All posts by Jonathan

Happy New Year 2025

December 31, 2024Friends, Thailand, TravelChristmas, Thailand, TravelJonathan

As we prepare to leave Thailand after 2+ weeks, just a few parting shots and a proverb.

We first met Chob 17 years ago during our initial trip to Thailand, and ever since, he has made every visit truly memorable. Tonight, we enjoyed a ride around the city in his private Tuk Tuk.

Us with Chob in 2007 – we were all looking a little younger back then.

We fit! But it was a little bit of a clown show when there was the driver, Chob, and us 2 getting in and out. So much fun and a great way to see Bangkok at night.

Dinner with friends: Chob, Francois, Jonathan and Scott

We wish for you the best in 2025 — Jonathan & Scott

Ayutthaya

December 29, 2024Family, ThailandBangkok, Christmas, Jonathan, Scott, Thailand, TravelJonathan

Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, is a must-visit for a glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Once a thriving trade hub and one of the world’s largest cities and the capital of Siam (modern day Thailand), Ayutthaya is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning temple ruins, intricate statues, and centuries-old architectural marvels. Surrounded by rivers, the city offers a serene atmosphere ideal for exploring by foot, bike, or boat.

Who is Joy? If you frequent our Blog you will know that every time we come to Thailand we use Mr. Chob’s “Thai Travel Guide” tour company for our private tours. For the last almost 6 years we have enjoyed Joy (a name well suited to her) to be our primary guide. She is so knowledgeable and always happy. We cannot imagine a tour in the Bangkok region without Joy present. Joy knows Mathieu as well, and they started the day with a quick FaceTime.

Boat ride in the rivers and canals surrounding Ayutthaya

Thank you Mr. Chob, Joy and Thai Tour Guide for yet another incredible day.

Chiang Mai

December 27, 2024Christmas, Family, Ladyboy, Thailand, TravelChristmas, Ladyboy, Thailand, TravelJonathan

Temples, and Tigers and Ladyboy’s…Chiang Mai (get it – sort of a play on the Wizard of Oz and Lion’s and Tiger’s and Bear’s …Oh My!)…if not, sorry.

Watson’s soul mate…always good to lay on your back without a care in the world

So much fun and a great crowd. Thai culture is so diverse.

Christmas – December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024Christmas, Family, Thailand, TravelAsia, Thailand, TravelJonathan

Merry Christmas from Thailand. Here are a few of our memories this last week at the Legend Resort in Chiang Rai, as well as some holiday decorating cheer around the resort and in our room.

And of course, our Christmas tree which has travelled the world

With General Manager Eric

Yup. Christmas is an Instagram thing is Thailand

Elephant Day

December 24, 2024Christmas, Family, Thailand, TravelChristmas, Thailand, TravelJonathan

Today was a ton of fun, literally a ton. After a 30 minute drive into the mountains, we jumped into our elephant wrangler gear (unflattering blue jeans and a wild vest; they want us to look like people the elephants are familiar with) and headed into the hills. We hiked about 1/2 mile through a rubber tree grove and into a clearing where we were met by 3 full gown elephants. Our morning was spent, feeding the elephants sugar cane, some elephant vitamins, and giving them a bath. Once done, we had lunch with the elephants. It was an amazing experience.

Not the best angle, but you get the point. We hiked about 1/4 mile with the elephants to their base camp.

With a side trip / hike to a mountain waterfall

Cooking with Ann

December 23, 2024Christmas, Family, ThailandChristmas, Thailand, TravelJonathan

Something different today, we went to a Thai cooking class.

From the moment Ann picked us up from our hotel, we knew this would be a special experience. On the way to the market, she asked about our likes, dislikes, preferred dishes, and even how much food we could eat (note: look at the pictures – we asked for something small to medium, can you imagine if we would have said we were hungry!). When then shopped together for the freshest ingredients, customizing the experience to our tastes.

Ann welcomed us into her beautifully appointed outdoor Thai kitchen at her home, where we spent nearly 3 hours preparing, cooking, and dining on several dishes. These are not pre-set menus; instead, Ann ensured we were making and eating dishes tailored to our preferences. The result is one of the finest dining experiences we have ever had in Thailand, not just because of the flavors but because it was designed entirely for us.

The Golden Triangle

December 22, 2024Family, ThailandChristmas, Thailand, TravelJonathan

Northern Thailand comes to a point between Laos and Myanmar (former Burma). Today’s journey was to touch into each of those countries with a few sites along the way.

Along our way we stopped in a village of Myanmar refuges from the Karen heritage. This former Burmese indigenous people are known for their females carrying on the lifelong commitment to rings on their neck that by dropping their shoulders make the appearance of having very long necks. The lady you see us with has the longest neck in the village.

The Golden Triangle. We are standing in Thailand. The land behind us is Myanmar. To the right is Laos.

We took a high speed boat to officially cross the boarders of both Myanmar and Laos.

We are officially in Myanmar at this point, although we could not make landfall.

We did officially step ground on Laos and walked around a bit.

Jonathan is holding up one Of the key ingredients to Laotian Whiskey….Cobra.

We then went back to Chiang Rai and visited a flower festival. It was awesome.

Northern Thailand: Chiang Rai – Temple Day

December 21, 2024Christmas, Family, Thailand, WinterChristmas, Thailand, TravelJonathan

We are now at the furthest destination of our trip; Northern Thailand in the Chiang Rai province. This region is known for its mountains, vast fields of rice and tea, as well as a slower paced culture.

Today was Temple Day. We experienced the modern side of Thai culture, temples, and museums. And YES, we are wearing matching shirts (see the last picture of this post for our shirt design).