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In search of an opportunity to experience another way of life, teach at an orphanage, and immerse ourselves in a vastly different culture, we boarded a plane in Boston and four stops, twelve time zones, and 28 hours later we emerged in the tropical heat of Denpasar, Bali. Please have a look at some great captioned photos and share in our experience. As any good Balinese would do, we offer thanks for your curiosity and friendship.

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Christmas in Thailand

Location: south of ayutthaya, Thailand

Still on the rice barge, we celebrate not with reindeer, but with water buffalo, Santa still makes an appearance, and like at home, we are surrounded by friends.

24 Dec 2006, 3:08AM

Standing on the riverbank, we all stood with our mouths open as this elephant and mahout approached out of the trees. "Surprise! Merry Christmas!" yelled Willie.

24 Dec 2006, 2:57AM

Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen...

24 Dec 2006, 8:04AM

O.K. It wasn't quite Broadway but we had music and costumes and twinkle lights!

24 Dec 2006, 3:22AM

Jennifer could have spent all week with the elephants...stroking the babies and taking turns feeding the mothers peanuts wrapped in rice paper.

24 Dec 2006, 7:46PM

Christmas Day was the birthday for more than just one important person! Since Dale was far from home on this birthday and we had officially adopted him, we smuggled a cake on board to surprise him. Jennifer (sporting a pomello party hat) makes sure EVERY candle is extinguished.

24 Dec 2006, 8:19AM

You must admit, to cobble together this impresssive ensemble took some resourcefulness.

24 Dec 2006, 10:34PM

Jennifer learned an easy (and painless!) peanut skin removal technique, thanks to this beautiful lady!

24 Dec 2006, 9:47PM

Lek's ingenuity never ceased to amaze us. He could craft fangs out of flowers and horns out of palm fronds.

24 Dec 2006, 11:24PM

Meanwhile, on the other side of the playground, a horde of schoolkids (with certain provocation) race toward Chris, intent not on improving their English skills, but on tackling him.

24 Dec 2006, 11:22PM

The schoolkids practiced their English and we practiced our Thai...making for a very short conversation. We fell back on our common language-smiles!

25 Dec 2006, 3:41AM

And finally, after three wonderful days on the rice barge, we say our goodbyes. Willie is in the center with Lek and Dale behind. The kids are sporting their Christmas present from Dale...yellow shirts (THE color of Thailand) with the royal insignia on the chest and the words you see and hear all over Thailand, "Long Live the King!"