Thailand here we come, but not before these kind folks waved us all the way down the road. My eyes filled with tears as I felt their love sending us away for a couple weeks.
We began our 24 hour journey traveling 14 hours straight to Taiwan. I read that entire 522 page novel, because we only allowed ourselves 5 hours of sleep. Sheeky seats. Easy ride.
Live plants were the wall coverings in the airport. Good vibes immediately met us. A lay over and another 3.5 hour plane ride landed us right into Chaing Mai, Thailand.
We were greeted with flowers and humidity. My skin felt 20 years younger.
And after a two hour massage, my soul felt 20 years younger. Would recommend.
After the reset we rode a TUKTUK where Austin convinced the driver to play Killers. AHAHHA!
We found ourselves in a skybar, over looking the city, and enjoying mocktails and live music.
He looks like vacation personified.
I chose this apple sangria.
Cheers!
Up early to ride bikes in the mountains.
Lush vegetaion and Buddhist temples covered the landscape.
Rice paddies.
We stopped a few times in quaint little coffee shops and restaurants.
I laughed so hard at their attempt to mimic the Grand Canyon. This way looks like way more fun -- the one we navigate is way less wet (among other things).
208 steps to the top of this staircase. Worth it.
Dinner via street vendors. Nick tells us all about the food he tries from local vendors, we started to get the idea.
After a day of bking, walking and shopping this 30 foot massage was heavenly.
Sunday we walked to church in the 95* and 100% humidity. We almost melted. The little branch functioned flawlessly, creating a space to worship Jesus Christ for all those who intentionally wanted to remember Him. I know I did.
Cooking class in the afternoon began with delish and ended with divine. We learned how to make our favorite coconut soup, pad thai and curries. Oh, I can't forget the mango sticky rice. Of course Austin was so good at it.
Next morning was white-water rafting. (I wasn't even cold!)
I have no idea how we survived this.
But, we did.
Afternoon on ATVs. Full body armor seemed a bit agressive, but I just went with it.
Along our way we watched elephants play in the river and drove through water.
We liked it.
The next morning we hiked in extreme heat and moisture. We were soaked to the bone.
Along the way we found hidden temples and crazy flora and fauna.
Finally we made it to the top, we were very glad.
Austin's haircut matches Buddha's haircut.
The dress code required covered knees and shoulders; I was glad to don this pashmina. Although the temple was a peaceful place, the peace didn't fill my heart or feed my soul.
After the hike, we wandered a bougie mall -- it turns out that I'm a size L in Asia. I especially appreciated the appropriate shirt length. I bought three.
My own store!
Evening spent commuting in the pouring rain to a traditional cultural dinner and show.
These dancers are the most graceful performers I've ever seen. We all stared.
Just three days after taking our measurements, our custom suits were ready to take home. Pretty cool.
Wednesday was for elephant riding. I'm still in awe that I was brave enough to do it.
Austin of course soaked it all in and loved every minute.
He didn't even mind their kisses.
The elephants actually sat down so we could clamber up.
It took me a while to get my 'sea' legs.
Not him.
He's a natural.
I felt a bit more stable on the ground and was able to love Mooshu. She's a 45 year old grandma, just like me, complete with gray hairs. We were perfect for each other.
We tried eating these little fruits. The inside is a clear gelatinous marble. Not for me.
The day ended with a 3 hour massage -- I feel alseep once or twice. I don't think I've ever been more relaxed. With that, our time in Chaing Mai ended and we flew to Bangkok.
Austin found a bulletin board twin.
We spent the afternoon in misery due to the temperature and humidity, but quite enterained by the grand palace and most ornate temple.
No wonder so many men walk around with elephant pants on. The had to cover their knees just like us -- refreshing.
Government building Thailand's flag.
Ferried over to China Town for our food tour. The clouds rolled in and gave us some relief.
