Why Did the Chickens Cross the Road?

We spent some of our last days in Thailand with my mom, who stayed with us for five days. We tried our best to show her a great time despite the recent floods and intermittent inclement weather. She had a blast learning about the Thai culture, meeting our Thai and English friends, getting a foot massage, seeing the sights, improvising a "home theater room" out of her bedroom, and drinking fruit shakes (her record was literally 4 in one day). We took most of the pictures on her camera instead of ours and never got around to uploading her pics, so here are few moments we were able to capture.

On her second day we were blessed with a sneak peak of sunshine so we tore ourselves from the makeshift theater and hustled to Hin Lad Waterfall for a look-see.










Wouldn't you know it? We spotted a small elephant camp beside the falls, and since no trip to Thailand is complete without an elephant encounter, we guided my giddy mom over to feed this gentle giant.









Then it was off to Namuang Waterfall 2, which we couldn't access up close, but we managed to maneuver our rental car throughout the hilly curves to this breathtaking lookout.











Yep - overpriced coffee. Thanks mom!












Big Buddha is absolutely gorgeous at night.













My mom had to leave a day earlier than planned due to flight issues so we crammed her last day with beach relaxation, gluttony, and festival activities, otherwise known as festivities which is a creative amalgamation of the two words (yeah, I made it up, but you can use it). While mom and I relaxed by the sea on Lamai beach, Nick did some beach combing. He crafted this beach art from his sea glass findings. Isn't it sweet?





Then it was off to The Lazy Coconut to celebrate an early Thanksgiving dinner with their delectable Sunday roast. Nick and I are so thankful for this experience and thrilled that my mom was able to share in a part of it!









Loi Krathong is a Thai Festival of Lights. In short, people float these lotus shaped boats made of banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense for a few different reasons:
1. As offerings to Mae Khongkha -Mother of Waters- to show gratitude for water and to ask forgiveness for polluting waterways (thank goodness some are made from biodegradable materials).
2. To cast off misfortune or misery.
3. Couples can cast Loi Krathongs together to determine the future of the relationship and to wish for happiness.

We were happy to participate in this beautiful tradition. There's more info about Loi Krathong here.

























By the time we had finished watching our Krathongs float away, it was just about time to head to the airport. :(

We dropped off the rental car and then made good on our promise to give mom a ride on the motorbike. I'm pretty sure her squeals were from delight and not terror.






This is a bit random, but while waiting outside a tea shop at the airport, this frog got a little snoopy about what all the fuss was about. Thirsty I guess.





We had such a fantastic time showing my mom around Samui, it was sad to see her go. Unfortunately for her, it took her just under three days to get home because of the snow storm in Seattle and flying standby. Surprisingly, she still sounded elated from her visit, even after her long journey home. So glad you came, mom!

And then it was our turn to travel. We began our next adventure at noon on Thursday by van, ferry, bus, night train, and taxi, to arrive at our hotel in Bangkok Friday at 9am.











These two seats we were sitting in slid together to form one bed and the white thing above Nick folded down to form the second bunk. It was actually quite comfortable; so much better than an overnight bus.













This morning it was off to Hanoi where our hotel, Wings II Resort, graciously arranged for a taxi to pick us up at the airport in order for us to avoid a current scam by airport taxis. "Oh, no. That hotel is full. I'll take you to one that's not, the commission appears to be higher for me here."

This was our first time being picked up by someone holding a sign with our name on it. He thought we were crazy taking a picture of our own name - good first impression.



The taxi drive into the Old Quarter, Hanoi was intense. Right away we noticed the tendency for drivers to honk, not aggressively, but often. I've never heard so many horns in my life. Even though the drivers are back in the left seat and the cars on the right side of the road, we won't be renting a car or a motorbike while in Hanoi, lest someone lose a life.






As in Thailand, the road is shared by EVERYONE.












Upon arriving at the hotel, three welcoming staff members greeted us and even served us warm breakfast while our room was prepared; it was a wonderful surprise not to have to go out for breakfast after traveling since 4am! After checking in we took our first bath in 4 months (yessssss) rested in the room and then went downstairs to book a cruise around Halong Bay. The amazing staff once again invited us into their personal family style lunch of rice, egg, greens, prawns, and pork. We feel privileged to be the recipients of such warm hospitality.

Having done nothing but eat and sit all day, a walk was in order. A five minute jaunt brought us to Hoan Kiem Lake.

























There was a photo shoot for a bridal catalog all around the lake.












And I can see why; the scenery is stunning.



























Despite the photo shoot, we managed to attract some attention of our own. Just as we were taking this picture of ourselves, I caught a glimpse of a Vietnamese man doing likewise. :)
Blast the rainy season for depriving us of those valuable UVA and UVB rays! We officially stand out as tourists again.

On a related note, Hanoi is not warm, or sunny, so I don't see our pigment situation improving.




This is a carcass of a gigantic tortoise whose species is still rumored to populate the lake, but this is the only one we saw.











And now to answer the question, "Why did the chickens cross the road?"
Answer: It was the only way back to our hotel.

First we needed to summon up some courage and scope some technique. If she can do it, we can do it, right?



And now it's our turn. Apparently the key is to never step backward, only forward, and the cars and motorbikes will avoid you. It's quite difficult not to freak out.



We're planning on spending our time in North Vietnam exploring Halong Bay by boat and then trekking the hilly region of Sapa. As we are once again traveling and therefore, like, doing stuff again, we should be (pending internet connection) resuming more frequent blogging activity. Stay tuned.

Hugs, Kisses, and Misses

Ty and Nick

P.S. (By Nick) I know this has nothing necessarily to do with the blog, but it does concern a lot of you 35 faithful followers (especially Ty and the amazing group of Jackson students and teachers from last year who weathered the storm along with me through thick and thin) I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you guys and everyone else who helped me, supported me, and guided me through the unbelievably tedious National Boards process (you know who you are). There is literally no way I could have succeeded without you guys and I am forever appreciative of your help and patience. I will pay it forward every chance I get.