0YX_P3Uq2-2EJ1n7i7lwRJTJWTRZh3Ky10XGSQ3tKMPLhcfcrxb3Tv07LdI6T/s1600/20170510_153917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCH4Q0qQSmYq7Vgp0Vgxf_6NVaEwA-q12EDm0zyU5I4KTgfiYN-p8MfxATICNveCydTAeVVuEeJBxfqV0YX_P3Uq2-2EJ1n7i7lwRJTJWTRZh3Ky10XGSQ3tKMPLhcfcrxb3Tv07LdI6T/s640/20170510_153917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sLL-FYW36y7yOlCzXZOqmmUwSRXow_yjnYxRy6LO5CKZyiqauFuoO1pctLO2op0xmoF3-PtkvxpBRDFdrJ-5Ck3EiKs6iKQRUuHUTTEXcmWq_viM7W07HEdc1r-zXCqrUITgakAzjFWd/s1600/20170510_153651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sLL-FYW36y7yOlCzXZOqmmUwSRXow_yjnYxRy6LO5CKZyiqauFuoO1pctLO2op0xmoF3-PtkvxpBRDFdrJ-5Ck3EiKs6iKQRUuHUTTEXcmWq_viM7W07HEdc1r-zXCqrUITgakAzjFWd/s400/20170510_153651.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one side of the checkout counter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spent some time browsing through the unique collections, then climbed the stairs to the second floor, referred to as the Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore. This is a fantasy world for book lovers, difficult to describe. An enchanted bookshelf greets visitors as they step off the stairway, and whimsical creations are tucked in every corner. I could have stayed for hours. In fact, I want to live there! The owner of the store, Josh Spencer, has his own unique story to share. This <a href="https://vimeo.com/139828664">Video</a> is worth a look.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUysqbTUR96xvALQXqJ3WDAcrdFwcjzDZCwA1W1eEVC3jKCp3hClFo9lxPGGzl76PxWUXIF2E0MNrUfO72tpin7iXOoZv2RZmo_2ORkgrVnKGE5lGbhRDo-lmAhyphenhyphenH1b-86dGZLwXp-z7f/s1600/20170510_154153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUysqbTUR96xvALQXqJ3WDAcrdFwcjzDZCwA1W1eEVC3jKCp3hClFo9lxPGGzl76PxWUXIF2E0MNrUfO72tpin7iXOoZv2RZmo_2ORkgrVnKGE5lGbhRDo-lmAhyphenhyphenH1b-86dGZLwXp-z7f/s400/20170510_154153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Book Loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-5pVtDUnoyCaTDweUYqcREredZbRYnxStCECdt4l_SYqsIaK7-vbJ8VHxlnN8jD3AeGsIde3swhU83njqQSVaLCnlFhV1WvwvYLHXoLbb3yF48D-ksG-gmEAHSmyl-qt548RAj0xcJQv/s1600/20170510_153845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-5pVtDUnoyCaTDweUYqcREredZbRYnxStCECdt4l_SYqsIaK7-vbJ8VHxlnN8jD3AeGsIde3swhU83njqQSVaLCnlFhV1WvwvYLHXoLbb3yF48D-ksG-gmEAHSmyl-qt548RAj0xcJQv/s400/20170510_153845.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An enchanted bookshelf - the books are<i> literally </i>flying off the shelves!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNdLlw3akqSyFXfcFQdlZX1c2RKKkiKg247T9_7-Dg57pfIDVI6DzyYJBrvP7atIEo-HcOT7BMmXu_HM6uDFFchCZjZ4WoH9H9gQo7-cexE7GvuY6DGI-2izfB3JYpep-hHFtczeueTP3/s1600/20170510_154244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNdLlw3akqSyFXfcFQdlZX1c2RKKkiKg247T9_7-Dg57pfIDVI6DzyYJBrvP7atIEo-HcOT7BMmXu_HM6uDFFchCZjZ4WoH9H9gQo7-cexE7GvuY6DGI-2izfB3JYpep-hHFtczeueTP3/s320/20170510_154244.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunnel of books</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuFfmvK3UF5SS0GslfZTW4tZCzooqMmSulLAsTxFfSJd0yljPt0Oz-8WmC7kAuPnfJ7RbodOwxOKfQ7eGVkcKyt7V1jcMSo8y6m8APpVYGRHSVp1j2EjBFUzG34zqzMzbcy_HyeJidRj9/s1600/20170510_154453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuFfmvK3UF5SS0GslfZTW4tZCzooqMmSulLAsTxFfSJd0yljPt0Oz-8WmC7kAuPnfJ7RbodOwxOKfQ7eGVkcKyt7V1jcMSo8y6m8APpVYGRHSVp1j2EjBFUzG34zqzMzbcy_HyeJidRj9/s320/20170510_154453.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Vault</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was able to pick up a used copy of <i>A Man Called Ove</i>, a book I've been wanting to read for some time, but couldn't find in Thailand. I actually reserved the e-book through the library at home, but somehow the download didn't work. Having the hard copy in my hands is definitely better anyway, so I was quite happy. I also picked up a copy of <i>Seven Years in Tibet</i>, to keep the magic of our trip going just a bit longer. We browsed through the vinyl record collection on the main floor - triggered so many memories. I hope LA appreciates this treasure of a place.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4YJX2IyHMGFlen2ZIv-OTkMYx-7BogOmv1_kIFCA9Ml4-GrNJ-aEu7P88hsMcwBBlheJCcL2Qbn3c4vXnVRw3usiwvE09n0gLEN-eNY_ejbCY_9bLIpPewQsqKP5e_-l9k7s6bBrrwo2/s1600/20170510_153713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4YJX2IyHMGFlen2ZIv-OTkMYx-7BogOmv1_kIFCA9Ml4-GrNJ-aEu7P88hsMcwBBlheJCcL2Qbn3c4vXnVRw3usiwvE09n0gLEN-eNY_ejbCY_9bLIpPewQsqKP5e_-l9k7s6bBrrwo2/s400/20170510_153713.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The window above the record collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMfK-Q1-oRQ2KsDdSItmChLawmSZntexUDSlaJdxlN3YT3pRiBxFbJSHClqUPu_JjGulsXlEdgSKgWdF6AeczHFXvpswVYYOJTJEzbY313amGinpompeYJvyHosZNAJjfNfNMa0GrBQ9q/s1600/Last+Bookstore+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMfK-Q1-oRQ2KsDdSItmChLawmSZntexUDSlaJdxlN3YT3pRiBxFbJSHClqUPu_JjGulsXlEdgSKgWdF6AeczHFXvpswVYYOJTJEzbY313amGinpompeYJvyHosZNAJjfNfNMa0GrBQ9q/s320/Last+Bookstore+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From the bookstore, it was an easy walk to the Perch, a popular rooftop bar with a great view. We didn't have a reservation, so no tables were available. Ted ordered drinks for us while I stepped out to the ladies' room. When I returned, Ted had a pleasantly surprised look on his face. He said he was looking over the drink menu, and an older gentleman asked what he was drinking. Ted said he hadn't decided, so the guy said he had just the drink for him, and asked the bartender to give Ted a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sazerac">sazerac </a>and put it on his tab! For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Ted, this is pretty par for the course. Strangers are always randomly giving him stuff for free.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKnWkjrsE4mnV3AHSpcGJzHWf2er5qLLZ14i9bkBZ-4NLAAkrxYT0-aLgxsT0SbA9wUhh5FBYDR-D-23vANT2SGrJHhMk5U9GDwwvw0g_1NXhiXWOONjPHny0Bhtc2JQ49fqS58SOkBaf/s1600/Sazerac+at+Perch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKnWkjrsE4mnV3AHSpcGJzHWf2er5qLLZ14i9bkBZ-4NLAAkrxYT0-aLgxsT0SbA9wUhh5FBYDR-D-23vANT2SGrJHhMk5U9GDwwvw0g_1NXhiXWOONjPHny0Bhtc2JQ49fqS58SOkBaf/s320/Sazerac+at+Perch.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This...is a sazerac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We enjoyed our drinks and conversation on the outer terrace, where the beautiful people of LA merged with us common folk. The terrace has cozy seating with a couple of big outdoor fire pits, and a second level that was not yet opened when we arrived. We finished our drinks and took a peek at the upper level before walking to the train for the ride back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ57t2Ccj8UkOvm1MX3ACfxQI6HK57wf1ULZHqeXCdAao9n5W5_TSiDM4ZF_sej-Tw5003oyVAvxu4vv-OnqZ63UpxvaH1EHLycnByMui1GNDbCYJlomW5BVvys5GlGYaHVM3VqNZVZoN/s1600/Perch+Rooftop+Bistro+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ57t2Ccj8UkOvm1MX3ACfxQI6HK57wf1ULZHqeXCdAao9n5W5_TSiDM4ZF_sej-Tw5003oyVAvxu4vv-OnqZ63UpxvaH1EHLycnByMui1GNDbCYJlomW5BVvys5GlGYaHVM3VqNZVZoN/s320/Perch+Rooftop+Bistro+2.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-RhyphenhyphenY0dkKdsWvM0UH6tWBZuEF3kK5O8YMxxpt9xGvkwAFlqkEhHV65O3F8WYxKgukcCxZdQXhucmpGJy1NPdadPlr_ZODhNowN9sZXENh_QfAUSbbbt8kh-OvX08rnoJcibDa0HMwq2P/s1600/20170510_163700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-RhyphenhyphenY0dkKdsWvM0UH6tWBZuEF3kK5O8YMxxpt9xGvkwAFlqkEhHV65O3F8WYxKgukcCxZdQXhucmpGJy1NPdadPlr_ZODhNowN9sZXENh_QfAUSbbbt8kh-OvX08rnoJcibDa0HMwq2P/s320/20170510_163700.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwSaY8vEPXK7u9jfn0gfA9WBL9ETLIepGPTsbuJLmkoQ32neKHvq7MmNae3kJ0Ez286TCB7lZvwlx1kDmGHbZZ9jV2O2G3lJ5LeAN0KrKxMscAxl0jVpzJxQsPkN5yqWoZWy9_Uwmf2L9/s1600/20170510_164042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwSaY8vEPXK7u9jfn0gfA9WBL9ETLIepGPTsbuJLmkoQ32neKHvq7MmNae3kJ0Ez286TCB7lZvwlx1kDmGHbZZ9jV2O2G3lJ5LeAN0KrKxMscAxl0jVpzJxQsPkN5yqWoZWy9_Uwmf2L9/s400/20170510_164042.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYhiqtXMcjh0LHhWnS9tmQs_qsD2cOZVR4V4o7nZnf9LDKJ6uqt5LVAfy9Li7S8t0X9ADERJhS8rRdn6k8NBeqIWn_rGnMact7PdZ5u504TKgSR3tcP435yrV5lrNeGXM3J8uoVgyJQYt/s1600/Perch+Rooftop+Bistro+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYhiqtXMcjh0LHhWnS9tmQs_qsD2cOZVR4V4o7nZnf9LDKJ6uqt5LVAfy9Li7S8t0X9ADERJhS8rRdn6k8NBeqIWn_rGnMact7PdZ5u504TKgSR3tcP435yrV5lrNeGXM3J8uoVgyJQYt/s320/Perch+Rooftop+Bistro+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We met Hiustyn and walked a few blocks to a neighborhood bistro, Gaby's Mediterranean, where we enjoyed some delicious chicken kebabs and hummus. The owner even brought me out a piece of chocolate cake and said, "Happy Mother's Day," even though it was still four days away - very nice!<br />
<br />
Later that night we picked up number-one-son from the airport. Things were all in a tizzy at LAX because they were in the process of reorganizing the locations of many of the airlines throughout the terminals. Big signs were posted warning travelers to check the gate number of their flights - don't people do this anyway? But it was of no importance to me, because I would now have two of my sons about me!<br />
<br />
Tim was hungry, so we stopped at the taco truck near Ted's place. I was hoping to visit a food truck while I was in LA, and this was it. I didn't eat anything, but liked seeing how things worked anyway. It all seemed very efficient - just a few choice items on the menu, and a row of plastic chairs lined up along the sidewalk for the impromptu diners. We also stopped for frozen yogurt at Yogurtland, where they have the very dangerous practice of letting you prepare your own, then charging you by weight. It is very difficult to restrain oneself with all that deliciousness laid out before you.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWs1o0b8ZHQjLJGOaUR6NhAs4byNn17w5a2vhb_n4detyQy2cr0NUTMc2Kx1H3ZMp5iZrf1nVvllBeGYs-k7MnHMhyOBUJi7yeu4BiNLbqmeDKzCUcHaVKxtDSU1TgAshslJYxQhO2N-W/s1600/20170510_231750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWs1o0b8ZHQjLJGOaUR6NhAs4byNn17w5a2vhb_n4detyQy2cr0NUTMc2Kx1H3ZMp5iZrf1nVvllBeGYs-k7MnHMhyOBUJi7yeu4BiNLbqmeDKzCUcHaVKxtDSU1TgAshslJYxQhO2N-W/s400/20170510_231750.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late night at the Taco Truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back at the apartment, Tim ate his tacos and we played <i>Jackbox TV,</i> a set of games that allows everyone to play with their phones. <i>Drawful</i> was a fun one - everyone gets a couple of words or phrases to draw on their phone. Then the drawings are presented one at a time, and everyone writes their best guess of what the words or phrases were. Finally, everyone tries to guess which was the actual phrase. I think creative writing is more important than good drawing for this one. Good times!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHcDReGz7ktSoeQ1oASZXAwnGjBT3qJ1AJYcr46SydX-xo4MAhxCS9Z8hgnrGJ9DxqBWh97yV1uMnmTf4bwGiwu-MGsNnfwGSqFaWJd5FHs8GpuyN1TulJnnq7vjLLlDjWw4E-_5HNmOT/s1600/20170510_234357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1180" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHcDReGz7ktSoeQ1oASZXAwnGjBT3qJ1AJYcr46SydX-xo4MAhxCS9Z8hgnrGJ9DxqBWh97yV1uMnmTf4bwGiwu-MGsNnfwGSqFaWJd5FHs8GpuyN1TulJnnq7vjLLlDjWw4E-_5HNmOT/s400/20170510_234357.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Tim's a little excited about his tacos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-22804654191177398022017-06-08T04:57:00.001-04:002017-06-08T10:03:14.935-04:00CaliforniaMay 1 - 9, 2017<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0o9vkPYFHIEPvamShOv_txU7I8HeTgQaR_yTV64DYq-p_Fuh8GctoZwiWUmEHmk1irLmbhOgeNG29nV9p_NshQHVRPKHLw2UxEYxxlFunU-AngOFZHJgU7i7H__ScNu7h3XY2B3JpMag/s1600/Anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0o9vkPYFHIEPvamShOv_txU7I8HeTgQaR_yTV64DYq-p_Fuh8GctoZwiWUmEHmk1irLmbhOgeNG29nV9p_NshQHVRPKHLw2UxEYxxlFunU-AngOFZHJgU7i7H__ScNu7h3XY2B3JpMag/s640/Anniversary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="24" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/seZMOTGCDag?rel=0&?autohide=0&showinfo=0" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
Happy 35th Anniversary, my love - things are better when we're together!<br />
<br />
A couple days after we returned to Thailand, Tim was off to India again. We enjoyed some time down by the sea upon his return. (Our anniversary just happens to be Labor Day in Thailand, so Tim had a long weekend.) The tide has been going out really far lately - it seems to be a seasonal thing. Many locals go out and dig for clams when the water is so low.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHyqpYWAupog9VwtKG9PiKoeQOPDlZAyBbwsFnr7QSA5YbizorqsKFV7pqHC2R7VdRH__0gleTHXgOFZlGxP0bWBum0N90nqTke2BkLniBoUQVGwxXW_iw_1n2i1w7ZhIhIfc6SdufCXJ/s1600/20170430_115716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHyqpYWAupog9VwtKG9PiKoeQOPDlZAyBbwsFnr7QSA5YbizorqsKFV7pqHC2R7VdRH__0gleTHXgOFZlGxP0bWBum0N90nqTke2BkLniBoUQVGwxXW_iw_1n2i1w7ZhIhIfc6SdufCXJ/s320/20170430_115716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_at_uM_8Bw7kqDW7do5zbkfJNi7U62I6HUOSoik5kODz9Fpa3h1WXSJuOrhGysis0P6mNOrU0QDAcGtU1wSApFeVsTcAM-YaQanjrhO0_0x9bJ1WBWYHHb73GnqdGNXegd-eU0IvMGzU/s1600/20170430_115727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_at_uM_8Bw7kqDW7do5zbkfJNi7U62I6HUOSoik5kODz9Fpa3h1WXSJuOrhGysis0P6mNOrU0QDAcGtU1wSApFeVsTcAM-YaQanjrhO0_0x9bJ1WBWYHHb73GnqdGNXegd-eU0IvMGzU/s320/20170430_115727.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRUnMnNUUXnwBPkDtcrEhQ4xHtPjuLiqbU35Jt7NiKN_YjfMMKp-22J8qQfZtENgJi38u4RkmMrQIo_4ZA97q42sj6Va-14ZwC5GjoJ9vWmoxJY2Uuutb75i26MPLsAKtvbYYzkpvJHvN/s1600/20170430_121012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRUnMnNUUXnwBPkDtcrEhQ4xHtPjuLiqbU35Jt7NiKN_YjfMMKp-22J8qQfZtENgJi38u4RkmMrQIo_4ZA97q42sj6Va-14ZwC5GjoJ9vWmoxJY2Uuutb75i26MPLsAKtvbYYzkpvJHvN/s320/20170430_121012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFYH8FbuYo-rH-LQAbaGV2A6zUG7e1AgmNxA5jUzX4vtfRCHyakYJFGzk43gjLEE06ZaBCpgLAVx-sSROFW5NYnaKZbdm7tsleKkdXV1cNXcfmeby_4r7xT69x9XrqQ1wUH2BlBP8wVNS/s1600/20170430_123021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFYH8FbuYo-rH-LQAbaGV2A6zUG7e1AgmNxA5jUzX4vtfRCHyakYJFGzk43gjLEE06ZaBCpgLAVx-sSROFW5NYnaKZbdm7tsleKkdXV1cNXcfmeby_4r7xT69x9XrqQ1wUH2BlBP8wVNS/s320/20170430_123021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm4gFdBILBeMGyfUR0N9eCDP-9KI97FIJcGsahMAnbOgHAUbz3H1QvgeTCIDWnrFguRcM5LZx16GgHLAPWOjyXP9Y_hG_f68IQmh2NBx7mdENTuRouDW6-APq5BrgUop0Z7_7cTq_A76z/s1600/20170506_120953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm4gFdBILBeMGyfUR0N9eCDP-9KI97FIJcGsahMAnbOgHAUbz3H1QvgeTCIDWnrFguRcM5LZx16GgHLAPWOjyXP9Y_hG_f68IQmh2NBx7mdENTuRouDW6-APq5BrgUop0Z7_7cTq_A76z/s320/20170506_120953.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpaXhXYRUN8kJyh34XVXiB4iXnpQhnLfgNqMb_F8RDEOGVaHTH4ApZ0xPu2zvNYMjocqGpyC81Z1Bg3cHmHf4CShJ2KAOjIbBZ9_RpjVuLJwkirCGUdMzuGb1uAakIn5_1hsgYFPYg9Nh/s1600/20170506_120944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpaXhXYRUN8kJyh34XVXiB4iXnpQhnLfgNqMb_F8RDEOGVaHTH4ApZ0xPu2zvNYMjocqGpyC81Z1Bg3cHmHf4CShJ2KAOjIbBZ9_RpjVuLJwkirCGUdMzuGb1uAakIn5_1hsgYFPYg9Nh/s640/20170506_120944.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We see all sorts of crazy things on the streets of Pattaya. I saw this particular one on the way to buy groceries, and asked Khun Mick to slow down so I could get a picture. Bet that guy feels like he's king of the world up there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74l0mUinEd7drjhe0eOfsgVayGHVV6d5yFXN5Y9vGCvN-VHhhFQViKgJ0iz_7hgcsoOo0NtRalu-B2DkwNvKSxMbnrGrPseTpWt_QTMZsFiSh-pxWeR6oSUHd3pUMnSpe-bARO8P0X6ys/s1600/20170505_114318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74l0mUinEd7drjhe0eOfsgVayGHVV6d5yFXN5Y9vGCvN-VHhhFQViKgJ0iz_7hgcsoOo0NtRalu-B2DkwNvKSxMbnrGrPseTpWt_QTMZsFiSh-pxWeR6oSUHd3pUMnSpe-bARO8P0X6ys/s320/20170505_114318.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just a couple of weeks later, we said goodbye again - this time I was the one leaving, heading to California to watch our middle son receive his PhD hood. I was so excited to be going; we hadn't seen our guys for nearly a year - way too long.<br />
<br />
