tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562082657907639812024-03-13T20:49:49.435+07:00Leap Feet FirstEveryday is a new adventure!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-88885173857957993302013-08-08T10:29:00.000+07:002013-08-08T10:35:11.854+07:00The Fun World of Screen Printing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My first experience with screen printing was in my high school graphic arts class. For one assignment we made a mixed CD, created an insert and screen printed the CD with an image of our choosing. My mix was full of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd and what that had to do with a lion crest is something that has been lost in the sands of time.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I can't believe I still have this!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What I do remember though is how much I really liked using the screen printing process and how I was really intimidated by all of the steps that it took to prepare a screen for printing. This kept me from trying screen printing for a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flash forward a couple of years to a trip to the thrift store where I scored a compete screen printing set for a whopping $5! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While it came with a set of directions, they were less than helpful as I kept getting distracted by the extremely creepy drawings that accompanied the instructions. So the kit sat unused for many years and made the trip to Thailand and back without ever being opened.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What is wrong with his face ?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What finally inspired me and gave me the confidence to finally take up screen printing again was a <a href="http://quirkiecraft.blogspot.com/2013/03/part-2-preparing-frame-with-your-image.html">series of tutorials posted by Quirkiecraft</a>. The tutorials are really clear and all the photos were really helpful. So, I started my new foray into screen printing by selecting a couple of images that I wanted to use to make some hand printed fabric and used drawing fluid to paint the images on to the screen. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to5w9BGlQe0/UgKx53-acJI/AAAAAAAAAyI/VmXTBpO4D38/s1600/screenprintsetup.gif" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to5w9BGlQe0/UgKx53-acJI/AAAAAAAAAyI/VmXTBpO4D38/s400/screenprintsetup.gif" width="315" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I did learn from using the drawing fluid was that it is really hard to paint fine lines because the fluid tends to spread and obscure the lines. I actually had to rinse out my screen and start over twice before I created a satisfactory screen.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Screen ready for screen filler</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z64u7rMwItk/UgKx5ZjfLNI/AAAAAAAAAyc/hVFct0VNOZ8/s1600/screenfiller.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z64u7rMwItk/UgKx5ZjfLNI/AAAAAAAAAyc/hVFct0VNOZ8/s400/screenfiller.gif" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using these screens, I was able to create some really fun fabrics. </span><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-73879749035970029242013-03-11T12:07:00.000+07:002013-03-19T10:02:25.176+07:00"Believe" Mixed Media Canvas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't seem to stop making mixed media canvases with lots of texture. I tried really hard to stay away from the modeling paste on this canvas, but apparently I just couldn't help my self.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fun with stencils!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this canvas started out with a mixture of acrylic paints and spray inks. I really wanted to make an art piece similar to <a href="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/2013/01/diy-herringbone-art/">this one</a>, but with a little bit of a twist. So my next step was to bust into our tape stash and cover the canvas with random tape strips.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All taped up and no where to go</span></td></tr>
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Next I used some white acrylic paint over the top. The idea was that the spaces would be white, leaving the painted spaces under the tape. However I didn't take two things into consideration with my brilliant plan.<br />
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1. Spray inks continue to react even after they've dried.<br />
I ended up with a pastel green/blue instead of the bright white that I wanted.<br />
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2. Electrical tape makes a really bad mask.<br />
The red tape above was some electrical tape I had handy. It didn't seal correctly, so the white paint seeped under the tape, messing up my clean lines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ5D3M7hMzE/UT1iaGtLYyI/AAAAAAAAAsM/-29ILYzNby8/s1600/Believe-canvas-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ5D3M7hMzE/UT1iaGtLYyI/AAAAAAAAAsM/-29ILYzNby8/s640/Believe-canvas-3.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty pastel, but not really what I was going for.</td></tr>
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So after I pulled the tape off the canvas, I tried to figure out how to salvage this piece of art. I decided to do what I do best- build up layers and layers of texture using modeling paste. I also used Distress re-inkers to draw on the canvas and added some bubble wrap stamping. The final touches were some painted cardboard strips and chipboard letters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-T3lmIiWXI/UT1iah0TBpI/AAAAAAAAAr8/sNZk5Majx0g/s1600/Believe-canvas-5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="619" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-T3lmIiWXI/UT1iah0TBpI/AAAAAAAAAr8/sNZk5Majx0g/s640/Believe-canvas-5.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much texture!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So I guess the moral of my story is that 1. It is really hard to resist the siren call of the texture paste and 2. If you've messed up on a piece of art, more layers of paint and texture will fix that right up.</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-69642417452026356162013-02-02T23:52:00.000+07:002013-03-19T22:34:30.485+07:00Art Journal- "One Word"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prompt for this art journal entry was "One Word". After thinking of several words that moved me, I settled on this one:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I choose "Create" because I believe in the power of creativity. It doesn't matter what I do or how I do it- as long as I am creating something, I feel I've accomplished something worthwhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this page I used gesso and stencils to create a resist to the watercolors and spray inks I used. The lettering and all of the doodles were done with my new favorite art tool- Faber Castel Indian ink PITT markers. I love how these pens will write on any surface and because they take a bit to dry, I can smudge and play with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The page also has vellum butterflies and paisleys that I embellished with a white gel pen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This foray in to art journaling was so much fun! I can't wait till the next prompt from <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/">A Year in the Life of an Art Journal</a></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-17684756138625600902013-01-16T02:18:00.000+07:002013-03-19T22:34:51.986+07:00Creative Resolutions<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually don't make traditional New Year's Resolutions, in fact I usually don't make resolutions at all. But this year I've decided that I want to push my self creatively. This desire to try new things has always been a part of my personality, and I am excited about focusing that desire on one specific project this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired by a wonderful handmade book created just for me by the amazing <a href="http://quirkiecraft.blogspot.com/">Emma at QuirkieCraft</a>, I've decided to keep an art journal for 2013. Here is the journal- it is hand-stitched and is stuffed with paper of every shape and color. It is also filled with paper that Emma silk screened herself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And because I know that I need some sort of inspiration or prompts to not only keep me going, but keep me focused, I've decided to join <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/">A Year in the Life of an Art Journal</a>- an awesome blog that posts new prompts and techniques to try on the 15th and 30th of each month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first prompt is "One Word" and we are supposed to use water color on our journal page. I can't wait to get started!</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-59037112017997720842012-10-18T22:32:00.000+07:002013-03-19T22:35:05.379+07:00Mmmmm Texture...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8098802069/" title="6x6 art swap 1 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="6x6 art swap 1" height="464" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8098802069_db5962197b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Ahhh, I just love all of the texture on this mixed media piece. I started this piece with a 6 inch X 6 inch canvas. I covered the canvas with paper from a variety of books in different languages as well as music sheets. I also cut apart a bingo card and decoupaged that onto the canvas.<br />
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The next layers were built up over time. I would pick up the piece every day and either smear some texture paste, crackle medium or spray inks onto the canvas. The arrows at the top and the circles at the bottom were made by pushing Liquidtex texture paste through a brass stencil and sequin waste. I used my favorite spray inks by Dylusions as well as Tim Holtz's Distress Stains to add the color.<br />
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The clock image at the bottom as well as the Chinese (I think it's Chinese) characters at the top were added last. I stamped these images onto white tissue paper using Black Staz-On ink. I then decoupaged the tissue paper on top of all the texture. I love how the tissue paper melts into the canvas and you still see the texture underneath.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8098801771/" title="6x6 art swap 2 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="6x6 art swap 2" height="209" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8098801771_efab0c449d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here is a shot of one side of the canvas. This really shows the crackle medium an the texture paste. Once everything was dry I ran a bronze ink pad over the top to highlight the peaks.<br />
