tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104457032024-03-08T01:08:18.243+07:00Lost in Translation, Life in BangkokTo tell my pals back home what i am up to.Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.comBlogger557125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-17663980293145200612016-01-25T10:11:00.000+07:002016-01-25T10:11:10.427+07:00It’s time to dress like the Artic - Bangkok Cold 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As of now...</td></tr>
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We all know that Thais like to overdress when the mercury dips. Well here is their chance again. Strange weather phenomenon, temperature in Bangkok plunged since late afternoon yesterday and by the night, I was having awesome Jim Jum by the road side being kept warm by the charcoal fire. And then this morning, the temperature was an impressive lovely 15 degrees. According to forecast, this will go on for 3 days. <br />
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In my decade long lifetime in Bangkok, it had never gotten so cold before in winter months. The past month was supposed to be cool, but it was not. Climate was much more predictable 10 years ago where the cool spell was more or less guaranteed in the month of December. Let it snow, let it snow, will it ever I wonder. And if it does, it’s time we find another planet to live in. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner yesterday, Jim Jum</td></tr>
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Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-19179648454577886242015-10-05T20:23:00.001+07:002015-10-05T20:23:57.580+07:00Khao Kho in September, Thailand<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w1puygi3968" width="480"></iframe><br />
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This sums up my recent trip to Khao Kho. Although the rain is over, the fog not as abundance, but still bliss as usual. Khao Kho, in the middle of Thailand, where clouds are born.Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-14083199167816394552015-09-15T07:44:00.005+07:002015-09-15T07:44:59.019+07:00Stupidity in Thailand’s Post Office<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collection Counter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thailand Post, other than a place to <a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-pay-fine-in-bangkok.html" target="_blank">pay fines conveniently</a>, it’s a place to send and collect parcels of course. When someone sends a registered letter to your address, or a parcel, if you are not home, there will be this mysterious piece of paper all printed in Thai appearing in your mailbox. The only clue one will have that it’s time to visit the post office is the Thailand Post logo. So, let’s head for the friendly neighborhood post office that’s only really linguistically friendly to Thais. <br />
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On arrival, the only words in English you see will most probably be “One Stop Service”, “Toilet”, “No Smoking” and “Push” “Pull” on the doors if you are lucky. You will have no clue where the collection counter is until you start asking the people there, that is if you can speak some Thai. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queue Number</td></tr>
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Eventually. I found the collection counter behind the building, obscured, and there was a long queue on a Saturday. Stood like a fool stupidly for a good 15 minutes till I realized there were yellow queue numbers held in the hands of the crowd. Then, only to realized I had wasted my time and so I went to eventually locate the printed stack of paper located next to the collection counter a label in Thai words indicating God knows what. So… remember, must take queue number when collecting things from post office, look for secret box with stacks of printed paper and take one. Then listen hard and wait for number to be called. I missed my turn because they had no PA system, so next time must hang really close to the counter. <br />
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How about sending parcels? I only recognized the word “One Stop Service” written on counters 1 to 4. I was aware they had a new automated ticket machine (in placed of laminated cards previously). Instinctively, I approached the machine and molest the screen until it produced a ticket with a number on it. And then I got curious why counter 4 in particular had a queue long like dragon going all round inside the post office. Soon my number was called, I sent my single parcel after some struggle, the counter staff packed everything for me and instructed me to fill forms here and there, as usual. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nHKXyKIFumUHX3dMtezBKeGZESkYf7OqfbnrW9u1u1POI6ChQyUjk5WMd7ZswXMGinwKkQoVCwOO669JZzlrIZNveKIOY9IS81YexhW1yCF4yT9VysL-FAgqeeZwe2xvHh7m/s1600/blog+-+IMG_8133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nHKXyKIFumUHX3dMtezBKeGZESkYf7OqfbnrW9u1u1POI6ChQyUjk5WMd7ZswXMGinwKkQoVCwOO669JZzlrIZNveKIOY9IS81YexhW1yCF4yT9VysL-FAgqeeZwe2xvHh7m/s320/blog+-+IMG_8133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Counter 4 Going Around like a Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And so I asked, what’s the long queue at Counter 4 for. She said it was an express queue for sending no more than 3 items. And then I asked, what about the rest of the counters including the one I was at speaking to her, which I took a queue number from the ticket machine in order to be served and sending only one single item. She said they were for sending items too as well, just that we can send any number of items. So I asked, why are the rest queuing up at Counter 4 which was so long? Express was not really express when we could be well served fast if we took a queue number for Counters 1 to 3. She shrugged, smiled, and we agreed telepathically the rest were stupid idiots. <br />
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Fact is, I was the stupid one not knowing what to do, but somehow, all wrong things lead to the best outcome. </div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-78520001216707534242015-08-19T10:51:00.001+07:002015-08-19T10:51:37.581+07:00Bangkok Erawan Bomb, The Days After<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life Goes On</td></tr>
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Life goes on, back to the norm in a very short time. They washed up, they cleaned up. The shrine is up and running, it was as if it never happened. People are back to their own business, working, stuck in jams, eating out. Just like the so many other cases, the burning of Central World, the blast that killed many here and there, the shootings in school rivalry fights that left some poor teenagers dead, the road accidents caused by the rich, recent bomb on Samui and etc. To Thais, yesterday is the past and the past is fast forgotten. The saying locally is, Thais forget easy. Chill chill happy Thailand, sabai sabai.</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-25693012525753099802015-08-15T10:56:00.000+07:002015-08-20T10:53:52.012+07:00Khao Kho, Pino Latte Resort & Café, Heavenly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRhwMdtYhyphenhyphen9SHhqM0pZqi67YH4Va2s2Ei06LmtJINT6Z_JJ4_YKESRAo-HQA2piXb3KhhPE6Ay9mI_dTmHAYVIWQxsWem4qezkr8-Fx3nt7qHQQ0MRgB8FvIacN239AAvmCa5/s1600/IMG_5355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRhwMdtYhyphenhyphen9SHhqM0pZqi67YH4Va2s2Ei06LmtJINT6Z_JJ4_YKESRAo-HQA2piXb3KhhPE6Ay9mI_dTmHAYVIWQxsWem4qezkr8-Fx3nt7qHQQ0MRgB8FvIacN239AAvmCa5/s320/IMG_5355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astonishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Took my breath away, it did the first time and every time I returned to this venue. Long before she opened her doors, I stumbled onto the half completed structure of this café and resort. The onslaught of wind threatened to knock my tripod over. I fought to take some spectacular shots of the morning sunrise among what seemed like futuristic space docks. The childhood in me was so hoping for USS Enterprise to materialize from warp in the horizon so I could shake hands with Spok. Anyways, from that moment on in the past, I committed to myself, must come when she opens. And I did, and so very glad I had. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOLmbMKNAORWp0jm-vi4R2ohvh01naqA6nq4aeApN6eWFw-boVH589zbLn7IzTiLTBSFGtjNJP88Zrxa6a5UD8secnXoBTxuVHFwPcqbtwaZmwx7TA3D4jZXW5ws2zFtazZbz/s1600/IMG_5656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOLmbMKNAORWp0jm-vi4R2ohvh01naqA6nq4aeApN6eWFw-boVH589zbLn7IzTiLTBSFGtjNJP88Zrxa6a5UD8secnXoBTxuVHFwPcqbtwaZmwx7TA3D4jZXW5ws2zFtazZbz/s320/IMG_5656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where Clouds are Born</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In my decade long travel of Thailand, this place had attained instant status of having the best of all things in one spot. Firstly her cabins labeled with larger than life numbers like those seen on Gundam told an approach of boldness. That was strongly enforced by the design of these units themselves. Like the main structure of the café higher up the mountain behind, they looked like stations where starships could dock. 5 units were built and their balcony opened out to the nature reserve front and beyond into the east. On the hour before sunrise when the entire region was tinted in a blue hue, a spectacular vista of low clouds beneath with the stark silhouettes of mountain ranges breaking out from the misty white. The giant Buddha right of the horizon shrouded in fog revealed Himself, a mystical canvas evolved. It was like looking at one of those spiritual paintings we seen so often in Chatuchuk, except better. My pupils dilated wider than what my cat was capable of to take it all in. It was live, it was in 3D, it was a moving canvas and it was better than 4D Max. It was all real. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4K2MP0zwMivDxWhjPJ0GR9WQA_Fs4a0gizrpwhB3MEGty1fhQgEi7LtzcN7rC0FrncB0813k2yTN-ccVcbiQIdQdQGo-NaIGrKThhKOjA17IVs9U_uSZsgvA59D9J9VTxrpb/s1600/IMG_5428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4K2MP0zwMivDxWhjPJ0GR9WQA_Fs4a0gizrpwhB3MEGty1fhQgEi7LtzcN7rC0FrncB0813k2yTN-ccVcbiQIdQdQGo-NaIGrKThhKOjA17IVs9U_uSZsgvA59D9J9VTxrpb/s320/IMG_5428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many People</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The day before, we had arrived just after noon. And because it had rained the night earlier, the region was still enveloped in fog to the delight of many who came. By many, I meant a throng of people resembling that of a pilgrimage without discount. Cars were parked messed and everywhere on the narrow ascending road. The owners had built quite a sizable parking lot, unfortunately it was no match for the pilgrims arriving in their vehicles. Some parked inconsiderately along the narrow road which was meant for two way traffic, it caused congestion as vehicles then tried to tightly maneuver among each other in opposite directions. I was eagerly waiting for some to roll off the high terrain, my iPhone video was on standby. Staffs in the café were overwhelmed by the crowd, seating was next to impossible. Fortunately for us, we had ourselves checked into the villa, and that itself, was something to elaborate about. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLEEGInTm23n-9eecCtdBPl_KQeNmO0zOOIbKg2WQ1usb4OtMLeyHUZ4TWeOQPbAwBIEqRwdVfFKzMpZo4jCl1DrGihW8-vs4H6jaDMNCYwdNs5JViCYFQ_GWs-FVaCl1FPCi/s1600/IMG_5423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLEEGInTm23n-9eecCtdBPl_KQeNmO0zOOIbKg2WQ1usb4OtMLeyHUZ4TWeOQPbAwBIEqRwdVfFKzMpZo4jCl1DrGihW8-vs4H6jaDMNCYwdNs5JViCYFQ_GWs-FVaCl1FPCi/s320/IMG_5423.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The traveling style of Thais are, once we check into the hotel, we will leave the very next moment to venture out exploring the region. The villa we checked into however, was one that once in, we never wanted to leave. Most resorts in the mountainous region of Phetchabun were erected just for the sake of being in the tourism game without thoughts for making one have a pleasant stay. They were of inferior built material, void of quality control, simply a cramped cubicle built in a rush with a hard bed and simple furniture thrown in. Pino Latte had took the direct opposite approach and invested heavily turning every bit of the designer’s plans into reality. We succumbed to a heavy sense of being pampered the moment we stepped in from her side door. A living room tastefully furbished with a sofa a large LED TV, a separated bed room with a stylish wooden cabinet and a marbled tiled elegant gleaming bathroom that one finds in 5 star hotels. Out the front, glass doors allowed full light into the futuristic cabin, a large deck extended out into the open heavenly landscape. I had the best unit of the 5, and I am gonna keep that a secret which number it was. Two large bean bags on the porch out front which we engulfed ourselves into and just sat there the whole afternoon without leaving the resort. Nescafe Dolce Gusto made me an espresso, sipped the acquired taste of bitterness with a front row seat to the land where clouds are born. The scene changed from minute to minute all the while accompanied by the sometimes very strong gust of coolness. My slippers were blown off the deck and I had to lazily plucked myself out of the bean bag to go retrieve it from the lawn below. At times we were infused with the omnipresence of white mist, others we watched the wispy clouds raised from the shadows of the valleys like emerging white horns that extended upwards, soon to move in on us again to embrace us in her dreamlike beauty. Blissfulness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWglk8Zs-RBUq6dtArVVDD_7Pr_HHe_rBmVe5LHP0biAqBx090DFALEdJQyqGt7LV5GDY1WhPw7L0Yj8dPbkF5XicyMp-M84Yx-kkqlvnyhT-auYdTcP0d-1cKZRPXSBVsjw4/s1600/IMG_5514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWglk8Zs-RBUq6dtArVVDD_7Pr_HHe_rBmVe5LHP0biAqBx090DFALEdJQyqGt7LV5GDY1WhPw7L0Yj8dPbkF5XicyMp-M84Yx-kkqlvnyhT-auYdTcP0d-1cKZRPXSBVsjw4/s320/IMG_5514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe before Guest Arrives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I so wished the café above had served dinner, but their restaurant was not ready and still in the plans. Dinner served on the front porch accompanied by the fall of dusk would have been excellent. Someday I will do that when Pino Latte’s menu is ready. They do made an exception for breakfast however, food was served only for us resort guest up in the café. Incredibly, the pilgrims arrived even before the place was opened. Pleasantly, they had reserved us best seat in the house which overlooked the morning landscape unobstructed. It took however 2 hours for my hot meals to be served, I could tell they had tried their best. I was so enchanted by the sea of morning fog that the thought of complaint or hurrying the staffs did not even crossed my mine. Espresso chilled fast in the gusty 20 degrees air. No quad copter which flew the day before dared take on the skies. The panorama ever changing, the different scenes of heaven, the rising sun failed in her attempt to break through the mystical fog. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R_1MYe7kFKKjX1NGhsRvs8rB7pHYQQ_7hjGZ18jdgZCXcdkP8aSJrMdDPPoVCMQUo19zaNbT9MA-0Rhyp9G_jx2jVjHPZ6e2pUVH6xOWBEjzLyiDqc6eq635RoF7ldviOhvV/s1600/IMG_5465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R_1MYe7kFKKjX1NGhsRvs8rB7pHYQQ_7hjGZ18jdgZCXcdkP8aSJrMdDPPoVCMQUo19zaNbT9MA-0Rhyp9G_jx2jVjHPZ6e2pUVH6xOWBEjzLyiDqc6eq635RoF7ldviOhvV/s320/IMG_5465.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night at Pino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now writing this blog was really stressful. A million words wanted to spill out faster than how fast I could type, a million other thoughts buffered up behind the queue so wanting to described how spectacular my stay was at Pino Latte. On occasions, my nervous system hung, and my thoughts had jammed. I needed a reboot much like how you encounter the blue screen of death on any Windows systems. Back to the statement why I gave “best of all things in one spot”. Unlike the many other alternatives in the region where the view were normally interrupted by shoddy rooftops of countless other resorts, Pino Latte had herself a private view of the magnificent landscape beyond. It was like having a high circle seat without having to look at the heads of the other patrons below while watching the scenic parts from Lord of the Rings. Being at the fringe of a nature reserve, the vista is immune to future developments that could pollute the beauty of it all. Having only 5 units, privacy was at its best without the loud chatter of sometimes unavoidable ill mannered visitors. My travels to this region, normally I can’t wait to get out from the room the moment I checked in. There will usually be no creature comforts in anyways that made me want to just stay in and indulged in the immediate surroundings. Pino Latte, each villa so lavishly and boldly decked out. They were spacious and there will be no claustrophobic sensation I guarantee. I was so contented just staying put without venturing anywhere. Complemented by the trendy café up above with an equally amazing view of the dreamscape, this establishment had in a very short time become one of those places where, if you have never been to Pino Latte, you have never been to Khao Kho.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9lqDQTB4ESNWZWMa5krdL1YjnTEEbj_phvBEV4F200O8DvGsaOnlXtrgoKy6QBk1kQP7O02s8mqUqqZFLy6FxYiSRyagKHe7JOb_qfxjTORkQhHVNh52TvgR9AS4g4YCZvl9/s1600/IMG_5592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9lqDQTB4ESNWZWMa5krdL1YjnTEEbj_phvBEV4F200O8DvGsaOnlXtrgoKy6QBk1kQP7O02s8mqUqqZFLy6FxYiSRyagKHe7JOb_qfxjTORkQhHVNh52TvgR9AS4g4YCZvl9/s320/IMG_5592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQAWAGMr13XRdHbPUm-_R9DnquS_zoWFGiG7Q28StKKMt73pL2DjZYzIz9jXu1FIHKHMnFWjQyEDBO-HnOYlXHaozXg4_8Y27W5Bb3ZTcpq63_oRhiO10teIvWtBmQ2CJ-Gnz/s1600/IMG_5357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQAWAGMr13XRdHbPUm-_R9DnquS_zoWFGiG7Q28StKKMt73pL2DjZYzIz9jXu1FIHKHMnFWjQyEDBO-HnOYlXHaozXg4_8Y27W5Bb3ZTcpq63_oRhiO10teIvWtBmQ2CJ-Gnz/s320/IMG_5357.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7nIePvDUGUY7QN2d7lPY4Ln-XN48DgdfvnttfBHhpe03Yt7guVqGHssmI_3wxGbdZdDLSNvtmQoMBYQ821LiEBTBxadjAZ2fbGiDGcwkvV4uZ4RPEurgHGP3VX_7HpsQ8-jB/s1600/IMG_5414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7nIePvDUGUY7QN2d7lPY4Ln-XN48DgdfvnttfBHhpe03Yt7guVqGHssmI_3wxGbdZdDLSNvtmQoMBYQ821LiEBTBxadjAZ2fbGiDGcwkvV4uZ4RPEurgHGP3VX_7HpsQ8-jB/s320/IMG_5414.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeWJ48i33V4M5sLy_tXYrP9pBxqQUeH6KZocXtvUhgtSjs_xxMggN4HRUxFTTvWLZ8mkUs3iIl3707h2rAR8-KF6O9sVbE38Cpf_2Jvn91G-OZwOD7b_532LYpP2j2tZqssQs/s1600/IMG_5360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeWJ48i33V4M5sLy_tXYrP9pBxqQUeH6KZocXtvUhgtSjs_xxMggN4HRUxFTTvWLZ8mkUs3iIl3707h2rAR8-KF6O9sVbE38Cpf_2Jvn91G-OZwOD7b_532LYpP2j2tZqssQs/s320/IMG_5360.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIQob9EqFicRza2UAzFWCuJxDmyhoBh4tfy1aYJclnE39Qhb08TWF3YKy8DH1GUWuMY-Fq-pkmBlH_Tn4aAe6-OrAvf3ec-LI9u5GL6JCCXgLb_FsM5-STvDhR0xkE8QUw9RL/s1600/IMG_5361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIQob9EqFicRza2UAzFWCuJxDmyhoBh4tfy1aYJclnE39Qhb08TWF3YKy8DH1GUWuMY-Fq-pkmBlH_Tn4aAe6-OrAvf3ec-LI9u5GL6JCCXgLb_FsM5-STvDhR0xkE8QUw9RL/s320/IMG_5361.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balcony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDLARUIQuzpaAapu0VyxHDf1qIyoWZlHlW4WV0TVr9GPHWqyBL2HNB559TUzZNAiQyUElDdtMJRhcoNkm9eoNTJKGWToQobMUHCR-_fGYN0XvB-sQAxfJIH6SO9W4H9cGyigg/s1600/IMG_5461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDLARUIQuzpaAapu0VyxHDf1qIyoWZlHlW4WV0TVr9GPHWqyBL2HNB559TUzZNAiQyUElDdtMJRhcoNkm9eoNTJKGWToQobMUHCR-_fGYN0XvB-sQAxfJIH6SO9W4H9cGyigg/s320/IMG_5461.