I had a decent layover in Beijing on my first trip from Bangkok to LA. It was kind of nice to have a break long enough to stretch my legs and get something to eat before that marathon flight to the US. The Beijing airport's got a lovely little pagoda with a fish pond; a very relaxing place to quiet one's mind. I also found a chair with a fold-up table and charging station, so I was able to pull out my laptop and get some work done on my blog. Charging stations have become pretty commonplace for airports in the last few years - a great innovation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywESR-zXO-rSOP0DgGxE2R9utA7nH7VApEIw55WXugEY8f8AeJj9J595Te0wZ2N5mt_bD798qMiIzKeavkbV0L4Ox-EEJKSvc2HUM5dbqjiwn5hBQ8i7WMJzaty28gFVJHilYEtR5y3-7/s1600/20170508_085756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywESR-zXO-rSOP0DgGxE2R9utA7nH7VApEIw55WXugEY8f8AeJj9J595Te0wZ2N5mt_bD798qMiIzKeavkbV0L4Ox-EEJKSvc2HUM5dbqjiwn5hBQ8i7WMJzaty28gFVJHilYEtR5y3-7/s320/20170508_085756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxlsN8GOhrpba09DbsWE7Ec3Sk38fj8s1uV7sK54mLZl0ww8DjXDgNVGYitvkRwDa2JN86YlUfAIf6cjA_MlkJJczkDkW5-Q5fFtSmMPUxiUTQItgnbGXJAUQnp7lNC4RWCEGlXIpCuP5/s1600/20170508_085913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxlsN8GOhrpba09DbsWE7Ec3Sk38fj8s1uV7sK54mLZl0ww8DjXDgNVGYitvkRwDa2JN86YlUfAIf6cjA_MlkJJczkDkW5-Q5fFtSmMPUxiUTQItgnbGXJAUQnp7lNC4RWCEGlXIpCuP5/s640/20170508_085913.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbPL3Re4q4jY2cnmt-ye7vsGW6kazow7tvL-NWOAitsT8vqfu31oCOD_PUXLvJgS-IpCI2bz2rs80Nm0tD4pZveikZfa0sseuaemFV8493uO6eplpWGnd66wGiVcK0IEOnWtIrvJoiYMK/s1600/20170508_090922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbPL3Re4q4jY2cnmt-ye7vsGW6kazow7tvL-NWOAitsT8vqfu31oCOD_PUXLvJgS-IpCI2bz2rs80Nm0tD4pZveikZfa0sseuaemFV8493uO6eplpWGnd66wGiVcK0IEOnWtIrvJoiYMK/s320/20170508_090922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg4EFJUiqDu6IyuHgbJ0dYMFoSDpcVbLDi8CrAWw0MvztJJ7_lEcousajqJa60G3Qb6vRf9P2Y5qBaeTi4gbwFJM4sp1z4a-jdKX4oAUh99VEjvk0WxGAU3fGj6J4LHip9Pw33xU_Ktbi/s1600/20170508_180616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg4EFJUiqDu6IyuHgbJ0dYMFoSDpcVbLDi8CrAWw0MvztJJ7_lEcousajqJa60G3Qb6vRf9P2Y5qBaeTi4gbwFJM4sp1z4a-jdKX4oAUh99VEjvk0WxGAU3fGj6J4LHip9Pw33xU_Ktbi/s400/20170508_180616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flew up over Russia and Alaska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp35mZl56rWq6jg1jLp9estusQiSHXlyOqZltD_sl5NLIJNYnzCoR9QBwJw-zRvCH1-8w-3yi64742KO3LDT4AHr3c9vxSMhLUxTOBgyQ3xPMK3Q2YeM5Q3eE89LXAANT-JL4jqMiCWj0j/s1600/20170508_091647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp35mZl56rWq6jg1jLp9estusQiSHXlyOqZltD_sl5NLIJNYnzCoR9QBwJw-zRvCH1-8w-3yi64742KO3LDT4AHr3c9vxSMhLUxTOBgyQ3xPMK3Q2YeM5Q3eE89LXAANT-JL4jqMiCWj0j/s320/20170508_091647.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this stuck to my jacket when I woke up on the plane 😊</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When our seemingly endless flight finally landed at LAX, we taxied around for quite a while, then the pilot shut down the engines and announced we would wait for a truck to come tow us to our spot. It was a good fifteen minutes before that happened, at which time we were towed to what must have been the absolute farthest corner of the airport. Guess Air China doesn't rate. From there we took a nearly half-hour bus ride up to the terminal. Then we had to pass through the NSA check - we must have been 500 people, Americans and foreigners, waiting to talk to three security guys, which took forever. Then one of the three agents had to take someone away from the counter, leaving only two! Welcome to America.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht26Q2A1xd6QKgeDfYGGA9n1MCDbkZCRb3wYGmt-mno9hHQLpgF6xNdcOlOvaj_hnZQae7qXXX1O8knG8m54B3DPHXC-AIVyhC4Gd2fNlxzFkLAzWA4_aNEC6Or0XnC4pijz818j5e9gBN/s1600/immigrationCartoon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht26Q2A1xd6QKgeDfYGGA9n1MCDbkZCRb3wYGmt-mno9hHQLpgF6xNdcOlOvaj_hnZQae7qXXX1O8knG8m54B3DPHXC-AIVyhC4Gd2fNlxzFkLAzWA4_aNEC6Or0XnC4pijz818j5e9gBN/s320/immigrationCartoon2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">chiangmaicitylife.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All was forgotten when I finally made it out to the curb and got a hug from Ted. The air in LA was blessedly cool, and I got to ride in the front seat! The steering wheel seemed to be on the wrong side of the car, though, and everyone was driving on the wrong side of the road. I got so excited to see Paneras and Taco Bells along the way - the little things you miss. All a bit of shock to the system, to be honest.<br />
<br />
It was my first time to Ted's apartment - nice place in a pretty neighborhood. I would have a week with Ted, and his ceremony wasn't until Thursday. Lots of time for fun! Once I got settled, we went out for some real food - In-N-Out burgers. We took our booty up to Kenneth Hahn State park and had a picnic with a view of the city. It was actually a little chilly - a sensation I relish these days. And the burgers were delicious...mmmmm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMcfDAHTGioL_ix1Z1IzoodteTi-IqJP6bxZoZL1SZcgY-LllCwNewW_OV3xp3uWME4H_CG6fx_WPJf7oYDIO5uL8xNIMDB4UMayAVfvVGX7ZxH4DQpCumxUHTNMJt5wrj5lewPHolc0g/s1600/In+N+Out+at+Kenneth+Hahn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMcfDAHTGioL_ix1Z1IzoodteTi-IqJP6bxZoZL1SZcgY-LllCwNewW_OV3xp3uWME4H_CG6fx_WPJf7oYDIO5uL8xNIMDB4UMayAVfvVGX7ZxH4DQpCumxUHTNMJt5wrj5lewPHolc0g/s320/In+N+Out+at+Kenneth+Hahn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA85qqnnrCGhH1T3kAf6y-9snZdmzIiGvhgj5KufJ5yqWqGLWmTdSrMxFKmU7yQu9CI1O-9MHut-aQL22NsX7lIGPm7z0tBwVnD7HG5jnGDdyaAn3QLIgmwuK-BtQBUolrvkF_yJA9zBwS/s1600/Kenneth+Hahn+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA85qqnnrCGhH1T3kAf6y-9snZdmzIiGvhgj5KufJ5yqWqGLWmTdSrMxFKmU7yQu9CI1O-9MHut-aQL22NsX7lIGPm7z0tBwVnD7HG5jnGDdyaAn3QLIgmwuK-BtQBUolrvkF_yJA9zBwS/s400/Kenneth+Hahn+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown L.A.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56BObUx1ZrFsQ_E_v22nJNmfRtRt0LgcaCi59r9YndbHAaCez0U9oLP9lcclS5cbPpOTaSmsHHUtEmXD_2XZIPuKdytqKQPe0GeVahDrOwq3N31yz3sZd8L4ZWogHnGtc4xTR5Gq7aT1t/s1600/20170508_142349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56BObUx1ZrFsQ_E_v22nJNmfRtRt0LgcaCi59r9YndbHAaCez0U9oLP9lcclS5cbPpOTaSmsHHUtEmXD_2XZIPuKdytqKQPe0GeVahDrOwq3N31yz3sZd8L4ZWogHnGtc4xTR5Gq7aT1t/s400/20170508_142349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFGAU7LQKMRfyLLpi7mlb75bieUU_UgfwftBYNfSPD4KzX6YCp6zyJipvKUgHmRXBrfRhyphenhyphenvMUhphSbMVujEnC4PbbYxJlNgw-v1f3bnDLvVXJ5aLjJHRvNrG444PYm355iYwse9lLV2ej/s1600/Kenneth+Hahn+gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFGAU7LQKMRfyLLpi7mlb75bieUU_UgfwftBYNfSPD4KzX6YCp6zyJipvKUgHmRXBrfRhyphenhyphenvMUhphSbMVujEnC4PbbYxJlNgw-v1f3bnDLvVXJ5aLjJHRvNrG444PYm355iYwse9lLV2ej/s400/Kenneth+Hahn+gardens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h5nVKJnYfm8M1qnHSlSdkgyJsDy1KYyN0QkQRMI2dLKCVoVZwJUGdbFC2CJvs_l30dQYLaBdBnud-M0iJC1AeKt5GAtSkY2L-IKJ9AzFaUpKK34zcBUwPI2Gfag6934HEE5sYljJGXca/s1600/IMG_20170508_150916930_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h5nVKJnYfm8M1qnHSlSdkgyJsDy1KYyN0QkQRMI2dLKCVoVZwJUGdbFC2CJvs_l30dQYLaBdBnud-M0iJC1AeKt5GAtSkY2L-IKJ9AzFaUpKK34zcBUwPI2Gfag6934HEE5sYljJGXca/s320/IMG_20170508_150916930_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Japanese-style garden, but it was tricky to get there -<br />
worth the hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When Hiustyn got home from work, we went and got sushi from one of their favorite sushi places, Ugly Sushi. I didn't think it was very ugly, but it was quite delicious. Our dinner entertainment was re-watching<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3xUmCMQ0gY"> the scene from <i>Shanghai Noon</i> where Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan are playing a drinking game in side-by-side bathtubs</a>. Always hilarious.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, Ted went to get new tires put on his car - a much needed graduation gift. Later we drove down to my niece's place. Fortunately (rim shot), my sister and her husband were in town for the pending arrival of their new granddaughter. My niece and her husband recently bought a new house with a steep hill in the back. My sister told me you could see the ocean from the top of the hill, so we decided to climb up. My little great nephew decided to join us, and was sandwiched between me and my sister. Did I mention the hill was steep? That hill was heavy! There was lots of tenuous footing, and our little companion slipped several times. I was afraid he was going to pull a <i>Jack and Jill</i> on us, but we all made it up to the top. And there was the ocean - a tiny spot in the distance, but the ocean nonetheless! The trip down was equally exciting, but no broken crowns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1cOZ4FvXUuEm3ksEw_sHEHTlu-97HmzdLT2vpX2CyD_QRv2WmUHP1irVocPwLUkzNnG-P5BJSCWnRXrMXS6p_9nk1ciVYInDN6EkGGAxcsWqzhx5Xqyy6s9A1C3I7nz_PVrtde2kBvZa/s1600/20170509_114409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1cOZ4FvXUuEm3ksEw_sHEHTlu-97HmzdLT2vpX2CyD_QRv2WmUHP1irVocPwLUkzNnG-P5BJSCWnRXrMXS6p_9nk1ciVYInDN6EkGGAxcsWqzhx5Xqyy6s9A1C3I7nz_PVrtde2kBvZa/s320/20170509_114409.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBmTSQ0EPq0V-3lpScJNW7THVzLmyUtitoD57ziRfeTjY9YgIn8HBado8-seeBjxDWmks99enDyBuCXrHiKwfIpDGR5h1sGL_cKO5LlJhLaoj6kMoy1uFgRNva3kP3M91dQX2n4oqFbB/s1600/20170509_155155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBmTSQ0EPq0V-3lpScJNW7THVzLmyUtitoD57ziRfeTjY9YgIn8HBado8-seeBjxDWmks99enDyBuCXrHiKwfIpDGR5h1sGL_cKO5LlJhLaoj6kMoy1uFgRNva3kP3M91dQX2n4oqFbB/s400/20170509_155155.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three ladies and an almost baby. That hill!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We left my brother-in-law to put together a new hammock, and the rest of us went to lunch at a nice Mexican restaurant called <i>The</i> <i>Red Onion</i>. Had some yummy margaritas, full baskets of tortilla chips (never happens in Pattaya), and some tasty enchiladas. Even the little guy enjoyed the margaritas (his mom shared her virgin margarita). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsby3CW6_ZAsxxCgOzojyQhRuRJ11ZX79jcp_q1BCgVtpDef955uxU0YaJs39-YeCA0q3jXGuRQOp_SXJCxCOMcZv8yaAXU-LqQjEstYXzOXcPOGbKtQ972-Nw_x37LXJoQq86Q5JTjXSi/s1600/Louis+hits+the+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsby3CW6_ZAsxxCgOzojyQhRuRJ11ZX79jcp_q1BCgVtpDef955uxU0YaJs39-YeCA0q3jXGuRQOp_SXJCxCOMcZv8yaAXU-LqQjEstYXzOXcPOGbKtQ972-Nw_x37LXJoQq86Q5JTjXSi/s320/Louis+hits+the+sauce.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After lunch, we stopped to pick up my other great-nephew from school. He asked his mom how I knew his name.🤣 We stopped back at the "hill house" to visit a bit more, then headed back to Ted's place. I made him stop at a Wal-Mart we encountered so I could grab stuff from my list of "things to get while in America." So much selection!<br />
<br />
We got back with little time to spare before the three of us headed to the train for a trip to Dodgers Stadium and a real American baseball game - the perfect Mother's Day gift! The train is walking distance from Ted's place, which is great, so no need to drive. And such fragrant flora along the way! The train got delayed en route, before continuing on to Union Station, where we transferred to the free shuttle bus to the stadium. So convenient!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuhyphenhyphens9mtq-ouX5rB6TrzXFU5mp5Upm0Zx6_Dbz-0viYx6w8tMAm9bFD2Y1hRZBs00f-Y6oW2Sbe26BcnZp8ibnzm4Gbeti86dVWeWweNg7_QlivdI9p4P6ays1MeLrTnubhJyggCO2wI3/s1600/20170509_180209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuhyphenhyphens9mtq-ouX5rB6TrzXFU5mp5Upm0Zx6_Dbz-0viYx6w8tMAm9bFD2Y1hRZBs00f-Y6oW2Sbe26BcnZp8ibnzm4Gbeti86dVWeWweNg7_QlivdI9p4P6ays1MeLrTnubhJyggCO2wI3/s320/20170509_180209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the train to...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3to1LpXGXvf0xIXevyje3mbpJUsE94J7k3x07RVe6DWXyIRMyv2USoSdkirNIE5pZZ38lhI6gitHGaf1NpD9lin966OhkWlOpDDRxD-bxQ2KY1LqgSAOGooucQBfXNahFCRUviIqgW1-X/s1600/20170509_232526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3to1LpXGXvf0xIXevyje3mbpJUsE94J7k3x07RVe6DWXyIRMyv2USoSdkirNIE5pZZ38lhI6gitHGaf1NpD9lin966OhkWlOpDDRxD-bxQ2KY1LqgSAOGooucQBfXNahFCRUviIqgW1-X/s320/20170509_232526.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Station, then onto...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaw9hPWPnCFH-HERuQpOiMWKwEknAb62CGMjb41Zth57ccugomFT8hB_qhaXrv6M6iZAMZXURS78AS78kEQrZUNqHNCw7ecSEs89goUiyZNo9wcdsnjDffvOXbS7jNRTWBKG8x89bJVoK/s1600/20170509_230847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaw9hPWPnCFH-HERuQpOiMWKwEknAb62CGMjb41Zth57ccugomFT8hB_qhaXrv6M6iZAMZXURS78AS78kEQrZUNqHNCw7ecSEs89goUiyZNo9wcdsnjDffvOXbS7jNRTWBKG8x89bJVoK/s320/20170509_230847.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the shuttle bus to the stadium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMmq6GWMaPDC-GfUq2Wme8kqbFUfsdtBS0vMWR6aNYZ6pWM2vp46D4tq6NNjs1KlBTi4W6jfFGWz_IA6XsjS8Gi_ZNf0H1bJi6RGO9bG9dtY4bdveY91tK0uKGiv_lkzDcn34Bfq5tSq_/s1600/Shuttle+to+Dodgers+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMmq6GWMaPDC-GfUq2Wme8kqbFUfsdtBS0vMWR6aNYZ6pWM2vp46D4tq6NNjs1KlBTi4W6jfFGWz_IA6XsjS8Gi_ZNf0H1bJi6RGO9bG9dtY4bdveY91tK0uKGiv_lkzDcn34Bfq5tSq_/s320/Shuttle+to+Dodgers+game.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shuttle bus to the stadium was packed, but festive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got off the crowded shuttle bus at the front of the stadium, and had to hike quite a long way, including up a massive set of stairs, to get to our seats. I thought we left all those stairs behind in Tibet and Nepal! The game had already begun when we arrived. It was "Viva Los Dodgers!" Mexican Heritage Night, but we were unable to score the free T-shirts that were being given out - <span style="font-family: inherit;">qu<span style="background-color: #fefbf3; font-size: 18px;">é</span></span> mala!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10xFOxlzmyU4yhx9ydC_tYPqDmmdH50t9LqJLDPtUcIC91QuxcpgbR48X9f4GwFHybQNE0NdjNW58QhAL7Ip7FH1lG1DvWPzOYyzvDf2uvOIJ-8wgnZKJOapjfsDOoAQ3bsaVOkcjJ6_d/s1600/Dodgers+game+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10xFOxlzmyU4yhx9ydC_tYPqDmmdH50t9LqJLDPtUcIC91QuxcpgbR48X9f4GwFHybQNE0NdjNW58QhAL7Ip7FH1lG1DvWPzOYyzvDf2uvOIJ-8wgnZKJOapjfsDOoAQ3bsaVOkcjJ6_d/s320/Dodgers+game+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YaGJlsjjyoNwk6P55byGw_Ib6RAqOnvOcA4HG_Knzkb8hOO_m09EcLsnRI7tw6Bn4L_kh4l5eaLGDwAnIWeryNSNBK7614-zc_d3_Db2_MhuKtooXnmtPVzgP5efgnJzHBbcIqx_4NyP/s1600/20170509_194434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YaGJlsjjyoNwk6P55byGw_Ib6RAqOnvOcA4HG_Knzkb8hOO_m09EcLsnRI7tw6Bn4L_kh4l5eaLGDwAnIWeryNSNBK7614-zc_d3_Db2_MhuKtooXnmtPVzgP5efgnJzHBbcIqx_4NyP/s320/20170509_194434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had great seats, great weather, and yummy hot dogs and beer. Ted missed a good chunk of the game standing in the refreshments line - thank-you for your service! It was a good game, complete with a pretty successful wave by the fans, and a perfect tenth-inning win by the Dodgers over the Pirates. This baseball fix that should tide me over for a while.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem3CrBUsnuT4JJvgWepg6OOwpzCmNYjTClVus470GM3bPp-wnS3q1hZpafCIGki8KGKjI43exnqJFxBqFgqjUbwz0vNg2fk304ZyH7HR07nqC8hodF1kURZZJGQ5rdsY8hzF9-W71aB8j/s1600/20170509_224848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem3CrBUsnuT4JJvgWepg6OOwpzCmNYjTClVus470GM3bPp-wnS3q1hZpafCIGki8KGKjI43exnqJFxBqFgqjUbwz0vNg2fk304ZyH7HR07nqC8hodF1kURZZJGQ5rdsY8hzF9-W71aB8j/s320/20170509_224848.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgers celebrate their extra-innings win</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham4IpB2CedgXMmK2xg8Lthj01ug1RSN5-ISOp1f03odl4KtABJWSZN59xvEec6vED2ICvCiDNhLmSheiubV5Oz87rXf0PRodV4OMB53g9ReBf4nWx_fQofoFEXgjykND8cfA5b7L9buJs/s1600/Dodgers+game+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham4IpB2CedgXMmK2xg8Lthj01ug1RSN5-ISOp1f03odl4KtABJWSZN59xvEec6vED2ICvCiDNhLmSheiubV5Oz87rXf0PRodV4OMB53g9ReBf4nWx_fQofoFEXgjykND8cfA5b7L9buJs/s400/Dodgers+game+3.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Hiu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM9zKDnCqAfSwA1qWN7IKl0jtp7uOJmW23Ywt4zOIBY6qM6YM-ntndKrbuStkbO1Yh0yiHPEDI2Mp8tzTk3E1jTCHXgVUoaT-ncCZyBuc5qp360rPX7-vX1Zfzc4B-t2-p0aVcZItSsCY/s1600/Dodgers+game+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM9zKDnCqAfSwA1qWN7IKl0jtp7uOJmW23Ywt4zOIBY6qM6YM-ntndKrbuStkbO1Yh0yiHPEDI2Mp8tzTk3E1jTCHXgVUoaT-ncCZyBuc5qp360rPX7-vX1Zfzc4B-t2-p0aVcZItSsCY/s640/Dodgers+game+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj30fKKNYmd_3EM8mauu7eU2qwn1-Nri7qAYezympIAlsYBt7CIzujgdF9BJ4E_98q8_FwQW2nkp9868GdPJqA4A0OrI3uMOuA82oiBTh8ZmBrBq5X5YzwlTX_zVufuvXRruY3frQprpXq/s1600/20170509_225904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj30fKKNYmd_3EM8mauu7eU2qwn1-Nri7qAYezympIAlsYBt7CIzujgdF9BJ4E_98q8_FwQW2nkp9868GdPJqA4A0OrI3uMOuA82oiBTh8ZmBrBq5X5YzwlTX_zVufuvXRruY3frQprpXq/s320/20170509_225904.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie Robinson tribute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1DDXW92qixNVv9kv67b6k0Pl7cehHy0UkJDzbVxexcynrqVEUuyrImNN4S7meQnM33msXl7Tuj8ME-m4PmQsEhc9IS3fPtTlOV6hldY2HSVutOYct10m_AP4AWe-5uoPRq99Np_G6Qfa/s1600/20170509_225929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1DDXW92qixNVv9kv67b6k0Pl7cehHy0UkJDzbVxexcynrqVEUuyrImNN4S7meQnM33msXl7Tuj8ME-m4PmQsEhc9IS3fPtTlOV6hldY2HSVutOYct10m_AP4AWe-5uoPRq99Np_G6Qfa/s320/20170509_225929.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the shuttle back to Union Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhTbWeGFykM65qPv4fFEZwe18_S3Zs-uQW1XUDXHaYBo_seAO5li6F5_cFp132ax2aek8FJG05gwqUhu5oj5FHxPAnIgZOwwV6KTAegKeJ029mUiUcVjY0nlyceR5mfNVlJR1Uwnpzm_8/s1600/Union+Station+after+Dodgers+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhTbWeGFykM65qPv4fFEZwe18_S3Zs-uQW1XUDXHaYBo_seAO5li6F5_cFp132ax2aek8FJG05gwqUhu5oj5FHxPAnIgZOwwV6KTAegKeJ029mUiUcVjY0nlyceR5mfNVlJR1Uwnpzm_8/s320/Union+Station+after+Dodgers+game.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back through Union Station after the game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-27042934864923877632017-06-02T05:22:00.000-04:002017-06-13T00:23:29.404-04:00We Told It On the MountainApril 18 -20, 2017<br />
