Back to Taipei and The Happiness of Kati

A cover of The Happiness of Kati (from wikipedia)

After a short errand in the morning and saying good-bye to Aunt Larb and the kids, I took a taxi to the airport. I sent out some postcards to friends at Airport Post Office, but missed a chance to see a friend, Obb; too bad. I bought a copy of ความสุขของกะทิ (The Happiness of Kati), a novel by งามพรรณ เวชชาชีวะ (Ngarmpun Vejjajiva). This novel won 2006 Southeast Asian Writers Award and its English translated version by Prudence Borthwick won the second place of 2005 John Dryden Translation Competition. Now, it has been translated into eight languages in 11 countries (including Taiwan). The story tells about a life of a nine-year old girl who mourns her mom suffered by an incurable disease. Being beautifully written to describe this little girl in Thai rural life style, the book captured me for the whole 4-hour flight. I finished the book just prior to landing. A movie based on this novel was recently released. Ngarmpun is a sister of the current Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva.

see:
http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Kati-Jane-Vejjajiva/dp/1416917888

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In Bangkok with the kids

In Bangkok ...

For the last two days, I had been in Bangkok with my Aunt and cousins. Yesterday morning, I woke up early to prepare to buy some famous products of my hometown back to Taipei for friends to taste how good Durian is. Also, I had to catch an early bus to go to Bangkok, in which I arrived a little past noon.


After I spent more than an hour selecting some photos (a little more than 800 photos) to develop for my dad, I met with Por and Nong for dinner and chat (other friends complained that I just called them to tell that I was in Bangkok; only few people knew that I have been back home). It was great to see Por and Nong and talked to others on the phone.

For the whole day today, I spent a whole day visit a university and came back for dinner with the kids in the evening. I was tired from the morning activity, but I was relaxed and refreshed after hanging with my favorite teenagers!

Still.... no exercise for the visit to Thailand and I expect that I have been eating a lot too.... yummy...

3/11/09 - Started a new bottle of eye drops

Game enjoying MK Suki, a hotpot.

Jay and Gift

Book and my Aunt Larb

Game is having fun with a balloon in a supermarket.

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At home ...

At home ....

I did not have any exercise activity again for the past two days, but almost all of the activities I did for these two days substitued well on such a purpose. Because an exercise is a physical activity which one does with pleasure. Yesterday was the day of returning utensils and all equipments borrowed from the temple for wedding. However, I walked to visit relatives. I met my youngest nephew (second cousin) for the first time since he was born a few weeks ago. Being a cute little baby, he has given a nickname, EnDo (N-do). I had a chance to bring pineapple cakes from Taipei to my relatives and had a chance to visit their home and orchard. Expectedly, this was a good opportunity of me to snap photos.

This morning I went to Ott's school and hang out with a nephew, Boss, for almost the whole day. I brought boxes (got some yesterday and brought more today) to unpack and unpack my stuff shipped from the States last year. Well, this process has been started last night and tonight as well, while their a little party with just a group of very close relatives. Packing and unpacking was very strengous but thanks to Ott, Dad and Mom for their help. :D

Endo yawning

Endo being ready to drink some milk.

Boss savoring grilled pork slice and sticky rice in front of Ott's classroom. A photo of her in teacher uniform is posted on the day.

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Congratulations to Edd and Dew

Congratulations and Happy Marriage Life!

Mom, Aunt Larb, Dad and the bride and groom.

Everyone woke up early to prepare themselves. Well, groom and bride went out for their make-up and such since 1AM, the time I went to bed. Around 6:30A we arrived near the bride's house, and set up the groom procession. After arrived at the bride's house, the ceremony started with Buddhist ceremony and was followed by wedding ritual. Interestingly, during the Buddhist ceremony there was a heavy rain (just in that area) for 20 minutes or so. Mom said, "the gods and goddesses bless the newlyweds with auspicious rain."

Luncheon took place at Sawadichai Hall (a multipurpose hall) in my junior high school. The event was simple fun and went well (but there were so many guests... ). In the evening, another party also started at home just in a smaller size for close friends and relatives.

Some photos:

The groom at his preparation for the wedding procession. In Thailand the groom family has to make a celebratory march to the bride's house.

The procession led by "Klong Yao" (literally means long drum) brand of students in the local elementary school.

Among relatives and friends, Jay Nuch carry a pair of fish-shaped snacks. All snacks and things are prepared in a pair.

The ceremony starts with the Buddhist ceremony and Monk Blessing.

After Buddhist ceremony and Monk Blessing, a wedding ritual starts with the agreement between elders of both sides on wedding money in cash, gold and jewelries.

Blessing from relatives and guests by tying "white thread" around the left wrist of the Bride and Groom. In picture, P' Hash is tying a white thread on Dew's left hand.

The newlyweds with the bride's family.

Little Sis and I with the newlyweds.

Luncheon reception.

A young niece singing for us.

Young niece and nephew

Karaoke entertaining many after guest left.

Dance (Kra Jai...)

Little Sis also sings many songs.

Wedding token given to all guests.

Congratulations and welcome to our family!

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