christmas eve at a buddhist temple

When in Malaysia, a country of blending cultures why not explore what is around us, right? That's what we thought when we paid a visit to Kek Lok Si, the largest (and surely the most commercialized) Buddhist temple in all of Southeast Asia. We thoroughly enjoyed the temple, which included climbing a pagoda to lookout over Penang Island, riding a funicular cable car up to the statue of the Goddess of Mercy and lunch at the most wonderful vegetarian restaurant. We were surprised at first by the differences between the temples of Thailand and Kek Lok Si (no need to cover up, lots of shops, restaurants and people - to name a few) but we enjoyed the relaxed, cheerful atmosphere. Lots of kids and families visiting to pray and buy Christmas and New Year gifts.

island living

Picture a tiny tropical island with no cars or even roads, limited power, a few small resorts (with huts), beautiful beaches with just a few people - mostly Swedish families - and the best beachcombing ever. You need a speedboat, longtail and jump onto the beach to get there. The lizards were huge and we made some great friends. Here's Koh Bulone Lae...

glimmer lantern glimmer

In mid-November our school in Canada celebrates Martinmas with evening lantern walks in each of our children's classes. I have to say that I really missed that tradition this year. But in late November we stumbled upon Chiang Mai's lantern festival. Soon we were spotting lanterns on all of our walks throughout the city - lanterns hanging, being carried, floating down the river and lifting up into the sky. It felt like a little connection to home.