<br />
Because Songkran would still be going strong in Pattaya for a couple more days, we finished out our trip with a two-night stay in Bangkok. Songkran celebrations happen in waves; Bangkok's celebration was finished a couple of days before. Pattaya's party goes on for several days. But, aaah, back to the comfort of our home country-away-from-home! <br />
<br />
We took a taxi from Suvarnabhumi airport to <i>Hotel Muse</i>, a lovely boutique hotel in the Pathumwan area of Bangkok. We were pretty disheveled after our long flights from Kathmandu; I felt a bit embarrassed walking into the stylish lobby. But the staff couldn't have been lovelier, greeting us with respectful, warm smiles. The lobby has a bit of a Gatsby feel to it - lots of dark wood, arched doorways, soft lighting and colorful ostrich feathers. We were treated to four small glasses of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as we checked in - very tasty. Then a staff member escorted us up to our room. He paused outside our door, and said, "I have a surprise for you. You have been selected as our Muse of the Day!" This granted us an upgrade to one of just two rooms with a full balcony, along with various discounts and Happy Hour privileges. How nice!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxXM-mwiOjhKaPMSfBL4bPqSG5oQHJaJuIU73sLpb4K1ZJFNecojFmRZJFXm7KiRWQMUhfS9Ja0d6Oz9mEhnqgK8L-6ftBtTU_1WZQiHwNdAbuIXBrmRUch1ctZw7hnt1TrGnZLNaZtHG/s1600/20170420_112658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxXM-mwiOjhKaPMSfBL4bPqSG5oQHJaJuIU73sLpb4K1ZJFNecojFmRZJFXm7KiRWQMUhfS9Ja0d6Oz9mEhnqgK8L-6ftBtTU_1WZQiHwNdAbuIXBrmRUch1ctZw7hnt1TrGnZLNaZtHG/s400/20170420_112658.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the hotel's foyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The room was beautiful, with a full sitting room, dining area, work desk, and a separate bedroom with a huge bathroom - lots of rich textures, like leather, marble and even a cow skin rug. So this is how the other half lives!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zvVAm1wNm89iu8zVg5dHT2m8vAaPNMoQb6bFi80uHJaG_MadRIhu88d_utG7PW2z0lGIwQmCsEfB-E8APD831wZo3aimbIQdgAR2mkSu5vnui3GxFLzj8PamKbOyxtuZLB6oXPhRlSqP/s1600/20170419_090028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zvVAm1wNm89iu8zVg5dHT2m8vAaPNMoQb6bFi80uHJaG_MadRIhu88d_utG7PW2z0lGIwQmCsEfB-E8APD831wZo3aimbIQdgAR2mkSu5vnui3GxFLzj8PamKbOyxtuZLB6oXPhRlSqP/s320/20170419_090028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIscR7g-K5WB3DRI0UDhJU9aJ1IPmLqH6FgdGE0QC0yq2D9wxoH_NVmrYcVxoZFsSoOzki0d3gAdfPvZpB1DHTTyBWnGxEXiiKqxaqQz83q9SOFQBXvKVk2-lBFs5o8uTNptFfz3JTHNy/s1600/20170420_111334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIscR7g-K5WB3DRI0UDhJU9aJ1IPmLqH6FgdGE0QC0yq2D9wxoH_NVmrYcVxoZFsSoOzki0d3gAdfPvZpB1DHTTyBWnGxEXiiKqxaqQz83q9SOFQBXvKVk2-lBFs5o8uTNptFfz3JTHNy/s400/20170420_111334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCo4fgEzIAoboC3cA1jpCIx_pO3s3EqcSVfbztm9vvUk6fJuobv5hx8oTNkU7xofr3D6KhWQjGGuKjwabiYjpqM8M4vbmwwe7P_gaDSWBi1cuu5_kk7zrBBCmiDi_TLFNqeFjKdBCK_Jq/s1600/20170420_111355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCo4fgEzIAoboC3cA1jpCIx_pO3s3EqcSVfbztm9vvUk6fJuobv5hx8oTNkU7xofr3D6KhWQjGGuKjwabiYjpqM8M4vbmwwe7P_gaDSWBi1cuu5_kk7zrBBCmiDi_TLFNqeFjKdBCK_Jq/s320/20170420_111355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We got cleaned up and went up to the <i>Speakeasy</i>, a rooftop bar, for a late evening drink and a small bite to eat. It was quite dark by then, and we had to use a little menu light to see the menu. The <i>Speakeasy </i>offered a lovely view of the Bangkok city lights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq7n2oo6GszvTqPnLh0hf3mwhyphenhyphen5i0KfOt_K44Id1ExZC0Iw2Hwkl9900yuBhDKxwo_Y_Y0oT40LjlxA5mxc6y7JjjaVcBUyg7bZoZLqtqso1xlUw-YXuU0etINW1FIY59yl_WNiq1sPSz/s1600/20170418_230100_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq7n2oo6GszvTqPnLh0hf3mwhyphenhyphen5i0KfOt_K44Id1ExZC0Iw2Hwkl9900yuBhDKxwo_Y_Y0oT40LjlxA5mxc6y7JjjaVcBUyg7bZoZLqtqso1xlUw-YXuU0etINW1FIY59yl_WNiq1sPSz/s320/20170418_230100_LLS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5LKXnbZRiH7kcbA81eyQ-HN7svVZV701tqHn6EiQ4Q95WiOomr9YSSg0FlxbvhfgLjBRciEBCaXXUy4Q8AEpuz3aAnOuPaw-1_a9ogSMTrfFrcp4UH8O_kXz_V2TMAN_Ca7xD_NWAdTO/s1600/20170418_230133_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5LKXnbZRiH7kcbA81eyQ-HN7svVZV701tqHn6EiQ4Q95WiOomr9YSSg0FlxbvhfgLjBRciEBCaXXUy4Q8AEpuz3aAnOuPaw-1_a9ogSMTrfFrcp4UH8O_kXz_V2TMAN_Ca7xD_NWAdTO/s320/20170418_230133_LLS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyp28b33EMYBVREYTiJkWvS_zL-QPgVvjvj5lgNvC3Rc8sfkbScagKIBPwiLESiXEyPraHmEFDKIXFL_FBcMAcxWMwRQlIK-7v0NXQEyenZ2prc-sh0WwgXGrbtyXfK1tlRXKDRMt_Fk6/s1600/20170418_230359_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyp28b33EMYBVREYTiJkWvS_zL-QPgVvjvj5lgNvC3Rc8sfkbScagKIBPwiLESiXEyPraHmEFDKIXFL_FBcMAcxWMwRQlIK-7v0NXQEyenZ2prc-sh0WwgXGrbtyXfK1tlRXKDRMt_Fk6/s400/20170418_230359_LLS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next morning, we were able to walk a short distance over to the American Embassy. Tim had ordered a passport card at the same time we got our passports, but it took a bit longer to arrive. He had just received an email a few days earlier, notifying him that his card was ready for pickup. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_nRYJ-2InUyfFDyes6nNktNP7JqI6XLY_ZOmbnBPW7QX-z6rG3Uw5WLLbPqjm4VmSqQATB-gELflbQlghghm_LH6OLNsnU9vD7hMK8JlapM_Ba5-vYAMeQ0O21yk5vmjRdC2zqhGKH3I/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_nRYJ-2InUyfFDyes6nNktNP7JqI6XLY_ZOmbnBPW7QX-z6rG3Uw5WLLbPqjm4VmSqQATB-gELflbQlghghm_LH6OLNsnU9vD7hMK8JlapM_Ba5-vYAMeQ0O21yk5vmjRdC2zqhGKH3I/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A guard chased us away - "No photo!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was disappointed when the guard at the window said only Tim could go in to get his card - guess being American doesn't count for <i>that</i> much. Luckily, a Starbucks was just across the street, and I wasn't too disappointed about waiting for him there. I was in line behind two young men who were chatting enthusiastically about a video game in very obvious American accents. Their t-shirts and tattoos convinced me they were US military, and they confirmed it when I asked them. I thanked them for their service and said, "Welcome to Thailand!" They responded, "You, too!" I'd assumed they were on leave here, but was surprised to find out they were actually stationed in Bangkok. Pretty sweet gig, if you ask me.<br />
<br />
I ordered a chai latte, and was seduced by a sign advertising the new chocolate cruffin. I was not impressed, and that's saying something for a chocoholic like me. It didn't take Tim too long to get his card. Once we met back up, we walked around to find a place for Tim to get some breakfast. I did not miss this steamy weather of Thailand while we were away - it was hot! We ended up in a place called <i>On the Table Tokyo Cafe</i> - the food was okay, and they had lots of interesting health drinks.<br />
<br />
It was nice to be in Bangkok without feeling the need to see the sights, so we spent a pretty low-key day. We did a little shopping - I found a nice shirt that actually fit, a rarity in this country. And we found a place for Tim to get a haircut. <br />
<br />
We had lunch at the <i>Beer Bridge</i>, where the Thai waitress was unusually un-Thai-like, never offering a smile and acting like she was being bothered to wait on us, even though we were the only ones in the place. (Felt more like the service we get back home!) We did enjoy the nice cold beer, and some good chicken wings. And we were entertained by the sign on the door:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j8xdplsy9em0k_at96R__bYtrD6SwAl4rT9Bj7avbD1VpPqPQICQeifCC6_gUGdPyFomSxzShk0AXFe0uFaRFcoKHCfFnncihELiJYcM3-AZjAhD8zYdONWeehOypOaoKj9ij7gczYr3/s1600/20170419_135823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j8xdplsy9em0k_at96R__bYtrD6SwAl4rT9Bj7avbD1VpPqPQICQeifCC6_gUGdPyFomSxzShk0AXFe0uFaRFcoKHCfFnncihELiJYcM3-AZjAhD8zYdONWeehOypOaoKj9ij7gczYr3/s640/20170419_135823.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Happy Zone!" And can someone explain why a horse is used for "No Drug?"<br />
(See comment below) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSe54ihkhhdRvWlyPcOuptfMAXjB-YGyXOPpzm-0n_Z8zduIdYf3wBjjN_t24dpJ-LLuDnDloT6c7KfKn_rK3hRmis87aLxZuHSFiiM7Jig70bV1P7RNyjMJ6rngUghUJnW_1Pj-4_dtj/s1600/20170419_135833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSe54ihkhhdRvWlyPcOuptfMAXjB-YGyXOPpzm-0n_Z8zduIdYf3wBjjN_t24dpJ-LLuDnDloT6c7KfKn_rK3hRmis87aLxZuHSFiiM7Jig70bV1P7RNyjMJ6rngUghUJnW_1Pj-4_dtj/s400/20170419_135833.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see how busy the waitress must have been!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before dinner, we revisited the <i>Speakeasy</i> for our free Happy hour drinks. I tried the <i>Spiced Passion Martini</i>, a little too heavy on the chili for my taste. Tim enjoyed the <i>Gin and Sin</i>, especially after he got them to double the gin! We had another nice view of the city below and watched the sun set between the buildings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpCDQr4EPr15451B0w3Hw_sMnv9uAAYZQ0b3BNGHgu3fvunKGngYfe3hJ73hSpN-mzEgKfUq0yx4QwO51VmBHtzzriHl9bGTiUM9UNHwgHUTA15cbs8Nugjv78xKLLhKexp9h6qswnB-S/s1600/20170419_175307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpCDQr4EPr15451B0w3Hw_sMnv9uAAYZQ0b3BNGHgu3fvunKGngYfe3hJ73hSpN-mzEgKfUq0yx4QwO51VmBHtzzriHl9bGTiUM9UNHwgHUTA15cbs8Nugjv78xKLLhKexp9h6qswnB-S/s320/20170419_175307.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKquhFvfQ4b-geczzUf_z1gC8JxzBCdLTNazqAJ4LWFOTDkEUIF9Re1Vi6trtXYVGVPS3p5OggqavGdbvAq7xUjh1vR4vv-hRzIUTbC0SbqbcIEGTA_ajqJQIRVAarC_Zk-QCitySAi2KK/s1600/20170419_175330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKquhFvfQ4b-geczzUf_z1gC8JxzBCdLTNazqAJ4LWFOTDkEUIF9Re1Vi6trtXYVGVPS3p5OggqavGdbvAq7xUjh1vR4vv-hRzIUTbC0SbqbcIEGTA_ajqJQIRVAarC_Zk-QCitySAi2KK/s320/20170419_175330.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tim was excited to have a real steak, after his vegetarian stint in Tibet and Nepal, so he texted his buddy who lives in Bangkok for a recommendation. We wound up at <i>Artur Restaurant</i>, also within walking distance of our hotel. The food and service were both top-notch, and we had a very enjoyable evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTDulwsln60x1OYQ-Zz_tFAXCnO_beFE5lvgcNId281heSCOKWpaVhIWLqw9sXVhyFkS58VR9hH0sGZy3ZbVXG14GVjC-T9y1yUjdnhu4Z0JAe-qWE6zvH6ONeDnkvzjiPHPtsfF6t2l3/s1600/20170419_185120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTDulwsln60x1OYQ-Zz_tFAXCnO_beFE5lvgcNId281heSCOKWpaVhIWLqw9sXVhyFkS58VR9hH0sGZy3ZbVXG14GVjC-T9y1yUjdnhu4Z0JAe-qWE6zvH6ONeDnkvzjiPHPtsfF6t2l3/s320/20170419_185120.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqbjix8ajlbvJ5iGIZNwYfaVlPaU2HtX4aPxcnIqOxydSSdmIcbxjcplmHFCirMdc-5naXV2KRnGwfsj2Gf3sa6WLxriEQluFLefy8gGdZhgMwJ88b_TlpERKs3QdaiCCJQoUE17K8PEW/s1600/20170419_195233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqbjix8ajlbvJ5iGIZNwYfaVlPaU2HtX4aPxcnIqOxydSSdmIcbxjcplmHFCirMdc-5naXV2KRnGwfsj2Gf3sa6WLxriEQluFLefy8gGdZhgMwJ88b_TlpERKs3QdaiCCJQoUE17K8PEW/s320/20170419_195233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another nice perk of being Muse of the Day was a late checkout. We were allowed to keep our room until 6 p.m. on our checkout day, which gave us another full day in Bangkok. We agreed to meet Tim's buddy, Chris, and his new wife for lunch. This was the couple whose wedding we attended in December. His wife suggested one of her favorite Thai restaurants, <i>The Local</i>, and she met us there on her lunch break from work. We took a taxi, as we didn't want to be late. Several taxis were waiting on the street, but the hotel staff said those taxi drivers liked to cheat their customers. They called us a taxi instead, but it took quite a long time to get there. Then we had to make our way through Bangkok traffic. Chris and Tania were already waiting inside when we finally arrived.<br />
<br />
<i>The Local </i>is designed to preserve old Thai customs of home and food. We were led along a long wooden walkway, the walls lined with several period pieces of Thai history - dishes, pots, cutlery, etc. We continued up a flight of stairs to a large, airy room with rattan chairs and Thai silk cushions. Tania was kind enough to order for us, and ordered a variety of foods from many different regions of the country. Neither Tim nor I are huge fans of Thai food, but everything we had here was delicious! We were grateful to have Tania's expertise at our disposal!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw77xyfXMjq9HAXmYpkLAq_63s5Cb2vuBG-EJfsoS-57bLIysOd-41MLj_K4kJ44nxPe1A3c7nYPoLwBVZoupbs0bLTNUS9PdKfC8J75O9sKgY57-tnY9Y3XIphpVlrI2sNDw3mIzVcap/s1600/20170420_124220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw77xyfXMjq9HAXmYpkLAq_63s5Cb2vuBG-EJfsoS-57bLIysOd-41MLj_K4kJ44nxPe1A3c7nYPoLwBVZoupbs0bLTNUS9PdKfC8J75O9sKgY57-tnY9Y3XIphpVlrI2sNDw3mIzVcap/s320/20170420_124220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPueWFEhZwXdymatYFTdMHTfH18v5_G64g0HkdeamODqlfQq9HlkHPszlrEYfR447cuLrGxgJVNTR7aDpxneDMbwp3Ry8-pCO1drdiGmimCWp2RoxrH8wdg1wcIHXyKhsZyTXBQLplWmHt/s1600/20170420_124228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPueWFEhZwXdymatYFTdMHTfH18v5_G64g0HkdeamODqlfQq9HlkHPszlrEYfR447cuLrGxgJVNTR7aDpxneDMbwp3Ry8-pCO1drdiGmimCWp2RoxrH8wdg1wcIHXyKhsZyTXBQLplWmHt/s320/20170420_124228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv6QLHhM88vux1NI8R1WJhmhyeFMq_NDiLYIEEvfHQncBAU0ZC9jcE6PRycqozsmYl4qCyKS98GMtW_PxU4nUFjMZYijCyKx4TT0iG14rdmP2ggNTXzVjQyyMB75XFl3Bv2jpJsB1v6HV/s1600/20170420_122844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv6QLHhM88vux1NI8R1WJhmhyeFMq_NDiLYIEEvfHQncBAU0ZC9jcE6PRycqozsmYl4qCyKS98GMtW_PxU4nUFjMZYijCyKx4TT0iG14rdmP2ggNTXzVjQyyMB75XFl3Bv2jpJsB1v6HV/s400/20170420_122844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x7au3j-8lwo_-FRJjNLz6cT2O-I8ZwwHG3Dab1dpUypzHPxgmf05zWeMPaiVWJaZdR-UzF9KS4rTQBG4dohfYdBhlnq6mZN_XpBv6REVXPEClaFAYk3W3sa99FGHn0fHtD8wHOdLct8o/s1600/20170420_131231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x7au3j-8lwo_-FRJjNLz6cT2O-I8ZwwHG3Dab1dpUypzHPxgmf05zWeMPaiVWJaZdR-UzF9KS4rTQBG4dohfYdBhlnq6mZN_XpBv6REVXPEClaFAYk3W3sa99FGHn0fHtD8wHOdLct8o/s400/20170420_131231.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely desserts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RRSkcqQ2yu9quNGF_GWmJxzMkp7cxAcjvZkDEbrCGGckJH86fS6oq5qMZOL4l1Ufrvc6Asa83Wmk5lN8ESy3qtzG1ff7iBMPZN2bLoApj3KSQk8Xmxk2n-D0B1rlpujObXpEWIDwbGX4/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RRSkcqQ2yu9quNGF_GWmJxzMkp7cxAcjvZkDEbrCGGckJH86fS6oq5qMZOL4l1Ufrvc6Asa83Wmk5lN8ESy3qtzG1ff7iBMPZN2bLoApj3KSQk8Xmxk2n-D0B1rlpujObXpEWIDwbGX4/s400/APRIL+2017+Download+495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After lunch we hiked back to the BTS in the afternoon sun, and rode the couple of stops back to our hotel. We took our time, wandering down new streets and stopping in interesting shops. We were still too full from lunch to think about dinner, but we stopped back up at the <i>Speakeasy</i> for one more Happy hour before Mick arrived to take us back to Pattaya.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lBacZo71fgE-MliyZ7vQmL5C_cNz27sVdWfR2rFK-60NkueJ7fqYOMRxds-WAJlydi_cAT9Bj2N1xzjM6AMdQM8IrhMDikEIurLMlwI3y9qpRkaxIW-tqQza1UKWnWuhSB71xdokhbVu/s1600/20170420_143228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lBacZo71fgE-MliyZ7vQmL5C_cNz27sVdWfR2rFK-60NkueJ7fqYOMRxds-WAJlydi_cAT9Bj2N1xzjM6AMdQM8IrhMDikEIurLMlwI3y9qpRkaxIW-tqQza1UKWnWuhSB71xdokhbVu/s400/20170420_143228.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view of our hotel from the BTS station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iEKAtkk30CI8jUJisn4FKsiw8uw9DErcCUTY5ZX4XRBmCF7RgI7DgPIvmJfvWb9joxdOB9f6Xg4S_bdy7xd6w088Q04Ng-o_PvVDY3pbDPMb-120br7cXXNEHXS2IFsD1FwO2lknMlzu/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iEKAtkk30CI8jUJisn4FKsiw8uw9DErcCUTY5ZX4XRBmCF7RgI7DgPIvmJfvWb9joxdOB9f6Xg4S_bdy7xd6w088Q04Ng-o_PvVDY3pbDPMb-120br7cXXNEHXS2IFsD1FwO2lknMlzu/s640/APRIL+2017+Download+494.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset from the Speakeasy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So much to absorb and process from the last two weeks. I am so thankful for all that I learned and experienced, broadening my view of the world even further. I am thankful for all the wonderful people we met along the way, who were so willing to share the beauty of their countries with strangers. And I am most thankful to Tim, whose hard work day in and day out made this amazing adventure possible. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="240" src="https://giphy.com/embed/Sz2Bn86WaZH5C" width="360"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/the-wonder-years-Sz2Bn86WaZH5C">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-47430856645053265122017-05-31T03:31:00.000-04:002017-05-31T11:25:25.173-04:00Go Tell It On the Mountain 9April 17 - 18, 2017<br />
