It's been a tiring, but a wonderful week in the States. I am over the jet lag, at least physically, but mentally I still feel a little foggy. Every now and then, something happens and I think "I should write that on my blog," and then the moment of clarity passes and the fog rolls back in.
I've done a lot of traveling on this trip: A few days in San Francisco, a few days in Missouri, and now a few days in Florida, in the town that I spent the first 18 years of my life. And, I have to tell ya, my old hometown is like a foreign country to me. Sure, most of the buildings and the roads are familiar, but at the same time it feels very strange and exotic to me -- so much so that I just can't imagine living here again. And to think that Bangkok seems more comfortable to me now. Odd, isn't it?
So, perhaps I will be able to write some more of my thoughts down later, but for now, I just want to tell everyone "Happy December 25th". (Is that the most PC way to say it these days? ;)
I am glad you're enjoying your time off in the US. Let me know if you're planning to visit Raleigh.
Happy holidays Stuart. We spent Christmas day in Pittsburgh, then will be traveling to Houston later in the week for New Year's. Sorry I wasn't home to take you out like the old days. Say hello to ur sis 4 me. Ciao - E
Hi Stuart, welcome back to the states. You're describing exactly how I felt when I returned from my first trip to Thailand. It seemed like America was a mirage. I remember looking down the main street in the town I lived in and it seemed so quiet and desolate compared to Sukumvit or Rama IV. It took me a few days to shake that.
Too bad that I missed your visit. Next time??? I'll be here until August:)
I like to say MERRY CHRISTMAS on Dec. 25th since it is Christmas day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Stuart!
I'm visiting my family in Spain, it feels weird to be surrounded by Westerners too. (Watching Spanish TV is just another exotic adventure!)
Happy New Year Stuart! I'm sure you would miss Krungthep! I do too.... Anyway, may the new year bring happiness, prosperity and good fortune. สวัสดีปีใหม่ ส.ค.ส.(พ.ศ.) ๒๕๔๙, ขอจงมีควมสุควมเจริญ. I'm sure with your experience in Krungthep, you can read Thai now, right?
Oh yeah, is Piyawat also in the States with you?
Take care and regards
David, unfortunately I don't think I'll be going back to Raleigh any time soon, since I don't have any family within 500 miles of there any more. You'll just have to come to Bangkok.
Eric, Charles, Jet and Alex, thanks for the Holiday greetings. I hope you all had a lovely end of the year and a great year ahead of you.
Kitjar, nope, Piyawat had to stay in Thailand this time, unfortunately.
And Naked Boy... you make an excellent point. I hope you had a MERRY CHRISTMAS! ;)