Update from Thailand

Hi all,

We are now in the area of the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai. We have learned so much about this area in world war II - it was not exactly how the movie portrayed it. Over 100,000 men lost their lives building the train from Bangkok to Burma and the Japanese were so brutal to the pow's. There were some Americans but mostly Australians, British, and Dutch were forced to build the line. They have many war memorials to these men and we can only imagine what the conditions were in their summer - we are here in their winter and it is very warm.We traveled by bus, boat, and train today and tonight our guide is cooking for us. He had us divide into teams and sent us into the market place to buy the ingredients using only Thai language. It was really funny and fun. The weather her is very pleasant. The mornings are cool when we do most of our sightseeing, the afternoons are hot when we are back in the hotel and the evenings remind us of Fresno summer evenings. We are all having a great time together and everyone gets along so it is really nice. Allison thanks for the update on your family and to all who have responded - a few have not. You know who you are. We do miss you even though we are having fun here.

Mom

Update from Cambodia - From Bill

Hi Family,
We are having a grand time and have walked all over ancient Buddist and Hindu Temples. They are true treasures and are amazing beyond words. The people of Cambodia are very gracious but very poor too. They have very large families because of the poor health conditions and the loss of children in eary childhood. We love the food and have really enjoyed the cultural experiences of native dress, music and dance. We travel back to Bangkok, Thailand this evening after four days in Cambodia.
More later....Love, DAD & MOM

Update from Cambodia

Hi All,

Well we are in Cambodia after a mix-up in Bangkok but are having a really revealing trip. I don't think any of us understood what Cambodia was really like. They are still suffering from the effects of the Khmer Rouge killings and there is widespread poverty and corruption. We have a wonderful guide who is so knowageable and tells us everything because the bus driver does not understand English. We had a fabulous lunch in a village home and so really got the experience of the life of these people. Our trip to anger Watt was really something. Very impressive and crowded with tourists. The tourism is their way out of poverty. We also saw a city that was all floating houses that they move 4-5 times a year. The weather is warm and humid but not unbearable and we are offered water and cool wipes at every stop. OUr group is very congenial - how could the Coit Ranch group be anything different. The food here is delicious and the Cambodian people do not eat with chopsticks - they use a fork and spoon. Dad and I are doing a walking tour of the city this morning. The hotel is beautiful and has a fabulous pool. Everyday from 1-3 we have a break to rest.

Very nice.

Will write again,Mom