<br />
With a late morning flight back to Kathmandu, we embraced a more leisurely pace; had a nice breakfast, then sat by the lake and enjoyed the beautiful morning. We saw what looked like small white flowers on the stalks in front of us, then realized those "flowers" were moving. Turned out to be some strange spider-like insects. We also finally saw the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, but just barely. Tim didn't realize there was another magnitude of mountains beyond what we'd seen the last two days. One of the attractions of Pokhara is the beautiful reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the lake, but, alas, we were not privileged to see it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy22ewx8kdCFIK-h-sNTs7aKDvlI-qJhoOSZoaBNTDIBf5JdhdHwKv0kxIcTvjeWT9gUVWDz-lg6Hsp2m0bIphfWxl7KNY5ZFDfvALfgtUOGY9sk9YTMfCg8mzQUa3t2RLf14PYfcSbnH/s1600/20170417_092031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy22ewx8kdCFIK-h-sNTs7aKDvlI-qJhoOSZoaBNTDIBf5JdhdHwKv0kxIcTvjeWT9gUVWDz-lg6Hsp2m0bIphfWxl7KNY5ZFDfvALfgtUOGY9sk9YTMfCg8mzQUa3t2RLf14PYfcSbnH/s320/20170417_092031.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyd25mSy1wY08dByYl8Hjax5DbR9c0-LAJo86KbUYnKaulmaYE6J2cc11l5hYEwO1k0YN3fB94USakzX9igpkIHSQQQNXu8js_CltE4JS1gErKB1Njq1xndcWo95HlGiMNm_S9BNK18KO/s1600/20170417_092108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyd25mSy1wY08dByYl8Hjax5DbR9c0-LAJo86KbUYnKaulmaYE6J2cc11l5hYEwO1k0YN3fB94USakzX9igpkIHSQQQNXu8js_CltE4JS1gErKB1Njq1xndcWo95HlGiMNm_S9BNK18KO/s320/20170417_092108.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwxUgYjCV1S0CYjPJUAKBFgpQKRlUMEuC7uH6F2UjgZhikLWEBC7G9k7wWGJoSl4wtPcr6T-ixTudyeY_Htkkq4uU4ixQRKfb2qfJkRlrkljVA4yYbATG1i726FSY1m95gpUKHC8g-XBz/s1600/20170417_100342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwxUgYjCV1S0CYjPJUAKBFgpQKRlUMEuC7uH6F2UjgZhikLWEBC7G9k7wWGJoSl4wtPcr6T-ixTudyeY_Htkkq4uU4ixQRKfb2qfJkRlrkljVA4yYbATG1i726FSY1m95gpUKHC8g-XBz/s320/20170417_100342.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magical moving "flower" lower right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu09Ep0nNabw7aeR7VML6tzYuav3clk86b2TItlJB5MxpsGhCK8OX0-lRo9vrQeo63_4FK04ONCBD-fdM9OPq6nezLYuM41IM1UQHmWikywGyj00eNDLFc0vouKyQ6LaJR_K-Omyx4BsPD/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu09Ep0nNabw7aeR7VML6tzYuav3clk86b2TItlJB5MxpsGhCK8OX0-lRo9vrQeo63_4FK04ONCBD-fdM9OPq6nezLYuM41IM1UQHmWikywGyj00eNDLFc0vouKyQ6LaJR_K-Omyx4BsPD/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5npkpG_5IsF2qjIbFAeujTUwHvosbXOigan00FHDCXdy_spo3-s6-exMfjjRgJPO5IOczF0lg0mAchTfZfynY0Bu-ZUz5l-xBOYsGrdGnjAZva3Hc7mUqvbKZgPRzEuDKSxqV9oHnJXkv/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5npkpG_5IsF2qjIbFAeujTUwHvosbXOigan00FHDCXdy_spo3-s6-exMfjjRgJPO5IOczF0lg0mAchTfZfynY0Bu-ZUz5l-xBOYsGrdGnjAZva3Hc7mUqvbKZgPRzEuDKSxqV9oHnJXkv/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cehe2aQAna5hkq8mjf9Vc9n5EtXAgtQm49X-kY4m_SBBFZV3BWPY1M82qKtNDdvOvHekAQQ9um1SRCsZyCK8wb95NaImnUOrcrNuEBjLs6Y2XLi7lBFLDyGteVdxztwklUO3IcGplPH3/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cehe2aQAna5hkq8mjf9Vc9n5EtXAgtQm49X-kY4m_SBBFZV3BWPY1M82qKtNDdvOvHekAQQ9um1SRCsZyCK8wb95NaImnUOrcrNuEBjLs6Y2XLi7lBFLDyGteVdxztwklUO3IcGplPH3/s640/APRIL+2017+Download+455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain tops not visible to the camera, just barely perceptible to the eye above the clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj0o40TRIE4ybWCfBqbbqJNtWmX2kgPcI0hipNcJyodDSQX5tXUUSKRQtm-EotQMw0XW9QkMEf8nQGrdIergVs7ZmoObfKjzO5mguzUQX5sZ3jL5W-8AX6A4zuIxJAbiSvpdImnCOxNCk/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj0o40TRIE4ybWCfBqbbqJNtWmX2kgPcI0hipNcJyodDSQX5tXUUSKRQtm-EotQMw0XW9QkMEf8nQGrdIergVs7ZmoObfKjzO5mguzUQX5sZ3jL5W-8AX6A4zuIxJAbiSvpdImnCOxNCk/s640/APRIL+2017+Download+451.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the mountains would appear on a clear day<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7miG7UvYRBq8npZI9E7UtZEMzzdy8fMEC8DpY-pXlmLoKP4S-PghF_4KSReBmBy00ETVRiQ1ojfqYf-eIbwPVKan7XfwzpCJ9si6_CZD2IBVs6uzQIliRcynYr4vh1sR-RoByEWI4_Al7/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7miG7UvYRBq8npZI9E7UtZEMzzdy8fMEC8DpY-pXlmLoKP4S-PghF_4KSReBmBy00ETVRiQ1ojfqYf-eIbwPVKan7XfwzpCJ9si6_CZD2IBVs6uzQIliRcynYr4vh1sR-RoByEWI4_Al7/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+457.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia20qofA2Xm0iVD-hz-92O_SoDoPnUVo73q-NtG8kP0JdBddVVJ_fEBpKUTAHws-qo8w3VAsiaxYvJBG7VMTqLI1-3H9bmqbJPUfo0nVM0ufrkfhxYzTS6b7g10yvsZpjBG0u0Qa4uTFv1/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia20qofA2Xm0iVD-hz-92O_SoDoPnUVo73q-NtG8kP0JdBddVVJ_fEBpKUTAHws-qo8w3VAsiaxYvJBG7VMTqLI1-3H9bmqbJPUfo0nVM0ufrkfhxYzTS6b7g10yvsZpjBG0u0Qa4uTFv1/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+459.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More photos of the beautiful grounds of Fish Tail Lodge<br />
(named for one of the Annapurna mountains)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3e73ItpVPFaUfAQq_vmdkme6qHlxInJ08zJQ81k4RQfoPyCyJRCQTKmpmqh9ZWBmlc2IE9TMCrM1uhlXcljIsZaa6fVk8uIY1VodalvcUlyzQ9bYcR6q1YUx3hR9iwQ68prgDRtc2sI-/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3e73ItpVPFaUfAQq_vmdkme6qHlxInJ08zJQ81k4RQfoPyCyJRCQTKmpmqh9ZWBmlc2IE9TMCrM1uhlXcljIsZaa6fVk8uIY1VodalvcUlyzQ9bYcR6q1YUx3hR9iwQ68prgDRtc2sI-/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcwQHVchv-qSYHNDx0Jo7c9vK9dLWUON1tK0trXRVw6udmLZYpBH3I4UxE8GWDUuxQ7-ZC6NyUG1uAmbovOjdo3SAsJ2FL07wYsBnzZDaXIRcAHsAzg4KrwOkohIlDACdZ0llq-ECUBnS/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcwQHVchv-qSYHNDx0Jo7c9vK9dLWUON1tK0trXRVw6udmLZYpBH3I4UxE8GWDUuxQ7-ZC6NyUG1uAmbovOjdo3SAsJ2FL07wYsBnzZDaXIRcAHsAzg4KrwOkohIlDACdZ0llq-ECUBnS/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+462.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA2RDaWl0E7dCO3ZZKg4dQ1O5p1CWo35aPtTFiLKFg9lcVys8s-MWD5B70rlZaBeXjJXnNm7bN-apD9wrXUMG6HGy5_W-iPP0vgiMTXuVYRgrRTuYSjZrukzJzyefo6GWsINIo_9N6Uj2/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA2RDaWl0E7dCO3ZZKg4dQ1O5p1CWo35aPtTFiLKFg9lcVys8s-MWD5B70rlZaBeXjJXnNm7bN-apD9wrXUMG6HGy5_W-iPP0vgiMTXuVYRgrRTuYSjZrukzJzyefo6GWsINIo_9N6Uj2/s640/APRIL+2017+Download+463.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD2tSSkiqCTiYOXUwn1hNQn6o9IIGeZ2Qzz18BoGvfMrwUAvdMMo83klAKGP-YC5tHlMgLd_-irhge7dq9EkgFPt1DCKlIjjebssa9TBeN4_PKvF8mcdxffSnJ_KILVGZViW9riBSRHf5/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD2tSSkiqCTiYOXUwn1hNQn6o9IIGeZ2Qzz18BoGvfMrwUAvdMMo83klAKGP-YC5tHlMgLd_-irhge7dq9EkgFPt1DCKlIjjebssa9TBeN4_PKvF8mcdxffSnJ_KILVGZViW9riBSRHf5/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+464.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuBYo43rd-9WB1uTh60HKTZi19vJ4CIoyIU6YOg501MKPUH6KcZcZmxkqq0vIWjDfXRppm9jQH5QCfE3NdRIlm_9XBjzd3tPgHdtYzc3HFf1A0ln07gfkf30Mvh1-JjhS6bPsJQxcFP_u/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuBYo43rd-9WB1uTh60HKTZi19vJ4CIoyIU6YOg501MKPUH6KcZcZmxkqq0vIWjDfXRppm9jQH5QCfE3NdRIlm_9XBjzd3tPgHdtYzc3HFf1A0ln07gfkf30Mvh1-JjhS6bPsJQxcFP_u/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+465.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s-xRfEAtQAlUsKR5sW_eq7ZF7gPiJuXY0B5OUP8bQmWzI0O6Mv6GHYEUCslmuSwl__rweS3LfBJOtP1Td1lEWqoJwtkxz-VHVcttztn70MbR5rch-uESx6mHW0IO0ZabstIOjwXrC7mK/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s-xRfEAtQAlUsKR5sW_eq7ZF7gPiJuXY0B5OUP8bQmWzI0O6Mv6GHYEUCslmuSwl__rweS3LfBJOtP1Td1lEWqoJwtkxz-VHVcttztn70MbR5rch-uESx6mHW0IO0ZabstIOjwXrC7mK/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+466.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiCoPV66UviDedT6Qf6eECeSE9m0VRQFHsa_qAAD5MD5wUJwjQZh4-safbyuFkA1GnKT8JALUtlnWmADKrjzTDDOKXPV3Kjqe11BjnLPcmV-wwT3xW65vIP_XvTgipD3TgDoSM-fd4Q_1/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiCoPV66UviDedT6Qf6eECeSE9m0VRQFHsa_qAAD5MD5wUJwjQZh4-safbyuFkA1GnKT8JALUtlnWmADKrjzTDDOKXPV3Kjqe11BjnLPcmV-wwT3xW65vIP_XvTgipD3TgDoSM-fd4Q_1/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ndWhWAwlDhQHNQOPANn1rgJ7qesX946zlzY-CaZPKxdBm9Z7iES9dwF8oxw61sfgnaV6dApHKoEJNLtgIilzU93tjd_R5cNwod9d6POezkGZ9llBIvegjq_fwqtBv7ipsEodMe65vGk1/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ndWhWAwlDhQHNQOPANn1rgJ7qesX946zlzY-CaZPKxdBm9Z7iES9dwF8oxw61sfgnaV6dApHKoEJNLtgIilzU93tjd_R5cNwod9d6POezkGZ9llBIvegjq_fwqtBv7ipsEodMe65vGk1/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMqwh-CUPGmjk1XU9rCq4NNsUmwcao-u37xIZwnr7Kxk3T3QIHr8VbP0vfnQlzyJqWbvX2Z5HIgtKuaCLxeNoScvJdFb-BBFtfAESHRwGfpGlhB_Zn8zrBJf2vy_sx7JFN7Mj86IYnqTb/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMqwh-CUPGmjk1XU9rCq4NNsUmwcao-u37xIZwnr7Kxk3T3QIHr8VbP0vfnQlzyJqWbvX2Z5HIgtKuaCLxeNoScvJdFb-BBFtfAESHRwGfpGlhB_Zn8zrBJf2vy_sx7JFN7Mj86IYnqTb/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+469.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZTmg3cEnf46JTUQYHviVDVONrFcpA91vn_IRuoUJg5mVueTPr-fGOxt1r4tcqkLxohfMAzo7MmXc8xhLyfk-G9V_M44qBlWdtkDiM7Q3S1sVFN61rWX_zLrfP49eap0haX1CIIlCAckE/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZTmg3cEnf46JTUQYHviVDVONrFcpA91vn_IRuoUJg5mVueTPr-fGOxt1r4tcqkLxohfMAzo7MmXc8xhLyfk-G9V_M44qBlWdtkDiM7Q3S1sVFN61rWX_zLrfP49eap0haX1CIIlCAckE/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMmmP6kzjnSAWXOD2VGzHDdXfqSkfh2597RTSX-7ZdNbN_cwMVsG2e1_DwVMWNU7AjlTuFcZ06MC4_u4cPC2e6PfsR15fEDX-6A3I3n8wjE7mWI7yhptf7xAOBCP9SjwhzLf-1q-g-dwg/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMmmP6kzjnSAWXOD2VGzHDdXfqSkfh2597RTSX-7ZdNbN_cwMVsG2e1_DwVMWNU7AjlTuFcZ06MC4_u4cPC2e6PfsR15fEDX-6A3I3n8wjE7mWI7yhptf7xAOBCP9SjwhzLf-1q-g-dwg/s400/APRIL+2017+Download+471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFtnIo6ngZ08DOyDhQ2wRVuqe_oP3onQZPd97XYV_783IVtgt3xEbqgyLKazXYla9xvJ2V4qEoVslJqo1UkJ9n2Lz08pFkhXHgTvqMyifR3DcgHPolyqzDBr7FbAi6wTX934spsdbfwUU/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFtnIo6ngZ08DOyDhQ2wRVuqe_oP3onQZPd97XYV_783IVtgt3xEbqgyLKazXYla9xvJ2V4qEoVslJqo1UkJ9n2Lz08pFkhXHgTvqMyifR3DcgHPolyqzDBr7FbAi6wTX934spsdbfwUU/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDkh14osOOQCF1kcODG7PB6jn3e-4UT00jdCy96WGdp1loMmy0V3Y3wy3qYllr-x60HtBTnWUkrtuKHiKqwMOWNceIrIALKI7MHycuT_nAQ2BNnTN26Fxk4t2jXDMM-gHqEPUd8lyYZUZ/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDkh14osOOQCF1kcODG7PB6jn3e-4UT00jdCy96WGdp1loMmy0V3Y3wy3qYllr-x60HtBTnWUkrtuKHiKqwMOWNceIrIALKI7MHycuT_nAQ2BNnTN26Fxk4t2jXDMM-gHqEPUd8lyYZUZ/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+473.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt52tEQ_VzVaLkVclDe7ewDQR7H-7uzWkvBm5f-qTIa3hKILfTkpIjfe7DgVB1iKGtfK_9t8RZmwbXfN1WupaypEew32SHxkW2QBJXwdKMdGTp_iL4FqCQIhmHPBkUojnBh3v15pAvRb_s/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt52tEQ_VzVaLkVclDe7ewDQR7H-7uzWkvBm5f-qTIa3hKILfTkpIjfe7DgVB1iKGtfK_9t8RZmwbXfN1WupaypEew32SHxkW2QBJXwdKMdGTp_iL4FqCQIhmHPBkUojnBh3v15pAvRb_s/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+474.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0gLNCqY7Ndz-81HCR1pbHXvSRjZyARUuQs5VFkZr7T-JPE-IoAUr_tgVPO6LWcKG4IfkFOfBAKFp7rGV3Bn574r3GjHytu746LFL3k1zfmo-VcaKRV6LXv8U7lE2G380i0ZvjTaWGJ1J/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0gLNCqY7Ndz-81HCR1pbHXvSRjZyARUuQs5VFkZr7T-JPE-IoAUr_tgVPO6LWcKG4IfkFOfBAKFp7rGV3Bn574r3GjHytu746LFL3k1zfmo-VcaKRV6LXv8U7lE2G380i0ZvjTaWGJ1J/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdnmnYTSka1g6Af0LQCgT2fc2KQF3Xi1Lu_rb8dRCZNGgbh19jNKOnQeM7AgxABWI39WdbUX08pHOQXuIkk6joD13KBLmkJ63Hift2h_anCPB1TaspzXoYHCUHcSj-vDCIte1Rof7kSAz/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdnmnYTSka1g6Af0LQCgT2fc2KQF3Xi1Lu_rb8dRCZNGgbh19jNKOnQeM7AgxABWI39WdbUX08pHOQXuIkk6joD13KBLmkJ63Hift2h_anCPB1TaspzXoYHCUHcSj-vDCIte1Rof7kSAz/s640/APRIL+2017+Download+476.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBQb10OpM865m6eFxdgxmdI-y3ALRgYsmcHdjkfpNua32u0b3FWbN8avvtVtJgOS4DaSg0KLseZGIEkAy2WktmY69uA4z7wBgMAF_7IntlAG37PODIwJMHun1o5lHuCJJ1LGx92M_oICm/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBQb10OpM865m6eFxdgxmdI-y3ALRgYsmcHdjkfpNua32u0b3FWbN8avvtVtJgOS4DaSg0KLseZGIEkAy2WktmY69uA4z7wBgMAF_7IntlAG37PODIwJMHun1o5lHuCJJ1LGx92M_oICm/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+477.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hari met us near the lobby for the short drive to the airport. Another wait for check in, then through more security; this time "ladies" and "gents" had to queue separately for frisking. It was a very long wait for our flight. A guy told Hari we could get on an earlier flight, and transferred our luggage, but he only switched one ticket. When Hari realized the error, it took him a long time to find someone to straighten it out, switching the one ticket back on to the original delayed flight. Apparently, the <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nepalese-president-arrives-in-delhi/articleshow/58220485.cms">president of Nepal was flying out of Kathmandu to Delhi</a>, so no flights were allowed in or out of Kathmandu. Our little plane was coming from Kathmandu - it seems Yeti Air makes several trips to Pokhara and back each day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk7wJL08wDt-nthGyxv5sQmQtZrOeNtXnJ77uI7vHyjI8UgnX9vg-6xhtWHgQm6vdN27w0ZZPO9RMKmQeS9hFRQ7co9zFmOcUSbzX4OINk9R9x7anNf2Sgcb4sEs9akd0b6Y64Nb1TcUf/s1600/20170417_140831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk7wJL08wDt-nthGyxv5sQmQtZrOeNtXnJ77uI7vHyjI8UgnX9vg-6xhtWHgQm6vdN27w0ZZPO9RMKmQeS9hFRQ7co9zFmOcUSbzX4OINk9R9x7anNf2Sgcb4sEs9akd0b6Y64Nb1TcUf/s640/20170417_140831.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">killing time while we wait for our flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our wait dragged on for three hours, with not a single plane landing at the little Pokhara airport. Then suddenly several planes arrived at once. We were finally on our quick little flight back to Kathmandu, with the same lone flight attendant and her basket of candy and cotton balls. It was a crazy, chaotic scene once again at Kathmandu airport, where our suitcase had been waiting for us for hours! <br />
<br />
Our poor driver had been waiting for us for hours, too, and brought us to our hotel, Baber Mahal Vilas, for our last night in Nepal,. We could have flown out of Nepal that same afternoon, but with no direct flights, we would have had layovers of twelve hours or more in some places. So we decided to stay one more night in Nepal and take the early flight with just a short layover in New Delhi. The tour company had booked all our hotels in Nepal thus far, but this last night we were on our own. I booked Baber Mahal Vilas through booking.com, and it turned out to be a wonderful place.<br />
<br />
