Off to Canada. Had a late checkout at the hotel. We did some last minute shopping but didn't find to much. I bought a silver chain for about $24. Had lunch at the German Beer House and supper at the hotel. Tried to connect with Yosh, but couldn't. Left the presents for him and Sid at the from desk. About 2030 we headed of to the airport. We couldnt check in until almost midnight and then we got the worst seats on the plane. No leg room and no reclining. Terrible flight to Beijing. We also couldn't get our seats for the AC flight to Canada so we had to go through customs and into China to the AC checkin counter. and here we wait. We've been waiting for about 4 hours and even the self check in kiosks don't work yet. I hope we get some reasonable seats for the flight back to Vancouver. We're sitting in a Starbucks in the airport. Technically we are in China now. I can't wait until we get out of the departure hall and back into the departure area. We met a couple from Calgary that are in the same boat as we are. We may catch up with them later.
Eventually the Air Canada counter opened and we got our boarding passes. Went back through Chinese customs and to our gate. Boarded the plane and 11 hours later, back at home. Cleared customs with no problem at all, caught the shuttle to the hotel and are showering up and getting ready to have some supper in a bit.
All in all it's been a super trip. Even the bad and frustrating things are laughable now. We'll be updating the pictures soon and I hope to be able to start working on the video that we took. Once the video is done, it will be on sale in the lobby at a reasonable price ;-). Actually we'll probably mail it out to any and all who want to be bored. We'll also be doing a few additions to the blog over the next bit on what to take and what to expect in Thailand.
Later folks and it sure is a treat to be able to get a glass of drinking water from the tap.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Getting ready to come home
Well, here it is Thursday and we are getting packed up to come home. Eve and Kyra left yesterday and are safe and sound back at home now. Friday morning at 1am it is our turn to make the trip home.
We had a hectic few days doing last minute shopping and visiting with Eve's Mom, Dad, Nephew and cousin. Monday, Eve, Deb and I went to the night market and to Khao San road. Both are very interesting. Khao San road is only about 2 blocks long, and you can see it is still for the back packers and the old hippies. Tuesday, Eve and Deb went shopping to China Town and a few other places while I went to MBK and Siam Paragon, Tuesday evening we went out to the Good View Restaurant for supper. Another great supper with the whole family.
Wednesday early AM, Eve and Kyra were off to the airport with her family. A bit of a tearful goodbye. Eve's family sure is great and we have come to love then a lot in this very short time. Later Deb and I did a bit more shopping and the went to a movie at Siam Paragon. This is a very civilized way to go to a movie. Reserved seating and very comfortable seats. A highly recommended thing to do while in Bangkok.
Well, we are off to get a bit to eat, finish packing, then supper and later get a cab to the airport. If there is an internet connection in Beijing, I'll do a quick update from there. If not, the final update(s) may have to wait until we get back home. We're looking forward to leaving the heat and humidity of Bangkok but regretting leaving the friends and extended family behind. We really will miss them.
Ken and Deb
We had a hectic few days doing last minute shopping and visiting with Eve's Mom, Dad, Nephew and cousin. Monday, Eve, Deb and I went to the night market and to Khao San road. Both are very interesting. Khao San road is only about 2 blocks long, and you can see it is still for the back packers and the old hippies. Tuesday, Eve and Deb went shopping to China Town and a few other places while I went to MBK and Siam Paragon, Tuesday evening we went out to the Good View Restaurant for supper. Another great supper with the whole family.
Wednesday early AM, Eve and Kyra were off to the airport with her family. A bit of a tearful goodbye. Eve's family sure is great and we have come to love then a lot in this very short time. Later Deb and I did a bit more shopping and the went to a movie at Siam Paragon. This is a very civilized way to go to a movie. Reserved seating and very comfortable seats. A highly recommended thing to do while in Bangkok.
Well, we are off to get a bit to eat, finish packing, then supper and later get a cab to the airport. If there is an internet connection in Beijing, I'll do a quick update from there. If not, the final update(s) may have to wait until we get back home. We're looking forward to leaving the heat and humidity of Bangkok but regretting leaving the friends and extended family behind. We really will miss them.
Ken and Deb
Monday, March 31, 2008
And a lot more pictures
Finally back a the Grand President now. Uneventful flight from Phuket to Bangkok and we arrived safe and sound and are all checked in now. With little to no to very very slow internet connectivity on Phuket and Phi Phi I've finally updated the blog and uploaded a bunch of pictures.
