Shopping, Spa and Sunshades in Chiang Mai

Posted on 1 February 2011 by g

Forget Ikea. We’re decorating the nursery from Thailand :-). We don’t typically do much shopping when we travel, but with our safari themed* nursery and the markets full of elephants on top of low prices we couldn’t resist. In truth, we didn’t buy much, but if it weren’t for shipping costs we really could have decorated the entire nursery from Thailand. They have great textiles, furniture and fantastic decor.

After all that shopping, it is off to the spa. (This really doesn’t sound like one of normal trips, does it?) You might be thinking a tranquil, zen-like place with Thai Massages, but we found a different kind of spa where dozens of little fish ate our feet!

It sounds crazy, but the little swimmers snack on dead skin. Your feet dipped in the water become an all you can eat buffet and ignite a feeding frenzy. It is a very strange feeling and not recommended for the highly ticklish. After a few minutes, we got used to it and could relax a bit. And it really worked — afterwards we had nice, soft, exfoliated feet. K said they just opened one in Chelsea in London which I imagine charges typical spa prices, whereas we got ours for cheap.

We also happened to be in town for the Bo Sang Parasol Festival. This small town just outside Chiang Mai is known for producing parasols and in this local festival the whole town comes out to celebrate. We toured the factory and saw first hand the craftsman constructing and painting the parasols. Then hit the streets to sample the tasty local food, watch traditional Thai dancing, and do a bit more shopping (gasp). It was a bit like a Thai-style state fair. And there were hardly any foreign tourists which made for a real authentic cultural experience.

Our overall impressions of Thailand — fantastic. They have great food, great culture, great people, great history, great architecture and of course elephants. Everyone we met was so happy and helpful. Everyone in Thailand smiles. And we were never hassled for money as in India or Morocco. Thailand is cheap, but not third world. They have plenty of modern technology and reasonably good infrastructure. Chiang Mai was a great first stop as well. It is a city full of culture and activity without the big city bustle of Bangkok. It is no wonder this is a popular tourist destination and now we know what we have been missing.

The food in Thailand was incredibly delicious. We enjoy eating Thai food in London from time to time and were looking forward to a week of the sweet, spicy and savory dishes. What was even more incredible were the prices. Typical main dishes were 80-150 Bhat (£1.60-£3) in the nice restaurants with local places charging 30-60 Bhat (60p-£1.20) and road-side stands charging as little as 15 Bhat (30p)! We skipped the road-side stands on this trip (baby and all) but had several multiple course meals with drinks for both of us for less than £8.

It turns out that people in Thailand don’t cook. They pick up their dinner on the way home in plastic bags. And why not when it is so cheap and so good. It is actually cheaper to buy prepared meals than to buy the ingredients and cook it yourself. And have I said how amazingly delicious they were?

We’ll be posting the full gallery of photos from our trip soon. We have thousands, so it may take a couple days to get through them all.

* K doesn’t like this word. It isn’t a ‘theme’ but perhaps a loose motif.

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Babymoon in Thailand

Posted on 31 January 2011 by g

So what is this whole babymoon thing anyway? We came across the term a couple years ago and have since discovered two meanings both derived from based on the word honeymoon. It turns out the original meaning is a period of bonding time with the baby after it is born similar to the way a honeymoon comes after a wedding. The second meaning is a relaxing holiday taken by an expecting couple shortly before the baby arrives. This is the definition we are going with as we have learned from friends and family with newborns in the last couple months that the weeks after the baby is born is more like boot camp.

As we approach the last travelable weeks of the pregnancy, we’ve planned a trip to Thailand as our last big trip before the sleepless nights begin. We actually looked at going to Thailand a couple years ago but abandoned our plans. There is so much to do in Thailand that we couldn’t decide what to fit into a single holiday. And Thailand seemed to be a well-traveled and potentially touristy destination. A bit discouraged, we put down the books and opted for some more adventurous trips. But now, planning a babymoon, safe and easy is exactly what we are looking for.

We have settled on two destinations — Chiang Mai, a northern city in the mountains full of culture and activities; and Railay, a beach near Krabi in the south. Hopefully this provides the right mix of culture, activity, sun and relaxation.

