Saturday, October 31, 2009
Bangkok - Day 6
This morning, we met my friend, Moo, at WaWee. I had my first ice coffee ever. It was delicious! John had a cup of Thai coffee. We then got on the Sky Train and went to Chatuchak weekend market to do some serious shopping. Mindy and John are quite the bargainers.
We had lunch at the weekend market which was a bit of a stretch for Mindy since our food was cooked out in the open. To quote Mindy, "the woman behind me was washing dishes in a plastic bin." We had Chicken Fried Rice, and Coca-Cola to drink.
We then went to the Sky Train parking lot where Moo's car was pinned in. To get his car out, Moo and John pushed 3 cars out of the way enough for Moo to maneuver his car out. It was quite fascinating to watch. People leave their cars in neutral and don't set the emergency break. Moo drove us back to the house and we hung out there for a while. Michael then took Mindy and John to do some clothes shopping for Mindy. I stayed at the house and hung out with the guys.
Mindy was able to find some clothes. The vendors were excited that Mindy was small like them.
We went to dinner at the Greyhound Cafe. Mindy had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fries, and John had an Elvis burger with fries. I had Pad Thai with shrimp. We all had Coca-Cola to drink.
While Mindy and John were upstairs packing their bags to return home. Caleb packed all his matchbox cars in a bag and said, "I get on plane and go to Miss Mindy and Mister John's house." He was so adamant about going with them that he went with us to the airport. He was not staying home. The entire trip to the airport, he was going on the airplane and home with Miss Mindy and Mister John. He fell asleep just before we got to the airport. Otherwise, I think there would have been tears shed by all.
We took them to the airport, assisted with getting them checked in at Korean Air, exchanged money back to USA currency and left them at the Passport/Immigration entrance. There flight takes off at 12:55 am our time which means Saturday, 12:55 pm for y'all in Alabama. So while you watch SEC football they will be flying home.
Parting Thoughts on Thailand for Mindy and John:
Mindy: "Spectacular, once in a lifetime trip to a fabulous country with amazing tour guides (Michael, Randy, Da, Bun and Moo). Only place in the world, I will get told I look like Paris Hilton."
John: "Hospitable country; a rich history that they are proud of. I could look across the mall and realize I was the same height as everyone else. Many thanks, to everyone that made this trip a lasting experience. God Bless!"
(I'll post some pictures later.)
We had lunch at the weekend market which was a bit of a stretch for Mindy since our food was cooked out in the open. To quote Mindy, "the woman behind me was washing dishes in a plastic bin." We had Chicken Fried Rice, and Coca-Cola to drink.
We then went to the Sky Train parking lot where Moo's car was pinned in. To get his car out, Moo and John pushed 3 cars out of the way enough for Moo to maneuver his car out. It was quite fascinating to watch. People leave their cars in neutral and don't set the emergency break. Moo drove us back to the house and we hung out there for a while. Michael then took Mindy and John to do some clothes shopping for Mindy. I stayed at the house and hung out with the guys.
Mindy was able to find some clothes. The vendors were excited that Mindy was small like them.
We went to dinner at the Greyhound Cafe. Mindy had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fries, and John had an Elvis burger with fries. I had Pad Thai with shrimp. We all had Coca-Cola to drink.
While Mindy and John were upstairs packing their bags to return home. Caleb packed all his matchbox cars in a bag and said, "I get on plane and go to Miss Mindy and Mister John's house." He was so adamant about going with them that he went with us to the airport. He was not staying home. The entire trip to the airport, he was going on the airplane and home with Miss Mindy and Mister John. He fell asleep just before we got to the airport. Otherwise, I think there would have been tears shed by all.
We took them to the airport, assisted with getting them checked in at Korean Air, exchanged money back to USA currency and left them at the Passport/Immigration entrance. There flight takes off at 12:55 am our time which means Saturday, 12:55 pm for y'all in Alabama. So while you watch SEC football they will be flying home.
Parting Thoughts on Thailand for Mindy and John:
Mindy: "Spectacular, once in a lifetime trip to a fabulous country with amazing tour guides (Michael, Randy, Da, Bun and Moo). Only place in the world, I will get told I look like Paris Hilton."
John: "Hospitable country; a rich history that they are proud of. I could look across the mall and realize I was the same height as everyone else. Many thanks, to everyone that made this trip a lasting experience. God Bless!"
