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)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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
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