Beginning of summer, 2016

Summer doesn't officially begin with R-Man's birthday, but I had to get this picture in somewhere!

OK, now it can start.  After school ended in June, we had a couple of weeks with not much to do.  One day we went to Herb Hills, right here in Daegu.  For about 20 bucks, the kids did this zipline and treetop adventure course that took about an hour.  

There was also a museum that had rustic tools, like this carrier. 

And this water bucket carrier. 

It is not as much fun when there are only two bumper-car riders, but the kids were willing to do just about anything to make the time go by.  They were waiting for the vacation part of our summer to begin.  Our cruise with the Jollys.  They had been counting the days, hours, and minutes for about the past six months. And finally, the day was almost here... almost. 

First, we had to get to Vancouver.  Which we did.  

And despite having wicked jet lag, we went for a walk around the downtown area.  

And waited... while having Mexican food!  Which really is the best kind of waiting. 

Here we are eating breakfast at Tim Horton's at 4:00 AM, because that is what happens when you have jet lag.  Breakfast at 4 sounds reasonable, because we had been up since 2... R-Man and I already got our hour long runs in!  

Finally together on Vancouver Island at a house with  one of the most beautiful views I have seen. 

Wow, right?!?

Here is the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.  (I didn't know what it was either, but I do now!)

Loving the beach.

Walking tour of Victoria, here is the Parliament building.

After a long day, a well deserved soak in the hot tub for the kids.

Another trip to a different beach, this one loaded with crabs.

Finally beer o'clock... with good ole Lebatt's Bleu.  

And a marshmallow roast.

Tomorrow we get on the cruise! 

We Love Phuket

Hello! 

So after all of that crazy travelling for school and work, we headed to one of our favorite beaches in Thailand, Bang Tao.  We went to the same hotel, ate at the same restaurants, and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and sunsets.  

This time, we got a swim up room, which meant that even if the pool was closed, we could swim in our own little pool.  So each night after dinner, we went in the little pool.  

Another day over... 

Who doesn't love a hammock swing? 

Here are our two kids and two of their friends at the putt-putt golf place that is right next to the hotel.

I love this picture because it is like a mini-UN meeting every day.  Our two are from the US, but live in Korea.  The kid on the right is from France, but living in Kuala Lampur,Malaysia, and the one on the left is from the Ukraine, but living in the UK.  They all talked and got along, and made plans to meet up each day, to visit each others' schools, and to take a vacation together again next year.

I love the group of them because their world view is so different from mine growing up.
When I was in fourth grade, I had a pen-pal from Des Moines, Iowa that was set up by my teacher, Mrs. Bauersachs.  I used to look at the postage seal on the letters I received, and look at Iowa in the World Book Encyclopedia, (1976 edition).  I had no idea about life in Iowa, and the chances of actually going there (Iowa!) was about as likely as going to the moon.  Now, full disclosure, my pen-pal was black, and she sent me her school photo.  She was also in fourth grade, had a brother, and she was the only black person I had ever met... even though we had really never met, we only corresponded.  Her name was Bernadette, and I thought it was amazing that we were friends.  
So I look at these kids, who don't see boundaries, or colors, or limits, or ever feel like outsiders, and I think it is an incredible thing they have.  And that is one of the reasons that we love Thailand.  Everyone is on vacation... and every one can be friends.  

that, and the sunsets.

Is that guy peeing?

Some shots from a mid-day beach walk. 

Even during the day, the little pool is nice, and where I did all of my swimming.

The beach World Cup.

Finally a sunrise!  I get up each morning and run on the beach, but I never bring my phone to take pictures.  But the sunrise for the past few mornings had been so beautiful, on the last day I decided to bring it. 

Last day shopping at the fresh market.  This place has fruits, veggies, meats, and tons of faux items. 

And we get a tuk-tuk ride home.  

Last night at our favorite restaurant, and R-Man spots a typo.  heehee. 

We will definitely be back for another UN summit next year.