The Bucket List: "Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you." -Annie Dillard

No, I haven't seen the movie The Bucket List, it looks far too depressing for my tastes. It reminds me of that country song "Live Like You Were Dying". Why, I ask myself, must we only push ourselves to try new things, to explore new places, to taste new foods only with the threat of prominent death. We're all going to die eventually, so it's time to get off our butts, get out of the house and do something.

I loved the idea that every New Years Day Allie and Blake wake up and create a "2010" or "2011", or whatever the respective year, list. Throughout the course of that year they try to check off as many things as possible. Some are simple things like go for a picnic, others are more elaborate like go to "Medieval Knights" and others are daylong adventures like whale watching. I love this idea so much, to have a tangible list, something you can physically check off, instead of the vague promise to yourself "tomorrow I'll do something new." These lists can be personal or shared with others, they can include places to visit, books to read, foods to try or languages to learn- the possibilities are endless, which makes them diverse and wonderfully specific to where you are physically and mentally in that moment.

Last night Ben and I made a bucket list. When I brought up the idea, he ever so matter-a-factly said, "Well, I've been here awhile, I've already completed my Bangkok bucket list." Impossible, I thought. I reminded him that he still hasn't eaten ice cream out of a hotdog bun or been to Cheap Charlies - there is always more to explore. And thus the Bangkok Bucket list was born. Allie has suggested I share it, so everyone at home can hold me accountable and Cath had the brilliant idea of posting pictures from every line item we check off.

Here is what we've come up with so far:

-Go bicycling across the river (in what Ben describes as a jungle)
-Take Ben to Cheap Charlies
-Visit Father Ray in Pattaya
-Sands Bar in Pattaya
-Chinatown
-Khao San Road
-Costumes for Galong
-Mae Sot to visit Amy
-Eat ice cream in a hot dog bun
-Watch a Thai ghost movie
-Go to the Bamboo Bar for jazz music

Some things on the list I have already done (Cheap Charlies) and most Ben have already done, while a few will be firsts for us both.

This weekend seems like a prime time to check one or two things off the list. And remember, it's always great to keep adding items. One thing that isn't on the Bucket List because I've already been invited, is go eat seafood at P'Ratana's house on Saturday. Ah, steamed crab... a taste of home, but in Thailand!

There is no better time than right now.

Cheap Charlies. It's just this funky bar outside with a few seats on a side street. There is no actual "inside" and we were warned to order two beers at once as the only person working the bar is the owner and the lines can get long.

We follow directions well.

This was across the street. It's an old VW van, converted into a bar, and on the outside are a few chairs and tables along the street. Dad & Lucy, you would LOVE this.

Perhaps another item we can tack on to the bucket list?

No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.
(Dead Poets Society)

ABA