a little love and a lot of light

This past year has been tough for a lot of loved ones. Tonight I got to experience a lantern festival. During these festivals people light a lantern and release into the sky with a dream, wish, or just over all hope. As I watched these lights drift up into the sky appearing to be little stars that eventually burn out and plunge back to the earth. I began to think back on this year, for me it was filled with love, and steps towards exciting new worlds, and beginnings. For others it was filled with hardship. When I thought about a good wish for the New Year I wished for a better and brighter year for my loved ones.

 I also got to experience something else amazing, though not so thought provoking but still fun. We were walking on our way to the festival, and an elephant and his trainer were hanging out next to the road charging 20 Tai Bot (which is 0.66$) to feed the elephant bananas and hang out. So needless to say I approached and fed this great ball of joy, a handful of bananas. When I wasn't giving him bananas fast enough he would blow raspberrys on my stomach with his trunk. I was also pleased to see that he appeared happy and playful. Not only was he sweet but he showed no signs of bleaching which is a visual indicator that an elephant is unhappy or stressed. I miss you all and I hope you have a hopeful and fun New Year. Lets raise our glasses to 2013 might this year bring more luck, happy dreams, and hope.

I just saw this dude so I thought I would throw him in!

New Years

 The first of our lovely images is a round about. Most all of them have some sort of statue, making them very decorative.

 A veiw of the mountains from our street.

 7am. and the bar across the way knows how to attract an audience.

 Just a statue chilling out on the side of the street.

 .....anyone need gas?

 the path we walked along on the way to the beach. There was some debate about the water quality.

 The kitchen of a restaurant on the river.

 The BEACH!! and yes I am already a little sun burned.

 The beach where we will spend new years tonight.

Have a great New Years!

New Years eve!

Upon leaving my dad kept telling me to change the name of my blog to the colon diaries. Luckily I have yet to experience any issues with my colon. Also I am finally in Thailand, Phuket to be exact. We will be here for about two weeks then off to India, Andamans, and then where ever else. We are about to go out to a local eatery for breakfast! Then to the beach, and possibly exploring? I will post pictures tonight and tell more of what the day holds! Also happy New Years Eve!!!! I kind of wish I was back home to celebrate but I heard that tonight they were going to do a lantern festival to celebrate the New Year so I guess I am very glad to be here to witness it!

good luck and see you soon

This is my first of many post to come. Here I come India, and Thailand. I am nervous and excited. The holiday season has been amazing. I got to spend that last few days at home with my family, friends, and my fiance. I hope everyone else has had a good holiday season. Keep an eye out for posts in the future.