Jane's 8th grade dance

"A Night in Paris" was the dance theme for this years eighth grade class. Jane looked beautiful, despite her self-consciousness in a "fancy" dress. You can probably guess that she said the dance was "hot, loud, boring, crowded and obnoxious." Other than that, she had a good time with her friends.
After her taxi wisked her away, I noticed the sunset from our living room. I thought I would share it with you. It has been unusually hot for this time of year. Even the locals are commenting about how hot it is. Although we have acclamated to this climate for sure, there is just no getting comfortable with this tropical heat. We can't wait to get home for a breath of cooler, dryer air! So let's enjoy being outside together at our pool, the beach or park.
TTFN~
Lauren

A May day treat

Since we missed (really missed you) our traditional celebration of Leah and Jed's birthday, and Mother's Day, we decided to try something fun and relaxing. Fish Relexology! A treat the whole family can enjoy. This was such a painful experience. So painful in fact, that we couldn't help but laugh out loud. Tears, of pain and laughter, were in our eyes. Evan cannot believe that child birth hurts more than that! I told him it was a close call. But we were settled into our padded recliners, sipping tea, and allowing these girls to continue with our second foot.
Next, we washed our feet and immersed them into a pool filled with little golden fish. These Turkish Garra rufa fish nibbled dead skin off the soles of our feet. Now our giggles were happy and relaxed. And our feet were soft and supple. If you ever get the chance for a little fish pedicure, you may want to consider it. Polish was not available here.
Lots of Love,
Lauren

24 Hours in Malaysia

I took advantage of traveling to Kuala Lumpur with Jed. "Again!" the children whine. I can't help myself; I must tag along. I was told there is not much to see or do in Kuala Lumur. It was never the center of an ancient culture, infact, it was a mining town with seedy brothels, gambling dens and organised crime. But now it is a pretty impressive city known as the capital of Malaysia. It is contempory, noisy, wicked hot, polluted and crowded city. It offers tons of shopping, mosques and museums, and many muslim men and women wearing traditional clothing.
I set out alone, with my little map, while Jed went to work. I was able to see the Petronas Twin Towers, and ride to the 41st floor viewing hall. It is now the second tallest building in the world and very impressive. I hailed taxi's, rode the underground, and did plenty of walking. The mosques were interesting, and I was invited to walk around the grounds. But first I was instructed to don the full length gown and cover my head. Certainly not a complete burka, but very covered up nonetheless. They buttoned me up and gave my head wrap a good knot under the chin to asure it would not slip off. I mean no disrespect to the Muslim women, but I would have to go commando under that gown. I was so hot, it was unbearable!
We really want to get the kids to Malaysia, but I think it will be to the cooler jungle in Cameron Highlands or one of the beautiful beaches, like Langkawi. Although KL doesn't have a whole lot to offer, I am glad I had the time to explore that city for myself.
Lots of Love,
Lauren

Excited about coming home

Hello friends and family.
You will be seeing these faces soon. We can't wait to see all of you. We arrive in Boston 6 June, and depart 20 July. The children are feeling much anticipation about coming home. Please stop by Tyng Street anytime!
Lots of Love,
Lauren

bangkok

I was lucky enough to join Jed on business to Bangkok. Unfortunately, it we only had 24 hours. Bangkok is a modern, steamy city full of skyscrapers, people, traffic, noise and pollution. But there are museums, temples, historic sites, markets and delicious restaurants. I hope to visit this city again and again, and with the children for sure.

While Jed was at his meetings I filled my days quite easily. I spent time at the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. So beautiful with its gleaming, gilded stupas, orange and green roof tiles, mosaic encrusted pillars. I took a boat to the west bank of Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, the striking Temple of Dawn. Intricate mosaic tiles cover this structure. I climbed steep stairs half way up the prang for a wonderful view. The oldest and largest wat in Bangkok, Wat Po, was my last temple stop. It features the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. Amazing!

I hopped in a taxi, and treated myself to a traditional Thai massage before meeting Jed for drinks and dinner.

The next morning I ate street food as I walked myself to the busy Erawan Shrine. Early in the morning locals were praying, making their offerings, and dancing, while cars buzzed by. I sat and observed for quite a while. I had just enough time to visit the authentic home and garden of Jim Thompson, before meeting Jed at the airport. This legendary American moved to Bangkok after WW11 and is responsible for the world renowned Thai silk industry. While out for a walk in western Malaysia in 1967, Thompson disappeared and has never been heard from since. His home and art collection is impressive. So was the gift shop!

Love,
Lauren

24 hours in Bangkok

24 hours in Bangkok