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It was so much fun creating this art piece. I loved being able to pick it up everyday and add a little something new.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-2146990511516470832012-10-08T23:58:00.000+07:002012-10-08T23:59:23.229+07:00Art Abandonment For the last few months I have been somewhat obsessed with the idea of <a href="http://michaeldemeng.typepad.com/art_abandonment/2012/06/art-abandonment.html">Art Abandonment</a>, the idea of creating little pieces of art to leave for others to find. I just love the idea of leaving art in some unexpected place and having some one discover it. It was the desire to participate in such a fun idea, that let me to start creating mixed media art pieces- and it was a swap on Craftster that gave me the kick in the butt to actually start abandoning my art.<br />
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In the Art Abandonment swap, we created 6 pieces of art for a partner- they would then abandon five of the art pieces and keep one for themselves. So the art pieces below are currently in California- waiting to be discovered by random strangers!<br />
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I created 6 mini-mixed media canvases- each one is 3 inches X 3 inches and covered with a variety of textures, paints, inks, papers etc.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067453328/" title="mini-mixed-media-6 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="mini-mixed-media-6" height="384" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8067453328_582e0779af.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067453370/" title="mini-mixed-media-5 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="mini-mixed-media-5" height="407" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/8067453370_2b88785bed.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067455653/" title="mini-mixed-media-4 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="mini-mixed-media-4" height="436" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/8067455653_f8392e714f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067455695/" title="mini-mixed-media-3 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="mini-mixed-media-3" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8067455695_0b2fe73c30.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067455749/" title="mini-mixed-media-2 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="mini-mixed-media-2" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/8067455749_6d5f60ee02.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067453556/" title="mini-mixed-media-1 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="mini-mixed-media-1" height="408" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8067453556_6f34bed301.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I packaged each of the art pieces in a plastic baggie and then attached a fun note- asking anyone who finds the art to email me and let me know what they think. I hope I get a response!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/8067455835/" title="art-abandonment-note by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="art-abandonment-note" height="373" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8067455835_593a3772cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-34944477965917995052012-09-27T23:31:00.000+07:002012-09-27T23:58:49.502+07:00Creating a 'Verse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my latest hoopla artwork I knew I wanted to create something based on one of my favorite television shows- Firefly. I decided to embroider a part of the opening theme song, but I needed the perfect fabric to stitch it on. After searching the local fabric stores, I decided to create my own galaxy fabric!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting with a piece of plain black cotton fabric.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984316803/" title="bleach-start by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="bleach-start" height="373" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7984316803_da514cc171.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add a little diluted bleach and scrunch the fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984316845/" title="bleach-during by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="bleach-during" height="373" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7984316845_32b4c4b9cd.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dry the fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984322636/" title="bleach-after by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="bleach-after" height="373" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/7984322636_13510b2ddd.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then proceed to completely cover the bleached parts with paint, so you can't tell you bleached it. When I started painting I wanted to just add highlights and dimension, and I ended up covering everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984322338/" title="paint-1 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="paint-1" height="373" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7984322338_88e13c6f9a.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the stitching can begin! I was worried about how I would transfer my design to my newly created galaxy print- but luckily I found a pack of colored carbon paper at JoAnn's. You can also see the finished fabric.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984316617/" title="stitching-start by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="stitching-start" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7984316617_876b63a57d.jpg" width="431" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forty hours of satin stitching later and the piece is complete! I used glow in the dark thread for this piece to give it a little punch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984316777/" title="finish by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="finish" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7984316777_82b5324a28.jpg" width="475" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A final close up of the satin stitching. I am not sure I would ever do this much satin stitching with glow in the dark thread again. I had to un-do knots every other stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I think the end result was totally worth the hassle though!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7984316735/" title="finish-close-up by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="finish-close-up" height="258" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7984316735_d479ac0a0f.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-25023275848381629512012-08-25T05:25:00.001+07:002013-02-02T23:56:12.247+07:00Mini Mixed Media Art<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last three months I have been organizing a swap on<a href="http://www.craftster.org/"> Craftster </a>called The 4x6 Art Swap. In this swap, participants make a 4x6 piece of art to send to a mystery partner. Not being tied to any theme or specific material is really freeing. The variety of different mediums used is astounding. Here are the four pieces of art that I have created. Being new to mixed media, I was worried about starting a huge project, so these mini mixed media art pieces have been a great way to play around and test out new techniques.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When creating this piece I used my new Dylusions spray inks. The colors of these inks are so vibrant, but I wasn't too careful when I sprayed them on, so I looked like I choked a rainbow for about two days after I was done. The text is stamped on to vellum and distressed and the butterfly is chipboard that I colored with Distress stain and embossed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7853535100/" title="time-mixed-media by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="time-mixed-media" height="323" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7853535100_da324a574f.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This piece started out as a collage of packing material, candy foil wrappers and tissue paper. On top I applied alcohol inks and texture medium.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7853535414/" title="fleur by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="fleur" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7853535414_519749d095.jpg" width="344" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used rub-ons for the birdcage and a mix of alcohol inks for the blue on the bottom of this piece.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7853535646/" title="birdcage by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="birdcage" height="478" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7853535646_ca39642a8f.jpg" width="416" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides having my favorite Mythbuster's quote, this piece has felt, hand dyed fiber, texture medium and embroidery. I absolutely love this piece of art.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7853535270/" title="reality by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="reality" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7853535270_6a275816a6.jpg" width="361" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-49755096607451616232012-08-14T23:26:00.000+07:002012-08-14T23:26:19.478+07:00Spinning Yarn Should Be An Olympic EventIf the Olympics can have rhythmic gymnastics or what ever that sport with the dancing horses is called, I think that spinning could definitely qualify as an Olympic event. In fact, they used to<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_competitions_at_the_Olympic_Games"> award Olympic medals for works of art inspiried by sports</a>. That is a tradition they should bring back.<br />
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Like most of the world, I've spent the last two weeks glued to the television, enthralled with the Olympics. But I didn't just sit there idly- I took the opportunity to spin up some fun new yarns.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7782087502/" title="off-the-deep-end-1 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="off-the-deep-end-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7782087502_1c02bc83ce.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<b>Off The Deep End</b></div>
