Big Malls

They certainly make malls big here in Bangkok!  This picture is just a quick example of what we recently saw at Central World Mall while heading up the escalator on our way to see a movie.  Sometimes there are so many over-the-top displays in these gigantic malls that we forget to be amazed by them!

You might have to enlarge your screen to see everything that's going on in this photo.  In the center is an enormous Vogue magazine dangling about five stories above the ground floor.  Pages of the magazine seem to be spilling out onto the crowd below.

Try to imagine the scale represented here as ant-sized humans stroll on each level of the mall while pages swirl and twirl around them!

Relaxing in Koh Samui

One of the unexpected perks of living overseas is visiting places that we have never heard of before.  Everyone knows about major tourist destinations in Europe, Asia, and America (like Stonehenge, the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty), but sometimes it's the unknown places that are the most memorable and surprising experiences for us.
Case in point: the relaxing island of Koh Samui.

We were lucky to reserve a villa right on the beach.

We even had our own private pool!

This was the view from our bedroom.

We have never stayed somewhere so close to the beach.

The beaches were so clear and beautiful.  It felt like we had the entire Gulf of Thailand to ourselves.  Where are all the people?  Not in our backyard!

Of course, the gorgeous views inspired me to break out the watercolors.

There were lots of beach activities to try, but this was the first time we had seen this one!

We enjoyed dining on the beach and watching the sky change colors before our eyes.

At dinner one night, I was harassed by a GIANT praying mantis!  Can you see him on the banister?

Don't laugh.  He looked a lot scarier close up.

One of the hotels had this cool monkey sculpture.  I couldn't resist posing with it.  Can you tell which one is me?

On our final night, we splurged on a delicious, five-course meal at the opulent Six Senses Hotel, which was perched atop the seaside cliffs.

We could see stars and ocean for miles.  The clear, full moon and the cool, gentle breeze accented the perfectly prepared meal.

Sadly, our trip was nearing its end so it was time to head to the airport.  Yes, this is part of the airport - Koh Samui style.

They even had a hut filled with complimentary snacks and drinks. 

The shuttles to the airplanes looked like they came straight from Disneyland.

Two thumbs up for Koh Samui!  We hope to go back there again some day.

Electric Wiring in Thailand

Living in California, one rarely sees above-ground wiring or electric poles.  However, here in Thailand, there are wires, wires, and more wires.

Sometimes wires come in handy when you want to hang a lantern.

Of course, wires need to be repaired every now and then.

Why use metal ladders when bamboo works just as well?

Can you find the bird hiding in this web of wiring?

Valentine's Day

They sure do enjoy celebrating holidays in Bangkok.  At many of the local malls, we are already seeing lots of hearts and flowers displayed for Valentine's Day.

How can your sweetheart resist when you present her with a happy, stuffed heart...

...or smiling, red rose?