Old Blue

Before we jump right into more adventures in Thailand, I need to address an important issue that will no doubt become obvious to you as I share more photos from our trip.  Even to someone who doesn't pay a lot of attention to fashion, it is easy to see a certain theme emerging as the days roll on:

Did Sam not only inspire me to take a tiny backpack, but also somehow convince me that just one shirt would be necessary for this mission?  Friends, I may be growing as a person, but I'm not insane.  No one pushed me in this direction, it was actually a love affair.  

A long time ago, my dermatologist and I decided that I should go for that mysterious, pale girl look.

Unfortunately my look was last popular during the silent screen era

So  you can imagine to what degree of seriousness I took my guide books admonition that the sun in Thailand is much stronger, and you must be prepared.  I went straight online and found my blue shirt, which is just loaded with SPF and wicking and all manner of goodness.  When I put it on that first day in Thailand, I realized that it wasn't just a shirt, it was a miracle.  This shirt is so comfortable that (along with a 9 month stringent humidity training regimen here in the South) I hardly even knew it was blazing hot outside.   In some ways this shirt was so good it was dangerous because I didn't notice I was overheating until I was dizzy and about to pass out.  Every night when I washed it out, I considered the possibility that I wouldn't wear it again the next day.  But I just could not help my self.  The idea that I would want to voluntarily wear the same shirt day after day is staggering to me--and that it would be a functional shirt is even more mind blowing.  I still don't know what to make of it.

I didn't think this blog would be a commercial one, but I'm going to have to give you the information in case you need a shirt like this in your life (which you absolutely do).  It is a Columbia brand sun goddess shirt.  I got mine at Sierra Trading post, and when I got back I ordered what I believe was the last one of that style.  But they also have this one that looks like it could also spawn passionate responses from its wearers:

You can find it here

My efforts paid off in the end as you can see.

Pre-vacation palor

Three days at the beach with no perceptible difference

Our next post will take us back to Thailand, where we will head for the beautiful old city of Chiang Mai.  Hope you can join us!