underwater

The sensation of being underwater for me was otherworldly or how I imagine being in space might be. If I thought about it too much it was not right, foreign and strange but also lovely to be a visitor in that place. I felt an amazing sense of discovery that this is part of the planet I live on. So many unfamiliar things to see.
Daniel liked getting up really close to the corals and looking at all the details. I liked sitting in one place and looking into the vast chalky blue - this tableau was amazing feeling. I was moved too to see another diver in this deep space and the silver air bubbles rising to the surface. We did two dives, both for an hour. In our conversations with other divers they kept saying how quick an hour underwater feels. I felt like we must be like bulls in a china shop down there and the minutes crept by.

off the beach for a hike

my sweetheart

Sunset in Ko Chang

Friend at the beach

One of the best parts for me about being at the beach is the way time slows down and the day gets occupied by watching crabs scurry about and the like.

Ko Chang

Bangkok

We didn't take very many pictures in Bangkok. A reason to go back. I love Bangkok. It is a city of great contrast. Since we only had a day this time we actually stayed pretty close to home for most of our time and enjoyed our private balcony overlooking the river watching life go by. Wat Po was right behind our small hotel. We went to see the giant sleeping gold Buddha and make 108 wishes. We debated -was it best to make 108 different wishes or the same one over and over? We'll let you know.

On the water taxi for an afternoon adventure. We went to Siam Paragon for some serious window shopping.

Our private balcony. We were very happy here and both had a hard time leaving. It was easy to imagine a life in Bangkok living on the water watching tug boats pull barges past and listening to the sounds of an alive waterway. Knowing there was a beach waiting for us was a pretty good incentive to get up early and fly south.

The view at night from our balcony. Directly across from our balcony stood Wat Arun on guard.

Riding the rails

Bangkok train station

Around Ayuthaya

Ayuthaya

Daniels discouraging fortune, unfortunately.

We've been doing our best to maintain purities.

Back From Holiday

Foreshadowing at the train station cafe.

We've just returned from our October break.
We made our way to a beach in Koh Chang with no electricity and very few other people which was perfect for our one year Anniversary. Thanks to all who sent their love and cards for this special occasion! I have alot of pictures to share but I think it's best done over a few days.

We started our trip with an overnight train to Bangkok with a stop for an overnight in Ayuthaya on the way. The train trip highlight was when the monk sleeping next to us did his bathing ritual in the morning and flooded the car.

Kate and Paul

We forgot the camera this weekend so you'll have to wait for photos that our new friends Paul and Kate have promised to email us when they get back to the states from their honeymoon. Kate and Paul came to us through my dear friend Thea who I spent many hours with, actually we figure we spent more hours with each other than we did with our husbands, while working at California College of the Arts. I have definitely suffered some withdrawal from my days with Thea. Kate and Paul were super great! Thanks Thea!
Check out Kate's project which I have long been an admirer of- http://www.mundanejourneys.com/
It was so great to have a full weekend of visitors and to be able to show them around and realize we are getting to know the area. We do have some favorite spots. The best part was getting to know Kate and Paul! And they brought us Blue Bottle coffee on top of it all!
This was so much fun! If you have friends coming our way please send them our way!

swim meet

Our school hosted a swim meet today. I loved all the bright colors