This is a brief entry to let everyone know that I have landed safely in the thirty-degree heat and gorgeous sunshine of Thailand.  I was picked up from the airport by the wonderfully hospitable parents of a Thai friend, and if there is anything to complain about, it is that they are too nice!

 

Later today I am leaving for Chiang Mai (in the north), then coming back to Bangkok for a few days, and finally going off to Phuket for a week.  In Chiang Mai I am meeting a classmate from Beijing; in Bangkok staying with the same lovely family that picked me up; and in Phuket doing some proper lonesome touring, hooking up with other tourists along the way.  On the to-do list are the following: bungee jumping, snorkelling, mountain biking, meditation lessons, live jazz on the riverbank, elephant riding, sunbathing, Thai cooking classes, diving, hiking, temple-visiting...  Shall I go on or do you get the picture?

 

Oh, and... Christmas under a palm tree!!!  Happy and safe holidays to all. =)