30,000 people came from all over the country to show support of the protests.

thai3
Originally uploaded by migratorynature.

Our wedding anniversary on the river, Bangkok.

CSC_1665
Originally uploaded by migratorynature.

TWO YEARS OF MARRIAGE AND TRAVEL

On August 12th we celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary by dressing up for an elegant night on the town. We were long overdue to take our fancy clothes out for a walk; mostly because Thailand is so relaxed one can easily pass the days in shorts and flips. We took a cab into the heart of Bangkok where we ate a dinner of roasted lamb and BBQ ribs (yes, ribs ARE unquestionably a sophisticated dinner item). The restaurant was stylishly situated on the river-side veranda of the legendary Oriental Hotel. Our table faced Thailand's largest and most famous river, the Chao Praya. We savored gourmet morsels and gazed at the river boats drifting by, decorated in white Christmas lights. The general ambiance was quite posh until a tropical storm appeared from nowhere and we had to grab our plates and dash inside for cover from the barrage. Other than the mad dashing part, we felt quite aristocratic.

Fortunately we were dry once again by the time we got to the Siam Paragon Cineplex, Bangkok's premiere VIP movie theatre. Make no mistake, this "VIP" theatre comes complete with a lounge and a bar, leather recliner chairs, down pillows, plush blankets, drinks and popcorn delivered to your seat, and a wall around you and your partner's recliners so the neighbors can't see you making out during the movie! Pixar's Wall-E was cute and well made. Go see it if you get a chance.

The highlight of the night was in the simple realization that our anniversary also marks the two years that we've been traveling the world together. In just two years we've been to India, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and of course Thailand. And if it's up to us, we'll hit at least that many new countries in the years to come.

Katie going for a dip in the ocean, "It's so warm!".

katieocean
Originally uploaded by migratorynature.

WEEKEND ROADTRIP TO THE ISLANDS

This morning the sun rises blood orange turning the black ocean waves silver and then a tranquil marine blue. This is the view from my yoga mat as I stand in "tree pose" on the beach of Koh Samet island. Koh Samet is located about four hours south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand. An impromtu roadtrip adventure to the beach manifested itself and the results so far have been soft white sand dunes and salty air boundless.

After breakfast with friends at a beach side cafe, we plopped down under an umbrella for the rest of the day to take advantage of Thai "sabai sabai" (take it easy) lifestyle.

Hmmm, should we go for a tumble in the warm bathwaters or wait and watch while the tide slowly brings its waters to us? Perhaps we'll purchase some tropical papaya salad from one of the many vendors that sluff by in a constant meandering drove. Can't pass up the cheap Thai massage: it's given on a towel right next to our umbrella. Don't forget about that old Charles Dickens classic you've been wanting to dive into. Yeah that's the ticket. Some choice reading followed by a promonade down the beach to let our chameleon skin change colors. If the moment feels right, we might even expand our sea shells collection.

Katie and her friends from school eating BBQ on the beach, Koh Samet.

allthree
Originally uploaded by migratorynature.

Sittin' on the dock of the bay. Waistin' time in Koh Samet.

boatdock
Originally uploaded by migratorynature.