That afternoon, we went to a jade factory to learn about the various types and how they differ in color, price, etc. The tour was guided by the proprietress, who was wearing lavendar jade earrings, ring, etc., to match her lavender dress.

That night, the group split up for residential visits to two local homes, including dinner. Our hostess was Sumalee Kittivanichkul ("Tukta"), who—with her husband—owns a food distributorship that caters to hotels and restaurants. We participated in making our own uniquely Thai salad, and were then treated to a spectacular meal prepared by her with assistance from several in-laws. We got a tour of their beautiful home, too.

Tukta and son "Bang"...

The dinner guests (left-to-right): Priscilla Clute and Bob Smythe, Barbara and Jim, Julia and John Langford, Elliott and Laura Dudnik, and Tukta...