Torn

The entire family’s in Bangkok … everyone together, everyone safe.

Everyone around us — guides, hotel workers, tailors, local friends — remains shocked by the tragedy in the region. Almost everyone has lost someone — family, friends, co-workers — in the tsunami that crashed ashore just two days ago. In low and respectful voices, the Thai people reflect sadly on the loss of the King’s grandson. The pictures on the news are horrifying.

Here in Bangkok there is no physical destruction, of course … but reminders abound: glass-walled trucks filled with white-suited soldiers prepare for an official funeral procession and we hear of a debate as to whether or not to cancel the national observation of the New Year.

Yet everyone is determined to make us feel comfortable and well-cared for. Our first day in Bangkok provided us with real wonders: trips to the tailor, delicious meals, tours of the city. Yesterday, it made my heart glad to see our family explore Ayuttaya and the Summer Palace together. Our photos capture hundreds of wonderful moments — smiles, gestures, unexpected surprises.

I want to write about these things here … but posting about them, in light of the disaster, seems inappropriate, somehow. This saddens and disappoints me, as I love sharing and recording our good times.

So: know we’re happy and excited and concerned and well-provided for. I’ll share some photos later on; it just struck me that the photos may communicate some of the beauty of our trip without coming across as disrespectful or coarse.

Love to you all,
Mark