Storytelling Tours

Aloha Tales Summer Reading Program, Winn Parish Libraries – June 23 & 24, 2010

by Dianne on July 14, 2010

6-24-10 Eliana and Dianne dance The Little Brown Girl to a packed house, Winnfield, Louisiana

Friends:

It was a great tour in Winn Parish. Our first show was for a Title I program at a local school in Winnfield, Louisiana. Though the audience was smaller than in past years, they had a great time.

6-23-10 Audience members try to do Poi Balls, Winnfield Title I program

Our second show was in Dodson, Louisiana. The show was held in a high school gym, next door to the library because the library is small. Our brand new CD player stopped working but thankfully, Amy Deen, our fabulous hostess, rescued us and brought one from home.

6-23-10 Instructing audience members how to dance the Hukilau in Dodson, Louisiana

The next day, June 24, we were at the main library in Winnfield, Louisiana in the morning. We had a big crowd and everyone loved the show.

6-24-10 Eliana and Dianne dance The Little Brown Girl to a packed house, Winnfield, Louisiana

They were especially enthralled when Eliana danced Tahitian! Go Eliana!

6-24-10 Eliana dances Tahitian, Winnfield, Louisiana

Our final show in Winn Parish Libraries was at the cozy library in Atlanta, Louisiana. We always have such a warm, enthusiastic crowd there.

6-24-10 Dianne dances Nanakuli with uli ulis in Atlanta, Louisiana

Thank you very much to Amy Deen and Mary Doherty of Winn Parish Libraries. Thank you also to all the fantastic librarians and patrons at all the branches. We had so much fun “splashing” into Summer Reading with you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Show in Bienville Parish Libraries – June 17-18, 2010

by Dianne on June 22, 2010

6-17-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Eliana teach the audience The Little Brown Girl Hula

Friends:

This past week, Eliana and I performed in Bienville Parish Libraries. It was fun returning to Bienville. We stayed in Ruston and had the opportunity to shop at one of our favorite stores – The Beehive! Our first show on June 17 was at the main library in Arcadia. It was packed!

6-17-10 A packed library in Arcadia, Louisiana!

Both the children and the grown-ups enjoyed the show, full of audience participation. We love seeing the landmarks in Bienville, like the tall cowboy and Bryceland “Mall.” LOL

6-18-10 In Bienville Parish, the Bryceland Mall

Our second show on June 17 was at the Ringgold Branch Library. The programs are held in a meeting room and it got quite packed. There were about 80 kids in that room! It’s really great to see the community come out to the library to support summer reading!

6-17-10 Wall-to-wall kids at the Ringgold Branch Library

We had so much fun sharing Polynesian culture with the children from Ringgold. One of the library patrons told me that when she found out I was coming, she had my new book, Mama’s Bayou, Fedexed to her so I could sign it for her. She didn’t want to take the chance that I might have run out of books. Isn’t that sweet?!!

6-17-10 Eliana performs Tahitian at the Ringgold Branch Library

On June 18, 2010, our first show was at the Castor Branch library. It’s a new branch library and the space we had was very tight but we made it work. Everyone enjoyed the program.

6-18-10 Doing the finale of our show, teaching Hukilau at the Castor Branch Library

Our last show in Bienville Parish was at the Saline Branch Library. I love going to this library – I’ve developed quite a fan following in Saline! People were asking me if I had any new CDs! A special thank you to Zachary for helping us pack up our show. :)

6-18-10 Everyone dances the Hukilau at the Saline Branch Library

Eliana and I had a wonderful time in Bienville Parish. Thank you to Peggy, Sherri, and Jeannie for all your support! And a very special thank you to Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding for making the grant possible. We look forward to returning in 2012!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Show in Natchitoches, Louisiana – June 9-10, 2010

by Dianne on June 15, 2010

6-9-10 Eliana is such a beauty!

Friends:

On June 9-10, 2010, Eliana and I toured in Natchitoches, Louisiana, promoting the Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Summer! Read!” Our first show was absolutely packed. It was so full that the library had to turn away a group because they wouldn’t fit. It’s a great problem to have though, right? Everyone wants in…

6-9-10 The Nachitoches Parish Library is packed solid for our first show!