We are back and had a fantastic trip. We’ll be bringing you posts, pics and vids over the next couple days.

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Emergency Care…Learning About Baby

Posted on 17 January 2011 by k

So, it’s official. We’ve become those boring, annoying people we vowed never to become. Every weekend is taken up by Baby preparations. And we can barely utter a word without Baby somehow finding its way into the conversation. Argh! I suppose it was bound to happen. We had a couple dinners at friends houses over the weekend and I pitied them all 🙂

It’s funny because when someone’s getting married, buying a house, moving house or otherwise, these things also naturally crop up in just about every conversation (trust us, we know!). But, there’s a certain stigma against ‘those people’ who talk about their expected additions non-stop. If only there were a button to make us stop…but it’s impossible. It’s a huge looming change and it’s constantly on our minds. Oh, well…

Though we’ve had loads of adventures over our nearly 10 years of marriage and 14 years together, this is the single most impactful change we’ll have experienced. And it would be irresponsible for us not to prepare ourselves, right?

Keeping with the theme, we booked ourselves into a Baby and Child First Aid course for this past weekend.  During the 8 hour course, we learned how to dress various cuts and scrapes typical in children, treat burns, do CPR on an infant (and small child), clear a choking baby’s esophagus, construct various slings, etc. With any luck, we’ll actually remember what we learned when/if we ever need it. But, regardless, it makes us feel a bit better to have had a brief intro to the basics.

Sweetly, G was called out in front of the class for cuddling his ‘baby’. Poor thing has to wait a whole 4 months before the ‘real model’ arrives 🙂 [I need to start taking photos of these things!]

Today, we had our 23 week check-up. All’s well and baby’s heart beat was strong. And my weight gain continues to be slow and steady (though it has sped up a bit now, as should be the case). And our doctor even gave me tips and advice for dressing during later pregnancy (apparently she’s been through it 3 times, herself). I love the NHS (the UK’s public healthcare system). Though we were well today, our doctor spent a full 30 minutes chatting with us and talking through various things to expect in the coming weeks. It’s so refreshing to have great doctors-especially at the moment.

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Nesting in Belsize

Posted on 10 January 2011 by k

Upon our announcing a couple months ago, a number of friends who have been through it all before invited us around for a chat. They’ve advised us on which books to read, what kit we’ll actually need in London, and what life with a newborn really looks like. At the time, we were still very squarely in ‘pregnancy mode’…ie denial  But, through their guidance and educating us, we have slowly come around to the idea of accepting the huge changes about to come our way. And, ultimately, feeling more prepared to handle them.

First came the baby books. We’ve read Baby Whisperer, Gina Ford’s Happy Contented Little Baby, Baby Wise, the Rough Guide to the First Year and a DK Guide for First Time Parents. Through these resources, we’ve come to understand that there are rigid, flexible and demand driven feeding routines and that everyone chooses what works for their family. Great!

Next up, the goods! I really dislike the mounds of brightly coloured plastic accoutrements that seem to accompany every newborn on the planet. And I don’t love cutesie themes. [Though I realize our child will likely LOVE them and wield the wonderland wand when the reigns of decorating their own room are in their hands.] Given our city-living space constraints and my own discomfort with all things cutesie, I’ve been  dreading the likes of Babys R Us for more than a decade. So, in speaking with friends here, we learned that a department store called John Lewis (kind of like Macy’s, I think) offer a nursery advice service to expecting parents. During these sessions, someone who has had children themselves and is educated on all things ‘baby’ leads you about the store, educating and helping you to make selections for your new addition.

Because the staffers for this service are told to be completely unbiased and to offer advice tailored to each couple’s unique situation, new parents are able to trust the advice they receive. Hence, there’s at least a month’s waiting list for time slots year round. We had our session on Saturday and Louise, our helper, was so patient and kind. While sessions are meant to take 2 hours, ours took a very full 3! I suppose we needed a lot of extra education  And they even gave us a voucher for lattes and a snack to talk through what we had saw before heading out of the store. From a marketing standpoint, I’ve got to hand it to John Lewis. We left the store with a loyalty that we’ve felt to no other store…except, maybe, Target and Apple.

