December
Let me remind those lovely people who follow this page that this began and remains a personal log for us. Something to remind us, a decade or two in the future, on what was going on in our past. Traditionally, I would just write a journal of our travels around the world and squirrel them away on my hard drive that no one would ever see. A good friend suggested to do a blog/vlog so others could follow along. I don’t take time to promote it beyond friends, family, fellow travelers and such. It is not lost on me that people are watching these videos. I’m a rookie at this, but I am improving…
Videos of the month
Perspective
As I sit at my newfound perch along the Ping River, I am reminded by look and feel, of a place my family used to visit when I was very young. It is known locally as The Bowl and Pitcher located by the Spokane River in the NW part of the US. When I was 8 or 10 years old, it was a place of majestic mystery, complete with a rickety footbridge that spanned the vast rushing river below. It took no small amount of courage to venture across. Once on the unknown side of the river there were many hidden places to explore. Later, as an adult, I returned out of curiosity. I really, really shouldn’t have. It is best to remember through the eyes of a child. The river was no longer grand, the bridge was replaced by a stable structure. The shroud of mystery was lifted.
But here by the Ping River in the north of Thailand, some 52 years later, the magic of looking through the eyes of my 8-year-old self has returned. This seems my new and welcome reality.
Change
OMG! I barely handle a pizza order at Pizza My Heart restaurant. Grace nor Adam (the awesome staff) were not there. Normally I walk in, and they say, “same-same?” and I’m good. No need to remember what we get every time I go, but today they had a ‘new girl’. It seemed, in my mind, I was a doddering, old fool, stumbling thru a normally easy process of ordering a pizza. In my defense, our order is somewhat complicated. A Diavola Pizza (thin crust), a Caesar salad, a Caprese salad, Penne alla Vodka, a bottle of wine and a Singha beer to have while I wait. (Yes, dinner for two nights)
I got thru it, but just at the end, descending like an angel out of nowhere, Gracie pulls up beside me and made sure I was ok, and the order was correct. A tidal wave of relief and comfort washed over me. That’s right, I got peeps. She made it right. She’s several months pregnant and I will certainly miss her when she takes her leave. It’s a part of change, which I may not like.
Maybe this is a glimpse into our inevitable future. We will be those grand old people, being taken care of by polite caring young people who respect and admire ‘the elders’. (That’d be us)
Yes, an unrelated photo. I just liked it… And yes, as hard as it is to imagine, it tasted even better than it looked. Absolutely delicious. Just like at home. Unfortunately, Charin Pie is just a couple of blocks away. This may turn into a habit. (Tiramisu and Pumpkin)
And finally... Beauty (Merry Christmas!)
Diane has a gift of music. Please take a moment for my now favorite Christmas song “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.” I suspect this may not be on your ‘Christmas list’ of music, but it should be. It is now at the top of my list. Diane hit it out of the park on this one. Take a listen.
Thanks for reading/watching our blog/vlog. You rock \m/ Merry Christmas everyone! In case you are wondering the Thais really do up the Christmas holiday well. Santas and Christmas trees and all the usual accoutrements everywhere.
On my morning walk
At immigration … really
At Central Festival Mall