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<b>346 yards- 100% Merino</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7782087384/" title="off-the-deep-end-2 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="off-the-deep-end-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7782087384_d64f2d0d29.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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<b>Mmmmm... squishy</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7782087272/" title="rowdy-1 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="rowdy-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7782087272_161253f510.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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<b>R-O-W-D-Y</b></div>
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<b>70 yards- Merino,Bamboo, Mohair, Firestar</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7782087002/" title="rowdy-3 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="rowdy-3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7782087002_24f68a93fc.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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<b>Definitely looks Rowdy</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60603826@N02/7782087176/" title="rowdy-2 by leapfeetfirst, on Flickr"><img alt="rowdy-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7782087176_c04ee7b795.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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<b>Look at all that texture!</b></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-67148230598417795362012-05-25T02:20:00.001+07:002012-05-25T02:20:35.468+07:00Shifting FocusWell, hello there.<br />
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It's been a while, hasn't it?<br />
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Eric and I are back in Wisconsin, trying to re-acclimate ouresevles to living in the United States. It's been an interesting process to say the least. For me, I think the reverse culture shock was amplified by a multitude of factors; being jobless, missing my friends in Thailand like crazy, and generally feeling lost and purposeless. Plus the food here is so bland! I felt like The Observer pouring pepper and hot sauce all over my food ( Bonus points for those that understand that reference)<br />
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After six months though, things have definitely gotten better. I found part time work, we reconnected with friends we have here, and we are about to move into our new home. Pro tip- if you don't have awesome in-laws that will let you crash at their house for six months, I would advise that you don't try to buy a short sale home. Thank you Tim and Becky!!<br />
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The last six months have been a time of reflection and adjustment. This applies to this little corner of the interwebs. I thought about just abandoning the blog because I am pretty sure the only people that read it before were family members who wanted to keep tabs on what we were doing. But, I really enjoyed writing the blog- I was torn...<br />
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So, the blog will continue- although with a shifted focus. I am not exactly sure what that will be yet, but I envision it being a place for me to showcase our creative endeavors, things that amuse me, and the trips we take.<br />
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I have already made a few design changes and I am currently working with the awesomely talented Emma at <a href="http://quirkiecraft.blogspot.com/">QuirkieCraft</a> to redesign the header, which I am I am stupidly excited about.<br />
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I hope you continue reading and if you have any suggestions or words of encouragement- I am always happy to hear them!<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-60595458892592887212011-11-24T12:35:00.001+07:002012-03-07T23:39:33.947+07:00Creativity Soothes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrCpZyxjNsU/Ts3YhA0EQiI/AAAAAAAAAkk/Cozw73z3w-s/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrCpZyxjNsU/Ts3YhA0EQiI/AAAAAAAAAkk/Cozw73z3w-s/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flood wall along Rama IV</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flood themed painting on a wall near Khao San Road</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I walk along the sandbagged and barricaded streets of Bangkok, I love seeing images like those above. Instead of seeing concrete flood walls as a barrier or a hindrance, some people see them as an opportunity to be creative.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me personally, when times are tense and everything seems to be going wrong, I always seem to find solace in being creative and expressing myself. My form of expression usually turns to something fiber related, and this time was no exception. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the height of the flood, I would sit in my apartment, constantly checking Twitter and other news sources about flood information. Knowing that I needed a break from that, I spun the yarn below. The methodical focus needed to spin the yarn helped me relax and take my mind off everything that was happening. It's brown, blue and green colors remind me of the river that so drastically changed my life.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OiydSzxkx0/Ts3bL17fitI/AAAAAAAAAk0/7-AP0Du1RVQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OiydSzxkx0/Ts3bL17fitI/AAAAAAAAAk0/7-AP0Du1RVQ/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I call it "Screw You, Chao Phraya"</span></td></tr>
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-42558145803606541202011-11-11T00:06:00.001+07:002012-03-07T23:39:58.114+07:00Only One Wish<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, as I released my krathong into the pond at Benjasiri Park I made only one wish, that Thailand would recover quickly from these devastating floods and that one day Eric and I would be able to return to Bangkok. (Ok, I know that is technically two wishes, but math was never my strong suit)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Loy Krathong!! And as the song says:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Each one with this krathong,</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As we push away we pray,</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We can see a better day</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FYN9ZEriWY/TrwEk7dJbSI/AAAAAAAAAkY/KvaLPdujE2o/s1600/024.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FYN9ZEriWY/TrwEk7dJbSI/AAAAAAAAAkY/KvaLPdujE2o/s400/024.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To better days ahead!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-15537314073604226432011-10-25T11:06:00.000+07:002012-03-07T23:40:18.941+07:00Breakdown<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well it's finally happened- I've had my first breakdown/freak-out as an expat in Bangkok. The kind that leaves me crying uncontrollably, unable to move from the couch, cursing everyone and everything, etc. The cause of this breakdown- the fact that we have to leave Bangkok.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since the floods hit Ayutthaya and the Rojana Industrial Park, our future seems to be changing so quickly and nothing seems to be under our control. Eric's company kept changing their mind about what they were going to do with the expats here in Thailand, but finally they've decided to move everyone back to the United States. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not how I imagined our transition back to the US would go. I though we would have plenty of advance warning to prepare, both mentally and logistically. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I focused so hard on making Bangkok our home, that having it ripped away so quickly makes my heart hurt.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-90018785483331031112011-10-21T16:53:00.000+07:002012-03-07T23:40:46.970+07:00Floodpocalypse!<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it is starting to sound like the flooding of Bangkok is inevitable and that the only question is how bad will the flooding get. Everyone in Bangkok seems to be in full crisis mode:</span></div>
<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Buying stores out of food and water</i>. It is pretty much impossible to find any bottled water in the city. Eric and I stopped at Tesco Lotus in Pattaya before we came back to Bangkok earlier this week, and even they were running low on water. The stores today were packed full of people stocking up on supplies.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--offR4Uab6Q/TqE0NnGhY_I/AAAAAAAAAiY/hO0LtHH-VPA/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--offR4Uab6Q/TqE0NnGhY_I/AAAAAAAAAiY/hO0LtHH-VPA/s400/103.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's a bad sign when the overpriced imported foods are almost gone.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Scrambling to find parking for their cars</i>. Our condo parking structure which is usually mostly empty, is packed full of cars. People are even using the elevated expressway as a giant parking structure, which is really hampering the evacuation of some areas in outer Bankgok.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="211" src="http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20111021/c1_262398_111021051602.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, those are cars PARKED on the expressway.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Building extensive sandbag walls. </i>Last week, very few businesses in Bangkok had sandbags in front of their buildings. Now it seems like they are ALL working to protect their property from the impending flood.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKts3oL819Y/TqE0RwXOdAI/AAAAAAAAAig/iSxyl1zPx-o/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKts3oL819Y/TqE0RwXOdAI/AAAAAAAAAig/iSxyl1zPx-o/s400/105.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same wall in front of Silom complex from <a href="http://leapfeetfirst.blogspot.com/2011/10/batten-down-hatches-preparing-for.html">my last post</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not too proud to admit that I've also gone crazy this week preparing for the floods. I think it's the inner Girl Scout in me that worries about not being prepared. So during the last few days I've done my best to cover all of my bases:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stockpile of non-perishable food including dried fruit to prevent scurvy:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check</span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6H8cuIvQoI/TqE0dHHq_BI/AAAAAAAAAiw/RX0qeJ8uDUg/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6H8cuIvQoI/TqE0dHHq_BI/AAAAAAAAAiw/RX0qeJ8uDUg/s400/121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ALL the essentials...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bathtub full of water to use for washing and flushing toilets:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check</span></i></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every possible container filled with boiled tap water:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Purchase a butane stove and plenty of fuel canisters:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Check</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SETglCwAGM/TqE0VuWndpI/AAAAAAAAAio/DjXJlqtvAOw/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SETglCwAGM/TqE0VuWndpI/AAAAAAAAAio/DjXJlqtvAOw/s400/120.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I think that my paranoia about not being prepared also stems from the fact that I am now in Bangkok alone. Since the manufacturing plant where Eric works is currently under three meters of water, he is now on a plane back to Wisconsin to help the manufacturing plant there ramp up production. So, I have to deal with the floods on my own, but I think I have enough supplies and support from friends to make it though this. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is going to be an interesting weekend I think...</span></div>
