Sawasdee + Ka (women) or + Krub (men)

We're learning a little bit of the Thai language. I have felt bad not greeting people in Thai ... so this morning I am practicing saying "Good Morning" in their language! Thai is like French in that the words are gendered. I'm going to have to add "thank you" to my growing vocabulary soon! 🤪

We had another lazy start to the day. It's a bit cloudy and breezy! It's still 27°C but doesn't feel as hot as the past couple of days. I typically detest the wind at home, but it's a welcome relief in the heat!

We joined a couple in our group for breakfast. We had an interesting conversation about the problem of homelessness back in Canada. At first I heard considerable judgment, but as we chatted more about the roots of attachment injury and trauma in addiction and homelessness ... I felt some softening.

After breakfast, we walked over to pick up our laundry. The old boy has made a friend in the parking lot attendant. He was quick to head onto the street to halt traffic and make sure we crossed safely. We continue to be impressed by how kind and respectful the Thai people are. I think I mentioned that even the vendors on the beach do not pressure nor harass. They simply smile and ask and do not persist past hearing "no".

On the way to get our laundry, we passed an air-conditioned massage and nail establishment. I think it was called East and South Health ______(?). When I spied the large yellow recliners, I knew I needed to have a foot massage there! The old boy decided to join me ... and ... we enjoyed the most sublime experience.

At first it was just the two of us and the soothing music in the background. About halfway, another couple came in and the woman beside me decided to watch videos on her phone. Yes. With the volume loud enough to drown out the background music. 🤔

I debated saying something ... because we learned that the Thai people are not fond of confrontation. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt by assuming whatever she was watching might be urgent. When it continued for three more videos ... I got brave and gently touched her arm. When she looked my way, I kindly raised my finger to my lips and mouthed "Sshhh."

Fortunately, she was very receptive and turned off her device. Maybe she didn't realize she was disrupting the Zen for the rest of us? I'm not sure, but I'm glad I honored my needs.

Our foot massage/reflexology also included a shoulder, head and short back massage at the end. We both thought this session was even better than the massages on the beach ... so we will be sure to go back. It cost us $300BAT each ... which is about $13CAD for each of us. We added a nice tip because it was so relaxing. I'm going to be sure to tell others in our group to give it a try! I hope we can steer some business in their direction!

The practitioners were both so intentional and mindful as they poured their tranquil energy into their work. It was so comfortable and soothing that we both almost dozed off. We were both so wobbly when they finished that we had to sit on the bench outside to enjoy our complimentary water afterwards. The old boy had never had a foot massage before and we talked about how our parasympathetic nervous system was activated during our treatment.

After our foot massages, we snagged a couple of lounge chairs on the beach. I had plans of taking a walk along the beach but didn't get any further than the shore line. The old boy decided to have some pineapple that was being sold by a beach side vendor! It was so sweet and delicious. And, amazingly ... it was also so artistically carved!!

We played some more bridge a 2:30pm today. Our fourth was not feeling well so we recruited another guest who took some lessons years ago. The staff were marvelous about lowering a wind screen so we could play without the strong breeze blowing our dummy's hands off the table! It was still so much fun. I really hope we get to play again one day before we leave here!

We had to cut our Bridge game short in order to get ready to join all the others at 'The Green Bird' for cocktails. Everyone except two of our group gathered together. It was wonderful to be seated near some of the other people in our group that we had not had as much opportunity to chat with before tonight.

For example, a couple from Montreal will also be going to Bali! He has not been feeling well, so we have not had much chance to connect with them before now.

We thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and got home just in time to regroup before a group of us headed out to see the "Paris Follies Cabaret" tonight! This is a show that highlights the 'lady boys' of Thailand.

It was very bright and busy! They used a lot of strobe lights which wasn't much to my liking! The costumes were amazing and the gal in the scrappy black outfit found her way onto the old boy's lap for a little flirting! It caught him a bit by surprise when she squeezed his bossom! I wish I'd had a picture of 'their moment'.

I'm glad we experienced it, but let's just say it won't stand out in my mind as one of my favorite moments on this trip! 😉

With much appreciation for all the memories we are tucking into our hearts,
❤️ k&j ❤️Meer informatie