(I'll post some pictures later.)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Bangkok - Day 5
Today, we took a taxi to the Vimanmek Mansion (Teak House). It is the largest Golden Teakwood house in the world. It was built by Rama V. It was beautiful. If you would like more information, go to: http://www.vimanmek.com.
We went to Bumrungard hospital today to meet up with some of my friends, the Blosser's, from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They were in Bangkok for their annual check ups. We also met their friend, Sim, who is like a son to them. We had lunch at the hospital. It has a food court, so everyone was able to get what they wanted. Mindy and John had McDonald's while I had red curry chicken.
Next, we went to Rajawongse so John could get fitted for some shirts. He gets to pick them up tomorrow at no extra cost. Presidents, dignitaries, generals and others of high ranking positions all over the world have come here to have suits and shirts made. Victor measured John and will keep his measurements on file in case he wants more in the future.
After being measured and picking out fabric for his shirts, we rushed to Wilding Golf for John to enjoy a complimentary (FREE) 60 minutes in a golf simulator with a swing consultation.
While John was being consulted on his swing, we went into a shop or two on the street. We also stopped in a coffee shop and had a Hazelnut Mocha Frappe, and Caleb decided he wanted a sip too.
After another full day in Bangkok, we took the sky train to the house, ordered pizza from The Pizza Company and had it delivered. It came on the back of a motorcycle.
We are exhausted. Everyone is in bed because tomorrow is shopping, and packing for home for Mindy and John.
We went to Bumrungard hospital today to meet up with some of my friends, the Blosser's, from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They were in Bangkok for their annual check ups. We also met their friend, Sim, who is like a son to them. We had lunch at the hospital. It has a food court, so everyone was able to get what they wanted. Mindy and John had McDonald's while I had red curry chicken.
Next, we went to Rajawongse so John could get fitted for some shirts. He gets to pick them up tomorrow at no extra cost. Presidents, dignitaries, generals and others of high ranking positions all over the world have come here to have suits and shirts made. Victor measured John and will keep his measurements on file in case he wants more in the future.
After being measured and picking out fabric for his shirts, we rushed to Wilding Golf for John to enjoy a complimentary (FREE) 60 minutes in a golf simulator with a swing consultation.
While John was being consulted on his swing, we went into a shop or two on the street. We also stopped in a coffee shop and had a Hazelnut Mocha Frappe, and Caleb decided he wanted a sip too.
After another full day in Bangkok, we took the sky train to the house, ordered pizza from The Pizza Company and had it delivered. It came on the back of a motorcycle.
We are exhausted. Everyone is in bed because tomorrow is shopping, and packing for home for Mindy and John.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Bangkok - Day 4
Today had a much slower pace. Mindy and John were able to sleep in, and Caleb and I had breakfast at his little table in front of the window. Caleb had his favorite breakfast of Honey-nut Cheerios and I had my favorite breakfast of Khao Thom (rice soup).
We went to the bank this morning and the teller who assisted Mindy thought Mindy looked like Paris Hilton. Mindy got pretty excited about it and actually used Thai when she said Kob Koon Kah (Thank you).
We are getting pretty adept at using the Sky Train now. Of course, we still have someone who lives here with us at all times. We had lunch at Subway at the Siam Paragon mall.
After lunch we went to the Asia Herb Association spa and had Thai massages. We had no idea our bodies had the capability to bend that way. Mindy's comment was "this really hurt; Jaime Norris would love it."
After the spa, we did a little shopping in downtown Bangkok and then headed back to the house by Sky Train. We rested for a little while and then headed to a neighborhood restaurant to eat. John had a Chrysantheum drink and I had a drink made from some kind of purple flower (Roselle).
John and Mindy have been real troopers with trying some new things to eat. Now, there are some things they won't try, but Mindy branched out on her own and bought some pancake like desserts to eat. Go Mindy!!! And John was finally able to go out and order something to eat besides Chicken Fried Rice.
We went to the bank this morning and the teller who assisted Mindy thought Mindy looked like Paris Hilton. Mindy got pretty excited about it and actually used Thai when she said Kob Koon Kah (Thank you).