</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-2648356732555553142011-10-12T16:34:00.000+07:002012-03-07T23:41:09.649+07:00Batten Down the Hatches- Preparing for Floods in Bangkok<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bangkok is currently in preparation mode as flood waters from the north move closer and rain continues to fall. In our neighborhood, life seems to be going on as normal, with a few exceptions:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGw0btafREU/TpVNy5UNmOI/AAAAAAAAAho/mjfVvArhcHw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGw0btafREU/TpVNy5UNmOI/AAAAAAAAAho/mjfVvArhcHw/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shop owners building a concrete wall in front of a shop along Rama IV</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bck5k-Q4Njk/TpVN3Wc3aNI/AAAAAAAAAhw/XoxQyCCHTBY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bck5k-Q4Njk/TpVN3Wc3aNI/AAAAAAAAAhw/XoxQyCCHTBY/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lumpini MRT station with new steel gates on the windows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk7tppky4IE/TpVPHaHJ5-I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/uk5lMb2rbXc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk7tppky4IE/TpVPHaHJ5-I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/uk5lMb2rbXc/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pile of sandbags outside the Silom Complex<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PrpGeGI7Ac/TpVOFHox1iI/AAAAAAAAAiA/eIhFUefRnAs/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PrpGeGI7Ac/TpVOFHox1iI/AAAAAAAAAiA/eIhFUefRnAs/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearly empty shelves at the local grocery store</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While things may be deceptively calm here in our neighborhood, we are still contemplating going south to get away from the floods.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a related note, the manufacturing plant where Eric works is currently under six feet of water. The flood waters broke through levee after levee and inundated the entire industrial park. We are still not sure what that exactly means for us and our stay here in Thailand. Hopefully, we will have some answers soon.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VAfoC_A-Qg/TpVOGaioOxI/AAAAAAAAAiI/HBri9tCPhBw/s1600/HTO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VAfoC_A-Qg/TpVOGaioOxI/AAAAAAAAAiI/HBri9tCPhBw/s400/HTO.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Image from <a href="http://themacleodthaimes.blogspot.com/">The MacLeod Thaimes</a></span></td></tr>
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<div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are the praying type, please pray for all of the families that have been affected by these floods. Entire cities are currently underwater and the devastation is so immense, it is kind of hard to comprehend. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are looking for up to date news about the flooding in Thailand and you are on Twitter- @RichardBarrow and #ThaiFloodEng are great sources of information.</span></div>
</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-44503956767000628082011-09-22T15:26:00.000+07:002011-09-22T15:26:59.497+07:00"Reverse Culture Shock"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both Eric and I are pretty much a "go with the flow" type of people, so it was little surprise to me that we didn't really experience any culture shock when moving to Thailand just over one year ago. I haven't had any moments that have made me throw up my hands and say "I'm done" or any fits of uncontrollable crying. I am not saying that I won't experience some sort of freak out in the future, but so far I would say I've adjusted fairly well.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it came as a huge surprise during my recent month long trip back to the United States that I experienced a little bit of <a href="http://caps.ucdavis.edu/resources/brochures/Reverse_Culture_Shock-reversed.pdf">reverse culture shock</a>. There were many things that shocked and confused me, but there were also things that I found joy and delight in rediscovering. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Efficient Bureaucracy</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first time reverse culture shock hit me was when I was waiting in the Immigration and Customs line at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. There was an Immigration officer actually directing people into the correct lines! This was so confusing, especially after dealing with the huge lines and mass confusion at immigration in the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. It was a nice change of pace, but confusing none the less.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Driving a car</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of things that I really missed about being in the United States was the ability to just hop in a car and drive to the grocery store or to visit friends across the state. While I went through the long process of getting my<a href="http://leapfeetfirst.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-get-your-thai-drivers-license-in.html"> Thai Driver's license</a>, I have yet to actually drive a car in the Land of Smiles. The thought of actually having to navigate a vehicle through traffic composed of taxis lane diving to find the fastest route and motorcycles weaving through the smallest gaps between cars makes me break out in to a nervous sweat. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, needless to say, I was very excited about being able to drive again during our visit to the United States. I spent much of the flight worrying that I had forgotten how to drive or that I would accidentally drive on the wrong side of the road. In the end, my fears were unfounded and I enjoyed many hours of driving through Wisconsin and Oregon with my windows down and my favorite music on the radio. It was a great break from my usual car rides in the back seat of an over air conditioned taxi blaring the latest Thai pop songs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sensory Overload</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think this form of reverse culture shock was the most surprising for me, especially since I've been living for the past year in a city of 8 million people. The city constantly assults all of your senses -smell, sound, touch, taste. It is a chaotic mess, but one I've grown accustomed to and have even started to enjoy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it came as a huge shock when I wandered into the local Target store and immediately got a headache. The store was so bright and clean and all the signs were in English and there was a buzz of conversation around me and I could understand it ALL!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in a country where I don't speak or read the language, I've grown accustomed to blocking out most conversations and ignoring most signs because they are in Thai and obviously don't pertain to me. So it was really overwhelming when I came back to the US and my filters no longer functioned and my brain had to cope with all of this new information.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, I think I was also overwhelmed with happiness at being in a Target store. They really should open one in Bangkok- especially one that carries Western sized clothing and shoes. I would NEVER leave! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So Many Choices!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awesome micro-brewed Beer and affordable cheese- need I say more??</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2gCZvsUUR0/TnrtBxByRxI/AAAAAAAAAhc/rPKt5Fib0jE/s1600/sand+creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2gCZvsUUR0/TnrtBxByRxI/AAAAAAAAAhc/rPKt5Fib0jE/s400/sand+creek.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sand Creek + Campfire = Match made in WI heaven<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn0G0PLmjkk/Tnrs_l1HGgI/AAAAAAAAAhU/RscXkC1wATs/s1600/leinies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn0G0PLmjkk/Tnrs_l1HGgI/AAAAAAAAAhU/RscXkC1wATs/s400/leinies.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many choices....</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>New Foods!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While shopping for supplies to bring back to Bangkok, I played a fun game of "Find the new food items". The goal was to find as many new types and flavors of snack foods as I could. I think I did pretty well!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnBlofQLibQ/Tnrs06JGR3I/AAAAAAAAAhI/Wa9gce7ZxGM/s1600/coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnBlofQLibQ/Tnrs06JGR3I/AAAAAAAAAhI/Wa9gce7ZxGM/s400/coconut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too bad I don't like coconut</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZRazvsRu38/Tnrs4phKErI/AAAAAAAAAhM/xiMXZ_RDzBo/s1600/desert+topping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZRazvsRu38/Tnrs4phKErI/AAAAAAAAAhM/xiMXZ_RDzBo/s400/desert+topping.