Travels with Bob
Adventures in Cambodia and Thailand
I'm back from my travels, inspired, jet-lagged, and trying to get back on track.
When I left Florida, it was just after Christmas and our website visitors were talking about gingerbread houses (the edible kind).
Over New Year’s, we found lots of gingerbread buildings in Bangkok, many in need of repair. Although Thailand remains a monarchy and was never colonized, the king was a big fan of Western architecture, so many buildings from the late 19th Century are neoclassical and a lot of wooden houses make use of gingerbread detailing. The many holes cut into the decorative patterns also allow for ventilation. The contemporary architecture and infrastructure is very impressive as well. (Interestingly, the current king was born in Cambridge MA, a place I long called home and the site of my Shingle Style remodeling project).
My trip — a lifelong dream — included some of the most beautiful landscapes ever with an elephant ride thrown in, as well as a research visit to the Center for Khmer Studies’ new library.
Now I'm back home where we've been invaded by honey bees! Never a dull moment.