We are getting pretty adept at using the Sky Train now. Of course, we still have someone who lives here with us at all times. We had lunch at Subway at the Siam Paragon mall.
After lunch we went to the Asia Herb Association spa and had Thai massages. We had no idea our bodies had the capability to bend that way. Mindy's comment was "this really hurt; Jaime Norris would love it."
After the spa, we did a little shopping in downtown Bangkok and then headed back to the house by Sky Train. We rested for a little while and then headed to a neighborhood restaurant to eat. John had a Chrysantheum drink and I had a drink made from some kind of purple flower (Roselle).
John and Mindy have been real troopers with trying some new things to eat. Now, there are some things they won't try, but Mindy branched out on her own and bought some pancake like desserts to eat. Go Mindy!!! And John was finally able to go out and order something to eat besides Chicken Fried Rice.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Bangkok - Day 3
This morning, we arose early and headed out on our day of adventure. We used several forms of transportation throughout the day. We rode in an Acura, a water taxi that took us down the Chao Phra Ya river, another Tuk-Tuk, a taxi, and the sky train.
Da, a Thai friend of mine, and Bun were our guides for the day, and they took us to Wat Phra Kaeo (temple) where the Emerald Buddha is located and the Grand Palace. There are walls decorated with scenes from the Ramakien story. These scenes were first painted during the reign of King Rama I. We also saw the changing of the guard while were there. If you would like more information about the Grand Palace, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace.
We also visited the Pavilon of Regalia, Royal Decorations & Coins. We saw golden crowns of the royalty throughout the generations, ornate jewelry and coins. Pictures were not allowed in the museum.
After lunch at Au Bon Pain, where we had sandwiches, we took Tuk-Tuks to Wat Pho. This temple houses the largest reclining Buddha in the world. In fact, it was so big/long it was hard to get a picture of the whole Buddha. At Wat Pho, we saw numerous other Buddhas as well. For more information about Wat Pho, go to: http://www.into-asia/bangkok/attraction/watpho.php.
The farangs (foreigners) were melting under the sun today. It was hot!!!
Tonight, we had dinner at the house. The dishes on the table were: grilled pork, grilled squid, grilled vegetables, asian salad, sticky rice and pineapple. The meal was aroy (delicious). Mindy and John both commented that this was their best meal thus far. However, they did not partake in the squid.
Our after dinner entertainment consisted of Caleb demonstrating his karaoke skills in Thai. While another part of the evening was spent introducing Mindy and John to Veggie Tales. Caleb not only sings but dances along.
Da, a Thai friend of mine, and Bun were our guides for the day, and they took us to Wat Phra Kaeo (temple) where the Emerald Buddha is located and the Grand Palace. There are walls decorated with scenes from the Ramakien story. These scenes were first painted during the reign of King Rama I. We also saw the changing of the guard while were there. If you would like more information about the Grand Palace, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace.
We also visited the Pavilon of Regalia, Royal Decorations & Coins. We saw golden crowns of the royalty throughout the generations, ornate jewelry and coins. Pictures were not allowed in the museum.
After lunch at Au Bon Pain, where we had sandwiches, we took Tuk-Tuks to Wat Pho. This temple houses the largest reclining Buddha in the world. In fact, it was so big/long it was hard to get a picture of the whole Buddha. At Wat Pho, we saw numerous other Buddhas as well. For more information about Wat Pho, go to: http://www.into-asia/bangkok/attraction/watpho.php.
The farangs (foreigners) were melting under the sun today. It was hot!!!
Tonight, we had dinner at the house. The dishes on the table were: grilled pork, grilled squid, grilled vegetables, asian salad, sticky rice and pineapple. The meal was aroy (delicious). Mindy and John both commented that this was their best meal thus far. However, they did not partake in the squid.
Our after dinner entertainment consisted of Caleb demonstrating his karaoke skills in Thai. While another part of the evening was spent introducing Mindy and John to Veggie Tales. Caleb not only sings but dances along.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Outside of Bangkok - Day 2
This morning, we all awoke while it was still dark; our body clocks are still adjusting to the 12 hours difference.
Mindy and Caleb had a round of golf in the house this morning as we waited for our driver to arrive for our day's journey outside of Bangkok.
