Bangkok: Temples, Transvestites & Tuk Tuks

Green
I am so envious of you two. Sounds like you are experiencing a whole new world. I was definitely giggling imagining Laura in the Mercedes talking up the cab driver, THAT is Laura. Sending you two lots of love! besos

Thanks, wonderful guys
Hi, you two. I cannot express enough how great your blog is...you two are great writers and I'm so glad you are taking the time to do this. From the beginning I've been impressed and thrilled! For us on the receiving end it is second hand enjoyment...vicarious travel to exotic places...and you will always be glad to have these commentaries and pics as a diary. (Besides, you could have careers in travel writing! The phots are excellent too.) I think I heard that Aaron is the writer and Laura the editor...even the spelling is perfect! Of course, it is great to hear that everywhere so far you've had a firend or two to make the visit really personal, no doubt easier and alot more fun. What history and background,and the local color you've included, make it even more special and professional too. I've been super busy since your parties ended and you flew away. Had to get my regular life back in shape. And the City of Mercer Island projected to wipe away the budget for the Arts Council and I spent weeks working to get it restored...finally got most of it back! Am now receiving many congratulations because this is a rare occurance all around the country. Also now have three close friends who are fighting cancer and am spending time trying to help...essentially be a friend, visit, just be there. It is terrible and for me one of the hardest things to face. Today Seattle...and all around...we are under an Arctic blast. Not a huge amount of snow 3-4 inches where I am, but ice under it and it is well below freezing. So Aaron at least can appreciate how that brings the whole area to a halt, and with loads of accidents. It took some people over 12 hours to get home last night because of so many accidents on the streets, freeways. I got hit with it in Bellingham on Friday so was forewarned here as it didn't hit us until several days later. (Went up to see a friend and an art show, a bridge was out on the Amtrak line, and on the way home the bus broke down in Stanwood. Very, very cold but we had gotten out of the snow and were rescued by an extra bus within an hour and a half. I spent the time talking with a very interesting young woman, Chinese but thrid generation who had grown up in Bellevue, and home on holiday. She now teaches psychology at a university outside Hong Kong, had been in the Peac Corps in Uzbekistan when 9/11 occured, had traveled all over. We had such an interesting time that I didn't suffer too much. Except I hate to be trapped. It was a good lesson in patience and creating one's own experience. Today is gorgeous with snow on the ground and the sun is out...and everyone who can (and even if they can't) is staying home, playing or shoveling the sidewalks and putting down salt and sand! An unexpected holiday. I am spending Thanksgiving at Alan and Patty's house with your family, Aaron. Will probably celebrate your mom's birthday with her after the weekend as she is trying to get to Portland, will stay with Jink and Jack, see cousin Martha Schumann who will be in town. Cole is coming up to stay with Nick in his new apartment, and I will be taking them somewhere we can fit into his quick trip...maybe the Picasso exhibit. Mark and Sally's girls will be home and JC will be taking Crista and Grey to Amsterdam for a few days. We will miss you both tremendously...but thrilled for you that you are in a lovely and exotic place. Do let us know how you celebrate Thanksgiving there! Much love, Gramma Jane

Nice place for a honeymoon you guys.
I remember fondly the two times I visited Bangkok in the late 60's. Jewelry stores were not a scam so much as an opportunity. Gold and jewels were so cheap one couldn't not afford to by something. Also they "plied" us with free Singha, most likely to loosen ones wallet, no? I found the Thai people to be so very friendly as to be able to call them Dee Mok (?sp)

Great photos
I'm loving reading about your adventures. Keep the stories and the photos coming! The photo of Laura with the chicken is a classic. I've seen that look before! :-)

Great Honeymoon story
I've stumbled on your blogs this morning and I am enjoying them. I am going to nominate you for blogger of the week. We used to live in Seattle. Happy Travels, MJ and Dave