Here are the links
link 1
link 2
link 3
link 4
link 5
underwater photos
Here are the links
link 1
link 2
link 3
link 4
link 5
underwater photos
Monday (or when a cheap flight isn't so cheap)
Finished packing, and made reservations for a taxi. Had breakfast and then got the taxi to the airport. Went in through the check in and our 198B flight ended up costing and extra 1700B for over weight baggage (about 150B per kilo over). So our flight ended up costing about the normal fare ;-) Also, no assigned seating, so it will be a free for all on the plane.
Sunday
Some more shopping, even Deb is getting shoped out ;-) Every 10 steps down the streets it's "Tuk-Tuk mister?", "Massage?" "Suit Mister?" It does get to wear a bit thin after a while. We did manage to get almost all of our shopping for gifts done though. Just a couple of things to pick up in Bangkok. We did find a really nice china shop that had some beautiful things in it. We had supper at one of our 2 favorite little resturants. These 2 places are right across from each other on a little Soi just down from the hotel. S&G and Sabai Sabai. Both are cleap, clean and have great food and service.
Sunday evening I Went to Muay Thai boxing. Very interesting and a couple of good matches. On the way back to the hotel, I was approached by 3 lady-boys asking if I wanted a bit of company. Quite funny actually.
Sunday evening I Went to Muay Thai boxing. Very interesting and a couple of good matches. On the way back to the hotel, I was approached by 3 lady-boys asking if I wanted a bit of company. Quite funny actually.
The T-Shirt is right
I don't want a f..k..g Tuk-Tuk, suit or massage thank you very much. It does get a bit tedious after a while. Learning to ignore them takes a bit of doing.
Saturday on Patong Beach
Had breakfast and went to the beach for a few hours. I stayed in the shade of the umbrella for the whole time and still managed to get a mild sun burn. Deb still looks pretty good in her string bikini. Did some more shopping and I arranged for a suit fitting. The ad said $119 (about B4000) for 2 suits, 2 pants, 3 shirts and 2 ties. I decided to get 2 sets (one for me and 1 for Courtney). Off I went for my fitting. The picked me up at the hotle and drove me to Mr. Singhs tailor. Picked out the fabric for the suits and shirts and got all measured up. Then came the bill. What a shock, 63000B ($2100.00). Good thing I was sitting down. The tailor finally came down a lot in price (19000B) but his boss wouldn't go for it. After a bit of explaining on what I was expecting based on their ad, we agreed to disagree on the price and they drove me back to the hotel. No suits but quite a bit wiser ;-)
Had a nice sea food BBQ at the hotel (it had the cheapest prices by far).
Had a nice sea food BBQ at the hotel (it had the cheapest prices by far).
Friday Off to Phuket
We had a nice breakfast, checked out and spent some time relaxing on the beach at the hotel until 1PM. That's when the longtail boat pcked us up and took us to the main pier for the ferry. We boarded the ferry and bid fairwell to Phi Phi Island. A beautiful day for a boat ride back to Koh Phuket.
We go off the ferry and into our van and off to the Royal Palm Hotel on Patong beach. We checked in and went up to our room (no elevators in the hotel). Our view is of a a wall about 18 inches away ;-). Oh well..... We checked into the price of a suite with a beach view, but it's an extra $100/night, so we are staying put. It's only for 3 days anyways. We did a bit of shopping and ran into the greatest salesman ever. He is a hoot. We got some reasonable deals from him on golf shirts and shorts but he was a real laugh to talk to. A real character. Had supper at the S&G restaraunt. Great Thai food and cheap. Did a bit more looking around and then to bed.
We go off the ferry and into our van and off to the Royal Palm Hotel on Patong beach. We checked in and went up to our room (no elevators in the hotel). Our view is of a a wall about 18 inches away ;-). Oh well..... We checked into the price of a suite with a beach view, but it's an extra $100/night, so we are staying put. It's only for 3 days anyways. We did a bit of shopping and ran into the greatest salesman ever. He is a hoot. We got some reasonable deals from him on golf shirts and shorts but he was a real laugh to talk to. A real character. Had supper at the S&G restaraunt. Great Thai food and cheap. Did a bit more looking around and then to bed.
Thursday
Our last day on Phi Phi island.
Deb went for a run this morning while I caught up on my journal etc. Just another day to relax and get ove a bit of Delhi Belly for the 2 of us.
Deb went for a run this morning while I caught up on my journal etc. Just another day to relax and get ove a bit of Delhi Belly for the 2 of us.