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight Sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqnZhwJAU-sryBs8zg7-mAKnVsklsnsXVA4IOkcL9GowgdauKj-W1NF6riLTBA5PL9ozOatRk_CNO_LF-OdS91r81Jjb4cVx_-PzcPLUvVYfTVJSy5SDDenQnWQ-bvSNES4dn/s1600/IMG_5479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqnZhwJAU-sryBs8zg7-mAKnVsklsnsXVA4IOkcL9GowgdauKj-W1NF6riLTBA5PL9ozOatRk_CNO_LF-OdS91r81Jjb4cVx_-PzcPLUvVYfTVJSy5SDDenQnWQ-bvSNES4dn/s320/IMG_5479.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw8rB6TnXJAMPG6ni3bZeqm-d-UaRf03sP5zBfhq2R_aKVjM5KKSszScMDVVMFb8u8QlVZ7mtOvty-HDrOIQg6HSPRkIvjaYm8kNS-hL08l7qsPl9_r_BJ9NoDJ_OOc60JNbR/s1600/IMG_5526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw8rB6TnXJAMPG6ni3bZeqm-d-UaRf03sP5zBfhq2R_aKVjM5KKSszScMDVVMFb8u8QlVZ7mtOvty-HDrOIQg6HSPRkIvjaYm8kNS-hL08l7qsPl9_r_BJ9NoDJ_OOc60JNbR/s320/IMG_5526.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple in the Clouds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I5bTqsIja5YdrMw6OMfDAbdCEXQ-bPSVkpExtUREmOWmoPwpzobUjhIf6BeD_zwJY9SaoN-tBe6c_rusoSwM2D93jhTeW_2YSd1KoVY7rjnQKF2wnclYrmM-aEQuub3JbFjS/s1600/IMG_5578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I5bTqsIja5YdrMw6OMfDAbdCEXQ-bPSVkpExtUREmOWmoPwpzobUjhIf6BeD_zwJY9SaoN-tBe6c_rusoSwM2D93jhTeW_2YSd1KoVY7rjnQKF2wnclYrmM-aEQuub3JbFjS/s320/IMG_5578.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View was Awesome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVOaIxNu6yqP_BAvst_HdcB1q41tdWt5h4M8ypfw5EAnQ8N9BCpxvSgFCYkCH3DJ4GTzc-J2OOq4S0WmPFv9GyNu_KKaN0sGksvLsOZoE3MlJC-nEnS3U-Iv1Olh0u2GRRvMm/s1600/IMG_5605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVOaIxNu6yqP_BAvst_HdcB1q41tdWt5h4M8ypfw5EAnQ8N9BCpxvSgFCYkCH3DJ4GTzc-J2OOq4S0WmPFv9GyNu_KKaN0sGksvLsOZoE3MlJC-nEnS3U-Iv1Olh0u2GRRvMm/s320/IMG_5605.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAV9W8Nu-4GO2WxbVOmYsvWhC2aCqjW7OswWUWIV5qYrWP5-8PAuS8LF09r798i3TN1elQbQd1WtmtPAWLyJ-Lt0kceIyjamFbif8TXx2w2V-zQ8BwZgtON14LZDZcW-WnK26v/s1600/IMG_5634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAV9W8Nu-4GO2WxbVOmYsvWhC2aCqjW7OswWUWIV5qYrWP5-8PAuS8LF09r798i3TN1elQbQd1WtmtPAWLyJ-Lt0kceIyjamFbif8TXx2w2V-zQ8BwZgtON14LZDZcW-WnK26v/s320/IMG_5634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat to Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_Y8qxSIyGW2ycBUbdsSL-1EPHX63zPpZbDtvu3aEAwsQX_xUrElTfBx_5Sw4Uc6DlIwsl7aPBnRP_Cy8Su2ssItOeeK5Ggd72ccsvQpxGsPCKPxbLYlE6mt7EnDMZiE_5z-C/s1600/IMG_5643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_Y8qxSIyGW2ycBUbdsSL-1EPHX63zPpZbDtvu3aEAwsQX_xUrElTfBx_5Sw4Uc6DlIwsl7aPBnRP_Cy8Su2ssItOeeK5Ggd72ccsvQpxGsPCKPxbLYlE6mt7EnDMZiE_5z-C/s320/IMG_5643.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Landscape</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoHnFytVOZhaEeezyg0v_D03bYaQ3grFVN0zUSHYmhrQAYn3GKiKb3kDTl7GnDMBz6Bzv3hB24hQGTGhajk_MfOTCjmvqaP9NJS6c2QRm9lL-E74mJJk3XMzo5Ab_q5Mgwi-O/s1600/IMG_5662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoHnFytVOZhaEeezyg0v_D03bYaQ3grFVN0zUSHYmhrQAYn3GKiKb3kDTl7GnDMBz6Bzv3hB24hQGTGhajk_MfOTCjmvqaP9NJS6c2QRm9lL-E74mJJk3XMzo5Ab_q5Mgwi-O/s320/IMG_5662.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cabins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpmzQOHx6Z6byOTaBN2HC7BHzH50sUGizKP1_LR9y3XA2mBF0l8eyWbbfZLBf7rpaS_Oc8TcmLMoEadvu7dbWwNQ6aCU-Jh8cjEg28ZfhuuomCsRgaDVGYhctU2DR_4qxeWbE/s1600/IMG_5516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpmzQOHx6Z6byOTaBN2HC7BHzH50sUGizKP1_LR9y3XA2mBF0l8eyWbbfZLBf7rpaS_Oc8TcmLMoEadvu7dbWwNQ6aCU-Jh8cjEg28ZfhuuomCsRgaDVGYhctU2DR_4qxeWbE/s320/IMG_5516.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window to the World</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com2Khaem Son, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun, Thailand16.79422903534379 101.0422468185424816.790428535343789 101.03720431854248 16.79802953534379 101.04728931854248tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-64446949171226650502015-08-13T10:37:00.000+07:002015-08-13T10:37:00.538+07:00Koh Chang, Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDclJE-mYdY5IPGlDBi4_86TTMuj4QFQPQyF5UOcwLIvOsDNGUzTbwKOszQwBJN1__aVwOPD_YUE-r2CGix7xH0RjlgoNDDB7bGN1e3tHy_xRQ0oeeaTAzeggSe0mv8t9GR0n/s1600/IMG_2703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDclJE-mYdY5IPGlDBi4_86TTMuj4QFQPQyF5UOcwLIvOsDNGUzTbwKOszQwBJN1__aVwOPD_YUE-r2CGix7xH0RjlgoNDDB7bGN1e3tHy_xRQ0oeeaTAzeggSe0mv8t9GR0n/s320/IMG_2703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Pool</td></tr>
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To me, Mercure chain of hotels had always been associated with business. The stay had always been in a corporately decked out room with my laptop placed on the table punching out reports after work, my reflection in the mirror looking right back at me with the TV tuned to MTV channel or CNN. On Koh Chang, it was a different vibe altogether. The room had walls splashed gleaming white from the skylight in perfect tune with a vacation ambience and a large canopy bed that I had no trouble dozing off without a thought of work on my mind. Loved that in villa plunge pool so welcoming on a scorching afternoon, I just so had to jump in every time I opened the large glass doors which separated the bedroom. My coffee shot, accompanied by the sound of splashes made by high water streaming into the blue tiled pool, relaxation. A push of a button and the corner had jets that massaged me back. Beyond the opposite corner, a Jacuzzi tub awaited me with hot water, my personal onzen. No more stark corridors of rooms facing each other on the way back to my unit, it was a stroll through lush green avenues of flora among the villas. Never had I experienced Mercure on such a non corporate level. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPedS1I6wVgSSeZioszPWdznRH_t3EBEQqNCe2QSjZMS967ruwJG-2OW8Jcv81tqqv5YijV_41WqvZRsB3_QarzkrWO8_Wq9V343roNl899XuTccNNI89Xa29JJy55T6QWKq4/s1600/IMG_2714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPedS1I6wVgSSeZioszPWdznRH_t3EBEQqNCe2QSjZMS967ruwJG-2OW8Jcv81tqqv5YijV_41WqvZRsB3_QarzkrWO8_Wq9V343roNl899XuTccNNI89Xa29JJy55T6QWKq4/s320/IMG_2714.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Yeaaahhh... </td></tr>
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Front of the restaurant, a large expense of a swimming pool that had no trouble accommodating the scatter of guest that still allowed for ample privacy and chit chats. And dotted around the span of water on the wooden deck, Jacuzzis were embedded into the flooring which offered cool relief from the noon sun as we soaked and looked out into the sea beyond. Tall coconut trees decorated the landscape and short shady trees shielded us from the direct sun in them Jacuzzis. If accelerated skin aging from too much sun is not your idea of a relaxing afternoon, head for the spa. We did, it was very reasonably priced for a hotel on such grand scale. The only confusing bit was, the connected Spa was a separated entity and not owned by the hotel so reservations by the reception did not work. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeQeKBsNHmbsjwafOklfT07G36nf3QgFbHwbXaMSZsd7XF1n5Dx8shI1lt7va_-OtQgN4LzOM3Xb22sn5ytryQ0eKr__uew-yYP3G5zF6xJkVCV_LAPBAnZboid1CinSTmFmT/s1600/IMG_2868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeQeKBsNHmbsjwafOklfT07G36nf3QgFbHwbXaMSZsd7XF1n5Dx8shI1lt7va_-OtQgN4LzOM3Xb22sn5ytryQ0eKr__uew-yYP3G5zF6xJkVCV_LAPBAnZboid1CinSTmFmT/s320/IMG_2868.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though the shore laid out front of the resort offered no crystal clear water and white sand Maldivian pleasure, the sunset was spectacular. The western skies were painted a kaleidoscope of radiant orange and blue, that strange structure of what resembled crop circles casted an interesting contrasting silhouette. Many were out to greet the sun touching down, parents and children, the couples on their romantic holiday took loads of selfies. Sunrise, and the place awoke lazily under the shadow of the high hills that formed the backdrop. Resonance of metal cutlery on white ceramic, the gentle chatter of well mannered guests accompanied by the occasional churn of the coffee brewer. And of course, the wide spread of scrumptious gastronomy a fulfilling tasty breakfast. Off to somewhere venturing on Koh Chang, in between itineraries, we just retreated back into our villas and melted away. Seclusion the resort offered, the mind well rested. Lived up to her name, a hideaway indeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuwOOkQeZ5L9u8gvVoiYdTiaYqO9sjpzvlHxATS8-qnnTppR6i1m9b8nQUYCuj9Dqb3swN-t99JyED31D6b4fYRxpmbiuvibU2BKgPqGLgER1SAc5ZsPrQaUVX5B2fqjyE0AN/s1600/IMG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuwOOkQeZ5L9u8gvVoiYdTiaYqO9sjpzvlHxATS8-qnnTppR6i1m9b8nQUYCuj9Dqb3swN-t99JyED31D6b4fYRxpmbiuvibU2BKgPqGLgER1SAc5ZsPrQaUVX5B2fqjyE0AN/s320/IMG_2693.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO66KNn5CH0fhFhpKUSfEUcQaEyFmm5C9ggYRCTSW5nV8QZ4KU1VLhXkhRtLjp5KFxBRbJIZne7oJkRoc26noDBTAtbY1tMnFouFDDj216HAKT7sEdv-UX0o4K_hqcjooedcz/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO66KNn5CH0fhFhpKUSfEUcQaEyFmm5C9ggYRCTSW5nV8QZ4KU1VLhXkhRtLjp5KFxBRbJIZne7oJkRoc26noDBTAtbY1tMnFouFDDj216HAKT7sEdv-UX0o4K_hqcjooedcz/s320/IMG_2783.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool Villa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Koh Chang Tai, Ko Chang District, Trat, Thailand11.988362442884801 102.2983145713806211.986420942884802 102.29579307138061 11.9903039428848 102.30083607138062tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-21516124960806640502015-08-11T10:16:00.000+07:002015-08-11T10:16:00.057+07:00Koh Chang, The Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4V7EXk7a00pyjH0D3NxwUuxGEKTeg5VgkIDVMfF546w-8zaskuzsMoyd1s_QDuN7-tLvJ3mSOuLpqDS6VoFjmhcaSAusHS4eoMNDL96-AqfJwV2oZm_kI2RUVbSYJBoyh9ez/s1600/IMG_2466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4V7EXk7a00pyjH0D3NxwUuxGEKTeg5VgkIDVMfF546w-8zaskuzsMoyd1s_QDuN7-tLvJ3mSOuLpqDS6VoFjmhcaSAusHS4eoMNDL96-AqfJwV2oZm_kI2RUVbSYJBoyh9ez/s320/IMG_2466.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koh Chang Ferry Service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A long weekend for Bangkokians means, must spend money. It was a holiday on Monday meaning it was a short 3 days breather. I expected fewer crowds, good traffic, but so wrong I was. Pleasantly, the trip to Koh Chang was 4 hours at an easy pace on route 344 towards the pier operated by Koh Chang Ferry Service (probably because I left home at 5am). Then on, it was a 45 minutes wait before driving up the ram into the belly of an old rusty ferry. The crossing was an additional 30 minutes. The conditions of the vessel, you can expect anytime the flaky rust will give way and into the murky abyss your car and you. We made it through. The journey back to Bangkok was grueling however. My fresh contented vibes after 2 relaxing days on the island was trashed by 10 hours of teeth grinding balls tearing transit accompanied by profuse swearing in Thai that I never knew I could be capable of. The queue of cars started more than 1km away from the pier where Koh Chang Ferry Services operated. In fact, it started where the end White Sand Beach was located. The throng of cars kept coming and the queue only grew longer. It was only 9am. If only they had amphibian cars, I would have brought that instead of my SUV.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X6r2POW8sh01TMkkF0eOB4K1jCZ8VWqzCku4u-YEMp59UX0l3Vm1Kxy3V1ayu91KanxJXXdKFmO5BUgl0krlPqpDrdPtsoilnkJfkLEft_gffspG1LS5KclDkuJ7Nhd6C6tr/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X6r2POW8sh01TMkkF0eOB4K1jCZ8VWqzCku4u-YEMp59UX0l3Vm1Kxy3V1ayu91KanxJXXdKFmO5BUgl0krlPqpDrdPtsoilnkJfkLEft_gffspG1LS5KclDkuJ7Nhd6C6tr/s320/IMG_3135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centerpoint Ferry Services</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And so, I skipped on to the next ferry terminal. It was further away, it was called Centerpoint Ferry or something. I was delighted that it was actually cheaper there, but the crossing will take an hour instead of 30 minutes. But at least the queue was not as crazy as the earlier ferry service. I arrived into the parking lot where we were ushered to park in designated lots and queued in batches up the ferry. The only problem, there were already many batches waiting. 4 hours, 4 mind-numbing hours in total before we hit mainland! The journey to Bangkok was a straight beeline. However, the cops were acting stupid with their traffic lights and made every junction on route 344 red in the direction of Bangkok for 10 times longer than for the perpendicular traffic. Entire long sections of roads were clogged to a standstill. 2 lanes turned into 3 by those who made side gravel their personal lane. They were all Bangkok registration plates, they beat the traffic lights too. The saying is country people drive slow and stupid, city people drive smart, aggressive and don’t give a damn about traffic rules. Well trained in Bangkok jams, city folks had devised their own set of rules, methods and maneuvers to out beat slow traffic. I could really see how it worked then observing the driving behavior of cars with different locale registration. And naturally, I was also stirring up gravel at speeds, beating the lights, cursing and swearing all the way. And it still took me 6 friggin hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UG5q_4tz4Te7xqw_MnT7njfAIg3Z8dSj2aXe7PNaPv0aCkJmpkM3n2hVXIGvuW_L6s5Lg3wNyrsP6CPrpYkPGle5kT6k6kKRXikrPt646wld13X4bNDDVHYHbSoflTq8j5YX/s1600/IMG_2480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UG5q_4tz4Te7xqw_MnT7njfAIg3Z8dSj2aXe7PNaPv0aCkJmpkM3n2hVXIGvuW_L6s5Lg3wNyrsP6CPrpYkPGle5kT6k6kKRXikrPt646wld13X4bNDDVHYHbSoflTq8j5YX/s320/IMG_2480.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting up the Ferry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgHXxGScJxWGLDyQyuDeCUxD4G62LCE52x4vsY8Z7eCQTtxLacsBacN5T-ScB6Dctp2o7XwTcNz0-ASlB3ddOnV6XDwQP9-d9g8Tj7bKo1aZdWCAkmV4IMgTRLdhpchi1nxTe/s1600/IMG_2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgHXxGScJxWGLDyQyuDeCUxD4G62LCE52x4vsY8Z7eCQTtxLacsBacN5T-ScB6Dctp2o7XwTcNz0-ASlB3ddOnV6XDwQP9-d9g8Tj7bKo1aZdWCAkmV4IMgTRLdhpchi1nxTe/s320/IMG_2488.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All in the Ferry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kczSLW_9ROHcAlXeFgLe76uEvs00meO8Wa7dGJkmpGNemvnZirua9Tp7WNM4YJ3aszCFOPCXS-3r8fFrPMwn6yq7irn46U-d3nU4QmcgEPabwz0CkyXFFm8kTBT_LUpNnzc6/s1600/IMG_3095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kczSLW_9ROHcAlXeFgLe76uEvs00meO8Wa7dGJkmpGNemvnZirua9Tp7WNM4YJ3aszCFOPCXS-3r8fFrPMwn6yq7irn46U-d3nU4QmcgEPabwz0CkyXFFm8kTBT_LUpNnzc6/s320/IMG_3095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queued up in Batches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxv6PF0Pu7KJYLcMfQbvscBj0fMOQ3vd2lK1jpdeMa6jY-qfffRDOA4fE9IzLOjTGdM6dWzVSxyW-seL_JmgKGBXADp0szDdka6A8wmGAbZ5gV-zlkwtHHghZWUGjiBBRFGpk/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxv6PF0Pu7KJYLcMfQbvscBj0fMOQ3vd2lK1jpdeMa6jY-qfffRDOA4fE9IzLOjTGdM6dWzVSxyW-seL_JmgKGBXADp0szDdka6A8wmGAbZ5gV-zlkwtHHghZWUGjiBBRFGpk/s320/IMG_3121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long long long long Queue</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Koh Chang, Thailand12.0479159 102.3234815999999211.799459899999999 102.00075809999993 12.2963719 102.64620509999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-59681810608937872972015-08-09T10:08:00.001+07:002015-08-09T10:08:24.658+07:00Koh Chang, Somewhere in the Middle of it All<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT_qqBL-2ewJlefaYtwaRmvY-sABC0-2evX5YSUFt4FLk2JSsVZQ8Iyx2iNWgrH1AA5y8YU_qrWfATHwir9jfM4Ry1yUyfCyL84v04bulURfwqa9hg2XoX0MvdyN6PMSg12Ji/s1600/IMG_2635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT_qqBL-2ewJlefaYtwaRmvY-sABC0-2evX5YSUFt4FLk2JSsVZQ8Iyx2iNWgrH1AA5y8YU_qrWfATHwir9jfM4Ry1yUyfCyL84v04bulURfwqa9hg2XoX0MvdyN6PMSg12Ji/s320/IMG_2635.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cold Beer with Sunset on Koh Chang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It sizzled, the perspiration that fell onto stone floor of Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway as I dragged my luggage towards the reception. The blazing noon sun scorched the island south east near the Cambodian border. One of the last few islands I had yet to adventure, one of the islands that never crossed my mind. My perception of Koh Chang had always been not a good one. The water not as crystalline as that in western Adaman, it was tinted green and my experiences with Ao Thai often ended up with scores of itching spots on my body after a swim. Ao Thai is like a ginormous bay where the Chao Phraya and her sister rivers drain into. Carrying silt from the northern farms, the “treated” waste water from the numerous industries, and the sewers from the many uncharted black water klongs of Bangkok metropolitan area. No major ocean current passes into and out of this bay, only the sun and moon working in tandem pulling the seas in and out. What’s in the bay stays in the bay. That said, waters of Ao Thai had never been my favorite. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqmgazIGJYA3ajp2_WywYyfNgxBnwNyzMNi9jwN_kztfOnlMNRqEyY_1njdzVDOcS0_44oR6qYAMIMN0C3SJjNli8oz1AVQrEevmMDCHSxsIpdJSBImIDPjll1HEVUTfcr9Pu/s1600/IMG_2824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqmgazIGJYA3ajp2_WywYyfNgxBnwNyzMNi9jwN_kztfOnlMNRqEyY_1njdzVDOcS0_44oR6qYAMIMN0C3SJjNli8oz1AVQrEevmMDCHSxsIpdJSBImIDPjll1HEVUTfcr9Pu/s320/IMG_2824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twist and Turns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Like how Burma is separated by mountain ranges from Thailand, there is actually Western and Eastern Koh Chang separated by high terrain. Unlike Koh Samui where the road went one big round along the fringes of the island, on Koh Chang, the road forked away starting from the north where we arrived, and did not join up on the southern trip. That said, wrong turn meant ending up somewhere far far away and having to turn back. That was why GPS was invented, and we were blessed with in car GPS. The western side of the island was more popular in every way, an abundance of secluded resorts from cheap to the luxurious, stretches of shores and breaking waves, plenty of restaurants, loads of both hip and rustic pubs, and homespun coffee shops. Driving was fun and frustrating at times. The fun bit was negotiating the twisty up and downhill roads. The frustrating bit was when we encountered drivers who drove what seemed like cars powered by squirrel in their exercise wheel. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz21HCOuyDQfsi616Tar7j1UCxPHTDE41PUGhN7xpGhrCtgnteJ9HYjCHT2J7ozdISdRHm842BL6JRsglOGjSSdahAvSw5ciFfU_3rtFWZ_g57VLoZyoCWDcjc15o72s4cDym/s1600/IMG_2653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz21HCOuyDQfsi616Tar7j1UCxPHTDE41PUGhN7xpGhrCtgnteJ9HYjCHT2J7ozdISdRHm842BL6JRsglOGjSSdahAvSw5ciFfU_3rtFWZ_g57VLoZyoCWDcjc15o72s4cDym/s320/IMG_2653.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Sea View Resort and Spa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Food, well if you are a farang, all Thai food will taste nice to you on Koh Chang. As a seasoned foreigner here, food was not strikingly good. Plenty to choose from, Thai food from the common shops, exquisite cuisines in the hotels, or that tried to be western food so hard by the beach cafe. First day, we had lunch at Jea Yu Seafood (Sister Yu), trusting the reviews on the ever so popular Pantip Website in Thai. It was bang for buck. It was the better than average Thai food going at mainland prices. And one day we had a salad dinner high on top of this hotel called Sea View Resort and Spa, and that’s where I discovered that Thai avocado was very bitter. Best sunset view however, and they even had a tram that goes down to the beach below where another beach bar and restaurant was located. For one of our lunches, we hopped into Nong Bua Seafood at Klong Prao Beach. It felt like eating in a seafood restaurant in Bangkok, the prices the same too. But I have to say, this restaurant has standards, it was the best meal I had (because I am from Bangkok??).