Two Days in Yangon, Myanmar

After five years, Matt and I do pretty good traveling together.  Matt traveled extensively and often solo for years before we met.  He's much more of an explorer than I am.  Let's just say I'm partial to a more leisurely pace.  But as I've gained more experience and confidence, our traveling rhythm has become pretty well matched.  I've expanded my comfort zone and he indulges me with a few hours or days where there's "no plan". (Well, that's not entirely true, with Matt there is always a plan.)  But, this slight difference in our travel style was never more evident than when we went to Thailand and included a side trip to Yangon, Myanmar. 

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

One last stop on our private tour in Bangkok and this one is not to be missed.  The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and has been the official residence of the monarchy of Thailand until recently.  The current King resides elsewhere but the Palace is still used for official events.  It's a large complex with various buildings, pavilions, halls, gardens, stupas and chapels.  This is also where you will find Thailand's most sacred site, Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.  You could write a book about this place so I'll just share some of my favorite photographs from our time there and just a few quick tips if you are planning on visiting.

Wat Pho - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The next temple that we visited on our private tour with Your Thai Guide was Wat Pho to see the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.  Wat Pho is actually a large temple complex and home to the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. This was my favorite stop of the day (in addition to the Lotus farm).

Golden Buddha of Wat Traimit

It's time to show you some more photos from one of our most incredible trips.  Thailand was so high on our list.  We only had one week to spend there which is never going to be enough.  I was probably in love with Thailand before we even went, and it did not disappoint in any way.  I loved every site, sound and smell.  It was absolute magic.  We had such a short time in Bangkok, but we got in a much as we could by booking a private tour with Your Thai Guide.  After visiting the a floating market and a lotus farm, our guide Nina took us to visit Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

The Surrey County Show

I started this post yesterday and planned to get up this morning and add some text.  But I just can't do it.  With things going on at home and afar, I just can't get my blogging mojo back.  So I think I'll just go with that for awhile.  These photos cheer me up a little so I hope you enjoy them.  It really was a great day  

I have a quick suggestion for you.  If you live in the UK, mark your calendars right now for May 29, 2017.  I'll wait while you do that...  That is the date of the next Surrey County Show and the countdown has started, 318 days to go.   If you're an American in the UK, you will particularly love this.  It's like a really great County Fair with a very British twist.  It's a terrific day out!   If you have children, they are really going to love it. 

Life Lately

I'm back.  No, really.  This time I really am back.  I'm finally done with that crazy, daily 4 hour commute to London!  If you follow me on social media, I apologize for all of the ranting.  I can't even tell you how happy I am to be done with that.  My coworkers, I will miss.  That commute, not so much.  Here's a quick little update on what we've been up to lately.