Our first stop was the floating market. We added another form of transportation to our list as we rented a long-tail boat with driver to navigate us through the market. There were numerous Thai goods being peddled along the Klongs (cannels) as well as produce and other foods prepared right in their boats. Mindy and I both had a fresh coconut cut open so we could drink the coconut milk inside.
Our most unusual transportation of the day had four legs - we rode elephants. Mindy's comment was "sweet mercy, I hope this elephant doesn't go crazy because I would like to live to see the end of this trip."
After riding elephants that briefly waded through some water while we were on their backs, we went to KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) to have lunch.
After lunch, we went to the Rose Garden. We walked through a beautiful botanical garden and then went to the Thai Village Cultural show which highlighted dances, customs and traditions that originate from all over Thailand. One woman tried to get John to dance with her, but he opted out. The last thing we saw before returning to our rented van was an elephant show.
After returning to Bangkok, we went to dinner at a restaurant called Moods. Mindy was incredibly grossed out by the flaming chicken that was ordered at our table. It is basically a whole chicken that is standing up on its hind end. They set the chicken on fire once they place it on the table. After some kind of discussion across the table from me involving the wishbone, Mindy was labeled the "bone crusher."
Lastly, I think I have neglected to mention that it is hot, hot, hot here.
Mindy and Caleb had a round of golf in the house this morning as we waited for our driver to arrive for our day's journey outside of Bangkok.
Our first stop was the floating market. We added another form of transportation to our list as we rented a long-tail boat with driver to navigate us through the market. There were numerous Thai goods being peddled along the Klongs (cannels) as well as produce and other foods prepared right in their boats. Mindy and I both had a fresh coconut cut open so we could drink the coconut milk inside.
Our most unusual transportation of the day had four legs - we rode elephants. Mindy's comment was "sweet mercy, I hope this elephant doesn't go crazy because I would like to live to see the end of this trip."
After riding elephants that briefly waded through some water while we were on their backs, we went to KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) to have lunch.
After lunch, we went to the Rose Garden. We walked through a beautiful botanical garden and then went to the Thai Village Cultural show which highlighted dances, customs and traditions that originate from all over Thailand. One woman tried to get John to dance with her, but he opted out. The last thing we saw before returning to our rented van was an elephant show.
After returning to Bangkok, we went to dinner at a restaurant called Moods. Mindy was incredibly grossed out by the flaming chicken that was ordered at our table. It is basically a whole chicken that is standing up on its hind end. They set the chicken on fire once they place it on the table. After some kind of discussion across the table from me involving the wishbone, Mindy was labeled the "bone crusher."
Lastly, I think I have neglected to mention that it is hot, hot, hot here.
Exhausted
I am too tired to write on the blog tonight. I promise to write in
the morning that is our morning. We are all well and had a jammed
packed day.
the morning that is our morning. We are all well and had a jammed
packed day.
Amy Ewing we will be praying for you tomorrow night while you are
taking the CPA exam in the morning.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tonight in Bangkok
Tonight, we had Laab Moo (a ground pork dish), rice, vegetables, fresh pineapple and grapes for dinner. A woman from Isan in Thailand prepared dinner for us.
After dinner, we headed to a night market and did a little shopping but mostly, we just took in the sights, sounds and smells of Bangkok. There was a pop band playing in the night market that we shouted over while we had something to drink (Coke and water).
We are now up to our fourth type of transportation in Thailand with riding in a taxi. I didn't get a picture of a taxi but if you take my 2004 Toyota Corolla and paint it pink and blue (or green and yellow) then you know what the taxi looks like. One note on driving in Thailand, they drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver is on the right side of the car. The other forms of transportation were: the shuttle van from the airport, sky train and tuk-tuk. I wonder what forms of transportation we will have tomorrow?
Tomorrow, our adventures will be begin at about 7:15 am.
After dinner, we headed to a night market and did a little shopping but mostly, we just took in the sights, sounds and smells of Bangkok. There was a pop band playing in the night market that we shouted over while we had something to drink (Coke and water).
We are now up to our fourth type of transportation in Thailand with riding in a taxi. I didn't get a picture of a taxi but if you take my 2004 Toyota Corolla and paint it pink and blue (or green and yellow) then you know what the taxi looks like. One note on driving in Thailand, they drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver is on the right side of the car. The other forms of transportation were: the shuttle van from the airport, sky train and tuk-tuk. I wonder what forms of transportation we will have tomorrow?
