- Joined
- Aug 23, 2004
- Messages
- 1,499
Well, guys, I'm heading out on grand adventure. I'm leaving on Thursday, and I'll be back on July 5th. Quick stop in Houston (my first checkup... wish me luck!), followed directly by 3 weeks in Thailand. I'm absolutely thrilled!
There are few things I love more than seeing a new side of the world abroad, and I have been fortunate enough to do more of that than most. But this time will be something completely different for me!
First of all, I've never been to Southeast Asia (or, really, Asia for that matter). Completely different culture from the places I've been, and I'm very excited to take it all in.
Secondly, I won't be staying in a hotel or anything like that. I'm going with my girlfriend's family, who come from Thailand. Furthermore, we'll be staying with her relatives for most of our trip. So instead of being purely an observer of the place, I will have a somewhat more intimate perspective. Not to mention Thai home cooking!
And god, the things we'll do. We are going to spend most of our time in Bangkok, doing the things that one does there. Seeing temples, the palace, shopping at the bazaars and markets. Eating the food and seeing the people. We'll also be spending some time in Phuket (a tropical island), where we'll lounge on a beach and go for an elephant trek through the jungle. !!!!!
But one of the biggest items on the agenda is a more subdued, but exceedingly important stop. My girlfriend's grandfather died a while back, and he was rather high-ranking in Thai society. Accordingly, they have kept his remains preserved, with monks praying over him every day for about 100 days. While we are there, he will be cremated in an elaborate ceremony, with the flame started at the palace of the King. I can't describe what an honor it is to be invited to take part in this.
Well, that's about it. I'll be sure to post as soon as I'm back, and if I can find an internet cafe while I'm there, I'll drop you guys a line as well.
Chris
P.S.- I completely intend to find some cool Thai knives while I'm there. Any suggestions?
There are few things I love more than seeing a new side of the world abroad, and I have been fortunate enough to do more of that than most. But this time will be something completely different for me!
First of all, I've never been to Southeast Asia (or, really, Asia for that matter). Completely different culture from the places I've been, and I'm very excited to take it all in.
Secondly, I won't be staying in a hotel or anything like that. I'm going with my girlfriend's family, who come from Thailand. Furthermore, we'll be staying with her relatives for most of our trip. So instead of being purely an observer of the place, I will have a somewhat more intimate perspective. Not to mention Thai home cooking!
And god, the things we'll do. We are going to spend most of our time in Bangkok, doing the things that one does there. Seeing temples, the palace, shopping at the bazaars and markets. Eating the food and seeing the people. We'll also be spending some time in Phuket (a tropical island), where we'll lounge on a beach and go for an elephant trek through the jungle. !!!!!
But one of the biggest items on the agenda is a more subdued, but exceedingly important stop. My girlfriend's grandfather died a while back, and he was rather high-ranking in Thai society. Accordingly, they have kept his remains preserved, with monks praying over him every day for about 100 days. While we are there, he will be cremated in an elaborate ceremony, with the flame started at the palace of the King. I can't describe what an honor it is to be invited to take part in this.
Well, that's about it. I'll be sure to post as soon as I'm back, and if I can find an internet cafe while I'm there, I'll drop you guys a line as well.
Chris
P.S.- I completely intend to find some cool Thai knives while I'm there. Any suggestions?
