La-La-La

October 25, 2025

Dear little friends,

It’s an interesting time to be alive, isn’t it? A week ago we were marching in Portland’s “No Kings” protest with 50,000 of our friends and neighbors, with signs and whimsical costumes and flags. Well, we didn’t have signs or costumes, but I had a flag and flowers on my bike and Bruce wore a red shirt that said “Stop Dictatorship Now” on the back.

As we look at the ash heap of American democracy and the White House’s East Wing, it feels a little like maybe we will be taking a break from political drama but of course this is Thailand we are going to and Thailand can churn out plenty of political drama, and very quickly. In the last few days 1700 people imprisoned in a scam center in Burma have swum the Moei river to escape to Thailand. That’s something. Thailand’s beloved queen mother, Queen Sirikit, passed away yesterday at 93 and the entire nation has entered into mourning. That’s a huge thing.

We were in Thailand in 2017 when the country was mourning the passing of her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had been universally revered. People wore black if they could afford new clothes, and were given black dye if they couldn’t. And it looks like there will be 90 days of similar visible mourning this time around, too.

Foreign tourists aren’t expected to wear black but it’s always good if we visitors respect what is going on. But my clothes are packed and black is hot. I like to be visible on my bicycle but there’s no screaming fluorescent clothing in my pannier either. As always, I’ll try to be a respectful guest in lovely Thailand, maybe I’ll pick up a “non-vibrant” colored shirt along the way.

Portland's been ready for yesterday's rainbow.

But there’s no escaping political drama and I’m not going to plug my ears and la-la-la my way through the world. Something we in Portland learned these last few weeks is to highlight the beauty of our community to the world, in direct opposition to the false maligning by our current administration. The Thais do that too with little effort, just by being themselves and living their lives. The water pot by the door with tiny lilies and guppies, the sizzle of the wok, the shimmer of the rice fields, the street and temple life, it’s a symphony all the time, best listened to from the seat of my bicycle.

The papayas haven't gotten the message about non-vibrant colors. But at their heart, they know.

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Kat MarrinerThere is no end in sight of the political drama, and travel is a political act. By getting close to the ground where people eat and sleep and live full lives, I believe is a show or respect. To be curious and open to others dignifies all lives. Keep on highlighting the beauty of their community to the world. Friendly smiles shine brighter than any shirt.
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3 months ago

Bruce LellmanTo Kat MarrinerThroughout this upcoming trip I'm going to remember what you say here, Kat. It's so important. Little acts of respect and kindness is what pushes the world around.
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3 months ago

Gregory GarceauI have an appreciation for a well-written introductory page. With this journal, I got to read two of them by two different writers from the same team. Pretty cool.

Recently, I've been watching some old episodes of Anthony Bourdaine's "No Reservations." He traveled all over the world, often eating things I couldn't even imagine putting into my mouth. As I watch his show, I keep thinking of you two, also eating foods I'd probably never dare to eat. To me, that's the real adventure I find in reading your journals. Keep it up for this one.
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3 months ago

Bruce LellmanTo Gregory GarceauBut you dare to eat pasties, the exotic food of the U.P.! In fact, I heard you are a pasty connoisseur.

Thank you for your nice comments, Gregory. We appreciate your always fun and positive opinions.
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2 months ago