Goerwitz

Most Thais haven't ever seen snow, and are fascinated by it. We, on the other hand (coming from the northern US, Minnesota), are fascinated by backyard tamarind, banana, and other (often very large-leaved) topical trees, such as the ones you see here.

Incidentally, Amy and Jariya are wearing pink here, the color of the King, at least for 2007.

In Thailand every day of the week has its color. Monday is yellow, Tuesday is pink, Wednesday is green, etc. Some older Thais still follow the quaint custom of wearing each day's color on that day. And on Mondays people still generally wear yellow, not just because yellow is Monday's color, but because the King of Thailand was born on a Monday.

Side note: in 2007 the King of Thailand suffered a stroke and stayed in the hospital for a brief time. When he left the hospital, on a Tuesday, it was felt that pink would be an auspicious color to wear (pink being not only the color for that day, but a sign of health). At his first public appearance since his illness, he emerged in a radiant pink suit, sparking a "pink" craze.

The King of Thailand is currently the world's longest reigning monarch, and is much beloved by the Thai people. If you ride with a Thai driver, you may see him wai (place his hands together in a prayerful gesture) as he passes images of the king, who has become what might seem, to westerners, like an object or worship.

Here are a few rules of thumb regarding the Thai monarchy: When speaking with Thais, never ever criticize their King. To be safe, don't even ask questions about his politics, or about things like succession, unless you know the people you are with very well. To talk about succession can be seen as implying that their king will die, and although Thais know this will happen, they don't appreciate being reminded of the fact.