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cherry Dr. Pepper desert topping sounds so awful </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou8fM_-rHrM/Tnrs8ZtttZI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/yOgu35hx4PM/s1600/ginormous+marshmallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou8fM_-rHrM/Tnrs8ZtttZI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/yOgu35hx4PM/s400/ginormous+marshmallows.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monster marshmallows!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D49Ytvghzks/TnrtHTy_mlI/AAAAAAAAAhg/ozjsr-8nvJg/s1600/snickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D49Ytvghzks/TnrtHTy_mlI/AAAAAAAAAhg/ozjsr-8nvJg/s400/snickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best thing EVER! Should have brought a case back with me.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all it was a great trip to see family and friends, enjoy cool weather and eat awesome food. And now that I know about the reverse culture shock, I will be better prepared on our next trip back.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-21235487264720374752011-07-16T03:24:00.000+07:002012-03-07T23:42:00.684+07:00Burmese Lacquerware Workshop<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While researching Myanmar for our recent trip, I read that Bagan was famous for it's lacquerware, and at the time I wasn't too excited about it, mostly because I don't collect knick knacks and I don't have many decorative items in my home that are not handmade by me or someone I know.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That all changed when I spotted my first piece of lacquerware being sold outside the first temple we visited in Old Bagan. The bright colors and the smooth black background of the lacquerware just begged to be touched. But even after I discovered how gorgeous lacquerware was, I was still reluctant to buy anything. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Myinkaba is a small village outside of Old Bagan, and it is here that I finally purchased my first piece of lacquerware. Like many of the other temples in Bagan, there were stalls set up out side the main temple in Myinkaba with craftsmen selling their wares. One gentleman had exquisite lacquerware pieces and we asked if he had a workshop nearby and if we could see how lacquerware was made. He answered "yes" to both questions and led us along a twisted, hilly path through Myinkaba to his family's workshop.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yo2YnyW5VM/TgQFhbZulhI/AAAAAAAAAd4/S9usC1dmdIQ/s1600/179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yo2YnyW5VM/TgQFhbZulhI/AAAAAAAAAd4/S9usC1dmdIQ/s640/179.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our way to the lacquerware workshop</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we arrived at his workshop, the artisan and his sister proceeded to explain the many steps that go into making quality lacquerware. Each piece starts with a bamboo base and is coated with clay to create a waterproof surface. Then the lacquer is applied in thin layers, allowed to completely dry and then another layer is applied. High quality pieces have 8-14 layers of lacquer.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUnJO1PXjg0/TgQGMPW-9jI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/t3mljod719c/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUnJO1PXjg0/TgQGMPW-9jI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/t3mljod719c/s640/187.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lacquer waiting to be applied to the bamboo base</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQBfiWP6Lg8/TgQFldf8MOI/AAAAAAAAAd8/7l1tdD2Fnj0/s1600/180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQBfiWP6Lg8/TgQFldf8MOI/AAAAAAAAAd8/7l1tdD2Fnj0/s640/180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Artisan using his fingers to apply the lacquer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuLWBYTM4_w/TgQFsKZR3tI/AAAAAAAAAeA/XiuFgQhSixw/s1600/181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuLWBYTM4_w/TgQFsKZR3tI/AAAAAAAAAeA/XiuFgQhSixw/s640/181.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan listening intently as the laquerware process is explained</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all of the layers are applied, the intricate designs are then carved into the surface and filled in with color. This workshop also uses copper wire and palm tree wood to create beautiful designs on their lacquerware.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgmzANa42Lg/TgQF5VQyrBI/AAAAAAAAAeI/g9YyDY3UyvA/s1600/184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgmzANa42Lg/TgQF5VQyrBI/AAAAAAAAAeI/g9YyDY3UyvA/s640/184.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burmese woman carving a beautiful design</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1JjZIoFEug/TgQFyukfX1I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Xwkx2tIPBLs/s1600/183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1JjZIoFEug/TgQFyukfX1I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Xwkx2tIPBLs/s640/183.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carving tools and a work in progress</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After showing us the whole process, the family brought us into their living room/workshop and proceeded to show us a huge variety of different lacquerware pieces from bracelets to huge storage containers, each one more beautiful than the next. The entire family was sitting in the room, and we were offered fruit, candy, and water. After some tough negotiation, we each walked out with 2-3 pieces of beautiful artwork and the knowledge that we helped a family make a living. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ng7cqr2xSw/TgQGAl_jCgI/AAAAAAAAAeM/fY9tQpuWlhQ/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ng7cqr2xSw/TgQGAl_jCgI/AAAAAAAAAeM/fY9tQpuWlhQ/s640/185.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two happy customers!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-60266793805028156132011-06-29T23:05:00.000+07:002012-03-07T23:42:21.203+07:00Playing Indiana Jones in Bagan<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I love watching the <i>Indiana Jones</i> movies (Except that last abomination. Why, Harrison Ford, WHY??) When I was younger I used to pretend that I was an archeologist, digging up buried treasure in the back yard and exploring abandoned buildings. I just knew that I would find some evidence of an ancient civilization or extinct species that they would then name after me. Even though I never made that great discovery, to this day every time I hear the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVNNhBtBbOs" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Indiana Jones</i> theme song</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, it makes me want to go on an adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Sarah, Megan and I were in the planning stages of our trip to Myanmar, we knew the the one place we HAD to visit was Bagan. This area of Myanmar has over 2,000 ancient Buddhist temples all built between the 11th and 13th century. Most of the temples are original, although some have been rebuilt due to earthquakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our preferred way to see the temples of Bagan was to rent a bicycle and start before sunrise. This way we not only got to watch the sun rise over the vast fields full of temples, but it was also much cooler and there were fewer touts trying to sell us sand paintings. We would set off from our hotel and randomly choose a dirt path that connected to the main road. This dirt path would lead us through farm fields and past thatch huts to temples both small and large. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of the temples in Bagan is that we were free to explore and I could live out my dream of being Indiana Jones. We walked around inside and saw the beautiful paintings and we took a tour of the outside and saw the ornate carvings that are still there even after 1000 years! And some of the temples held a super secret surprise- narrow and dark stairs that led to the top of the temple and a birds eye view of the whole area. Stunning!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Temples surrounded by farm fields</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exDNw9Yy_dc/TgQFYVP5WAI/AAAAAAAAAd0/RiJLgg5O83A/s1600/165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exDNw9Yy_dc/TgQFYVP5WAI/AAAAAAAAAd0/RiJLgg5O83A/s640/165.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmer using oxen and a wooden plow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bagan at Sunset</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHem6-UiXIw/TgKD2eTsxwI/AAAAAAAAAdE/VZd7sqyLRzQ/s1600/133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHem6-UiXIw/TgKD2eTsxwI/AAAAAAAAAdE/VZd7sqyLRzQ/s640/133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young woman selling her wares</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWxMkKyto3I/TgKEbtskxVI/AAAAAAAAAdc/8L9MG3nhdbA/s1600/206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWxMkKyto3I/TgKEbtskxVI/AAAAAAAAAdc/8L9MG3nhdbA/s640/206.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, yes we did climb all of those stairs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrKC9uTCmpM/TgKDwBtzLJI/AAAAAAAAAdA/HzgV_sVMLzs/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrKC9uTCmpM/TgKDwBtzLJI/AAAAAAAAAdA/HzgV_sVMLzs/s640/120.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the temples had similar corner carvings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-29165455060758902242011-06-22T11:02:00.000+07:002012-05-22T02:17:04.920+07:00Burma- Stepping Back in Time<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing Burma's tumultuous past and uncertain present, I wasn't sure what to expect on our trip to Yangon and Bagan. Stepping out of the airport in </span><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/myanmar/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">feels like stepping back in time. The city is a hodgepodge of crumbling buildings built when Myanmar was a British colony, golden Buddhist temples, and vendors selling everything from betel to Justin Bieber CDs. The streets are filled with bicycles, trishaws and taxi's that are held together with a wish and a prayer.</span></div>