Eliana and I began with a Hula called, “The Little Brown Girl.” We taught the Hula moves of the chorus to the audience so they could follow along. We did three shows over the course of two days.

6-9-10 Eliana and I demonstrate the moves for The Little Brown Girl

Then I told the story of “Maui Tames the Sun.” In my third show, I had such fun kids on stage. They really got into their roles and were so great!

6-10-10 Maui and his three strong brother lasso the Sun God

Eliana is always so cute when she dances Tahitian. I love her costume and so does the audience! They always say, “Ooh and aah!”

6-9-10 Eliana comes out in her Tahitian costume

We always end the show with a Hula in which everyone participates. We bring people on stage and no one is immune… LOL Eliana and I teach them “The Hukilau,” a traditional Hawaiian Hula that all children in Hawaii learn.

6-9-10 Yes, I will even solicit help from gentlemen in the audience!

Martha Uchino is the fabulous Children’s Services Coordinator of Natchitoches Parish Library. She brought us in and Martha is so much fun. I only wish we could have spent more time together! Thank you for having us, Martha! Arigato!

6-10-10 Martha Uchino, the Children's Services Coordinator for Natchitoches Parish Library, strikes a pose

After our last show, Eliana and I had time to tour Natchitoches. We ate at Lasyone’s, a restaurant famous for its meat pies. They were so good, we brought frozen ones home!

6-10-10 We dined at Lasyones and ate their famously delicious meat pies!

We shopped at Skippidy Doo Da and took a carriage tour through the town.

6-10-10 Eliana stands by Pat the Horse

Our guide, Nathan, was extremely knowledgeable about the town’s history and even threw in a few extras for me, telling me some of the local ghost lore. We rode in front of the library so I had to snap a photo!

6-10-10 Natchitoches Parish Library

He took us through the historic parts of Natchitoches and we even saw the house where the movie “Steel Magnolias” was filmed. It is now a bed and breakfast that welcomes guests.

6-10-10 The house used in the movie, Steel Magnolias

Eliana and I even saw some Natchitoches oddities! Check out this lawn “ornament!”

6-10-10 A rusted Rhino stands as front yard art at a house in Natchitoches

And this is what adorned the backyard! I felt like I was in the movie, “Jumanji!” hahaha

6-10-10 The coiled serpent is their backyard art

On Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, you can even rent a quadricycle and give yourself a tour through town!

6-10-10 Quadricycles for rent on Front Street in Natchitoches

The river that runs through Natchitoches is so pretty. Natchitoches is a quaint and quiet town during the summer. They are famous for their “Festival of Lights” celebration in December. The town has been featured on HGTV and the Travel Channel. Natchitoches is a charming little town. Stop by and see for yourself… And be sure to check out all the wonderful programs the library puts on every week during the summer!

6-10-10 A bayou runs into the Cane River in Natchitoches

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Show in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana – June 1-3, 2010

by Dianne on June 15, 2010

6-2-10 Eliana and Dianne give everyone an Aloha greeting

Friends:

Eliana (my ten year old daughter) and I started our summer tour, traveling all over Louisiana and performing in the public libraries promoting Summer Reading. This year, the collaborative Summer Reading theme is “Splash into Summer! Read!” To coincide with the theme, I created my show, “Aloha Tales,” a program of Hawaiian stories, Hula dancing, and Polynesian dancing.

6-2-10 Eliana dances with poi balls

The show begins with Eliana and I dancing a Hula called, “The Little Brown Girl.” Then I tell the story, “How Maui Tames the Sun” with lots of audience participation. There are several quick costume changes and Eliana does quite a bit of talking and dancing! After Eliana and I perform with poi balls, there is a quick change for me and I emerge in a red traditional muu muu. I tell the story of “The Volcano Goddess.”

6-1-10 Dianne de Las Casas tells the story of Pele, the Volcano Goddess

Then comes one of my favorite parts of the show. Eliana emerges in her Tahitian costume, eliciting oohs and ahs from the audience, and dances a traditional Tahitian dance called “Paea.” This is a dance I used to perform as a child!

6-1-10 Eliana dances Tahitian

I then demonstrate puilis, Hula implements that are long slatted sticks made from bamboo. I ask audience members to try the puilis. It’s lots of fun for everyone.

