Skatbos in Thailand

Feeding the elephant sugar cane.

The Skattums recently made the trip to Thailand.  Jeanne and Paul Skattum are VERY adventurous people.  They did it all; shows, culture, history, planes, trains, tuk-tuks, elephant rides through the jungle, petting grown tigers, river rafting in a monsoon, staying in a bungalow that floated on the river.  They did it all!

We had a great time visiting some historic ruins and relaxing on the beach together.

Our first weekend together, we took the

Waiting for the train.

train from Bangkok to Ayuthaya.  I had heard that you could take a night cruise to see all the ruins lit up and I was determined that that is what we would do.  It wasn’t until later that I realized most people walk/bike

Night river cruise in Ayuthaya.

around to see them at night.  After dealing with the frustrations of language barriers we paid for our night cruise and waited for our cruising vessel to arrive.  Our “cruise” was actually someone’s little fishing boat.  I don’t think they usually do night cruises, but they were willing to make some $ and take us foreigners to see the sites.  It was

Ruins in Ayuthaya...so beautiful.

GREAT!  The ruins are absolutely beautiful and it was so nice to be on the river.  Later, police on shore started blowing their whistles and hollering things at us.  We attempted to ask our “captain” if they were whistling at us.  She just laughed and shook her head.  Again, I don’t think night cruises are a typical tourist attraction.  We got a special experience.

Papa Skats and Jeanne Kay

Sunday we took a tuk-tuk to a number of the ancient ruins.  We were able to actually walk in/on/through a lot of the ruins.  We even got to walk down into a secret tomb that was discovered in the 1950’s, VERY COOL!  Ayutthia is a

Paul and Megs in the secret tomb room.

very peaceful place with lots to see.  Tourism is down which made it even better for us!  Sunday we left the Skattums to adventure on their own.

Tim and Dad Skattum

Nothing says tropical vacation like coconuts on the beach!

Last weekend they came to visit our town/school and see what we’ve been doing for the past few months.  Friday afternoon we took off for a little island called Koh Samui!  YES, back to the beach…never gets old!

Beach stroll....I think they will hate that I posted this picture.

It was great to have a few days to just relax.  We played cards, took a midnight swim in the pool, managed to get sunburned through the clouds (that always tricks us).  It was a really nice time!

It has been great sharing our adventures with our families.  We are really grateful that both sets of parents came to visit.  In October the siblings + Jed arrive…holla!  Mom and Dad you guys need to travel more…you’re really good at it.

ONE MORE…..LOVE IT!

Tim and Papa Skats

Tim teaching Dad how to use his new camera.  Look at that focus and determination!!!