Seattle-Seoul-Bangkok-Penang

We're not entirely sure how many hours the flights over the previous two or three days were. We decided that we didn't want to add it up- in fear that we would figure out what time it actually was in Seattle and thus mentally convince ourselves into a fierce jet-lagged state. We've avoided the brunt of the east to west jet lag thanks to Korean Air's entertainment system. After losing mercilessly to Kristian in several games of passenger vs passenger Tetras, I decided to take a complete mind vacation and watch Bride Wars ( yes- skip it 'til netflix- or just skip it all together). We've decided that we love Korean Air even though they are trying to fatten us up with their multiple course meals and turn us into drones by providing almost endless hours of entertainment.

We arrived in Bangkok around 11:00 p.m. and scooted off to our hostel. The next day we toured around the city and saw some of my post-Shanghai stomping grounds before we bopped off to the Grand Palace. On our way to the Grand Palace, in my very seasoned traveler ways, I was conned into into paying two Thai women for bags of corn kernels to feed flying rats (pigeons) on this 'very holy Buddhist holiday.' Shoulda known- there is no free lunch.

The Grand Palace was breathtaking. The inner walls surrounding the multiple temples are painted with highly detailed murals telling the history of monarch's past. We spent several hours touring the Palace before taking a Tuk-tuk (motorcycles with cushioned carts attached- very safe Mom- I assure you) to Lumpini Park. This park located in Southeastern Bangkok and houses many small ponds and walkways where runners brave enough to face +30 degree Celsius weather plod along.

That same evening we took the 80 minute flight to the first destination in Malaysia- Penang Island. This morning we toured the main city on the Island, Georgetown, at a balmy 37 degrees Celsius, which I believe is about 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Georgetown has around 2 million residents and a very colonial feel. We went to Kota (Fort) Cornwallis, the Penang Museum, and completed the afternoon with having a delightful Indian meal before heading back for a siesta. Tomorrow we plan on hiking up Penang Hill and visiting the Botanical Gardens.

Now we're off to sip a drink on the lawn of the Eastern Oriental Hotel. We will then vigorously down a liter of water to avoid any chance of a hangover. Remember- it's Kristian's 30th birthday in September and we're(he's) not exactly spring chicken anymore. Expect another post in a week or so.

psst. Monkees- You'd be proud to know we've tossed the frisbee around in Thailand and Malaysia already.

xoxo