6-3-10 Dianne helps a little girl use puilis

The very end of the show is another one of my favorite parts! We bring audience members up on stage, dress them in grass skirts and flower leis, and teach them how to dance “The Hukilau,” a traditional Hula. I also have the audience stand up, learn the moves, and dance with us. Everyone enjoys it.

6-2-10 Audience members learn how to dance The Hukilau

Eliana and I had a blast in Evangeline Parish. We ate great food, met warm and friendly people, and had fun with all the kids in the libraries. The library system has such a wonderfully supportive community. We look forward to returning one day! I did discover one of my book characters hanging out in Evangeline Parish — it was Madame Poulet!

6-2-10 Dianne finds Madame Poulet in Evangeline Parish

We look forward to seeing you down the road! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Goodbye Thailand, Goodbye Philippines – May 25-26, 2010

by Dianne on June 13, 2010

5-26-10 Last day in Pattaya. One final view from our hotel room balcony...

Friends:

I enjoyed my stay in Thailand. We stayed at the Discovery Beach Hotel in Pattaya with a gorgeous view of the beach and a great breakfast buffet. Every day was full of fun and adventure.

5-25-10 You see a little bit of everything in Pattaya, Thailand!

I had car service return us to Bangkok, where we flew on Thai Airways back to Manila.

5-26-10 Katrin and Nicole with our luggage at the Bangkok Airport

Our luggage was full of souvenirs and keepsakes! We ate one last Thai meal at the airport before our 3 hour flight.

5-26-10 Sticky sweet coconut rice and mango at a Bangkok airport restaurant

I even enjoyed the gorgeous storied art inside the Bangkok Airport. The Thai have such a beautiful culture! This is Scene of the Churning of the Milk Ocean. The naga (king of the serpents), Vasyki, is curled around the mountain Mandara. Vishnu, incarnated in the form of a great turtle supports the mountain on his back. Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) pull on the naga’s body to churn the ocean’s water to create the nectar of immortality, Amrita.

5-26-10 Scene of the Churning of the Sea

Before we arrived in Manila, we were given fresh orchid corsages once again from Thai Airways. So classy. I stayed with my friend, Nicole, at her apartment in Ortigas, Pasig City. Nicole is such a sweetheart!

5-27-10 I did Nicole's makeup. She is so pretty!!

Before I left for the U.S. on Thursday, May 26, 2010, my good friends, Jay Menes and Zarah Gagatiga, came to visit. Zarah is my co-author for the book, Tales from the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories.

5-27-10 My friend and co-author, Zarah Gagatiga, visits me on my last day in the Philippines

I had wonderful visits in both the Philippines and Thailand. Both were adventures I will never forget. Thank you to all the people who made my trips special: Meinard Cruz, Zarah Gagatiga, Jay Menes, Team Sagada, Nicole Arda, and my family in the Philippines! Mahal kita!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Thailand Day 7 (last full day) – Floating Market & Temples, Tuesday, May 25, 2010

by Dianne on June 13, 2010

5-25-10 Sawasdee Ka... A Thai greeting

Friends:

On our last full day in Thailand, Nicole, Katrin and I returned to the Floating Market to pick up some jewelry that I commissioned. The artist, Jod, was there and he customized my necklace even more!

5-25-10 My necklace is handcrafted especially for me by the artist

The necklace turned out beautifully. It is a stunning piece that is sure to elicit “oohs” and “ahs!”

5-25-10 A close-up of my stunning necklace

Not only is Jod a talented jewelry artist but he is an incredible painter. Look at this stunning piece that took him three years to complete!!

5-25-10 Jod, the artist who custom-made my pearl & crystal studded necklace, also created the painting behind us.

I love the art at the Floating Market. I picked up a few more handicrafts to bring home, including a wooden statue of the Thai dancer like the one above.

5-25-10 Art at the Pattaya Floating Market

We didn’t stay long since we had already been to the Floating Market but I did learn how to make the perfect watermelon shake!

5-25-10 I now know how to make a Thai watermelon shake. This lady showed me how! My fave cold drink in Thailand!

I was also privileged to meet Mr. Suwan’s (our taxi tour guide) wife. He was such a joy and I was so glad that he helped us around Pattaya. His wife was also just as sweet.

5-25-10 Our cab driver, Mr. Suwan, and his lovely wife.

