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Yule celebrations expat style, then and now

By yule, I mean the 'period extending from December 24th to January 6th.' Or January 2nd for me as I'm back to reality, a.k.a. work before all the hang-over is over.  This is the first yule in five years that I stayed put in Bangkok. No crazy wrestling of crowds at airports, no time-limited tours around exotic places in neighboring countries, just good old apartment with films, little hearty meals, music, a few international dials to communicate with family beyond the South China Sea
 
and well, one shopping that got a bit out of control. But things happen and there's always a first so while I was at one I thought I'd just forgive myself, and go feel the joys of the season. Before I tried putting up a book Christmas tree after seeing the idea from Book Riot on Facebook, yule began with routine visa and work permit renewals at Government House -

which was accomplished smoothly last year, but a bit complicated this year with a tiny irregularity spotted on a document- something between the Thai government and my employer and was quickly sorted which meant I could get on with the holidays without worrying whatever was happening to my immigration status. I kicked off celebrations with a trip to this 11000-seating capacity arena


for a night of memories induced by Candle in the Wind among many others, and sweet longing to give the kiddo a tight hug when his fave Lion King emanated from the grand

How time expands many things. And how I wish it spared the waistline

Horror of horrors: expansion is ongoing. I tried to temper that by welcoming the nephew's turn to be grounded on the piano, and coming, albeit late, to his recital. The niece, a guest performer, pleasantly shocked me with her weed-like growth. I probably should see them more often.

Meanwhile at work, there were finals to invigilate. We make do with this view from the 5th floor window - beginning stages of an offshore company party


and then to the heart of the celebrations

Disclaimer: good girls stay sober throughout yule. Countdown 2013 was as clear as these carolers resemble those in Frances May's Tuscan Christmas

The star of Siam shines on


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!


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Comments

  1. Luna MirandaDecember 31, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    i also promised myself to go easy on the alcohol.*lol* EJ also performed here, right after Sting, i think. i missed both concerts--don't have the patience anymore at driving through the horrendous traffic at Edsa to the venue.

    enjoy the celebrations! wishing you all the best in the New Year.

    Reminiscing

    ReplyDelete
  2. JimDecember 31, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    Great shots.
    Sydney - City and Suburbs

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carol L McKennaDecember 31, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Wonderful photos of so many ventures ~ glad you got to stay 'home' for the holidays ~ Happy New Year from the USA ^_^

    (A Creative Harbor aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^)

    ReplyDelete
  4. LadyD PianoDecember 31, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Great photos of celebration. Wishing you a new year of joy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. SmilingSallyDecember 31, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    Hi Hazel,

    Thanks for sharing your blues.

    Happy New Year and Happy Blue Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. GaryJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:05 PM

    Fun post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fun60January 2, 2013 at 12:28 AM

    Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Enjoy the New year.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Black Jack's CarolJanuary 2, 2013 at 12:38 AM

    I guess I'm a good girl :) Looks like you live a fascinating life but I'm glad you had a home Christmas. it seems there are musical people in your family? Happy New Year to you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Chubskulit RoseJanuary 2, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    I am not good with alcohol, it's been eons ago when I had one lol. Happy new year sis!

    Catching up with Blue Monday.

    Here's my BLUE

    ReplyDelete
  10. Leslie:January 2, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    Great photos and may I wish you a very Happy New Year!

    Leslie
    abcw team

    ReplyDelete
  11. LizJanuary 2, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    Beautiful pics. Happy New Year!

    Sushi Galore
    Rainbow Roll

    ReplyDelete
  12. Roger Owen GreenJanuary 2, 2013 at 5:11 PM

    I have a good friend who spends every Yuletide somewhere new; she's been to Thailand, and this year, to Burma


    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

    ReplyDelete
  13. LVJanuary 2, 2013 at 10:44 PM

    I am like you, best staying home. Traveling has gotten to be such a pain, you do not enjoy going places.

    ReplyDelete
  14. vincibeneJanuary 5, 2013 at 6:48 AM

    Beautiful and interesting pictures!

    ReplyDelete

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