We’ve discovered a great way to dive into the culture and food of an unknown country, and I think we’ll adopt it as many times as we can along our journey. Taking a cooking course is a fun opportunity to unpack the traditional dishes that can, at first glance on a menu, look strange and … Continue reading Same, Same, But Different
Each day Asia finds some way to nudge me out of my comfort zone, and I’m learning to expect and even appreciate it. I was none too happy to leave frenetic Bangkok, but it meant a nine-hour, overland journey by bus into Cambodia. Mitch had researched the route diligently, but it was a nerve-wracking decision to … Continue reading Keeping it Riel
Happy New Year! We spent the last days of 2015 on the remote and barely-inhabited island of Koh Yao Noi in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. After Christmas at a modern resort, we decided to go ultra rustic and rented a treehouse bungalow with hammocks, mosquito nets and intermittent running water. It was like stepping … Continue reading Simple Pleasures, Extravagant Views
Elephants are the largest land animal in the world and they are fascinating, paradoxical creatures. While fiercely strong, they are emotionally fragile. Huge and heavy, but lighthearted and loving. And in Thailand, where they are the national symbol, the people have abused and tortured these animals that they claim to revere. We’ve learned so much … Continue reading Understanding the Elephants
Just a few days ago, I sent a note to my prayer group lamenting that although I’m thankful not to be overwhelmed with the commercialization of Christmas this year, I am a bit sad not to see experience ANYTHING related to the holidays since we are in Thailand. My wise friend Kate responded that this … Continue reading The baby in a manger and me
Chiang Mai has some great excursions. We’re posting about a few of our favorites, and this was definitely Luke’s! This monkey was nuts about zip lining through the jungle and climbing the ropes course. We had a blast! And yes, it was safe : ) There are several choices, and we would recommend the Eagle … Continue reading Zipping through the trees
Bangkok is loud and chaotic. These are two things I desperately try to avoid in my daily life. Everyone told us Asia would be different than anything we could have imagined. But you can’t really grasp it until you walk the streets and the city bombards all of your senses. We are beginning to adjust, … Continue reading Tuk Tuk Thailand
When December comes, I eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth and all the joy it brings, but I also look forward to walking to our mailbox every afternoon to see whose Christmas cards we’ve received. Family and friends, new and old, from all over the country. I absolutely LOVE seeing how children have grown, new … Continue reading Our Virtual Christmas Card
When you are offered the opportunity to go to Antarctica, you know this could be your chance to see all seven continents. At least, that’s what I thought when I was asked to go with Coca-Cola in 2003. Now, 12 years later as we entered Australia, I’ve seen all seven. Even in the current state of … Continue reading Seeing all Seven
We’ve spent the last two days exploring Melbourne, specifically the CBD (central business district, aka downtown). The first day was all about finding the best views and riding their trams around town. It’s a relatively new city (like American cities versus European) with a mix of beautiful Victorian architecture alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers. The second day … Continue reading The city that stays with you
