A new sun shines in Bangkok
it has two names
Apple and Cartoon
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I have an entirely new view now of Thailand thanks to their friendship, and I'm so glad for my fortune in meeting them (thank you Tim!)

Us girls have been quite busy!....................

I first met up with Apple in the afternoon. We had a great time walking around the old town area. She told me about many of the buildings and things we passed, and we talked about the life here.

Apple has an interesting perspective because as a Thai who has been living in Chicago for years, she has a good understanding of both cultures. I could tell she was looking forward to presenting the Thailand and Bangkok to me that she's so proud of. You see, It's easy here to get dismayed about some of the negative aspects you see right away, like the prostitution, the scams, the scary bathrooms, and I imagine some tourists leave Thailand with only that impression. Apple was worried I would end up that way, and to be honest, even though I though I liked it here, I felt like I didn't really 'get' it (if you know what I mean). The opportunity to be shown the subtleties of Thai culture and additudes, not to mention some freakin' gorgeous places, through the loving Thai eyes of my friends has made all the difference.

So the first day, we went to go visit Tim's mom. Getting there was quite a process;
We bought some fruit to bring her and took the boat down the river View image, the train View image and finally a cab View image to get there.
It was worth it, she is adorable! Very happy and enthusiastic, Tim's mom was so happy to have us and we all had a great time talking about about anything (I finally got a proper explanation about the whole 'bathroom thing' here, maybe I'll tell you later).
Here's me with Tim's mom and brother View image

We went to dinner at a Japaneese restaurant and since I was so tired from the 10 hour bus ride from Chiang Mai, the Singha beer really hit me quick. Apple and Tim's mom helped me finish it, and I don't know if it was the beer or just the good company, but we laughed for hours. During dinner, Tim called from Chicago, the closest he could get to being there with us. We wish you were here Tim!

The next day, Apple and I met with Cartoon and went to the Grand Palace and Wat Po. View image View image

Their friend Nong had arranged for the four of us to go to a 'homestay' in a river-village 60 km south of Bangkok, so we did that the next day. It was pretty neat, and a good test to see how the four of us get along since we're spending 6 days in the islands later this week. My favorite part was waking up early in the morning to offer food to the monk who came by little boat (of course!) View image

I've got to run, so I'll leave you with a few pics from last night, definately one of the best New Years I've ever had.....
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Best of luck to all of you in the New Year!
K