Oh Thailand.
Been spending the last few days at what can only be described as paradise, a.k.a. my friends' house down in the south of Thailand, where orchids seem to grow like weeds and where the natural white noises {rain, birds and systematically situated fountains} put the best of those relaxation CDs to shame. Top that with American electrical outlets aplenty (read: Ernie and I are no longer forced to share the lone adapter we inherited from Lucky) (not that we didn't have ample opportunities to buy more but somehow this task never made it to the nonexistent priority list).
And I haven't even mentioned the world class company. Let's just say, life is pretty perfect right now.
I have no intention of going up to Bangkok. I'd rather stay put right here in the middle of nowhere for a bit, catching up with friends, enjoying the rain, the lack of need for hair and make-up, the coconuts and the world's best mangoes. I know I say "best mangoes" about a lot of countries but what can I say, I love mangoes.
Rain rain don't go away. Such a nice contrast to the big cities of the last few weeks. Also a nice break from hotel life.
Spicy food and I get along famously -- always have. (We go way back.) Don't really understand how locals are so tiny though, I would look like a cow if I had constant access to food like this.
Having clean laundry truly is a blessing and nothing beats the comfort of Thai pants. What they lack in flattering virtues they certainly make up for in comfort and let's not forget the clever and much appreciated one-size-fits-all approach that facilitates my constant food consumption.
Giant shirts are another efficient method of camouflaging the side effects of too many meals. My current motto is comfort first, looks second and I can't even be bothered with make-up.
I have the best friends in the world -- don't think I don't know it.
Until next time.
Agnes
Glad to see you looking well and having great, relaxing fun. I miss the beautiful flora of SE Asia, especially the orchids. And Thailand is an attractive country in so many ways. All color and a nice, slow tempo. (Away from Bangkok, that is!)
Posted by: Ian Stewart | January 11, 2013 at 04:21 AM
It really does not look like you need to worry about loose fitting clothes... enjoy all the food!
Posted by: Colours | January 11, 2013 at 07:16 AM
Love your motto! Enjoy Paradise!!!!!!!
Posted by: Andi of My Beautiful Adventures | January 11, 2013 at 07:42 AM
Agnessss.....you were in singapore??? I would have loveddd to meet you... i havent visited this place in a while and completely missed your asia trip posts.... :((
Posted by: Shalmalee Vaidya | January 11, 2013 at 07:59 AM
Nice photographs as always. Thanks for sharing.
And I like mangoes too.
Posted by: Tushar | January 11, 2013 at 10:09 AM
@Shalmalee: Next time! For sure!
Posted by: agnes | January 11, 2013 at 11:13 AM
You look amazingly relaxed. And that's great. Wish I could be there (though spicy food and I don't get along too well). happy weekend.
Posted by: Loree | January 11, 2013 at 04:08 PM
I hope you get to Koh Samui and Fishermans Village - my favourite restaurant is there !!
Posted by: kate_woods | January 11, 2013 at 06:30 PM
Your affinity for Thailand is very evident. It shows in your photos and in your post. And it is very obvious in your whole demeanor. I noticed a similar, comfortability or "at homeness" in the more out of the way or more "thirdworldly" cities and countries visited. Really, it was as if you were really in tune with parts of Morroco and Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, but especially Thailand. And your efforts in each area to educate those you met were a model of a level of care that was really endearing (not only to me but to the locals too). I must say that it's been a true adventure and traveling with you has been the most important component.
Posted by: Ernie | January 11, 2013 at 07:45 PM
Glad to see you are having such a great time in Thailand. Your photos are super and the food looks delicious!!
Posted by: Anastasia | January 12, 2013 at 07:17 AM
By the way, the food looks like an ode to the palate!
Posted by: Anastasia | January 13, 2013 at 07:31 AM
I love mangoes too. I'm not partial, but I know the Philippine mangoes are the best---juiciest, tastiest and most heavenly for the palate. If you like going to Southeast Asian countries, try coming to my home-nation, the Philippines...as they say "it's more fun in the Philippines." It's similar to Thailand but with a lot more beautiful beaches, more food, and more fun!
I agree , big shirts can camouflage the effects of too much eating :-) hehehe!
Posted by: Bree Hatfield | January 13, 2013 at 10:55 AM
I need to get my hands on some of those Thi pants and big shirts. If everyone I knew (and saw) whould be willing to wear them... well let's just say what a perfect world it would be.
Posted by: Jan | January 13, 2013 at 04:43 PM
Hey AGnes, I really don't mean to spam or anything like that....but after I posted my previous comment here on this same post, I read that the Philippines is at top 17 at the list of New York Times' 46 Top Places to Go in 2013; you can read it here-->http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html?ref=travel
Posted by: Bree Hatfield | January 13, 2013 at 05:55 PM
P.S. Agnes...maybe you can get me some pointers on growing orchids. Mine bloomed ...bloom now gone... what do I do? The leaves look so wilted :(
Posted by: Jan | January 13, 2013 at 06:32 PM
you are blessed!!
Posted by: momto8blog | January 14, 2013 at 09:43 PM
You always look beautiful and I am hooked on the one size fits all pants and tops ;D
Alway feel like I've visited an exotic locale along with you when I read your posts.
Enjoy.