Before we left, I had to send postcards to loved ones at home. :)

5-25-10 I stop to send postcards to loved ones in the U.S.

After we left the Pattaya Floating Market, Mr. Suwan took us to various landmarks around Pattaya, including a pineapple field.

5-25-10 A baby pineapple up close

We visited different Buddhist temples. This one had three hundred steps that led to its pinnacle!

5-25-10 There are over 300 steps to get to the top of this temple!

At this temple, I met another monkey (he was kind of mean)!

5-25-10 Met a man with a pet monkey. This monkey was vicious!

We visited another Buddhist temple in Pattaya, located amidst a pretty park.

5-25-10 Katrin, Dianne & Nicole in front of a Buddhist temple in Pattaya

There were beautiful Plumerias on the grounds.

5-25-10 A fresh Plumeria in my hair

Mr. Suwan took us to Kaho Chee Chan, a mountain with a giant image of Buddha lasered into the side of the mountain and inlaid with gold. It was amazing to sit at the foot of this mountain!

5-25-10 Look at the scale of the mountain. Nicole and I are sitting at the bottom.

Our last stop on our day tour was a Chinese Buddhist museum. It was gorgeous!

5-25-10 In front of a lion statue at a Chinese Buddhist Musuem in Pattaya

The inside of the museum was spectacular with original Chinese art, a miniature replica of the Great Wall of China, and a miniature replica of the famous Terra Cotta Army.

5-25-10 Look at the carvings above the door!

Nicole, Katrin and I took lots of pictures!

5-25-10 Katrin, Dianne & Nicole in front of a Buddha altar at the Chinese Buddhist Museum in Pattaya, Thailand

After our day touring Pattaya, we headed back to the hotel to shower and get dressed for a ladyboy show at a place called “Tiffany’s.” All the beautiful women in the show are actually men!!!

5-25-10 Katrin and Nicole pose with ladyboy performers from the Tiffany Show in Pattaya

It was a full day. When we returned to the hotel, we still had to pack! I didn’t get to bed until 4:30am! But I had a blast in Thailand and enjoyed all the new sights, tastes, and experiences the country had to offer. Khob-kun-Ka!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Thailand Day 6, Ko Samet Island – Monday, May 24, 2010

by Dianne on June 13, 2010

5-24-10 On the speed boat on the way to Ko Samet Island in the Rayong Province, Thailand

Friends:

I am “backblogging” about my trip in Thailand… On day 6, I hired Mr. Suwan (our fantastic taxi tour guide) to take my cousin, Katrin, my friend, Nicole, and me to the island of Ko Samet, about 1.5 hours south of Pattaya.

5-24-10 Approaching the beach of Ko Samet

Ko Samet is purported to have some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with sugar sands and clear water.

5-24-10 Katrin, Dianne & Nicole on the sugar sands of Ko Samet

We were not disappointed. The beaches were sugar white and the pretty water was clear but very warm, like hot bath water.

5-24-10 Dipping my toes in the clear waters of Ko Samet

We parked in front of a beach resort and had the best service from the people there. Our lounge chairs were shaded by large beach umbrellas and it was the perfect way to take in the beach.

5-24-10 Fresh fruit being sold by a fruit vendor. I love how they balance their goods on their shoulders.

Nicole and I decided to explore the nearby cliffs. There was a Buddha statue I wanted to see. So we climbed the rocks and I took pictures.

5-24-10 Buddha is a comforting presence to swimmers and boaters alike

Along the way, we encountered some little tide pools with interesting critters inside.

5-24-10 Interesting critters reside in the tide pools of Ko Samet

We climbed over sharp and slippery rock to see some of the most scenic views on the beach!

5-24-10 Wow, just look at these rocks. Nature is so stunning...

We found a rock jutting out of the surf. It looked just like the rock that “Little Mermaid” perched on so I HAD to strike the pose! hahaha

Nicole did a famous pose from another movie. Can you guess this one?

5-24-10 Nicole, that is the coolest pose ever. Yeah, I made her do it... LOL

I love the beauty of the Ko Samet Cliffs!

5-24-10 I climbed the cliffs of this inlet of Ko Samet

Yes, I dared the cliffs of Ko Samet!!

5-24-10 Yes, I did it. I climbed cliffs in Ko Samet, Thailand!

