Our Year in review ......
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Thailand. This years annual update comes via Ian’s Blog site rather than the traditional paper-based method. Technology again takes over. Who would have thought that we’d end our year in Thailand?!
2007 was kind to us in many ways. Our year began with Barbara and Ian heading to San Diego, while Steve took to the slopes with Richard in Colorado for some of the coldest skiing we’ve ever done. But spectacular too. It was great to ski with Judith, Stephen and Glen too. In February Steve became a US Citizen, bringing to closure a long multi year process. Barbara secured her Citizenship in August to join Ian, who naturally is already an all-American. Our spring time was rather quiet, with Steve traveling a lot for work around the US. It wasn’t until May that our life took a spectacular turn. Steve accepted a position to join Tesco, one of the world’s largest retailers taking an international assignment in Thailand as Marketing Operations Director (Senior Vice President). Our departure was rapid, but allowed us to see many friends and neighbors before we left initially to the UK then to Thailand to go choose a home and get a quick tour of the City of Angels. Ian meanwhile stayed with Nanny in the UK. Steve began working in Thailand in July, while Ian and Mom stayed in the US while the house was packed up. After a brief spell in the UK for training and a chance to meet up with friends and attend three weddings (great timing guys!) we then all headed for Thailand in early September and took up residence in a beautiful apartment in downtown Bangkok. We’re finally feeling more settled now. A new job, in a new company and in a new country with a different culture is quite a personal and life challenge that brings with it certain frustrations but also some delights. This has been a massive personal learning experience for us all and one we work at daily while enjoying what is arguably the most friendly and beautiful countries in Asia. Oh, and the food is wonderful too!
During our time here, we’ve enjoyed some beach trips to Hua Hin and Phuket. Barbara went to Hong Kong with Ian while Steve headed to Prague for a business trip. We’re staying in Thailand through Christmas but Barbara and Ian are headed to Ireland for the new year. We’re off to Bali soon too, and are plotting other trips around Asia as we speak.
Ian has started pre-school at the IPC International School conveniently located on our road. He loves it! His class is small at just ten kids all of whom are different nationalities. He goes twice a week currently and appears to be a hit with the teachers and helpers (but then again he would be, eh?!). He started walking in July and has rapidly advanced to running, wriggling and general toddler hyperactivity. He is a delightful boy and incredibly sociable and remarkably easy to be with even with complete strangers. Our maid and housekeeper (Wilai) is Ian’s babysitter and playmate and they seem to have a great relationship which allows Mom and Dad to sneak out for dinner a couple of times a week.
Mom has found a network of other Mom’s to hang out with as well as a great Pilates class. And there are plenty of salons and spas local to our home. Enough said! Steve has had a frustrating year on the health front, having injured his back in the summer leading to what seems to have been a continuous string of complications. Things seem to be looking up (at last) but not after nearly six months of no exercise or physical activity, which as you know has driven Steve to despair. Here is hoping that 2008 sees a return to full health and the elusive Triathlon that Steve wants to do plus some days out on some spectacular golf courses in Thailand!
Being far way at Christmas has its challenges. We are enjoying being here in 80+ degree weather everyday and watching from afar the snow storms and cold weather in the UK and US, that’s for sure! So know that we are thinking of all our family, friends and neighbors at this time and wishing we could be with you all to share in the delights of this most festive season. We look forward to catching up with you all in 2008 and hope that you have a safe, healthy and happy New Year.
With Much Love and Best Wishes
Merry Christmas!
BARBARA, STEVE and IAN