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUkzWXMHxHBMhvWRbXzwoSbX-_kavGUliaZumCILnmTFoCz4G7k0KmI8DMG6GFqPVmzNZkVaqKk_PDCcVfH75EXczrcl-mgyG4I4pbeHOZGuLY9Vxv7H4F6tD2UDv9nf1EBvu/s1600/IMG_2563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUkzWXMHxHBMhvWRbXzwoSbX-_kavGUliaZumCILnmTFoCz4G7k0KmI8DMG6GFqPVmzNZkVaqKk_PDCcVfH75EXczrcl-mgyG4I4pbeHOZGuLY9Vxv7H4F6tD2UDv9nf1EBvu/s320/IMG_2563.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Venturing all the way to the southern parts of Koh Chang was interesting, a placed called Bang Bao Fishermen village. There, a jetty extended out into the sea and along side of it, a settlement of eateries, shops and residential homes built on stilt had evolved. Or maybe it was the other way round, a jetty was impaled into the settlement, I don’t know. It was an alley way the jetty had become, and as we strolled thankfully in the fully covered walkway, scores of restaurants offering fresh seafood to choose from. They were Bangkokly priced however. We turned into an inviting café for a good coffee and some fruit smoothies. Yes I mentioned some, it was so hot I had to cool from inside out. This café featured a free roaming Holland Lop rabbit. We could see the critter hopping around creating long moving shadows on the wooden well glazed floor. The good side of being there on an extremely hot mid afternoon was, there were no crowds. Thais are distant relatives of ancient vampires, they do not venture out when the sun is high up. The farangs however, not too many, were there and some bare bodied to beat the heat and collaterally emitting armpit odors. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT70afapd9SyPDyI4EMFHM8AIQCZo098_sCDI_mSChQuYVAjj2qQ2jNDeeMVLbIiGOrnsjpcS9CYlrbiL2pKT7FaEUb9uokHlSqJWNGhFv2jIn-NdeRPILwBdN5s9WDrh1Xg3t/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT70afapd9SyPDyI4EMFHM8AIQCZo098_sCDI_mSChQuYVAjj2qQ2jNDeeMVLbIiGOrnsjpcS9CYlrbiL2pKT7FaEUb9uokHlSqJWNGhFv2jIn-NdeRPILwBdN5s9WDrh1Xg3t/s320/IMG_2688.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Bar After Dark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There was a drinking joint slightly to the north of Lonely Beach. You need to try turn every corner to discover places like theses. They had a bar serving cocktails and booze, they had a wooden deck spread out across the shore front. Most Thai clubs and pubs have really bad taste of western music. About the only songs they played were pluses of electronic drums at 200000000 decibels to go along with euphoric minds on yaba (drugs). In cafes and chill out joints wannabe, they played mainstream over the radio songs we hear over and over again in our cars while stuck in notorious Bangkok jams. But at the place we went, KYGO was reverberating pleasantly over the air. Chill out vibes, the occasional breeze. The sound of gentle breaking waves, darkness and stars. It was unison and it drew a smile across me face. This place knows real music.<br />
<br />
My smile was wiped into oblivion when I was served my barbequed steak. It was real bad. Like I mentioned before, many eateries tried hard to be western, but never will be. Can’t blame them. Cambodians on the grill. I had problems ordering initially as well, our common language was Thai, he spoke bad Thai, me spoke bad Thai, it was a miracle we somehow telepathically understood each other. And then came an unruly crowd of Indians, likely tourist. Fat cow sat on my table without even asking if seat was taken, me wife went to the ladies. I tried to explain to that woman seat was taken and she refused to budge. So wanted to sacrifice her in a religious ceremony then. Her husband who fortunately spoke English came to herd her away to graze on another table. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TVi1bOtSfKjGPOUYpztHuyv4od-GXoriJI3iCC98LOLPIrZvvurcU8K3EZ71ej5bClYdOTUfho4XzffIboTWsZ-1WvOV-m-nXPcNeLtSaJFohmw_oyjYI0nSTjLPaV3ujqp3/s1600/IMG_2821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TVi1bOtSfKjGPOUYpztHuyv4od-GXoriJI3iCC98LOLPIrZvvurcU8K3EZ71ej5bClYdOTUfho4XzffIboTWsZ-1WvOV-m-nXPcNeLtSaJFohmw_oyjYI0nSTjLPaV3ujqp3/s320/IMG_2821.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Township on Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Never did have time to venture over to the eastern side of the island. Was told there was not much to do, but plenty of original localities one could find I guess. The shores we visited plenty. For me, best was Whites Sand Beach towards the north. Large gentle sloping shores, whitest sand on the island. The rest were mediocre, and the beach in front of our hotel, only if you like to swim with rocks and mud. Koh Chang, a change from the over infested Samed Island, a more rustic setting then Phuket and Samui. No nasty mafia ran Jet Ski touts like those on many other popular destinations and umbrellas do not grow on shores like in Pattaya. Was not overly infected by chic cafes like those all over Hua Hin and amenities were more accessible compared to stuck in one resort on Koh Kood. To get far away from Bangkok onto an island in the middle of the tourism scales, that what it was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fezj_puuMP8mquEO5zvALYEFSW4mmATKvDM-x0GKX8C8tFTCj5pnpVO_B5JsIxukIJ0zLQRezhpf7FV4WSiWF6v9AuURUYzvu3v_rA5hh9UZdk5BHWj7aTohvvqirfkpf7Od/s1600/IMG_2494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fezj_puuMP8mquEO5zvALYEFSW4mmATKvDM-x0GKX8C8tFTCj5pnpVO_B5JsIxukIJ0zLQRezhpf7FV4WSiWF6v9AuURUYzvu3v_rA5hh9UZdk5BHWj7aTohvvqirfkpf7Od/s320/IMG_2494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry to Koh Chang</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwurj1t6FC4ljmreo3m-eprOhiTIyqR5357cYV1MsrXJmJhK6unhIev8nzjLZEBY52-oMdTRtNTdBhRqI5AxxmscJYpl2Jj_H9Je_xeTqaN6tbj82LLjZQ29vsrZPyN8e327Dk/s1600/IMG_2503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwurj1t6FC4ljmreo3m-eprOhiTIyqR5357cYV1MsrXJmJhK6unhIev8nzjLZEBY52-oMdTRtNTdBhRqI5AxxmscJYpl2Jj_H9Je_xeTqaN6tbj82LLjZQ29vsrZPyN8e327Dk/s320/IMG_2503.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry to Koh Chang</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rxND_O8C6bCMoBQFu_rvpRdmljyAMj55mYdaK7sina9dOteddzAh-cIS7cXgDvF14IJLnq0ldUB7JxVwXdEDBAK77NWSvi8Ge0q-MaVeZokfexKjRUWHPC4EQI2O7-REWyw5/s1600/IMG_2534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rxND_O8C6bCMoBQFu_rvpRdmljyAMj55mYdaK7sina9dOteddzAh-cIS7cXgDvF14IJLnq0ldUB7JxVwXdEDBAK77NWSvi8Ge0q-MaVeZokfexKjRUWHPC4EQI2O7-REWyw5/s320/IMG_2534.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry to Koh Chang</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM6fFWFjhc8mKjo2kcQ37Tb_fhaTgqPdVK8ZP6Gx3MAr3NTza9hpXQZMbB8FUrZ_Y9_5bWXkIDQ6rQSabrqO-I0SDDMSacQw7g4AYVS28KVDNzXrqWchlwX9rIPuLeRbaq_Td/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM6fFWFjhc8mKjo2kcQ37Tb_fhaTgqPdVK8ZP6Gx3MAr3NTza9hpXQZMbB8FUrZ_Y9_5bWXkIDQ6rQSabrqO-I0SDDMSacQw7g4AYVS28KVDNzXrqWchlwX9rIPuLeRbaq_Td/s320/IMG_2549.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There a Hog there... . .</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrsCDOpJkIRlVVCVaQpiGOyI7SFUmbc7E7FDvnkfevMghN3lhTakyOZ8r01Z4z0r3mOJyhCn8ysgW8ON8dPhUtBeoMx4eZhaRO8iyOTMyitOS14ag5VrcTwSxZXtLpha6KB4p/s1600/IMG_2574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrsCDOpJkIRlVVCVaQpiGOyI7SFUmbc7E7FDvnkfevMghN3lhTakyOZ8r01Z4z0r3mOJyhCn8ysgW8ON8dPhUtBeoMx4eZhaRO8iyOTMyitOS14ag5VrcTwSxZXtLpha6KB4p/s320/IMG_2574.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWWERDTUXEzLR7FQvLT55o86EDxdjgBfo7rbAIqD8wnkyhIT_rhBJEiLHCG2SQqdKWram6XAeP58mE_2ztgGv0IPICvZ1Z3jFT7UsUex7kmcXD1qLUy10JBfKRSZKUW_8DFes/s1600/IMG_2577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWWERDTUXEzLR7FQvLT55o86EDxdjgBfo7rbAIqD8wnkyhIT_rhBJEiLHCG2SQqdKWram6XAeP58mE_2ztgGv0IPICvZ1Z3jFT7UsUex7kmcXD1qLUy10JBfKRSZKUW_8DFes/s320/IMG_2577.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9xkPZHoU_v3tUchH_nA0pOmK3Rc6UGL2_3YcODqrxAYsvbDxPO0CBEo6AqAiZOe1Vk6sNJhBUC2TpyygBEPOFr2qwd5Ze6smPy3Q5j8vz82-fScCYGrCUId4x02iyedw-uch/s1600/IMG_2581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9xkPZHoU_v3tUchH_nA0pOmK3Rc6UGL2_3YcODqrxAYsvbDxPO0CBEo6AqAiZOe1Vk6sNJhBUC2TpyygBEPOFr2qwd5Ze6smPy3Q5j8vz82-fScCYGrCUId4x02iyedw-uch/s320/IMG_2581.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kRGMlvHgxq6cxpsjXPGrixu_3h_ha5g6kUU7oS8dll4DTKtNhLTdKrub4cgvID1jhYbHBXYJJwAvuLmn9Zl-liei7UxECtg1xQ0JdzhbhDYF4Fk9Bx-6ZgaohYvwGcixyi8M/s1600/IMG_2584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kRGMlvHgxq6cxpsjXPGrixu_3h_ha5g6kUU7oS8dll4DTKtNhLTdKrub4cgvID1jhYbHBXYJJwAvuLmn9Zl-liei7UxECtg1xQ0JdzhbhDYF4Fk9Bx-6ZgaohYvwGcixyi8M/s320/IMG_2584.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB81Um4fuLGJBmKNGl8mdXlJ0GBF5uVnLIA54ki1sFFfuZSFyqVlUJ9TXYhpB1OvflXd_1C8yJ8kjvVv9pawUHcz7i7ABwa2cmPAoh5RwWj4TxYwF673K2TlL0KGcWgd8Yox3g/s1600/IMG_2599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB81Um4fuLGJBmKNGl8mdXlJ0GBF5uVnLIA54ki1sFFfuZSFyqVlUJ9TXYhpB1OvflXd_1C8yJ8kjvVv9pawUHcz7i7ABwa2cmPAoh5RwWj4TxYwF673K2TlL0KGcWgd8Yox3g/s320/IMG_2599.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbqnKUR1VRJ3gUOotkY8sqDZaiu2CmYMIdYAH-bfKc4O23xu-Xtj6BcWiSLDVE0c1vBz1FM1Qs-VItWhyphenhyphenl_tfIAgx1C35T5Q4MiuQ9534A0lab-fNmYgF9f51I9LfxsUXikwt/s1600/IMG_2610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbqnKUR1VRJ3gUOotkY8sqDZaiu2CmYMIdYAH-bfKc4O23xu-Xtj6BcWiSLDVE0c1vBz1FM1Qs-VItWhyphenhyphenl_tfIAgx1C35T5Q4MiuQ9534A0lab-fNmYgF9f51I9LfxsUXikwt/s320/IMG_2610.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyX0nkkV-p25WzNkufShBiTaM00X86d4QTCY3tTO3jTdNExbpfTTBQtVjKMvep8YBpKN0kUfee_kQJ-0zhQtNP1y14RpPJuseV5uI3gwQcDmY1J9FHQFKShLLq3dIOQlGNM78/s1600/IMG_2660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyX0nkkV-p25WzNkufShBiTaM00X86d4QTCY3tTO3jTdNExbpfTTBQtVjKMvep8YBpKN0kUfee_kQJ-0zhQtNP1y14RpPJuseV5uI3gwQcDmY1J9FHQFKShLLq3dIOQlGNM78/s320/IMG_2660.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Koh Chang</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihFjKuOK5JRfuR5TdyDBJL9jIBVZxDPd7Y13ksbj_-TOfY__C-18jquYbqgv23ZFOFXrau5RvV3pF2E988MIMEI_G_5vwCaNDWwMqQvGZ7JNmUMlS31Vj0-Y2eR_i9ZqieSle/s1600/IMG_2707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihFjKuOK5JRfuR5TdyDBJL9jIBVZxDPd7Y13ksbj_-TOfY__C-18jquYbqgv23ZFOFXrau5RvV3pF2E988MIMEI_G_5vwCaNDWwMqQvGZ7JNmUMlS31Vj0-Y2eR_i9ZqieSle/s320/IMG_2707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZJbrw63u071ol0r-EG1USknC9zbJLfgjTQuoXoY_V3jCBiKLnz_rUpAwoiE4Y6j5Cl2yjDU5zb3MGO2jDgxjXsNFvVVXHEEl4_apLmUwGnoZcQgOp4lbUr8B9xCd6_i7RxOi/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZJbrw63u071ol0r-EG1USknC9zbJLfgjTQuoXoY_V3jCBiKLnz_rUpAwoiE4Y6j5Cl2yjDU5zb3MGO2jDgxjXsNFvVVXHEEl4_apLmUwGnoZcQgOp4lbUr8B9xCd6_i7RxOi/s320/IMG_2799.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Sands Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZFE6LXAsvSD8YLdXyIBD-uk07__WhodtWcSOXMcZdgctC6Ap4FHVMMnSj_RgUJTXRyMpyX9XY-z2KK4iFF5ljw82WTW-Oj9Nv8lA8TdwOtVq6-fMTk_EttGKS3aMUK7c5BCr/s1600/IMG_2817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZFE6LXAsvSD8YLdXyIBD-uk07__WhodtWcSOXMcZdgctC6Ap4FHVMMnSj_RgUJTXRyMpyX9XY-z2KK4iFF5ljw82WTW-Oj9Nv8lA8TdwOtVq6-fMTk_EttGKS3aMUK7c5BCr/s320/IMG_2817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Sands Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzxrQk-MrFhnqlHcfxdeHYATkTT8eUVq3nhxw99RyiLuld-dNuJ31kDBWEea84lR_KEWRxDD53DmAZlz9DqVSU46fPxUH8Rjxwk4LGKgha8Z9US0bxuavEWIim0H2Z2QxhVNg/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzxrQk-MrFhnqlHcfxdeHYATkTT8eUVq3nhxw99RyiLuld-dNuJ31kDBWEea84lR_KEWRxDD53DmAZlz9DqVSU46fPxUH8Rjxwk4LGKgha8Z9US0bxuavEWIim0H2Z2QxhVNg/s320/IMG_2564.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alley in Fishermen Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinegbKcBG5olGM7ndZ36DwwDdVWAgu4N58Uhql8hGvyD40lGgKixGab0jjruD9KZaI4rfVAnz3me0EAqETtOl4iyChn0dAQaGUSp9cW6YmEPg7BI3_evEg8N4sg6PyDjWeo8u4/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinegbKcBG5olGM7ndZ36DwwDdVWAgu4N58Uhql8hGvyD40lGgKixGab0jjruD9KZaI4rfVAnz3me0EAqETtOl4iyChn0dAQaGUSp9cW6YmEPg7BI3_evEg8N4sg6PyDjWeo8u4/s320/IMG_2823.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting Bike for Rent</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Koh Chang, Thailand12.0479159 102.3234815999999211.799459899999999 102.00075809999993 12.2963719 102.64620509999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-55348614268620898222015-06-25T08:09:00.001+07:002015-06-25T08:09:35.363+07:00Foreigners and Landed Property in Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vHhggqJcUmud6y9wqExJzKkrSPYcmEEVxlmTHNGkqwHaGM94mf8c5ifS9Wa0bASoOO3eqcArvzm3YoXoZ4ittas8XgHKLmbtmXxo2Erljoish-TOh7cKLKTPyhfE5hpq5GkS/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vHhggqJcUmud6y9wqExJzKkrSPYcmEEVxlmTHNGkqwHaGM94mf8c5ifS9Wa0bASoOO3eqcArvzm3YoXoZ4ittas8XgHKLmbtmXxo2Erljoish-TOh7cKLKTPyhfE5hpq5GkS/s320/IMG_1939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Angsana New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Primitive Department</span></td></tr>
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There are just no friggin benefits on many terms when we foreigners purchase a house in Thailand. It’s just friggin unfair that we are spending our money in here genuinely for a living and yet having no whatsoever decent returns. Do you know that as Thais, they get significant tax reductions annually where we have to pay full terms without any reductions? I have not seen the environment improve while many of us paid heavy income taxes. Traffic only got worse for sure with the “My First Car” entitlement, the general public which had their purchases happily subsidized with our money. <br />
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Come on Thailand, even when we have a decent job and a proper house to stay in, the official residential address for us is the office (work permit address = residential address = WTF?). Who eats, shits and sleeps in the office for crying out loud! We can’t even get our names into that mysterious household blue book of yours. (Having a name registered in there is a prerequisite for some other financial related businesses).<br />
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The question…. so how do we buy a house you wonder? We have to buy in our spouse’s name (mandatory to be opposite sex I guess, and cannot be animal). And we are made to sit and wait in the ridiculously chaotic land department office that you have never thought of improving for decades. The legroom between the rows of chairs was less spacious then that I had on AirAsia. And during the signing procedure, all documents were in Thai. The only word said to me by the staff was “You sign this document you know house and property is belong your wife. You pay. You no to own the house, everything belong wife”.</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-17857074839263365622015-05-17T09:32:00.000+07:002015-05-17T09:32:11.920+07:00Thai Airport Toilet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8P9F3ExSUx99zwszRMtb2GmR0S_J2H5D98z7ApXJf52WuAnbF3GvkdNP0PGJXY5if6UoYgX2kdyQ-G4-T4WQJzwmSLF22NZWxB_AU2C_W1-lgOAJFqDUuCx96DNt4OmFNgAA/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8P9F3ExSUx99zwszRMtb2GmR0S_J2H5D98z7ApXJf52WuAnbF3GvkdNP0PGJXY5if6UoYgX2kdyQ-G4-T4WQJzwmSLF22NZWxB_AU2C_W1-lgOAJFqDUuCx96DNt4OmFNgAA/s320/IMG_2080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Airport Toilet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you stayed long enough in Thailand, you will learn that culturally, Thais wash backside in toilet after doing their business. There will always most certainly be that water hose located next to the toilet bowl. This is a Thai thing, it is just Thai. Just like how Somtam is the main dietary supplement in every Thai meal, they could do without but without it, it wouldn’t be Thai. So amazingly at both international and domestic airports in Thailand which they wanted to show Thainess to visitors so much, there is no option to wash backside. They only have single option which is to use paper, with the texture to polish marbles and stones. Come on, let the world know it, the Thai backside is very clean because Thais wash their backside. So do I, so do I. Freaking toiler paper that felt like sand paper.</div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-34523686478540323672015-04-28T08:44:00.002+07:002015-04-28T08:44:37.943+07:00Getting a Car Loan for Foreigners in Bangkok<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSNM84EiqVwrlPkLPDmdcwU2YKNgdlYx-X9-mGYIM1vXxy9SI3SW8sNfIH4Z5wwQd0Dc9JPLKr_BNHtG4sSK_s-b3_HfxvZ1igi_mrpwInagJ57ndKvudHbatUUVPmEmg7OOp/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSNM84EiqVwrlPkLPDmdcwU2YKNgdlYx-X9-mGYIM1vXxy9SI3SW8sNfIH4Z5wwQd0Dc9JPLKr_BNHtG4sSK_s-b3_HfxvZ1igi_mrpwInagJ57ndKvudHbatUUVPmEmg7OOp/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Fortunately we can, the bank approves our loan. And they seemed to be lenient now compared to a couple of years back. First time I applied for a loan, I had to fork out maximum down payment of 25% just because I am not Thai. This time round, I could go below the 20% mark. Its unlike getting a condo where we are in no way eligible for loans. The only criteria, you need to have a work permit, if not you will need to pay in full up front. Also, you will need to bear with silly excuses the dealership cooks up when the delivery is late. The best I heard this time, "Sorry khun, we try our best to deliver, but in factory the car park too big, they are still trying to find where my car is parked..... " </div>
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WTF? But... never mind na, I am used to such things already.</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-59145694817796766532015-02-28T10:07:00.001+07:002015-02-28T10:07:59.656+07:00King Narai Fair, Lopburi in February<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisodi4ALCLiFed2RdxgYfoQ4bFjS3IzMxc4-Z7_rLKRAk73US201lM9GE6eqltOuoczrnWmrZ2pSn4EzVp6MvWXrIePsNArNUppE_DuJCpaf61bMq6RcQv1v4QvyWjR5azTfvl/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisodi4ALCLiFed2RdxgYfoQ4bFjS3IzMxc4-Z7_rLKRAk73US201lM9GE6eqltOuoczrnWmrZ2pSn4EzVp6MvWXrIePsNArNUppE_DuJCpaf61bMq6RcQv1v4QvyWjR5azTfvl/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound and Lights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Every February in Lopburi, on dates that shift about, a festival is held to commemorate the deeds of King Narai in an extravagant sound and light show within his 400 year old palace. Long long time ago, in this province far far away, this King, most famous of Ayutthayan kings, boosted the regions commercial and diplomatic .. . . ok this is getting to be boring . You can read all about him on Wiki. Lets talk about the experience. <br />
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This was a festival where there were a traditional dances performed, fireworks raining down on your hair, screeching male vocals of I-San male singers, food and then more. There was also a parade reenacting the glory days of Lopburi where royalties who sat high on thrones were carried on the shoulders of their loyal servants. And of course there were the crowds of visitors who came from Bangkok and all moo bans in the vicinity swarming the streets that were turned into night markets. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT38tfZ6gc7YQgExeHI5MLScVzTntWcIvTfaVyGP-_knAgD6HDLAdUpQTOclFXcpXTb-uqdp0Wv5DeiCSyLQE2N3BgdlsqpYGdUwpBGyUu48UsM6UJewNH__DWwZUYg-sGdrrN/s1600/IMG_6583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT38tfZ6gc7YQgExeHI5MLScVzTntWcIvTfaVyGP-_knAgD6HDLAdUpQTOclFXcpXTb-uqdp0Wv5DeiCSyLQE2N3BgdlsqpYGdUwpBGyUu48UsM6UJewNH__DWwZUYg-sGdrrN/s1600/IMG_6583.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Dressed Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The only d<span id="goog_444957493"></span><span id="goog_444957494"></span>ifference from all other festivities I had experienced was that for this occasion, visitors were also clad in traditional costumes of all sorts. I myself put on a Chinese coolie shirt. It was sort of out of place yes, but it beats trying to hold on forever onto a Thai Jong Ka Ben. I don’t want to lose my Thai loin cloth to result in un-volunteered indecent exposure within the crowd mayhem. <br />
