Friends, Fun & Festive Li'l Trees

In keeping with the teaching of Buddha, the typical Thai countenance is gentle, kind, unassuming and considerate. Even with traffic interweaving precariously there is no horn-honking nor epithets directed at pedestrians or other vehicles. Uniformed "honor guards" often stand sentinel at the door of hotels, apartments and business establishments in a day-long salute of courtesy to all those entering. The standard greeting and expression of gratitude includes palms touching in front of one's chest with a little bow. 

It has been a joy to meet the friends our family has made in Bangkok. At the top of the list would be their ya-ya who has a sweet, servant heart and is adored by all the children. Mandy and Chad are pictured with Esteban and Danielle, team members from the States; Tristan with his buddy Samuel from school; the girls with Honey whose dad is the maintenance man for the building; and the Smithlings with other resident swimmers in the apartment.

                                    

                       

On our way to the local bowling alley on today's school holiday, several visuals caught my eye. The cross-cultural crosswalk sporting both Thai and American signage along with bundled wires and tuk-tuks are exemplary of the eclectic mix. Colonel Sanders and Ronald Mc Donald seem to be univerasal. And then there are the Buddhist shrines on every corner surrounded by sacrificial offerings. Not only are fruits, nuts and vegetables gifted to the statues, but also perfectly good Starbucks cappuccinos and smoothies. Not sure what sense that makes???

Little Miss Gigi fancied herself the keeper of the bowling balls and stationed herself at the return site so she could be in charge of designating whose turn was next. While it is a bit of a trek to flag taxi's and tuk-tuks for outings with the family, the fares are affordable (usually less than a dollar) and one doesn't have to look for a parking place when you get to where you're going.

                       

 

                       

                                    

Back at the ranch, we pulled out silver, pink and pearly pipecleaners for our project of the day. Twisting pipecleaner lengths around a central stem, we fashioned a forest of miniature Christmas trees to add to the already festive ambiance. Grandmoni-Poppin's bag of tricks brought from home did not include provision for tree stands, so we absconded with wonderful little ceramic containers in which yogurt is sold that we filled with rice. (No shortage of rice around here.) What a happy little family of festive trees perched along the dining room wall! And we just happened to find another string of white lights. The girls scooped up small porcelain pitchers and glass bottles to hold pink specimens specially made for the Christmas corner of their room.

                                      

And then to make an otherwise pretty wonderful day complete, Chad and Mandy sent us off for a Thai massage. The hour-long combination of foot washing, deep tissue massage, yoga stretching and a cup of warm tea left us feeling totally relaxed....and to all a good night.