The journey home

I write this from my place in Chicago, after a long journey!

We left for the airport at 7:00 pm Bangkok time and finally arrived to my building 29.5 hours later.

The first leg, Bangkok to Frankfurt, was fantastic!  We flew Thai Air, which is already amazing, and then we discovered that the plane was empty enough for us to have our own rows! This allowed us to sleep for a solid 7 hours.

Then, we made our way through the Frankfurt airport and onto the United flight to Chicago.  Mom was selected for special screening and they were really rude.... 

The flight was full... And the food was rough... And people were loud....

We weren't in Thailand anymore.

Anyway--- there is one cat who is happy I'm home! 

Garrett's Popcorn Bangkok!

Yes, we started and ended our trip with Garrett's, in two different continents! 

Giant Lizards of Bangkok- Lumpini Park

Last night we heard that there are big lizards at Lumpini Park.  We decided to wake up early this morning to see if we could find one... We easily saw many!!!  They are very big, very cute, and very shy!

Seeing Bangkok Friends :)

After leaving Hua Hin yesterday morning, we went back to Bangkok on the hotel shuttle.  Once in Bangkok, we were picked up at the hotel by the children from my former host family.  They are now both in college.  We spent the afternoon at Asiatique, including the Ferris wheel, and then went to an amazing show last night.

From the top!  Not afraid!

4th of July 

Yum!

Somebody forgot to wai ;)

This morning we went to the Queen Sirikit Insistite to see many of the amazing arts created by with the Queen's support- it was amazing.  It is located in a very classical looking marble building!

Then we went to MK for a birthday dinner for the son, who was turning 18 today!

I'm not putting their names only because I didn't ask if i could mention them in my blog--- they are all amazing!  Four amazing people in one family!

They dropped us off at our hotel this afternoon and we scampered off to meet Dr. Tony, Dr. Achaea, Bam, as well as Kwon and her family.  We had a wonderful good-bye dinner... Since we are already leaving tomorrow!  

So sad! 

Dusit Thani Hua Hin Breakfast

Here are a few pictures from breakfast today... Such a fancy place!

Poolside Massage

We are officially fancy. 

Today, when we went to the pool, the side advertising poolside massages had changed.  It now read:

.. 300 baht for 50 mins?  That is about $9-10.  Um?  Sold!

It was luxurious!  You could hear the waves crashing and the wind blowing in the trees the whole time.  Who could ask for more?

Hua Hin Market Food

After eating at the pier restaurant, we wandered through the market... Sometimes it is funny how a lovely, delicious smell can be followed by a truly putrid one a few steps further down the road. The durian sales people wore preventative masks...totally necessary. 

Mostly, the market was a spectacular display of people, food, and goods.

Dinner in Hua Hin

We went for dinner on the pier in Hua Hin tonight... It was an amazing sea food meal!!!

Hua Hin Hotel

We are now in Hua Hin, a beach town south of Bangkok.  

We are staying in a fancy smacy hotel... It really is lovely!

Most of our plans will consist of laying around... But here is what we will see when we do!