Blessed

Even though there was no snow or presents under the tree, we had a great Christmas.  Our present was attending the elephant camp earlier this month so we did not exchange gifts. We went to our friends house for Christmas, and Vaida who is from Lithuania was able to set a elegant table with wine, bread, cheese and smoked meats.  We had a lovely time with them.

I went to Free Yoga in the park in the morning, exercising my Zen to ignore the flies tickling my legs and the near swooping of pigeons. The practicality of yoga outside is better on paper than in reality.  On Christmas day both of our families went to Paak Dang, a seafood restaurant near the river.  We splurged and had a really great meal.

Afterwards we all went to our Hostel and watched Elf on the big screen.  The owners of the hostel put on a large BBQ and hung lights for the celebration.  Christmas music was playing and we drank whisky, talked with other young travelers from Isreal and the US, and nibbled on the cookies and chocolate given to us from Vaida for Christmas.  Alex drew henna tattoos on are skin (a gift from Vaida).  It was festive and happy.  It will me a memorable Christmas!