Having seen it all now (or at least 90% of the most important bits, anyway), we feel so much more prepared and at ease. Baby’s room will not have to be a multi-coloured jumble of junk—well, except for the bouncy chair. [WHY, OH WHY, must all bouncy chairs be covered in brightly coloured cartoon characters OR completely uncomfortable for Baby? Bleh!]

The best part of the deal is that their system works like a registry. As we walked about the store, our helper carried a scanner and made note of the items we plan to purchase later. And everything will be delivered for free 4-6 weeks in advance of Baby’s due date. Lovely!

Aiming to knock out preparations in a single weekend, we decided to get up early Sunday and brave Ikea. After both, we’re now 90% there! Sadly, though, we weren’t able to register our intended purchases at Ikea for future purchase/delivery. My, by then, 7-month pregnant self may just have to brave going back to the store in multiple spurts in order to gather all bits that we need. But, for all the work, there’s a definite cost difference which makes it all worthwhile.

So, then, where have we landed? We’re keeping to a very loose and mature, soothing safari theme. A very simple cot and changing table (crib in American terms) for Baby. And a cubby bookshelf system with plug and play storage baskets, door  and drawer units for storage of Baby’s various  clothing and accoutrements. A couple framed photos from our Tanzania trip above the bed. A beautiful green, straw, grey and purple/blue striped rug on the floor. A floor lamp with dimmer pedal for subtle night-time lighting. A basket for a hamper and a diaper pail with lid and pedal. And, in a tip of the hat to cutesie, a 5 foot giraffe and smaller plush elephant, hippo, crocodile plushes (possibly) to peek out of a few cubbies (thank you, Ikea!).

Aside from all of the above, as we don’t have a car and walk EVERYWHERE, the baby carrier and stroller will soon be the big-ticket purchases of this chapter. And, no, we won’t have a car seat…at least until our first visit to the States

Of course, we’ll have all the essentials for clothing and caring for baby tucked away out of sight within the various cubbies and baskets. Since most of the accoutrements we’ve selected are white and rather boring in nature, they’re really not worth mentioning…but if any moms out there are curious or have advice to offer, check out our John Lewis list (list number 444727). We’ll greatly appreciate any input.  (Though, keep in mind that our dryer doesn’t really dry things, so we’ll need to have 3 days worth of most clothing on hand, even if we wash every day…hence the ‘high quants’ of onesies :)).

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My Pregnancy…

Posted on 5 January 2011 by k

A couple folks have written to ask about how I’ve been finding pregnancy. So, here goes 🙂

For DECADES I’ve been dreading pregnancy. In fact, I’ve heard so many horror stories over the years that I just imagined that it will be the absolute worst case scenario. I (notice I didn’t say ‘we’) even contemplated adoption…of course, friends have had positive experiences with adoption and I think it’s a great thing, but my reasoning was that I wouldn’t have to suffer through what others have at times described to me as miserable, incredibly traumatic and unimaginably difficult.

Everyone’s pregnancy is very different. And goodness knows there are sure to be some rough bits for everyone, but so far, here are the niggles that I’ve experienced during months 1-5, but would feel guilty complaining about:

  • First trimester food and smell aversions: Namely, hummous, raw fish, pork chops, salad dressing, the smell of pubs (ie wine and beer), smelly cheese, canned tuna
  • Tiredness: It was a bit like when I’m feeling anemic, in need of a couple extra iron pills. But, really, my tiredness only lasted 2-3 weeks in the first trimester (though I, admittedly, have 4 months to go).
  • Blue days: A couple days here and there, I just felt like crying for now reason. I recognised that I was just hormonal and forewarned G, but the spells went as soon as they appeared.

I haven’t yet suffered any of the other ills that plague many and in speaking with my mom, she said that she had strange cravings (like canned peaches?) and tiredness, but no morning sickness or other craziness. So, for me, it would seem ‘like mother, like daughter’. Let’s just hope I’m also blessed with an easy delivery to match.

