The Grand Palace: Bangkok, Thailand

When visiting Thailand - there are a few things you should know and think about as you begin packing all your tank tops, bikinis, and short-shorts.  In case you didn't know there are a bazillion temples in Thailand.  You're probably going to want to visit a few - or all of them.  It's up to you!  I tend to get templed out - but do how you do.  But you should consider that when planning a visit to a temple make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered - otherwise no temple for you! {Seinfeld anyone?}  But don't fret if you forgot all these things because you were only thinking about lazing on the beach with Leo - there are a plethora of entrepreneurs outside most temples who are willing to sell {even rent} you a pair of Thai Fisherman pants.  Here is an example of what you will look like if you forget to pack your temple clothes.

Looking sharp! I am not going to lie - Thai Fisherman pants might just be the most comfortable item of clothing I own.  They do nothing for my voluptuous figure though. 

Now that we have sorted that out - On our third day in Bangkok Steve and I took the day into our own hands and made our way to The Grand Palace (along with every other tourist visiting Bangkok that day).   Both of us had been there before - but it's so stunning that it's worth a repeat visit.  Instead of telling you - I'll show you. 

But before you head out - make sure you eat breakfast with a cute boy!  You know - if you want to start the tour off right.

After that you should be all set to get your temple on.  Don't forget to wear your temple clothes or bring some cash to purchase some.
 

 

 Oh and also don't forget to take several couple selfies with said cute boy - you know for the memories.

Want to know how we spent out first two days in Bangkok, Thailand? Check out this post.

Friday's Letters

Last week I unfortunately had to write some difficult letters to some very important people.  And though this week has been tough with adjusting to the 'new normal' and getting back to work -  but we made it through. One day at a time.  Death sucks!

Dear Blog I have been neglecting you!  I just don't feel like writing.  And I think that's okay!  Blogspectations make blogging not enjoyable. I need some time to rethink things to make this more exciting.  Bare (or is it bear?) with me.  p.s. Dear Readers I still like you, but I understand that if it's stale around here that you might want to get out of dodge - I wouldn't blame you.

Dear Friends Thank you so much for all your love and support these past 10 days.  It means a lot to both Steve and I.  It's official we have the best friends on the planet.  p.s. Dear People of Planet Earth sorry that Steve and I took all the good friends - enjoy your mediocre ones.

Dear Sewing Machine are you ready to get reacquainted this weekend?  I hope so.  I am a little rusty - but my secret blog partner needs me to send them something good.  p.s. Dear Secret Blogger Partner I hope you like aprons.

Dear Basil  I love all your snuggles.  You are seriously the coolest cat ever!  I wish you were a person - because I think you'd be alright to hang out with. {umm..this is embarrassing}

Dear Husband I love you!

Seven Questions

I am sad that I missed last weeks questions and I am sure you are too because now you all know a little less about E-Ho - but I am here to help you out with that.  But first - a funny photo.

This is what I look like before attempting to lamely shotgun a tall can of beer.  It didn't go well.  

As you can see the angle is all wrong.  I got sprayed in the face.  And I then I got a stomach ache afterwards.  If you want to learn to do this properly go visit Whitney from Cheerios and Beer - she will sort you out.

1. You are stuck somewhere you really don't want to be, do you- walk home, call a friend, or stick it out?
I really try to avoid getting stuck in places I don't want to be - I hate awkward situations but always seem to find myself getting into them.  Usually I just stick it out.  If I was really uncomfortable - I would call a friend.  I am pretty lazy so walking home wouldn't happen.   Mindy Kaling explains in her book "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" about the Irish Exit where you leave without saying goodbye and without anyone knowing.  I would most likely try to pull something like that.  That's my style.  My friend Randalin is a master at the Irish Exit.

2. Do you like to PLAY sports?
Ummm...does beer pong count?  No?  Well then no.  I like sports.  I like to be active - but to be honest my life is too busy to add in organized sports to it.  If I were to play one - I'd choose baseball.  Mostly for the beer league qualities it promises.

3. Everyone has that one "different" song that they secretly love- what's yours?
This is question is too hard.  I like a lot of different music.  Probably music that no one likes - because it's that bad.  But I am going to have to go with the first song I thought of.  It's a terrible song - but when I hear it I want to dance.  And then listen to it again.  I can't help it.  Steve shakes his head every time I put it on.  *this is so embarrassing*  I even know all the words.  Dare me to sing it for you?



4. What is one thing you feel you are really good at?
Besides embarrassing myself?  I feel sometimes I am a jack of all trades.  I usually get kinda good at things and then move on.  I never really stick it out to perfect it.  Sewing, however, came really naturally for me.  I think I am really good at it.  I am not an expert.  I can't do alterations (yet) but I think I would be able to learn.  Oh and I also think I am getting better at design.  I want to get better - so I've signed up for a blog design course in May.  I don't know if I will do anything with it - but I think the knowledge will be useful. 

5. A dog is running in your direction and barking loudly- what do you do?
Get out of dodge!  As fast as humanly possible.  I am terrified of running, loud, barking dogs.  I have been bitten by a dog twice - on the face.  This was the day my modelling dreams ended.  Thanks dog.  Now I am blessed with two beautiful scars to remember both of those terrifying moments. To be honest - I doubt I would ever get myself in this situation. 

