Day Three in Bangkok

1. Woke up.
2. Grabbed the hotel ferry to the sky train.
3. Took photo of boat.
4. Took photo of hotel.
5. Bought some espresso.
6. Rode Sky Train.
7. Took photo of school girls.
8. Ate some street food.
   
9. Shopped.
10. Saw weird Christmas decorations.
11. Took Taxi to spa.
12. 1.5 hour massage.
13. .5 hour foot massage.
14. Got food.
15. Listen to Thai lady and man play some blues.
16. Ate yummy food.
17. Shopped some more.
18. Went to Tailor to get fitted for a suit.
    
19. Ate more yummy food.
20. Took taxi back to hotel.
21. Ordered champagne from room service.
22. Opened Christmas presents.
    

Siam Center

Today Gabbie had to go back to the dentist to get the second half of her work done. While she was out I went Christmas shopping. I decided to go to the mall called Siam Center. It had almost everything you could imagine. I did a little shopping for the both of us and then relaxed to a Japanese style hibachi lunch. It was about 4:00 PM when I decided to head back. The traffic was horrible and as the meter ran high so I decided I needed a second plan. I got out of the cab and asked a local for some assistance and directions. He kindly hired a motorbike taxi for me and I was again on my way. The motorcycle ride was exciting, but not very safe. I am back at the hotel and Gabbie just came in. She got her teethed whitened as well and they are Hollywood white. Now we are off to get massages.

Bangkok: First Day

We woke up at 8 AM and took the hotel ferry across the river. We then walked to the nearest subway station, which was really nice. Nicer than in Seattle and NYC (not hard to beat NYC!). We then proceeded to the dentist office and along the way I ordered some Phad See Ew for 75 cents. It was awesome! The dental office was very nice. Our x-rays were taken within 10 minutes. Our consultation included prices and options. My dentist doubled checked everything and even asked for new x-rays. Everything was explained in clear English. It was by far the nicest, quickest, and informational visit I have ever had. I needed a new filling and to add some porcelain to an old crown. Gabbie had a large cavity and filling. For the both of us it only cost $300.00. Then we headed to Khao San road for some food and shopping. We stopped and I had some grilled beef salad, it was also awesome and only cost two dollars. We shopped around and bought clothing and hammocks. After that we went and got an hour of Thai massage for six dollars per person. Again, AWESOME! On the way home Gabbie picked up a banana and Nutella crepe for one dollar. We are now lounging in out hotel. What a day! I love Thailand!

Ethiopian Air: Traveling to Bangkok

At 5:45 AM we left the bungalows and headed for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Turns out that Ethiopian air lives up to it's image. For food we were given cold UN rations and water. Just kidding! Seriously though, check out the video of the airplane safety video. The first half is in English, the second half in Huttesse (Jaba the Huts's native language). The landing in Ethiopia was rough, but we made it. Our four hour lay over was nice. Then we headed to Bangkok. Twenty-two hours later we made it. It turns out that my kick ass wife had champagne waiting for us in the room. I love her! I ran a bath and drank some bubbly. We then ordered room service. I love vacations, I love Bangkok and I love Gabbie!

2009 Winter Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Being away from home for Christmas is harder this year than last. I miss Wintry's ornament party, seeing women wear festive sweaters to work, cold weather, decorating the tree and seeing family and friends. I can't complain too much because we are heading to Thailand. I will take tons of photos and blog when I can. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Senegalese Cars

I have been taking photos of cars in Senegal and now that I have a few I will share my collection. I know, cars are gas eating polluters. Next time I will focus on bicycles.

Thanksgiving/Tabaski Road Trip-Sine Saloum

Grading, check
Grade comments, check
Conferences, check
Planning for trip, check

What does one do when they have a four-day weekend? They drive to a delta known as Sine Saloum. Thursday morning, the Desvaux, the Bryant, and the Olson-Hendel clans drove to the south of Senegal to spend two days at an off the grid eco-tourist lodge. Getting out of town, even at 7 AM, was hell. Folks were traveling to their homes to celebrate Tabaski. Rams, goats, and herders were roadside. It is a tradition to sacrifice a ram and people do find creative ways to get their new animals where they need to go. Rams were on rooftops and in trunks of cars. I even saw four or five; each placed in a grain bag, and tied to the top of a bus. We eventually made it to the port and traveled the last thirty minutes by pirogue. The lodge was great. I had a very relaxing time. I fished from the dock, caught sunfish, and Gabbie went bird watching. It was quiet and the moon was bright. Traveling home was perfect; no one was on the road thanks to Tabaski. Rufisque looked like a ghost town, weird really, but cool too. We all had a very nice time.