Hi from snowy Calgary Hi Cheryl, the pictures are gorgeous that you are sending back. The holidays must be good, you are seeing everything that you planned on. Here at the home front it snowed last night and it is cold. Enjoy the warm weather as when you come home you will need your long pants and snow boots no sandals. Miika is enjoying school and he is learning a lot in school. He comes home and tells us all what he learned in school that day. Now they are learning O Canada in school and he almost can sing the full song.
Will talk to you soon Take care.
Mom & Dad
Thailand Hello Cheryl!
That is one big Buddha!
In Phuket when Dave & I were there they claimed to have Thailand's largest Buddha. It was completed this year and stood at the top of the mountain so it could cast its light on everyone. The difference is that this one you saw looks old and purposeful. The one in Phuket, well, it looked like a tourist trap. We never did go up and see it because you could see it from almost everywhere you went.
Dave and I saw a lot of Phuket and what it had to offer for tourists. It looks like you found some peaceful little finds. I love hearing your travel stories. Keep them coming :)
Oh yeah, today we woke up to the first snow storm of the season, wind chills close to -15. Burrrrrr, I much prefer the fluffy snow not the icey yucky stuff that has crusted onto our house :)
Good luck in Bankok!!!
The night market is fun, if you haven't been there yet.
Cheers
Renee
Hey Hey Cheryl...wonderful to hear from you as usual. I'm happy that you are meeting people along the way. It probably makes asking someone to take your picture alot easier. When you are finished with this adventure you should apply to be a participant on the next Amazing Race...with all the world travelling experience you are getting you'd do great.
I look forward to the next post. Take care. We miss you.
Marlene
hello from Taipei Hi Cheryl......wow you sure like your ruins!! I think you are in the wrong field career wise....you should be an archaeologist or anthropologist!! I have been enjoying your blogs but been too busy here in Asia to do much emailing myself! I had a great time in Beijing and Shanghai although the disparity between the rich and the poor really got to me; so much for Communism.
I have been very lucky to be traveling with Chinese friends that speak the language. So much easier and cheaper. I have thought of you many times.....wondering "how did Cheryl ever manage that on her own". I know it's possible because I have done it in the past on my own but it just takes so much more time and can be very frustrating.
We were at Expo for 3 days and the place is so huge! Amazing architecture but line ups way too long to go inside the major ones. Although we did get into Canada and US using our passports to go in via the Green line.............yes I hate to say it I had to pretend I was an American for the first time in my life.....lol.
I am in Taipei right now staying with my friends.....so nice! Very easy vacationing! Very cheap when you have someone that knows what to do and where to go.
I am off to BKK on Monday for 4 days and then to your fav, Angkor Wat. Then down to Bali for a week. You won't be in BKK next week will you??
I am going to forward you an email about something I did in Beijing.........it's a little embarrassing to share with 'a patient' but we've moved on.....anyway if you don't want to know how crazy your dentist can be then just delete before reading...lol
Gotta run
love
Allan
hello from Taipei Hi Cheryl......wow you sure like your ruins!! I think you are in the wrong field career wise....you should be an archaeologist or anthropologist!! I have been enjoying your blogs but been too busy here in Asia to do much emailing myself! I had a great time in Beijing and Shanghai although the disparity between the rich and the poor really got to me; so much for Communism.
I have been very lucky to be traveling with Chinese friends that speak the language. So much easier and cheaper. I have thought of you many times.....wondering "how did Cheryl ever manage that on her own". I know it's possible because I have done it in the past on my own but it just takes so much more time and can be very frustrating.
We were at Expo for 3 days and the place is so huge! Amazing architecture but line ups way too long to go inside the major ones. Although we did get into Canada and US using our passports to go in via the Green line.............yes I hate to say it I had to pretend I was an American for the first time in my life.....lol.
I am in Taipei right now staying with my friends.....so nice! Very easy vacationing! Very cheap when you have someone that knows what to do and where to go.
I am off to BKK on Monday for 4 days and then to your fav, Angkor Wat. Then down to Bali for a week. You won't be in BKK next week will you??
I am going to forward you an email about something I did in Beijing.........it's a little embarrassing to share with 'a patient' but we've moved on.....anyway if you don't want to know how crazy your dentist can be then just delete before reading...lol
Gotta run
love
Allan
chained to a tree Thank you Cheryl,
I am chained to a job - a desk - I could go on forever...
Does that help make you feel better about the sad elephant?
Hello Heh Cheryl sorry it's taken me so long to send a message. It has been great travelling with you through China and Laos with your pictures and comments. It looks absolutely amazing and you have done a great job in telling all of us about it through your pictures and comments. You look great too. I think I could do that trip for sure. I was talking to a woman in Tai Chi last night (of course she is Chinese) and she just got back from China and travelled to some of the places that you did as well and she said it was amazing for her because even though she was born in China as a child they did not travel. She was amazed at what she saw in China as I am from what you've shown us through your blog. You travel safe and look forward to hearing more from you.
Good to hear from you Hi Cheryl - I always look forward to reading new entries on your travel blog as I'm sure everyone else is. Sounds like you are having a fascinating adventure. Could you add a new email to your travel blog list? It is for my boss: dmcdermott@mcdermottlaw.ca
I had sent him the link so this afternoon I left him reading about your adventures from the beginning. I think he is living vicariously through you as he finds the history and the places very interesting. I have less than 3 weeks of work left. We're thinking of you. Thanks for the postcard. Take care. Stephanie
Animal Lover! Taking in strays again eh?! Are you going to bring Max a playmate? I figure if Anjolina can travel to Africa to pick out a baby that goes with her new sofa, you should be allowed to pcik up a lonely Asian kitty for Max to wait on the back of the sofa with. I'm sure he would like to have someone to talk to while you're at work. 'course I dont know if Max speaks "Asian Kitty" but they wouold work it out I'm sure. Love the photos! And your musings. Windy and rainy here. Hockey and golf for me. Oh ya... and lots of food and cocktails. Happy (and safe) travels!
