The Delatorre and Laguio Families returned to their former home (and for some their birthplace) of Thailand to to revisit their memories with a new generation.  The trip began in Bangkok where they were able to visit the old neighborhood and school as well as see the city sights, floating market and temples. The St. Regis was their home for four nights.  The family enjoyed this modern, urban retreat where the staff greeted them with an orchid garland and traditional Thai bow (wai).  Actually each hotel they stayed at did the same.  The hotel had an amazing breakfast buffet that stretched across three rooms and served international dishes from Europe, Thailand, Japan, China and the United States.

The final stop for the Delatorre family was the beach resort town of Phuket with a stay at the Andara Resort and Villas; a dream property for the children.  Their large villa had a 50 ft. long private pool and amazing views.  A Maya Bay speedboat trip was a highlight  with unforgettable sights of the bay along with cave swimming, snorkeling, monkey feedings and an island lunch.

The family reminds us how special (and inexpensive) Thailand is for travelers.  It’s a Buddhist country with a long reigning monarch which lends to the mystique of the temples, monks, and ceremonies. Combine that with the rugged northern towns with elephants and tribes, and the southern islands with their gorgeous beaches.   The group was there while the country was in mourning over the passing of their monarch. Photos and tributes to the king were everywhere. Most Thais wore black, and they were also encouraged to wear black at the temples out of respect. The lines of mourners outside the Royal Palace in Bangkok where the king is laid to rest stretched for miles in the hot sun.  He was the only king most Thais know and the Delatorre and Laguio families felt his loss too.  They also had Thai massages everywhere with the least expensive ones at the Wat Po temple in Bangkok and the Thai markets and put their feet in aquariums where fish nibbled for a unique exfoliation treatment!  This foodie family also loved the Thai food whether it was consumed in a restaurant, food stall or on the street.  Overall a very successful trip, family reunion and home coming.