Kathmandu has many different ethnic sections of the city, and Baber Mahal was one of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rana_dynasty">Rana</a> palaces that dominated this is part of the city. The Ranas ruled Nepal from 1846 to 1951, and were responsible for introducing a blend of European, Indian and local architecture. Until 1996, this property housed a cowshed and a guardhouse. The owner decided to transform it into a tribute to his Rana ancestors, and the results are quite stunning. The five courtyards are all designed to resemble attributes of other palaces in the valley. None of the buildings are the same height, and the antique windows were salvaged from existing properties slated for demolition. The simple, unassuming entrance belies the beauty within. Just opened in October of 2016, it is truly a feast for the eyes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql5X5L0zu2pVUxUEtPfSd3GB3LL6cLr16PYEI4-G7MF4tOAkCpK6im2a9fD7gQY2nBITBWMqSR7F95rc4HEWvViq_bPgVSy5yWeUUZcHnJC6sLI-XaCPaYuc0Pwne5AvVu0IHH8ze2f2R/s1600/20170417_164424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql5X5L0zu2pVUxUEtPfSd3GB3LL6cLr16PYEI4-G7MF4tOAkCpK6im2a9fD7gQY2nBITBWMqSR7F95rc4HEWvViq_bPgVSy5yWeUUZcHnJC6sLI-XaCPaYuc0Pwne5AvVu0IHH8ze2f2R/s640/20170417_164424.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0S_WUGU_GUHOyo5urpoJAhVXpz76pYoRMTQvB6fBSHDmKrMNe9waO94oL5VqMY-QK23_D21IsviThMBSQc6OOKgmU65d-92UrQQXQBVqysHY0FiXbNGI3D7MGRwLRyPnq0c-Oa6lM4k_V/s1600/20170417_164445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="659" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0S_WUGU_GUHOyo5urpoJAhVXpz76pYoRMTQvB6fBSHDmKrMNe9waO94oL5VqMY-QK23_D21IsviThMBSQc6OOKgmU65d-92UrQQXQBVqysHY0FiXbNGI3D7MGRwLRyPnq0c-Oa6lM4k_V/s400/20170417_164445.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our room was huge and colorful. I was charmed before we even entered by the quaint, gilded padlock on the bolted door. A nice plate of fruit and cups of lassi were brought to the room upon our arrival. The manager showed us around the extensive grounds, including the beautiful library, pillared walkways and a charming little rooftop pool with decorative bridges across. Tim went back out afterward and took lots of pictures. We were sorry our stay here was so short.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXdV9GplTfHFSzQpqtrh02sFIIux_iM4f35imooVBxxHjjRwq9sN63Na0IAJ99aEAORSrN7JwSWRrXW0kThzAtU47UPksPX7vSOQmJ7hvLdjnzFhrHe_d2-f-6OoOOrbsBnl2H74Q1xv-/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXdV9GplTfHFSzQpqtrh02sFIIux_iM4f35imooVBxxHjjRwq9sN63Na0IAJ99aEAORSrN7JwSWRrXW0kThzAtU47UPksPX7vSOQmJ7hvLdjnzFhrHe_d2-f-6OoOOrbsBnl2H74Q1xv-/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeJiTDhmocOOn_OE0qUa08CXj8KLHjwT05BIALXPvJWOzoXo9a5xdDEafGRCqUr8QxTBAfoYrqT1xw9c3S2sLBjp4wc9IaWnmu-RRgYS1ONyDUo5L0_yuPVkoXW3y4Xogu1zGlOjPbweK/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeJiTDhmocOOn_OE0qUa08CXj8KLHjwT05BIALXPvJWOzoXo9a5xdDEafGRCqUr8QxTBAfoYrqT1xw9c3S2sLBjp4wc9IaWnmu-RRgYS1ONyDUo5L0_yuPVkoXW3y4Xogu1zGlOjPbweK/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPmrJXEn2YotS8XX73x8UU9I8zO43gsUK4Ud9CV6pED7eLNFbpyJ_LFkTRlqVYWPm2Xw_TT4y8ZnWkGdrHgXl8MxwzSeK3Djwovyf7toK0O91mwByw-t4gvTb9UzzsVT9x9pM-9AMa_Qn/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPmrJXEn2YotS8XX73x8UU9I8zO43gsUK4Ud9CV6pED7eLNFbpyJ_LFkTRlqVYWPm2Xw_TT4y8ZnWkGdrHgXl8MxwzSeK3Djwovyf7toK0O91mwByw-t4gvTb9UzzsVT9x9pM-9AMa_Qn/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv5e9LXc-CrfgQnU-_ABX-sCD1JSNwLLpxz5hl85N0Gx7QYqM2L4ymqKCgDg2njDr35Ekurgs83GSViWnaPkI4ybchvNKDEw_BGK9QFB6hUtBK7y6HXRhM4nTCRJ2AFa1ANskTNMC7ilt/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv5e9LXc-CrfgQnU-_ABX-sCD1JSNwLLpxz5hl85N0Gx7QYqM2L4ymqKCgDg2njDr35Ekurgs83GSViWnaPkI4ybchvNKDEw_BGK9QFB6hUtBK7y6HXRhM4nTCRJ2AFa1ANskTNMC7ilt/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYnhg6rj2FarEduxadQu8dow-l_cmLjpHw8ejgjQDczzD6sg_IaGj6Ko5bOoQCL1MeQeMflIgsJlmnK1v7YlbGTBbbwJxZcKgX7iNetT4GyN8yJNpiFspwMZJESzRrefxF-Cz3nwwLEgZ/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYnhg6rj2FarEduxadQu8dow-l_cmLjpHw8ejgjQDczzD6sg_IaGj6Ko5bOoQCL1MeQeMflIgsJlmnK1v7YlbGTBbbwJxZcKgX7iNetT4GyN8yJNpiFspwMZJESzRrefxF-Cz3nwwLEgZ/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLMpiBJu1dr94KRUPlCkhdwbAio6guSVZFJbelALcQqP4WrBEdyR0SeG4a0GPo2w8r5ahefJN_EFCbIUa3x0SEAdTZVS5QvJskHndp9pqNogVjvvzQRFFbx3Pfc8zcu_p0cbPVY0SsWWU/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLMpiBJu1dr94KRUPlCkhdwbAio6guSVZFJbelALcQqP4WrBEdyR0SeG4a0GPo2w8r5ahefJN_EFCbIUa3x0SEAdTZVS5QvJskHndp9pqNogVjvvzQRFFbx3Pfc8zcu_p0cbPVY0SsWWU/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbxnwLNwcnNlRjPrpy-Hv_nPOn3Qenkue2F0eT9VOEa4qhN4Rog4pHxaqTuw0gxz36bzeXomRthPNMrZBUia_05nJzogt39v07eGOn9rMgoQwecy0jbHdHJ9-gpRgfksOO1aIKAnV8dBt/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbxnwLNwcnNlRjPrpy-Hv_nPOn3Qenkue2F0eT9VOEa4qhN4Rog4pHxaqTuw0gxz36bzeXomRthPNMrZBUia_05nJzogt39v07eGOn9rMgoQwecy0jbHdHJ9-gpRgfksOO1aIKAnV8dBt/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYI4goviw5OCRdPhswBjCWr8hxBL5akUZVkQHptVq1Vlj7nnLUmyKJSeMBvYmlXo3Cponfauaa1nvtH9eFngZpifd0UylPKhvAXeVO0lTafQfQqg2TAWpIAf5Gr1FO9wtOvlNp7ma6dgf/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYI4goviw5OCRdPhswBjCWr8hxBL5akUZVkQHptVq1Vlj7nnLUmyKJSeMBvYmlXo3Cponfauaa1nvtH9eFngZpifd0UylPKhvAXeVO0lTafQfQqg2TAWpIAf5Gr1FO9wtOvlNp7ma6dgf/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbfe4Q_buJDEh2bD7t4-qYcZ_SS9lCjRac0em_mn3AfoPBJWIGUszJNg5_7Vo33ta8gLRQGsFkpdTeDABLvzzv8UShwUqHKmz9GOreYuDfHaBAbS0vnwbsQSSJN-C-nh7tSV0_-9HrTNa/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbfe4Q_buJDEh2bD7t4-qYcZ_SS9lCjRac0em_mn3AfoPBJWIGUszJNg5_7Vo33ta8gLRQGsFkpdTeDABLvzzv8UShwUqHKmz9GOreYuDfHaBAbS0vnwbsQSSJN-C-nh7tSV0_-9HrTNa/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqHH7wgzmf2KN2ZaF0xtzZ7eZXWfsS4QuBw-bgEiUJwwtj_7Dcz0UHTTOX4q3nc9Xgrn36RM0CvFKvq0NtQDnROjxWQ_aAUXqlnPpL5nlDI7bvd3cHWBVofhviQpCmsKMGIZWI64qKsSy/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqHH7wgzmf2KN2ZaF0xtzZ7eZXWfsS4QuBw-bgEiUJwwtj_7Dcz0UHTTOX4q3nc9Xgrn36RM0CvFKvq0NtQDnROjxWQ_aAUXqlnPpL5nlDI7bvd3cHWBVofhviQpCmsKMGIZWI64qKsSy/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZDN0Pq2y6bCVbd450QRpp9QbNtwhzCxekAqKLkzSg_QMzE067qAUft9bwO-HVdRuzFmBJx6VXHX8XI1zeZYYN6udSRI8m8_ay8-CHyW0YJmOWieszv_fEtTAdoduSya1a0h3s9lWjpxI/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZDN0Pq2y6bCVbd450QRpp9QbNtwhzCxekAqKLkzSg_QMzE067qAUft9bwO-HVdRuzFmBJx6VXHX8XI1zeZYYN6udSRI8m8_ay8-CHyW0YJmOWieszv_fEtTAdoduSya1a0h3s9lWjpxI/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N-khlVfrvtMcQLIsfy4SbViyqzNWJ1l5-zOfNVAsT-f60CEum2odhS5XfTQkO0D_84YsmsAzIzqRdK7wYIbshS1rHUgWhXuLNYQpBsIk8YiZ4jC6y20WpI5cvs1WTB6zGfX7xxg-Ud9n/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N-khlVfrvtMcQLIsfy4SbViyqzNWJ1l5-zOfNVAsT-f60CEum2odhS5XfTQkO0D_84YsmsAzIzqRdK7wYIbshS1rHUgWhXuLNYQpBsIk8YiZ4jC6y20WpI5cvs1WTB6zGfX7xxg-Ud9n/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_snhvolwTpgZCJ4tl0reVWJ4r1YDwwI5MO7Bo1YhRDWRbnDH3I52qe-d8h9hzEO3Oiocs3N-VcWsloM1fwy8ADhEMdBTjh-u7omj5wB9jRAZy7Y5ZZUulSBxQqCRvVKot2B63qf45sQA/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_snhvolwTpgZCJ4tl0reVWJ4r1YDwwI5MO7Bo1YhRDWRbnDH3I52qe-d8h9hzEO3Oiocs3N-VcWsloM1fwy8ADhEMdBTjh-u7omj5wB9jRAZy7Y5ZZUulSBxQqCRvVKot2B63qf45sQA/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oXXkS9ez-igCGGjkcjfFp-mcW2G6o4zZinFBeum-ajHsv3ce7rMcOiLpRgKWBETGLzsf92jHuywetKYyXPkznosdVz8pz7qaQLWk7OVsaJUct7pGiXd6TIgo3nHLbQEzPvEiC7RpWF96/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oXXkS9ez-igCGGjkcjfFp-mcW2G6o4zZinFBeum-ajHsv3ce7rMcOiLpRgKWBETGLzsf92jHuywetKYyXPkznosdVz8pz7qaQLWk7OVsaJUct7pGiXd6TIgo3nHLbQEzPvEiC7RpWF96/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG63CZr3bePBHtdH19Fl3JlGUiv2mlWdGtOmnB-AvL9Nq8BZJrbOgD_HFdh-g92LKq6OW0Fexred5tk-HrykvctWIECNBm1kGUEFtXtUrPc3TAnSJrOrTjWOchZwtsckUTzxcl7LKTdtO/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG63CZr3bePBHtdH19Fl3JlGUiv2mlWdGtOmnB-AvL9Nq8BZJrbOgD_HFdh-g92LKq6OW0Fexred5tk-HrykvctWIECNBm1kGUEFtXtUrPc3TAnSJrOrTjWOchZwtsckUTzxcl7LKTdtO/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbaDzMqEyFOvJQBjFu25Bu7QIUYKqChvsFXFkjstLWiiiIgdSgJQwiErWizjyxWceepYu5oCrPb38OJCzyTJoUgcPJFqb31IoqD88VogInEukV5RimJtyc6Im3lkGJqeMlerjjJncoIIm/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbaDzMqEyFOvJQBjFu25Bu7QIUYKqChvsFXFkjstLWiiiIgdSgJQwiErWizjyxWceepYu5oCrPb38OJCzyTJoUgcPJFqb31IoqD88VogInEukV5RimJtyc6Im3lkGJqeMlerjjJncoIIm/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgjVU_znmMsGZTDMsLzwcSbU3XGtfQhbPDZqi5dolXcN7vsJg_ZzAji-0_9Rvvo6ZYYBWBCmek7wcDUApmfuQgeWlfwzBZiAQOhESR3jouZ-vifQNvn7UjA042IPp0s8M7707LAaVNqy_/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgjVU_znmMsGZTDMsLzwcSbU3XGtfQhbPDZqi5dolXcN7vsJg_ZzAji-0_9Rvvo6ZYYBWBCmek7wcDUApmfuQgeWlfwzBZiAQOhESR3jouZ-vifQNvn7UjA042IPp0s8M7707LAaVNqy_/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNrqPlkPjM-WGXi4nRkRt0np8eA7c48Pz9GAFE0RvQQV3wLzWhD9UH8pZsGo5StYt_nQrBhV5gktZde26v-KxCwzzUVdiKLN0EPaL3FWRq_LNqvzCk1pZjW8zBQNmIruGYlvfWzNgOlcc/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNrqPlkPjM-WGXi4nRkRt0np8eA7c48Pz9GAFE0RvQQV3wLzWhD9UH8pZsGo5StYt_nQrBhV5gktZde26v-KxCwzzUVdiKLN0EPaL3FWRq_LNqvzCk1pZjW8zBQNmIruGYlvfWzNgOlcc/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGjw1AIGbXpieLvfoaJXfj5W4mt9d4IHTo75ueTQVTzFB4Khz09Jv4j0x8jB6jLbRdqeFCvKmaDE5GK45uIVXG1uB_z-2vLQsyWmNNH3QXz7au3feiuf4BbB-jjLTRqit0zrNBFRrPlKM/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGjw1AIGbXpieLvfoaJXfj5W4mt9d4IHTo75ueTQVTzFB4Khz09Jv4j0x8jB6jLbRdqeFCvKmaDE5GK45uIVXG1uB_z-2vLQsyWmNNH3QXz7au3feiuf4BbB-jjLTRqit0zrNBFRrPlKM/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt122t6AFuhuRWOk3KvkOf8PXbeZK7-i821LEf-jlDpJCnEDMxLRo3Ick6l8KxWpaAvROsjcs9E7CkpMMA9uTJL8ru8wIozeKN_ap4-Y-QtD7HZaaqOQCXi4DGdNJoMIbufnqAj6O2C0U/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt122t6AFuhuRWOk3KvkOf8PXbeZK7-i821LEf-jlDpJCnEDMxLRo3Ick6l8KxWpaAvROsjcs9E7CkpMMA9uTJL8ru8wIozeKN_ap4-Y-QtD7HZaaqOQCXi4DGdNJoMIbufnqAj6O2C0U/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42adnay6Db7h9qcCPjKtxag5xVRjs0T05IEltiotsk1MEWniksL0pnien7th2quXZao5N7Yf4QreP8opX_00Rm05RFypFY3cwFWbAfazlbJ7BNx60VDQwEvxJTi87lLhiYRRGuDGGn5EV/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42adnay6Db7h9qcCPjKtxag5xVRjs0T05IEltiotsk1MEWniksL0pnien7th2quXZao5N7Yf4QreP8opX_00Rm05RFypFY3cwFWbAfazlbJ7BNx60VDQwEvxJTi87lLhiYRRGuDGGn5EV/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMgfNheV94mHlgxVEE4n87vjohFvoA30jZmQniTg73xwODIS3rl_Mt-1durIKyxhfNT9Ffvi-5d0i91l-xuzrZROCOhLYoKeIWjoX0s7-FBopqSO4K40U7UoJiSQMymu-GKGJ-j9uiQoq/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMgfNheV94mHlgxVEE4n87vjohFvoA30jZmQniTg73xwODIS3rl_Mt-1durIKyxhfNT9Ffvi-5d0i91l-xuzrZROCOhLYoKeIWjoX0s7-FBopqSO4K40U7UoJiSQMymu-GKGJ-j9uiQoq/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkxwjvKBPJl2ypnifr0sKip8bpFhrFj2I6RlsOJRnvKnODlxuTegF3z4zMzivv-w2dsYkwCSjMOFi2tHWwwMigBd99Yx-MRIMySRbtIgi4HeDVd5jCqRZN2eq13r11FGG34cjgL47ZTbM/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkxwjvKBPJl2ypnifr0sKip8bpFhrFj2I6RlsOJRnvKnODlxuTegF3z4zMzivv-w2dsYkwCSjMOFi2tHWwwMigBd99Yx-MRIMySRbtIgi4HeDVd5jCqRZN2eq13r11FGG34cjgL47ZTbM/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdhTQV_qSrgjs3FjgRV821f6SQQz0ua8HkT2VTJS2_g_QSdqCVQUX5HaFNCqXV9xV6fD1qt2btQVj-mTH4s2r6jWhp2DpuwPBnXPkRSph4BdbD2HKwyq7lb8qSb-fBXKab6UbolHwfbwP/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdhTQV_qSrgjs3FjgRV821f6SQQz0ua8HkT2VTJS2_g_QSdqCVQUX5HaFNCqXV9xV6fD1qt2btQVj-mTH4s2r6jWhp2DpuwPBnXPkRSph4BdbD2HKwyq7lb8qSb-fBXKab6UbolHwfbwP/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjtmaY1AEsXwaE8QWaDsN-vSqsrQOfmbQlcgG9M846iw47l9-bWdLInsDAxYa03Rx3W6KCrT33kFO4AceocK4IJUolSXPPdOmHnDv3_7Ech3_087U2STzNptSxmEXrR2kguOUiWd1Hwwu/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjtmaY1AEsXwaE8QWaDsN-vSqsrQOfmbQlcgG9M846iw47l9-bWdLInsDAxYa03Rx3W6KCrT33kFO4AceocK4IJUolSXPPdOmHnDv3_7Ech3_087U2STzNptSxmEXrR2kguOUiWd1Hwwu/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYYF0SmKPHRX9wcMsjQh6e1Py9VTb6JFg8hpF7M7o3NR_XwLHdiSUoNPEykAn1QKKm7RKzofsN_wWUgfqOP1iBSxGE7CpUsM4OuS5j32ahz79bykY5sIkFE6AbXeM6HYjSPDz9KTsNFGe/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYYF0SmKPHRX9wcMsjQh6e1Py9VTb6JFg8hpF7M7o3NR_XwLHdiSUoNPEykAn1QKKm7RKzofsN_wWUgfqOP1iBSxGE7CpUsM4OuS5j32ahz79bykY5sIkFE6AbXeM6HYjSPDz9KTsNFGe/s640/IMG_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_WlJfabGQokgfZsvOKgy7dR0yMV0on6Cb9Suh8XHYJfFxwKQvmMFjfeR3f3MAvovkbmkNYqHJaH_1yFBTHBWv_p3sQrvA0kVXFltZ7tpT4KZPJ7hWEGm-UrxS4jXJYAYBpnhAc4MFeFp/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_WlJfabGQokgfZsvOKgy7dR0yMV0on6Cb9Suh8XHYJfFxwKQvmMFjfeR3f3MAvovkbmkNYqHJaH_1yFBTHBWv_p3sQrvA0kVXFltZ7tpT4KZPJ7hWEGm-UrxS4jXJYAYBpnhAc4MFeFp/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At 6:30 p.m., Ram and Shikhar picked us up from our hotel for our official farewell dinner, driving us to a restored 150-year-old mansion. It originally belonged to the royal priest of the king of Nepal, and we were shown the inner courtyard where he used to meditate. Now it is the home of Bhojan Griha, or <i>House of Food</i>, and it offers the opportunity for visitors to experience an authentic Nepali meal and cultural show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yx_rB-YCzXe6-LkTZERMz8qcOsImCSp7xA4zGIjt3VVRO5oppzPNmhtX60FU27x0gmprP2nB3YsYDyh3cY1nBkpHO0p0wtBpONply5fcHc46MCGAMGJJTIMPS9KFHWYtRQf30tECX-OI/s1600/20170417_182907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yx_rB-YCzXe6-LkTZERMz8qcOsImCSp7xA4zGIjt3VVRO5oppzPNmhtX60FU27x0gmprP2nB3YsYDyh3cY1nBkpHO0p0wtBpONply5fcHc46MCGAMGJJTIMPS9KFHWYtRQf30tECX-OI/s640/20170417_182907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhitY1PdF7BBQddNwBzYaZw9xoVHxA0LJMQ7B2mZB7CMthMKbKcjoN5nceGPao6Twhp66iXwHBbVyugT49T2vNb3Dx57UomfeQFarvXZtRhJkEH1IZdZOg_nh4TML8xZAkZIrVHMsRMpTw/s1600/20170417_183050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhitY1PdF7BBQddNwBzYaZw9xoVHxA0LJMQ7B2mZB7CMthMKbKcjoN5nceGPao6Twhp66iXwHBbVyugT49T2vNb3Dx57UomfeQFarvXZtRhJkEH1IZdZOg_nh4TML8xZAkZIrVHMsRMpTw/s320/20170417_183050.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Walking into the building, we saw another group of Westerners. A young man in the group was wearing a University of Michigan t-shirt! We asked him if he was a Wolverine, and he answered in a very heavy Irish accent, "Aw, no, I just worked there one summer!"<br />
<br />
We were met at the door by a woman with a small dish of red powder, and she gave each of us a tika:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Hindu">Hindu</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> ritual of marking someone's forehead with a fragrant paste, such as of sandalwood or vermilion, as a welcome and expression of honor when they arrive. </span>Wikipedia</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CNBFpL8ax_9pbYiUtD0ZOFkCP8iOhcgQlmioFQurmbwzfFSgqcEW07JLRx-uguHCGCB110thROmbO5mATOLcUvtFIYFrfKt5tkjFWkGif4k2OhY8KIpbAxmyS6weg_Xude1q5_yTbJmt/s1600/20170417_183956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CNBFpL8ax_9pbYiUtD0ZOFkCP8iOhcgQlmioFQurmbwzfFSgqcEW07JLRx-uguHCGCB110thROmbO5mATOLcUvtFIYFrfKt5tkjFWkGif4k2OhY8KIpbAxmyS6weg_Xude1q5_yTbJmt/s320/20170417_183956.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UmeGsjBaTaVn6HGiyD_m6yrvno59ETpdrrL3mU60FCfeypLhlsjEkNRcAtNDKP2KBbkYSt9OybtJtfzZ_JaUiRlo46KdFwaj6yCywQNTdPdtH3iFKSqtlhDVNqJ1i153nrnGhWkN7RFV/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UmeGsjBaTaVn6HGiyD_m6yrvno59ETpdrrL3mU60FCfeypLhlsjEkNRcAtNDKP2KBbkYSt9OybtJtfzZ_JaUiRlo46KdFwaj6yCywQNTdPdtH3iFKSqtlhDVNqJ1i153nrnGhWkN7RFV/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+480.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We climbed up many old, wooden stairs (we've come to expect this), to one of many dining rooms with low tables. We managed to get down on the floor and tried to find a comfortable position.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN2pIqF65TfoPV5WPjf6DthNuUCTe67No-kSHzvPXADM8920m0rEpEUr3gGRyl3ppvHYhEzwRHfEUwc0-qil2VxEPoRUfzrkcng0fnBOv6KNoE32Z1u5j0DsnqUSf-D4SE7Ehf39dKuvU/s1600/20170417_185326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN2pIqF65TfoPV5WPjf6DthNuUCTe67No-kSHzvPXADM8920m0rEpEUr3gGRyl3ppvHYhEzwRHfEUwc0-qil2VxEPoRUfzrkcng0fnBOv6KNoE32Z1u5j0DsnqUSf-D4SE7Ehf39dKuvU/s320/20170417_185326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had been trying to eat vegetarian for the entirety of our trip, but our trip adviser worried we would not experience the traditional Nepali meal if we skipped the meat, so we went along. The meal started with a strong rice wine and popcorn (!), both served in small brass dishes. After this, the dishes just kept coming: potatoes, bean soup, chard, basmati rice, a mushroom stew of some kind, green beans, chicken curry and fried fish. We'd heard wild boar would be part of the meal, but it never came. We thought they might have adjusted the menu slightly to satisfy their mostly-Western customers. We felt bad eating such a feast in front of Shikhar, who only had a fruit plate - don't know if he was on a diet, or it was some other kind of restriction. The meal was finished with a sweet curd and fruit for dessert, and everything was quite tasty. <br />
<br />
While we ate, entertainers went from room to room. First, a group of musicians came in and sat on the ground, playing Nepali music on drums, a harmonium, a flute, and some small hand instruments. Two couples came in several times, each time wearing different costumes, and demonstrated the traditional dances of the different regions of Nepal: the Midwest, the East, Newari and Sherpa are the ones I could remember. Some of the dances seemed quite similar to traditional Thai dances.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKPBIrwfWeU5BCnw1fNCtfc5nte2i38fwBpsY5BC1EhiaDVa0wmYJ9WzHOWmjOK6adDIGRBw7oNni6Zcw6pxQGaxejG9GZqYTPd9PYwtV7H0Nk_rGVkqyBrlg4ksjV6dZuryQGgSBZ4Ff/s1600/20170417_192655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKPBIrwfWeU5BCnw1fNCtfc5nte2i38fwBpsY5BC1EhiaDVa0wmYJ9WzHOWmjOK6adDIGRBw7oNni6Zcw6pxQGaxejG9GZqYTPd9PYwtV7H0Nk_rGVkqyBrlg4ksjV6dZuryQGgSBZ4Ff/s320/20170417_192655.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeAC9Ly-yGYguHkxa_wUvN0QnU49DqkOxG-R9CPFe_F95d8VWU9iyeS9JV9dYlg2xZfM5_CDOYlNRwdAfVo56sRX7sAQl16M2lFTzx7V1U8SwUb9k6izqyRUbC54VZX70ZTy9MhWbupwE/s1600/20170417_194433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeAC9Ly-yGYguHkxa_wUvN0QnU49DqkOxG-R9CPFe_F95d8VWU9iyeS9JV9dYlg2xZfM5_CDOYlNRwdAfVo56sRX7sAQl16M2lFTzx7V1U8SwUb9k6izqyRUbC54VZX70ZTy9MhWbupwE/s320/20170417_194433.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2NLaUP5cYMjJNPl3BfE8xU3yoI2l5a4vXat6tg91togUun3r3JRB67PQKkF3ECOflFFuCRJIc8i_5tJqNaEhmmWtM-hAKdcazoGm7tnHYk8jKEi2F_W9y8HOcFvdZJDMWlZjK2p4AzyP/s1600/20170417_194514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2NLaUP5cYMjJNPl3BfE8xU3yoI2l5a4vXat6tg91togUun3r3JRB67PQKkF3ECOflFFuCRJIc8i_5tJqNaEhmmWtM-hAKdcazoGm7tnHYk8jKEi2F_W9y8HOcFvdZJDMWlZjK2p4AzyP/s320/20170417_194514.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/legG94n1rS0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/legG94n1rS0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
