Monday, December 10, 2007

parents visit their favorite son, part ii

Well, I'll try to wrap up the parents trip report today!

Firstly, we went to the Dusit Zoo which turned out to be pretty fun! The only particularly notable thing I can remember after so long is my thinking that my favorite animal we saw, the "Red Panda" looks like it was created by God for an animated kids show. Seriously, look at that thing. Adorable. Anyway, we all had a good time, though we didn't opt for the peddle-boats that were for use in the pond occupied with monitor lizards. But I'm sure their docile... mostly.

We also went to Koh Samui. Islands are always nice of course. I was a little disappointed with the lack-of-clarity in the water, but it was still nice. We've decided that we aren't as much of beech people as some. We did have a fun tour of the island that included some fun stuff.

Mom en route.


A beach.


Our parents had a great experience seeing the obligatory elephants of Thailand.



In fact, we had an elephant show which was pretty interesting. The best point was when they asked for a volunteer from the audience. No one volunteered. For what seemed like an eternity it was just an awkward silence. Now, I think you've read enough of my blog to know who broke that silence and saved the day. Yes yes, yours truly finally sprang up when it became apparent that nobody else was going to. So I scamper down to the "stage" (read: concrete slab), and wonder what they are going to have me do. They told me I was going to play some soccer with the elephant. I figure, ain't no thang, and say alrighty. They put a soccer ball down about 20 feet from the goal and have me play goalkeeper against this elephants penalty kick. Its a regular size soccer ball and I figure it can't be that hard. So I am there, ready to block this thing and the elephant starts running toward the ball. It occurs to me, as this huge animal is running at me, that this is actually kind of intimidating. It dawns on me that there is an elephant going to kick a soccer ball at me and I just kinda freeze... as the elephant TOTALLY scores on me. Well that was embaressing. Next I try to score on the elephant... of course he just laid down in front of the goal. Still... there was a little hole I thought I could score through, in back of his front legs. I shoot, and he moves to block it. Well damnit!!! I'm sure I embarrassed all the Europeans there with my lack of prowess in "the worlds favorite sport" but, hey, I didn't see anyone else up to the challenge!

We got to see some monkeys and I got to hold an otter (cute!). We got to see a monkey harvest coconuts, while looking incredibly un-impressed with the entire situation. Oh, and we got to recklessly ride on top of 4WD vehicles in what was actually a pretty interesting ride! They definately needed the Jeeps that day, as the entire island was flooded:


And dad and I had a fun time dodging tree-limbs that threatened to knock us into the back of the truck as we rode on top.

Mom opted for the less-dangerous seats in back :) Despite the fact that she was the one who got blessed:


Dad and I:


We had a good trip, and then got to fly back (far superior than the 12-hour bus ride) and were reminded to not bring our Sword, Spear or Blowpipe, and Kriss onto the plane:


My brother remarked that he guessed it must be a double-violation if you bring one of those umbrellas with the sword in it. Good thinking.

Lastly, at the last second I managed to find some bugs for my parents to eat. They seemed to enjoy them... A little too much. I know they're good, but was it really necessary to lick the plate dad? Just joking! ... But seriously, they're delicious.


I wish I could have elaborated on how great my parents are and what a great trip it was, but I'm trying to catch up on all my blogging! Just let me say that their presence reminded me why I missed them so much and I can't wait to see them again! Miss you mom and dad! Will be home soon!!!

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