Momma and Daddy Dog Went to Thailand, and All I Got Was... a Hug Upon Return.

[Heidi & Milton]

Jeff and I just returned from quite the adventure!  We tackled the continent of Asia.  Well, actually, we visited Thailand.  The funny part about our trip was quite frequently when I mentioned to someone that we were going there the immediate response was, "Why?"  My answer to that was, "Why not?"  Growing up, my dad instilled in me a great fondness for travel, and I am still quite enamored by it.  There is just nothing better than immersing yourself in a completely different culture to give you a greater perspective of the world and your place within it.  I already have big dreams to visit Russia next summer -- onward and upward!

Thailand was pretty amazing, although, I have to admit that during our first day there I did utter, "Ugh, I wish we went to Europe instead of Asia."  I quickly withdraw that statement later on, but at the onset my jet lag (sleep deprivation, nausea, irritability, etc.), due to the 12-hour time difference, was so terrible that Bangkok's chaos was just too much for me to handle.  Once I was a little better rested, I perked up, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself both in Bangkok and on the nearby island of Koh Samet.  During our travels, Jeff and I visited countless wats (temples),  rode in a tuk tuk and a long boat, ate lots and lots of pad Thai, and partook in an infamous Thai massage.  It was a wonderful vacation, and I am just a little sad to be back home again, well, except for one big bright joy in our lives -- the Milt Dog! 

For this trip, Milton was shipped down south to his grandparents' house.  Momeaux and Pop very graciously offered to watch Milton despite us already having a boarding reservation.  As usual,  our goldendoodle had a ball running around in the slough, clamoring for Momeaux's attention, playing countless games of fetch with Pop, and, most importantly, aggravating Uncle Dusty. 

Here are a few pictures of our vacation along with Milt's:

Strolling through one of the many Bangkok markets with my new purchase (Can you tell what it is?!) and a tasty coconut water straight from the nut itself.

Jeff (6'2") and I (5'9") folded up into a tuk tuk

Lucky Buddha Wat -- As we were informed, he is "Lucky for Love."

Skyline on our ascent to the Golden Mount

The Year of the Ox - 1985!  I was quite familiar with this symbol because I ate a lot of Chinese food growing up on The Year of the... placemats.

The Grand Palace -- everything reminded me of The King and I!

Giant Siamese figure

The palace, a sacred spot, mandated strict rules (no bare feet, legs!), which sent me into a tailspin because I hate wearing jeans in the heat, especially after consuming copious amounts of pad Thai that goes straight to my gut.

I'm convinced I look like Audrey Hepburn in this hat, but I just don't know if it's a My Fair Lady Audrey or more of a Breakfast at Tiffany's Audrey.  Jeff thinks neither.

Jeff orchestrated these two shots, with the Grand Palace in the background, but I just wish we were together in them!

Thai cultural show

Jeff atop an elephant - I don't think I have ever seen him more excited.

The eating began on the plane (China Air).

I ate pad Thai five times on our trip; I think I kind of missed out on the experimentation with new foods, but nothing beats a little or a lot of pad Thai.

This was Jeff's favorite meal, eaten in China Town, but it was a little too earthy for me...

All you can eat sushi buffet for only $11 (30 baht = 1 dollar, so we made out quite well!).

Note the strict time enforcement.

Roasted chicken, papaya salad, and sticky rice on the beach, and the eating rolls on...

I did, however, manage to resist a Dairy Queen, and you know how much I love DQ.

En route to Koh Samet

 

Our hut

 

Jeff swinging beachside

Gorgeous overview shot, despite my greatly mismatched hiking outfit/beach coverup

$10 massages are simply the best!

Natural beauty

Milt might have been missing us while we were in Thailand, but I, honestly, do not think so.

Of course a little dirt was involved

Drying off on Momeaux's chair

Ready and waiting for play

Kicking back, just like at our house...

As my luggage tag says, "Travel the world.  Come home for love."  While in Thailand, I cannot tell you how many times Jeff and I remarked I wonder what the Milt is doing right now..., or better yet we just talked in our kooky Milton voice while mimicking his goofy mannerisms and people stared.  I have to admit, Thailand was spectacular, but it feels pretty darn spectacular being home with our boy again.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Dh said exchange rate is even better now than when he was there back during the Vietnam days and he said you could live like a king there then!    Great pics.  Enjoyed seeing Thailand thru your eyes.  Milton looks like he had a fantastic time as well.  I love how he gets so dirty.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Wow! I admire your adventurous nature.  Food looked spectacular as did the culture and scenery. I love the Audrey Hepburn hat- Breakfast at Tiffany goes to Thailand...and Milt had a ball, too!