Back In Thailand

Well, we are back in Thailand and the pace here is much slower. We arrived back on Oct. 1st. in Bangkok, stayed a day because we had to take care of some visa paperwork at the American Embassy. The next day we flew down to Phuket and our favorite Taxi Driver was there to pick us up and take us home. Haven't done much other then go to the beach, get a massage, get my nails done, go to the gym the usual stuff. In November the Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour 08 was held in Karon Beach, Phuket about 15 minutes by motorbike from Patong. It was alot of fun. John and I went down everyday to watch the girls battle for first place. If you are a beach volleyball fan you know the names of Branagh-Turner, Ross-Boss, Ivy-Fendrick and Duffner-Zamparelli. Unfortunately our favorites Walsh and May-Treanor were not there. We American fans were out numbered by the Europeans and Asian fans, but our girls knew we were there to support them. We may be few but boy are we loud!

They have a holiday here called Loy Krathong held on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls sometime in November. "Loy" means to "float" and krathong is a section of banana trunk that is decorated with flowers, candles, incense etc. Then on the night of the full moon you release it out on the river or out to sea. The Thai believe floating a krathong will bring good luck and also to honor and thank the Goddess of Water Phra Mae Khongkha. They also launch a Lanna-style hot air lantern called a khom fai, these are believed to rid you of your troubles. So we particpated and floated our krathong and launched our khom fai. Who couldn't use a bit of good luck and getting rid of some troubles. I had to ask for some help to light my krathong (don't smoke so no lighter), then you have to take it past the wave so I paid a kid 20 baht (65 cents) to take it out (so I wouldn't drown). Then we lite our khom fai and floated our troubles away. All in all it was a fun evening. There were fireworks going off and a beauty contest as well. Afterwards we went to one of our favorite hangouts to people watch. Alot goes on on Bangla Rd.

Our friends Kevin and Frances (he is from So. Africa and she is from Austraila) have 10 snakes that they have bought or rescued. I've included a picture of me and Wacket (he/she?) is a very friendly snake. Never thought I would be such a good snake handler.

Thanksgiving is next Thursday and we will have a real down home Thanksgiving dinner. Last year we found the BBQ Hut Mexican Restaurant. It is owned by a Japanese guy from San Jose, CA married to a Thai girl. Mike taught May how to prepare a traditional dinner. It was great, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy and pumkin pie. We look forward to it again this year. Joining us this year will be our friends Carol (Wales) her husband Jim ( England), Frank and Ela (Germany) and Vince (Canada) our apartment manager. This will be their first American Thanksgiving Dinner. Christmas is not so far off so John will be decorating our tree again this year. It's not very big but it does the trick.

The Patong Festival is Dec. 15th to 20th. I hear that it is a fun time to be had by all. We will take our camera and tell you all about it. Till then eat well, laugh often and love much.
Life is Good!