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My friends the ladies, they put on traditional Pha Nueng (Thai skirt). It was easy and convenient. But it was a far cry from many of the other who went all out with a full splendor of glittery costumes and traditional gold pointy headdresses that you could skewer a ton of fish balls and some meat cuts.<br />
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Traditionally in Thai culture, Thai woman were naked from the waist up, I was disappointed that none in the crowd don this style I so looked forward to. There was however the more sexy few, they went bare shouldered. Those in the name of traditional village folks called chao ban. Their minimum age was a decade older than mine, and their flabby tummy, about the same extent as mine. Towards the extreme end, were the drag queens. Elaborately dressed in Thai costumes with likely an inch thick of make-up, they mingled with us crowd and welcomed photo sessions. They were true beauty and they confuse foreigners who wondered why Thai women have deep voices. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsll3l_BasFPSGPhoUSoNxTstjkRs2mMcqt0o1-ajvsihYXxJYXRddcLTFSFpIII0VOwwwrJvrwsTXdWcYwuoOhrQQulwiZRjfvMhMXNPIITLI07OuNg-_G71aI4xQaOwAXD5/s1600/IMG_6675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsll3l_BasFPSGPhoUSoNxTstjkRs2mMcqt0o1-ajvsihYXxJYXRddcLTFSFpIII0VOwwwrJvrwsTXdWcYwuoOhrQQulwiZRjfvMhMXNPIITLI07OuNg-_G71aI4xQaOwAXD5/s1600/IMG_6675.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Currency</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the fairgrounds were clusters and clusters of vendors selling that much needed sweet cold drink and a multitude of hot Thai delicacies. From the spicy and sour som tam with strong smelling pickled fish to the sweet aroma of caramelized barbequed meats on skewers, everything north eastern was there to fill our hunger. Interestingly we traded cash for seashells which in turn were used to purchase the food from the straw laden stalls. I was told seashell was the currency of old in the Kingdom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-K5LZM-j3CQxEiO_ZuupJgglZ4_5AlNfsa0dPmgQGl2X9Asj3yKm0-KzxBjxe6zmMb7YXENQNgspj_9ytaaOwiABEOe2QV8tJXELHJkcPMHSWytfAP0vMMuaBf2QXWo4dekV/s1600/IMG_9275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-K5LZM-j3CQxEiO_ZuupJgglZ4_5AlNfsa0dPmgQGl2X9Asj3yKm0-KzxBjxe6zmMb7YXENQNgspj_9ytaaOwiABEOe2QV8tJXELHJkcPMHSWytfAP0vMMuaBf2QXWo4dekV/s1600/IMG_9275.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A word of advice for you readers who are thinking of visiting next year. Parking will be hell. The fair actually started from noon, but the bulk of visitors arrived only towards the cool evening. Arrive four-ish or forever give up the idea of finding a spot 2 km in the immediate vicinity. We arrived late in heavy traffic, was coaxed into parking in an empty garage turned car park where all seemed too good to be true. The entrepreneur workshop turned parking area took about 8 cars max at 100 Baht each. Then they also took on about 10,000 bikes and squeezed them into whatever crevices they could find, even under your car if they had to. So, when it was time to go home, we waited the time it took a snail to cross a 6 lane highway 10 times for the attendants to shift the bikes about like a friggin Chinese puzzle. <br />
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My car survived the obstacle course out from the parking area without a scratch fortunately. It was after 9, the traffic was still heavy. Fireworks lit the skies as we crawled in heavy traffic out of the fair. On a dark Lopburi highway, cool wind in my hair (from the air con), warm smell of my sweaty foot, rising up through the air.. … Two hours there or so, the return to Bangkok.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKUdQ809g8FhSDbnTDkITEMkE9hs1Zp8COwJLNli3S3h3Ggzy-XgzCCLtwXhTxOvTKyXaaUBVJYrkAtd-2xbEzCoMNXFaIzL8DdFIHCwdNOwSHRkYVsMwqWWSgNZhqV20t2f3/s1600/IMG_6570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKUdQ809g8FhSDbnTDkITEMkE9hs1Zp8COwJLNli3S3h3Ggzy-XgzCCLtwXhTxOvTKyXaaUBVJYrkAtd-2xbEzCoMNXFaIzL8DdFIHCwdNOwSHRkYVsMwqWWSgNZhqV20t2f3/s1600/IMG_6570.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey God</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc5t6DcxckXItx_h3IS2gCGungypFzD4ZkL9eVAZ5m87oWnbD95_NNmS6mY7cHApvsLZYdNRJGCyOJbSRDZA3Z2yBm76PBxH90kQFRNzOI0zpNkXNkQbree8TX3FVWKKdxEzT/s1600/IMG_6576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc5t6DcxckXItx_h3IS2gCGungypFzD4ZkL9eVAZ5m87oWnbD95_NNmS6mY7cHApvsLZYdNRJGCyOJbSRDZA3Z2yBm76PBxH90kQFRNzOI0zpNkXNkQbree8TX3FVWKKdxEzT/s1600/IMG_6576.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And traditionally, they all use cell phones.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO82CXuLc_3R7jY4kzXyY5O965u6b-5JxV02iy685zDTt9iwb97i2gQLXrXlW1GeknquzlXP3DWmtTMuqLalYRZkxP_eFpRtrjOaWIwcT_1mB5jBiNfOY5cj6hZcm6z6bZ4hF/s1600/IMG_6578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO82CXuLc_3R7jY4kzXyY5O965u6b-5JxV02iy685zDTt9iwb97i2gQLXrXlW1GeknquzlXP3DWmtTMuqLalYRZkxP_eFpRtrjOaWIwcT_1mB5jBiNfOY5cj6hZcm6z6bZ4hF/s1600/IMG_6578.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVNuVFrmHNAH4NqQFEQsnmVTfaQhsLcVr17f3Cf5KYngjbAvWu7W4CLmIbbywr7sgdSDivVRBfkBrI4E8GQALCPO7CGZFS88OcZyxxRcknGS8xaCqBflo38-ABLfOiNMhGJPb/s1600/IMG_6594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVNuVFrmHNAH4NqQFEQsnmVTfaQhsLcVr17f3Cf5KYngjbAvWu7W4CLmIbbywr7sgdSDivVRBfkBrI4E8GQALCPO7CGZFS88OcZyxxRcknGS8xaCqBflo38-ABLfOiNMhGJPb/s1600/IMG_6594.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERFVb7zgtNxR2ISharDkmY4eNhFFcs5eKtJLZTzfeJ_EqcsGB-Ppw8Bl8BCT7juYFIgKXUKf57b7vj3v-u2ZaWpjnTIZMxnuxq5jqaEKkNw-HwEdKhmrLe-VGl9NyyZ0qXP-i/s1600/IMG_6621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERFVb7zgtNxR2ISharDkmY4eNhFFcs5eKtJLZTzfeJ_EqcsGB-Ppw8Bl8BCT7juYFIgKXUKf57b7vj3v-u2ZaWpjnTIZMxnuxq5jqaEKkNw-HwEdKhmrLe-VGl9NyyZ0qXP-i/s1600/IMG_6621.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Lit Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdlznKPNeUkH3r90fKehYOFeuiY_D5XyUqK6CNQshkQcYEzN3DEBFO9_O0ATkEsGTqJT_j3s63R8evgZIW3Uzk-gkhGXo1urDehM7Ze-tr2LwsTvFGaIHiFjCmlt835RswMBN/s1600/IMG_6637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdlznKPNeUkH3r90fKehYOFeuiY_D5XyUqK6CNQshkQcYEzN3DEBFO9_O0ATkEsGTqJT_j3s63R8evgZIW3Uzk-gkhGXo1urDehM7Ze-tr2LwsTvFGaIHiFjCmlt835RswMBN/s1600/IMG_6637.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the Vendors were Dressed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6VxrTCy9NHMIskt8pv8mLMV4Q6iMrC0walXjBnR1I77g3va2MZs8zZ6wqRY1LzTwXeGL1icgCUzSHQ_iMWXRcj3f_eFpzfmM2Rbnz6yLTyClihUUCufJHYbrxs8rOTi7-cbg/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6VxrTCy9NHMIskt8pv8mLMV4Q6iMrC0walXjBnR1I77g3va2MZs8zZ6wqRY1LzTwXeGL1icgCUzSHQ_iMWXRcj3f_eFpzfmM2Rbnz6yLTyClihUUCufJHYbrxs8rOTi7-cbg/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guard and the Crowd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyVMFYElqKT72nyFcrWn28mEcbfQ70Qmopb9USwsUMCVJBH4kve4eh2Z44jan8xdVs2AiI64Hs67J5Lo29dN9co7IdQFgj0Iw8qHL8aRKL398jAkv_NY_236DGLDPpLWkov8-/s1600/IMG_6666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyVMFYElqKT72nyFcrWn28mEcbfQ70Qmopb9USwsUMCVJBH4kve4eh2Z44jan8xdVs2AiI64Hs67J5Lo29dN9co7IdQFgj0Iw8qHL8aRKL398jAkv_NY_236DGLDPpLWkov8-/s1600/IMG_6666.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxhTX8jQuYifLgST_5RDbJNyFm2OyfNHcnES5tEihkz-mNojujvDKdvwHeRAK_Hzi4hTYCma-13y-rdwXjSm3uwT-1_mKe-_AYPrN8aOGnUgO-dnPptzleK6UoGPj6zQ0z_jL/s1600/IMG_6669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxhTX8jQuYifLgST_5RDbJNyFm2OyfNHcnES5tEihkz-mNojujvDKdvwHeRAK_Hzi4hTYCma-13y-rdwXjSm3uwT-1_mKe-_AYPrN8aOGnUgO-dnPptzleK6UoGPj6zQ0z_jL/s1600/IMG_6669.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He can break glass with his voice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSfQZwphoekAp3dpXzh2oMlSlpqnN-AnBrxOh9sT38EKX-Bu7gkovf7gJNSGZ_Y53jGH9UVp_2fuU8iee4ESM-uIMthf1yEEpHZ2Kk-_28r9BKdMQl3gXlYUeQXYIU_DW7Up4/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSfQZwphoekAp3dpXzh2oMlSlpqnN-AnBrxOh9sT38EKX-Bu7gkovf7gJNSGZ_Y53jGH9UVp_2fuU8iee4ESM-uIMthf1yEEpHZ2Kk-_28r9BKdMQl3gXlYUeQXYIU_DW7Up4/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trading</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDvOGv5Tiy1CMrg03eKNSLpNDiixWUv8DV1y3XGytLBODN7ScavypL4nladUfVbCwhjgWxNP47lnUgMHrsMIIChIr40rlqcIuoRBTrUrXZBPIwkUHXtb96HxHaFvCO4NYAtB3/s1600/IMG_6682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDvOGv5Tiy1CMrg03eKNSLpNDiixWUv8DV1y3XGytLBODN7ScavypL4nladUfVbCwhjgWxNP47lnUgMHrsMIIChIr40rlqcIuoRBTrUrXZBPIwkUHXtb96HxHaFvCO4NYAtB3/s1600/IMG_6682.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men or Women?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt63TbqjQEkhjcm0HT9PS0tMwA-yPQEgPiqNFOxxRidGhbyNpBKSNstvGnH6qoqg9HaLwWdy-kaRcGY2O4SjtPSCY-pc7R7XUKvO0vs8oJGfM2tQ9rYfsx-iBsi0JSoJhS0Tw/s1600/IMG_6697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt63TbqjQEkhjcm0HT9PS0tMwA-yPQEgPiqNFOxxRidGhbyNpBKSNstvGnH6qoqg9HaLwWdy-kaRcGY2O4SjtPSCY-pc7R7XUKvO0vs8oJGfM2tQ9rYfsx-iBsi0JSoJhS0Tw/s1600/IMG_6697.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High on Something... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANq3OX55PtsYx_9oOBKso0pUz4pHHHLGIngVtJBMyM-RiVdrbbIhJWpCkDmfp7GeEsa61V0s3SwPCwKi5fAjsa9k2df3Hw4Mm96jOmca4_9Q_gwqA0uYHi8THzBFCMmyDOlqC/s1600/IMG_6712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANq3OX55PtsYx_9oOBKso0pUz4pHHHLGIngVtJBMyM-RiVdrbbIhJWpCkDmfp7GeEsa61V0s3SwPCwKi5fAjsa9k2df3Hw4Mm96jOmca4_9Q_gwqA0uYHi8THzBFCMmyDOlqC/s1600/IMG_6712.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair Grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand14.798940220561343 100.6110871624267714.797021220561344 100.60856566242677 14.800859220561343 100.61360866242677tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-41217216803913581762015-02-14T08:42:00.001+07:002015-02-14T08:42:57.607+07:00Somewhere Wintery - Wang Nam Kaew<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn5plwBl_X_8szFBRvcGoTj4Bt3myMZWwfUuAAKonSrXNeq3YloTfnUTmQcX4aJ-locbTrEJl4_iKTte1cg364KNqX28LtinmxzinoZUV_lf-s0f4ZZVIG3BALYhcCRuT0enT/s1600/IMG_5300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn5plwBl_X_8szFBRvcGoTj4Bt3myMZWwfUuAAKonSrXNeq3YloTfnUTmQcX4aJ-locbTrEJl4_iKTte1cg364KNqX28LtinmxzinoZUV_lf-s0f4ZZVIG3BALYhcCRuT0enT/s1600/IMG_5300.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sea of Flowers</td></tr>
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Wang Name Kaew is situated between the lowlands where Khao Yai and Tub Lan National Park separates. Popular with Thais during winter months, they go there seeking the colder and fresher air away from Bangkok. Similar in nature to what Suan Phueng’s natural surroundings could offer, Wang Nam Kaew had more pastures of flowers then fields of rabbits, sheep and alpacas compared to the former. Also, since she is located between two parks, it means one will have more places to visit, explore and venture. There were scatters of foreigners spotted while I was there last month, they could have spilled over from the country roads that lead from Khao Yai, that which is definitely a more popular tourist magnet. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-pOQ_Ng316x73c9s6BRkrj24ZB8V-edVwcHtZKq5_PnPRxKzUSp6m-eb7GMAAwjpcjWI-xbi_s9a96oZaSfpwbCrDCCM1k5hadIGAblea_YYtlgRvcIczxjLqx3jRCgQB-TY/s1600/IMG_5429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-pOQ_Ng316x73c9s6BRkrj24ZB8V-edVwcHtZKq5_PnPRxKzUSp6m-eb7GMAAwjpcjWI-xbi_s9a96oZaSfpwbCrDCCM1k5hadIGAblea_YYtlgRvcIczxjLqx3jRCgQB-TY/s1600/IMG_5429.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wang Nam Kaew from our Resort</td></tr>
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Manay roads lead to Wang Name Kaew. She is sort of centrally located in Thailand. South from the well travelled roads of Korat leading to Kon Kean, east through the meandering roads of Pakchong over touristy Khao Yai, or north through Chachengsao on the popular 304 where industrial estates some there were. We took the northern route towards Korat passing Saraburi and then down because Jim Thomson Farm in Pak Thong Chai was the first place we visited. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Corn Tower in Jim Thomson Farm</td></tr>
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Jim Thomson Farm opens to the public once a year for only a short month during winter. And the place will be packed, especially near the year’s end where Thais go on their long vacation. January, the crowd still a plenty, but had thinned down and it was pleasant. We did not meet Mr Jim himself, because he would have been 108 years old. And we could not pay tribute to him at his altar, because he vanished into thin air in Malaysia back in 1967. His legacy of being the most famous American in Asia, bringing to fame Thai silk, is now spread over 600 rais of land. There were loads to do within the farm and it took a good half of our day just exploring the many stations within. Fields of flowers were the attraction when we visited. Back in 2010, it was heaps of pumpkins I recalled. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making of Silk Cloth</td></tr>
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We watched how Thai silk was produced, from the sadistic boiling of silkworm alive to the final threads being weaved into cloth. There was a corn field, there were hydroponic flowers being grown. There was an Isan village where old folks from the surrounding villages were plugged in to play out their daily activities, cleaning rice the traditional way in contrast to mechanical rice mills. It was unfortunately the weekend of Thai’s children’s day and the place was packed with them squirming uniformed adolescence. The trams that brought us from one place to the other, was a uniform of blend blue shirts and chatter. The commentator up front, she went through her speech lethargically, knowing none paid attention to her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to our Room</td></tr>
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Veravian we stayed. Descending a dark stairwell into what seem like a bunker, our room. At any moment, the sounds of air raid sirens and expected the tranquility of Wang Nam Kaew to be clustered bomb into chaos. That was how it felt like when we entered the Moment Suite of Veravian, of very interesting construction indeed. While the bombs were not dropping, atop our room a sectored garden, we sat in the red swing and enjoyed the winter breeze. Looking out, the vast expense of farmlands, the mountain range beyond. These suites featured an outdoor shower and the skylight illuminated my bath into sparkles. Among the vines that got mixed with my hair I shampooed, the fresh cold morning air fought the steam that rose from the warm streams of water. This is what you will experience when staying here, the Moment Suite a chamber it was. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Area at Veravian</td></tr>
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We had tried the Minute Suite for another night. Equally appeasing our stay was in a room well furbished with large LED TV, lush bed and a sectored living room. There was the bonus of a huge bath tub we could soak ourselves in. However, hot water soon ran out in the night and throughout our block, every room had that same setback. We shared the same solar supplemented heater on top the roof, and it was overcome by demand with everyone taking shower at about the same time after dinner. It was a cold, really cold shower we had. The cold pipes made the water even colder. The reception we complained to had earlier told us to leave the tap on hot for 30 minutes in order for heated water to arrive. I found that illogical but desperately tried anyway. In fact I left it on for 2 hours, I could fill their swimming pool by then. Still no hot water came out from the tap. It was a delay tactic so that when we called the reception again, a different person answered.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor Shower</td></tr>
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Dinner at the restaurant was popular with outside visitors, shared the same view as that swing atop my room. As darkness fell, the Thai cuisines served, my huger was satisfied and my taste gratified. My thirst quenched by cold beer. The windmills spun as the breeze took on. It was so very relaxing indeed. Breakfast was basic, selection was not extravagant. But it served our purpose of a quick meal before heading out fast to explore the many attractions in the region. Minus the ordeal with the cold water, Veravian was a pleasant stay, and was one of the only few resorts located high with a pleasant view of the surrounding areas. <br />
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There was never a lack of fields for one to frolic with in flowers in Wang Nam Kaew. On the roads here and there were pastures of yellow flowers grown and harvested. We intruded one and spoke to the harvesters who told us they were preparing the yield for some upcoming religious festival. Then there was also Flora Park, it was hard to miss. They had huge signs everywhere. And so we strolled in during the early morning where crowds were less and undergone photosynthesis together with the millions of flora in her mostly un-shaded compound. Red, orange, white, and blue, the saturated colors engulfed us all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting Seeds</td></tr>
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Venturing off the beaten track, there was Khao Phaeng Ma. Required some adventurous driving on gravel roads through the forest. We stumbled onto a viewpoint manned by a national park ranger. And there, we were encouraged to help with the reforestation by buying a bunch of seeds and catapulting them deep into the hillsides. I tried to shoot passing birds but fortunately, all my projectiles missed their mark. The ranger told us of another interesting ranger base off-map that was located some distance away. Said there we could watch the wild buffalos in the ever diminishing wild. Again, it was gravel roads which I enjoyed much up revving my engine and turning roads to dust, the sound of my wife constantly whining “slow down slow down” interrupting my fantasy of being a rally driver. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27_4PhTYyGO5woVqfUZKzULE6G_X_90ZWxRDEhhwuTP59PTx3wc5pbBjCTfyn9asshYUxZRKHbXTqWA185YUkb-PPI9KCP9s7cI-SzZn2gJQT-0MWK2tfbgKOElNSuRwzm1v0/s1600/IMG_5588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27_4PhTYyGO5woVqfUZKzULE6G_X_90ZWxRDEhhwuTP59PTx3wc5pbBjCTfyn9asshYUxZRKHbXTqWA185YUkb-PPI9KCP9s7cI-SzZn2gJQT-0MWK2tfbgKOElNSuRwzm1v0/s1600/IMG_5588.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Buffaloes</td></tr>
