Ho Ho Ho!
12 January, 2011….In Thailand less than 1% of the population is Christian so you would logically think that Christmas would be a total non-event in this country. Well, think again. At least here in Bangkok where consumerism, capitalism and entrepreneurialism are driving so much growth Christmas is seen more as an excuse to gather with friends and family, go shopping and spend money. Does it have any religious significance – no, none. But is it celebrated – yes, big time.
So the lead up to Christmas was a time of huge elaborate decorations on and in all the large department stores, office buildings and street signs. My office building was literally covered in glittering lights and illuminated reindeers with flashing neon signs wishing everyone ‘Merry Xmas’ and ‘Happy New Year’. In the lobby of the building we live in the large weekly flower display was replaced by a decorated Christmas tree complete with wrapped presents underneath. And Christmas carols could be heard in every public building, shopping centre and Skytrain.
Julie and I spent some evenings wandering in the packed shopping centres, enjoying the live music and food in the large temporary beer gardens, taking photos of the over-the-top Christmas decorations and enjoying the whole scene along with thousands of Thais.
And best of all, on most of the days the temperature dropped below 30 degrees C, reminding all of us this is winter and the best time to be in Bangkok.
Despite this fantastic setting we packed up and left.
We headed down to Sydney for our version of Christmas, hot summer days, a decorated tree in the corner, family and friends all around us, camping at our property on the other side of the Blue Mountains, enjoying the fireworks from the harbour, visits to the theatre, the beach and countless restaurants and coffee shops. Christmas, Australia style.
Joining us in Sydney for their first Aussie Christmas were my parents and sister from California. This made the whole event very special and made Christmas morning a big event with nine people on board. I’m too embarrassed to tell you how long it took to open all the presents but marathon comes to mind.
The holidays were also highlighted by our daughter Anna and her partner Carl buying a beautiful five bedroom brick home in Springwood, one of the small towns in the Blue Mountains, and us helping them move in on the same day Anna should have been celebrating her birthday. They’ve got a beautiful place backing onto the natural bush, a huge outdoor deck, rooms everywhere, plenty of space to grow and enjoy the peace of the mountains. Well done guys, we’re all very jealous.
No trip home is complete without a visit to our property in the Wolgan Valley and on this visit we managed to squeeze in two trips. The first overnight trip attracted a near record 26 people to join us and enjoy the full damns, tall green grass, raging camp fire and beautiful scenery all around us. It was also the first visit of the family’s latest arrival – our niece Sarah’s 18 month old Alice. On the second trip it was all work and little pleasure with Julie and I spending two days spraying those dreaded Blackberries and enjoying the solitude of this remote setting.
But good times fly past and all too soon our visitors had to leave, first sister Diane, later my parents. It was great to see Mom/Mum and Dad, still robust travellers, enjoying new experiences, living the good life. Something to aspire to.
Best of all was the time we spent with Anna, Will and Zach, seeing them grow and prosper in their respective lives, be it work or study. Anna moving into her new home, Will preparing to start Uni again for his PhD, Zach as he gets ready for his big Asia trip with mates. And worst of all was leaving them to come back to Bangkok.
Whether you are Buddhist or Christian or any other flavour there is no time better than that spent with family and friends. We enjoyed every minute but then got on a plane, left one world and returned to our new world in Bangkok, back to work, back to spicy food, runs in Lumpini Park, Thai lessons, crazy Thai politics and beautiful winter weather. And yes, even in mid January the Christmas decorations are still up all over town.
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