Rialoves2cook: Christmas in a tropical country is strange. There's the novelty of warm weather and new experiences like the gorgeous holiday show our staff and students put on yesterday or ice skating when it's so hot, but there's the ache of knowing your family is on the other side of the world. Luckily video chats and friends also feeling some holiday blues made my first Christmas abroad quite lovely and even offered some new treats to sample like rose-shaped sweets and flower tempura. Big thanks to Tom for inviting me to discover a new corner of Bangkok together. 

To all of you, I hope wherever you are and whatever you celebrate, you're surrounded by love this holiday season. 

#ChristmasinBangkok #KohKrettreats #friendventures<3 

Posted December 25th 7:45 PM 

Em&Em: Thanks for keeping me from face planting on the rink <3

TomDemchuk: Right back at you Maria! Couldn't ask for better company :)

YouronlySushine: Merry Christmas Ria!! Much love and wish we could celebrate together. Cute pics! 

***

Maria followed Tom's plan without protesting for once. The unsettled energy from Mitch's actions overtook her pride when Tom insisted on treating her to a Christmas adventure. Their cab flew past traffic as downtown's flashy and towering influence thinned into more regular neighbourhoods like their own. Buildings stood only a few stories high, comprising multi-use businesses and apartments, random car dealerships, and restaurants. Plenty of pedestrian overpasses zoomed by too.

Tom's knuckles went whiter than usual as he gripped the car's 'holy shit' handle, as one of Maria's uncles had called it, much to her mother's displeasure. The term made Maria smile and recall giggling with Sunshine as kids after hearing a swear word.

"I promise I didn't offer him extra to get us there in a hurry." Tom turned to the driver and spoke a few words in Thai. The car slowed until they stopped at the next traffic light, then it sped off again. Tom shook his head. "My Thai must need a little work."

Maria laughed. "It was worth a try."

"So is Christmas in Thailand everything you thought it would be?" Tom asked.

She took in a deep breath. She hadn't expected to run into Mitch and to be treated so coldly and snippily. Last week, she had imagined they would spend the day curled up together, savouring curries and each other's touches, but those were naïve dreams, ones he had repeatedly warned her off. His words to Emma today were nails in that coffin.

"It's different," Maria started. How could she justify her downed mood? "The lack of snow, the distance, the empty commercial aspect of the holiday, outside of the school ceremonies all make it feel bizarre."

"Maybe Koh Kret will lift your spirits. My students recommended it, and this seemed like the perfect excuse. The island is supposed to have many tasty snacks that should be right up your alley."

Maria smiled. It was an improvement from their expensive mall non-date and sounded as fun as Lumphini Park.

The driver pulled up at a dock overlooking a wide river, much calmer than the section downtown near the cathedral. As she and Tom exited the car, the air felt clearer and lighter as it travelled to her lungs. A long wooden passenger boat, enclosed with a roof and walls. rocked in the small waves next to the dock. After speaking with the boat driver, Tom helped Maria onto the vessel, and she held onto his hands a few seconds longer than necessary. He grinned and squeezed her hand.

Once a few more passengers joined them, the boat sped off toward a giant golden sitting Buddha statue in front of a long red-roofed building. A cool breeze and droplet of water blew in through the open-frame windows.

A middle-aged Thai couple eyed Maria and Tom with a smile. The man leaned across the aisle toward them. "You visit Koh Kret before?" he asked.

Maria and Tom shook their heads.

"Very quiet today. No market, no cars, very nice for you."

"Thank you for the information. It sounds quite nice," Tom said.

"Mon people live Koh Kret. Many, many years." He held up three fingers and counted to three in Thai.

"Three hundred years?" Maria guessed.

The man nodded and revealed a gap-toothed grin. "They work, get no money, build new river, good for boats. Dig, dig, dig, water, water, water." The man held out a fist and traced his index finger around it a few times. "Trapped!"

"They made an island?" Tom asked.

"Yes, yes, big island." He pointed to the opposite side of the river then turned back to them. "Where you from?"

"Canada," Maria and Tom answered in unison which made her smile.

