Bangkok Aquarium

The Bangkok Aquarium is really worth noting. They have a fantastic display of so many water creatures and the kids had a blast.

All I could think of was how those legs would taste with melted butter...

The glass bottom boat

The cute boy in the glass bottom boat.

There is a gleam in that boy's eyes. Could he take after his father?

This reminded me of the Dubai Mall dome. This one is better.

Please don't look at the bad hair in this photo. It should be about the turtle.

This was a very impressive shark tank that could have easily been used for naughty kids; and consequently, would have given a good show. Good thing mine were on their best behaviour.

Thailand Lag

I am so ready to wrap up this trip and what a shame because Thailand deserves more than two posts. But alas, I am sick of the travel log and I am sure you are too.

By the time we made it to Thailand we were all pretty tired. We had tickets to go to Koh Samui (a small island in southern Thailand) and tickets to Phenom Penn in Cambodia. We were hoping to visit Angkor Watt, but the trip was going to be too taxing on everyone so we cashed out on both destinations and settled in Bangkok. The kids were happy to have time to sit, relax and do nothing.

Hanging out at the hotel

Swimming some more

Sareta (one of our didis in Kathmandu) joined us for the Thailand part of our trip. We were so happy we could get her a visa. She LOVED Thailand. Imagine seeing paradise through a Nepali's eyes?

Exploring the temples

Strangely, all the tailors in Thailand are Nepali. Many of them have never even been to Nepal but they all speak perfect Nepali. I find it quite funny that Axel had to go to Thailand to have a Nepali make him a suit. But really, it is a great deal, you pick the fabric, they come to your home, and you have the finished product in 24 hours. The tailor not only got the suit finished in time but also 4 custom-made shirts and 4 ties for under $300. It was better than what he could have done in Nepal, and Axel looks like a million bucks in the finished product.

Where we got the yummiest Som Tum for less than a dollar.

Purple, pink and yellow rice in the supermarket. I got busted for taking this photo. It was so worth it.

Bangkok street scenes

We ate tongue thinking it was beef. And yet, it was still seasoned soooo yummy.

Riding the skytrain. A first for Asa, ever.

A real playground without sharp metal edges! Yeah!

Daddy putting on the worst puppet show I have ever seen.

In case you need a specific kind of haircut

The sex trade in Thailand is worth noting. It really gets to you after while. There are so many different scenarios and so many gender confused people there. It was difficult to be around because there were so many middle aged, fat, American men with young girls or young boys. What is most amazing is the fact that they have no shame. In the malls, on the streets, in places you would never expect--there it is. At first you can't help but say, 'Oh my gosh! Look!' Then, after about the 20th case, you try not to look anymore. It really is the dirty secret of Thailand's thriving economy. And sadly, it isn't much of a secret.

Thailand at its finest

Roaming

Eating the yummiest food court food ever

We did ALOT of this during our trip

The time in Thailand was surprisingly relaxing. We didn't feel like we needed to do too much because we know we will be back. It is our refuge. It is just a short plane ride away. It is a place where we can feel human again. It was a great place to charge up before we left for home.

On to the aquarium...

Thailand

One of the best presents I got this year for Christmas was a trip to Thailand. Axel had to work and he helped tend the kids while my parents and I played for 5 days straight. Axel deserves some serious brownie points for this one. Did I happen to mention I married the best man ever????

I consider my parents my good luck charm when it comes to vacations. We have been to Israel, Egypt, Greece, Italy, France, Croatia, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, India, Nepal, Oman, and now, Thailand together. Every single trip has been magical from beginning to end. Thailand was no exception.

The entire trip was spend in my bathing suit, except for the occasional skimpy cover up. We never went more than 300 meters away from the beach. It was the perfect reward for living in chilly Kathmandu.

We spent 'One Night in Bangkok', which was really fun. It was amazing to see such a developed country and the food at the side of the street was like a delicious meal. We ran from one thing to the next and we left too early. I could have spent several days there, no problem. The following day we took off for the island Phuket.

Here's what we did:

1. We stayed at an awesome resort with beachfront property.

A room with a view

Over 5 beautiful swimming pools

2. We spent long hours on the beach.

This is what love looks like after 47 years.

3. We ate some of the most INCREDIBLE food I have ever tasted in my entire life.

4. We island hopped.

The movie 'The Beach' with Leo DiCaprio was filmed here

At the Phi Phi Islands

5. We fed monkeys.

It is funny that I can now recognize nice monkeys compared to the crap monkeys we have in Nepal.

6. We snorkelled.

7. We got to know the locals.

8. We witnessed the sex trade in a big way.

These pictures don't really show it, but we saw so many questionable scenarios. It usually involved fat, 40/50 year old, white males with very young Thai girls. It was everywhere. I was amazed at how blatant the Thai are when it comes to selling sex. It was the only crappy thing we saw the whole trip.

9. We experienced some holiday spirit.

10. We lived without electricity.

Ironically, the second night we arrived the power went out for several hours. We ate by candlelight and wandered in the dark. Everyone seemed to find it unusual. Me? Nah, it felt just like home.

11. We got manicures, massages, pedicures, etc. etc.

Thailand has the best massage parlors ever. They will give you an hour massage for 5 bucks. Every third store is a massage parlor. We took advantage of it--going about every day. I am sure there were some 'extra' massage services going on, but if you don't ask, you don't know.

12. We went to some fabulous shows.

Straight from the beach, we went to fantastic Thai show with dancing, magic and elephants. We enjoyed a full buffet dinner with sushi, pho, and every other food you could imagine. A truly magical New Year's Eve night.

Of course, the best part of the trip was spending time with my parents. They are so fun to travel with and we have created some of the best memories ever.

Until the next trip!