Wiener...Ready For Takeoff!

Wiener...Ready For Takeoff!
Wiener...Ready For Takeoff!

Friday, December 6, 2013

We're Moving to Japan!!!

A New Year, a New Home! Starting January 1st we'll be living in Kobe, Japan! To keep up with all of our latest adventures, be sure to check out our new blog, http://kobebeefstick.wordpress.com/. It might take us a bit to get all unpacked and moved in, but as soon as we're settled in we'll let you know!

 
Happy Holidays Folks!! See you in 2014!!!
 

Next Stop Japan!!!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

This One's For You Thailand!!!

Sawatdee kap my friends! I’m writing to you all now on a very significant day here in Thailand! Today is the 86th Birthday Celebration of His Majesty King Bhumibol, the reigning King of Thailand. Happy Birthday King Bhumibol, and Happy Father's Day to all those amazing dads out there! Lucky for us, the protestors here in Bangkok have stopped rallying for the time being to pay respect to the King on his birthday. Keep your paws crossed that all remains calm on Friday...not really sure what to expect, as always, with Thai politics.

Anyways, I’m not here to chat about the current political situation here in Thailand. Tis’ the season for giving thanks and we really have a lot to be thankful for this year! First and foremost, I’d like to dedicate this post to my beloved Thailand. Thank you for gracing us with three glorious years in your amazing Kingdom.  Thank you for making some really kick ass khao soi (spicy noodle soup), for your powdery white sand beaches, and your inexpensive luxuries that we all too often take for granted. But most importantly, thank you for the lifelong friendships, the endless opportunities, the crazy adventures, the eye-opening experiences, and the everyday struggles which in their own way have made us stronger and changed us for the better. You have done more for us than you could ever imagine, and we will always be grateful for this tremendous opportunity.

So with that, here's a quick flashback of the last 21 years of my life!

Our Life in Thailand in Pictures 

Just arrived in Bangkok...where to start!?!
 
Grabbing a tea bag while shopping at Chatuchak Market!
 
The temples of magical Chiang Mai!
 
Punking some toads after a huge rain storm!
 
 

Releasing our first sky lantern in Phuket back when we evacuated Bangkok and the terrible flooding

 
Fun at the beach in Hua Hin
 
Sunset cocktails at one of our favorite skybars, Long Table

4th of July weekend getaway to Khao Lak
 
The Pifers take over Thailand!!!

Long tail boats in Krabi, Thailand

A new day begins in Koh Lipe (one of our favorite Thai islands!)

Mommy and some of her Bangkok besties!

Life is good!
 
Celebrating Makha Bucha with a visit to the temple.
 

Couple's Retreat in Rayong, Thailand, 2012

First arrival in Bangkok, 2010!



The Golden Palace....I LOVE GOOOOOOOLD!

Cooling off in Phuket!



Happy Songkran 2011!!!


I'm a Songkran Soldier!

Couple's Retreat Trang, Thailand, 2013
2013 Loy Krathong festivities down on the Chao Phraya River


Looking at these photos it really makes me realize these have been some of the best years of our lives, and I  seriously can’t believe they’re already over. We know it’s time for us to move on and start a new chapter in our lives, but part of our hearts will forever remain in Bangkok.

 
With only a few weeks left before our departure to beautiful Kobe, Japan, I can’t help but think back to that nerve racking, cold February morning when we left California and all the "comforts" of home. My little doxie brain was saturated with the whole spectrum of emotions: I was excited and energized, anxious and apprehensive, scared and sad (and a little loopy on some low-grade tranquilizers too!) But doing this the second time around, I can't tell you how much more confident I've become as a result of these years abroad. I know now that nothing is impossible, as long as we’re together...as a family!
 
Bangkok here we come!!!
 
Well folks, it's about time I wrap this up here. All of this reminiscing is making this wiener a bit emotional. Pull it together Remington! Don’t cry! Don’t cry!!! 
 
This is Thai Noodle Remy here, signing off for the last time from Bangkok, Thailand. Thanks for all the memories! Kop Khun Krap! Sawatdee Krap!!!

LONG LIVE THE KING!!!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

9 Reasons Why All Pups (and Peeps) Should Travel

Heya Folks! It's me, Remington, and I'm here to share some insight on why I believe traveling is so important. Think about it for a minute or two...why do we travel? For an invigorating thrill? For relaxation? We all know the benefits are numerous, so whatever your reasoning, as long as you're doing it you're doing it right! ;)

With that being said, I believe I can provide a few more reasons to make you want to pack your bags and get going! I'm certainly no globe trotter (even though my two, going on THREE passport stamps beg to differ!!!), but I do know that traveling will undoubtedly make you a more paw-some pup, and that's just the beginning!
 