Relaxing time
Wednesday we had a nice relaxing day. Had breakfast at the hotel and then came back to the room to chill out and relax for a while. Had a nice long talk with Courtney. Every thing seems OK on the home fromt. We walked into town, did a bit of shopping and I had to get some cold water at the 7-11 to drench myself to cool off. It was seriously hot out. We went to the beach at Loh Dahlum Bay and relaxed for a while. A bit more shopping on the way back to the hotel. Deb bought herself a little bikini! She won't let me take pictures of her in it, but trust me, she sure looks good ;-) We had a bit of a bite to eat and a beer on the way back and bought a few DVDs to watch. We just spent a nice quite evening listening to the thunder storm outside and watching a couple of movies.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Cockroach!
Got up Tuesday morning at 6 to make it to the dive boat. Took a shower, then Deb got up and started calling for me to get out of the bathroom. There was a pretty big cockroach on the wall. Tried to get it with a shoe but missed. Deb was pretty upset, she just hates the damn things. Well, off it went to my dive trip, Deb went down to the desk to get something done about her little friend. They couldn't do too much but give her some spray and after a bit, they gave us a new room. Deb couldn't wait for them to show up and move everything, so she packed up and took our stuff to the new room (just next door).
When I got back, she met me at the dive shop and told me all about her adventure with her little friend. We went back to our room, got showered up and went in to town to have some supper and pick up the pictures from the camera I rented. Some actually turned out OK. Back home to bed (CNN doesn't work on the TV tonight so we watched chinese news, in chinese of course).
Up in the morning for a little friend check, none around, so Deb felt safe in getting out of bed ;-). Had some breakfast, and the internet still doesn't work so I'll post this from an internet cafe in town. I might even book another dive trip tomorrow.
Love to all Ken and Deb.
(I'll have to wait until we get to Phuket or back to Bangkok to post more pictures)
When I got back, she met me at the dive shop and told me all about her adventure with her little friend. We went back to our room, got showered up and went in to town to have some supper and pick up the pictures from the camera I rented. Some actually turned out OK. Back home to bed (CNN doesn't work on the TV tonight so we watched chinese news, in chinese of course).
Up in the morning for a little friend check, none around, so Deb felt safe in getting out of bed ;-). Had some breakfast, and the internet still doesn't work so I'll post this from an internet cafe in town. I might even book another dive trip tomorrow.
Love to all Ken and Deb.
(I'll have to wait until we get to Phuket or back to Bangkok to post more pictures)
Off to Phi Phi
Well we had a little bit of an adventure getting to our little hotel in Phuket.
There was supposed to be someone from the hotel to meet us at the airport, but the booking agent didn't let the hotel know. So Deb and I were in Phuket trying to get a taxi that knew where the hotel was. It took a bit of doing, but we finally found someone that knew (our thought he did) where the hotel was. He took us to the wrong one, but at least it we were in Phuket town (at the wrong hotel). Just then Eve called. I had her look up the info for the hotel and got the address and the phone number. She talked to the driver and then we were off again. The driver called the hotel, got directions, and when we were close, we saw the hotel owner on his motor cycle waiting for us. We followed him to the hotel and then Deb and I checked in. Eve called to make sure we were OK.
Now this hotel is one of the nicest little B&B's who could hope for. Only 5 rooms, but really clean and on a real quiet little Soi (street). We had a balcony overlooking the Soi. We put our 80B into the cookie jar and Deb and I had a beer on our little balcony. The the owner (Manit) showed up with some more beer and we had a great visit with him. Just a really super guy and speaks english very well. While we were checking in we met his 6 year old daughter Jasmine. Cute as a button, very polite and sharp as a tack. A real little sweetie and with a very good command of english. Off to bed and up early for breakfast. Manit prepared a great breakfast for us. Kumquat yogurt (fantastic), toast, coffee, juice, fresh pineapple and an omlete. He also called to make sure the driver knew where to come to pick us up for the ferry.
The driver came and picked us up for the ferry trip to Phi Phi. A few more stops and we made it to the pier. Lots of ferries rafted up together. We crossed one and we were on the right boat. Then we were under way. Took a cruise around Phi Phi Ley and then dropped off a bunch of people at long beach. Then to the pier at Phi Phi and we unloaded out bags. At the end of the pier, they loaded our bags into a longtail boat and away we went to Arayaburi.
Got all checked in, got our bags carried to our bungalow which is a fair long way from the desk especially in the heat. Had a shower and then went into town. It was realy realy hot out and very humid. We walked around town for a bit and I arranged to go on a drive trip on Tuesday AM. Bought some beer, Spy classic, had some BBQ seafood for supper and back to the hotel to bed.
