Y’all, I just can’t tell a short story. I had this Thailand thing down to three posts (as if that’s short, ha!), but then I was going through our pictures, and there were just so many fantastic moments I wanted to share that never made it into those posts. For good reasons, yes, but that doesn’t help the feeling that I still want to make space for those moments too. So what follows is a smattering of moments from various parts of our Thailand adventures that never made it into the main posts. I swear this is it. We’re done. The last you’ll hear from our 2015 travels. True, there was much to reflect on, and perhaps I’ll cover it in some later post on some more sentimental day. But for now, this is it. Enjoy the tidbits, and we’ll reconnect in another adventure!
Chiang Rai – I couldn’t possibly omit this, our favorite Thai dessert! Half coconut milk with fresh young coconut, half pandan syrup, a smattering of colorful tapioca balls. It was the perfect sweet ending to a perfectly hot day. So delicious we plan on replicating.If you get yourself anywhere in life, get yourself here. It is a magical experience to walk amongst the ornate sculptures of the White Temple in Chiang Rai. The main chapel is an incredibly delightful, special experience as well. No pics allowed inside, though. It’s a secret!The drag show in Chiang Mai is a spectacle to behold. Complete with kisses for all the men and the bestowing of a rose to one lucky guy, this show made our night. Front row seats are a must here!Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai – Does it look beautiful? It was. Does it look far away? It was. Sadly, this was our only view of the floating lanterns on Yi Peng – from a distant hotel room, in between vomit sessions as we rid our bodies of the food poisoning demons. But at least our hotel room was perfectly positioned for the view!Fishy Feet Cleaning in Chiang Mai – It is no small miracle that I didn’t pee my dress with laughter during this experience. I have never felt anything so ticklish in my whole life. Y’all, I drew an audience, and not just the fish in the tank. And the lovely woman behind me running the show? She literally held my legs in the water so I wouldn’t pull them out from the tickling. She was very stern. Don’t cross her. My feet? Never cleaner. just kidding. But it did release any travel tension I may have built up.On our bike trip, we were able to explore, Bo Sang, the city where umbrellas and fans are carefully crafted and hand painted. The self-guided tour – we traveled among the stations asking questions – was delightful and the pieces beautiful. Left: I got to pound out some paper mulch for a future fan. Right: Bob Ross paints a happy little waterfall on a fan.Bike Trip – Bustling with lots of people and many interesting products and delicious eats, the markets of Thailand are worth the time. I wasn’t disappointed by a one of them. This one was a local market we stopped by for a snack somewhere on our bike trip. I believe the platters on the right contain fried bananas. Delish!somewhere between San Patons and Wat Chedi Liem in Chiang Mai – By hand. Each detail you see is a small piece of clay rolled and placed by hand. It was mesmerizing to watch these gentlemen at their craft, and I just thought they deserved a shout out for the elegant and meticulous work they do.Night Train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok – It’s a fairly cheap way to travel. I love how efficient this is to have the seats fold into bunk beds. Each person gets a bed and a curtain for privacy. And I didn’t sleep half badly. Brian slept all badly, though. Being shorter made it easier. Keep your valuables close, and enjoy snoozing to the rocking of the train. Oh, and for me, this was way better than the night bus we took back in Turkey. Waaaaay better.Phuket – We finally made it to the beaches and found this swing. Requisite swing shots!Bangkok Temple of Reclining Buddha – Buddha’s hair is my favorite part of reclining Buddha. His feet are a customary fave, but they were being restored while we were there, so we didn’t get a good look at them. But look at these fabulous golden spirals! I just want to hug his head.Bangkok – “Temple accessories! Get your temple accessories! From Buddha’s to bells, we’ve got everything you need right here at Templemporium.” Selling like hotcakes. We adored this. #monklife.1 Week to Christmas in Bangkok – Thailand – not a Christian country. Bangkok – totally rocking commercialized Christmas. Disney style. Why yes those are Mickey Mouse ears in the foreground of a Christmas tree larger than that which graces Rockefeller center. Your mall Santa display has nothing on this, Manhattan Macy’s. Joy to the Thais! ’Tis the season!Starbucks SFO – Two very happy campers land in SFO with a 4 day countdown to Christmas after being awake over 24 hours. Westlander style is not complete without a holiday peppermint hocho from Starbucks. Why Starbucks? They really are one of the few cafes to put enough chocolate in their hocho. I want a hot chocolate, people, not brown milk. Merry merry with whip cream and a candy cane on top!