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Since Myanmar doesn't have a lot of visitors (only 200,000 per year compared to 12 million visitors to Thailand every year) it is a perfect country to visit if you love attention. The people we passed on the street were very quick to say hello and ask us where we were from. By the end of the day, my cheeks were sore from returning all those smiles. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64atF4BKXb0/TgDHOcgOi6I/AAAAAAAAAbs/EW_ABEwfvdE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64atF4BKXb0/TgDHOcgOi6I/AAAAAAAAAbs/EW_ABEwfvdE/s640/006.JPG" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendor selling books in front of a crumbling building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6535nccw-9Q/TgDI4mguQ9I/AAAAAAAAAc0/ljidwz2veLE/s1600/476.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6535nccw-9Q/TgDI4mguQ9I/AAAAAAAAAc0/ljidwz2veLE/s640/476.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking the sidewalks of Yangon is a toe-stubbing, ankle turning adventure</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DIos6dRR-0/TgDHTY_YQqI/AAAAAAAAAbw/HSr9tltBTVk/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DIos6dRR-0/TgDHTY_YQqI/AAAAAAAAAbw/HSr9tltBTVk/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sule Paya</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIEFqEYGtaI/TgDHbqe-gDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/nAnfUqsFCuA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIEFqEYGtaI/TgDHbqe-gDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/nAnfUqsFCuA/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking water station inside Sule Paya</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMRVmNzeTRo/TgDHkQ1gpSI/AAAAAAAAAb4/QtqRBsvm4aM/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMRVmNzeTRo/TgDHkQ1gpSI/AAAAAAAAAb4/QtqRBsvm4aM/s640/018.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like something from a Jim Henson movie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AN_CcJLfUVw/TgDHpriiZCI/AAAAAAAAAb8/s2r7fEe1n9g/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AN_CcJLfUVw/TgDHpriiZCI/AAAAAAAAAb8/s2r7fEe1n9g/s640/024.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas waiting for offering at Sule Paya</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ToVO4sQQLxI/TgDHuYlbuMI/AAAAAAAAAcA/WBHPCVw1030/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ToVO4sQQLxI/TgDHuYlbuMI/AAAAAAAAAcA/WBHPCVw1030/s640/032.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Mahabandoola Rd. towards Sule Paya</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnxc2YAD6Ag/TgDHzDj7IvI/AAAAAAAAAcE/WTuFlqoZ3CU/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnxc2YAD6Ag/TgDHzDj7IvI/AAAAAAAAAcE/WTuFlqoZ3CU/s640/040.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workers preparing dough for some deep fried goodness</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnsXwTwS1L4/TgDIEF12ylI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Gn-g7JRLCGI/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnsXwTwS1L4/TgDIEF12ylI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Gn-g7JRLCGI/s640/054.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebration at a Hindu temple </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H30Tq_Yof8s/TgDIJHNF7eI/AAAAAAAAAcU/WVZC5EQUMd8/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H30Tq_Yof8s/TgDIJHNF7eI/AAAAAAAAAcU/WVZC5EQUMd8/s640/057.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burmese lion guarding the Shwedagon Paya</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPVMJoFO6yc/TgDIPAcQlLI/AAAAAAAAAcY/WtcRysjB9zk/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPVMJoFO6yc/TgDIPAcQlLI/AAAAAAAAAcY/WtcRysjB9zk/s640/064.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shwedagon Paya is the most important Buddhist temple in Myanmar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUcyX9Kk8iM/TgDIZuSTYoI/AAAAAAAAAcg/MJLSnxzWYO8/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUcyX9Kk8iM/TgDIZuSTYoI/AAAAAAAAAcg/MJLSnxzWYO8/s640/075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LED lights add a modern look to Buddha statues in many Burmese Buddhist temples</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pp9pLj2kbY/TgDInX9bt4I/AAAAAAAAAco/f6LHgui7ZDw/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pp9pLj2kbY/TgDInX9bt4I/AAAAAAAAAco/f6LHgui7ZDw/s640/095.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This statue depicts the Burmese defeating the British, because nothing says England like green dragons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFe6cGsTPes/TgDIf_elhcI/AAAAAAAAAck/-xbc1wIrqUI/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFe6cGsTPes/TgDIf_elhcI/AAAAAAAAAck/-xbc1wIrqUI/s640/085.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite statue. It's a Sphinx- like protective statue.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o18xbRw36S4/TgDIylHAoqI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Rf37UzTpM2Y/s1600/453.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o18xbRw36S4/TgDIylHAoqI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Rf37UzTpM2Y/s640/453.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwedagon Paya at night ( and in the rain)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2p6etUc3D5g/TgDItbHYT9I/AAAAAAAAAcs/-5WT1kXpjsg/s1600/429.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2p6etUc3D5g/TgDItbHYT9I/AAAAAAAAAcs/-5WT1kXpjsg/s640/429.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloths drying on the grass next to a busy road </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h24E9eAZ9o/TgDH4vfV4AI/AAAAAAAAAcI/_FCf-bHA8S8/s1600/042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h24E9eAZ9o/TgDH4vfV4AI/AAAAAAAAAcI/_FCf-bHA8S8/s640/042.JPG" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ice water station. You pour water over the ice and cold water comes out of the bottom</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm_p_il71TQ/TgDI9heWqeI/AAAAAAAAAc4/DohkX3Gmsek/s1600/477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm_p_il71TQ/TgDI9heWqeI/AAAAAAAAAc4/DohkX3Gmsek/s640/477.JPG" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street side telephone stations are everywhere. They are a perfect way to make a call on the go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNLlA12F-Hs/TgE-RnJSdRI/AAAAAAAAAc8/X2_FWxf371s/s1600/478.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNLlA12F-Hs/TgE-RnJSdRI/AAAAAAAAAc8/X2_FWxf371s/s640/478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woman selling betel leaves and cigarettes.</td></tr>
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-27185596841322519072011-06-07T00:09:00.001+07:002012-03-07T23:43:00.428+07:00It's Election Time!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It is election season here in Thailand as the country gears up for a general election on July 3rd. Unlike in the US, the amount of time between the announcement of elections and the actual elections is only a few months, so instead of being bombarded for a year with election ads, here in Thailand we only have to endure it for a couple of weeks. Luckily for me, since I am a) not a Thai citizen so I can't vote and b) I can't speak or read Thai, I am able to block it all out, with one exception...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that the preferred method for the hundreds of candidates to get their message to the masses is to use huge posters that they attach to every tree, lamp post, powerline or flat surface available. Obviously this makes walking down the sidewalk even more of an adventure than normal.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GTAlZT3VVA/Te0A8WtjQUI/AAAAAAAAAbc/SAw16SW_QoE/s1600/002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GTAlZT3VVA/Te0A8WtjQUI/AAAAAAAAAbc/SAw16SW_QoE/s640/002.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">It's a Thai version of Ross Perot!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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While most of the political posters are boring head shots of the candidates, I actually came to an abrupt stop and had to do a double take when I spotted these posters. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-srk-fvVnI/Te0FS6tMRpI/AAAAAAAAAbg/pvO79orCKyg/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-srk-fvVnI/Te0FS6tMRpI/AAAAAAAAAbg/pvO79orCKyg/s640/009.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have no idea what they are for, or which political party is responsible, but whoever created these posters definitely has a sense of humor. </div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-76079628735227078672011-05-30T16:03:00.002+07:002012-03-07T23:43:42.854+07:00Rat- The Other White Meat<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Last weekend we had another relaxing camping getaway at our top-secret undisclosed location where we spent many hours taking naps outside and playing extreme off-road bocce with some feasting on Thai food thrown in for good measure. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED0VCY2vMps/TeNVigbEHgI/AAAAAAAAAbI/NZ9V8DlCIyQ/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED0VCY2vMps/TeNVigbEHgI/AAAAAAAAAbI/NZ9V8DlCIyQ/s640/054.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing bocce down a hill- because we can.</span></td></tr>
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On the way back to Bangkok, we noticed signs for small roadside stands that were selling grilled rat. So of course being the adventrous types, we decided to stop and try it out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JX8C6uQYhE/TeNXD-tDxYI/AAAAAAAAAbM/UP_gCbqEqBY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JX8C6uQYhE/TeNXD-tDxYI/AAAAAAAAAbM/UP_gCbqEqBY/s640/001.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think someone needs to work on their rat drawing skills...</span></td></tr>
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Now before you all start freaking out and retching from disgust, let me explain that these are not the rats that you see scurrying around the city feasting on garbage. These rats are from rice fields where they spend all day getting fat on rice. These roadside stands then grill up the rat and sell them.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EIjX6A0ZWg/TeNYkPwA4OI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/A6qUu0rUhSk/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EIjX6A0ZWg/TeNYkPwA4OI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/A6qUu0rUhSk/s640/002.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brock exchanging baht for rat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mentally prepared myself for trying the rat by repeating "This is grain-fed rat, it's a delicacy." and "You'll hate yourself if you don't at least try it." over and over in my head. But my preparation flew out the window as soon as Brock opened the plastic bag that the rat was wrapped in.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hxYKDlNtZc/TeNa416dysI/AAAAAAAAAbU/One6GnAKs4s/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hxYKDlNtZc/TeNa416dysI/AAAAAAAAAbU/One6GnAKs4s/s640/007.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look you can see its tail!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't know if I could eat something that looked SO MUCH like a dead rat. So I let Brock and Guy try it out first and when they didn't immediately spit it out, I decided to go for a taste. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8zP_SutOnc/TeNcM6OLgvI/AAAAAAAAAbY/cTZT6ermh94/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8zP_SutOnc/TeNcM6OLgvI/AAAAAAAAAbY/cTZT6ermh94/s640/005.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The verdict- it honestly it didn't taste that bad, but it really didn't taste that good either. For one thing the rat was cold, so it tasted like cold, greasy chicken that was fortified with iron. The metallic taste of the meat did not appeal to me, and I didn't eat anymore after the first taste. But now I can say that I've tried grilled rat, and that was worth it.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-45840019669709480662011-05-10T10:37:00.002+07:002012-03-07T23:44:08.771+07:00A Good Night for a Fight<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