There was supposed to be someone from the hotel to meet us at the airport, but the booking agent didn't let the hotel know. So Deb and I were in Phuket trying to get a taxi that knew where the hotel was. It took a bit of doing, but we finally found someone that knew (our thought he did) where the hotel was. He took us to the wrong one, but at least it we were in Phuket town (at the wrong hotel). Just then Eve called. I had her look up the info for the hotel and got the address and the phone number. She talked to the driver and then we were off again. The driver called the hotel, got directions, and when we were close, we saw the hotel owner on his motor cycle waiting for us. We followed him to the hotel and then Deb and I checked in. Eve called to make sure we were OK.
Now this hotel is one of the nicest little B&B's who could hope for. Only 5 rooms, but really clean and on a real quiet little Soi (street). We had a balcony overlooking the Soi. We put our 80B into the cookie jar and Deb and I had a beer on our little balcony. The the owner (Manit) showed up with some more beer and we had a great visit with him. Just a really super guy and speaks english very well. While we were checking in we met his 6 year old daughter Jasmine. Cute as a button, very polite and sharp as a tack. A real little sweetie and with a very good command of english. Off to bed and up early for breakfast. Manit prepared a great breakfast for us. Kumquat yogurt (fantastic), toast, coffee, juice, fresh pineapple and an omlete. He also called to make sure the driver knew where to come to pick us up for the ferry.
The driver came and picked us up for the ferry trip to Phi Phi. A few more stops and we made it to the pier. Lots of ferries rafted up together. We crossed one and we were on the right boat. Then we were under way. Took a cruise around Phi Phi Ley and then dropped off a bunch of people at long beach. Then to the pier at Phi Phi and we unloaded out bags. At the end of the pier, they loaded our bags into a longtail boat and away we went to Arayaburi.
Got all checked in, got our bags carried to our bungalow which is a fair long way from the desk especially in the heat. Had a shower and then went into town. It was realy realy hot out and very humid. We walked around town for a bit and I arranged to go on a drive trip on Tuesday AM. Bought some beer, Spy classic, had some BBQ seafood for supper and back to the hotel to bed.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Issan (Up country Thailand)
Time to catch up a bit. Deb and I are waiting to check in at Khon Kaen Airport and they have a WI-FI hot spot here.
We drove from Chiyaphum to Phi Mai to visit the ruins there. Spectacular! Smaller than those in Ayutthaya but these ruins are the ones that were the inspiration for Angkor Wat. Incredibly beautiful and a very hot day. I think I lost 10 pounds in about 1 hour there. I may have to get some new clothes soon (or at least a belt) ;-)
Then it was off to upcountry Issan in Thailand. We went to visit with Eve's aunt and a bunch of other relatives (grandma, grandpa etc) about 25km east of Roi Et. Primarily and agricultural area and a real eye opener. Almost something out of National Geographic. Eve, Deb, Kyra and I shared the only air conditioned bedroom (and a really big one at that). The homes there are designed for functionality and purpose, not for show. Everything is clean and neat as a pin. The pictures should show things quite well. We went to Eve's grandma's and grandpa's farm just outside the village. We took the truck (in the back of course), Eve's cousin came on the motorcycle and Eve's grandpa came along about 5 minutes later in his samalor (a 3 wheeled tricycle).
Again we ate and laughed a way to much and had probably the best watermelon we've ever tasted, fresh from the field.
Eve's dad gave me an amulet and necklace, it was very emotional for me and I get choked up every time I think about it. It's something very special for me and I'll always treasure it. He is truly a wonderful person.
Today (Sunday) we drove from the village to Roi Et. We stopped at the worlds tallest Buddha (just under 60m tall). Then off to Khon Kaen. We even went through a rain storm ;-)
The weather is just about right for Deb and I (23C) but everyone else finds it a bit cool ;-)
Well, almost time to check in. So expect the next update from either Phi Phi or Phuket.
Love to all back home.
Ken and Deb.
We drove from Chiyaphum to Phi Mai to visit the ruins there. Spectacular! Smaller than those in Ayutthaya but these ruins are the ones that were the inspiration for Angkor Wat. Incredibly beautiful and a very hot day. I think I lost 10 pounds in about 1 hour there. I may have to get some new clothes soon (or at least a belt) ;-)
Then it was off to upcountry Issan in Thailand. We went to visit with Eve's aunt and a bunch of other relatives (grandma, grandpa etc) about 25km east of Roi Et. Primarily and agricultural area and a real eye opener. Almost something out of National Geographic. Eve, Deb, Kyra and I shared the only air conditioned bedroom (and a really big one at that). The homes there are designed for functionality and purpose, not for show. Everything is clean and neat as a pin. The pictures should show things quite well. We went to Eve's grandma's and grandpa's farm just outside the village. We took the truck (in the back of course), Eve's cousin came on the motorcycle and Eve's grandpa came along about 5 minutes later in his samalor (a 3 wheeled tricycle).
