Japan - Cherry Blossom Time

Being in Japan in April with my family AND the experience of seeing the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom has to be one of the top high-lights of my life.

The weather was cool… a nice change from hot Thailand. A pale grey sky and the mist in the air just added to the magic as the umbrellas seemed to compliment the brilliant multi-colored parade of Japanese kimonos.

Lit by brilliant sunlight in the daytime and almost surreal at night, the spectacle of the blossoming trees proudly displaying their cherry pink and frosty white flowery blooms created the most stunning backdrop for photos. Everywhere we visited looked like it could be a Japanese  water-color painting or a replica of a famous work of art.

 My Daughter Carrie did a magnificent job of planning the trip... all I had to do was fly from Bangkok. We met at the Osaka airport. Then took a taxi to Kyoto where we stayed in a traditional Japanese house.

 One day we ventured out to see the famous Bamboo Forest. Taking a "Romantic Train" ride we arrived at our destination, Arashiyama, in pouring rain and took a rickshaw taxi. As the downpour continued the boys and I oped for some hot green tea instead of walking the slippery steps to the next Temple.

At the Hollywood-like film studios in Kyoto the boys completed their "Ninja" training and happily wore their outfits to dinner.
We visited many stunning historical sights and gardens including Kinkaku, the Golden Pavillion, a Zen Buddhist Temple and we enjoyed a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Sekka-tei Tea House.

Our final night we feasted and were entertained by Maiko and Geisha Girls 

Angkor Wat - Cambodia

School ends in Thailand in March, so after the tests, grading, final reports and Kindergarten graduation it was time to rest… or travel!

Yes, travel won again. Notice the orbs in the night... actually early morning before sun-up as we walked to see sunrise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

I had always wanted to see the sun rise over the temples, and the spectacular burst of golden sunlight certainly did not disappoint me.

It was hot, hot but the ruins transcended the body discomfort… the many buildings and exquisite craftsmanship was amazing, truly a myriad of sights to behold.

One of my favorites was the Bayon Temples with the many Buddha faces carved into the stone. I also marvelled at the Temple of the Elephants.

 Traveling on into a cultural village we saw traditional river dwellings and even rainbow colored costumes on the stilt dancers.

It was time to shower and get ready for sunset dinner and a traditional floor show featuring  Khmer Mahori music and Apsaras dancing on the hotel rooftop.
A stelar sunset and Full Moon made the evening complete...even the ants on my dessert couldn't spoil the night.

May your days be filled with glorious sunsets and brilliant moonlight 

The Goddess Apsasa dances in bas-relief on the Temple

New Year - New House

New Years Eve back at the beach in Ban Chang and I left a few foot prints in the sand as well as sent a lighted hot air lantern to the sky with blessings for everyone all around the world.

 My first blessing of the New Year came unexpectedly at the end of January as I happened to find a house while trying to help another teacher find a place to live. He decided not to rent it so I did and moved February 1^st. I just love the extra space and wonderful outdoor patio. So there is an extra bedroom for visitors to Thailand… yes you can.

also a very big bathroom with a tub and hot water!

 Happily my first visitors to the house were my daughter Carrie and her boys Aidan and Taylor who came to Thailand for their Chinese New Year in February. They were on vacation from their International School in Hong Kong. We had a fantastic time in the house and the boys enjoyed a water fight with two hoses that I use to water my surrounding lush green vegetation. Of course we went to our small village where they fed the baby elephant who likes to visit the food market. The time went too fast, but I will see them again in April in Japan.

A goodnight snuggle at Ga-Ga's house after fun at the outdoor market.

May many blessings come to you from Thailand