An old train used by the Japanese to transport ammunition during the second world war.
The Thailand Burma Railway Center.
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Wax figures of the world's famous dictators.
A buddhist shrine at the museum on the bridge.
The bridge on the river Kwai as photographed from another angle. 
Today, New Years Eve, we travelled to Kanchanaburi to see interesting places there. The photos in this post focus mainly on the Bridge in the River Kwai. Photo above shows JM and dad exploring the bridge.
A view of the Bridge on the River Kwai.
JM and dad pose in front of a vintage train used during WW II.
Nature at its best, as seen from the bridge.
The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 
JM at 4 years.
Photo credit : taken by mom at our parish church, December, 2002
Christmas Pageant 2007, JM at 9 yrs.
Christmas 2002, dad and JM (4 yrs.) 
Christmas Pageant 2006, JM at 8yrs.
Christmas Pageant 2005, JM at 7 yrs.
Christmas 2007, JM at 9 yrs.
Christmas 2006, JM at 8 yrs.
Christmas 2005, JM at 7 yrs.
The sight of this thing spiraled around a tower made the hair all over my body stood up. It's got the body of a snake, the legs of a lizard and the head of a dragon. I don't like reptiles, any kind of reptile for that matter . In fact , I hate them. But the Chinese in any part of the world adores the image of a dragon. This photo was taken on Christmas day during our trip outside Bangkok. I didn't include it in my post on Christmas photos because it will ruin the beauty of the day.
Nativity Scene of the Chair of Saint Peter's Church, Bangkok.jpg)
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
We had Christmas lunch today at a restaurant built on a raft, JM's favorite eating place.
Today, Christmas Day, we passed by the Thai Police Academy for an educational tour, as requested by JM.
Twosome aboard an antique police airplane.
JM and dad touring the police academy grounds.
JM posing in front of an old model police jeep.
On Christmas Day, we attended mass in one of the Catholic churches here in Bangkok and I was surprised to see parols (Philippine Christmas lanterns) in a variety of colors hanging on every door of the church. Parols are unique Philippine Christmas decorations symbolizing hope and peace for all mankind.
The sight of these lanterns reminded me of home. And the longing to be with my siblings and surviving parent (my father). It also brought sadness in me, because my mother won't be with us anymore this Christmas and in the Christmasses to come. 
A family photo taken early last year in Tagaytay, Philippines with mom, dad, my siblings, niece and nephews.
This Christmas Eve, we attended our first ever Christmas Eve family night dinner party.
JM and dad enjoying their Christmas Eve dinner at the party.
After several days of attempting to decorate our home for Christmas, we finally did so today. JM initiated the move to start putting up the decorations.
JM showing off his decorated Christmas tree.
Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
Luke 1:30-33
Yesterday, we went to a bamboo restaurant located in a floating market somewhere in Bangkok (I can't remember the name of the place). The lunch was Thai food of course. Below are samples of the food we enjoyed during our trip to that restaurant.
JM enjoying his serving of chicken BBQ.
Thai papaya salad with no chili to suit my taste and orders of chicken BBQ for JM.
Fried noodles, Thai style (I didn't eat the dried, powdered chili of course).
Fried spicy fish with fresh vegetables (midly spicy).
After a job well done at today's nativity play, JM obliged to pose at the church parking lot after the program.
The giant Happy Birthday Jesus cake was decorated by every member of the CCD community.
Frosted chocolate cupcakes decorated with Christmas candies on top.
JM and dad enjoying the cakes and drinks after the CCD program.
JM with friend Chris Matthew after the Christmas program.
All smiles with his cathechist, Mrs. Ruby Hoskin.
JM posing in front of the giving tree.
JM with the cast of the CCD nativity play.
JM played the role of King Herod in todays nativity play. 
