Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Day

We discovered that our river trip doesn't actually leave until Friday. So now we are spending our Christmas Day here in Chaing Mai with our many new friends. Last night Charlie, Joshwah, our friend Gora and I went to see a movie in, quite possibly, the biggest mall I have ever seen. The inside of the mall is a maze of fading funhouse colors and six or seven floors of random shops, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, an old iceskating rink and to top it all off- literally - a swimming pool on the roof. It is a place you could easily get lost in if you are not careful. After a long, and boring movie - The Day the Earth Stood Still - we walked to get ice cream and rent some Kung Fu movies. Our friend Gora is Russian by birth, but ran away from his home and his country when he was fifteen to enter into monkhood in India. For the last seven years, he has lived in India and practised the simple and dedicated religious lifestyle. He recently left his monostery and came to live in Thailand to practice and teach Yoga. He is full of life and very interested in all the things he abstained from for so long. He is innocent and joyous and fills the room with laughter and good vibes whenever he is around. After we all, and a girl from Germany named Johanna, watched Kung Fu late into the night and ate our ice cream, we all fell asleep. It was like an old-fashioned slumber party. This morning we woke up and Gora led us through a session of Yoga, which was quite amazing and healthy-feeling. Gora is off to teach some Christmas yoga, Johanna home to shower, and we all are making plans to get together later for some kind of Christmas Celebration. Whether it will be a home-cooked meal, or a night out on the town, I don't know but both Charlie and I are open to our unconventional Christmas Day. The air is warm and the sun is shining. We are happy to be among friends, and happy to be here in Asia. Happy Holidays, dear family and friends. Our best thoughts and wishes to you all.

Much Love.

4 comments:

Golden said...

Merry Christmas guys! We love you, Golden & Sean

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Oriana and Charlie! Thinking about you guys and know you're having a blast in Thailand! We had a wonderful solstice with your family and looking forward to making more memories in Southern Oregon. Becky & Jimmmmy

Lynda said...

thinking of you,wren and jamas are packing as we speak... love you much and take care of each other,the cold is gone here but the rains have arrived!!!! making plans to be with larkin and paul for new years,dancing at the Applegate to alice and friends. had a sweet time with them all last night also, a late holiday dinner.... we all talked of you both....everyone sends love,love...lynda

Unknown said...

Hello Travelers. Glad you are well and enjoying your adventures in the Buddha lands. It's been adventures of a different sort up here on the mountain - lot's of snow & cold and difficult road conditions, so I've begun my Winter hibernations. We had a delightful sauna this afternoon and I exfoliated with chilly snow which is melting fast now in the rain.
Take good care and keep smilin'
love, timothy