Unfortunately, at the very end of my climb, I slipped on some algae-covered rock and sliced my left hand open on several spots. It bled profusely and I had to get first aid from the resort manager. He patched me up so I could still enjoy the beach.

5-24-10 This is my souvenir from Ko Samet cliff climbing - several deep gashes from falling on the rocks at the END of my climb!

Even with my “handicap,” I still swam in the beautiful but warm waters.

5-24-10 The beach was so beautiful!

Then Nicole, Katrin and I decided to explore more of the beach. While on our beach walk, I discovered my first tatooed dog!!!

5-24-10 This dog has a tattoo! I was told that it said Warrior in Thai

We stopped to sample a delicious roti pancake topped with Nutella and condensed milk!!!

5-24-10 Cooking us a Nutella Roti pancake beachside

I read that there was a statue of a mermaid and a prince. So we went searching for it. It was on the opposite end of the beach.

5-24-10 The mermaid and the prince on Ko Samet Island, Thailand

The Prince and the Mermaid are large statues honoring the story of Phra Apai-manee on the island of Ko Samet in Thailand. The tale was written 150 years ago by one of Thailand’s greatest poets, Sunthorn Phu, and tells the story of a prince who falls in live with a siren.

5-24-10 Between a mermaid and a prince on Ko Samet Island. It is a love story of how a human man falls in love with a siren.

I met people from Russia, Belgium, Israel and India. The island was filled with beach-happy foreigners.

5-24-10 We met the nicest couple from Belgium - Tom and Fon. Fon is originally from Thailand.

Finally, we had to head back to the mainland as the sun set. It was such a beautiful day on Ko Samet Island!

5-24-10 The sun sets and we travel back to the mainland after a full day on Ko Samet island, Thailand

On our way back to Pattaya, Mr. Suwan took us to a night market. Oh the sights and food!!!!

5-24-10 The array of fresh fruit and vegetable at the night market was astounding!

After seeing a little girl munch on a spiral potato fried on a stick, I HAD to try it. Yummy!

5-24-10 A little girl eats fried potato on a stick. Yummy!

There were fruits and vegetables I had never seen before. I was so fascinated and tried many different kinds of food!

5-24-10 This man is holding a large type of green bean.

The food was amazing and the Thai people were so friendly and accommodating. I loved visiting the night market!

5-24-10 Cooking a seafood omelet at the night market

It was a sweet treat!

5-24-10 Spun sugar, much like cotton candy or fairy floss, at the night market

There is more to come. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Thailand Day 5, Nongnooch Tropical Gardens – Sunday, May 23, 2010

by Dianne on June 13, 2010

jflanagan1972@bellsouth.net

Friends:

Here I am again, “backblogging” about my adventure in Thailand… On Sunday, May 23, 2010, my friend, Nicole, my cousin, Katrin, and I headed to Nongnooch Tropical Gardens. It is a beautiful park full of tropical native plants, manicured gardens, and wild animals.

5-23-10 Elephant made of terra cotta pots at Nongnooch Tropical Gardens, Pattaya, Thailand

When we first arrived at the park, they catch all tourists for pictures. Not ordinary picture — pictures with a tiger, a monkey, and elephants! Of course, I had to do it. First, I took a picture with a tiger. Right when I sat down, he opened his mouth wide… I smiled for the picture but my heart was pounding because I remembered what happened with Siegfried & Roy. But I had to do it for the adventure of it. After that, I took a picture holding a monkey. The monkey was so tame and sweet and it didn’t smell bad. He was wearing a diaper!

5-23-20 Holding a monkey at Nongnooch Tropical Gardens

After a picture with the monkey, I took a picture with elephants. They joined trunks, I sat on them, and they lifted me up! That was kind of scary but thrilling at the same time.

5-23-10 Katrin, Dianne & Nicole pose under the elephants.

After taking pictures with all the animals, we toured the orchid garden. Orchids are now my new favorite flower! They are so beautiful and come in so many varieties!

5-23-10 The orchids at Nongnooch are absolutely gorgeous. They are my new favorite flower!

I love this next picture… I found a cool vine and the Kodak moment presented itself. LOL

5-23-10 I look like Jane of the Jungle... LOL

I also love plumerias. They are fragrant and abundant in Thailand as they are in Hawaii. So pretty!