"You travel together?" the Thai woman asked, smoothing out her long patterned skirt.

"We teach English at the same school," Maria said.

Both the man and woman smiled and complimented their job choice. They spoke a little Thai to Maria and Tom. Although Tom responded to some questions at a learner's pace, Maria struggled to understand. As they focused on Tom, she admired the architecture of the temple on Koh Kret and the familiar muddy brown colour of the river. Edmonton's waterways picked up enough sediment to create the same colour. Her family was probably settled into bed, getting ready for a true Christmas with snow, a tree and presents.

"Hey," Tom said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We're here."

Maria accepted his help again as they disembarked the ferry and said their goodbyes to the Thai couple, who insisted they check out the pottery during their visit. Tom matched Maria's slow pace as they ambled down empty streets as wide as a sidewalk, though this one was made of wood. Based on the infrastructure, vendors must overrun this space at some point, but not midweek. When her stomach grumbled, she hoped at least one place would be open.

"Let's find you that coffee. I could use one too," Tom said, his cheeks dimpling.

They strolled along the edge of the island, both sides populated with buildings or covered walkways until the structures thinned to include more green space. He found a colourful stand with pottery lining in the front. The woman behind the counter greeted them with a smile and a warm welcome. She seemed far more comfortable speaking English than the couple from the boat.

After placing their orders, Maria and Tom sat on the stools overlooking the counter. While the lack of crowds made it easier to let her guard down, it was also a reminder of how alone she was, especially when at home they'd be having a gigantic party.

But you're not alone, she told herself, glancing at smiling Tom, who took in the village-like atmosphere.

"I'm glad you were in the mood to check out Koh Kret today," he said. "It's peaceful."

"It's a change of pace from my regular holidays."

"What would your family normally do?"

"We go to a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Then, we have our smaller Christmas morning with my parents and sister, and we cram into someone's house with the rest of my family. We dance, sing, and eat until we're exhausted. At least that's what I did before my ex. He didn't like the religious celebrations, and my family made him uncomfortable, so we hardly attended the past couple of years."

"That sucks because what you described sounds like a blast, and everything you've told me about your family makes them sound awesome, minus how your dad ignored you recently."

"It's all worked out now." Maria sighed and smiled at Tom.

Long gone were Adrian's rants and guilt-trips about how painful it was for him to spend time with her family. While she'd enjoyed celebrating with his folks, it wasn't the same. How had she dated that toxic man unquestionably when he'd clearly sucked the joy from people and events she loved?

Today wasn't as bad in comparison. The whiplash of Mitch's confusing actions and words hurt, but it hadn't prevented her from enjoying the day. Tom had made sure of that while validating her worries and pain. He'd organized two different outings to help replicate that cozy warmth they both craved. If she chased away apprehension and her ghosts, she would have it with him. The tension in her neck eased.

"Even though I miss my family, you're the best company I could ask for."

Tom blinked several times and looked at the empty stools beside him. "Me?"

Maria laughed at his adorable reaction. "No, the barista I've hardly spoken to." He took a second before he laughed with her, and his cheeks reddened. "Yes, you. You're so easy-going and understanding."

"Thanks." He scratched his neck. "You're pretty great yourself." He scrunched his face. "I mean, you're awesome and incredible, and I would plan more days like this knowing how they make you smile." With a groan, he covered his eyes with his long fingers, peeking out a second later.

As her chest filled with warmth, she suppressed her urge to laugh. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to mentally invent time travel," he muttered.

Maria chuckled. "You don't need time travel. I'm glad we both enjoy each other's company."

"It wasn't too..."

After she shook her head, the barista delivered their drinks in orange clay pots with a straw sticking out of the top of the lid. They even had a braided rope handle. "Do we get to keep these?" Maria asked.

"Of course, and they're made special on Koh Kret. Enjoy!" the woman said.

Maria took a long sip of her sweet, cold coffee, running her fingers over the intricately carved clay. The drinks cost little more than a regular iced coffee near their apartment, yet she'd get to take home a piece of the island with her.