Posted by: Mary Sheehan Winn | January 15, 2013 at 10:27 AM
A lovely post Agnes and am now envious to see those sights of Thailand! Hope you have a blast!
Posted by: Rahul | January 16, 2013 at 05:00 AM
It looks like you're having such a wonderful time, and you look amazing, as always.
Posted by: Rebecca Emin | January 16, 2013 at 08:40 AM
Nice post Agnes with beauty of Thailand with delicious foods and relaxing massage spa parlors.
Posted by: Massage In Framing | January 16, 2013 at 09:26 AM
I hope you're still there taking it easy! Looks like a fabulous place!
Posted by: Barbara | January 17, 2013 at 12:10 AM
So happy for you, Agnes! I would love to try some fruits off that fruit tray.
Posted by: Arti | January 17, 2013 at 10:39 AM
Thailand is an amazing place--sounds like you're having a wonderful time.
Posted by: Sage | January 19, 2013 at 01:45 PM
What a trip u are on, Agnes.. Happy New year! Hope u travel to your heart's desire!
Posted by: Bins | January 21, 2013 at 04:43 AM
.........Sounds like the script of "Eat, Pray, Love" to me ........
Posted by: tony | January 22, 2013 at 08:37 AM
I skip the wonderful plants of SE Japan, especially the orchid flowers. And Thailand is an eye-catching nation in so many methods.
Posted by: MBA Institutes | January 24, 2013 at 03:49 AM
Aaaaah! The food looks so good! I love Thai fooood! :D
Posted by: Nim | January 24, 2013 at 02:37 PM
Spicy food is an essential part of the Asian food.
Those "giant shirts" look real ethnic.
Posted by: joe | January 24, 2013 at 07:54 PM
It was as if you were really in track with areas of Morroco and Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, but especially Thailand.
Posted by: Institute of Design India | January 28, 2013 at 12:25 AM
This post is pure bliss! Enjoy yourself!!! xo
Posted by: Sara Louise | January 29, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Awesome photos! You look beautiful. So happy you sound so happy!
Posted by: Michelle | January 29, 2013 at 02:57 PM
you had me at "BEST MANGOES"!!! ok, really, you had me at THAILAND and did not stop till the very last picture and word... but mangoes would've been enough!!! ENJOY!!! ♥♥♥
Posted by: lauren | January 31, 2013 at 09:31 AM
Loved reading about your trip. And the photographs...they are superb, u've captured the essence of every place u've been.
Keep 'em posts coming:-)).
Posted by: Nancy | January 31, 2013 at 10:42 AM
I'm insanely jealous! I want to go to Thailand....YESTERDAY! Love the photos as usual. And....it's so great to see you traveling about again...I love reading your posts.
Posted by: aubrey | February 06, 2013 at 06:23 PM
Thailand! How jealous am I? Have a lovely time...
Posted by: Talli Roland | February 07, 2013 at 05:29 AM
Hi Agnes, I'm going to Bali next week for a month. Where in SE Asia do you recommend? I don't like cities that well. I've been to Phuket and Bangkok. Love nature and wild life. Just curious what you might suggest. Thank you!!!
Posted by: Michelle | February 17, 2013 at 04:02 PM
@Michelle: Lucky you!!! I really only know a few cities well.... Cameron Highlands (Malaysia) is one of the most peaceful places (not city) I've ever experienced. There's a hotel called The Lakehouse there which I like a lot.
For some reason, I would really like to go to Timor (never been though so can't recommend). And I love Sri Lanka (only been a few times) although that's not really SE Asia.
Posted by: agnes | February 17, 2013 at 07:45 PM
Sri Lanka was my plan!!! But it's so far and after a 27 hour flight...still maybe. Will look at others and thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle | February 17, 2013 at 08:52 PM
@Michelle: I guess once you recover from all that flying & get adjusted to the time difference, Sri Lanka is a relatively short flight (8-10 hrs?) from Bali? In Colombo, I recommend the Gall Face Hotel, great location, great building (really old, you have to operate the elevator by hand -- it's like time travel). I also like Kandy (stayed at a guest house but forget the name).
Posted by: agnes | February 18, 2013 at 07:10 AM
Thank you! I'm a bit worried about having enough pages in my passport! Bali is strict about having 2 full pages and I'm getting low. First thing on my list when I get back. I REALLY do want to go to Sri Lanka...I heard the wild life is nice BUT I am going on a Safari in Tanzania w/ a group of photographers in July! I will keep all this in mind. You are always so helpful. Thank you again!
Posted by: Michelle | February 18, 2013 at 01:38 PM
@Michelle: sounds so good. You can have pages added to your passport. Takes less than 48 hrs if you opt for express service.
Posted by: Agnes | February 18, 2013 at 02:00 PM
That hotel looks heavenly! You have renewed my interest in going. The link is great information. Thank you...you're an angel :)
Posted by: Michelle | February 19, 2013 at 10:47 AM
I too love Thailand for all the reasons which you so beautifully captured in this post Agnes:)
Posted by: Rahul | February 19, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Great photos Agnes, looks like a lovely place to have a holiday :) Take care
Posted by: Miriam R Kaye | March 04, 2013 at 12:54 AM
I love Thailand and would like to go there one day...
Posted by: Olesya | March 06, 2013 at 09:20 PM