Pregnancy’s been ok. And since Baby’s moving about more these days, it’s even becoming [dare I say] fun! Now, if only I can somehow keep stretch marks at bay…and maintain my good luck for the duration…one can only hope. 🙂

A question for you moms out there. Is it too ambitious for me to think that I’ll be ready to run a half marathon 5 months after Baby’s arrival?

Sidenote: The photo is of me last Tuesday at 2o weeks pregnant. I’ve purposefully selected this photo as it makes me seem pre-pregnancy-esque. Rest assured this is an illusion 🙂 I’ve so far gained 4.2 kilos (9.3lbs) and have an emerging bump. Though I go to the gym all the time (don’t worry, healthy exercises only in moderation), my tummy’s getting larger rather than smaller. This is an all new phenomenon and not one which I’ve welcomed with open arms. It’s funny now because people at the gym do double-takes. It’s as if I can see their thoughts forming in their mind…”I see her here often, but she seems to be expanding. This is curious…clearly, she overdid it a bit during the holidays. Maybe she should sign up with a trainer? Or, is she be pregnant, no?” 🙂 I have to believe that at 6 months (in Feb), it will clearly be a baby bump rather than a plump middle.  And I can’t wait!

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Happy Holidays in London…and from London

Posted on 3 January 2011 by k

We hope you and yours have had a lovely holiday season wherever you find yourself.

2010 was an odd year for us, but a good one. We traveled to fewer places for longer than we have in years passed and tried to focus more on enrichment and learning experiences more than city jaunts; Spain for 5 weeks (for a Spanish language course and to experience ‘living’ in a non-English speaking country), fitness and training for two half marathons and a triathlon (K), Greece for 2 weeks (complete with 40 km bike rides and 4 hour hikes) and K spent a month in the US visiting her family (4 years away has been a struggle for her at times). And we also decided to slow down a bit and refocus on a new goal, starting a small family of our own. To support these goals, K gave up her ‘corporate job’ in search of something that would allow a bit more flex and control once the baby arrives, subsequently starting her own marketing consultancy for start-ups and taking short-term contracts with agencies. While G remained steady to hold down the fort with so many changes and adjustments underway in other parts of life.

Though our flat is cozy and our family is far away, we feel very blessed with the life we’ve so far been able to lead and the friends and family we’ve been blessed with. And we sincerely hope Baby is up for fun adventures, as well. T minus 4 months until we’re able to meet him or her!

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Baby Update

Posted on 20 December 2010 by k

On the 20th of December, we went in for Baby’s developmental scan. Turns out all of Baby’s organs appear to be in good working order and everything appears normal! But those of you who are familiar with the story of when I first met G’s parents may find it funny that Baby’s head measures in the 95th percentile. According to our doctor, Baby’s currently average legs will likely catch up to his head by birth, so we’ll likely be welcoming a baby with my head and G’s stature come May. I’m thinking I’ll opt for an epidural… 🙂

Sadly, he was napping face down against my pelvis…making it a bit difficult for the sonographer to make out the baby’s sex. Guess it’s meant to be a surprise. We’ll have at least one more scan before May, at 28 weeks. So, maybe baby will cooperate and give us a gander. Until then, our nursery plans are gender neutral. We’ve found a photo of a nursery that we like online and *may* attempt to use it as loose inspiration for planning our baby’s space. The jury’s still out, so stay tuned. We’ll likely get started in February though we have an introductory day at John Lewis scheduled for 8 Jan.

Also coming up, our Babymoon! As a Christmas gift to one another, we’re traveling to Thailand for our last international travel trip with baby in utero. A couple years ago, we considered Thailand for another trip, but decided it was a bit too mainstream and touristy for what we were looking for. So, we opted to hold back. This time, we were looking for something suitably mainstream and touristy so that, hopefully, we won’t suffer tummy bugs or other icky bits of more adventurous travel. We’ll leave on the 20th and are very excited for our Thai Cooking Course and Elephant Play Day excursions. Fingers crossed for good weather and good times as we won’t likely be able to take a international pleasure trip again until next September/October!

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