Today marks the start of the final year of my first term as an expatriate in Khrungthep. This is a good time for me to review the progress on the promises I made when I ran for this position.
Oh, sorry – have become so caught up in the impending election that I’m seeing everything through that lens!
Truly, though, yesterday was the third anniversary of my arrival in the Big Mango, so today is the start of year number four. Time flies when you’re eating sticky rice and mango, as they say.
Last night I had three back-to-back conference calls with colleagues in the United States, leaving me attached to Skype until 11:30. Oh, so tired! In the midst of the first call, there was a knock at my door.
Excusing myself from the call, I went to answer. Who could possibly be knocking on my door at 9:00 in the evening?
There was a trio of primary school trick-or-treaters! “Trick or treat!” they called out in distincty non-Thai accents.
I felt terrible, as I didn’t have anything to give them. Despite my fears of what trick they might play, I complimented their costumes and told them the candy bowl was empty. Had I thought quickly, I could have given them a box of chocolates from the refrigerator, but these are Tawn’s so that would not have been wise.
They seemed disappointed, but nodded and walked away. This morning there was no toilet paper or eggs on my door, so they must not have been too upset.
~ ~ ~
Let’s wrap up the week with some random pictures.
Above: There was a pair of cute Mini Coopers parked in the condo car park one morning. One black, the other white. So cute! These are expensive here, about US$60,000. Don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford one.
Below: Grecco-Roman mansion, anyone? Thais really like columns in their architecture; it seems to represent their aspirations for wealth and glory like the Roman villas of old. There is this one house near the Thong Lo BTS station that is just a little too over the top.
Below: Last weekend we went to Scott and Jum’s house. Jum is a former colleague of Tawn’s and there was a get-together of other colleagues. They have a cute baby boy who is more comfortable being passed from person to person than any baby I’ve ever seen.
Also, Scott and Jum have a Wii balance board. Tawn was very excited to try Wii Yoga. In the end, though, he decided his regular yoga mat was just fine.
Makes for a funny picture, though.
christao408 
I had to LOL at that pic of Tawn! :PHappy belated Halloween, Chris! Btw, that baby is sooo adorable!!
Tawn is in a very interesting pose. 🙂
i miss thailand.
Boo!Wow, Mini’s are pricey…. I’m sure we can pick them up here for about CAD$40K. We have a grand jeep cherokee at the moment and it’s such a pain to maneuver into the underground lot here
When I read your second sentence in the first paragraph, I had a question mark on my face. “What is he talking about? Is he a Diplomat or something? ” and then I read your next sentence. ha ha ha. Very well done.!
Will you become a permanent resident of Thailand after the four years are over? Is that possible? I feel so sorry that you have to do a border run every few months to re establish your self there.
Good photos Chris.
regards,
Z.
Why four years, exactly? Are you on a four-year mission, exchange program, or sabbatical? Just wondering. I share your enthusiasm for Mini Coopers. Loved the old ones, too. Congrats on three years and best wishes for the fourth!
Chris I figured there were there for some business purpose but don’t have a clue what it is. I’d love to hear the story.
I didn’t know wii had a balance board! The mini coopers are cute but not a cute as the baby. I too am curious about the reason for 4 years. Enlightenment?
@jojobaDESIGNS – @murisopsis – @ZSA_MD – @RakkaRay – The use of “four years” was just a reference to the presidential campaign. My stay here is open-ended and I trust it will be much, much longer than just four.
@La_dolce_vida – @stevew918 – Yeah, Tawn’s quite good at yoga. What is that called? Something like the “thunderbolt” pose?
@AppsScraps – Imported cars have a huge tarrif on them. Factor in the high demand and low supply for a status statement car like the Mini and you get an enormously inflated price. Was thinking I should just buy one in the US (or wherever else) and ship it here.
Congrats on the beginning of your 4th year :)I love those mini-coopers so much!