Tom stirred his drink with the straw, his face returning to its usual pale tone, which brought out his freckles. "Have you ever tried Thai iced tea?"

Maria raised an eyebrow. "Like Canadian ice tea or that bitter, unsweetened American stuff?"

"It's pretty sweet. I think you'll like it." He pushed his clay pot in her direction.

She took a short sip of the creamy, sugary goodness and sighed. Tom laughed.

"Have more."

"If you insist." She took a longer sip, making a mental note to try this next time. "If all tea tasted like this, it might convert me from coffee."

He chuckled again. "We can trade."

Maria pushed the pot back to him. "No, no, I'm good, just envious."

"Help yourself whenever. Ready to keep exploring? Maybe find some snacks?"

She nodded, her stomach agreeing as well, which put an amused smile on his face. They called out a Thai thank you to the woman and continued on their way. The scent of grilled meat and fried food grew stronger as they walked. Soon they'd picked up a few items from the few vendors who were open, barbecued pork, green mango, and flower tempura, a first for both of them. Maria took a picture to send to her father later, unsure if he'd be interested or balk at the idea of eating flowers.

After a few minutes of walking and snacking, the island's development turned to greenery, and the walkway widened. Tom had gotten Maria talking enough about her family that it was almost like they weren't so far. He'd shared a lot of his holiday memories: Christmases spent both at home in Calgary or in the mountains with his immediate family where they'd sit in a hot spring looking up the snow-capped peaks through a haze of steam.

"That sounds amazing," Maria said.

"Not as amazing as all the food you described, although I've forgotten half the names of the dishes."

She smiled. "They're easier to remember once you've tasted them."

"I'd love to try some. Prae has nothing but praise for your cooking, and the nachos we made together were delicious."

"Yeah." A strange sensation settled in her chest. When she pictured cooking in her apartment, Mitch was there with his room-filling laugh, his endless compliments, and the frequent disregard for her personal space she'd been more than happy to indulge. However, his presence brought the pain of unreciprocated feelings that would never materialize into a relationship.

"I don't mean to impose. If I was talented at stuff like that I'd love to share it with you." Tom turned toward the birds flying from one palm tree to the next. True to his word, he had sent her beautiful photos he'd taken when they were together with permission to use them on her cooking platform.

Maria swallowed her hesitation. "It's not an imposition. I'm usually making dishes anyway, and it's fun to share."

After all, what kind of Filipino daughter would she be if she didn't feed half the apartment block? It would help to spend more time with Tom, and it could distance her from Mitch too. She and Mitch could be friends, but friends didn't need to spend as much time together as they had. It only led to misery and confusion. If she hung out with Tom and fell for him, he wanted a relationship and wasn't playing mind games.

He focused on her and tucked his hands in his shorts pockets. "That dress looks amazing on you, by the way."

Maria's cheeks heated up, and a smile crossed her lips. "Thanks, it's not an ideal choice for skating or walking, but I was feeling festive."

"Red's a nice colour on you, you know the dress, your island-touring buddy." He nudged her shoulder and ruffled his red hair with his fingers, raising an eyebrow.

Maria laughed and smiled back at him. "What's gotten into you?" she teased. She wasn't used to seeing the more playful and flirty side of him. His flirting was more awkward, which was cute earlier today, and more unwelcome in the past, but this was more fun.

"I have been known to flirt in the right setting, with the right girl. Am I overstepping?"

Maria bit her lip and looked up at him from the corner of her eye. His hazel eyes danced with amusement, and the smile drew in her interest. His past intensity seemed to have faded. "No, you're not."

They walked past an old kiln piled high with discarded pots of all shapes and sizes. "Good to know," Tom said, his lips twitching as he failed to fight a grin.

As they explored the island's temples, paths and flower gardens, Tom's arm had found its way around her shoulder, drawing her closer as they marvelled at vibrant orchids, leaning stupas, and golden Buddhist relics. It calmed her, keeping her from falling into the swirling pit of solitude that lurked by her side after Mitch's rejection. She wasn't unloveable, she was just looking for it in the wrong places.

***

A few photos of the lovely Koh Kret