5-23-10 Fragrant plumerias are abundant in Thailand

Nongnooch is full of manicured gardens like this one. They are so beautiful but Thailand is soooo HOT! We felt like we roasted the entire time we were in Nongnooch, especially since it is inland and there is no breeze from the beach.

5-23-10 Nongnooch's spectular manicured gardens

After touring the gardens for a little while, it was time for our scheduled elephant ride. Nicole and Katrin shared an elephant while I rode my own. It wasn’t difficult getting on the elephant. They have a platform and you basically scoot into the chair that is strapped to the elephant’s back. There is no seatbelt so you have to hang on and the ride is quite bumpy. But I did it! I can now cross it off the “bucket list.” :)

5-23-20 Katrin, Nicole and Dianne ride ELEPHANTS!

After the elephant show, we went to a Thai cultural show, where we saw traditional Thai dance and Thai boxing. It was fascinating.

5-23-20 A beautiful show of Thai cultural dance at Nongnooch Tropical Gardens

After the Thai cultural show, we saw a spectacular elephant show. They danced, they painted, they threw darts and bowled, and they even gave people from the audience massages!

5-23-10 The elephant show at Nongnooch Tropical Gardens, Pattaya, Thailand

We sat in the VIP section and could see the elephants up close and feed them bananas. One rascally elephant reached over to the seat next to me and stole my entire bunch of bananas!

5-23-10 An elephant up close and personal

Following the elephant show, we took a train tour of the entire park.

5-23-10 Temple replicas dot the gardens

Though the breeze felt good from the moving train, it was still HOT. We ate watermelon and fresh mango after stopping for photo ops.

5-23-10 Behind a carved dragon at Nongnooch Tropical Gardens

It was a fun day at Nongnooch but we were so glad to get back to our cold hotel room and take showers! Thailand is the hottest country I’ve ever visited! More to come…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Thailand Day 4 – Sanctuary of Truth & Golden Buddha – Saturday, May 22, 2010

by Dianne on May 31, 2010

5-22-10 Chicken and pork kebabs on a motor food stand

Friends:

On our fourth day in Pattaya, we decided to tour the city. First, we toured on foot for a while. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate Harry Potter…

5-22-10 I guess Harry will take you around town on his broom... Does J.K. Rowling know about his sideline?

Then I hired a cab to take us around the city. That was when the real tour began. Our first stop was The Sanctuary of Truth, a palace carved entirely out of wood.

5-22-10 The incredible Sanctuary of Truth, a palace carved entirely of wood

First, a horse and carriage came to pick us up to take us to the place where we had to climb down a huge flight of stairs to get to the Sanctuary area.

5-22-10 The horse and carriage that took us to The Sanctuary of Truth

Construction on the Sanctuary of Truth began in 1981 and is still 20 years from completion!

5-22-10 Katrin, Nicole & Dianne pose in front of the Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand

Prior to trekking down to the Sanctuary, we had to take this photo op. It was too fun to resist!

5-22-10 Katrin, Nicole & Dianne being silly in Thai caricature cut-outs

Before we entered the structure, we were treated to a sword-fighting demonstration. I felt very powerful holding those swords! LOL

5-22-10 Yes, I was involved in a sword fight (and won...)

Master wood sculptors from Thailand, Burma, and Laos painstakingly hand-carve every piece of the structure.

5-22-10 Wood sculptors hard at work carving more of the palace

The result is a breathtaking structure that moved me to tears.

5-22-10 The entrance to the Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand

The Sanctuary depicts deities of different religions all representing various cultures’ search of the truth.

5-22-10 Mermaids, elephants, and deities adorn the structure inside and out

Though the place is not a temple, it certainly has an air of holiness about it. For me, it was like seeing The Sisteen Chapel for the first time. It demonstrates man’s ability to rise above himself to create something extraordinary, something heavenly. I feel privileged to have seen this incredible structure in person!

5-22-10 Just WOW!

As Nicole was ascending the stairs leaving the area of the Sanctuary of Truth, I caught this cool picture…

5-22-10 Nicole is intwined in the lovely landscape

Our next stop was the Pattaya City overlook. Our cab driver, Mr. Suwan, suggested it. It it like the massive Hollywood sign in California.