We sampled 16 different traditiona, local and "fusioned"foods. My favorite was the chive patty. A close second was the cucumber salad with a lime and vinegar dressing.
It felt a lot like Times Sqaure, but there wasn't horrible music or crazy drunk and high vagabonds. The local people were serving up all sorts of food and desserts. I liked the roti and the soysauce ice cream.
We even ate ginormous prawns that still had their heads on.
Another bike ride around the "Green Lung" on an island in the middle of Bangkok removed us from the bustle and craziness of the sheer amount of people.
Pro tip: pack a bandana to protect your head from sour helmets and other lurking germs.
Our guide led us to lunch -- pork (moo) soup with noodles and morning glory. Yum.
Finally that afternoon we stopped to enjoy the hotel's ammenities. I found myself fully lathered in sunblock and yet, I felt my love for the sun creep back into the real me -- the one where I bake and bake and just let the harmful rays do their worst. Unfortunately, they have; I am the emodiment of sun worshipping for 45 years. And so after about 10 minutes, we slunk back into the shade.
Back inside to clean up and take a train to our temple -- the House of the Lord -- not the house of Buddha. I assure you, I did feel His peace take hold of my mind, heart and soul as I focused on learning and growing to become more like Jesus Christ.
Once again, evening came and we found ourselved 76 floors up, surrounded by glass beside and below us.
Kind of spooky.
Saturday we traveled to Koh Sumet to relax via the Ao Prao resort. Our driver had to fill up the car, so I went in to buy gum. 7\11 are all the rage.
Of course we spent the afternoon in the warm waves and sand. We hid most of the time in the shade, where we read and I crocheted. Evening happened and we almost looked sun-kissed and refreshed again.
Fire-dancers.
Pretty cool.
My breakfast view was sensational.
I could get used to this.
More hiking and beach exploration. Here we are summited at the highest peak of the island.
SO HOT! So beautiful. Austin hiked with a stick in front of his face to bat down spider webs and chase away critters; I thought him so brave.
Ariel even visited.
On our way to dinner he pulled me aside to place a fresh flower in my hair. Cute. He loves me.
And I love him.
Our last day I walked the beach back and forth. Then I came up with a little plan -- heading back to our room I grabbed a plastic glove and a couple of Walmart bags. For the next hour I picked up trash and debris scattering the beach. It felt so good to give back and give a little thanks to the country filled with beautiful people and customs.
Our final night we ordered a strawberry shake with our pad thai dishes.
Up early on the travel day home to jump a bit of rope and breathe it all in one last time. "If I even buy a second house, it'll be a beach house," the Good Doctor confided.
28 hours of planes and layovers was easy enough with the right accomodations.
He looks relaxed.
Meg made us promise that if pajamas were available, that we had to wear them. We did.
The slippers were a bit large.
And just like that our trip to Thailand was over. Once home the darling children surrounded us and let us talk and talk and talk all about our adventures. They spent their time together swimming and loving. The Armstrongs were so kind to make our dreams come true -- on so many levels.
My most favorite moment of the entire vacay was sitting in Austin's lap, facing him, while in the shallow waves of the sand bar. I felt deeply connected to him -- the sweetest feeling in the world. We chatted about our 26 years of marriage and why it works, why "we" work. First it's because we trust in God and place Him at the front of our relationship. Next, we try every moment to obey and work hard, which has led to a life fueled by dreams realized and hopes materialized. Finally, We've patterned our family based on the nuclear pattern the Heavenly Father set for His children. (I know this dosen't work for all families, but His standard is just that, and we strive to live that pattern.). His duty of blue jobs and my duty of pink jobs can never compared because the outcome is always unfair. But, when combined, our roles compliment each other. As individuals we've progressed and as a couple we've thrived. Team Babcock is forever, not just for Christmas. I love him. I love him. I love him. (Not just because he takes me on vacation to wine and dine and entertain me, but because Austin is authentically Austin, and he is more than enough.)
