Waking up to my last day in Bangkok and I'm stricken with mixed emotions of joy and sadness. I'm sadden to leave my friend Kanit and his wonderful family. They have been gracious hosts showing me their favorite places in here in the city and the splendid resort town of Hua Hin. I've gotten a chance to pray at the many Buddhist temples, and bow dwarfed in comparison to the monumental Buddha statues. I've felt spiritually connected when I kneel there clasping a lotus flower in prayer and strong whiff of incense filling your breath. I'm sure my unorthodox ritual is not performed correctly as I mimic those around me, but temple after temple I've had enough chances to practice.
For most every meal we've eaten out, since their place has a small kitchen and neither Kanit nor Mink cook and not without effort, but I've been privy to many of the best Thai food in Bangkok. And although one might feel eating out indulgent or extravagant, here the meals are perfect portions shared amongst one another over entertaining conversation. Kanit always insisting on sharing his favorite dish as we waltz into the restaurant I was happily pleased to discover many new dishes, and never having the same one. Yet after two weeks of tasting all his favorites, I asked him, "so what is your favorite dish?" only to reply, "all of them" which I completely agree. We've had so many favorite dishes, that he's shared the slang he call thems, 'Favolit', Good times!
Over the three weeks I've learned to live and breathe as much Thai lifestyle and culture as I can including the the tour I took to Ayuthyya. I've visited with Kanit's and Mink's family who are just as charismatic and dynamic in their own ways. Enjoying the similar traits I see in Kanit and Mink. No amount of pictures and videos can capture the special moments I've been apart of as they laugh and joke about one another, and the kinship you feel as a family. And I could not forget their son Kidd. At only two his is just as charismatic as his parents. With a signature look and endearing frolicking you can't escape his attraction. Morning after morning I'm awoken to his sweet laughter and jibberish to step outside to see his blank stare of curiosity and signature furrowed brow. It was hard to see any resemblance to whom this trait descended from, but over dinner and heady conversation, Kanit pointed out as Mink sat with similar look on her face! She quickly turned blush. Laughter abound.
I'm elated to finally return home to my loving family I miss greatly to share many more stories (most of which I hope to compile in future blogs) but for now I relish in these memories. Thanks again Kanit and Mink and I hope to return very soon with family to share in more experiences.
Sawadee Kup
Robert