While we ate, we learned about Ram's adventurous life. He has been leading mostly Japanese tourists on mountain treks for many years, and is fluent in Japanese. He said the Japanese truly love the mountains, especially the elders. He told us the story of how he led a group of elderly Japanese on a mountain trek just one month after the quake in 2015. It was still quite dangerous to go up into the mountains, but this group was determined to go to celebrate one gentleman's 80th birthday! So Ram agreed, and the group was very thankful. Ram has also dabbled in film making, acting and even released a singing record. Quite the Renaissance man!<br />
<br />
Our hosts seemed ready to go, but reluctant to say. We made the decision easy for them by letting them know we were ready to call it a night. They drove us back to our hotel, and got out of the car to put Marron Trek scarves around our necks in farewell. <i>Dhanyabad! </i>(Thank-you!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQumXwXTVpeF9FgzXqL2BiaerMirrsJKLFadNXR1VEUqcOepMkyreBkx_6Td0DRg2rSJQ21B2XL6DJgPAxQph2No1oMZD9W3sHev-6ETY7GFwviLa55YxEv-_kt9hm2wFK4BDKLKRWygks/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQumXwXTVpeF9FgzXqL2BiaerMirrsJKLFadNXR1VEUqcOepMkyreBkx_6Td0DRg2rSJQ21B2XL6DJgPAxQph2No1oMZD9W3sHev-6ETY7GFwviLa55YxEv-_kt9hm2wFK4BDKLKRWygks/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNdnW0oP6NfIDnaZvmG4gZf1Wb5cz3bu8gczCUC57md8CyVz2-4jxjuKlx1mzlvOA5x_cd_69SX3VqF5_I5LwrVldSoD9BA-c-NNrkW7lXA-9xzN3XykJTKdDZ5HK0xewR-n4BzYxvH1o/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNdnW0oP6NfIDnaZvmG4gZf1Wb5cz3bu8gczCUC57md8CyVz2-4jxjuKlx1mzlvOA5x_cd_69SX3VqF5_I5LwrVldSoD9BA-c-NNrkW7lXA-9xzN3XykJTKdDZ5HK0xewR-n4BzYxvH1o/s400/APRIL+2017+Download+487.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baber Mahal at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2ZaKve99_Ic-GmVo5ijx9ui1GwmTe9jVAbZZzHOJB1aCio-NSMNaSU1uMQyclLF0z1FvLy968Z94hOpO6J1P3-cq9EVz4bCVAqjIU_ar69TbmWpftqEI7AQRO_KyNH9McVCXz3USrjbz/s1600/20170417_205752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2ZaKve99_Ic-GmVo5ijx9ui1GwmTe9jVAbZZzHOJB1aCio-NSMNaSU1uMQyclLF0z1FvLy968Z94hOpO6J1P3-cq9EVz4bCVAqjIU_ar69TbmWpftqEI7AQRO_KyNH9McVCXz3USrjbz/s400/20170417_205752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had a most delightful early breakfast served to us in one of the courtyards - it was a beautiful, sunny and cool morning and the food was perfect! The hotel arranged a car to take us to the airport, and we arrived once more at the crazy Kathmandu airport for our flight back to Thailand via Jet Airways. I stopped in the small shop to spend the last of our Nepali money. We waited in a huge room with rows and rows of chairs, and chatted with a Norwegian woman who had been in Nepal to help open a new school there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMUxK87lpJJ438WqFuAS4vJXkVRMNZpapt6Fh-BAkgGodRS7cJ1vCCSeCYBBjE1JdUm6mFdqZUpgxuITGG-GDxl4siIHpuy5-L-AWIz7CWqw-5O5GHEVspCUjVoXdSezQVqbLODs-NZp6/s1600/20170418_065828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMUxK87lpJJ438WqFuAS4vJXkVRMNZpapt6Fh-BAkgGodRS7cJ1vCCSeCYBBjE1JdUm6mFdqZUpgxuITGG-GDxl4siIHpuy5-L-AWIz7CWqw-5O5GHEVspCUjVoXdSezQVqbLODs-NZp6/s320/20170418_065828.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
At last our flight appeared on the sign at the front of the room, and we lined up, only to be passed through a security check and made to wait in another smaller room. After some time, we went through yet another security check, ladies to the left, then out to a waiting bus for a crowded ride out to the plane. Here on the tarmac, we waited in yet another line to go through yet another security check and pat-down, ladies stepping behind a curtain at the bottom of the stairs!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs90lG8qkijOmMd4KASMEH7XMpT8YkFNyZvZwPq5NS36L-DTxEvSkNj68Mr4riDhCY3sMNtCx8AVKgzLpM7s5KwQQax3mA91iiDFnNvb7KUPexlBT7ISZR-zJ8y2CXMOXjf7eDjDBS-v3/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs90lG8qkijOmMd4KASMEH7XMpT8YkFNyZvZwPq5NS36L-DTxEvSkNj68Mr4riDhCY3sMNtCx8AVKgzLpM7s5KwQQax3mA91iiDFnNvb7KUPexlBT7ISZR-zJ8y2CXMOXjf7eDjDBS-v3/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+490.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little girl taking big bites in the huge waiting room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were finally on our way. We had a short layover in New Delhi, and saw a big "United States of America" jet parked near the terminal. We thought perhaps an American diplomat was in New Delhi for the same reason the Nepali president was there. Found <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Politics/Y89GlkSkyClhVY6TJ87mUI/US-national-security-adviser-meets-Narendra-Modi-discusses.html">this news article</a> afterwards - it was General H.R. McMaster. We went to a McDonalds in the airport. Beef is not eaten in India, so no hamburgers on the menu. Let me say that again - it was a McDonalds with no hamburgers! We tried a spicy chicken wrap which was very tasty and filling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4m_l50bkFyEMk5uuq_xZYA66t9HB72CB0ib0IlXgFYXW6_Ofj_Iaxry9BKCLMDGHAhZQR7l-riXiW_bJ8ejr_40h1dLYomx466YphgTPvRjUwDWDZZKrOEX3M0A1oEhuN0liddrXYieR/s1600/20170418_114225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4m_l50bkFyEMk5uuq_xZYA66t9HB72CB0ib0IlXgFYXW6_Ofj_Iaxry9BKCLMDGHAhZQR7l-riXiW_bJ8ejr_40h1dLYomx466YphgTPvRjUwDWDZZKrOEX3M0A1oEhuN0liddrXYieR/s400/20170418_114225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
We arrived back in Thailand early evening. It was strange to be at Suvarnabhumi Airport without having our driver, Mick, waiting for us. (He really has us spoiled.) We were staying two nights in Bangkok before heading home, so we had our first experience with taking a taxi from the airport. The taxi stand issues each fare a number, then you walk to that parking spot number to find your assigned taxi. Our assigned spot had no taxi. I was almost giddy being able to summon my Thai language and ask the other drivers about it, after being in countries where I didn't know the language. They said to wait, that he would be there shortly; he appeared soon after. Good to be "home."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-30618957540895390462017-05-30T02:28:00.000-04:002017-06-21T20:52:28.211-04:00Go Tell It On the Mountain 8April 16, 2017<br />
<br />
Happy Easter!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzeTDmBhGOiRBK3lTZPCsgMM6QSeRWUGZIuSV2twWSb_FhRJu4HakAg3zCCS5KUrbRK0MZW0HYmCVTxhXBsOxlW5NH53TeJKKUpWEkNpTtcDvOsGuxIH8jQ9nrrbj9kpLTHpCyZnga6Lt/s1600/20170416_050646_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzeTDmBhGOiRBK3lTZPCsgMM6QSeRWUGZIuSV2twWSb_FhRJu4HakAg3zCCS5KUrbRK0MZW0HYmCVTxhXBsOxlW5NH53TeJKKUpWEkNpTtcDvOsGuxIH8jQ9nrrbj9kpLTHpCyZnga6Lt/s640/20170416_050646_LLS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafting across the lake before dawn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We met Hari at five a.m. for the drive up to Sarangkot to watch the magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna mountains - a fitting way to celebrate Easter. It was a harrowing, tricky drive up a narrow, steep road, and I was thankful that we weren't behind the wheel. The road was in pretty bad shape, too; an SUV would have been more appropriate than our little Focus-sized sedan. The driver tooted his horn at every hairpin turn to alert oncoming traffic. <br />
<br />
We passed many stray dogs, and people out for their early morning exercise. Several very modest homes perched on the side of the mountain with livestock nearby. Many huge, dome-shaped mounds of hay sat on raised platforms with poles sticking out the top. I thought they might be an outhouse or storage of some kind, but learned that this is simply the way the farmers store their hay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigGmhbDiNuDTRTaZwmWkHxNtIhYSJlvlesP6nNVTyLEM3F2fA21xzJMcUb69-CmdlIo6PalwLg93nTy9hbN8pLGK2WdcurkgkrH_uBtSNcCNV2g2TnmPJV1KZULEBTVJ9A7HNjLmk1EWt/s1600/IMG_0021a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigGmhbDiNuDTRTaZwmWkHxNtIhYSJlvlesP6nNVTyLEM3F2fA21xzJMcUb69-CmdlIo6PalwLg93nTy9hbN8pLGK2WdcurkgkrH_uBtSNcCNV2g2TnmPJV1KZULEBTVJ9A7HNjLmk1EWt/s320/IMG_0021a.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
Arriving at our destination, we had to exit the car quickly, with traffic impatiently waiting in both directions. It was pretty cloudy and didn't seem to be clearing, but we hoped for the best. We climbed many stairs up to a viewing deck above a small shop and cafe. It was pleasantly cool, and Tim enjoyed a hot cup of tea. Tim pointed out that the incessant song of a nearby cuckoo sounded just like the Austin Powers theme - couldn't un-hear it once he put that in my head! Hari told us that Nepalis say the cuckoo is saying, "Kaffel Pakyu," which means "the berry is ripe."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdSc5r_HsK_q-IUmi-qUxpeoC8EbfVTvmKQo1oTnhYDbRso7FzcYXS9XpPULrvWrtvvl8P08MzbgE4DBdO7IVmHM2mVa248xmKvWu3wIoiPmkUAlU1bp-omfogE8Buo5XJBrJtwtma9bD/s1600/20170416_054804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdSc5r_HsK_q-IUmi-qUxpeoC8EbfVTvmKQo1oTnhYDbRso7FzcYXS9XpPULrvWrtvvl8P08MzbgE4DBdO7IVmHM2mVa248xmKvWu3wIoiPmkUAlU1bp-omfogE8Buo5XJBrJtwtma9bD/s320/20170416_054804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw62lC5oDMvYOjQ1pL-hJ6qtDT2wYH2Q3HhyphenhyphenxocZi6PUQcLVyTg1RruoPrySnoSMq3v21ltCBX-151XmGW1yj36BtK47fxaZ9dpOaESsbyO2Q2qs7befSuTcQfHpdkUWcMTs0MvPw-dFZ/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw62lC5oDMvYOjQ1pL-hJ6qtDT2wYH2Q3HhyphenhyphenxocZi6PUQcLVyTg1RruoPrySnoSMq3v21ltCBX-151XmGW1yj36BtK47fxaZ9dpOaESsbyO2Q2qs7befSuTcQfHpdkUWcMTs0MvPw-dFZ/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">upper level viewing platforms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinctA3FP9m1NI2xOVXrS_O9XhIBKgGNmFVazSTkEzLjFalpIcNXc3kwzETPE6jbKpoxHNYto15CvDapHoaTdABHuHcoaDpP16BZeXEbEGZcmYS6_sDFlWBM9REVY-aJqqpGHwqRTwVM5fl/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinctA3FP9m1NI2xOVXrS_O9XhIBKgGNmFVazSTkEzLjFalpIcNXc3kwzETPE6jbKpoxHNYto15CvDapHoaTdABHuHcoaDpP16BZeXEbEGZcmYS6_sDFlWBM9REVY-aJqqpGHwqRTwVM5fl/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0f0c4pFyZk364_4VtNwoIYiwVusKYS8BDQlhYz-xWZmnHvr1Tm6jDMkyDJ95g2Thft4bYkr6Z5qMosDTgwyEMMrGtfEkF5JdjJVMASyKkAYMzvjguOm2DDwTioX5LYKtaeo8P8VbeZYd/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0f0c4pFyZk364_4VtNwoIYiwVusKYS8BDQlhYz-xWZmnHvr1Tm6jDMkyDJ95g2Thft4bYkr6Z5qMosDTgwyEMMrGtfEkF5JdjJVMASyKkAYMzvjguOm2DDwTioX5LYKtaeo8P8VbeZYd/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We climbed a circular staircase up to a higher level as sunrise drew near. We could see groups of people on other rooftops nearby, all hoping for a spectacular sunrise over the mountains. The sun finally appeared through the clouds, but alas, no view of the mountain peaks. Still, we enjoyed the beauty of the sunrise, as well as the views of the city and tier farms below. We had a good view of an unusual landform; ribbons formed by the previous course of the Seti Khola River, created dramatic drop offs from the green terraces of land fifty to one hundred meters above <span style="background-color: white;">(<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Geomorphological Landscapes of the World </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">edited by Piotr Migon).</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW-mOU-buF0HgAtHeERPgCK0IwFeKLcrbsfInemzwPKakrWQgOFdhHpM1FqVFP5n13ym1-fyfUuxcOlBfOy7p1Xi9l_yesen-zK6cKRxghPOOoxd3Jtk3vcTtrYmSw8qMmwHkGFXgW0gV/s1600/20170416_054916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW-mOU-buF0HgAtHeERPgCK0IwFeKLcrbsfInemzwPKakrWQgOFdhHpM1FqVFP5n13ym1-fyfUuxcOlBfOy7p1Xi9l_yesen-zK6cKRxghPOOoxd3Jtk3vcTtrYmSw8qMmwHkGFXgW0gV/s640/20170416_054916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRodYUlcIvYOAyqxRvb2nSdmltZAvdouU941EWHBzQWchNIVaLzQy0Q0MUJFszp87V6CQNB6TIMLZc7AZQ7_5sT5TFevUJOc1mEMeF7W2pGBOWkM8mGyYqudSaJxJYUNhRRgNA5PN6Y_C/s1600/20170416_061546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRodYUlcIvYOAyqxRvb2nSdmltZAvdouU941EWHBzQWchNIVaLzQy0Q0MUJFszp87V6CQNB6TIMLZc7AZQ7_5sT5TFevUJOc1mEMeF7W2pGBOWkM8mGyYqudSaJxJYUNhRRgNA5PN6Y_C/s400/20170416_061546.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">people watching the sunrise from other rooftops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBG-qmvMwjZwhBkHFBZuQVvM5TS4sMB5GOQCrOFQLqNOpRsG1WajSp9STL8NGpnvv3JNp4d5MMiUge1dlWVNy-L3gMIdORwNiFrkhzkEtF4q1sov2g9IV7wCGL15aVs-HZOY80oNUrs6g/s1600/20170416_061608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBG-qmvMwjZwhBkHFBZuQVvM5TS4sMB5GOQCrOFQLqNOpRsG1WajSp9STL8NGpnvv3JNp4d5MMiUge1dlWVNy-L3gMIdORwNiFrkhzkEtF4q1sov2g9IV7wCGL15aVs-HZOY80oNUrs6g/s320/20170416_061608.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">textiles for sale here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGQPClRES7MZhjQ_GNDG7D3h5TgtpsfLjOSGga23nJTBlo2qaXuv-q53VJoAoNLN4rutgqAtx4Q7t8a360-G_AztiqWUkVwyqmXlncsE6nuMqHvVmXOn4NH_XQ8Xr0kLU7AuC_CcRqTF/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGQPClRES7MZhjQ_GNDG7D3h5TgtpsfLjOSGga23nJTBlo2qaXuv-q53VJoAoNLN4rutgqAtx4Q7t8a360-G_AztiqWUkVwyqmXlncsE6nuMqHvVmXOn4NH_XQ8Xr0kLU7AuC_CcRqTF/s400/APRIL+2017+Download+442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">textiles being woven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKrcfOSBENhKoNjKZaBddW7IBBDiI0zuWeoNykA4kqo0Cp0Q4G4gi_EgCOIN0IbwVzswnpgnm6K4B5Au4IYYp2NGQWxFbqC4diEeIREInfKAXl5EU6nf6bbKzgF-mrjQP5YuScwhPnSSF/s1600/20170416_062126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKrcfOSBENhKoNjKZaBddW7IBBDiI0zuWeoNykA4kqo0Cp0Q4G4gi_EgCOIN0IbwVzswnpgnm6K4B5Au4IYYp2NGQWxFbqC4diEeIREInfKAXl5EU6nf6bbKzgF-mrjQP5YuScwhPnSSF/s320/20170416_062126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOXFAHLD8W-yi0W6PbLOwPivE5AhMznWJjB7C4uUnGMtM5K1IdjMPuxNv1GUTe1bHL6DDmTtAeA0w2UIKUH7dXf1t3BbmI8VobfPKOorCskULlcsBO1lxNurgwUBwpM5idmHY3bINdoeu/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOXFAHLD8W-yi0W6PbLOwPivE5AhMznWJjB7C4uUnGMtM5K1IdjMPuxNv1GUTe1bHL6DDmTtAeA0w2UIKUH7dXf1t3BbmI8VobfPKOorCskULlcsBO1lxNurgwUBwpM5idmHY3bINdoeu/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYRetQC18Gv9dED3Lvb9gLkJL4o85qTCsxBTLl5cO7V-xe03OGd5joTJjxgPlB3HqQ4S6ZAnbFSDDRWaJqKJdh3puDU5WOJaN-atnd2vPDs70UzwNuIbTtYF2Msx1rodKKt58XdO98Aof/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYRetQC18Gv9dED3Lvb9gLkJL4o85qTCsxBTLl5cO7V-xe03OGd5joTJjxgPlB3HqQ4S6ZAnbFSDDRWaJqKJdh3puDU5WOJaN-atnd2vPDs70UzwNuIbTtYF2Msx1rodKKt58XdO98Aof/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_YqAmssfcBJsvilOIVx0itEdaI0Wc76_S9QyXOMBQKNcWoyTJ6eztLzk9ixlLxTxvuFva53kJ9M_5dadVGHxUq2e4Q3GmUvkFNOXb1AKE7gFtEhQjDdkwkp8Aia4oj98y92yVSnXeVgn/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_YqAmssfcBJsvilOIVx0itEdaI0Wc76_S9QyXOMBQKNcWoyTJ6eztLzk9ixlLxTxvuFva53kJ9M_5dadVGHxUq2e4Q3GmUvkFNOXb1AKE7gFtEhQjDdkwkp8Aia4oj98y92yVSnXeVgn/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzhY7b2hB_hoPaE411JVhnkVLNTTA0cmN_ReTlACEUKqMHjf9TV-IJgIMZA3A1DmHv6Xj1RCRIYqYqhdNRLO67kHERsXp9TEpl4fKSvdoKT9eINPeoyiEpLbfBYHQLGpbjeLEXalUsj6L/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzhY7b2hB_hoPaE411JVhnkVLNTTA0cmN_ReTlACEUKqMHjf9TV-IJgIMZA3A1DmHv6Xj1RCRIYqYqhdNRLO67kHERsXp9TEpl4fKSvdoKT9eINPeoyiEpLbfBYHQLGpbjeLEXalUsj6L/s640/IMG_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no mountain tops, but still beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcUTY2LINEp_6wHoGvIx4ubO7ta5_kWd5gQs6tDjtFzF1_CaTYF0CVZ2irAzGfpHvoA0TDvMmGnPVLOV0WJgXDP6z76SabqxLt1CfgRu2agPHqVf8RQycAXT3a4uEpYzmgnG6DEf-7ET8/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcUTY2LINEp_6wHoGvIx4ubO7ta5_kWd5gQs6tDjtFzF1_CaTYF0CVZ2irAzGfpHvoA0TDvMmGnPVLOV0WJgXDP6z76SabqxLt1CfgRu2agPHqVf8RQycAXT3a4uEpYzmgnG6DEf-7ET8/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij49klvEEXL5xolmsaKIjTFEjgbuaxCxwJI8Z9D9JDmZsRsqyElTzu78nGRpj5U-RY16MA7dqgOD3EOoVbumn6MMzo7yfeT6OHWbsEAeFjypH0d9PKvPfKTT5pNrhYVJ15rec_lR_ZIsjO/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij49klvEEXL5xolmsaKIjTFEjgbuaxCxwJI8Z9D9JDmZsRsqyElTzu78nGRpj5U-RY16MA7dqgOD3EOoVbumn6MMzo7yfeT6OHWbsEAeFjypH0d9PKvPfKTT5pNrhYVJ15rec_lR_ZIsjO/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a white-knuckle ride back down the mountain, but we were back to our hotel in time for breakfast. We enjoyed a relaxing meal and the free wifi, getting caught up with email and the news. After breakfast we sat and enjoyed the view of the lake. We watched a huge group of athletes running laps and chanting an army boot camp-type drill. Then we enjoyed a rare restful morning in our room - once Tim humanely extracted a giant bug from the premises.