Joe Pan
I love travelling with my friend Joe. We met over 20 years ago at the summer camp sponsored by the Tawainese government, affectionately referred to as the "Love Boat". Joe has always lived on the West Coast and we kept in touch over the decades by writing letters and Christmas cards until e-mail was invented.
Joe is a planner. He loves a good deal, and finding the best local eats. Joe and Garrett got married in August 2017 at the courthouse in Compton, and I was honored to be a witness. "Are you sure you don't mind us tagging along for your honeymoon?", I asked.
Phuket Tiger Kingdom
Mike didn't think it was a good idea to go into an enclosed area with two 400-pound tigers, but hey, why not? I am a little obsessed with the Instagram page Black Jaguar White Tiger, and my co-worker Jake had come back from Thailand with an impressive photo of his visit.
These tigers are bred in captivity and are pretty well trained. I was not deterred by the news report of an Australian tourist being mauled the year before.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5g1zkJ2kTE&sns=em
Ko Phi Phi Island
For some reason, Mike didn't get the message that we would be going swimming, and didn't wear his swim trunks that day. Undeterred, he just jumped in the water with all his clothes on.
A gal from China asked me to take her photo. The place was overrun with selfie-takers. I kept waiting for someone to drop their phone into the lagoon.
A Funeral for a King
King Rama IX was very beloved by the Thai people. He worked extensively through his life to help improve the standard of living in Thailand, espousing moderation, self-sufficiency, and conservation of natural resources.
We happened to be in Bangkok on the week of his funeral celebration. Thai citizens from throughout the country volunteered their time and expertise in the capital. When it poured down rain, people put soap on the streets and swept them clean. Florists created the most amazing display in flower market district.
Phuket Thai Cookery School
Joe found this amazing cooking school with an open air classroom on a beautiful beach, on a quiet side of the island 40-minutes' drive from Patong.
We each had a chance to practice making several dishes after watching the instructors. For weeks after we got home, Mike and I practice re-creating the dishes.
Yellow Chicken Curry
Despite my lack of culinary skills, this dish turned out great! We also learned to carve a tomato into a rose decoration. My mom when I got home: "Oh, I could have taught you that..."
We didn't cook this duck curry
But it was one of the most delicious dishes we had during our trip.
Mango Sticky Rice
Clearly, a last supper item, hands down.
To see more photos, go to: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yU3HdjAMgi0R1MVp1