Happy New Year from Krabi in Thailand. Last night we spent New Year's Eve on the beach in Ao Tang. Instead of a formal fireworks show, we watched local Thai villagers light off roman candles and other fireworks from the sand.
Besides fireworks, the Thai people also send off these floating candles, kind of like mini hot air balloons. They take a thin white canvas bag and turn it upside down. Underneath is a kerosene-soaked rag which they light. The flame creates heat that fills up the bag. A few people hold the bag for about a minute until it is ready to go, and then they let it go into the sky. The mini balloon ascends quickly into the sky and joins thousands of other floating candles to make quite an amazing sight in the sky. They all follow the winds so it creates a trail across the sky.
It's now almost 9am now but the US is about to celebrate the New Year. So Happy New Year!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Heading to Krabi!
Well, we've been without internet for a few days and I only have 4 minutes now so here goes ....
Everything has been great. In Bangkok we stayed in a very nice and new hotel. Dinners out with the whole group were fun. During the day we went to the Grand Temple and visited other sites. Thre is amazing architecture and culture here. What is interesting to me is how close together they build temples (as compared to Japan or other places).
We have some master photographers on this trip who have taken a collective 10,000 photos so far (in 3 days) at 22-megapixel. So the album will be great!
Yesterday we went on an elephant ride which was incredibly fun. Through the jungle and across rivers on top of a giant elephant. At first it was a little concerning but then we realized we were pretty stable. Of course, when our guide (who was riding on the elephant's head) jumped off, we weren't sure if we were going to be able to steer the elephant ourselves. It turned out he was only jumping off to take our photo. The video from the ride is great.
Time's up for internet. Will try to post more soon. All is good.
Everything has been great. In Bangkok we stayed in a very nice and new hotel. Dinners out with the whole group were fun. During the day we went to the Grand Temple and visited other sites. Thre is amazing architecture and culture here. What is interesting to me is how close together they build temples (as compared to Japan or other places).
We have some master photographers on this trip who have taken a collective 10,000 photos so far (in 3 days) at 22-megapixel. So the album will be great!
Yesterday we went on an elephant ride which was incredibly fun. Through the jungle and across rivers on top of a giant elephant. At first it was a little concerning but then we realized we were pretty stable. Of course, when our guide (who was riding on the elephant's head) jumped off, we weren't sure if we were going to be able to steer the elephant ourselves. It turned out he was only jumping off to take our photo. The video from the ride is great.
Time's up for internet. Will try to post more soon. All is good.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Landing in Asia
We have landed in Hong Kong on our way to Thailand. After 16 hours in flight we are ready for our hotel but still have a few hours of flying to go. On the long haul flight we were psyched because we got the exit row with massive leg room. But alas my in-seat TV unit was not working on this new 777-300. With enough encouragement from me and some help from a friendly Brit in the next seat they moved Sarah and I up to business class for about 8 or so hours. We were able to watch some movies and get some sleep lying fully flat.
Free WiFi in Hong Kong airport. Next stop Bangkok!
Free WiFi in Hong Kong airport. Next stop Bangkok!
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