Sa-wa-tee-ka (Hello)

My first day here Matthew and I had hour long massages for 6 bucks. I have never had a massage before, most of it was pretty good - but she was really hard. It was relaxing though.

Our favorite food is from a little restaurant called "Charlie Browns" They have our favorite fried rice and pad Thai and coconut shakes.

We like the fountain pool better than the turtle pool because it gets the morning sun. Zoe is much to addicted to the Barney I decided to bring her. Matthew Hallie and I can not get the song "Yum Yum Pumpernickel, Yum Yum Pumpernickel..." Out of our heads! Ahhhhh.

My Birk's are giving me a bit of a rash, so I am wearing my Havanas - I suppose that's good cause Bangkok is prone to flash rain storms. And everyone knows you cant get Birk's wet. Speaking of Rain, we have had two major thunder storms. Zoe really likes them, she is not afraid. When we had a big one last night we went up on the roof so we could see lightening all around!

I didn't bring any reading books with me, I thought I would read the books I brought for Bro... but I have been deeply missing my kindred spirits of Avenlea... so I stooped to the level of reading Anne of the Island in the online format. It is the same story, but not the smell or feel of holding it in my hands. Halz says I should go to a used book store and buy the rest of the series here since I would have to buy them when I get home anyway... I just really need to finish the story!

I have ridden on the back of a motorcycle twice and in a Tuk Tuk twice. I prefer the moto. The Tuk Tuk is three wheeled and it reminds me too much of the tragic incident I was in with Amanda and Heather. I like that the taxi drivers here don't smoke like in Armenia, I feel respected.

The malls here are pretty much the same as they are in the rest of the world, perhaps a big bigger though. They make me want to walk around for 8 hours. I know I would go crazy. I think it would be easier to live in a place away from malls... where you didn't know they existed, it would sure help with overcoming temptation if the temptation was not even there to begin with!

I have been to the outdoor market once, I want to go again, and again , and again. There are so many things to see and smell and buy. I bought a sarong, I really want a few more - to stock up for the rest of my life!

Matthew and I went to a movie tonight, they are pretty cheep here. The theaters are modern looking but elaborate. Inside the rooms are golden weaved curtains that give the appearance. Matthew went out for popcorn when the little message popped on the screen that read "please stand in honor of his majesty the King". And there was this little song and sideshow and everyone stood in honor. I was in the front row, so I stood... but I was not sure if I was to do anything else, so I kept trying to look besides me and behind me to see... but I couldn't really tell. I decided that whatever happened I could pull the "dumb American" card, it usually works pretty well.

I sleep on the floor next to sliding glass doors that look out over the pool and further out over the city, I cant help but waking with the day each morning. I like it alot.

Being with my brother and Hallie and Zozee and Esther. Hallie and are enjoying relaxing, watching shows, eating sticky rice with mango's, sun bathing and laughing about many things. Zobo thinks I came all the way here just for her (perhaps that is because that is what I have told her?) And because my "magic bag" as she calls it keeps producing "surprises" every few minutes. Esther is the happiest baby I have ever known, her smile is pure energy. Being with Dude is totally fun, each time we are apart we just get to be a little more cool. I know he wants my heart to stay here, perhaps it will. I especially enjoy watching his relationship with Zo... it reminds me so much of the one that he and I once had. The way she watches him and looks up to him and responds to him, only this time he has say in what she does! It is super fun.

I like Bangkok. But I am excited to leave and travel to another city, one perhaps a little quieter, a little less busy. I want to see nature and elephants...