5/25 - A Couple Responses

Here are a couple more lengthy responses to comments (questions) linked to our most recent post.

Ann: I'm glad you liked the Viewpoint picture--that is a special place. Fortunately, we have more from there that are just as good. As for the vegetation, Viewpoint was planted with many bougainvillea and lantana, so yes, some things are very familiar. There are new things, as well, and we have specifically learned about many kinds of trees (including tamarind, rubber, palm oil, and banyan trees).

Sue: Actually, time doesn't always fly--it depends on the day. Certainly when we are on the go it slips away. But when we are begrudgingly searching out another meal or killing some time while planning another move, it feels like it. As for language, we have been able to use English almost exclusively. We do regularly use a few Thai phrases, such as "thank you", etc. Occasionally we are at an impasse in communication with a local, but that has been rare as almost every where we have been is a tourist area. The locals we talk with often have limited English but have learned enough from tourists over the years to have a choppy yet lengthy conversation. We have had more in-depth conversations with locals the past few days, particularly with boat or taxi drivers. When they find out where we are from, they always ask whether we like George Bush. It’s pretty funny. It's also quite interesting to hear about views of the US government from Thai Buddhist and Muslim commoners. Besides some politics, we have also been able to ask about religion. The idea of karma is pretty clear.

We'll have to share more in person...


Longtail Boat Driver