Dec. 27, Bangkok Departures

We've had a great Christmas holiday, but the time has gone by too fast. John and Mary just left with an extra 100 pounds of Liz and Jeff's purchases - the brass Ganesh, a wooden buddha, Jeff's wedding outfit he bought in Delhi, the bedspread, etc. and very little gifts for them. We felt guilty showing everyone our treasures when we hadn't bought much for anyone else. Liz's mom leaves just past mid-night so Richard, Jeff and Liz will help take her out to the airport this evening before catching an evening train to Chiang Mai.

We went to a Catholic mass on Christmas Eve, followed by a tour of Wat Pho and a massage there. That evening we went to the backpacker area of Banglapou (or something like that - Liz's Dad just calls it "Bugaloo"). We had a hair raising tuk tuk ride back to Central Pier. Mary and Ann were both terrified, while John, Richard, and Jeff acted like 15 year-old boys egging the drivers on to race. Liz likes to think she acted "normally". :-)

Christmas day we exchanged small gifts, but had agreed not to get much as the trip in itself was a big deal. Liz's parents paid for the hotel stay which was very nice. After a leisurely morning relaxing by the pool, we went to see the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha (fortunately we were able to get in as the King was arriving and we did have to wait awhile to buy tickets) and then went on a 2 hour long fast boat ride of the residential canals. Mary and John treated to Christmas dinner at a great Thai restaurant near Central Pier (one of Nancy Chandler's bold recommendations on her famous map).

Recently it was the beloved King's birthday so most people are walking around in yellow shirts in honor of that. It's pretty neat to see. Also every day at 6 PM they play the national anthem and everyone just stops and stands and attention.

We have also been back to check on our rings that we are having made. Liz's parents got to see the star sapphires and the settings which have been started. That was fun and we took photos. We also have been by the tailor to get Liz's wedding dress fitted. And had lunch at "Cabbages and Condoms" a restaurant that is working toward helping reduce population growth and prevent AIDS transmission.

The Marriott has been wonderful with it's own private boat to transport us between the resort and Central Pier/Sky Train which leads to the franetic city. It's going to be quite a change - back to the shared bathroom down the hall. Tonight Jeff, Liz and Richard leave for Chiang Mai, then onto Chiang Dao and over into Laos. We'll all 3 return to BKK from Vientienne on Dec. 7th and then Liz and Jeff will continue south to the beaches. We've decided to save Cambodia for another trip and just veg out for awhile.

Happy New Year! Love Liz and Jeff