November 16 – 20, 2011 Pattaya, Thailand

On our next leg of the trip we had Mr. Narong drive us to Pattaya. The drive took us 1 hour and 45 minutes.This is a city on the water and very popular with the people of Bangkok who want to get away from the city heat. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. Very Very Nice! The nicest place we stayed at, but then it is a chain hotel from the states.

Even though Gene couldn’t get his hand wet he still got in the pool to cool off.

Every other store front is fish spa’s and massages. For 300 bahts we got a 20 minute fish spa and an hour foot massage. 300 bahts equal $9.50 USD. Since Gene couldn’t figure out the currency at this time he gave them each a 500 baht tip! That is almost a 200% tip! Needless to say I took over the money.  We got many foot massages and Thai massages throughout our trip. They are 1 hour long and cost 200 bahts ($6.50USD). Three hours before we flew home we were out getting our very last foot massage. Glorious!

I had a pedicure before we left so the fish weren’t that enthralled in my feet. I took this picture looking down at my feet. The fish swarmed Gene’s feet! It tickles a little bit. The water was filtered and very clean. They wash your feet before you put them in the water and then afterwards they give them a good scrubbing.

This is a picture of a cart set up on the beach to sell drinks

There isn’t that many cars in the city of Pattaya. Mostly motorbikes and tuk-tuks. Tuk tuks are wagons pulled by a motorbike or a bicycle and you ride in them like a taxi. However, they can also be used for selling food or drinks. They can have a truck cab too.

We hardly got any pictures of the beach but here is one. No, that isn’t Gene and I on the beach. Another note…no matter how large you are you can still wear a bikini or a speedo.

Walking street is a popular area and they shut down the street to traffic in the evening. That is where we had our first foot massage and fish spa.Back of tuk-tuk with a rider.

Here is Gene getting in tune with Ronald McDonald.

Sunset in Pattaya. Gene thinks his camera was steamy going from an air conditioned room to the heat outside that made this picture look foggy.

Here is night traffic and the main street. You can see a couple back ends of tuk tuks. Everywhere we went in Asia you take your life in your hands when crossing the street. The motorbikes will even come up on the sidewalk if traffic is bogged down. You’re not even safe there.

Here is a sign of the city up on a hill.

Next stop, Cambodia

Lavender Jade

When we were in Bangkok Gene bought a jade statue. It is an unusual color, lavender. I looked it up on the internet and found out some fun facts:

What is the Meaning of Lavender Jade?

Since ancient times, jade has been valued for its use in jewelry, sculpture and traditional medicinal techniques. One variety of this important gemstone, known as "lavender jade" has a pale lilac coloration. It is symbolically associated with emotional introspection

Definition

Lavender jade is a pink-to-purple variation of jadeitite, one of the two minerals commonly classified as "true jade." It may range in color from creamy pink to blue-violet.

Rarity

Lavender jade is far rarer than nephrite, a jade-mineral that ranges in hue from off-white to emerald green. Of the shades of jadeitite, which also include orange, brown and green, lavender is the rarest.

Here are a couple of pictures of the front and back, which is which, I don’t know.

Bangkok, Thailand November 2011

Even at the airport they have great looking statues.

On our first day we hired a driver, Mr. Narong, who took us to the floating market, an elephant ride, and the bridge over river Kwai. We rode in a boat around the market. You see vendor’s on the side selling trinkets and then the women and men riding along in boats selling food. Some  are even cooking hot food.

Then off we went to ride an elephant. I wasn’t too happy about this. I don’t like to get on a horse because they are so big! But an elephant? Crazy! My friend Bea said I had to do it because I’ll probably never get another chance. It wasn’t too bad. Except I felt the basket we were in was sliding off on Gene’s side.

Onto The Bridge Over River Kwai! Fascinating to see something that you have read about. We were able to walk on the bridge even though it had railroads tracks running over it. If a train came you had to get to the side. It has little pockets that you can stand in when a train come. No train while we were on it. There is a floating restaurant next to it and of course a statue of a Buddha.

Before we left, Thailand was having some of the worst flooding in over 70 years. Gene was getting nervous, but we had everything booked, and I knew we would be spending more time in Southern Thailand where the flooding didn’t touch. We did see a little bit on the outskirts of Thailand and our driver, Mr. Narong, said his home was flooded.  We didn’t have any rain on our whole trip and the weather was perfect! From low 80’s to mid 90’s.

And here is Mr. Narong! Great guy, will go the extra mile, and spoke very good English.

Our hotel boasts the best view of Bangkok. Here is a picture from the view area. They also had these great cut outs that Gene and I tried! Don’t we look like authentic Thai people!

This is a picture of my shrimp won ton soup that was delicious.

Sometimes you come across the “squat” toilets. You just have to grit your teeth, squat, and hope your aim is accurate!

Highline Hospital November 2011

Two days before we left on our vacation Gene broke his little finger playing basketball. This is really bad because now he can’t go swimming or diving on our trip.

Cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco

We took a 3 day mini cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco with our good friends Bonnie and Dennis. Bonnie and Dennis live in Arizona, so they flew up late Friday night. Saturday morning we took the train from Seattle to Vancouver and caught the ship. Here is Gene sitting on the balcony enjoying the sun and a drink before we leave port.

Here is Bonnie and I enjoying cocktails before dinner.

And the guys, Gene and Dennis, enjoying their drinks.

Gene and Bonnie decided to take naps (in separate rooms!) so Dennis and I hit the bar scene.

We hit rough seas during the night and the following day. Everyone took to their beds except me. I roamed around the ship, spent time in the library reading my book, and making new BFF’s for 2 days. I met a lot of interesting people. This one woman said her and a group of friends took the train from LA to Seattle. Spent a few days enjoying my beautiful city and then was catching the train to Vancouver to catch the cruise ship. They found out 10 minutes before they were to leave for the train station that their travel agent made the train reservations for Vancouver Washington not Vancouver Canada! Crazy! They had to hire a shuttle to get them to the cruise ship and they almost missed the boat. I wouldn’t be using that travel agent again! Here is Gene enjoying his day of seasickness with his favorite toy, the remote control.

They had to cover the pool because the water was poring out of it with the motion of the ship.

Our last day on the ship and the weather turned out beautiful. Here is Bonnie and I with Alcatraz behind us. That’s Gene’s hand behind Bonnie.

Love the Golden Gate Bridge! There was a touch of fog coming in.

Here is a picture of The Princess from the port in San Francisco.

And it just wouldn’t be San Fran without a picture of a seal sunbathing.

Or without Gene shopping!

We spent some time on Fisherman’s Wharf before D & B’s son picked us up. We spent some time at Kevin’s before Gene and I had to head to the airport and home.

Not another pair!

I was at Nordstrom and couldn't resist a glance at Toms shoes. They are burlap and soooo cute! Yes, I bought them.

Toms Shoes

I love my Toms shoes and everything it stands for. When you buy a pair of Toms shoes a pair will be donated to a child in need. One for one. Here is a picture of my very first pair.

They are so comfortable I went and bought another pair. This pair has pictures of faces and hands. Yes, I have my feet on my desk at work.

My next pair says Carpe Diem, seize the day, all over them in black and gray.

This pair is just a basic dark brown. Heck, they are so comfortable I could wear them everyday.

My first pair already has a hole where my little toe is.  But not to fret! They are still the first pair I pull out the closet to wear around the yard.

Check out www.toms.com to find a store near you to purchase a pair. Or just buy them off Toms website.