Again we ate and laughed a way to much and had probably the best watermelon we've ever tasted, fresh from the field.
Eve's dad gave me an amulet and necklace, it was very emotional for me and I get choked up every time I think about it. It's something very special for me and I'll always treasure it. He is truly a wonderful person.
Today (Sunday) we drove from the village to Roi Et. We stopped at the worlds tallest Buddha (just under 60m tall). Then off to Khon Kaen. We even went through a rain storm ;-)
The weather is just about right for Deb and I (23C) but everyone else finds it a bit cool ;-)
Well, almost time to check in. So expect the next update from either Phi Phi or Phuket.
Love to all back home.
Ken and Deb.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Chiyaphum
Well we are spending a few days in Eve's home town of Chiyaphum with her Mom and Dad. Khun Yai (which means maternal grandmother) and Khun Dta (maternal grandfather) are the most wonderful people we could have met here in Thailand. The absolutely love Kyra and Khun Dta couldn't be happier than when he is pushing her around. Khun Yai just loves to carry her around whenever she is the least bit fussy.
We've had a few great parties here with all of the friends and family.
Today it's off the Phi Mai and Roi Et (look it up and a map and google it) so I probably won't be posting until early next week.
Ta Ta for now.
We've had a few great parties here with all of the friends and family.
Today it's off the Phi Mai and Roi Et (look it up and a map and google it) so I probably won't be posting until early next week.
Ta Ta for now.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ayutthaya
Tuesday we headed from Pataya to Ayutthaya. Not to long of a trip, only a couple of hours. When we arrived, we went to a couple of the many many historical sites. This area was the old capital of Siam. Myranmar invaded the area and stripped the temples and palaces of the gold and jewels. Now there is an effort to preserve and restore a lot of the destroyed sites. This area is a UNESCO world heritage site now. The city itself is a good size, probably a population of 100,000 or so.
We stayed at the Kringsri Riverside Hotel. Very nice 4 star hotel. Super was down the road at a floating restaurant on the Chaou Prya river. After supper it was beer, wine coolers and visiting back at the hotel. Eve was pretty tired of translating bby bed time ;-)
Here are some more photos
We stayed at the Kringsri Riverside Hotel. Very nice 4 star hotel. Super was down the road at a floating restaurant on the Chaou Prya river. After supper it was beer, wine coolers and visiting back at the hotel. Eve was pretty tired of translating bby bed time ;-)
Here are some more photos
Ko Chang and Pataya
Well, I guess the last post was on Friday PM. We've been a bit short on internet access, so it's time to catch everyone up one what we've been doing.
Saturday, Eve's parents came to Bankok along with her nephew Sev, cousin Phu and a friend of Eve's Mom, Noi. Lots of hugs all around and we got our bags and loaded them into the van.
Now, this isn't your ordinary van. It can seat 11 very comfortably, but with all our bags, 9 (with Kyra) fit nicely. It has great air conditioning, is commfortable as can be, has great air conditioning, has video and great air conditioning. Oh, did I mention it has great air conditioning ;-) The a/c is really appreciated after sightseeing.
Off we headed to Ko Chang. About a 4 or 5 hour drive and a 20 minute ferry ride and we we on the island. The place we stayed at was K B Bungalows and it was pretty as a picture. Deb and I stayed in a cute little bungalow right on the beach, about 15 meters away from the water. Nice and quite except for the sound of the ocean. We had BBQ seafood Sat night at the resort and visited for a bit. We could see the squid boats lights away in the distance at night. In the morning we had breakfast togeter and then just chilled out for a while. Deb and I did a bit of shopping and then we all took Kyra for a swim in the pool. She was a bit tentative at first, but I took it real slow with her. After about 10 minutes she was having a great time checking out the water and kicking away. She was in the pool for almost an hour. She is such a serious kid, trying to figure everything out. That night she slept for about 12 hours. The Deb and Eve had a nice massage on the br
That night we went to a little place down theroad and more BBQ seafood.
Monday we headed to Pataya and went to the beach there. We stayed overnight in a 2 bedroom house and had another great BBQ super that Eve's mom, cousin and friend whipped up. Mussels, sea bass and huge prawns and some rice all washed down with some Singha and/or whiskey. Another great time.
Here are some more pictures.
Saturday, Eve's parents came to Bankok along with her nephew Sev, cousin Phu and a friend of Eve's Mom, Noi. Lots of hugs all around and we got our bags and loaded them into the van.
