Liz who? I don't remember referring to any of the Liz's in the entry but then again I am getting old. If you're referring to the comments then that was your Mom.
Tom's Bday
Thank you for your kind words and recognition. Being around a family that is so centered does have a calming effect. Another fine blog buy The Minke.
Thanks Michael, you have put into words what I feel every time I visit Tom and Ellen and the kids. You can easily see why I miss them so much.
Your words and pictures do so much to convey the sense of love and contentment of Tom's and Ellen's home; you have a very special talent for spotlighting the flavor of experience.
Love,
Liz
Thanks Mike, I really appeciate your blogs, this one especially for its story, as well as the pictures. I know you will have a great visit and I hope you keep on writing.
Love,
Liz
You nailed it! Your words are beautiful. I am amazed at your observations and how you have put them to words. You speak of the "Mainers" as if you grew up with them.
-a very heart whelming story. Well done.
This morning, before my labs I might have tried the Dominican breakfast however, I think it wise that you passed. Another excellent rendering-I can feel myself lying on the big lawn.
Note to Jon Sorry for the late reply as I revisit the Blog on rare occasions now that I am home bound. The Laotian people are a very gentle folk. Time is of little consequence in their daily lives so the pace, to a Westerner, can seem a bit slow, especially when you are hungry.
The majority of the people are very poor as I noted in the Blog. What industry there is seems for the most part to be agricultural or tourism related. I strongly recommend a visit to Vang Vieng. I will always treasure the beauty my wife and I found there. Luang is a pretty town which is good for a restful few days. Geographically I visited only a small portion of the country. The road infrastructure makes for hard travel between towns.
You will find Laos to be a beautiful country and well worth a visit. The hospitality of the Laotians we met was great though dealing with the authorities (border clerks, police, government banks etc.) could be a bit taxing. Any medical issues should be dealt with in Thailand as the care available in Laos is poor.
Hope this helps with your planning.
Mike
Very interesting and great writing. I am a college student taking an international marketing course, and was wondering what day to day activities in Laos are like. Great insight! Thanks again...
Very interesting and great writing. I am a college student taking an international marketing course, and was wondering what day to day activities in Laos are like. Great insight! Thanks again...
Ah, Yes! I couldn't agree more about the incredible, awesome beauty of the Grend Canyon, It's unforgettable, and memories of such beauty makes old age bearable. Thanks for the reminder.
Love, Liz
Vivid Green Envy Again, thanks for the blog, but you are among some of the people I love best in this world and I wish I were there, too. I know KJ's told you that it's cold here, as well. No doubt it is the Global Warming effect. Even the cats are not pining to go outside. Enjoy every minute and stay safe.
Love, Liz
Envy What a great trip. I hope the rest goes as well. As always I feel like I'm there with you after reading the blog. I'm looking forward to more.
I just want'd to update you on my hip thing. I'm checking into Maine Med. May 6th. My sugeon is the head of Ostiopathic Surgery at the hospital. He does a minnimally invasive procedure. He enters through the front of my leg, and goes between muscle masses as opposed to cutting through them. I'm very much looking forward to being able to move again without constant pain.
You two guys have fun and be careful. I hope to here from you soon.
Keep It Coming Mike, I really enjoy your blogs. I'd read them for the sheer pleasure of it even if I didn't know and love you two guys. You write with such an eye for detail that I can easily remember the times I've driven that general area. My last trip to the panhandle was a couple of years ago. We stayed in a cabin in the Salt Flats, but traveled the area pretty extensively. Thanks for the memories.
Love,
Liz
Starry night Hey guys the night sky viewing sounds amazing but I know it was cold. We seem to be having similar weather. Sounds like you are eating well thanks to Leslie and Stace. Keep safe, I don't envy you the driving but I do the company. Love you both. k
Lombok vs. Gili Air Sorry to be getting back to you after the fact. I wrote the Blog over a year ago and only come back to it on those occasions when I need to be reminded how boring my day to day life is. In any case I hope you spent more time in Gili Air. I'm planning to get back there this year. Santai is a clean and affordable refuge in Lombok.
Fear and Loathing story It was great to read your comments. We are going to Lombok on 1 Jan 2010 for six nights and still hesitating about where to stay although I must say Sanatai seems to be our favourite option so far. After reading this commentary I'm now wondering whether we should spend time in Gilli air instead and just have a couple of days in Lombok at Santai? Any comments about whewre to stay in Gilli Air?
what you make it had a great time in lombok. stayed in a a/c room with h/w, tv, double bed for 150,000rp(Puri Sengigi) a night. Sure the vendors were persistant but the place and people need tourist dollars. Be willing to spend a bit of money on a couple of T-shirts and book marks etc and make some friends. They will appreciate it, and for the most part leave you alone afterwards to enjoy a beautiful and a quiet beach, something very hard to find in bali.
PAUL GUIMOND PAUL WAS MY BEST FRIEND AND NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, WE GREW UP TOGETHER. AS KIDS, WE PLAYED COWBOYS AND INDIANS IN HIS BASEMENT. AS WE GREW OLDER, WE WENT TRICK OR TREATING TOGETHER, LATER ON WE PLAYED BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL TOGETHER. THEN CAME THE ALL NIGHT POKER GAMES. SEEMED WE WERE TOGETHER NEARLY EVERY DAY OUR WHOLE LIVES. AT HIS FUNERAL, I TALKED TO A SOLDIER ON CRUTCHES.HE TOLD ME PAUL SAVED HIS LIFE, AND LOST HIS OWN IN THE PROCESS. I WAS NOT SURPRISED. PAUL WAS ALWAYS A WONDERFUL PERSON.
We are Mike and Karen. We were fortunate enough to retire while we still had our wits and our legs. We are striving to fill our days with long journeys and lazy days. Over the past few years we have taken a yen to SE Asia. Our past trips have included South and North America, Europe and East Africa. Life is good and getting better all the time.... full info
Mike and Karen
Mike Richards
Liz who?
I don't remember referring to any of the Liz's in the entry but then again I am getting old. If you're referring to the comments then that was your Mom.