8.2.09

Thailand, and Max (to the max)

I'm happy to report that from our end of things, the past few weeks have been refreshingly uneventful. We have arrivedi n Phuket today (pronounced PHOO-KET) and have just spent the past few weeks in Bangkok and then jumping from beach to beach to beach all the way down the coast. It has been for the most part totally relaxing, refreshing, and wonderful, to say a few words. There is nothing like laying on soft golden sand in the heat of the warm sun, or frolicking in a sparkling ocean. That said, Carm has decided that he is not totally a beach bum, and would mostly rather enjoy the shade and a good newspaper, or an exhilerating motorbike ride (yes, moms: we did).

We had such a great time in Bangkok, arriving from Kathmandu it was a huuuge difference...like travelling 200 years into the future (especially form where we were on the Nepali homestead).
at first we were saucer-eyed, wandering around, enjoying everyting sooo much! We will nevr take for granted hot showers, "western toilets", convenience stores, clean streets (it smells so much like laundy detergent here--chelsie you would love it!) and so many other things. In bangkok we enjoyed the massive shopping complexes, just wandering around looking at the architecture and seeing our reflections in the radiantly polished floors. the "food courts" in there were totally swank, like cherrywood floors with revolving sushi buffets, and waitors wearing formal suits...

we headed for the beaches and thus saw a little more "down-to earth" side of Thailand...but only a little...

Yesterday was a highlight for me and carm as we rose our motorbike (yes moms, we wore helmets) around the area of Khao Lak to check out some memorial sites as this is one of the major places where the Tsunami hit (it was 11 metres high here). We saw lots of heart-wrenching pictures of the destruction; and also a huge police boat that was propelled 1 km inland by the waves, that remains there today as a memorial site. It was a lot to think about and be thankful that we have been so safe throughout this trip...anything can happen!!!

Last week we headed off to a more remote Island where internet was pretty expensive, so we decided to check our e-mail only every two days (we were checking it every day for updates on my then-very pregnant sister.) OF COURSE the day in between e-mail checks was when our new little Nephew decided to be born! Three weeks ealry. We are always gawking at how adorable he is, we love him already and can't wait to meet him (but I guess we will have to!)

We have about one week left in Thailand, the next destination will probably be Vietnam.
We are so relaxed and happy. We highly reccomend this as a vacation destination!
(maybe not when your sister has a baby though!)

Love,
Marcie and Carmen

3 comments:

Karin said...

We are grateful to the Lord that you are well and enjoying your extended honeymoon. As you say, anything can happen. May HIS watchful hand continue over you. We rejoice with your whole family that Baby Max arrived safe and sound and surprised everyone! That can't be taken for granted either. A baby girl was born to friends yesterday afternoon and required immediate heart surgery. So, we are thankful when we hear good news!
Bless you as you continue your journey.

Anonymous said...

Riding a motorbike, that's what I like to read about! I bought one in October so now Uncle Robin and I don't have to always ride the same one, although we both find it lonely without the other person and I don't think I will do long trips on mine. Glad to hear all is well, you are in our prayers!

Julie said...

Oh max can't wait to meet you too!!

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