Animal Lover! Taking in strays again eh?! Are you going to bring Max a playmate? I figure if Anjolina can travel to Africa to pick out a baby that goes with her new sofa, you should be allowed to pcik up a lonely Asian kitty for Max to wait on the back of the sofa with. I'm sure he would like to have someone to talk to while your at work. 'course I dont know if Max speaks "Asian Kitty" but they wouold work it out I'm sure. Love the photos! And your musings. Windy and rainy here. Hockey and golf for me. Oh ya... and lots of food and cocktails. Happy (and safe) travels!
Laos Hi Cheryl,
Judging by the number of Buddha's you've seen recently, you must be nearing enlightenment by now - let me know what it's like!
By the way, winter is just setting in here so enjoy, keep the pics coming and stay safe,
Brian
Hey Cheryl...it was very nice to get another post. As usual the history/geography/tourism lessons are fabulous. It's great to see you in some of the pic's. I can't wait til you return and we get some of these stories in person. Keep safe.
Nat. Geo. Called Girly....
More great photos just keep coming! Love them! I'm glad you met up with someone (even if it had to be a girl - but a blonde Swedish girl!). Ha! Thanks for jumping into a photo or two as well. I know you're there now but it's still nice to see you. You look great. She looks like she would be fun. A poinsettia tree? Never heard of it. Sheltered Canuck I guess.... Good choice not to go into the waterfall. I thought it would be great! Refreshing and all that. It was more like getting hit in the head with a perpetual hammer. Not to mention when a rock came loose up there and came down. How do you spell coma anyhow? Surprised that the monks do the alms thing everyday. I thought they would be self sufficient. Canuck again... Very windy here the last few days. Thought I felt the building shake a few times! Kinda weird when your 16 floors up. My hand is healed and it's off the couch and back to hockey, gym, water, golf.....you get the idea. Sitting around was unpleasant to say the least. Travel Safe.... Alohas
China Doll...? Hey Cheryl: Those statues weird me out more than the king at Burger King! Great photos! Nice pants one the wee one. My brother was in Japan and the Japanese guy he was with blew his nose into the street with his thumb. Rick was a little shocked and said something to the guy. The guy asked "where you from". Rick said Canada and guy laughed and said, "You blow your nose many times in one day into the same piece of cloth, then put it in your pocket and save it." Confucius has something to say about this I'm sure. Happy travels girly!
amazing pics Cheryl - as always - glad to get your update - to know where you are and that you are ok - and those pictures are AMAZING!!!! It sounds like your quite taken with your newest spot - and who could blame you - it looks so beautiful. If it is as serene as you claim - who could blame you for staying there as long as you possibly can. It is also nice to see pics with you in them - you know how much grief we all give you about that. But you are looking happy and healthy - enjoy your travels!!! Looking forward to the next update :)
Oh Cheryl!
What an awesome place Laos looks to be. I have to admit I have been following your blogs intently, and enjoying them so much.
Dave and I had the perfect weather on the wedding day so we were able to have our dream outdoor wedding. At this point we have been back from Thailand for a week and a half. And well you know how it goes. It feels like we were there a lifetime ago.
When we were in Phuket the Chinese were vacationing there and I only got a small glimpse of how crazy it must have been in China. You are a trooper!!!!
Phuket was awesome! We basically travelled most of the island for the first week and saw as much as we needed to and then the second week we island hopped. From busy Phi Phi to some beautiful island with a private resort of only 40 thatched roof villas overlooking the sea, we were definately enjoying the adventure, along with the wonderful luxury Asia can provide. It was great for a honeymoon.
It looks like all is well with you. Laos looks extraordinary, I look forward to hearing from you and wherever your next journey takes you!
Enjoy every moment and eat up the energy of the cute monks!!!
Love Renee
HELLO GREAT TO HEAR YOU ARE SOME WHERE MORE RELAXING....AND WONDERFUL THAT YOU MET UP WITH SOMEONE TO HANG OUT WITH FOR ABIT ( GREAT HER NAME IS MICHELLE ) HAHA WELL AGAIN IT IS NICE TO SEE PICTURES OF YOU CAUSE I MISS YA SO MUCH...CALL ME XOXO
WOW .... those are spectacular pictures !! You are sure making your way around and seeing so much. Thanks for the blogs ... it is an awesome break in the day to read about your adventures. And, oh ya, Regina just had it's first blizzard of the year .... huge amounts of snow and skating rinks for roads. Wish I was with you !!
in Beijing Beautiful pics Cheryl!
Well I am hot on your trail. I just arrived in Beijing waiting for flight to Shangahi. Seems weird now to be here having read all your intriguing blogs!
Will catch up later.
Allan
xoxoxoxo
Hey cheryl:
There are a bunch of people that I work with that are from Laos. A number of them go home quite regularly to visit. If you want me to get any info from them, just let me know.
Talk soon,
linda
Shirley Arany
non-member comment
Hi from snowy Calgary
Hi Cheryl, the pictures are gorgeous that you are sending back. The holidays must be good, you are seeing everything that you planned on. Here at the home front it snowed last night and it is cold. Enjoy the warm weather as when you come home you will need your long pants and snow boots no sandals. Miika is enjoying school and he is learning a lot in school. He comes home and tells us all what he learned in school that day. Now they are learning O Canada in school and he almost can sing the full song. Will talk to you soon Take care. Mom & Dad