Now, this isn't your ordinary van. It can seat 11 very comfortably, but with all our bags, 9 (with Kyra) fit nicely. It has great air conditioning, is commfortable as can be, has great air conditioning, has video and great air conditioning. Oh, did I mention it has great air conditioning ;-) The a/c is really appreciated after sightseeing.
Off we headed to Ko Chang. About a 4 or 5 hour drive and a 20 minute ferry ride and we we on the island. The place we stayed at was K B Bungalows and it was pretty as a picture. Deb and I stayed in a cute little bungalow right on the beach, about 15 meters away from the water. Nice and quite except for the sound of the ocean. We had BBQ seafood Sat night at the resort and visited for a bit. We could see the squid boats lights away in the distance at night. In the morning we had breakfast togeter and then just chilled out for a while. Deb and I did a bit of shopping and then we all took Kyra for a swim in the pool. She was a bit tentative at first, but I took it real slow with her. After about 10 minutes she was having a great time checking out the water and kicking away. She was in the pool for almost an hour. She is such a serious kid, trying to figure everything out. That night she slept for about 12 hours. The Deb and Eve had a nice massage on the br
That night we went to a little place down theroad and more BBQ seafood.
Monday we headed to Pataya and went to the beach there. We stayed overnight in a 2 bedroom house and had another great BBQ super that Eve's mom, cousin and friend whipped up. Mussels, sea bass and huge prawns and some rice all washed down with some Singha and/or whiskey. Another great time.
Here are some more pictures.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The grand Palace and Wat Po
Deb and I went to the Grand Palace and Wat Po today. Absolutely spectacular. Link to pictures at the end of this.
The Grand Palace is a true treasure in Bangkok. To say that the art work and architecture is stunning would be an incredible understatement. We saw the Emerald Buddha. I can now understand why this is the center of faith in Thailand. It is something that words can't describe and really does need to be experienced first hand.
The pictures of the rest of the Grand Palace will have to suffice, you can't take photos of the Buddha. There was a tourist that was caught taking pictures and last I saw they were either deleting the pictures or we going to confiscate his camera.
Wat Po
Well, the Reclining Buddha is huge, 46m long, 15m tall at the head and each foot is 3m tall. It is big long and tall. Wat Po is also a working temple. The colors, architecture and art work is almost as impressive as the Grand Palace.
Here are the pictures
The Grand Palace is a true treasure in Bangkok. To say that the art work and architecture is stunning would be an incredible understatement. We saw the Emerald Buddha. I can now understand why this is the center of faith in Thailand. It is something that words can't describe and really does need to be experienced first hand.
The pictures of the rest of the Grand Palace will have to suffice, you can't take photos of the Buddha. There was a tourist that was caught taking pictures and last I saw they were either deleting the pictures or we going to confiscate his camera.
Wat Po
Well, the Reclining Buddha is huge, 46m long, 15m tall at the head and each foot is 3m tall. It is big long and tall. Wat Po is also a working temple. The colors, architecture and art work is almost as impressive as the Grand Palace.
Here are the pictures
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Shopping and the BTS
We did a bit of adventuring out yesterday. We had breakfast at the hotel which serves up a great buffet (and is included with the room). After breafast we saw Khun Nelson, who is the hotel manager and was who Courtney worked for when he was here on his practicum. Khun Nelson is a great guy. I look forward to meeting him again when we have a bit more time to talk. Then is was off shopping.
We went to the BTS Skytrain station, got our passes (20 trips for about 350B) and headed off to Siam Paragon and MBK. Well it was quite the experience. You have to be quick on your feet to make it through the gates to the Skytrain but after that it's pretty good. The train is nicely air conditioned and all in all it is very efficient.
We got off at the Paragon station which is a transfer point between lines, walked across the platform and got on the other line to got to the National Stadium station. That is where MBK is. MBK is a 6 floor shoping mall with nothing but little shops. I bought a used cell phone and Eve and I got our cell phones loaded up with air time. I'll have to get back to that place again, especially the technology floor ;-)
Next we went back to Siam Paragon, exchanged some travelers checks and then went for lunch at MK. MK is a Thai Sukiyaki place and we had a great lunch. The back to shopping at the Paragon. It is definitely and upscale mall. After a couple of visits to the cosmetics section (which is HUGE) we came back to the hotel.
Deb and I went out for a beer at the German Beer House across the soi and then did a little looking at the street vendors. Then back to the hotel and met up with Eve and her friend Aom.
Then to sleep.......
We went to the BTS Skytrain station, got our passes (20 trips for about 350B) and headed off to Siam Paragon and MBK. Well it was quite the experience. You have to be quick on your feet to make it through the gates to the Skytrain but after that it's pretty good. The train is nicely air conditioned and all in all it is very efficient.
