We decided to take a great adventure to Thailand for Christmas this year. Three weeks in the land of sunshine and hospitality was just the thing we needed to cure us from the winter blues of Holland. We were not sure the trip was going to happen due to the political environment and the airport being occupied by protesters. Four days before we were to leave, the PM resigned, the protesters left the airport and the government gave the all clear for planes to start again. Thailand was everything we expected and more. I have never been anywhere where the people are so nice and courteous and you really feel that they are living life for a bigger purpose, not themselves. I think it is their deep devotion to Buddha that allows them to live this way.
We started with one night in Bangkok before we went to Phuket for a glorious 7 nights. We knew we were not in Europe any more within minuets of walking into the resort. The "we are not in Kansas anymore" feeling became even more evident when Abigail was sitting on top of a baby elephant 10 min after we arrived.
We spent the next couple of days enjoying the sun and relaxing before we started exploring. Abigail took advantage by spending every waking moment in the water. She has decided she is a dolphin. One morning Abigail declared she was never wearing water wings again and she hasn't from that day on. Determined little girl she is, wonder where she gets it?
We took a boat to Phi Phi Island and the islands that surround it. The snorkeling was the best I have ever experienced. The water was so clear you could see the fish and coral from the boat. The fish were plentiful and colorful and the environment was magical. Abigail loved snorkeling! She finally got over her dislike of salt water. She learned how to spit the water out. The guide said she (at almost 4 years old) was better than most adults he takes. That made her feel super big and encouraged her to do even more. We visited an island where the wild monkeys meet you on the beach and eat from your hands. I was amazed at how soft their hands are. Abigail called this "Monkey Island" for the rest of the vacation.
We were able to venture out into the night markets and the only way we could go was by Tuk Tuk. Abigail loved them. She sat in one and asked where the seat belt was. When we said they didn’t have any, she that that was so cool. Of course when we started to move, she held on for dear life.
After a wonderful time on the beach we flew to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. We spent the next three days in the wilderness with the animals. We fed elephants, watched elephants paint pictures, rode elephants, learned how they train monkeys to pick coconuts, and watched them charm the snakes. Abigail and Amy started the snake show in the first row and by the middle they were in the top row. I don't think either one of them is a fan of the slithering type. We also found time to see the holiest site in all of the north. It is visited by many from Laos as well. Abigail walked almost all 300 steps to the entry of the temple.
Next stop was Bangkok....what a difference. After relaxing on the beach and getting close to nature, the big city was an adjustment. There is so much traffic, large beautiful shopping centers, a temple on every corner, and the strange mixture of religion with consumerism. We were able to visit the night market, the weekend market, the shopping malls, the …. I think you get the point. Lots of shopping. While shopping there was enough time to get the girls toes done and the entire families hair cut.
We did squeeze in a visit to the eye hospital and some of the old temples. That’s right, we kept our history of seeing doctors in foreign lands alive. Abigail got something stuck in her eye and pressed it into her cornea. They did a quick procedure to get it out and all was better. Abigail will remember the pink taxis and the tuk tuks most. We did find out that Abigail is truly Asian. She bargained for everything she wanted. She was tough. She even walked away and had some shop keepers running after her. Now if Amy can get a bit better at this. There is no hope for me.
Thailand is such a beautiful place to visit. I recommend it to everyone. This was our favorite vacation to date. We moved to Europe to experience Europe and found our favorite vacation in Asia. Go figure.
After 4 months of the cold, wet winter of the Netherlands, it was nice to escape to Portugal for some sun and warm weather. We stayed at a beautiful villa in Vale do Lobo with another family, the Hamilton's; Darren, Michele, Owen and Tessa. 
outside of Westminster Abbey
