Home is Family

I have lived away from My Ontario family for 29 years so it is a tremendous treat to be a part of family activities after so many years. Today we combined three celebrations. I had my first chance to see my Brother's family since I got back from Thailand. It's also Mother's Day.

We also celebrated Jamie's 12th birthday. Happy Birthday Jamie!!! Jamie is the one on the far left.

It's great when your Mom and your best friend are the same person.

Mom made us an incredible lunch of Beef Wellington. My friends in Thailand are interested in what we eat and how much it costs. The beef itself cost forty-eight dollars (1,500 baht). I know some of you are wanting to know why Mom is making the meal on Mother's Day. Does the fact that I took her for breakfast at McDonald's help my defense? No? Okay...

She rounded the meal off with a salad that had strawberries and cheese in it. The beef was so tender it virtually melted in our mouths. When we finished eating, I brought out the gifts I brought back from Thailand.

I gave Jamie and Ben T-shirts from my favorite places.

My dear friends in Bangkok helped me negotiate these other gifts; a kimono for Elise and the scarves that you see around Lorrie's neck.

I got a gift for my brother Mike but he seemed to misplace it.

After a great lunch, we headed up the street to the playground and hung around for a while. Just for the record, this picture is NOT upside down. This is how things look from Thailand since it is on the other side of the world.

I keep wanting to say: "It's great to be back home" but I have never lived in Waterloo before. What makes it home is the warmth I feel from my family and how relaxed I feel spending time with you Mom; just as you can see Lorrie does. I love you.

My Dinner With Sanga

So, I'm just back this minute from my dinner with Sanga. When we last left our hero he was taking the break neck tour of Bangkok, led by his faithful tuk-tuk driver, Joe. I got back to my hotel at 2:40. I immediately came here to the Internet cafe and started downloading the eighty pictures I took since 9am this morning. I finished my last post just after 4:30. I then found a Thai speaking man to help me make a phone call to Sanga. Sanga arranged with my friend here to write down the directions to the Phon Pier. I was told to pay only 30 baht. I found a driver and headed off. Only, this driver said he would only do the trip for 30 baht if we could make a stop. So there we were heading the wrong direction so he could take me to a TAT; a tourist place to try to sell me tickets somewhere. We arrived there and I told the proprietor I wasn't interested. So now the price was 80 baht. I finally agreed to pay 40 if he got me there fast! And he did. So now I'm hoping Sanga is still there, and he is. We got a couple of drinks (I had Thai Ice Tea- no alcohol) and we sat and talked by the river.

I told Sanga my dilemma about Armani so he went with me there and I negotiated a new deal for 16000 baht for One Blue suit and two pairs of pants, 3 shirts and 3 ties. I go back on Friday for the second fitting. So now I treated Sanga to dinner at a sidewalk cafe. (290 baht)

He ordered a fish called 'Plachon' (if it translates into something horrible, maybe don't tell me...vivyan...) Sanga offered to help me find travel arrangements for Chiang Mai when I get back from Kanchanaburi on Thursday. He also offered to let me stay at his place when I'm here.

We took a taxi back and here I am safe and sound and one Armani suit richer for my troubles. Now I'm going to get some rest so I can take off for the Bridge On The River Kwai Trek tomorrow. Oh, and Sarah, I saw another display of flip flops. see anything you like?