Labor Day Nostalgia and Siblings in Town

It wasn’t until Saturday that I realized the end of August had come and that Labor Day weekend was upon us (at least for Americans). It’s easy to lose track of time, and the weeks are flying by in a flash! Keeping tabs on all the Thai national holidays has become a new part of life and it’s fun watching the street decorations change, new flags erected, and the general buzz throughout the city. Our most recent holiday was Mother’s Day, a celebration of Queen Sirikit’s birthday on August 12. Working in a multicultural staff including volunteers, I think this is our third Mother’s  Day of the year (Thai father’s day will be December 5 and a celebration of the King’s birthday)! I don’t have many pictures of Mother’s Day, but below is a taste of how town and the temples change depending on the holiday. Many photos below are from the Inthakin Festival, a Buddhist holiday and celebration.

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Strong Bonds

A few days ago my twin brother, Darryl, started his adventure with the Peace Corps in Tanzania, a reality that is still surreal in my mind and, I’m sure, in much of my family members’ as well. The longest D and I have been separated at one time (prior to me coming to Thailand) was nine days. Yes I know, out of 24 years of life, a little more independence should be expected, but we remained attached, and it always seemed right— our band, the classes we took in college (twin brother is the best lab partner for sure), being room mates— you get the point, we’re close.

Starting to rock at an early age.

Starting to rock at an early age.

"Twinsburg"-- 3rd Prize for most look alike twins.

“Twinsburg”– 3rd Prize for most look-alike twins.

Graduation- photo by Kanji Takeno

Graduation!- photo by Kanji Takeno

Giving a caricature artist a challenge in Chicago.

Giving a caricature artist a challenge in Chicago.

Cooking a feast in our home in Baltimore.

Cooking a feast in our home in Baltimore.

Doing our thing.

Doing our thing.

Darryl, Scott, and I hanging out with some elephants in Thailand.

Darryl, Scott, and I hanging out with some elephants in Thailand.

Tanzania and Thailand are right next to each other in the alphabetical list of countries around the world. Coincidence? We're always together somehow!

Tanzania and Thailand are right next to each other in the alphabetical list of countries around the world. Coincidence? We’re always together somehow!

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