Thailand Trip

Byron has so many amazing opportunities through work. Back in January he went to Thailand for a conference from January 25th through the 31st. While he was there, he was able to tour some really cool sights.

Here is an example of the food Byron was able to eat - what an amazing buffet!  Below are some dragon fruit that Byron had in his room.  I have never seen any of this before - interesting things that grow in the far corners of the world :).  Dragon fruit is a very sweet fruit.  It has a spiky outside, but the inside is very sweet and refreshing.

This is a view from Byron's hotel window - just a breathtaking view!

There were some outdoor markets that Byron was able to enjoy along with a couple of other employees from Nu Skin. 

There is also something called the "floating markets."  Byron was able to get into a boat and has a driver (taxi) that will stop at every shop that they want.  They wouldn't get out, but the person who owned that shop would bring the items to them.  Pretty interesting idea - Byron was able to get some pretty inexpensive items.

This cemetery is called Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.  It was created after WWII.

This railroad is called "Thailand-Burma Railway Project."  Many prisoners of war from the US were forced to work on it during WWII.  A lot ended up dying from starvation and bad conditions. 

Byron and 3 other guys were forced to stay in Thailand one day longer than needed due to cheaper airfare prices.  They decided to go to the Tiger Temple and Elephant Village on their last day.  It cost quite a bit per person, but they decided it would be worth it - about $100 per person.

The Tiger Temple is owned by Monks.  They have raised these tigers since they were newborn and allow people to come into their area and pet these tigers.  Byron said this was a pretty stupid thing to do.  He passed a helipad, an ambulance, signed his life away and walked through the gate.  He was told beforehand to not wear certain colors.  He had to abstain from bright reds and oranges - I'm sure the bright colors upset the tigers more than the neutral ones.  He opted to wear blue.  Part of the time Byron had one worker assigned to him that would hold his hand and take him from one area to another.  I guess it was pretty nerve racking for Byron - These pictures tell it all:).  At least at the zoo we have a wall or bars between us and the animal.  Here they only have a small rope or chain.

They look very soft and cuddly, but Byron said their fur is very rough, greasy and dirty.

They were also able to lead the tigers while walking.  They held onto a rope and walked beside them.  Lets just say - Byron will never do this again :).

They also rode on an elephant with a guide.  Byron rode with one of his coworkers.  He was pretty nervous on this as well as at one point the elephants were walking through the water and his kept on going deeper and deeper in.  He was worried they would end up getting wet, but were fine. He kept on having to lift up his feet further and further up.  The seat kind of wobbled back and forth also, which made for more discomfort.

Byron went to the "circus" but ended up being part of it.  Looking back it wasn't one of the smartest things he has ever done.  I'm sure it looked cute when he put the hat on Byron's head, but the elephant pushed down on his head quite hard. 

This elephant even picked Byron up - I guess it was VERY uncomfortable - but an awesome picture moment.

After returning home we all enjoyed gathering around the computer to see the awesome picture he took.  The kids all look forward to this part and the fun explanation of them.

Here are more things Byron brought back .

Byron going through his money and giving two to everybody that wanted one.

Carter with his money and a cool twirly helicopter that lights up in the night sky.

Byron also brought back a laser light for each person - these were really big hits.