Roads Well Traveled - My Travel Journal: Another Bangkok Christmas

We have just spent our second Christmas in Bangkok and it was even better than the first. The trees, lights and decorations were up and the Christmas music was playing, but what made this Christmas so special was that many people in our neighborhood remembered us from last year. This made us feel welcomed and really part of things.

To be at the BTS (Sky Train Station) on our way to the mall and have people recognize us and take a moment to say "hi" and ask how we were was amazing. Yes, in Bangkok, a city of 8.5 million people - it was just incredible.

Somehow, 5000 miles away from home, we found our Christmas spirit in the tropical setting of Thailand. The majority of Thai people are Buddhist and don't celebrate Christmas, but we wanted to do something for the staff at Mulligan's to let them know how appreciated they are because they have been wonderfully kind and have made us feel so at home. We bought Thai snacks (chocolate covered dried banana slices, sesame crackers with pumpkin seeds and cashews, Thai peanut brittle and light as air almond cookies). Since we didn't have a large platter, we borrowed one from Mulligan's and had to let the bar manager in on the surprise. Mr. Bat was sworn to secrecy.

After arranging the goodies on the platter they were wrapped in cellophane and tied with a large bow. Sadly, I had one of my airhead moments and forgot to photograph the platter full of treats. Oh well!

The staff seemed pleased and went right to work on their gift which made us so happy. Next, the pub manager broke out a bottle of sparkling wine and we toasted Christmas and the New Year. Mr. Jimmy, another guest at the hotel, brought some fruit down from his room and sliced it up as well as ordering a beautiful appetizer plate from the restaurant for the staff to share.

To top it all off, Bat bought hubby and me each a beer as his gift to us. It was unplanned and impromptu and I can't remember the last time I felt such warm feelings for and genuine enjoyment of Christmas. To the staff at Mulligan's thank you for that - what a wonderful experience you gave us!