Many things are changing around the world and also around my world. We are once again leaving one place and going to another for a period of time. We spent April in the country of Lithuania. It is a very beautiful place and reminds me of rural America in the 1940's. I have been there 3 times and I like it better each time I go.
I have been very slack in writing on this blog. Flying under the wire caught up with me and I had to change some things. If you know who I am, please keep it to yourself. Rather than eliminate the blog and delete everything, I am trying this. Some of the countries we visit do not appreciate it when we tell people that they should or shouldn't visit there.
We are heading out of Thailand and back to the US for a few months. We need some time away from Bangkok and the miserable heat, smog, traffic and other things that make this place difficult. The tourism industry was ruined for this season by the ridiculous antics of the opposition "red shirt" party closing down one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia for over a week and the police and the military not doing a thing about it. It was no wonder people didn't want to come here. Getting stranded for an unknown amount of time really capped it for many people who have sworn they will never visit here again. Many of the smaller hotels and vendors have gone bankrupt because of the lack of tourists. It was a non-event for those of us living here, but for those trying to vacation then go home it was a nightmare. Hope the airport is open when it is time for us to vacate, but you never know.
Thailand's revered king is the only thing holding this country together and he is very old. Although the king supposedly has no political power, don't let that fool you. He holds incredible power. For the Thai people, his word is law. We thank God every day that he is a benevolent king and a really good person, otherwise this country would be in trouble. We shudder to think what will happen here when he dies. He has been the stabilizing influence in this country through thick and thin for over 60 years. Pray for his health, as I said before, he is very old and his health is poor.