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The rangers told of the encroachment by farmers into the native wildlife’s territory. To which, this is life in rural Thailand and everyone had to make a hard living, so the farmers were not evicted on the grounds of some mutual understanding. From a distance, we spotted a small number of wild buffalos roaming, eating grass and eating more grass. They ate all day long and farted methane. Some who prefer not to have a sun tan lay themselves comfortably beneath the shade of trees. That was until one drunken folk reeking of alcohol bashed downhill through the foliage. Interestingly, a horde of buffalos were driven out of grassy pastures to the delight of visitors looking down from where we were. The rangers, who knew him, were not pleased and complained they animals did us no wrong and why we humans have to annoy them. The buffalos dashed over a hill top beyond our sight with the drunken on tail. Okay, time to go home, no more buffalos. No more sight of crazy guy too, hoped he got gang raped by the bulls. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_DflK1tkW9VuNBMJXJse_OHQ2cfl-zbgKfDhQqGwrSmOl3dTlpXHl92N8e7WWBlbPwATXiBsMBK700_3dQ6Z2VDXyDwtuTykJhGSfLzHIfaoFVhI5gnged8M0CHb09P7fcD3/s1600/IMG_5397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_DflK1tkW9VuNBMJXJse_OHQ2cfl-zbgKfDhQqGwrSmOl3dTlpXHl92N8e7WWBlbPwATXiBsMBK700_3dQ6Z2VDXyDwtuTykJhGSfLzHIfaoFVhI5gnged8M0CHb09P7fcD3/s1600/IMG_5397.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cup of Love</td></tr>
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I have a feeling that very soon, sheep will be the national animal of Thailand. Everywhere we went adventuring Thailand, there will always be sheep, sheep and more sheep. The Thai flag will most likely be re-designed to have an iconic sheep in it. A Cup of Love, a distinct cafe located along the roads into Khao Yai loaded with cars and crowd. They had a paid in section for visitors to run around with grass held high being chased by a large number of marauding crazy wooly animals. Wonder when will someone get overwhelmed and run over into a pulpy mess making national news. A Cup of Love also featured accommodations which was fully booked over weekends. And there I had A Cup of Espresso, watching in anticipation for the screaming girls to be wrestled down by Shuan the Sheep and then some.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFayXHpS0BdRwJK-7Npi8VAzMu0GqzebLxNSa4S-v0X_dtr2H7_X6bmUpy9lDmbtBwcY-6O3CXkqX0AaUyWnMz23XvGhVGfMzcw_1Z0wt6sBygW9EYQM49Z0oUBBMePI7vuaa/s1600/IMG_5525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFayXHpS0BdRwJK-7Npi8VAzMu0GqzebLxNSa4S-v0X_dtr2H7_X6bmUpy9lDmbtBwcY-6O3CXkqX0AaUyWnMz23XvGhVGfMzcw_1Z0wt6sBygW9EYQM49Z0oUBBMePI7vuaa/s1600/IMG_5525.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister Mushroom</td></tr>
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To stay away from sheep driven domestic violence, there was Mister Mushroom. Yah it was a mushroom farm where we could buy mushroom produce and not be chased by mushroom all over the place. They even made body lotion from mushroom and that I never knew. In fact the creamy white compound truly smelled like mushroom and I wondered, was it really a marinade of some sort placed in the wrong section and mislabeled. Anyway, wife bought it and I am waiting to see if I could harvest mushroom from her body in the morning before she wakes. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GUjqzRImhQz0Uv9bQgOpTKDyXF5CYNV9mOcs-BjQqI7oGAM1srJT_kwwm8Q29YTEGAaxN34EdIzNUzUzM1Gl39JXGi7eUvHqnHfJst5Py9DtHIuQm2Vs5DuUao4vZjBmoFK8/s1600/IMG_5667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GUjqzRImhQz0Uv9bQgOpTKDyXF5CYNV9mOcs-BjQqI7oGAM1srJT_kwwm8Q29YTEGAaxN34EdIzNUzUzM1Gl39JXGi7eUvHqnHfJst5Py9DtHIuQm2Vs5DuUao4vZjBmoFK8/s1600/IMG_5667.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canteen in Khao Yai</td></tr>
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On the return trip, we took the route into Khao Yai and out onto Pak Chong. This beats the mundane drive along the normal roads that lead back to Bangkok. We did have to pay a small entrance fee for entering the national park and it was well worth it. The only dismay, it was a Sunday and the narrow roads were packed with slow cars. There were monkeys along the road begging for food, there were wild deer roaming about. The deer seemed too friendly as we spotted some next to the tents and with the campers trying to reach out to pet them. Interestingly right in the heart of this national park, a large canteen filled with many foreigners, with very large dishes of papaya salad served. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6uApgugH9K6-ezSwN5E3fjhSAS80n5NjMqxnIO3K88GWDwkfykJRRbMgSZiCCjbdsuhrtNgOJ-IjUFGx8nS0slZscN2zo1i6MA5QXDtvFh421JNQ8XBbG4mXQhX4G9K2wAzZ/s1600/IMG_5677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6uApgugH9K6-ezSwN5E3fjhSAS80n5NjMqxnIO3K88GWDwkfykJRRbMgSZiCCjbdsuhrtNgOJ-IjUFGx8nS0slZscN2zo1i6MA5QXDtvFh421JNQ8XBbG4mXQhX4G9K2wAzZ/s1600/IMG_5677.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hew Suwat Waterfall</td></tr>
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Signs directed towards many attractions within, too many waterfalls and viewpoints we did not know which to choose from. Hew Suwat Waterfall, one we had chosen randomly to pay a visit. Required some trekking, required some extreme panting when I had to ascend the steep steps on the return journey till my vision turned black and white. In fact for the many natural attractions in Thailand, they are off the beaten track and the fittest gets the best pictures. For me, I am always longing for the - I can park my car and step out to enjoy the awesome view type. Had we arrived earlier in the morning in Khao Yai, we would have witnessed an epic event - Khao Yai Elephant raped a Car. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijI4i6C-8sPW2iUi3UedN47pdv7PSa8_1s1DJDJdppYPMRUBzOdlWf0bU-yiUKpEsBqMcWJheQwj7FKgdSWEnqUwSQ23LwQGDE-CU1AMKpbitdNjyXOGnPyVHh_mTdgIuVg4K/s1600/IMG_5672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijI4i6C-8sPW2iUi3UedN47pdv7PSa8_1s1DJDJdppYPMRUBzOdlWf0bU-yiUKpEsBqMcWJheQwj7FKgdSWEnqUwSQ23LwQGDE-CU1AMKpbitdNjyXOGnPyVHh_mTdgIuVg4K/s1600/IMG_5672.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Steps Killed Me</td></tr>
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Thailand is amazing indeed, I just have to share what I heard on radio regarding the elephant attack. The elephant approached and mounted the front of the Toyota, and he was swinging his huge penis wildly left and right in front of the wind screen. Then he f**ked the bonnet. There were request from people who offered to buy the damaged bonnet from the car owner (as it was like the first time in the entire history of mankind that a car was actually f**ked by an elephant). The owner refused to sell and also, amazingly decided not to wash the car. He even pointed to the reporter to the section where the giant penis had left the dents and scratch marks (must have been pretty hard huge and powerful erection). He even showed where hairs were still left attached (what hair?????????). <br />
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It is February now this blog of the past month’s travel is created. Jim Thomson farm had closed for the season till the next onset of winter. The hordes of metropolitan visitors up north had thinned to nothing more than speckles in the wide plains. The sun will transcend from her lazy glow to a scorching fireball in the coming months. Days will be longer, the sun sets later. Cool mornings will be a thing of the past and fog marks the change of seasons. The cool holiday chapter had closed for Thailand. The northern folks will be back to their everyday lives, the sheds that targets visitors on many of the mountain markets will ceased. All here look towards the next major festive epoch - the hot and wet Songkran in April.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdaFlMIU628e9FD8njO5bmRwEr2meExg0eJfnnb2Jx3_hsj3Eh43Ifnyc7OhewEHPRI9jP116YQrmnCahoNv2hI5qSKNiiPZ7Pd8u4vD5kpla-oRYM4_h8etO6nxr6IMXx0S5/s1600/IMG_5110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdaFlMIU628e9FD8njO5bmRwEr2meExg0eJfnnb2Jx3_hsj3Eh43Ifnyc7OhewEHPRI9jP116YQrmnCahoNv2hI5qSKNiiPZ7Pd8u4vD5kpla-oRYM4_h8etO6nxr6IMXx0S5/s1600/IMG_5110.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooded Fields beside Jim Thomson Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgLP25stjWL9FwDlduxbBL0meCijE9xkD2GNEoluW1pcSmLD7JQ6y_3N60FeMAISeZKOYk40pjHOf2QoBWNtYtDnSIUMfsICE9QIS2_gWjKe28rd449EAQx8UwiC7_Ni3QRc7/s1600/IMG_5127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgLP25stjWL9FwDlduxbBL0meCijE9xkD2GNEoluW1pcSmLD7JQ6y_3N60FeMAISeZKOYk40pjHOf2QoBWNtYtDnSIUMfsICE9QIS2_gWjKe28rd449EAQx8UwiC7_Ni3QRc7/s1600/IMG_5127.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is the Less of Crowds in January</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKgktD2oBOCUyMbFz40PUSnEO3SIpCHRZaVbzNcWCPwU4mLoeg13mSDiusrrqlJ-8nbI4KqI15kpRGvPsayMU28XwH5x3DQpakhHcNXcsFl_t6_8KgQGD4ggwyKtSr6qq75qA/s1600/IMG_5172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKgktD2oBOCUyMbFz40PUSnEO3SIpCHRZaVbzNcWCPwU4mLoeg13mSDiusrrqlJ-8nbI4KqI15kpRGvPsayMU28XwH5x3DQpakhHcNXcsFl_t6_8KgQGD4ggwyKtSr6qq75qA/s1600/IMG_5172.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wX-Q-0GQatmjWRVCrKjyt7MykP9OL0Cl7ZdcyEo9F5qO1tKEbEoC7zJEtQDhyphenhyphenIsX0U38992l5rfnhb2xVipwgaf250om9rc_OxOxCHIWg0_OAKeB0U_YYe85mT16VWwaZTdY/s1600/IMG_5208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wX-Q-0GQatmjWRVCrKjyt7MykP9OL0Cl7ZdcyEo9F5qO1tKEbEoC7zJEtQDhyphenhyphenIsX0U38992l5rfnhb2xVipwgaf250om9rc_OxOxCHIWg0_OAKeB0U_YYe85mT16VWwaZTdY/s1600/IMG_5208.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It got Quite Hot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44bQiWnH8LP5u6vwzAINI5sKEMYs2FJfe8pHEb-zkgV8bimqT9zKDIct2NcEtwDMJnv-ePUTDpqEAYprLTSa3FuAY0LPSE7jgH2ukoyujkh8vRPm0a2LsAkc_6nm6aCRznu47/s1600/IMG_5225-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44bQiWnH8LP5u6vwzAINI5sKEMYs2FJfe8pHEb-zkgV8bimqT9zKDIct2NcEtwDMJnv-ePUTDpqEAYprLTSa3FuAY0LPSE7jgH2ukoyujkh8vRPm0a2LsAkc_6nm6aCRznu47/s1600/IMG_5225-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isan Village in Jim Thomson Farm</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWyaLfpJl4628DYy_qHYwocCfMrn2KmM1qLlgTAc73EP3oHbKbwVBe7AXU7-D77DP2LVmU22TlrAZLNsvnyq2wSUgISgkoG2t3i24jq-o-OzDXW5q6ZsmR47CoCrRvzo-8FF-/s1600/IMG_5324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWyaLfpJl4628DYy_qHYwocCfMrn2KmM1qLlgTAc73EP3oHbKbwVBe7AXU7-D77DP2LVmU22TlrAZLNsvnyq2wSUgISgkoG2t3i24jq-o-OzDXW5q6ZsmR47CoCrRvzo-8FF-/s1600/IMG_5324.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora Park, Wang Nam Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaYfgc2oTxUzARy95VvRACJ7Q9Mp8x2VJl2iH9qrym9U6_hthKnjShtCAOWOtm1RWiKgWVmlvGW2lPdozIM4hSA6WEYe8lp0CHaIhyphenhypheng0PQ8vvPLmQHgZxZhMWYlk-A_JGBv7k/s1600/IMG_5386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaYfgc2oTxUzARy95VvRACJ7Q9Mp8x2VJl2iH9qrym9U6_hthKnjShtCAOWOtm1RWiKgWVmlvGW2lPdozIM4hSA6WEYe8lp0CHaIhyphenhypheng0PQ8vvPLmQHgZxZhMWYlk-A_JGBv7k/s1600/IMG_5386.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1agdlRQ6Dr3Gn3PS58_Quis1NyZlXUGlPHuPbrYjz9jm1hNkEJ7B1reVl1wa8Yfyg-GnUiaZm1D6np0YasyrG87QHh4hPPWQJlauQZu3MsD5C7e8y18HzWDY8ht44iqB1HlO/s1600/IMG_5407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1agdlRQ6Dr3Gn3PS58_Quis1NyZlXUGlPHuPbrYjz9jm1hNkEJ7B1reVl1wa8Yfyg-GnUiaZm1D6np0YasyrG87QHh4hPPWQJlauQZu3MsD5C7e8y18HzWDY8ht44iqB1HlO/s1600/IMG_5407.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwnR3mXOmTxOpFfWim-paQbAPQEAKbb_5GLInLNVrLbEL_19p0ZXtHYoLkapaDCpJEriBE3N1d5HIY0iQlKcGw5z4n0Ha4a16-DXwzwt0Hzqp7WCgOskf0Nta8KUqU3Kydjez/s1600/IMG_5493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwnR3mXOmTxOpFfWim-paQbAPQEAKbb_5GLInLNVrLbEL_19p0ZXtHYoLkapaDCpJEriBE3N1d5HIY0iQlKcGw5z4n0Ha4a16-DXwzwt0Hzqp7WCgOskf0Nta8KUqU3Kydjez/s1600/IMG_5493.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khao Phaeng Ma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcQFY7EaxQEwh7jr1tp80533cAwXaD8TI1wtU0cpqfgV_8L81YOkOXGYxNx0saFi_TA-m_mNCCpH71AUhtDOZI3_9q2MNvWBllFaqev69vbrDn6BH0ycAQaQdIgn0ICp2T9Dy/s1600/IMG_5507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcQFY7EaxQEwh7jr1tp80533cAwXaD8TI1wtU0cpqfgV_8L81YOkOXGYxNx0saFi_TA-m_mNCCpH71AUhtDOZI3_9q2MNvWBllFaqev69vbrDn6BH0ycAQaQdIgn0ICp2T9Dy/s1600/IMG_5507.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lone Ranger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4spJXIjvkZ4FupdCSmO4XeAn3GA9d35HMoZAu9Dgary9_T2scXXy5BZZjk4fXQwoSR3nM_GptwJOAmxXv2iVPNytrhqx2eA89aMRgJjSlW7OGYazt6LqG1-nWEfzdt2aX-8M/s1600/IMG_5514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4spJXIjvkZ4FupdCSmO4XeAn3GA9d35HMoZAu9Dgary9_T2scXXy5BZZjk4fXQwoSR3nM_GptwJOAmxXv2iVPNytrhqx2eA89aMRgJjSlW7OGYazt6LqG1-nWEfzdt2aX-8M/s1600/IMG_5514.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off the Beaten Track</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTCB-xXt5HAGz1P5eJfkwhzO8sdAy_pFAN4WmlKSnUI7FwjysSnnOWJISGZ6FvMb2r3qhBVnyt9S9jRNDPY6XU0cruWhTMzVFChkTvYJRu8fMPZC158PG4edyQ-Ir0OuoIxx6/s1600/IMG_5532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTCB-xXt5HAGz1P5eJfkwhzO8sdAy_pFAN4WmlKSnUI7FwjysSnnOWJISGZ6FvMb2r3qhBVnyt9S9jRNDPY6XU0cruWhTMzVFChkTvYJRu8fMPZC158PG4edyQ-Ir0OuoIxx6/s1600/IMG_5532.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister Mushroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo7IAMLjJQqMJbbN1Mqq8yfpoDHXrvnl86K-vvQRm_gkwLVmEGEAZieL58nCZzy8n9w9lYwPhgs_Y1nm35wDpOx_gTTX9D5lUxq63sGeMhyphenhyphen1lLlhyphenhyphenHuWzzsxhqw7bssKJrGMs/s1600/IMG_5541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo7IAMLjJQqMJbbN1Mqq8yfpoDHXrvnl86K-vvQRm_gkwLVmEGEAZieL58nCZzy8n9w9lYwPhgs_Y1nm35wDpOx_gTTX9D5lUxq63sGeMhyphenhyphen1lLlhyphenhyphenHuWzzsxhqw7bssKJrGMs/s1600/IMG_5541.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at Veravian</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_jSDjdLu4hHqzK7JyVIM2dT5SA5j0q8HWgefIjnv63SUHxNa5IqdGYPBlJuWNWFssD9DMabN6RmYFJeMJa6U-BJwbBvQNkLfrcmclJl2SjB_B1x9Hxa9_2EoOsYeeoL3yU2c/s1600/IMG_5591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_jSDjdLu4hHqzK7JyVIM2dT5SA5j0q8HWgefIjnv63SUHxNa5IqdGYPBlJuWNWFssD9DMabN6RmYFJeMJa6U-BJwbBvQNkLfrcmclJl2SjB_B1x9Hxa9_2EoOsYeeoL3yU2c/s1600/IMG_5591.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for Wild Buffaloes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtPuXPvDdqq0fnI_ovXgsrqUSLiDqM-d3COsP8UCdzIJCDT9W7EwBbakROU1KW3wQHLdkf-yYyKuOw_qq8z1XW-SSwAyDWCwHB_bvfxXbjM5l23pT60tfHX10pmD84rEWaPVS/s1600/IMG_5613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtPuXPvDdqq0fnI_ovXgsrqUSLiDqM-d3COsP8UCdzIJCDT9W7EwBbakROU1KW3wQHLdkf-yYyKuOw_qq8z1XW-SSwAyDWCwHB_bvfxXbjM5l23pT60tfHX10pmD84rEWaPVS/s1600/IMG_5613.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Buffalo View Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYuDTN2j9G4es9oeH-35FU4tJ4FYEZ5bbHfcxqpUQc0Z5hq8dBRch1Xq5txXQpnHw3GRGms4M61t9RD5mfdl8QynukZF9Oi8NnMVYzSByq4bZu0z4LUSYLMTNIzPR5-5u0PF-/s1600/IMG_5637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYuDTN2j9G4es9oeH-35FU4tJ4FYEZ5bbHfcxqpUQc0Z5hq8dBRch1Xq5txXQpnHw3GRGms4M61t9RD5mfdl8QynukZF9Oi8NnMVYzSByq4bZu0z4LUSYLMTNIzPR5-5u0PF-/s1600/IMG_5637.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvesting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQSjxuTzU6RXUPpoP8DgHGkGvDH2inRK9vuM8V4O7DIIDJ7n6Z0dDFzCpGlIFC6SZiQw_ZSRqwmCLP8TsT1_c1Q2SnmctHNFz5Fb_dV2YMm0YwlhmMp4jbv4lX8aaUBloD_y5/s1600/IMG_5655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQSjxuTzU6RXUPpoP8DgHGkGvDH2inRK9vuM8V4O7DIIDJ7n6Z0dDFzCpGlIFC6SZiQw_ZSRqwmCLP8TsT1_c1Q2SnmctHNFz5Fb_dV2YMm0YwlhmMp4jbv4lX8aaUBloD_y5/s1600/IMG_5655.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Random Cafe we Stopped</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_-sGfvGp68UqxOp6qio8f7zQuNrGlOA2D7t4SL9uPGUzZsW1H5dCTVuKGakfHWTKozIfKgGYVVw3mkC74DgK3yZYphGnRyNGXcqJXvRrEObaW0YSeHWnl0WPTyq6z4YCSMsQ/s1600/IMG_5666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_-sGfvGp68UqxOp6qio8f7zQuNrGlOA2D7t4SL9uPGUzZsW1H5dCTVuKGakfHWTKozIfKgGYVVw3mkC74DgK3yZYphGnRyNGXcqJXvRrEObaW0YSeHWnl0WPTyq6z4YCSMsQ/s1600/IMG_5666.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canteen in Khao Yai</td></tr>
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</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-34700432363384958032015-01-12T21:00:00.000+07:002015-01-16T07:43:49.311+07:00Suan Phueng, for Animal Huggers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Main Attractions - Rabbits</td></tr>
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I went again (<a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2012/11/suan-phueng-sheep-galore.html" target="_blank">was here in 2012</a>), the playing fields for Thais some 2 hours west of Bangkok. A place for hugging sheep, rabbits and now they have alpacas, cats and even wallabies. Unfortunately, just for this particular weekend of December, Mr Sun decided to warm the winter wonderland up a notch. We associate coming to Suan Phueng with the cool winter weather but it was not to be, curses. I found that the good thing about Suan Phueng was that most of the attractions were located far apart, so there won’t be a concentration of cars causing jams like New Year in Chiangmai. And the owners seemed immersed in wealth beyond normal folks because the attractions and resorts always sprawl over several rais of land. That said, large areas meant no crowd and no kids head banged my crotch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting Dolls</td></tr>
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I saw dolls, giant scary black dolls. One had equally huge black boobs and red nipples. We just had to stop there, who wouldn’t be curious about red nipples? It was one of the many stuffed toys factory outlets where it is said, they were there because of the numerous factories producing them in Ratchaburi. It was a huge outlet and interestingly, kids are attracted to toys but there were none there. Giant red nipples terrifies kids, pink ones attract men and red ones on black boobs, the curious. Crates of toys, from Doraemon to Spongebob, they were all there. Some looked rather odd and deformed, some I had no idea what they were. The tags attached to them had big names and they were going cheap. So we succumbed to temptation and loaded some into our trunk. And then we were on our way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory Resort</td></tr>
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Our first destination was visiting Morning Glory Resort, that we stayed 2 years back. They had developed much. The enclosed pasture for rabbits had been redone and was finely constructed compared to back when it was more makeshift and not too pleasing. We had cakes and tea by the bakery house, and watched a husky running around the outside the enclosure, the owner comically chasing him down. I had heaps of rabbit feed with me, those left behind by my late pet who decided to go to heaven one fine day not too long ago. And so we fed the rabbits and gave the rest away to the resort. It was a pleasant morning, a tad of sadness as I recalled the years spent with my late bunny. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvdPlMxeQQ2kwqkMo_dE3U0DmrUzIXug1YfePXpC5toRDo3RG_BklSYldgQWZvnQ5l4jGPgBe6TQ9F3oKohxzwsWae4xJykmtzx9B5CI17YQT78m_BXjPGqH3Z83VxRLy2OJ5/s1600/IMG_4461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvdPlMxeQQ2kwqkMo_dE3U0DmrUzIXug1YfePXpC5toRDo3RG_BklSYldgQWZvnQ5l4jGPgBe6TQ9F3oKohxzwsWae4xJykmtzx9B5CI17YQT78m_BXjPGqH3Z83VxRLy2OJ5/s1600/IMG_4461.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.... and more Rabbits...</td></tr>
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Rabbit Bloom just by Vento, a new attraction we stopped next. Their rabbit farm was huge compare to most other attractions of the same nature. The critters were well taken care of, ample shades provided so that they won’t die of heat stroke in summer. Many places that leveraged on the cuteness of rabbits to make money often neglect and just exploit them. These are rabbits, not fishes where you release by mass into a pool and leave them to their own device. Vento had cages to keep the sick rabbits, I could tell they puts effort in really taking care of them cute bunnies. We pet them, we cuddled them, we took pictures with them. We watched them chased each other around their large playgrounds and we watched some humped, the parents tried to explain to their kids the birds and the bees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFA3Vtsyz9QcXnTyL-1cX6-WhyphenhyphenSR7tzUDlPGRnLZl5dfiqBVUdCtlgL2ElCFBzAiHcKjPOjxrEFrYwBUQC6fmp8h0C5VwFjunyFkudmpimrUtb-bC3o7G9ANDyfYeHyBJwKQ5/s1600/IMG_4487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFA3Vtsyz9QcXnTyL-1cX6-WhyphenhyphenSR7tzUDlPGRnLZl5dfiqBVUdCtlgL2ElCFBzAiHcKjPOjxrEFrYwBUQC6fmp8h0C5VwFjunyFkudmpimrUtb-bC3o7G9ANDyfYeHyBJwKQ5/s1600/IMG_4487.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vento</td></tr>