6. Star gazing or cloud watching?
I love cloud watching.  It brings out your inner child.  Last summer while we were camping I saw a pirate ship in the clouds.  I made everyone look until they saw it.  Can you see it?

7. What time of the day do you feel the most productive?
This bird is not catching any worms.  The buffet has long been closed.  I am a total night owl. If I could work a 12-8 shift - life would be perfect.  Nothing is getting accomplished until after lunch.  Mornings are very, very slow for me. How does anyone get anything done at 8:00 a.m.? It's just not going to happen.

Bangkok, Thailand

First of all I need to say thank you to all of you that commented on my previous post.  It's been a tough week for us - and I know there are tougher days ahead but your words and thoughts meant a lot.  A million thanks.  I will try to e-mail you back individually - I am just trying to get back into the swing of things.

So remember when I went on honeymoon? Yeah that feels like ages ago.  But in order to keep things light - and try to 'get back to normal' I am finally ready to share our adventures with you.  Long awaited I know.  I hope your popcorn hasn't gone stale - like my jokes.  I am a bit rusty - so give me a break.

We left home, Toronto, Canada, on a Friday Morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. to embark on what would feel like the world's longest journey.  Our destination Bangkok, Thailand.  Yes this Bangkok.  (OK - if you don't like Ludacris don't click that link). We flew via Detroit via Tokyo.  We were in transit for nearly 30 hours.  It was worth it.  We arrived in Bangkok around 12:00 midnight on Saturday.  We flew 11 hours into the future.  We were tired. Time travel is exhausting.  But excited, nonetheless, to spend 14 days as tourists.

While in Bangkok we stayed three nights at the Metropolitan Bangkok in their studio room.  For a small city hotel - we were pleased.  Nice decor.  Fluffy housecoats and slippers.  Complimentary champagne and chocolates.  I mean who needs to complain? 

We arrived at midnight.  Drank the complimentary champagne and fell asleep by 2:00 a.m.  only to wake up at 6:00 a.m.  ready to hit up the city.  Since we had both been there before - we had a few places we wanted to check out.  First stop the Chatuchak Market (or the weekend Market).  Both Steve and I  had never been there and it was a good excuse to navigate the sky-train. 

It was during this excursion I realized that I don't know how to use our DSLR.  Here are a few shots that I captured.

Standard Issue Fruit Stand Vendor

The best Orange Juice you'll ever drink for under a dollar.

Tuk Tuk - named that because that's how they sound when driven "Tuk Tuk"

After a sweaty, and I mean sweaty, morning in the market we navigated our way to Khao San Road because I was in desperate need of some Pad Thai and a beer.  Khao San Road is the backpacker area of Bangkok - and probably if you go to Thailand - this is where you will want to hang out.  It's so lively, vibrant, and well - effin' awesome.  I have been there six times. This visit was my first time not staying on Khao San. This area gets better with each visit. 

Late afternoon on Khao San Road

The best Pad Thai Ever - all for 30 Baht (roughly 1 USD)

Bahaha - Steve wasn't impressed that I made him sit here.  But come on it's funny.

Our second day in Bangkok was an organized tour to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is roughly an hour drive south-west of Bangkok.  It's a good tour but it was so hot that I had a hard time enjoying the walk around.  I know big huge complainer.

This is what you get when the tour guide takes your photo

We also visited the Tiger Temple after our quick jaunt to the floating market - but I have conflicting opinions of this place so I am going to save that for another post - because I am just not sure what I want to say about it.  {insert your suspense and excitement here}. 

With that I conclude, briefly, Bangkok day one and day two.  Do you want to go to Thailand yet? 

Dear Family

In case you haven't noticed, and you should have, I have been on a tiny blog hiatus.  Unfortunately this was not because I wanted to but because something happened.  Something devastating.  Something that will never be forgotten.  With that I would like to dedicate my Friday's Letters to my family.

Dear Steve I can't imagine the pain you're feeling.  Losing a parent.  Your father.  I wish I could somehow make it feel better.  Take away the pain. The grief.  The sadness.  It breaks my heart to know you are hurting so much. But you've been so strong through all of this so far.  I know this is for your family.  And an amazing family at that.  I know that one day you are going to be an amazing father - just like your dad.  And you will be able to pass on your dad's valuable life lessons. Keep your chin up baby - and cherish each and every moment that you shared with him. I love you so much and my heart is breaking for you.

Dear Vikki you are so blessed to have had such an amazing man be your dad.  And even more blessed to have this man be the papa to your children.  I am sure the pain you're feeling is indescribable but you are doing an amazing job being strong for the kids.  I admire your strength.  Tomorrow will be a tough day - and probably many more after that but just know that your dad was proud of you.  I could see it in his face when he spoke about you.  Even if he was laughing about you owning horses.  I love you.