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite1KFBNfegFM3uGPFPptXQtHuQMBbvBKv5VgET1dZrc6cL93pPiK_fUw1e5FA9DOhF3TOZE14QHe7-anURL20S8NjxIlOEre8NJPKKWMKoZsSuXWjBrlov594o8fN__upHaTyLUoHjDx6/s1600/APRIL+2017+Download+444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite1KFBNfegFM3uGPFPptXQtHuQMBbvBKv5VgET1dZrc6cL93pPiK_fUw1e5FA9DOhF3TOZE14QHe7-anURL20S8NjxIlOEre8NJPKKWMKoZsSuXWjBrlov594o8fN__upHaTyLUoHjDx6/s320/APRIL+2017+Download+444.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking out at the lake from the dining room </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BUo5DY5p95-ybYXog4qFDcSiw2dNNyQypCzxayzLIx-uNM7-YqPY6y6R_sSa4HC6JMEyKzXII6TLYi8RukuAfdW1glrnvXgeoaZPV-ZP__6_O0Ug5vB8YCSatEk5jNwuDlCDi3kHqEne/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BUo5DY5p95-ybYXog4qFDcSiw2dNNyQypCzxayzLIx-uNM7-YqPY6y6R_sSa4HC6JMEyKzXII6TLYi8RukuAfdW1glrnvXgeoaZPV-ZP__6_O0Ug5vB8YCSatEk5jNwuDlCDi3kHqEne/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hazy view of the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52pPTV-LAczVTPC2ZK55yJQ5jVNOMfoo1HPAFaobZdDwb3s-U5JMoqSVbWrihy9u5qaqRQ6BgkPipkmToNhNvIhVISIKWf03bUUWqJ8C6zW5A1S4ta0CeypgRuHf381ZzAMX1hVfj-bk6/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52pPTV-LAczVTPC2ZK55yJQ5jVNOMfoo1HPAFaobZdDwb3s-U5JMoqSVbWrihy9u5qaqRQ6BgkPipkmToNhNvIhVISIKWf03bUUWqJ8C6zW5A1S4ta0CeypgRuHf381ZzAMX1hVfj-bk6/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CNXzjO1x9LsH53AGsRcH7cD8xOB4_Jp6vTsC_rG8qXTgquuVpjFjjOtmsT4jShPr8UrlWUlKkcFQ9mGZscjCY5vwcwmLo_aedPmNC0v_NnAHI5XIb3cRMSVh0x8iynX75h8FgT9KtVea/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CNXzjO1x9LsH53AGsRcH7cD8xOB4_Jp6vTsC_rG8qXTgquuVpjFjjOtmsT4jShPr8UrlWUlKkcFQ9mGZscjCY5vwcwmLo_aedPmNC0v_NnAHI5XIb3cRMSVh0x8iynX75h8FgT9KtVea/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr44aiWsNjLp6znj_Zlp_JAD1dXxvFlTlnA8f2y_6CjpuSYuva8RlNPzZb0TcopAwb7DqCR1-oWHNCCtIkdEK7lR1dXDI6AUN3p1UTG2Ui_Kmz6CenMFBm0a3NbXaLxmA6qKaBXEXTopC/s1600/20170416_082014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr44aiWsNjLp6znj_Zlp_JAD1dXxvFlTlnA8f2y_6CjpuSYuva8RlNPzZb0TcopAwb7DqCR1-oWHNCCtIkdEK7lR1dXDI6AUN3p1UTG2Ui_Kmz6CenMFBm0a3NbXaLxmA6qKaBXEXTopC/s320/20170416_082014.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy7s3FJ_jP5kjTX4jfacq4GAY6BDf6t7BVwZkQXCcsGpT8tl0S1ySqXC_7rALkUP6bTBMLwL0UXIinsnxkDGZKDz1sft-I4AM5R3bhEdef7Ha4Qh0WebSa_MDIhh6ysaHGLMho-mzZEWn/s1600/20170416_084039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy7s3FJ_jP5kjTX4jfacq4GAY6BDf6t7BVwZkQXCcsGpT8tl0S1ySqXC_7rALkUP6bTBMLwL0UXIinsnxkDGZKDz1sft-I4AM5R3bhEdef7Ha4Qh0WebSa_MDIhh6ysaHGLMho-mzZEWn/s400/20170416_084039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We had agreed to meet Hari at 1 p.m., and took the raft across to the parking area. The car was there, but Hari and the driver were not. We waited a while, then I decided to go back across the lake to see if we'd missed each other. As the raft was pulling away, Tim signaled to me to come back, but it was too late. (I was unwilling to attempt the leap!) When the raft reached the hotel side, Hari was waiting there, and we rode the raft back across together. We must have walked right past him when we left the first time. We knew it had to be our fault, as Hari was very conscientious about being on time.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmwUe3_FYkCiuAMLj2QbIVdNb_WKHYudd6Xf1eWnDhpbVavcbFyDwrREtVDPid8tbrDJ_7KXHW0NIJn7eX8nPEqiA-9jzMDakSb4-rT6dcPVIW16myG3RKkcXIvT1rWrDSAt3-QoAzGIq/s1600/20170416_145911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmwUe3_FYkCiuAMLj2QbIVdNb_WKHYudd6Xf1eWnDhpbVavcbFyDwrREtVDPid8tbrDJ_7KXHW0NIJn7eX8nPEqiA-9jzMDakSb4-rT6dcPVIW16myG3RKkcXIvT1rWrDSAt3-QoAzGIq/s400/20170416_145911.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the way out of town...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We were heading to the World Peace Pagoda on top of Ananda Hill, which is on the opposite side of the lake from our morning drive to Sarangkot. Tim opted out, and was dropped in the village to get a massage. It was another harrowing drive over a rough and narrow road winding up the side of the hill. We passed several even more modest homes with the bell-shaped stacks of hay. Hari said many of the farmers share their homes with their livestock. We also avoided several cows in the road and dodged crazy bus drivers and motorbikes, adding to the excitement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The World Peace Pagoda, or Shanti Stupa, was built by the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nipponzan-Myōhōji, a new Japanese religious movement founded by </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">Nichidatsu Fujii</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">. One of the group's objectives was to erect peace pagodas all around the world. Begun in 1947, the first two were erected in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. By the year 2000, at least eighty peace pagodas had been built in Asia, Europe and North America. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">This particular peace pagoda was surrounded in some controversy; in 1973, after some questions about land rights, the Nepalese government ordered it's destruction. After eighteen years of struggle, reconstruction began. With the Nepalese government's approval, the construction was finally completed in 1999.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJD9ulyLEPsmmLE_GA7wjzkEQW36O_PcaSpY04oti8xZNAwni5_BjOkXQdQAKpnfKT_SMbl_v_mcNc0SoD0wEv78ADqAFj0tkk7ZhPeo1EcA7sAyqFVywYFUMgNB_iwP0Yv6I_pWq11HE/s1600/20170416_142221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJD9ulyLEPsmmLE_GA7wjzkEQW36O_PcaSpY04oti8xZNAwni5_BjOkXQdQAKpnfKT_SMbl_v_mcNc0SoD0wEv78ADqAFj0tkk7ZhPeo1EcA7sAyqFVywYFUMgNB_iwP0Yv6I_pWq11HE/s640/20170416_142221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The car only got us so far up the hill - we would have to use foot power the rest of the way. From the parking area, it felt like a million stairs in the bright, steamy heat of the day. I marveled at some young ladies attempting the climb in their high heels. I was "glistening" by the time we reached the summit, but my ego was assuaged by the fact that people much younger and thinner than me were taking frequent breaks along the way, too.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> Finally reaching the top, we found a place that was very serene and spiritual; shoes are removed before climbing the final set of stairs, and silence is requested. Buddhist statues encircle the bright white stupa, visible from Pokhara below. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> The skies were finally clearing, and we had a bit clearer view of the Annapurna peaks along with the city below. These were the peaks that had eluded our sight this morning. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The spectacular views were <i>almost</i> worth the perilous drive and the million stairs we had to climb to get there! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5JxN9MhlsNC8Rr8sD4y0Pkr2B9kF2fZ8ucAifcg1loMeZ_Iswcvrx-qLXnPGnyVrnDwayaqBRHEQdR_wMxjkop4ejNDdjfUDI4t-keLCuKZcEIBLiQWy4xlLyfQ5crEpCvT8iEUk6KwR/s1600/20170416_142031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5JxN9MhlsNC8Rr8sD4y0Pkr2B9kF2fZ8ucAifcg1loMeZ_Iswcvrx-qLXnPGnyVrnDwayaqBRHEQdR_wMxjkop4ejNDdjfUDI4t-keLCuKZcEIBLiQWy4xlLyfQ5crEpCvT8iEUk6KwR/s640/20170416_142031.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no photos allowed past this point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhakalLKyUwpn2lc3bvJ8W79iiHEzQlxTtMJmjXz_XfBt721xSF1EP_yAj0VG-er8PouPjODGo5k_8yHbXZolOCdXL-qjdQbs2t_Oow-Ae8EuHrTHp1B2E-qgyJ_LqXBr3wUAiE9mPsBU/s1600/20170416_142538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhakalLKyUwpn2lc3bvJ8W79iiHEzQlxTtMJmjXz_XfBt721xSF1EP_yAj0VG-er8PouPjODGo5k_8yHbXZolOCdXL-qjdQbs2t_Oow-Ae8EuHrTHp1B2E-qgyJ_LqXBr3wUAiE9mPsBU/s400/20170416_142538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxsqfg-TWVFWc6h7vSUMbHHPd-awNu8Qe_hPiBCSe2KGFl9XYoZKF2ftZloCzhxf4k6MZzT9EC65roGcNGT6apRWSzPnUIycvbIcmfiqWxDqlVcgArflF66yZXMNk8B16pSLt5rvMhSq2/s1600/20170416_142544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxsqfg-TWVFWc6h7vSUMbHHPd-awNu8Qe_hPiBCSe2KGFl9XYoZKF2ftZloCzhxf4k6MZzT9EC65roGcNGT6apRWSzPnUIycvbIcmfiqWxDqlVcgArflF66yZXMNk8B16pSLt5rvMhSq2/s640/20170416_142544.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mountains just visible behind the hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Back down the crazy road we went. Returning to pick Tim up from where we left him, he was nowhere to be seen. The proprietor told Hari that Tim had decided to go elsewhere. We checked a few other places, and tried calling Tim's phone, but to no avail. I didn't want to drag everyone around looking for him, so I asked Hari to just bring me back to the hotel. I was pretty sure Tim would find his way back to the hotel on his own. He had the room key (remember the big wooden fish?), so I used the free wifi in the dining area until Tim's return about thirty minutes later. He'd stopped into a sporting goods store and bought a nice pair of hiking boots.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around in town, visiting some shops and looking for some more stamps for our postcards. Everyone was out of stamps because of the holiday weekend (Nepali New Year, not Easter!) We checked out restaurants up and down the street as we went, and settled on Caffe Italiano, not too far from our hotel. We were seated on the upstairs deck with a nice view of the courtyard below. We ordered some fancy mixed drinks from the Happy Hour menu, and it took them about twenty minutes to make them. We imagined they were behind the bar googling "how to make..." When they finally arrived, we appreciated the artistic presentation; a lime was cut to look like a sunflower. And the pasta was pretty good, too. It was an easy walk back to the raft from there... </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rYSq1iOYwj0SQZN-0nXnUozkNVi0QtgFTGBvSM3NybgaBXoWyGiG__O9O4EZ_99PvXr5yvqa2zYGzMQn7ak9z0lvxdaDzV5dBPvrbMw-gDKKBEAsaoTi22TUPfaM78-dQh5jrqAmr5HM/s1600/20170416_174950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="833" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rYSq1iOYwj0SQZN-0nXnUozkNVi0QtgFTGBvSM3NybgaBXoWyGiG__O9O4EZ_99PvXr5yvqa2zYGzMQn7ak9z0lvxdaDzV5dBPvrbMw-gDKKBEAsaoTi22TUPfaM78-dQh5jrqAmr5HM/s320/20170416_174950.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love me some Tims</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia9PMcnnUctBMWn6scOpWa3_GHMHvm4qDsTFvkIBXDWV4C0byTNppTYUKnwPPH1oSVcG58aVnCtXta5uZvG5eU4nDYEtXy02aOlvWyUQT7xe_Je4fU7oHZ8BZbg9djXVZsYDbLr5IrWf1/s1600/20170416_183016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia9PMcnnUctBMWn6scOpWa3_GHMHvm4qDsTFvkIBXDWV4C0byTNppTYUKnwPPH1oSVcG58aVnCtXta5uZvG5eU4nDYEtXy02aOlvWyUQT7xe_Je4fU7oHZ8BZbg9djXVZsYDbLr5IrWf1/s400/20170416_183016.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoGCAqFWW8_5vXWHLhCe6A9HJ1-7FletmHJ9wbNOEwhvuJ4P3xQd6hdaIjZy033h3pd1pai6SRaTfXk4bWk69Z4SImY11-JWd9W1-ysjqxaeHk7iOXukJ8c5e2RMvwNiF1ExTgJMEahh3/s1600/20170416_190851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoGCAqFWW8_5vXWHLhCe6A9HJ1-7FletmHJ9wbNOEwhvuJ4P3xQd6hdaIjZy033h3pd1pai6SRaTfXk4bWk69Z4SImY11-JWd9W1-ysjqxaeHk7iOXukJ8c5e2RMvwNiF1ExTgJMEahh3/s400/20170416_190851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109885156778487507.post-66787121887785050092017-05-26T02:41:00.000-04:002017-06-19T16:00:30.776-04:00Go Tell It On the Mountain 7April 15, 2017<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03fNP5bMp7BI0IsWiVLq4xQotlsvQJ3X5nF9X0pvNnTldGpazuMT3mUTEoysubold_qnQiZmh7W5mbKMEm3txldKYvRshc6d8c318LuIhmg6n4LQ0mvntcr6xaF5bzHLOIQ-wjmKXnrJ8/s1600/20170415_080009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03fNP5bMp7BI0IsWiVLq4xQotlsvQJ3X5nF9X0pvNnTldGpazuMT3mUTEoysubold_qnQiZmh7W5mbKMEm3txldKYvRshc6d8c318LuIhmg6n4LQ0mvntcr6xaF5bzHLOIQ-wjmKXnrJ8/s320/20170415_080009.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASqN9qrcot9S9I8qqkfGq6FmKe3AfFp7332H_1vxTKZKZUtY6d_qiVr5ytKvzJlSv2d7o5maLmQvudjF3DBvIQxQxn75jji6rJ-OVzFh47C6yGGbMNvldPjznLkgrqS1tvSHiThuZ-TqS/s1600/20170415_075914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASqN9qrcot9S9I8qqkfGq6FmKe3AfFp7332H_1vxTKZKZUtY6d_qiVr5ytKvzJlSv2d7o5maLmQvudjF3DBvIQxQxn75jji6rJ-OVzFh47C6yGGbMNvldPjznLkgrqS1tvSHiThuZ-TqS/s320/20170415_075914.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Woke up this morning to a pretty good rainstorm. How lucky that we didn't book our helicopter flight for today! Today we were traveling to Pokhara, a small resort city northwest of Kathmandu and the gateway to the beautiful Annapurna mountain range. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwb90HJ-UNqtgvNmpENjwG1B3lRNxE6ZKjzMMYKf3mXJGy5UXDzWwIOSSOv0gk-Z5lW3S2RLJjKoIxHlbwzuP-iKUyI-7DBzLVp-VNlBom6t6Dz4H4byxkHvbmW7awcdYv7Ucfn-b_tZ5/s1600/20170415_192111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwb90HJ-UNqtgvNmpENjwG1B3lRNxE6ZKjzMMYKf3mXJGy5UXDzWwIOSSOv0gk-Z5lW3S2RLJjKoIxHlbwzuP-iKUyI-7DBzLVp-VNlBom6t6Dz4H4byxkHvbmW7awcdYv7Ucfn-b_tZ5/s640/20170415_192111.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We had to consolidate everything we wanted to take with us into one bag; we would be flying on a smaller plane, and each passenger was only allowed ten kilos. It was pretty easy to just leave all of our cold-weather clothes behind, as we anticipated much warmer weather in Pokhara. Marron Trek company would hang onto our extra luggage until we returned to Kathmandu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We had a fair buffet breakfast in the hotel dining room, then met a drippy Hari in the lobby. He had to walk from the bus stop to our hotel in the rain - poor guy - but he was still smiling. He would be traveling to Pokhara with us. We arrived at the Kathmandu airport by 8:30 a.m. for our 9:40 flight on Yeti Air (don't you love that?) Again we had to pass through security and a pretty thorough pat-down to get into the terminal. A large delegation of fit-looking Koreans waited nearby in the same small domestic terminal, a huge pile of equipment(?) bags stacked near the counter that had yet to open. The bags were labeled "Eurasian Mountain Tours," and I wondered if they were climbing mountains all over Europe and Asia.<br />
<br />