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And to Vento it was next, like many other themed attractions springing up all over Thailand, shops, huge compound, and lovely whitish blue structures. Yet another place for heaps of selfies. There were eateries within, a place to dine or a place to coffee. They featured a huge lake where you could paddle them water tricycles, and your wife into the water. Into the distance the huge tall hills, the setting of most Suan Phueng’s venues. And like most, we had to pay and entrance fee to get in. <br />
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Lunch was at Im Plern, no entrance fee, crowded and popular she was. The food was good, the price was reasonable, and they have an artificial lake full of fishes for one to feed and kick irritating noisy kids in. We drove past this restaurant several times, and it was always crowded even when darkness fell. Her popularity speaks for itself, the rows of cars and the swarming big bike gangs, they all came for a pleasant meal. One of the better eateries in Suan Phueng. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W5V5hnYCxHWfzOabhidbaGiRT-qehyphenhyphenWAHOqTYu_alUeLeoWMWpyULZlSO1V6SDN1EdEFbVlSWO2g6n2USmhYs_kG1JpPzX0s9bMDpV6qbw1kZ04f5fbIsLqevYGZlBAJ5-pn/s1600/IMG_4534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W5V5hnYCxHWfzOabhidbaGiRT-qehyphenhyphenWAHOqTYu_alUeLeoWMWpyULZlSO1V6SDN1EdEFbVlSWO2g6n2USmhYs_kG1JpPzX0s9bMDpV6qbw1kZ04f5fbIsLqevYGZlBAJ5-pn/s1600/IMG_4534.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wave of Sheep</td></tr>
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The Scenery Resort & Farm, a place I went, a place I re-visited. The usual buy a bunch of grass and tug of war with them sheep fun. The usual wondering on why the poo of sheep looks glossy round and dark like huge coffee beans. You have to come at about 5pm, they let the sheep out back into their barn. A sight to remember, the stampeding horde. Only during the evening near closure time the display will be on. The farm was booked for a wedding, the guest soon arrived dressed in their best. The compound was a heaven for them, the clicks of shutters and into memory lane the occasion was etched. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDtUZlnerBTtZGANwsklc2WopwQrQ79aWpFr0VzxDcjmghE7K6FJ77gU9lq-UkzVAqq52E6nSqDhxGXlfujJcmYkTiM7rAyGg4vhoyQf7t2zIcQO7Z5jgOxxrcSVcg2cZYRef/s1600/IMG_4539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDtUZlnerBTtZGANwsklc2WopwQrQ79aWpFr0VzxDcjmghE7K6FJ77gU9lq-UkzVAqq52E6nSqDhxGXlfujJcmYkTiM7rAyGg4vhoyQf7t2zIcQO7Z5jgOxxrcSVcg2cZYRef/s1600/IMG_4539.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aristo - Don't Ever Stay Here!</td></tr>
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Our resort we picked, Aristo Chic Resort & Farm. After my stay, I would label it Aristo Cheap Resort & Farm going at Expensive Rates. My stay was not pleasant. A Jacuzzi tub that was not working and the view of construction right out the front of my room. Instead of scattered sheep, there was an excavator that moved left and right in my full view. Oh yeah, and it was complemented by a scatter of construction workers. The meadows… what meadows? There was only dust and sand dug up all over. Coupled with bad services, I say no no to anyone that is to come. Trip Advisor review under <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1028727-d3313582-r247575635-Aristo_Chic_Resort_and_Farm-Ratchaburi_Ratchaburi_Province.html" target="_blank">“Never trust the Picture, They had a good Photographer”</a> I submitted, go read it and see how bad it was. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-W8Az1c1lEAg0-EOER-EVF6OqSvwln1v5_wjn2qxBtm1Hw7eXEaSbFBcqyrhSWjZLuXdMl793c5hs9gC3yB6QCoeBZ3H5gW3_TyIeqb67lJyw99E-ehZU54aAd9FbLtkv5HZ5/s1600/IMG_4581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-W8Az1c1lEAg0-EOER-EVF6OqSvwln1v5_wjn2qxBtm1Hw7eXEaSbFBcqyrhSWjZLuXdMl793c5hs9gC3yB6QCoeBZ3H5gW3_TyIeqb67lJyw99E-ehZU54aAd9FbLtkv5HZ5/s1600/IMG_4581.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpaca</td></tr>
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And the next day to Alpaca Hill we went, a massive petting zoo of sorts. Go early, late there did be a crowd and animals will run from you. I don’t know about the child labor laws in Thailand, but the place was run by many tiny Burmese kids ushering us left right and briefing us on how to handle the fauna. I found it funny when they said do not ride the giant tortoise, it made me really want to do so. Alpaca Hill had for sure Alpacas. Not to come to them from behind I was told, or my balls would be kicked so hard that they need to be surgically re-inflated. Not to pet them on the head, or they will spit a load of saliva into your face they said. There were rules of engagement everywhere, but they were for the good of the animals. There were cats, there were rats, the hamsters and the chinchillas. There were peacocks, there were definitely rabbits, and even a chicken coop where you could pick fresh eggs. A place a sure to visit if Suan Phueng a place you had not done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQLf1KFnHaVg3HSLO8aI2jhvusvDcwEZ9Y5e9ZmH8-HM1cG0GDG6i_zEXWZLqW5ZPj9DCFWfkEFXEqPWg3fgX2ww6IL-jV3DILeaCSxZ6MiPIz5caH6wc7OZrW7c3FXc9j6m3/s1600/IMG_4385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQLf1KFnHaVg3HSLO8aI2jhvusvDcwEZ9Y5e9ZmH8-HM1cG0GDG6i_zEXWZLqW5ZPj9DCFWfkEFXEqPWg3fgX2ww6IL-jV3DILeaCSxZ6MiPIz5caH6wc7OZrW7c3FXc9j6m3/s1600/IMG_4385.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crates and Crates of Them</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5CgrwhQCLknbkJY0RvxkPouH_8BfHHZy6R3XInru814lyGvVTNR2HDQwYIk40s9ZHEC3YynWc_FggJLFrpoYp8ANa5M3hCQfbQqhTi6V-11-OnpLjJvX7ZH7QsP2SCsclAoa/s1600/IMG_4394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5CgrwhQCLknbkJY0RvxkPouH_8BfHHZy6R3XInru814lyGvVTNR2HDQwYIk40s9ZHEC3YynWc_FggJLFrpoYp8ANa5M3hCQfbQqhTi6V-11-OnpLjJvX7ZH7QsP2SCsclAoa/s1600/IMG_4394.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we Bought Some</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnBOYsjeg-dUfHfI88vHj20JzS9MXqAUZg3TsB0GoC8TCmZMioHzGf4fX5XY6bejblMmHXp1NYSOLMhN_RjJohA2QuaE1RwML3f6VYT1bfNA-3tV-sbTDElt1RRONCve0j8WW/s1600/IMG_4387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnBOYsjeg-dUfHfI88vHj20JzS9MXqAUZg3TsB0GoC8TCmZMioHzGf4fX5XY6bejblMmHXp1NYSOLMhN_RjJohA2QuaE1RwML3f6VYT1bfNA-3tV-sbTDElt1RRONCve0j8WW/s1600/IMG_4387.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It will drive you Crazy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_psjlLDLLycFHelWAUCFa0RU_GOyMKdNdF0FKfhngFfcLpHwSYNLGmqHDdS9A68w9gH6VdE9hgveSoc9HG021lctmwgmr7A5sblDObMD7YKNe31udnNkZ8-hj20uCixUOz1/s1600/IMG_4391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_psjlLDLLycFHelWAUCFa0RU_GOyMKdNdF0FKfhngFfcLpHwSYNLGmqHDdS9A68w9gH6VdE9hgveSoc9HG021lctmwgmr7A5sblDObMD7YKNe31udnNkZ8-hj20uCixUOz1/s1600/IMG_4391.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaps of Doreamon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJZ6da0NbTCEE6yyIH8jZH5JSeHUxEl5kRxBzTXVk3A_0ZuL389LJkrnfCp659xgtqpMKOqVyE7l3pC39GgA49s2XXq9XU9s2x6MFEehsXIVgLFg12xOXxxwKpoBRkmuA2XWZ/s1600/IMG_4441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJZ6da0NbTCEE6yyIH8jZH5JSeHUxEl5kRxBzTXVk3A_0ZuL389LJkrnfCp659xgtqpMKOqVyE7l3pC39GgA49s2XXq9XU9s2x6MFEehsXIVgLFg12xOXxxwKpoBRkmuA2XWZ/s1600/IMG_4441.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bakery in Morning Glory Resort</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDfhgsbQ4qTnLhH_tR7ehyphenhyphenrZnHR6Igv5tUby0lqUIbzAsB1Fcihdv908c-ngP3LV9VJ8Z8XD2PvYrvneUjBr4oGiW3T783RYWud_qz95NJTvdPqZ0etuGvKVcPA3bZ2gv-qkR/s1600/IMG_4493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDfhgsbQ4qTnLhH_tR7ehyphenhyphenrZnHR6Igv5tUby0lqUIbzAsB1Fcihdv908c-ngP3LV9VJ8Z8XD2PvYrvneUjBr4oGiW3T783RYWud_qz95NJTvdPqZ0etuGvKVcPA3bZ2gv-qkR/s1600/IMG_4493.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vento's Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBb9hVf7iZ90okoOi2Uj6KCIQhuV3muJntIgKF81hHcXgQnmP9nXBo27QVoWUPj404D0ULoGb0RWY_a5gUwrUN9qXP1famiquQBHLmp18RvFcE9jEPeNBsHULc7d6GpkX3kEY/s1600/IMG_4501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBb9hVf7iZ90okoOi2Uj6KCIQhuV3muJntIgKF81hHcXgQnmP9nXBo27QVoWUPj404D0ULoGb0RWY_a5gUwrUN9qXP1famiquQBHLmp18RvFcE9jEPeNBsHULc7d6GpkX3kEY/s1600/IMG_4501.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilly Backdrop</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z9D4szpMPFDqz4HNnD-Fr9fHU42A8d3kQ-OjXGq2b7Myer7lqsvXwvQeMuby9NyGOYEJXazH9-EzMqrvInDzoqgWkCPP1EATmf3ABaSKLjI8mjusjtRJdt2klPJy8fYCxZjq/s1600/IMG_4504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z9D4szpMPFDqz4HNnD-Fr9fHU42A8d3kQ-OjXGq2b7Myer7lqsvXwvQeMuby9NyGOYEJXazH9-EzMqrvInDzoqgWkCPP1EATmf3ABaSKLjI8mjusjtRJdt2klPJy8fYCxZjq/s1600/IMG_4504.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Im Plern where we had Lunch</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVzpK2gIZOckwuv8kxPVG5ZzfCU0yOPhEuIrW5Dn4ecqnE-WaCq6N0-XpPnWQ6EKSaHuz5V8JIKskGPTxsAl4ER22G4zJDzvJ47kMQnas0M743EsjUjRMKbmnSZj9DWnuY9Ku/s1600/IMG_4546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVzpK2gIZOckwuv8kxPVG5ZzfCU0yOPhEuIrW5Dn4ecqnE-WaCq6N0-XpPnWQ6EKSaHuz5V8JIKskGPTxsAl4ER22G4zJDzvJ47kMQnas0M743EsjUjRMKbmnSZj9DWnuY9Ku/s1600/IMG_4546.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ATV Activities</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o9ANCxPICzUZB0wROvw_yHVtCoY-ec_Ik3ezvJZdKgL0bdSdyc-KtzXjgAsud3KJ8pCYXywQsNleEbVdZaR8IVWUszVlJKfodPbQiVrtRLyPIjubhBwfKsKt7LPNzaNdyxXB/s1600/IMG_4547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o9ANCxPICzUZB0wROvw_yHVtCoY-ec_Ik3ezvJZdKgL0bdSdyc-KtzXjgAsud3KJ8pCYXywQsNleEbVdZaR8IVWUszVlJKfodPbQiVrtRLyPIjubhBwfKsKt7LPNzaNdyxXB/s1600/IMG_4547.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campers in Suan Phueng</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgOjQh5g1jn6kxHdaCDE_M73DY1yuSWtcjccImww8jfFp5wgHacONiY0jPmtse6YUYPNpEH5Puvv0tF9p-Ef2pACclJKmFY1JVg_pHM-ScIPgxWBt3HaqZzU4NSp0D-fgGRof/s1600/IMG_4551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgOjQh5g1jn6kxHdaCDE_M73DY1yuSWtcjccImww8jfFp5wgHacONiY0jPmtse6YUYPNpEH5Puvv0tF9p-Ef2pACclJKmFY1JVg_pHM-ScIPgxWBt3HaqZzU4NSp0D-fgGRof/s1600/IMG_4551.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were many Vineyards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEJjm1EzooTY1BjFHA5ZXq-Sx-a3EffniNFlUsQ5eTqYG6rio3IadmAsBUTwz_AuO0saJaCjc_yOV4D21fOsRUOGZEKhAPIFJVhDx1R9auKZmt_wKJdYkHpYCPtF3zn5mJ2kY/s1600/IMG_4588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEJjm1EzooTY1BjFHA5ZXq-Sx-a3EffniNFlUsQ5eTqYG6rio3IadmAsBUTwz_AuO0saJaCjc_yOV4D21fOsRUOGZEKhAPIFJVhDx1R9auKZmt_wKJdYkHpYCPtF3zn5mJ2kY/s1600/IMG_4588.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rats... Rodents.. etc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9fjtdFSsEFjhMa2JrDyvkKO4bvKFDYezTiiseIJjwHknomSpdgddWAV8QsdwY_Re768rv2JdIpP-r1RXMAHezNI6dgcEkDFp4L_EFm48ap6OjLeNaVGVeWoVUtoZBIxWq7rl/s1600/IMG_4589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9fjtdFSsEFjhMa2JrDyvkKO4bvKFDYezTiiseIJjwHknomSpdgddWAV8QsdwY_Re768rv2JdIpP-r1RXMAHezNI6dgcEkDFp4L_EFm48ap6OjLeNaVGVeWoVUtoZBIxWq7rl/s1600/IMG_4589.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Child Guides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmp12Vw_mPEcXz4yWSiiEZvUdwnl3iXnRHcL8OWWnh5jUFcWsReGL8JmeLVDUUJFoIvDYYlHiBvxvb4LnlEuuGeg7LRIm9s-L6GF4U8uqH9X0Xob0C1AF-cx_U-sKe_MxzXcX/s1600/IMG_4619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmp12Vw_mPEcXz4yWSiiEZvUdwnl3iXnRHcL8OWWnh5jUFcWsReGL8JmeLVDUUJFoIvDYYlHiBvxvb4LnlEuuGeg7LRIm9s-L6GF4U8uqH9X0Xob0C1AF-cx_U-sKe_MxzXcX/s1600/IMG_4619.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wallaby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5ZZo-onDUcMgiTmxmluhNmM5s5avIJxHXTWdv7l2_5FpwZKwVm6lay5pRjtc76QZ8ov1-yA19KFVJGN8zWZsdtJTf6RGAFPizjMrtSLi5pgJOOKknjezl1VSVe87tJG6O1UV/s1600/IMG_4636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5ZZo-onDUcMgiTmxmluhNmM5s5avIJxHXTWdv7l2_5FpwZKwVm6lay5pRjtc76QZ8ov1-yA19KFVJGN8zWZsdtJTf6RGAFPizjMrtSLi5pgJOOKknjezl1VSVe87tJG6O1UV/s1600/IMG_4636.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep in Alpaca View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com4Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi, Thailand13.6001064 99.32292129999996213.1061144 98.677474299999957 14.0940984 99.968368299999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-72591747716237924702014-12-28T11:37:00.000+07:002014-12-28T11:37:00.487+07:00Wora Bura, I remember your Spa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyjo510GiHgCtoCz0IWw5s8igDlrRiOX-1TbeJd4qxtU4wW5BXPs9NdFwBUUZOq3rpx9YgEbQ5eTwx6wehfvZ3CzlBl4Fu7Fuckn3gB33GhWUWntSvnVhhC1sj1HyRmFk8xmG/s1600/IMG_3003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyjo510GiHgCtoCz0IWw5s8igDlrRiOX-1TbeJd4qxtU4wW5BXPs9NdFwBUUZOq3rpx9YgEbQ5eTwx6wehfvZ3CzlBl4Fu7Fuckn3gB33GhWUWntSvnVhhC1sj1HyRmFk8xmG/s1600/IMG_3003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the Beach</td></tr>
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On arrival early in the morning, we contacted the Spa for our pre-booked session knowing that we will not be able to check into our rooms until after 12. Spas, they all smell alike, the aroma of an entire lemon grass forest squeezed into a tiny space, it was pleasant. Rooms, rustic with a heavy touch from the colonial era. The polished handles of water taps that had rounded knobs, reminiscence of eras gone by. Two massage beds with holes for your face and always that mysterious bowl with orchids directly below. The next room featured a large Jacuzzi tub and a shower. And where the hissing was coming from, the steam bath in yet another adjacent room. Our package started with a 15 minutes steam bath to get our pores working. I would have preferred a proper bath before my spa, but it was not part of the course. So my perspiration and stickiness plus the steam were not at all too comfortable for me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spa Underwear</td></tr>
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Oh, there it was again, the peculiar black genderless underwear. We put that on before what followed next, being scrubbed from top to bottom in grounded coffee beans for 15 minutes. What was the therapeutic nature of the coffee I had no idea, but it felt good when my back was rubbed. Masseur however, did not rub between my butt cracks, and sides of scrotum. Those were no-touch zones. As the intense scrubbing continued, I was flipped over for more till I nearly dozed off to the constant sound of how you rub salt on a fish. I was being marinated and what almost always followed next is into a baking oven. Since cremation was not part of the spa treatment, we were told to bath ourselves. That’s where I used the residual coffee all over my body for the butt crack and sides of scrotum. <br />
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45 minutes of aromatic massage. Marinated again, in the lavender oil I had chosen previously. I told my masseur to focus on my palms and aching lower back from countless hours of desk bound computer work. I soon succumbed to slumber as the masseur worked on my back. And when I was awoken gently to flip, I was drooling down that face hole. That was when I knew the purpose the bowl filled with flowers below every massage bed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfALNIKRguzZFFkMcAci3goc5zt4FUSd1SnXGuJXZMX8KAFERY0u8CnEUeHxhP2KLcDMX3Ws0NJfXkSGs5nhltwE3I0Bumzkd4WZZAnFXwNQsbh6efMykdvft6qYsOVBFNgNr/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfALNIKRguzZFFkMcAci3goc5zt4FUSd1SnXGuJXZMX8KAFERY0u8CnEUeHxhP2KLcDMX3Ws0NJfXkSGs5nhltwE3I0Bumzkd4WZZAnFXwNQsbh6efMykdvft6qYsOVBFNgNr/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zoo</td></tr>
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Our rooms were ready at 2 after our lunch. Well matching the price paid for and instilled with wooden styled furniture of mainly dark wood. A large bathtub looked into our bedroom separated by wooden window sills we could close. A change into swimwear and to the pool I went, who wouldn’t want a lazy afternoon under the salt laden Hua Hin sun. Everyone did and literally everyone. The pool was a zoo, of screaming children and Thais immersed fully clothed. As with all other resorts here during the weekend, it has always been a zoo. The pool was big and perpendicular to the sea. There was a poolside bar, it was deserted. At the end of the pool facing the sea, it overlooked a bar with a variety of alcohol laid out tasteful in a row, ready for mixing into concoctions of sinful cocktail. After some pool time, the earlier than normal dusk arrived, the so called “Thai winter” season had set in. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamboon by the Hotel Beach</td></tr>
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Food wise, dinner was not too impressive for my palate. I have had better hotel food. It was a company dinner and so the reason I was dining there. In Hua Hin, you just gotta have seafood cheap and good around town. In the morning, breakfast was impressive. Wide varied and appetizing. It was also when I discovered the official time for Thais to have breakfast nationwide was between 8.45 and 9. Even King Nareasuan did not have a place to sit. I saw the actor who played King Naresuan, I did not know his real name. So, be early for breakfast on weekends before the crowd sets in. A pleasant stay in all, avoid weekends if can.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough Seas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swing under the Vines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Room</td></tr>
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Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Wora Bora12.530163459014679 99.97031878308098412.526288459014678 99.965276283080982 12.534038459014679 99.975361283080986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-41947714938573001782014-12-26T10:09:00.001+07:002014-12-26T11:53:08.967+07:00Hua Hin I-Am-On-Vacation Syndrome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling Out at Hua Hin</td></tr>
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Hua Hin does beat all places in surrounding Bangkok to top herself as the number one dress pretty and walk around to be seen destination. Bangkokians who travelled there looked like they came out from Esprit’s summer fashion posters. They dressed pretty to be seen eating as gingerly as possible on English cakes or cookies. They also feature that raised pinky when sipping from English teacups both men, women and the undefined.<br />
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Bangkokians can also been seen in their fancy I-Am-On-Vacation outfits near any inanimate object that had a hint of I-Am-On-Vacation in them such as the road signs, that old bicycle and always the bright red letter box. For some reasons, they are always attracted to letter boxes. It is believed that Bangkokians on vacation ritually wear the same I-Am-On-Vacation outfit into bed so that the next morning, the first thing they do is a selfie and a post to Facebook and Instagram. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle East ain;t It?</td></tr>
