Getting Ready for Christmas, Sort Of

Adjectives that describe the last two days in Chaing Mai:

Scary -- riding in a tuk-tuk (think taxi that marries a golf cart with a motorcycle) through evening traffic to meet Julia's friends at a German beer garden (so realistic-- the cowboy art was an especially nice touch)

Terrifying -- to hear about the dog that died on Julia's farm after an encounter with a cobra (things parents didn't need to know for $500, Alex)

Blissful -- the two Thai massages we all had so far (a foot massage and the regular Thai massage, the latter which combines relaxation and physical therapy with the masseuse crawling all over your back), all for ridiculous prices: the one-hour foot massage was $5)

Memorably beautiful -- the visit to the annual Royal Flora and Fauna Show outside of town, think amusement park with acres and acres of flowers; fun to ride the Ferris Wheel.

Christmas spirity -- keeping up the Leis family tradition of feeding Julia's "strays" for the holidays -- we will be taking 8 to Christmas Day brunch tomrrow.

Thai-like -- the Christmas "show" in the park tonight, as in what Christmas park would be complete without skinny Thai girls in skimpy Santa outfits and a Christmas beauty pageant.

Have a wonerful Christmas everyone!