Out and About

So much for the "we've got this time-change thing licked". Woke at 2:00 AM for the day. Eventually, I savored the sunrise from the porch as the city started to stir. A diversity of sounds--construction, traffic and a rooster crowing--broke the still of the night. 

                                  

 These resident students are up at 6:00 nestled into quiet corners alone with their Bibles. After donning their uniforms and eating breakfast, Chad & Mandy gather the family for reflection on the scriptures and prayer before the day is launched.  Being among very few blue-eyed blondes in the American International School in which some fifty countries are represented, gives Tristan, Abi, Britain and Isabelle distinct visibility. Like children everywhere they run into challenges in relationships, academics and peer pressure but C & M are committed to keeping them aware of their daily opportunities to be lights.

We have the cutest video of the school's opening ceremonies, but this novice blogger knows not how to share it.

                  

Within walking distance of the school was the fancy, very modern, clean and  well-equipped hospital. Mandy, who has several doula clients currently under her care, made her rounds while we sipped Starbucks in the lobby resembling that of a posh hotel.

 From there we set out for Chinatown over the river (actually we rode a riverboat on the river) and through the bustling Bangkok traffic. Oh my! The impression of this area densely populated with merchants was a bit like Oriental Trading Company on steroids and the deals at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart will never look the same. Dennis was very patient while his wife and daughter ooogled over stocking stuffer possibilities and personal accoutrements, but was especially animated when Mamdy spotted a worn set of scales. She has had her eye out for a set to use, Anne Geddes style, for baby photo shoots. She and her daddy had a ball wheeling and dealing. In the end, they got a deal and merchants were quite tickled with the pair requesting vintage scales when new ones were sold next door. Those Americans!?!

                        

                                   Nothing beats curling up to read with these grand-girlies.

                                    

And then, of course, a days' end project. It is gingerbread season! There was actually a plan in place to construct five little houses but somewhere along the line, Mamdy checked the wisdom/patience quotient and decided a family masterpiece would be just fine. Indeed, I can't imagine that royal icing, sparkles, sprinkles and candies could have scattered any further if we had erected an entire gingerbread village. (Thanks Aunt Di.) Pretty proud of our finished product.

                       

No school tomorrow. It is the King's birthday. Here we are, right in the middle of the former Siam that still, in many areas, resembles the movie set of The King and I. Maybe a movie and popcorn, Izzy?