It was a long wait to check in at the tiny Yeti Air booth, which wasn't much bigger than Lucy Van Pelt's service counter. Passengers couldn't check in until a sign with the correct flight number was hung on one side. We passed through yet another security scan and pat-down, and had another long wait at the gate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6a5yxRoipesZ3Wk4c88dF6vh2CYUWj4Ti9TlNJ2UMrFHGgKrSxGZP_xX-E9csu6MVnhpdpBQ9sAJjzhTuPWv913_2AE8dHpi24Z0_ym5z6fXFdZSUF6crwG1A0dParHIAxFiAILuY1pt/s1600/20170415_082807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6a5yxRoipesZ3Wk4c88dF6vh2CYUWj4Ti9TlNJ2UMrFHGgKrSxGZP_xX-E9csu6MVnhpdpBQ9sAJjzhTuPWv913_2AE8dHpi24Z0_ym5z6fXFdZSUF6crwG1A0dParHIAxFiAILuY1pt/s320/20170415_082807.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEDb6APDSwz2Ru6l44f2mt_arjCBkW79Gfw_a3huE2B9Cb8c8yPxXI5N_VD6n-0tJYdzT655rZf_qXHP0Ua7kiklASksTehHvrVZw3EOCv90JsFpBGTywiKy6VZplbP-tTlEQjToPgXMP/s1600/20170415_082817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEDb6APDSwz2Ru6l44f2mt_arjCBkW79Gfw_a3huE2B9Cb8c8yPxXI5N_VD6n-0tJYdzT655rZf_qXHP0Ua7kiklASksTehHvrVZw3EOCv90JsFpBGTywiKy6VZplbP-tTlEQjToPgXMP/s400/20170415_082817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A bus carried all the passengers for the flight out to the little 30-passenger plane, and with no overhead storage, all carry-ons had to be held in our laps. Once everyone was seated, the lone flight attendant pulled up the stairs, and came through the cabin with a basket of hard candies and cotton balls (ear plugs?). The pilot's door popped open, and soon the flight attendant was opening the main door and lowering the stairs. The pilot shot out of the cockpit, walked all the way to the far side of the tarmac, and disappeared down a cement stairway. The whole time he was gone, the flight attendant stood facing the door with her hands behind her back, avoiding eye contact with any of the passengers. The pilot soon reappeared, strode back across the tarmac to the plane, the stairs were raised, the door was closed, and without a word, we prepared for takeoff. Potty break?? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTO7sy1TteyiaM0UQajYG1UC24RMVB3WWttBOTUBC3RNl9aNT7Uem7-nAQIFXfXw3z0SMwuwtnxEMLBH4ts3zre6Y3tpL8AiPmbkrOtQu12Tix4XT2NyolHP86I03oBHznh-ydIOC5w42/s1600/20170415_101700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTO7sy1TteyiaM0UQajYG1UC24RMVB3WWttBOTUBC3RNl9aNT7Uem7-nAQIFXfXw3z0SMwuwtnxEMLBH4ts3zre6Y3tpL8AiPmbkrOtQu12Tix4XT2NyolHP86I03oBHznh-ydIOC5w42/s400/20170415_101700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUW49xvGXZUbypvzaQJ9KzGSk_j_lrz5nVwCyowzYJpuTeqWaB91Im5IL4zfhynUin0XXezw0lv63RXOa5KDesZqzx8xJqUf3ey1OsQ18ZlBH1dMKAzsFqXz64gcsHob8z3svLljov2gU/s1600/20170415_102035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUW49xvGXZUbypvzaQJ9KzGSk_j_lrz5nVwCyowzYJpuTeqWaB91Im5IL4zfhynUin0XXezw0lv63RXOa5KDesZqzx8xJqUf3ey1OsQ18ZlBH1dMKAzsFqXz64gcsHob8z3svLljov2gU/s640/20170415_102035.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tiny plane full of people - very cozy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were only in the air twenty-five minutes, and got a few peeks at the Anapurna Mountains through the clouds. Landing at the tiny airport in Pokhara, we walked to a small stone building marked "Baggage Claim." Two men pushed big carts full of luggage to the outside of that building and said to come outside to claim our bags. No need for conveyors at this small scale operation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ldlmivqcfoChGcHZ3pZ0OdmtFgp3MEq1JBnkUi7ajeAtPGvIPPgcTMcxostoUuD9qEfVMj2-1AAY_iwDwt2ghg6A9s5UWRdf3V8s8QqITHoZHhTzzu6JmVR7amPObUFZECusjlr-F5j/s1600/20170415_112418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ldlmivqcfoChGcHZ3pZ0OdmtFgp3MEq1JBnkUi7ajeAtPGvIPPgcTMcxostoUuD9qEfVMj2-1AAY_iwDwt2ghg6A9s5UWRdf3V8s8QqITHoZHhTzzu6JmVR7amPObUFZECusjlr-F5j/s400/20170415_112418.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">airport in Pokhara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hari led us to our new driver, who took us directly to Davis, or Devi's, Falls, a limestone landscape washed away to beautiful strata. A narrow gorge led to a small waterfall at one end - not particularly outstanding as far as waterfalls go. Hari said the falls are much bigger just after rainy season. The falls are so named for a Swiss woman who was swept away in a flash flood while swimming there in 1961.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xPutCea_HFtbE9qIdJ6F9XNbThWTYX-1u0iiVhtu-6ksarHutqTnMSe4LMZ6WsG5juXgeeRMpTK6FRiWkD7KXrUsfrmrKp-gOEgRPWLUC_j69YKlcqjCEY8UPb4mlmaJ9cxlgTSiF2ac/s1600/20170416_131742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xPutCea_HFtbE9qIdJ6F9XNbThWTYX-1u0iiVhtu-6ksarHutqTnMSe4LMZ6WsG5juXgeeRMpTK6FRiWkD7KXrUsfrmrKp-gOEgRPWLUC_j69YKlcqjCEY8UPb4mlmaJ9cxlgTSiF2ac/s320/20170416_131742.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat covers, Nepal-style, in our new driver's car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIOPVCa5sXJxST8TP_PhSMK9rPqzGU-ff2SS7prlhSuDiZPPhh2JqkwABK9dlphvGdE3H5D8cDTYsM2kMD108mHg2mX1FqldxV9pf5zCAiKgku_JvdRXsGIs1zY87Uh9oBkAWNOaIcaue/s1600/20170415_114404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIOPVCa5sXJxST8TP_PhSMK9rPqzGU-ff2SS7prlhSuDiZPPhh2JqkwABK9dlphvGdE3H5D8cDTYsM2kMD108mHg2mX1FqldxV9pf5zCAiKgku_JvdRXsGIs1zY87Uh9oBkAWNOaIcaue/s320/20170415_114404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4lyo4pRvtp6WL9x8LDsKnDgLz8L3SxCqyYMDs3_DGR5njdlZSnCIprj0K34UuuIgBbQyVK3zZ9aJFOCnJVZ606BGxnc6ZP-eSiymgItlo-MBcKDlQLy2tqaINC87gKgRhYVzMCd5Nzfs/s1600/20170415_114912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4lyo4pRvtp6WL9x8LDsKnDgLz8L3SxCqyYMDs3_DGR5njdlZSnCIprj0K34UuuIgBbQyVK3zZ9aJFOCnJVZ606BGxnc6ZP-eSiymgItlo-MBcKDlQLy2tqaINC87gKgRhYVzMCd5Nzfs/s400/20170415_114912.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZ0kUL9Z2qb7wkFvPG_IB4GnoneNYaCddr2eGDHEdnfr9b1_pHm8G3EvhENs-9w5KU5VIdMopMxjq2gLDM68zcDzcc_iCGNj9S-rlt2UFbTtzKMmYeLI4XAkyB6I2cJ3EMN2rhIOJN-xw/s1600/20170415_114921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZ0kUL9Z2qb7wkFvPG_IB4GnoneNYaCddr2eGDHEdnfr9b1_pHm8G3EvhENs-9w5KU5VIdMopMxjq2gLDM68zcDzcc_iCGNj9S-rlt2UFbTtzKMmYeLI4XAkyB6I2cJ3EMN2rhIOJN-xw/s320/20170415_114921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGOUIe-piiVs4QHKB1bWTydRr56lf6OmLizvzm7GsOIA89Saa3yS7I2MOFa9uG_YG23gvLJgp4sMZrCfpSnGA0QE6_stq0g5iUVPU5IcKK2ZAIx9yeD4JsRGo_Vo7Dinure4H5xQ5_owf/s1600/20170415_114926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGOUIe-piiVs4QHKB1bWTydRr56lf6OmLizvzm7GsOIA89Saa3yS7I2MOFa9uG_YG23gvLJgp4sMZrCfpSnGA0QE6_stq0g5iUVPU5IcKK2ZAIx9yeD4JsRGo_Vo7Dinure4H5xQ5_owf/s320/20170415_114926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgnW1oX7UDBtkszLzN2QlCIUk18FKUcJZ7k1YKygkSq0RHyrpG8fb8UX5a1REOOmxbpJJreaTVtM-CkUEqcctuzpg3FeiETBOOe8ofgLKNxBRNZjB8DrWf123ZUAS9AOj4EoWhRndqY_Y/s1600/20170415_115056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgnW1oX7UDBtkszLzN2QlCIUk18FKUcJZ7k1YKygkSq0RHyrpG8fb8UX5a1REOOmxbpJJreaTVtM-CkUEqcctuzpg3FeiETBOOe8ofgLKNxBRNZjB8DrWf123ZUAS9AOj4EoWhRndqY_Y/s400/20170415_115056.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lyjlseKZXMPOiBZ1ydneVdOgIs3FbsgkGYxoR1r6mICnmU3fKNRd5v_UD8XlV8yNve986rMtfJYiveOK_cfvUqIwkXAolVq8jgwnTCZcDwXBzycJ9P2C9Pf8tJOstWjwBXMROSF-O2-l/s1600/20170415_115103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lyjlseKZXMPOiBZ1ydneVdOgIs3FbsgkGYxoR1r6mICnmU3fKNRd5v_UD8XlV8yNve986rMtfJYiveOK_cfvUqIwkXAolVq8jgwnTCZcDwXBzycJ9P2C9Pf8tJOstWjwBXMROSF-O2-l/s320/20170415_115103.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPw0TpQkFeaPEDHhKhJlzI3mBRCkAJKvJhEz9PQvV8l9k1xiNe-bPTEMhYPRW6eaqbM-zLHhzggSqcq4FEiw8d-X8ybFcQzz_db1eYPvXjNP_M0jH-FDequp_9AAByOKe5L_2qd1BmjaU/s1600/20170415_115425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPw0TpQkFeaPEDHhKhJlzI3mBRCkAJKvJhEz9PQvV8l9k1xiNe-bPTEMhYPRW6eaqbM-zLHhzggSqcq4FEiw8d-X8ybFcQzz_db1eYPvXjNP_M0jH-FDequp_9AAByOKe5L_2qd1BmjaU/s640/20170415_115425.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0xhX-vXiJJ12jyTdgUznZuXmhu3mpGsFjmEP_z1bfbcKjqlRBuVZPXxs8hCr-RevkUWKxdaGRJbJAqBEpo1ZkoiuTeixuPT3TvsQ5PZ37Io3gqu06jTqRaCirHnedvokseWUy2zi6Ph0/s1600/20170415_115433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0xhX-vXiJJ12jyTdgUznZuXmhu3mpGsFjmEP_z1bfbcKjqlRBuVZPXxs8hCr-RevkUWKxdaGRJbJAqBEpo1ZkoiuTeixuPT3TvsQ5PZ37Io3gqu06jTqRaCirHnedvokseWUy2zi6Ph0/s320/20170415_115433.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BzCjDWKcb21_hEaeI45VqcgzLuX5l3KaYQS_EX6jBBdCp0p7I5qFJHEyAG07vPNVMthPlZOIG8zMI-Ci8w9xgARM3QcwqmgD6K-fGmYAGqz2KeyjARQfn37x9vrwrNprL62brKeYQ5PH/s1600/20170415_115504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="1025" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BzCjDWKcb21_hEaeI45VqcgzLuX5l3KaYQS_EX6jBBdCp0p7I5qFJHEyAG07vPNVMthPlZOIG8zMI-Ci8w9xgARM3QcwqmgD6K-fGmYAGqz2KeyjARQfn37x9vrwrNprL62brKeYQ5PH/s320/20170415_115504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From there we walked across the busy street to Gupteshwore Cave. It looked like a simple shopfront, with many small vendor's stalls, and a group playing traditional Nepali music in a little room off to one side. From here we descended many, many steps down into a cave; some passages had very low ceilings. It was quite warm and steamy inside, not what one would expect in a cave. Halfway down was a small temple to Lord Shiva, where people were offering flowers and incense. Continuing down the sometimes slippery, precarious stone steps, I couldn't help thinking about the fact that we would have to also <i>ascend</i> said stairs. At the bottom, you can look through a narrow gap in the stones to see where the falls enters the cave. Then it was time for the strenuous climb back up out of the cave the same way, squeezing by others on their way down. Not sure it was worth the effort, but it was definitely a good workout!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL29NtMAHApFRH7Mr2OLlRAYF1rrF2ZoxPmIJ0I3v1wX0-TYrramCM4guGF84ZuQU-Fo9VVOo7WgzB-EXSxkEVzcNTs_BIwBBwN2LqvgcMoOWpAJBeQgOuo8ABo_Kwr_6VYOYNEMZFHIFA/s1600/20170415_121718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL29NtMAHApFRH7Mr2OLlRAYF1rrF2ZoxPmIJ0I3v1wX0-TYrramCM4guGF84ZuQU-Fo9VVOo7WgzB-EXSxkEVzcNTs_BIwBBwN2LqvgcMoOWpAJBeQgOuo8ABo_Kwr_6VYOYNEMZFHIFA/s640/20170415_121718.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl1QTEFBMa7_J4o_EX0jPT6q4mPD0WMsXL3VwD2Qo8NpY3Ad3fjrSfpoHDwmqu_RyzLiXLZmpG0S3SKXZQQoLARkeUNeURW5MSQ6-7ocbkNM1_5wcVsFiaq08jt3S9h1KT5c-8gABfgT6/s1600/20170415_121754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl1QTEFBMa7_J4o_EX0jPT6q4mPD0WMsXL3VwD2Qo8NpY3Ad3fjrSfpoHDwmqu_RyzLiXLZmpG0S3SKXZQQoLARkeUNeURW5MSQ6-7ocbkNM1_5wcVsFiaq08jt3S9h1KT5c-8gABfgT6/s320/20170415_121754.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTwb8uwOa4lFkQhhCsKqLnLM6bvFjvo8WL40tocr0jiiT8EhESzTzRGmMZZDnTNTg_-UbdposNX86QouqoyZztl4sYPEr2InGKz-n1Kv9KS_M3hvBspu5afZDVvySlRHVp-FuWK1d_etF/s1600/20170415_121758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTwb8uwOa4lFkQhhCsKqLnLM6bvFjvo8WL40tocr0jiiT8EhESzTzRGmMZZDnTNTg_-UbdposNX86QouqoyZztl4sYPEr2InGKz-n1Kv9KS_M3hvBspu5afZDVvySlRHVp-FuWK1d_etF/s320/20170415_121758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see drops of water on our hats from the drippy cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a short drive from the cave and falls to the Fishtail Lodge, accessible only by a floating raft that is pulled across Phewa Lake. A tireless ferryman pulls and coils the long green rope that spans the two shores. Fishtail Lodge is a lovely, green oasis on a small peninsula tucked up against forest-covered hill. The grounds are meticulously groomed with beautiful blooms around every corner. We were greeted with a "Namaste!" and some tasty lychee juice at the main circular building, then were handed our room key on a huge wooden fish. The rooms are set in circular cottages, maybe ten or twelve rooms per cottage. Our room had a definite sixties vibe, with dated paneling, twin beds, and curtains that we had to keep shut for privacy, making the room quite dark. We had to use the big fish to lock the door from the inside or outside, and an iffy flushing toilet that sometimes belched spontaneously. The power also went out from time to time, but only for a few seconds. However, it was comfortable enough, and we were happy to learn that the Lodge is endowed to a non-profit that helps provide cardiac care to the less fortunate of Nepal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuTMVP6hgdqAgtdDPuU79m69g29eJyE36dJKplhdoUAesmYFATOqo2S_ijVmLO4yjKpH-aDNUFCodynYDBO0lfjUULsldEq7CttFgbxKFG4XFWo_EBB-1WkPINrJOm65fP9L_ThxkORwk/s1600/20170415_124237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuTMVP6hgdqAgtdDPuU79m69g29eJyE36dJKplhdoUAesmYFATOqo2S_ijVmLO4yjKpH-aDNUFCodynYDBO0lfjUULsldEq7CttFgbxKFG4XFWo_EBB-1WkPINrJOm65fP9L_ThxkORwk/s320/20170415_124237.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BNnDLcVSbnjOAec9HmEO8i-b7CLQSoMC64lKxQOQ25t-WtDAo8T4geq8RIweqdcTR6K1A38hxcnTggGW7gq_Qbjbu5SCHITwV45PEYYcAm1rXb-l3reBe1HYcZ3MMek2sMoZebYHN8MS/s1600/20170416_070930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BNnDLcVSbnjOAec9HmEO8i-b7CLQSoMC64lKxQOQ25t-WtDAo8T4geq8RIweqdcTR6K1A38hxcnTggGW7gq_Qbjbu5SCHITwV45PEYYcAm1rXb-l3reBe1HYcZ3MMek2sMoZebYHN8MS/s320/20170416_070930.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1iEpzSrJdNe1XuLvOpIKf73GuV7wKX45_61g13UmKI4nsjiGfWmKrIqWsrfPwfwik7rR0o-nfDh2-LXsqYoHCvizb8wfY9yPTnOhAhnouqhfpCFp3GgsnS8e8I4s5vVyqNP-uGTU5xCU/s1600/20170416_130142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1iEpzSrJdNe1XuLvOpIKf73GuV7wKX45_61g13UmKI4nsjiGfWmKrIqWsrfPwfwik7rR0o-nfDh2-LXsqYoHCvizb8wfY9yPTnOhAhnouqhfpCFp3GgsnS8e8I4s5vVyqNP-uGTU5xCU/s320/20170416_130142.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely property</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXpLVBi3xumBAV63SpS7ZalqqXvARD5jpzOu5W5eVsUggsY3axIGroHGKKXrlA3Iq8V0L_OoPr7tyZEczgrGOEwvqMSwEPAvXYvtk0VBoh84aWpDojEVBGjmtcucQSbEgHzVIdJxzQKm-/s1600/20170416_130239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXpLVBi3xumBAV63SpS7ZalqqXvARD5jpzOu5W5eVsUggsY3axIGroHGKKXrlA3Iq8V0L_OoPr7tyZEczgrGOEwvqMSwEPAvXYvtk0VBoh84aWpDojEVBGjmtcucQSbEgHzVIdJxzQKm-/s320/20170416_130239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheQCs2InLI3pCw8SZcSwcdMxNoz1w_0nBVpE5bPF4oNhdLH7FDQjKiYP9LReIoIe383ql2Ly7rckAnuwWsVun6Ave5ejRxmkJGVvY88Q0rHZkuEE1hw2cRRM24SGx0Y-K9BhRZCcrhvDL/s1600/20170416_130321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheQCs2InLI3pCw8SZcSwcdMxNoz1w_0nBVpE5bPF4oNhdLH7FDQjKiYP9LReIoIe383ql2Ly7rckAnuwWsVun6Ave5ejRxmkJGVvY88Q0rHZkuEE1hw2cRRM24SGx0Y-K9BhRZCcrhvDL/s320/20170416_130321.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">staff devoted to caring for the expansive gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaclfGPjg-MRjibu6-yQFJF4FsMSBrC-cV919tzFHRR-l8j2bKXBFY5U01fOZn9t32Eb64mFoDVTVOcOEKiSPwz1KnrqJ581lHsY2jhjvVMqbPQ9X0AtI_RRNpwiQcXhpQDDRgCB92x7_j/s1600/20170416_130425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaclfGPjg-MRjibu6-yQFJF4FsMSBrC-cV919tzFHRR-l8j2bKXBFY5U01fOZn9t32Eb64mFoDVTVOcOEKiSPwz1KnrqJ581lHsY2jhjvVMqbPQ9X0AtI_RRNpwiQcXhpQDDRgCB92x7_j/s640/20170416_130425.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hari waited for us to get settled, then we all went back across the lake to the Moondance Cafe on the main street near the lake. This was clearly a place that catered to western tastes, and we enjoyed some good pizza; the Everest beer, not so much. Power went out for a short time here as well. The best part of the lunch was another chance to chat with Hari. He is a wealth of knowledge and generously shared his views on anything that came up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9LNkOF3DBJqn9IS57gy3EfPM7C9rGstYjOcLKuVJVoSebe8cnQfi51osTLD03_jzrEL5x6nQErac0WO3HX4mq7yd0lGQ_uTrP-4Fr85q0d5BMAaKVajroKtjrlDSHBi1YqD4-aKwxtRd/s1600/20170415_134305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9LNkOF3DBJqn9IS57gy3EfPM7C9rGstYjOcLKuVJVoSebe8cnQfi51osTLD03_jzrEL5x6nQErac0WO3HX4mq7yd0lGQ_uTrP-4Fr85q0d5BMAaKVajroKtjrlDSHBi1YqD4-aKwxtRd/s320/20170415_134305.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KCEhCq1K5cYgSwU3X3ufKz5QPESsxXOfIQnImfMTcrkZV1rNtV5EEthLnEvJcSgRIfqeIUNUpZx3lGhDkUjMvxnXclfSGjqCgNeDrvT69lq3R3VPVDDT9OfnihpJphV4l_cCgbaFEI6n/s1600/20170415_134514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KCEhCq1K5cYgSwU3X3ufKz5QPESsxXOfIQnImfMTcrkZV1rNtV5EEthLnEvJcSgRIfqeIUNUpZx3lGhDkUjMvxnXclfSGjqCgNeDrvT69lq3R3VPVDDT9OfnihpJphV4l_cCgbaFEI6n/s640/20170415_134514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
After lunch, we walked a short distance to a boat launch, crowded with tourists and boats. Hari asked us to wait while he went to arrange for a boat. After some time, he returned and led us to a long boat nearby. An older man with hennaed hair welcomed us onto his canopied boat, complete with a wool rug covering the center seats. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qhC9uv7ibjwJj5EOSoFjJyG06Jx9bu0k0idoFWwCh9hbf8N0l4x1uUENsZM-s7Pp7smgpX22yJ88-PfVhuJhBh9ytvWmk-pYygrZMakSimaTRhos7r41vXcqmjAgPbq1w9av3KyS4yR_/s1600/20170415_151500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qhC9uv7ibjwJj5EOSoFjJyG06Jx9bu0k0idoFWwCh9hbf8N0l4x1uUENsZM-s7Pp7smgpX22yJ88-PfVhuJhBh9ytvWmk-pYygrZMakSimaTRhos7r41vXcqmjAgPbq1w9av3KyS4yR_/s400/20170415_151500.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The gentleman conveyed the three of us to Tal Barahi Temple on a little island in the southeast part of the lake. It was busy with worshipers, both Hindu and Buddhist, along with many tourists. It was hardly spiritual, though, with lots of noisy kids running around. We took a short walk around the island, then headed back to our patiently waiting boatman. Unfortunately the storied mountain peaks were not visible today, but we still enjoyed a lovely, leisurely ride past green hills and little coves. It was leisurely for us, but not for our boatman, who only broke stride once for about fifteen seconds from the island back to our hotel. Impressive at any age. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHNBfJpBSXfIpLSUaMJtAqog0XooQh8qPFPHxYZ_Hn0bTWRKV8prUjO7PCyW-aP1-0HQu6AZwY0NVwjGwqy-rRfNPymLQS6oRJFRNrHH5L8nH4hYc3aXjcvMk16XrwaPemw-hb2npzyA2/s1600/20170415_151453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHNBfJpBSXfIpLSUaMJtAqog0XooQh8qPFPHxYZ_Hn0bTWRKV8prUjO7PCyW-aP1-0HQu6AZwY0NVwjGwqy-rRfNPymLQS6oRJFRNrHH5L8nH4hYc3aXjcvMk16XrwaPemw-hb2npzyA2/s400/20170415_151453.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We said good-bye to Hari around four p.m., and returned to our room, sending some much-needed laundry to be done. A housekeeper knocked on the door, handed me a little blue rectangle, and said, "mo-kee-toe." I must have clearly looked confused, as I had no idea what she was talking about. She pointed inside the room and said, "Mo-kee-toe. Ma-cheen." I still had no idea, but said, "Okay," and closed the door, confident that I could figure it out. I looked carefully around the room trying to decipher the cryptic message, and finally found a little plug-in device, like a room freshener, in the wall between the beds. It had an identical little blue thing in it; apparently this was some kind of mosquito deterrent. I felt like a genuine Sherlock Holmes.🕵🔎<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0