We got off at the Paragon station which is a transfer point between lines, walked across the platform and got on the other line to got to the National Stadium station. That is where MBK is. MBK is a 6 floor shoping mall with nothing but little shops. I bought a used cell phone and Eve and I got our cell phones loaded up with air time. I'll have to get back to that place again, especially the technology floor ;-)
Next we went back to Siam Paragon, exchanged some travelers checks and then went for lunch at MK. MK is a Thai Sukiyaki place and we had a great lunch. The back to shopping at the Paragon. It is definitely and upscale mall. After a couple of visits to the cosmetics section (which is HUGE) we came back to the hotel.
Deb and I went out for a beer at the German Beer House across the soi and then did a little looking at the street vendors. Then back to the hotel and met up with Eve and her friend Aom.
Then to sleep.......
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Some Sleep is Better Than None
Well, at least we got about 5 hours of sleep last night, so we're starting to adjust the ol' Circadian rhythm to Bangkok time. As usual the youngest lead the way. Kyra slept for about 6 hours with a short break in the middle for a milk break.
We went out for a short walk last night down to the 7-11 to get some water and snacks. We were going to pick up some beer but they don't sell it after midnight. We were out at about 0130 and the soi (street for you non Bangkokians) was still pretty busy. We were even approached by one of the infamous Bangkok elephants. These are guys that take their elephants around and try to make money off them by selling food for the elephant to the tourists. It is illegal, but not a lot of effort is put into enforcing the law. It's a hard life for these beautiful creatures to walk on the hot, hard and sometimes broken up streets of the city. The best thing to do is to ignore them. Maybe someday this will stop.
It wasn't too bad out last night. Still very humid, but at least the temperature was bearable. I even had some beef satay for one of the street vendors (one of Courtney's favorites). It was pretty good. 10B per skewer (about 3 for a buck) isn't bad. Next time, SomTom and a stop at the fruit vendor.
Well, that's about it for now, Deb is at the gym, and in a bit well be going for breakfast and then heading off to do some shopping and visiting.
We went out for a short walk last night down to the 7-11 to get some water and snacks. We were going to pick up some beer but they don't sell it after midnight. We were out at about 0130 and the soi (street for you non Bangkokians) was still pretty busy. We were even approached by one of the infamous Bangkok elephants. These are guys that take their elephants around and try to make money off them by selling food for the elephant to the tourists. It is illegal, but not a lot of effort is put into enforcing the law. It's a hard life for these beautiful creatures to walk on the hot, hard and sometimes broken up streets of the city. The best thing to do is to ignore them. Maybe someday this will stop.
It wasn't too bad out last night. Still very humid, but at least the temperature was bearable. I even had some beef satay for one of the street vendors (one of Courtney's favorites). It was pretty good. 10B per skewer (about 3 for a buck) isn't bad. Next time, SomTom and a stop at the fruit vendor.
Well, that's about it for now, Deb is at the gym, and in a bit well be going for breakfast and then heading off to do some shopping and visiting.
We're Here
Well we made it to Thailand. The words the best describe Bangkok are hot and humid ;-) The flights we OK, although the 14 hours stint to Hong Kong was a bit much to take. I highly recommend Thai Airways. Super service and really pleasant aircraft with all the royal purple.
Kyra was a great traveller. No problems at all. I think that she like to travel. She loved all the new sites.
Well it's 1am here and time to go out to do a bit of shopping. More posts later.
Kyra was a great traveller. No problems at all. I think that she like to travel. She loved all the new sites.
Well it's 1am here and time to go out to do a bit of shopping. More posts later.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
At Vancouver
Here we are waiting to board the plane to Hong Kong. Got into YVR at 0730 this morning. We met Treena for a real nice breakfast and now we are sitting in the departure lounge waiting. Kyra traveled like a pro. No problems at all. I think everyone is a bit tired (I know I am). Can't wait to try to get some sleep on the plane. Not too much else to do for the next 14 hours ;-).
Next report will probably be from Hong Kong if I can find a WiFi hot spot.
Love to all.
The Thailand tourists, and Eve and Kyra.
Next report will probably be from Hong Kong if I can find a WiFi hot spot.
Love to all.
The Thailand tourists, and Eve and Kyra.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sleep?
Sleep, who can sleep. We need to be up in 4 hours and Kyra is the only smart one. She went to bed at 8. Here it is 11 and I couldn't sleep if I tried. Deb and I are just sitting here watching a dumb movie. Maybe that will put us to sleep ;-)
All in all, everything is going fairly well. All packed and ready to go.