One of my favorite sports memories is going to see a University of Wisconsin-Madison hockey game in high school. I didn't really understand the sport or the rules but the thousands of college students in the stands chanting and dancing combined with bone crushing action on the rink created an awesome atmosphere that overrode the fact that I had no idea what was going on on the ice.</div>
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I experienced a similar night recently when I attended a night of Muay Thai at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium. This time I REALLY had no idea what was going on because everything was in Thai, but I wasn't about to let that spoil the adventure!</div>
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Muay Thai is a combat sport similar to kickboxing except that fighters are also allowed to use their shins, feet, elbows and strike each other both below and above the waist. It is a really intense sport and I wasn't too sure that I wanted to go watch a match. However, I decided that since I was living with in a 10 minute walk from one of the most prestigious Muay Thai stadiums in Thailand, I had to at least watch one match. </div>
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Our Muay Thai adventure began with attempting to purchase tickets at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium. As soon as we turned the corner outside the stadium, we were accosted by two ladies who really wanted to sell us discounted tickets. Even after we repeatedly told them we weren't interested, they continued to pressure us all the way to the official ticket office and wouldn't stop until we actually had our tickets in our hands. I am not sure if these women were selling legitimate tickets or not, but I will give them credit for being for being so tenacious.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside of the stadium plastered with promotions for upcoming fights</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a quick dinner at one of the many food stalls right outside the stadium, we made our way inside. The fights had already started and we could hear the crowd chanting and yelling as we handed our tickets over and found our seats. </span><br />
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The rest of the night was a blur of fighting, music, shouting crowds and ringing bells. I think my favorite part of each match was when each of the fighters would enter the ring wearing marigold garlands and proceed to stretch and dance around the ring.<span class="notranslate"><span class="ib" style="width: 0.6em;"> </span>Each school of Muay Thai has their own style of movement. The two</span> fighters are also wearing a sacred headband which they take off before the fight and sacred rope around their biceps which they keep on during the fight. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once they are done stretching and dancing- the fight begins!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lumpini Boxing Stadium, as well as other Muay Thai boxing stadiums, are the few places in Thailand where gambling is legal. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this final video you can see the crowds frantically making hand gestures. This is how bets are place on the fights. I have no idea how they keep track of all those bets, but I am sure there is a method to the madness.</span><br />
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If you listen closely, you can also hear the band that plays during each round to provide the fighters with timing. Each fight is usually five rounds (it's shorter when there is a knockout) and at the end of the fifth round, the referee collects the votes from three judges sitting around ring and a winner is declared.</div>
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All in all it was a great night and I am so glad I took a chance and stepped out of my comfort zone. I will definitely be going back for another fight night!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-58921155496183112952011-05-02T11:52:00.004+07:002012-03-07T23:44:25.679+07:00Roast Duck Extravaganza!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The very first night that we met our friends Brock and Josh, we were sitting at the beer gardens by CentralWorld asking each other the typical questions that expats ask when meeting a fellow expat for the first time, such as; "How long have you been in Thailand" ,"What do you do","Where do you live" etc. Eventually the discussion came around to eating and cooking (as it usually does) and when we casually mentioned that we had an oven in our apartment, Brock immediately exclaimed " I am going to roast a duck in your oven!" </div>
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Fast forward five months, and we finally got our act together for the roast duck extravaganza. The adventure began with a trip to the <a href="http://leapfeetfirst.blogspot.com/2010/09/klong-toei-cooking-class.html">Klong Toei Market</a> to pick up a duck as well as the ingredients to make the duck sauce.</div>
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After wandering through the market for a while, we made our way to the duck section. There we found a booth with duck and duck parts as well as live ducks. I assumed that we would get a duck that was already dead- but boy was I wrong. The adorable girl running the duck booth, after hearing Brock's request for a whole duck, proceeded to pull a live duck from a cage and tried to hand it to us. After some very disturbing pantomime, we finally got the message across that we would prefer the duck to be deceased. We were afraid that she was going to kill the duck right in front of us, but luckily she took it away and came back with it all wrapped up in a plastic bag.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It wasn't until we arrived at our apartment that we discovered that they neglected to gut and clean the duck. Luckily, the internet was there to save the day! It's amazing what you can find on YouTube. Athough watching men say things like</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "You don't want to rupture the gall bladder cause that will taint the meat." is not really the most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After watching a few videos about how to gut a duck, Brock tackled the disgusting task. I don't want to talk about the disgusting details too much, but I was amazed at what came out of that duck! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say I was impressed with how well we were able to keep our gag reflex under control, although I think Brock almost lost it when the metal I.D tag on the duck scraped the cutting board and it sounded just like a duck quack. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLR0fLlZNqM/Tb4i9iEB3JI/AAAAAAAAAac/q1UEMEgRFyA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLR0fLlZNqM/Tb4i9iEB3JI/AAAAAAAAAac/q1UEMEgRFyA/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brock carefully making the first incision</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the disgusting part was done, we worked on prepping the the bird for it's 4 hour roast in the oven.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIzHuYFb2_g/TbqQSYMiKAI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/xSgeAEazWAY/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIzHuYFb2_g/TbqQSYMiKAI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/xSgeAEazWAY/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removing pin feathers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK5aTlh1-7g/TbqQatVCvGI/AAAAAAAAAaA/t0wNXyraDAs/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK5aTlh1-7g/TbqQatVCvGI/AAAAAAAAAaA/t0wNXyraDAs/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting strategic slits to make the skin delicious</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After hourly flips and basting with an orange tamarind sauce, the duck was ready to be served to the hungry masses who spent hours drooling as the smell of roast duck filled our apartment. I don't really have any details on the recipe used or the specific techniques, but perhaps Brock will write about them on his <a href="http://www.brockeats.com/">blog</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After this successful duck roasting, we've already started planning for our next cooking adventure, so stay tuned!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNygYwijNrM/TbqQn1BwWoI/AAAAAAAAAaM/RPcNzoCL-Lo/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNygYwijNrM/TbqQn1BwWoI/AAAAAAAAAaM/RPcNzoCL-Lo/s640/024.JPG" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wants some duck?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1449121543"></span><span id="goog_1449121544"></span> </span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-86310004393525995652011-04-18T12:48:00.002+07:002012-03-07T23:45:02.158+07:00Our New Favorite Holiday- Songkran<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past three days all of Thailand shut down in order to celebrate Songkran. Traditionally Thailand's new year celebration was a time for Buddhists to make merit at local temples and for the elders to sprinkle water on younger people as a form of blessing and tribute. Included in this blessing was the application of white paste or clay to the face, arms and torso as a sign of protection and to ward off evil.</span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The modern Songkran celebration has evolved (or devolved depending on your point of view) into a three day water fight. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Bangkok, two of the most popular areas to celebrate Songkran are Silom Road and Khao San Road. In both areas, they close off the streets and people armed with waterguns, buckets, water bottles and firehoses wage a water fight free-for-all. If defending yourself from water attacks weren't enough, there are also people walking around with bowls of white clay that they will smear on anyone and anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided that we wanted to experience the party at both of these locations so on Wednesday we headed to Silom dressed in old clothing and armed with a waterproof camera. As soon as we exited the MRT station at Silom, we were hit with a wall of sound and water. Each side of the street was packed with vendors who were selling food, water guns, and clay. We spent hours wandering the up and down Silom and Patpong with <span id="goog_1413846"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Megan<span id="goog_1413847"></span></a>, being bombarded with water and clay.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A before picture</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking down on Silom towards Sala Daeng BTS</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_aK2BhPfTk/TasXcrsSGfI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Gpi7pF-13Y0/s1600/songkran+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_aK2BhPfTk/TasXcrsSGfI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Gpi7pF-13Y0/s640/songkran+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Clay and water for sale</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HZx7g6xCyE/TasXYP1kmWI/AAAAAAAAAYk/A4h1lD3j1Zo/s1600/songkran+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HZx7g6xCyE/TasXYP1kmWI/AAAAAAAAAYk/A4h1lD3j1Zo/s640/songkran+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Patpong, they busted out the fire-hoses</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFa-jpfwiw0/TasjQKklVPI/AAAAAAAAAZE/uCQXlJUhC9I/s1600/044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFa-jpfwiw0/TasjQKklVPI/AAAAAAAAAZE/uCQXlJUhC9I/s640/044.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't seem like a fair fight.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fun for all ages!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkSWhxRM114/TavD_LxSkXI/AAAAAAAAAZw/Vvobr9fSCEU/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkSWhxRM114/TavD_LxSkXI/AAAAAAAAAZw/Vvobr9fSCEU/s640/074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan looking gangster with her Pooh water gun </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE1hFF_SzHc/Tau3Wsqeu_I/AAAAAAAAAZI/1srkzQAF0e8/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE1hFF_SzHc/Tau3Wsqeu_I/AAAAAAAAAZI/1srkzQAF0e8/s640/066.JPG" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath- covered in clay and soaked to the core</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thursday we headed over to Khao San Road to meet a group of friends. There were fewer people on Khao San Road than there was on Silom, but that meant there was more room to fire your weapon of choice. This time around, we bought our own water guns so we could participate in the craziness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent most of our time on a street that runs parallel to Khao San Road because we were able to find a street side bar where we could launch sneak attacks on the crowd passing by. After an hour or so of this coupled with our 10 minute water fight with the table next to us, we got kicked out of the bar! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They didn't allow clay on Khao San Rd, so people discarded their bowls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z3EUwkn-Ks/Tau_KZVVPnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/9bkiMrEdRvo/s1600/songkran+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z3EUwkn-Ks/Tau_KZVVPnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/9bkiMrEdRvo/s640/songkran+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These girls were ruthless. I think they hit us 5 times with ice cold water</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUgqq4mEJr8/Tau_RxMSd4I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/tLA7ii1fcP8/s1600/songkran+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUgqq4mEJr8/Tau_RxMSd4I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/tLA7ii1fcP8/s640/songkran+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guy prepares his Doremon water gun</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disturbing doll attached to an ambulance- not sure why...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky5Bj1M-Jzo/Tau_nk_yTcI/AAAAAAAAAZg/LhRe5tITsI0/s1600/songkran+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky5Bj1M-Jzo/Tau_nk_yTcI/AAAAAAAAAZg/LhRe5tITsI0/s640/songkran+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my new water gun!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Launching an attack on the crowd</span></td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Guy refill their guns for the next attack</td></tr>
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Eric and I have both decided that Songkran is our new favorite holiday. How can you not love a holiday where you hang out with friends and spend all day at the world's largest water fight. Can't wait until next year!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756208265790763981.post-16969298296371476992011-04-12T09:06:00.001+07:002012-03-07T23:45:28.819+07:00"Camping" in Thailand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camping has to be one of the best ways to spend a weekend. Many of our summer weekends (and even some not-so-summery weekends) were spent with friends or family at one of the many state parks in Wisconsin</span>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What camping in March in Wisconsin looks like</span></td></tr>
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Camping was one of the things that we thought that we would have to give up once we moved to Thailand. We were pleasantly surprised when one or our friends suggested a camping excursion to an undisclosed location in Thailand (Seriously, I promised under the threat of pain to not reveal the location, lest it become overrun with tourists and start to look like Pattaya).</div>
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I use the word "camping" very loosely when describing this camping experience in Thailand- it is nothing like the camping we are used to in Wisconsin. To me camping consists of planning meals, packing equipment in to our backpacks or car/motorcycle, making sure we have plenty of beer, sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and telling funny stories. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or wandering around in the woods trying to figure out where we are...</span><br />
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At the resort ( yes, resort) we camped at in March, everything is provided for you. They set up your tent, provide you with a sleeping pad and pillow and breakfast, lunch and dinner are all made for you in the resort kitchen. The only thing we had to worry about was bringing enough booze, because it's not really camping if there is no beer involved, right? </div>
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I could really get used to this style of camping, except for one crucial element which was missing from the weekend. There was NO CAMPFIRE! Other than that missing element, it was a great vacation with awesome friends in a beautiful part of Thailand.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ST6zPjcx4L0/TZ0qW281yzI/AAAAAAAAAV0/vB41g9paEJ8/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ST6zPjcx4L0/TZ0qW281yzI/AAAAAAAAAV0/vB41g9paEJ8/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite what the sign says- there was no campfire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w0stX0kUxc/TZ0qolH3RXI/AAAAAAAAAWA/T7GMGzLozMo/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w0stX0kUxc/TZ0qolH3RXI/AAAAAAAAAWA/T7GMGzLozMo/s640/052.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our tents set up in a row</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBP2WgXutNY/TaMmBIsDh9I/AAAAAAAAAYI/nBUIjeroZJ0/s1600/070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBP2WgXutNY/TaMmBIsDh9I/AAAAAAAAAYI/nBUIjeroZJ0/s640/070.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had props for photo ops</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBmHpWRFfB4/TZ0qkNceoMI/AAAAAAAAAV8/iIFinLKQTRY/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBmHpWRFfB4/TZ0qkNceoMI/AAAAAAAAAV8/iIFinLKQTRY/s640/045.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love this library card cabinet!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hammock+Camping=Perfection</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goGAtj2yH9c/TZ0q5B89bOI/AAAAAAAAAWI/--tzQP36GAQ/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goGAtj2yH9c/TZ0q5B89bOI/AAAAAAAAAWI/--tzQP36GAQ/s640/062.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loved the beautiful flowers covering the hill</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkUt1Lpp6Fw/TaMnb_whPSI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/CXm88uq16ec/s1600/063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkUt1Lpp6Fw/TaMnb_whPSI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/CXm88uq16ec/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing makes you feel like a kid again like a merry-go-round</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXS5aNUcH-4/TZ0rLBjXJoI/AAAAAAAAAWU/flxcbg9USRo/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXS5aNUcH-4/TZ0rLBjXJoI/AAAAAAAAAWU/flxcbg9USRo/s640/085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beautiful view of the valley</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Je62Gzm0sxQ/TaMnUR8CD7I/AAAAAAAAAYM/6N4X68Bvd60/s1600/093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Je62Gzm0sxQ/TaMnUR8CD7I/AAAAAAAAAYM/6N4X68Bvd60/s640/093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the view and the Singha</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFymu03isV0/TaMlrdD9VHI/AAAAAAAAAYE/lK9SxVLQdq0/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFymu03isV0/TaMlrdD9VHI/AAAAAAAAAYE/lK9SxVLQdq0/s640/084.JPG" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I shall rule them all!!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAtn1mSCldA/TZ0rTBg-w8I/AAAAAAAAAWc/P68wR2T0-cc/s1600/126.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAtn1mSCldA/TZ0rTBg-w8I/AAAAAAAAAWc/P68wR2T0-cc/s640/126.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunset over the valley</span></td></tr>
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</a></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313330807009432404noreply@blogger.com1