Budding Photographer

I mentioned previously that, while rest and relaxation was just what the doctor ordered for my husband and I, our boys experienced some stretches of boredom at the beach. So if they weren't reading, napping, or swimming; they had to be creative. My youngest, who has already shown some interest in photography, decided to explore the medium in more detail as he took some lovely macro shots of Thailand's flora. I thought I would share my favorites with you.

I Love the Beach!

Koh PhiPhi 2003

Over these years we have been privileged to live close enough to Thailand to be able to enjoy some summer holidays at the lovely beaches there. We haven't gone every year, but enough times to have built up quite a store of family memories along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. This year we spent a quiet 8 days (perhaps our last Thailand vacation together as a whole family) at Dolphin Bay near HuaHin. There were moments, even half days, when the boys felt it was too quiet; but we did manage to squeeze in a kayaking trip to infamous Monkey Island, an evening of night fishing and a day of snorkeling, daily swims and walks on the beach, and amazing Thai meals.

The Plot....

Monkey chief: "You two monkeys lead them down the rocky coast, and the rest of us will move in for the heist."

Monkey scout: "Ouick! It worked. Those gullible farangs (Thai word for foreigner). There's food in this boat!"

Yep, they stole our snacks and would have taken the water bottles as well. Wish we had thought to bring along some bananas and lychees.

We had a lovely place to stay.

Even at high tide the shallows lasted a long way out.

Patiently waiting for a nice Thai-Seafood dinner: Crab, Stir-fried Shrimp & Cashew nuts, TomYamKai, PadThai.

What a gift this time has been.

Out My Window

Last weekend we took our two younger boys the seven hour drive (one way) to camp. After dropping them off and a final unconcerned, "Okay... bye Mom," we started for home.



Our trip took us through some of the most beautiful countryside in the province and as I had our new camera and lots of time on my hands, I began to take photos out my passenger-side window.

I wish I had kept track of the number of tunnels. A necessity to mountain highways.

Villages are often tucked on hillsides or beside lakes or rivers close to the road which came along long after they had been established.

Before the highway existed these roads were mere paths and grazing areas. It's a memory that's hard to let go of.

Horse carts are no longer allowed inside big cities, but still come in handy other places.

Can you see the gravestones? Typically they rest on the hills or mountainside near a village.

Remember this is the equivalent of interstate.

The weather was so changeable. One minute dark and overcast, raindrops spotting the windshield, and the next beautiful blue skies breaking through glorious white fluffs of cloud. This is currently the "rainy season."

Gorgeous green fields. Mostly rice, but also corn and other vegetables. Some times tobacco.

Wait... Stop... Go Slow... Caution Cow Crossing?

I think someone got a little separated from the rest of the herd.

Blue Skies

Sorry for being so photo heavy. If you only knew how many pictures I took. I hope you have enjoyed the scenery as much as I did!

Since I last wrote...

"The Girls" have got a new look...



The Boys have got a new look...

Junior-Senior Banquet

And I had the pleasure of visiting "the Hawaii of China" (well, they are close to the same latitude), Sanya 三亚. It was warm and lovely. And my appearance enhancement? I softened and exfoliated my skin in a feeding frenzy which some delicately call a "fish spa."

Going Downtown

I think I mentioned earlier that we are currently having some difficulty accessing the internet where we live; but I will try to post more regularly, as I can. Since I last wrote, my husband and I decided to purchase a nice camera and learn to use it together as a way to have special dates. Today we went to the shopping heart of our city, including one of several "Bird and Flower Markets." Here's what we shot along the way....

Bus Stop

Heading Downtown

My 14 year old took this sweet shot before he and his brother headed off on their own adventure.

Forgotten Lantern

Carving

Picking out a Turtle

Bamboo Hat

The Family Motorbike

Catching the Bus

Fashion Show

City Gate

Okay, so this wasn't the most artistic shot of the day. But we are excited to announce the intended opening of our first Starbucks in this city of 3 million.

Hope you have as lovely a spring day today as we have!