All in all, everything is going fairly well. All packed and ready to go.
Almost gone
Well the big day is almost upon us. Tuesday at 7AM we are gonzo Alonzo ;-) Everyone is almost all packed up and I even had room in my suitcase for another suitcase. So Deb and I will have lots of room for stuff on the way back. Between formula, diapers, toys and those tiny little clothes, she has more stuff than we do ;-)
Next stop Vancouver where we are going to catch up with Treena and meet for breakfast. Then its 14 hours to Hong Kong and 2.5 hours to Bangkok.
Next stop Vancouver where we are going to catch up with Treena and meet for breakfast. Then its 14 hours to Hong Kong and 2.5 hours to Bangkok.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Itinerary for Thailand Trip
Mar 12 Arrive Bangkok
March 12 to 15 in Bangkok (Grand President Hotel) This is the hotel that Courtney worked at when he was in Thailand.
Mar 15 Go to Koh Chang with Eves Mom and Dad for 3 nights
Mar 15 to 18 on Koh Chang
Mar 18 Go to Ayutthaya (old capital of Thailand)
Mar 18 to March at Ayutthaya (Krungsri River Hotel)
Mar 19 Go to Chaiyaphum (Eve's home town)
March 19 to 23 at Chaiyaphum
For the next part, it's Deb and I
Mar 23 fly to Phuket (Summer Breeze Inn)
Mar 24 Go to Koh Phi Phi Don
March 24 to 28 on Koh Phi Phi Don (Arayaburi)
Mar 28 Back to Phuket
March 28 to 31 in Phuket (Royal Palm Resortel)
Mar 31 Fly to Bangkok to meet up with Eve
March 31 to April 4 in Bangkok (Grand President Hotel)
Apr 4 Fly back home to Vancouver
Over night at the Accent Inn
Apr 5 Fly back to Edmonton
Mar 12 Arrive Bangkok
March 12 to 15 in Bangkok (Grand President Hotel) This is the hotel that Courtney worked at when he was in Thailand.
Mar 15 Go to Koh Chang with Eves Mom and Dad for 3 nights
Mar 15 to 18 on Koh Chang
Mar 18 Go to Ayutthaya (old capital of Thailand)
Mar 18 to March at Ayutthaya (Krungsri River Hotel)
Mar 19 Go to Chaiyaphum (Eve's home town)
March 19 to 23 at Chaiyaphum
For the next part, it's Deb and I
Mar 23 fly to Phuket (Summer Breeze Inn)
Mar 24 Go to Koh Phi Phi Don
March 24 to 28 on Koh Phi Phi Don (Arayaburi)
Mar 28 Back to Phuket
March 28 to 31 in Phuket (Royal Palm Resortel)
Mar 31 Fly to Bangkok to meet up with Eve
March 31 to April 4 in Bangkok (Grand President Hotel)
Apr 4 Fly back home to Vancouver
Over night at the Accent Inn
Apr 5 Fly back to Edmonton
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Well, we're getting closer ;-) 5 days to go until we leave and still a lot to do. The last hotel has been booked and the ferry trip from Phuket to Phi Phi to Phuket has been booked. Tomorrow I pick up our Thai, Hong Kong and Chinese currency (just a bit of each to get us by).
I'm taking Trevor's packing tips to heart. 3 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of pants and a bunch of shirts to match.
I'm taking Trevor's packing tips to heart. 3 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of pants and a bunch of shirts to match.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March 4th Some useful links
Here are a few useful links
Thai Weather From The Thai Meteorological Department
A World Clock With Some interesting Cities from around the world
Thai Weather From The Thai Meteorological Department
A World Clock With Some interesting Cities from around the world
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 3rd
Well, almost all set for the bookings. Just the ferry trip to Phi Phi and the Accent Inn in Vancouver to go. Also need to get some Thai Bhat.
Tomorrow, the packing in earnest starts.
Tomorrow, the packing in earnest starts.
Thailand Travel Blog
March 2
Well, only eight days to go and then we're off to Thailand ;-)
Packing has started, and Deb still probably won't listen to Trevs packing lecture
I'm still trying to decide if I want to take any diving stuff (mask snorkel and fins) I guess I'll have to wait and see if there is any room left after Deb finishes packing.
March 2
Well, only eight days to go and then we're off to Thailand ;-)
Packing has started, and Deb still probably won't listen to Trevs packing lecture
I'm still trying to decide if I want to take any diving stuff (mask snorkel and fins) I guess I'll have to wait and see if there is any room left after Deb finishes packing.
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