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Anyway, it had been near to a year since my last Hua Hin trip. We left early, very early at just before 7 and reached in 2 hours. It was wise to do so. Saturdays are when Bangkokians make their mass pilgrimage to the seaside town. Any later and it would have taken 4 or even 5 hours to reach our destination. Stayed at Wora Bura, it was a good hotel, but pricey. Colonial styled she was and that added uniqueness of sorts to our stay. Hua Hin had changed much. On this trip we discovered that Camel Republic had sprang up. The Middle Eastern influence had arrived in this seaside town. Great magnet for seflies in I-Am-On-Vacation outfits. We had to pay get in, so we did not. <br />
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For good cheap live seafood picked from buckets and have their lives BBQed painfully outta them for our enjoyment, it would normally had been the shores of Cha Am. But we found a new place this time round. And it was the area around Khao Takiap where a small peak of a granite hill with a temple on top extended out to sea. Laid on the outcrop facing the sea, a restaurant. I think the whole town was there for lunch. So we went elsewhere. The fishing boats were all moored along the dock alongside the road leading in. The fresh catches were laid out for purchase in concentration denser than those in Cha Am. Opposite the road that divided, the row of many simple restaurants that produced a wide array of gastronomy from the fishermen’s catch. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilaiwan Interior</td></tr>
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And to Wilaiwan for lunch. Nice cottage styled restaurant, yet another picturesque venue for I-Am-On-Vacation pinkie raised tea sipping. I was skeptical if the food was as good as the place looked. I took my skepticism back when I had a mouthful of the spaghetti that had dried tomatoes, bacon and grinded basil which made the dish green. Spectacular, if it can be a word for taste. That was what I would call that awesome creation. The Wagyu burger was not at all too bad, but I did not know how much of a Wagyu cow was actually in that patty. Many Thai restaurants had gotten to know of the new Wagyu word and are profusely acquainting their dishes with it. It was just like when everyone was going nano this and nano that. There was nothing nano about those products, other than naturally occurring nano bacteria. Anyway, the burger was cooked right, had that trait of juiciness within and the searing on the surface I liked. The French Fries that accompanied was aromatic in flavor, not your average fries done in normal cooking oil. Till this day I wondered, what did Wilaiwan fried them in. There was this red mysterious BBQ powder of some sort sprinkled over them which made the taste even more dazzling. Wilaiwan tasted as good as she looked. Not every themed restaurant in this country I know can achieve that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hua Hin Hill Vineyard</td></tr>
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And then there was Hua Hin Hill Vineyard. Food was not impressive at all. I had the spicy bacon spaghetti. Home delivered spaghetti from The Pizza Company actually tasted better. This vineyard was located deep within the mountain range westwards and she was pretty isolated. She produces what is known as new latitude wines (aka, wines produced in the wrong climate). There was a crowd at the wine tasting station, girls accessorized like a Christmas tree in their long flow white dresses, again the I-Am-On-Vacation syndrome where iPhones and Samsungs were heavily involved. The vineyard offered elephant rides among the grape vines and I bet the huge chunks of elephant dung are use to fertilize them grapes. I did not know how good these wines were, but the last encounter with such wines by a seasoned drinker was - “please put this wine away”. Still, maybe things had changed just like how Hua Hin had evolved, and Thais had figured out the art of wine making. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone Monk on the Beach</td></tr>
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Hua Hin is now filled with so many attractions. With 2 artificial floating markets now and many more artificially inseminated cultural sites such as Santorini, I wonder how long more will it be before the Pyramids of Egypt are plagiarized there. A relative of mine from Singapore who visited said “only the blue and white colors looked like Santorini she visited”. She was not too impressed with her stay in this seaside town. However, to many, Hua Hun is a place still to get excited for. For me, she is a pleasant stone’s throw away from city life. To be in a pool surrounded by clear skies not obstructed by tall buildings, the sound of the reverberating sea to accompany.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool in Wora Bura</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Catch at Khao Takiap</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street of Khao Takiap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi141BhLz_i_1LuOZAxhmTeTXaH_yhqrmQi8UCUL5letyuf35NZPadE5EXKAvAhvA5x_oj13fGxZCfVewXQ1e97nvPPByOvgF-Nmzt9VMhm24kR97yqSPIkXxv3kmhVtMzwVBoX/s1600/IMG_3017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi141BhLz_i_1LuOZAxhmTeTXaH_yhqrmQi8UCUL5letyuf35NZPadE5EXKAvAhvA5x_oj13fGxZCfVewXQ1e97nvPPByOvgF-Nmzt9VMhm24kR97yqSPIkXxv3kmhVtMzwVBoX/s1600/IMG_3017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where our food Comes From</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd8cESCUEslBw8vOBzGUEX3MWGZey-2PdZwECY5jXWndpbbrMs428D0397stD7_tz0wthyWzCSssgwiEeTZRusVXX0RDrCr-Ee-RJ_-gI_km9_mYYQYUQq3Bf61QltjbYOkFH/s1600/IMG_3019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd8cESCUEslBw8vOBzGUEX3MWGZey-2PdZwECY5jXWndpbbrMs428D0397stD7_tz0wthyWzCSssgwiEeTZRusVXX0RDrCr-Ee-RJ_-gI_km9_mYYQYUQq3Bf61QltjbYOkFH/s1600/IMG_3019.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along Khao Takiap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoVuO2WtlXjChvIi1lfOnK7kOh1uCbJHDKqzcWYoMXkm5N_02AntgeXzKPiioPivjZxjtzXpyMcoqjBBhjLJ4XYTL58c6gHYbAyejVNlysBUKrd5Db6G4EHE7H_Ba0f5u-MnO/s1600/IMG_3020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoVuO2WtlXjChvIi1lfOnK7kOh1uCbJHDKqzcWYoMXkm5N_02AntgeXzKPiioPivjZxjtzXpyMcoqjBBhjLJ4XYTL58c6gHYbAyejVNlysBUKrd5Db6G4EHE7H_Ba0f5u-MnO/s1600/IMG_3020.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats at Khao Takiap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfg_woRHX7vHGMUWj3-eKZ_C_yUnnb3lwillA6YPq0bJrk7gEeJuMpUmbXacdyubJNRAV3Y-H5ZDZsbs2wPgKmc8EGZw1KHA1CZ0XZO1YOE_SzEorIlVZGTfVEadtMbUn3rmZ/s1600/IMG_3088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfg_woRHX7vHGMUWj3-eKZ_C_yUnnb3lwillA6YPq0bJrk7gEeJuMpUmbXacdyubJNRAV3Y-H5ZDZsbs2wPgKmc8EGZw1KHA1CZ0XZO1YOE_SzEorIlVZGTfVEadtMbUn3rmZ/s1600/IMG_3088.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wora Bora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDh7sm1Ha3O0Yya8IhyqPdkTFNin1b6jRKwKnJCRbW9_54adoOT1llUnN9ruWQ12CiWUdoK2wkLIl962HIuiqyinuF26TbABBf3bhtHshwUxMocvvMcNmyJAy_KVDCz095LHW/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDh7sm1Ha3O0Yya8IhyqPdkTFNin1b6jRKwKnJCRbW9_54adoOT1llUnN9ruWQ12CiWUdoK2wkLIl962HIuiqyinuF26TbABBf3bhtHshwUxMocvvMcNmyJAy_KVDCz095LHW/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" height="320" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilaiwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com2Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand12.5683747 99.95768880000002812.4444007 99.79632730000003 12.6923487 100.11905030000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-87089660282517694222014-09-21T09:39:00.000+07:002014-09-23T09:01:47.496+07:00Floating about in Khao Sok<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panvaree Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was off the grid. It was off everything in fact. No GSM signal, we were out of touch with the world. Not a bad thing really the 3 days I was there at Panvaree Resort, floating lodges on a vast artificial lake behind a dam. They had two generators, one diesel and the other petrol driven. And to drive the air conditioner in up to 2 units while on partial occupancy, they burnt 20 over liters of petrol from 5pm to 9am the next morning. When all her 12 units were occupied, Panvaree ran the diesel brother, and it burnt 80 liters. No wonder the resorts in Khao Sok were expensive, everything from food to petrol, needed to be couriered by boats. There came a narrow wooden boat enough for one just after sunrise, he was selling pork dumplings and fried Chinese dough. <br />
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In the day time it got hot. Windless at times and humidity naturally high, about the only thing to do other then bath ourselves a hundred times over was to jump into the lake. Below beyond where my legs threaded water, an abyss of deep blue green. It was 60 meters to the lake floor I was told. Not my idea of relaxation although I love the water. Because, when one does not see bottom and with a bit of uncontrolled imagination, ancient giant monsters, grey swirling tentacles. Fear, shrank the size of my testicles. I did not like it too, where accidentally should into the water my iPhone fell, I could not see and retrieve it neither. Our guide, in the midst of this laughter, his walkie-talkie took the plunge. It was followed immediately by a much larger panic plunge of himself diving after. It was too late. If only they had made walkie-talkies that floats. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0gBukeR23uSuUFyFUu8lZ0NgezD-256OcOCucRQ2sAQwXiJs3i82gaEFOEkjsQRXOD2f-2jAbhzdbR2fjUJdux5g7PWdI73dMQlR_gUUKyfDaeYvLvt88qVftPYL6MCOPX7i/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0gBukeR23uSuUFyFUu8lZ0NgezD-256OcOCucRQ2sAQwXiJs3i82gaEFOEkjsQRXOD2f-2jAbhzdbR2fjUJdux5g7PWdI73dMQlR_gUUKyfDaeYvLvt88qVftPYL6MCOPX7i/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It did get bored at times, all cooped up on a small resort isolated. Canoed, jumped in the lake, those were all there was to do. Kinda felt like Singapore in a way, limited landmass, living out in confined space. Walked to the restaurant for free tea, walked back to our unit. Climbed the ladder to the sleeping quarters beneath the ceiling but could not nap because it was an oven. Every unit has the capacity to sleep four. 2 on the big bed below, and 2 above where the oven I mentioned was. The marauding crowd that came the next day, Saturday, however could not care less about that. Some units slept more than four to max out whatever they had paid for. I was waiting for their unit to overturn like an iceberg and capsize. <br />
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While we were there on Friday, we had the whole resort to ourselves. The staffs were friendly, our dinner was truly enjoyable. Meal was followed later on by drinking and chit chats with the staffs. We learnt some were natives of Khao Sok whose villages went underwater when the dam was built. Others came from far away provinces to work in the hospitality segment waiting tables and as a tour guide. The water deep dark and still, the occasional pleasant breeze blew into the tungsten tinted restaurant. In the pauses between chats, the songs of insects, an occasional firefly blinked green in the darkness of night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While it was still Quiet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Saturday was noisy compared to the Friday I had arrived. If it is peace you want, weekdays will be the time to go. Serenity, tranquility, steam floated from my hot tea in the early morning of sunrise before breakfast was served. Notebook opened, faced the mountain range, fantastic concentration punching keys making my presentation for the work week to come. That was only till later at 10 when the full crowd arrived. As usual, it began with exploring the tiny property, then the selfie shots, the feeding of fishes and then the looking for some corner to relax and literally melt in the heat and humidity. Inherent to Thai culture is alcohol. Heavy bellied businessmen took on a table and left their wives and kids to auto roam. They started drinking just after arrival and all the way over lunch and dinner into the after dark. What else was there to do for them I guessed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Greenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In our package, there included a trip to coral cave. Into the long tail boat we hopped and our favorite boatman took us into the lake. Still recovering from his hangover drinking with us the night before, he made our journey very entertaining as he joked and chatted along the whole way. He stopped when he observed me focusing hard on subjects to shoot, he was pleasant, a good photographer’s friend. If Eddie Murphy had a half brother from a Thai mother, it would be our boatman. They way he spoke, the way he spewed out the stand up jokes, they way our boatman naturally was. That smile with a twitch of impending mischief.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting off the Raft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had to trek a long distance into an enclosed lake. That body of water was connected to the main lake by underground waterways. I had mutated into a life form accustomed to only machine driven lifts that brings me from floor to floor. Stairs and climbing is alien to me. That trekking to our destination, my legs became jelly. We had to ascend steep into the forest made worst by the muddy walkways wet from rain. There was loud cracking in the tress above from time to time. We saw them monkeys, they were mocking my perspiration drenched body. I made it alive to the lake within eventually after 3 quarters of an hour. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival at the Cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Those engines they used on shoulder type grass cutting machines, they modified it to have a propeller attached. Tied it to about 30 odd large bamboo poles bound tightly together and what they got was a raft. That was our exciting transport across the lake to the opposite side where the cave was. If there were waves, passengers seated on the bare bamboo would have toppled over easy. Camera, phone, whatever that sinks will be gone into the abyss. Over the next hour when we waited our turn, none capsized making the journey thru and fro. That was when I deemed it safe to board. And so the coral cave we arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJNEwu2kPIZ-nal6l-JaPBv0aiSyjIMp0Sv-cN6AeEmjSN0aVGSNYT6v_SPWZ93HtaiYCE41xpclSlIrJutUBXjczC0ipTPgQ2oATSocuHkFhEDavE8CEegs8BHRdcEZt7El/s1600/IMG_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJNEwu2kPIZ-nal6l-JaPBv0aiSyjIMp0Sv-cN6AeEmjSN0aVGSNYT6v_SPWZ93HtaiYCE41xpclSlIrJutUBXjczC0ipTPgQ2oATSocuHkFhEDavE8CEegs8BHRdcEZt7El/s1600/IMG_2881.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Sabers in Action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A small cave, totally unlit. Our guide held modified florescent tubes driven by batteries and ushered us into the cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. Within, there were a number of groups, each lead by the light saber the different guides held. I think they got the idea from watching pirated versions of Star Wars. There were fossilized corals within the caves. This area was once under sea level. Many eons ago before the rise of the continents, it was an undersea cave. <br />
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And so after the short tour, the return ride on the raft which was followed by more mocking from monkeys in the forest, we returned to our resort in the evening. Tired and sticky from preparation, jumping into the lake was extremely pleasant. Except for the noise from all the other nine units now fully occupied and with most guests then trashing about all over in the water. Saturday, full occupancy. There was no more peace and quiet like the evening before, unless if I pushed the running generator into the lake to stun all of them. But that would kill all the fishes too. The dinner followed, sumptuous and fish from the lake again. It was a full board package, all meals inclusive. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmjdb4lZ1c2lAMdRe0jSe2TDagm3YiJw3n_tavpOhkvicq6bYwGB-0MUCd2ZYvuvdiPM67X2vdW2TwE-5KHLn_TGdNbN0q9liV628hYbTm2lIiGGLRZsyvhjr2OyQvOpwMXWk/s1600/IMG_2944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmjdb4lZ1c2lAMdRe0jSe2TDagm3YiJw3n_tavpOhkvicq6bYwGB-0MUCd2ZYvuvdiPM67X2vdW2TwE-5KHLn_TGdNbN0q9liV628hYbTm2lIiGGLRZsyvhjr2OyQvOpwMXWk/s1600/IMG_2944.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Panvaree, located in the shadows of surrounding high limestone caves. The water we bath in came naturally from the lake drawn to high tanks on the landmass next. The water we flushed went into septic tanks below our lodges next to pontoons. The treated fluids, yes they flow back into the water we floated in. So, try not to think too much. On the journey back, Eddie Murphy again. It included a detour to some corners of the national park where the limestone structures shot straight up from the water. That was why Khao Sok was nicknamed Guilin of Thailand. Wondered why Thailand is always naming attractions after the other wonders, why has it not been the other way round when you visit Guilin where Chinese will say Guilin is Khao Sok of China instead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0M0moxp7zt4V4qbx0IOuawKWaZdaDHpXhKERAWOUZy1-Cn3nugo8sVGXfvgYhYr-ebEquyjY1e-aBAs_RL3G47sUGiFq7U9pWNk3CQKNfE-jVbmF7r-9EDMdwhj25LUoD4R8/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0M0moxp7zt4V4qbx0IOuawKWaZdaDHpXhKERAWOUZy1-Cn3nugo8sVGXfvgYhYr-ebEquyjY1e-aBAs_RL3G47sUGiFq7U9pWNk3CQKNfE-jVbmF7r-9EDMdwhj25LUoD4R8/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we left for the Resort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi009vJm7pP996E52SugkxL8oGDtG3VIqrdKrXSfQprGu1o_Qts6_W0YPLYx5cYKLkA_xxpp7swfazMdtGUms7C7I6fB3SkY8bQq6amO7_3Tb9N7z0_ehMvdcgUyFCmCiL2DyI_/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi009vJm7pP996E52SugkxL8oGDtG3VIqrdKrXSfQprGu1o_Qts6_W0YPLYx5cYKLkA_xxpp7swfazMdtGUms7C7I6fB3SkY8bQq6amO7_3Tb9N7z0_ehMvdcgUyFCmCiL2DyI_/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Lies Beneath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK8DQ1i0e5N7Rkp0NTeOGOfWg7GNKRDFB6qRCUq6_H69ysBjmyrHkk9Hq3uDcbeR-cifbgm2RGrYPaMy12MwsU0YLIebUuhcT-fRcfGtb7vr1k5F8T_GlwKprSgL2IhRR4xnT/s1600/IMG_2705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK8DQ1i0e5N7Rkp0NTeOGOfWg7GNKRDFB6qRCUq6_H69ysBjmyrHkk9Hq3uDcbeR-cifbgm2RGrYPaMy12MwsU0YLIebUuhcT-fRcfGtb7vr1k5F8T_GlwKprSgL2IhRR4xnT/s1600/IMG_2705.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishes at Panvaree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsG6ODAkTq9acGa2Y2BU7khdZTFZCTyorIFOGF3mVG-JzmfjDM93GyQAQHQspteWBDUl4m81O4NpOVYNLYzHxYSI1BcN6RY1U92jAm4l2tLUuisHGLPQErURzVsWuuVpdAvzB/s1600/IMG_2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsG6ODAkTq9acGa2Y2BU7khdZTFZCTyorIFOGF3mVG-JzmfjDM93GyQAQHQspteWBDUl4m81O4NpOVYNLYzHxYSI1BcN6RY1U92jAm4l2tLUuisHGLPQErURzVsWuuVpdAvzB/s1600/IMG_2743.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset with the Peaks Painted Yellow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8xSii3W5V4FPtZ25ZhpP6M_jKvD8jaE_JYwliH50abF8D5loAcytU9t6sD_Z9dAW2ThzU45axHWzSsRqShAQSy826GIGvt-KcRjJtlKhTgrSvxHeXBlzJ_hhdWB4XRhTP5d-/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8xSii3W5V4FPtZ25ZhpP6M_jKvD8jaE_JYwliH50abF8D5loAcytU9t6sD_Z9dAW2ThzU45axHWzSsRqShAQSy826GIGvt-KcRjJtlKhTgrSvxHeXBlzJ_hhdWB4XRhTP5d-/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dumpling Seller</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYC-y7cVe4nolghgFFUfasZcCOIyOj0NMIWzItrZ5qqFJEop4NATeag3oIs3tQdaCamdf_ZARdW5ZD6_Otvh9HRyru21j4Ga3TaQHPC1Dw8Su9ZzVoflGjVFYCDIpf93a_0Z6/s1600/IMG_2772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYC-y7cVe4nolghgFFUfasZcCOIyOj0NMIWzItrZ5qqFJEop4NATeag3oIs3tQdaCamdf_ZARdW5ZD6_Otvh9HRyru21j4Ga3TaQHPC1Dw8Su9ZzVoflGjVFYCDIpf93a_0Z6/s1600/IMG_2772.