9 Reasons Why All Pups (and Peeps) Should Travel, with insight and inspiration from my parent's recent journey to India.
 
1) To see and experience new things

I know this seams obvious, but traveling boosts curiosity and gives you the opportunity to feel like a kid again. It's fun to change it up for a bit and do something different. While in India there were plenty of firsts for my parents, including their first Bollywood show (Jai Ho!), sampling several new Indian snacks and dishes (jhaal muri, masala dosa, chicken kathi.....), and even visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal!
 
Why did the water buffalo cross the road???
-------------------->
It was the chicken's day off!!!
 
My humps, my humps, my humps!


The ALL-MIGHTY Taj Mahal!


Mommy got inked with some traditional Indian Mehndi, also known as Henna.
Presidential Platter at Bukhara in New Delhi. Apparently Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama all dined there. That's a serious MEAT FEST!!!

Snacking on some jhaal muri during intermission at the Kingdom of Dreams Bollywood Show in New Delhi.
BOLLYWOOD!


You sure don't see that everyday!

2) To learn something new

Whether trying to understand the rules of cricket or how to put on a sari, traveling teaches you skills that simply can't always be learned from books. For something to really sink in, you need to have first-hand, paws-on experiences, and traveling inherently provides these at every single turn. Take India for example: It was a lot to digest, both figuratively and LITERALLY! #DelhiBelly

I'd try to explain the rules of cricket, but we really don't have enough time for that!
 

In India, Cricket is LIFE!


 


“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

3) To add some color to your life!

Since us canines only see in 50 shades of grey (heyOhh!), I'm not exaggerating when I say you people should really take advantage of all the color in this bright, beautiful world of ours!


Brighter is better!



 



Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Mr. Ganeshie! Happy Birthday to you!

 
4) To gain valuable perspective and expand your awareness
Getting out of your bubble and visiting new and foreign places helps us acquire a better understanding of different cultures and religions. It provides a valuable reality check on what's important in life, and gives you the opportunity to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Often times it helps you remember what truly matters in the grand scheme of things. Did you know that India is estimated to have a third of the world's poor? I didn't. But seeing these facts face to face makes you realize there are a lot of people out there that have it really tough. I'm incredibly thankful for all the opportunities I've been given in my life, and the more I travel, the more I understand how truly blessed we are. 





"You can't have a narrow mind and a thick passport." - Pauline Frommer


 

 
5) To challenge yourself "to boldly go where no man has gone before!"

Seek the unknown and step out of your comfort zone. Overcome something stressful, scary, or downright "dangerous." I promise that 99 times out of 100, it will only make you stronger! And remember, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" Sing it Kelly Clarkson!!!
 
6) To RELAX...

In order to fully relax and decompress it helps to get away from it all. Remember to remove yourself from all the stress, disconnect and recharge. And don't forget it's ok to indulge every now and then. I don't think I need to preach this one too much! You feel me!?

Anniversary vacations call for lots of cake!



And more cake!!!


 
7) To meet new people

With a mind-boggling population of 1.3 billion, my parents were bound to meet plenty of friendly, glowing, kindhearted souls along their 7-day journey from New Delhi to Agra to Jaipur. The positive energy and thoughtful gestures from strangers makes you realize that the majority of people on this earth are good people, despite what the news wants to tell you. And you know me...I'm a people pup, so I'm a strong believer that more often than not, it's the people that make the trip the most memorable.




My parent's cyclo driver for a day in New Delhi. Must of been a tough job lugging my parent's fat a$$#*s around all day!







What is this...the puparazzi?!?

Namaste Cutie Pie!



 
8) To break your daily routine and habits

Us pooches are strong creatures of habit, but every now and then it's good to break the routine and live on the wild side! Travel can provide a much needed respite from the day-to-day that helps ground us once again. I mean, it's not everyday you get to shop the crowded bazaars of the pink city of Jaipur, ride an elephant to an ancient fort, or cruise around in a rickshaw touring the Taj Mahal. Habits are definitely comforting, but they're also meant to be broken ;)





The Amer Fort in Jaipur


9) Last but not least...to simply make some amazing memories while having a crazy, freakin' adventure!

This one's easy! Stop making excuses and GO GET LOST! Life is way too short not to...

Agra to Jaipur via the #12195 Intercity Express. My parents were only two of the staggering 18 million people traveling by train in India that day.
 
Holy Cow! What an adventure!