Dear Mom Hope Steve has always referred to you as a special lady.  And he is right.  I am so proud and honoured to be part of your family - and to call you my mother-in-law.  You have held everything together this past year better than anyone could have.  My heart is so heavy for you and your (our) family.  Not only did your children lose their father - but you lost your husband. Your partner.  Your best friend. And all way too very soon.  It breaks my heart. It makes me mad.  It makes me sad.  We are here anytime you need us.  I love you and thank you for making me feel like family even in these sad times.

Dear Dad Hope first of all I want to thank you raising such an amazing son.  Secondly I want to thank you for all the times you made me laugh.  All the times you drove me to work.  All the long chats we had in the computer room.  For coming to our wedding - even when you weren't feeling 100%.  This past year was a tough one - but you fought it all with a smile and even with a few jokes.  Visits up to Bradford will never, ever, be the same. I am thankful for the time I got to get to know you and  honoured that you accepted me as your daughter-in-law. I wish the time could have been longer.  Thank you for being an amazing dad to Stephen and Vikki.  An amazing papa to the kids.  An amazing father-in-law.  And a adoring and loving husband to Mom Hope.  I will miss you so much and I love you.  I know you are now comfortable and finally eating that burger you wanted.

Love
Emily

Send Something Good

Did you all sign up for the 'Send Something Good' project part deux?  I did - and I am really excited about it.  I can't wait to start shopping & crafting for my secret blogger.  Haven't heard about the project?  Well check it out here - and make sure you add Gentri to your readers so you can make sure to get in on this next time. 

Also - please swing by the lovely hostesses blogs and give them a fist bump for their genius. 







Now if you want to get to know E-ho a little better - here are some posts that are all about me.

Ghost Tag 

Ten Secrets

Emily 'Not So Awkward' Hope

My First Time...Blogging

Enjoy!

Now check out some other bloggers who are participating in this awesome project!!!!

It's a date...

Do you remember last month when I participated in It's a date hosted by Brooke over at A New View 365?  No?  well you can check out last month's daters here.  After all was said and done - I contacted Brooke and let her know I was interested in doing it again, if she'd have me.  Luckily for me - she said yes and the rest is history.  Did you also know that Brooke is a fellow Canadian?  See Canadian girls have great ideas.  Not only that - but we live in the same province.  One day soon we will be sipping pints on a patio together discussing blog strategies.  Either that or an edition of Canadian Girls Gone Wild. Are you all ready for either of those?  Until then - please be sure to check out the April Daters and swing by their little corners of the web. 

Sometimes in life it is really easy to get so caught up in the day to day that you don't stop to appreciate what you have. I asked each of the participants to talk about what they were thankful for today. 

Take the time to check out each of these lovely ladies. Comment and let them know what you're most thankful for as well! It's amazing how gratitude can brighten a day. 

Meet Emily She happens to be one of my very fav bloggers and we have a b-late (aka blog date) planned on a patio very soon. Take a few minutes to see how grateful she is for her man.

Do you know Alisha?  You really should! She and Emily tie for my fav blogger title :) She's a wonderful photographer and Hunger Games freak! She too is very grateful for her role as wife. Stop by and say hi to her!

Pippa yup like the Middleton but she doesn't require body guards :) She's a ballroom dancer and sailor extraordinaire! Check out the her story of her unintentional leap into sailing that has changed her life.

Lena and I were partnered up WAY back when for a friendship bracelet exchange. We have been blog buddies ever since. I was honoured when she asked if I'd help with her blog design :)  You really must check out what she has to say about the support she has received through blogging!

Let me introduce you to Becky. She is a crafty lady who loves her furbaby! She and I are in the middle of a blog redesign for her which is pretty darn exciting! Check out her post about the joys of a fulll DVR on a rainy day with plenty of popcorn and diet coke to accompany it! :)

Next up! Christine she is the DIY Dreamer. Like Becky she is a crafty lady! Find out the things that she is thankful for today.

Now Laura seems to be taking the blogging world by storm. She has weekly link ups of all sorts and is big on promoting others! She recently found herself called to help organize a VERY successful food drive. Read her story, you may find yourself inspired too! 

Nay, what can I say about the lovely Nay.  She has got to be one of the most thoughtful ladies I have met through blogging. Funny enough that her thankful post is about taking a break from her blog. But based on all the posts I've read lately about bloggers feeling overwhelmed I think she has the right idea!!

I recently "met" Lauren. Happens we live in the same town! Ok you know in blog land that doesn't happen often! She's newly married and about to go on her honeymoon. She's working on becoming a nurse and is sharing with us all she's thankful for her in family.

Me? I'm Brooke and without second thought, what I'm most thankful for today is my Sister. She's a pretty amazing girl. I don't know how she does all that she does (working on her masters and working full time).  If you read my post you'll know that I had a recent disagreement with a VERY sharp kitchen knife and she and my mom came to my rescue! Trust me, as I type this I look at a finger who's nail is getting ready to fall off any minute (too grosss? )

If you would like to participate in next month's It's a date ... post pop over to my page and check out the details.

Don't forget to let each of us know what you're most thankful for today. Challenge yourself to leave a different thing you're thankful for on each page. You'll be surprised how much you really have! 

www.anewview365.com