A little pic of Aiden at a Thai temple in Central Thailand. One of the most beautiful temples I have seen. Whilst the others went to pay homage, me and Aiden 'snuck off' and discovered that the entire place was deserted; so took the opportunity to hang out for a bit and take some snaps.
( - carrying dad's tape measure) I wonder what he makes of these surroundings? It's funny to think that as he grows up, these types of places may seem normal to him, when they are still so strange / hold so much mystique to me.
Ben, it must be fantastic to have a little man around the house like Aiden. And from what I've been told, when he starts learning to read, write, and get into the finer details of the language, you can lurk behind the door learning more Thai as well. Sounds like the most pleasant of learning experiences.
Posted by: Catherine | September 09, 2010 at 05:02 PM
Hi Ben, I often think my son's childhood is so strange compared to mine. We try and ensure that he gets to experience both cultures but his childhood memories are going to be of Thailand. We just moved from Lopburi where there were monkeys on the streets and in the evening we had an elephant that would be taken past her house - very different from my childhood. Now that we live closer to Bangkok he has all the wonders of places like Dreamworld.
Posted by: Paul Garrigan | September 09, 2010 at 11:59 PM
Hiya Catherine, it is alot of fun, especially as we have a busy homestead and the Thai's adore kids... I'm hoping he can pick up both languages without too much trouble, I'm told it's usually no problem for little uns. I will be expecting full lessons from him!
Hi Paul, we are getting back to the UK as much as feasibly possibly, so he can get both cultures and keep his UK grandparents happy! Come school age have yet to decide where to plot up, that's a tricky one :)
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | September 10, 2010 at 01:06 AM
Great pics Ben.
Am in a similar position to you where, in the longterm, we have no idea where we'll be..but for now it is fascinating to see my son grow in an environment that continues to surprise and "mystify" me too.
Posted by: Jon | September 10, 2010 at 05:54 AM
Yeah its a real tough one I think Jon, I'd quite like Aiden to attend the same primary school I went to, but as we're working out here I just can't see a clear path.. Ce la vie, whatever will be, as they say.
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | September 10, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Ben, Aiden is getting big and cuter...must be great to spend that kind of quality time together.
Posted by: Talen | September 15, 2010 at 01:39 PM
Yeah Talen, it is great, I am a lucky devil...
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | September 15, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Hi Ben, it's fascinating indeed. I have two young ones, 7and a half and the other 5 years old. All their childhood memories will be of Thailand and so different than mine.
Interesting!
Posted by: Camille | September 19, 2010 at 08:23 AM
Hi Camille, I bet they've had a great start and aiming to do the same with Aiden... Still not sure on where he'll go school yet, just have to wait and see.. I admit, I want him to have strong influences from his family back in England - just natural I think. All his Thai family are great, and love him to bits.
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | September 19, 2010 at 02:09 PM