Christmas Eve at 90 degrees

Christmas Eve in Bangkok is a little strange since it was 90 degrees outside. :) However, my roommate and I had a good time. First, I went to a coffee house that is really cute and studied Thai for about three hours with my Thai Grammar book. Then, my roommate joined me and we went to Lumpini Park. First, we found these pieces of exercise equipment. I don't know what they're really for, but I like our idea MUCH better :D. We hung on them and swung around and around. It's so much fun!!!

Then, we were hungry, so we found a place that wasn't really expensive and ate delicious pasta! I haven't had REAL pasta in a long time, so it tasted SO good!

Then, this park has paddle boats and it was cheap and looked like fun, so we captured a swan and went paddle boating. I haven't done this in a LONG time. We enjoyed waving at the little kids and took pictures of the blue, yellow, and red swans.

Katy is a photographer and took this amazing picture while we were paddle boating in Lumpini Park. The sunset is beautiful.
I absolutely LOVE the palm trees. I'm thinking about getting one and decorating it next year for Christmas. Hang lights, string popcorn, and hang ornaments from it, just to embrace the tropical environment I live in hahaha.

This Christmas was definately interesting. I'm still in awe at the amount of Christmas decorations, yet absolutely no nativities. My parents will be sending me one for next year. However, in a way I'm kind of glad I didn't have one this year because it showed me how important it really is to me. It was so easy to just see it in the USA and be used to it that it doesn't move you anymore. However, when you are suddenly without it, it becomes so much more precious. I'm thankful for this Christmas that I was able to remember how precious Jesus' birth really is and that it is the true meaning of Christmas. Without the birth of Christ, Christmas is empty and all about getting presents. Praise God that He was able to show me this in a unique way. I pray that you will remember the true meaning of Christmas. :)