Tomorrow, our adventures will be begin at about 7:15 am.
Bangkok Day 1
We were awakened to the sounds of Thailand this morning by a very vocal bird singing his song. For the first 30 minutes, Mindy thought Caleb, the 2 1/2 year old in the room next door, was crying out. After finding out it was actually a bird, John gave Mindy some earplugs, but the bird's song could not be shut out. However, the bird was not victorious because Caleb was sent to wake them at 10:30 am.
For today's adventure, we went to Tem Im to eat Thai food. John has so many allergies to foods that the folks here gave him a slip of paper telling Thais what he is allergic to and especially peanuts. It is written in Thai so there will not be any confusion. They did add one fun line at the end of it that says, but "I like rice." So, when John handed our waitress his slip of paper she read it very methodically, nodding as she finished reading each important food item not to have in his food. When she got to the last line about liking rice, she began laughing. She ended up having to read the piece of paper again because she was laughing so hard about the rice.
We visited the Jim Thompson house today. He was an American who contributed substantially to the silk industry growth in Thailand. He is also known for the construction of his house where he took 6 teak houses and made his home from them. Some of the houses were two centuries old. If you would like more information about Jim Thompson and the house we visited please visit this website: www.jimthompsonhouse.com.
We have also used two different forms of transportation today: the sky train and a tuk-tuk.
Mindy says she found interesting the way everyone lives behind gates, and many of them are ornate. She also thought the food vendors on the streets were wild and crazy. Mindy also likes how everyone is small. John's impression is that the downtown buildings are very modern and futuristic looking. He was impressed with their transportation system. He says the Magic City needs a sky train. He also likes the fact that he can look at everyone eye to eye.
#end
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Made it to Thailand
We arrived in Bangkok at 10:45 pm Sunday night in Bangkok which
translates to 10:45 am CST Sunday in the U.S. Basically, most of you
were sitting in church when our plane landed. We are tired but so
excited to be here.
Everyone is turning in for the night.
translates to 10:45 am CST Sunday in the U.S. Basically, most of you
were sitting in church when our plane landed. We are tired but so
excited to be here.
Everyone is turning in for the night.
Arrived in Korea
Not able to use my iPhone to log onto to the internet in Korea so I am not able to check email, but I found a free wifi lounge which gives you the use of a computer. Don't want to log on to the office email account since I don't trust this as being too secure.
We have made it thus far. Tired, but doing well. We are just ready to be in Thailand. All flights are on time thus far. We are all in good spirits. So far, we have eaten at McDonalds in Atlanta and Korea. I'm ready for some Thai Food.
We have made it thus far. Tired, but doing well. We are just ready to be in Thailand. All flights are on time thus far. We are all in good spirits. So far, we have eaten at McDonalds in Atlanta and Korea. I'm ready for some Thai Food.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Made it to Atlanta
We made it to Atlanta with a slight delay in Birmingham. Now, we are
just waiting on our next leg to Korea.
just waiting on our next leg to Korea.
Monday, October 12, 2009
It Won't Be Long Now!
On October 24, John & Mindy Ellis and I will begin our adventure to Thailand. John and Mindy will be in Thailand for a week and then I will remain for an additional two weeks in order to visit my friends; both Thai and American. During our trip, I hope to post pictures and stories of our adventures or misadventures. I also hope to post links to websites that will give more detailed information about the places we visit.
The time difference for Thailand compared to Alabama is 12 hours. In other words, if it is 10:00 am in Alabama then it is 10:00 pm in Thailand. They are 12 hours ahead of us.
If you would like to read a little about Thailand's history, government, daily life, etc, please visit this webpage: http://students.cis.uab.edu/melody/Thailand.html . It is a webpage I created for my computer class at UAB this past spring.
This is a picture of John and Mindy Ellis:
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The time difference for Thailand compared to Alabama is 12 hours. In other words, if it is 10:00 am in Alabama then it is 10:00 pm in Thailand. They are 12 hours ahead of us.
If you would like to read a little about Thailand's history, government, daily life, etc, please visit this webpage: http://students.cis.uab.edu/melody/Thailand.html . It is a webpage I created for my computer class at UAB this past spring.
This is a picture of John and Mindy Ellis:
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