One Fine Day (4)

The Thursday of "wedding week" brought with it the arrival of many, many guests! Although originally Haike and I had planned to go on a day-trip to Chiang Mai's Doi Ithanon National Park and the highest point in Thailand, we chose to stay back at the resort so that we could be there to greet our guests and help them settle in.

The first arrivals came right after breakfast - Haike's parents and my Chinese sister, Yiqi. They were tired and hungry so we got them moved into their rooms then enjoyed breakfast together. It was so interesting to watch Haike's parents because they were experiencing a lot of firsts: first time on a plane (for his mom), first time out of China, first time at a nice resort, first time having people take care of THEM, first time to have a truly relaxing vacation...we saw throughout the week the ways in which Haike's mom really broke out of her shell and let loose - it was amazing!!

Around lunchtime another van load of people pulled up - my dad, stepmom, uncle and grandma!! And shortly after them my friend Cindy and her daughter, our flower girl, Lizzy arrived. We had a big lunch together and much like the first group of Americans to arrive two days before, these Americans went right into vacation-mode. It was so great! Swimsuits on, book and sunglasses in hand and, for my dad and uncle, they broke out the cards and their marathon game of Rummy began. There was a lot of relaxing and chatting that afternoon, just savoring the fact that this dream was coming true.

Around 5:30 PM the Doi Ithanon group returned and the reunions and/or meet and greets began. When my mom and Haike's mom saw each other, they pretty much ran to embrace and immediately started chatting in their own languages, "How are you? It's so nice to see you! You look great! How was your trip?" It's amazing...they were somewhat answering each other's questions and saying the same things without truly comprehending. I guess it just goes to show that there truly are universal languages...emotions, body language, expressions. JOY.

That night we pushed together two long tables and all ate together...one big, international family! It was great fun. I think most of our entertainment came, though, when the sun set and the geckos came out. They didn't come too close to us but they covered the walls near the tables where we ate outside. Some of them were huge and we watched with fascination as they gulped down moth after moth, delighting in their dinner as we did in ours!

Later that night some more friends, Zhao Bin and Leslie along with their baby, Eden, arrived. Haike and I waited for them then hit the sack to prepare for day 5 - rehearsal day!

Below are a few pictures that the Doi Ithanon group took - beautiful!!!