5-22-10 Our cab driver took us up to the Pattaya City sign overlook

The sign has an observation “deck” that overlooks the beautiful, panoramic scene of Pattaya City’s bay.

5-22-10 My big head in front of the view of Pattaya Bay, Thailand

Next, we headed to Buddha Hill, where a colossal statue of Buddha sits. It was dusk so my pictures weren’t all that great… Still it was beautiful to behold!

5-22-10 The Golden Buddha on Buddha Hill, Pattaya, Thailand

When you enter a Buddhist temple or any sacred area, you must remove your shoes. All of the sacred areas we toured were outdoors. Look at my feet! My feet have never been dirtier!! LOL It took me twenty minutes of hard scrubbing to get the bottom of my feet pink again!

5-22-10 My feet have never been so dirty... You have to remove your shoes to visit any of the sacred Buddha altars.

Finally, we went back to the hotel. It was Saturday night and the curfew had been lifted. We wanted to see the nightlife in Pattaya so we headed to Walking Street, a street of music-pumping, light-pulsing clubs. After a couple of hours, we were exhausted so we decided to head back. We ended up walking over 2 miles along the beach back to our hotel!

5-22-10 Ready for a night on the town!

It was a good full day in Pattaya. Nicole, Katrin and I had a great time!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Thailand Day 3, Pattaya Floating Market – Friday, May 21, 2010

by Dianne on May 31, 2010

5-21-10 Day 3 in Pattaya. Love my amazing balcony view!

Friends:

On our third day in Thailand, we decided to visit the Floating Market in Pattaya. It was built to replicate the floating markets in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. This floating market represented four different regions of Thailand with handicrafts from all of the regions.

5-21-10 Pattaya Floating Market

I love to shop but the Floating Market was much more than just a bunch of touristy shops. It was a cultural experience!

5-21-10 In front of a typical shop at the floating market with a handpainted parasol

The Thai people are a people of great humor. Everywhere we went, they were smiling, laughing, and making jokes.

5-21-10 Two Thai guys being silly riding a wooden rocking horse. LOL

We tasted local cuisine and ate fare that I’ve never seen on any Thai menu in the United States. I really love the “street” food of Thailand.

5-21-10 Grilled sausage from a floating market boat. Oh the food in Thailand!

I totally fell in love with their watermelon shakes. Nicole and Katrin loved drinking and eating young coconut.

5-21-10 Katrin and Nicole eat the soft meat inside the young coconut. In the Philippines, we call it buko.

We even watched artists at work. This gentleman is putting the finishing touches on an elephant painting that Nicole purchased as a gift for her mother.

5-21-10 An artist adds finishing touches to Nicole's elephant painting

I was really wowed by all the different kinds of food. I wanted to try everything! The hot coconut cakes were awesome.

5-21-10 Cooking sweet coconut cakes on the boat.

They were crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. They were slightly sweet and highly fragrant, served in a banana leaf bowl.

5-21-10 Sweet, hot coconut cakes inside a banana leaf bowl. Mmmmm!

Another food I fell in love with was Rice Flowers. They are crunchy, delicate flowers fashioned out of rice flour and flavored with poppy seed. They are fried and not overly sweet. They tasted great plain but they were so pretty, we didn’t want to eat them. Once we broke off the first piece, we got over that quickly!

5-21-10 Rice flowers are sweet, delicate and crispy. They are fried and made with poppy seed. One of my favorite snacks!

I watched a Thai dance show. The Thai culture is so fascinating and beautiful. They are a storytelling people. You can see it in their art, in their architecture, and in their dances.

5-21-10 Traditional Thai dancing at the Pattaya Floating Market

We stopped and got a 2 hour traditional Thai massage for a mere US$8.50!! It was amazing. I didn’t know my body could contort in that many positions… I felt like the little woman doing my massage was dancing on my back! Still, it felt so good afterward!

5-21-10 Nothing can beat a 2 hour Thai massage for $8.50!

After the massage and loading up on tons of great art and handicrafts, it was time to head back to the hotel. It was sooo hot at the market and we were dying to take a cold shower before dinner. It was an awesome day at the Pattaya Floating Market! I loved all the sights, sounds and smells… Okay, maybe not ALL the smells!

5-21-10 The big spiky fruit is durian. I can't get past the smell to eat it.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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