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While there was still Peace on Friday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpKWmBSE9pja9eGzStnbAbzyngGPpaRA-5xRR1HwqjHEmXcdnDfvHEeBIC8ev9E0qT5AJv0LPfEZ3fuQznNRGn8EMkLLbh4ebSh8H4BnIzIJDFRoN7sMvx9qP3HU9yqBd949G/s1600/IMG_2788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpKWmBSE9pja9eGzStnbAbzyngGPpaRA-5xRR1HwqjHEmXcdnDfvHEeBIC8ev9E0qT5AJv0LPfEZ3fuQznNRGn8EMkLLbh4ebSh8H4BnIzIJDFRoN7sMvx9qP3HU9yqBd949G/s1600/IMG_2788.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the Fishes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYx5dfRJnXS-CTDBPt88hMA3ArcW46hObFy-6EGGUr2UTTrDkAr-cGNz_rHemzXfwRPjAoaehyphenhyphent8F74i2xDTvU_U3HfSaGF8AylaYUR79iMczVrKhBR4lB4k-EUEJM0xUstYP/s1600/IMG_2841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYx5dfRJnXS-CTDBPt88hMA3ArcW46hObFy-6EGGUr2UTTrDkAr-cGNz_rHemzXfwRPjAoaehyphenhyphent8F74i2xDTvU_U3HfSaGF8AylaYUR79iMczVrKhBR4lB4k-EUEJM0xUstYP/s1600/IMG_2841.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamboo Raft</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3IeHytcoVgicdq72AoCeT6TOsQOxOICEFU00LTZBaNldO3qdEleqaz18xT1xDDT6GtR2t6F-NGFw9GhRxqo4ah8Kmtp4chXdb-eVNK_4ebPFUr9CZyr6f_Dq5jQtj33vwqyW/s1600/IMG_2849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3IeHytcoVgicdq72AoCeT6TOsQOxOICEFU00LTZBaNldO3qdEleqaz18xT1xDDT6GtR2t6F-NGFw9GhRxqo4ah8Kmtp4chXdb-eVNK_4ebPFUr9CZyr6f_Dq5jQtj33vwqyW/s1600/IMG_2849.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinda Exciting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-kFlFK0lLPX2a4BaN3zz_HoPQLI14XvSnDZPlcxD5qluF3N6aTszMWtEA4reSkARoxHcRwhIlD6MByz5oH3_dtd7W8YWFeex6dlW0tz0Q2_Tk6YslpZKgE_Xp1MKebBbW2hq/s1600/IMG_2941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-kFlFK0lLPX2a4BaN3zz_HoPQLI14XvSnDZPlcxD5qluF3N6aTszMWtEA4reSkARoxHcRwhIlD6MByz5oH3_dtd7W8YWFeex6dlW0tz0Q2_Tk6YslpZKgE_Xp1MKebBbW2hq/s1600/IMG_2941.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday when the Crowd Came</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOSLtV5nEcOZmkqyDk2k7N_-fT1N7OhM5YaupKs67DaTvitStAGaqzCh71pF1FYN-0T8Am00ts3iJBW97S8rTTc0UkOKH1-Mqb7olssF-hK4ZEHEtJ8rQCQ9Z9SHdUjUCRKmu/s1600/IMG_2943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOSLtV5nEcOZmkqyDk2k7N_-fT1N7OhM5YaupKs67DaTvitStAGaqzCh71pF1FYN-0T8Am00ts3iJBW97S8rTTc0UkOKH1-Mqb7olssF-hK4ZEHEtJ8rQCQ9Z9SHdUjUCRKmu/s1600/IMG_2943.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still Peaceful Friday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxA95xKreGpV4XELUXQ0zpurZNhD6wRJ8YOKYpaNVYYOTOQKfJhVf8gAKUtB4dIIE-LIlxtpFmHih5sPbDdebqCDiEn2wOOS0CYM5blrNwj1UVomiAYV7UwEDmLAPW1RecHKM/s1600/IMG_2978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxA95xKreGpV4XELUXQ0zpurZNhD6wRJ8YOKYpaNVYYOTOQKfJhVf8gAKUtB4dIIE-LIlxtpFmHih5sPbDdebqCDiEn2wOOS0CYM5blrNwj1UVomiAYV7UwEDmLAPW1RecHKM/s1600/IMG_2978.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring the Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIk3PGiRCjJ27CePUdzaM-iyAGSNctzEP13k43XssSAAEvVqaq8BLQG_SPLeZUZ4j8_rOWQf09d9g1WwcEirmMOGDuK_vcaZS-ysFHA1g6DQXt78qcw2Iz_t_X-Fh-aUqRgUjv/s1600/IMG_2982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIk3PGiRCjJ27CePUdzaM-iyAGSNctzEP13k43XssSAAEvVqaq8BLQG_SPLeZUZ4j8_rOWQf09d9g1WwcEirmMOGDuK_vcaZS-ysFHA1g6DQXt78qcw2Iz_t_X-Fh-aUqRgUjv/s1600/IMG_2982.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulin of Thailand</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Khao Phang, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani, Thailand9.02944811358747 98.6983555555343639.0289581135874712 98.697725055534363 9.02993811358747 98.698986055534363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-81638362484358443002014-08-31T21:18:00.000+07:002015-02-14T08:43:45.968+07:00Phetchabun, Middle Earth in Rainy August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgEaGJtr_hwr1K2Q17zCdpepT_TdL7kbJtade4b83F4rWWrfJ1WiP1Bmcz4t1wnPTZwWtdOM99l43oNEdVg5kST7ewAyJ8AYLyXRtD1nWkeYD9wEYfJ_RdeIY6ulCf0vusMTO/s1600/pic001_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgEaGJtr_hwr1K2Q17zCdpepT_TdL7kbJtade4b83F4rWWrfJ1WiP1Bmcz4t1wnPTZwWtdOM99l43oNEdVg5kST7ewAyJ8AYLyXRtD1nWkeYD9wEYfJ_RdeIY6ulCf0vusMTO/s1600/pic001_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Veggies</td></tr>
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A bag of Chinese cabbage plucked fresh from the hills of Phu Tub Berk cost 80 Baht per bag. And per bag, there were about 15 of those, inclusive of snails, slugs and many other unidentified slimy crawlies as they ventured out on my kitchen top. We go to the markets in Bangkok to buy one for our home cooking, it cost 30 Baht. Compared to what was freshly harvested which was only 5.3 Baht thereabouts. 25 Baht, that's how much going into transporting fresh produce from their source to our nearest market for our convenience, the real cost is one sixth the selling price. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAJVbBMduAzn7Fo_vW_i10t7zSE4J5Hy-Sz-zUbwc3oJLrZW9uXq4r5Yfu0wbRCAdZFLKbmZTqpayvUuF1LmzEZF3PlGaryv668Wt1nKjBzDZ1Ml-KG8sGzpYROxgL0XLfEIx/s1600/pic002_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAJVbBMduAzn7Fo_vW_i10t7zSE4J5Hy-Sz-zUbwc3oJLrZW9uXq4r5Yfu0wbRCAdZFLKbmZTqpayvUuF1LmzEZF3PlGaryv668Wt1nKjBzDZ1Ml-KG8sGzpYROxgL0XLfEIx/s1600/pic002_resize.JPG" height="186" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Little Place</td></tr>
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It was the weekend before Thai Mother's Day. We decided at the last moment to go for a road trip. It was 400km from the city to the area of Khao Kho and further onto Phu Tub Berk, the province of Phetchabun. Not much accommodations could be found on Agoda. The hoteliers there may still be trying to figure out what is GPS and what is GPRS, so any attempt to locate them will be futile using the IT avenue. We had to source from local Thai forums, spot the numbers left by reviewers and called them guesthouses up. The guesthouses on the highlands operated in a more or less backwards fashion compared to what you would find in well established spots of Thailand. In addition, don't expect grand amenities and large compounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkSd0e7OldOHFVZnfT72XCK9Y1eiDdvWuL4dJo2HaNrqnKCFnN2cA7ERp5Dfvxjuu55Yy-K_w7lfwRlmG7LdodywunzSJU6gyjpBo2KogFuJ9wFC8ZgIRal5TbVaWqXu0ru7P/s1600/pic003_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkSd0e7OldOHFVZnfT72XCK9Y1eiDdvWuL4dJo2HaNrqnKCFnN2cA7ERp5Dfvxjuu55Yy-K_w7lfwRlmG7LdodywunzSJU6gyjpBo2KogFuJ9wFC8ZgIRal5TbVaWqXu0ru7P/s1600/pic003_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accommodation on Phu Tub Berk</td></tr>
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Our lodge on Phu Tub Berk had no air conditioner. The larger establishments had found no interest in the area yet. Most of the operations remained small, with accommodation simple and containing only between 5 to 10 units each. However, the view of the surrounding was spectacular, especially those located high on the peaks. And high, it was about 1400m above sea level on Phu Tub Berk. Naturally, it was cooling. Averagely, temperature drops at a rate of 0.65 degree Celsius per 100m, so this central highland plain at Phetchabun not too far from Bangkok was a good venue to escape the heat. In the late afternoon, the rain clouds enveloped the rolling hills, it was about 22. And in the early morning, it was 18 when we were there. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdvQoPu9vYWr90YpTRMIOy9fnBfLJGZxJZJdGm2RaF-DijXUnE5f6uLtv3jy35OwrGDtS2JLDWhWEcoEHuuA2LZh4M6jA7MCrYRxDA6Z9tgsLmIp4kHsJNGicT14iw59iHgfd/s1600/pic004_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdvQoPu9vYWr90YpTRMIOy9fnBfLJGZxJZJdGm2RaF-DijXUnE5f6uLtv3jy35OwrGDtS2JLDWhWEcoEHuuA2LZh4M6jA7MCrYRxDA6Z9tgsLmIp4kHsJNGicT14iw59iHgfd/s1600/pic004_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
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Our first destination was Khao Kho from Bangkok. Took Asia Highway 1, turned off north onto 21 after Saraburi towards and pass Chai Badan. After a great long distance towards and just passed Phetchabun on the same route, left on 2258 and there was where the driving fun uphill began. A distance later, right onto 2196 and that was the main scenic route into Khao Kho. It was a picturesque area of rolling hills that were lush and vibrantly green. The shadows crept across the terrain between moments of sun and shade. The breeze was humid and cool turning my hot tea cold in no time. There was no throng of tourist from Bangkok, just a scatter. It was not peak season yet, that was supposed to be set in year end winter. And so the camping grounds were deserted, only a small number of bright yellow and blue tents assembled. Home stays and accommodations were clustered together where the best hilltops were. Most offered an open roof where visitors could ascend to take in the early morning seascape of clouds. I did not. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldg5EqZ4ykL24fF9-ALKsWThdl97HCvhsG7KNNfJFCJgPLVfvQatejBmWO-ABT3x5gIcjuWLxZ4ezU6VIf2xVB9jFRuiD2pMPXsQWEX6EV1teAJZ8TV-YqYIbAhKuE8tY6SuL/s1600/pic005_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldg5EqZ4ykL24fF9-ALKsWThdl97HCvhsG7KNNfJFCJgPLVfvQatejBmWO-ABT3x5gIcjuWLxZ4ezU6VIf2xVB9jFRuiD2pMPXsQWEX6EV1teAJZ8TV-YqYIbAhKuE8tY6SuL/s1600/pic005_resize.JPG" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new Camping Ground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsogLMF7DLms_SaMDKt5EObrtYT8OwOwPWhoIS41_Te_nnrCET4qsG4H-gHz_J0tHoDBlJV-Ro2tTpoW1d7yJtV7X6nvHuyD9yqe3uenHKJ92Fa5h34eoGEfPaXWYuOz68g8o/s1600/pic006_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsogLMF7DLms_SaMDKt5EObrtYT8OwOwPWhoIS41_Te_nnrCET4qsG4H-gHz_J0tHoDBlJV-Ro2tTpoW1d7yJtV7X6nvHuyD9yqe3uenHKJ92Fa5h34eoGEfPaXWYuOz68g8o/s1600/pic006_resize.JPG" height="162" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the lone Guard Stayed</td></tr>
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I went adventuring to stumble onto a new camping ground high on another peak far away from the better known viewpoints when the sun rose. The elderly guard was more happy to see company from his many nights of lone sentry and his sleep over in a tent set up among construction materials. He said he was not sure what the place was called, and that the owners were striving to have it completed by the end of the year. It will be one of the best spots I could ascertain. From between where the two contemporary wooden housing set like futuristic space docks lined to the horizon, the morning fog was thick like a disorderly yet majestic blanket after a night of slumber. Dark crest of a hundred mountains peaked from the white in layers far into the distance. He chatted much with us and told of the sunset that few knew, where the landscape will be painted crimson with shadows of the mountain lords in vision. Well, I never got to see that, next time when I return I will. We bid him farewell after I had loaded my memory card with countless shots. Another car came panting up the steep narrow road, the lone guard happily greeted the next explorer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8rWCNkigJvU2NHVONFjm3FpUpbGsZjfhY2IpH20GDypfDvBYWoW5MO9Pa0HiyKPfqFSwh5Bsz14snFnzYg-3wUHdhS7Sucph_gKWoGvfFTP7Kyr3iftj_qoI5udLkLvf0LOM/s1600/pic007-1_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8rWCNkigJvU2NHVONFjm3FpUpbGsZjfhY2IpH20GDypfDvBYWoW5MO9Pa0HiyKPfqFSwh5Bsz14snFnzYg-3wUHdhS7Sucph_gKWoGvfFTP7Kyr3iftj_qoI5udLkLvf0LOM/s1600/pic007-1_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sense on Khao Kho</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMh5NlkzHHEdI0j2PzGvUINczB-tIlsbgbe3cmJDwR08uJ_5esOBrfn-2zUR2kdt-b-GXTeX4Oyod6MO5IQe_vuZaUvblQp5WJ_HOi8_utYEQvLyfzoSJJ8Ss_6LZ7NC4lEwm/s1600/pic007_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMh5NlkzHHEdI0j2PzGvUINczB-tIlsbgbe3cmJDwR08uJ_5esOBrfn-2zUR2kdt-b-GXTeX4Oyod6MO5IQe_vuZaUvblQp5WJ_HOi8_utYEQvLyfzoSJJ8Ss_6LZ7NC4lEwm/s1600/pic007_resize.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with a View</td></tr>
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I did not want to have the complementary cheap sausage and eggs breakfast back at our resort. We headed back into the main Khao Kho region to a renowned resort called The Sense and had breakfast with a view. That’s when I had to pay for equally cheap sausage and eggs breakfast. Never mind the quality, I just wanted to make my tummy stop growling. The sight was well worth it. We sat outdoors overlooking the valley, I spent more time fiddling with my camera then putting food in my mouth. The Sense was one of the most expensive and up market resorts on Khao Kho and I saw the reason why. The setting was magnificent. In cable TV we have pay per view, The Sense was pay for view. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipunBielQg7QjlQ7hh1jLsUMXgrHsMfxC4SGW1viJv1t6Z9LtJ9sNfeNyDqLWiFdDcCX02YTS7h-AhHzrb82lgw559jaD3_Unibbkpbd9RYJFoQeFGpXfdJ2oPH7OjYJmHNkPn/s1600/pic008_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipunBielQg7QjlQ7hh1jLsUMXgrHsMfxC4SGW1viJv1t6Z9LtJ9sNfeNyDqLWiFdDcCX02YTS7h-AhHzrb82lgw559jaD3_Unibbkpbd9RYJFoQeFGpXfdJ2oPH7OjYJmHNkPn/s1600/pic008_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Temple</td></tr>
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Situated some distance below where the upcoming camping ground was, the crowds were building up at Wat Phra That Pha Kaew. She shared the same view of the mist filled valleys from a lower height. It is very typical of Thais on their holidays to go pray at any temples they spot along the way and so that temple was like a magnet drawing crowds into her compound. Thais prayed there for good luck, lottery, good health and wife not to discover their gigs. I should have been there earlier, I was there at 10. By then, all her narrow roads were plugged with cars parked inconsiderately and we had to engage aggressive challenge mode with oncoming traffic making their way downhill. Eventually with car parked, it was nice to stroll in the cold morning air and at many occasions be shrouded in mist. Temples in Thailand do have themes, and for Wat Phra That Pha Kaew it was balls. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPlJ4IwcPyRJWBPfwUua6ht3sOiObM0uvTfbaJctQ7ZRgv9yp0ZwUUayYh07CONOpdI-i61uaiQjWLQaUROxyPKWm8bULMe3B17NuWqUQDoeH4sztQ5hLjfMskAdTzoZ_nahl/s1600/pic009_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPlJ4IwcPyRJWBPfwUua6ht3sOiObM0uvTfbaJctQ7ZRgv9yp0ZwUUayYh07CONOpdI-i61uaiQjWLQaUROxyPKWm8bULMe3B17NuWqUQDoeH4sztQ5hLjfMskAdTzoZ_nahl/s1600/pic009_resize.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Ball from Heaven</td></tr>
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Lord Buddha there has balls, many in fact. He fancied shiny crystal balls and pilgrims can sponsor a ball for the construction process to a tune of a few thousand Baht. There were also large balls embedded on the flooring that looked like Thor was having a game of marbles with Buddha and gave it a flick too much. The ordeal out of the temple was something as we tried to leave. Some pricks parked inconsiderately blocked my car and I had to make a hundred turns to get out. Then again the challenge mode against oncoming traffic on the already narrow roads made worst by cars parked alongside. My entire merit making beforehand was gradually washed away by my thunderous curses which lasted a good half an hour. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy30CeN-27Oz8hGdjQO3pkgK5j-5APuX-DZ40z5repNGC9heB5f4-qLJFpgASjcrn6R0i64U9Vl7qnN5Kd-gY_WzDMWXhU8Gj9E5CuYocXj3n6sdVfDhC3eYKS19RQ4bUrQzu/s1600/pic010_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy30CeN-27Oz8hGdjQO3pkgK5j-5APuX-DZ40z5repNGC9heB5f4-qLJFpgASjcrn6R0i64U9Vl7qnN5Kd-gY_WzDMWXhU8Gj9E5CuYocXj3n6sdVfDhC3eYKS19RQ4bUrQzu/s1600/pic010_resize.JPG" height="160" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moai @ Khao Kho</td></tr>
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Back to our resort and a good bath, we navigated north towards Phu Tub Berk after checkout. Along the way, we stumbled onto Moai Khao Kho featuring one of those Easter Island statues that said "dumb dumb" in Night of the Museum. It was a cafe serving simple meals and coffee at inflated prices. These Moai things are sprouting up all over Thailand far out from Bangkok where natural attractions are. I had spotted one similar cafe back <a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2012/11/suan-phueng-sheep-galore.html" target="_blank">when I was at Suan Peung</a>. I was told there are a few more across the Kingdom. Crowd magnets and a good pit stop on long journeys they are indeed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAZYJW_Px78Qkev_im5xOFpLk_RmvOFs2g8V1NyXclUfELyLPZztPFSQ1O6hAoU-gymkrOE69Hs-bWesmdDgS9e0Ytm99KnrnONfWrWlC1lwZtRZ60JRrbYm0FqThLSD4i6YF/s1600/pic011_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAZYJW_Px78Qkev_im5xOFpLk_RmvOFs2g8V1NyXclUfELyLPZztPFSQ1O6hAoU-gymkrOE69Hs-bWesmdDgS9e0Ytm99KnrnONfWrWlC1lwZtRZ60JRrbYm0FqThLSD4i6YF/s1600/pic011_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a nice Drive</td></tr>
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After paying for pricey beverages, we looked for 2331 via GPS and found our way there. 2331 was a steep incline on snaky entrails like roads where my car guzzled petrol. I swear I could hear her 2.4 gulping thirstily with disregards to expense. More curses followed diminishing my recent good karma at the temple as I struggled to overtake the so many slow moving heavy vehicles climbing up the narrow mountain road. At times I was the cause of traffic as I drove slow to take in the view. I could feel the aura of curses regarding me resembling monitor lizard emitting from the cars that overtook me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDHTWaKT6rVO3OkU9bjNCJnuQT5-zzZbsivPMFhWJQbGWAgbHc0tez_VBJ5l6bd8WOvyVBmHxFXxiClXzitA1Mj6IL07gGRDuX6Cm-n5SZH2pK90drBLKVAgRfyEXTthGmbHe/s1600/pic012_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDHTWaKT6rVO3OkU9bjNCJnuQT5-zzZbsivPMFhWJQbGWAgbHc0tez_VBJ5l6bd8WOvyVBmHxFXxiClXzitA1Mj6IL07gGRDuX6Cm-n5SZH2pK90drBLKVAgRfyEXTthGmbHe/s1600/pic012_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Vibrant</td></tr>
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The vista, it was so full of foliage compared to the last time <a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2009/01/tripping-middle-earth.html" target="_blank">I was there in 2009</a>. Back then, I came smacked in the middle of winter. It was cold dry and dusty, the landscape was brown and deprived of moisture. Only brown sandstorm stirred by the vehicle upfront I remembered, only the barren mountains. This trip, it was different. It drizzled too many when the dark clouds met the pavement. My fog lights were on casting yellow as we maneuvered within the misty magical landscape. The outside temperature, my dashboard read, rapidly dropped to a low 22. And when we emerged out from the dark clouds as we climbed, there was gentle sunshine and the clear blue skies that painted the vegetation in tones of luminescence green. It was such a pleasant drive as we headed in and out of the clouds hovering at different heights in the landscape. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvVJi3dIREo5V-yzMkOUyCofsMzVFIQmG1O-utuv5_yOlTFSKDbJ_Cyyy9HPKpwYjd9Sdy-TLWjeAQX_l6mq7he56uH6WZODtsS21-4NzbRTfKGK643BHQUNLKUlni5J4vX_E/s1600/pic013_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvVJi3dIREo5V-yzMkOUyCofsMzVFIQmG1O-utuv5_yOlTFSKDbJ_Cyyy9HPKpwYjd9Sdy-TLWjeAQX_l6mq7he56uH6WZODtsS21-4NzbRTfKGK643BHQUNLKUlni5J4vX_E/s1600/pic013_resize.JPG" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Skies Opened, in the Middle</td></tr>
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At times we stopped at the hill tribe markets, on many others we parked on muddy pits to enjoy coffee at the shed perched on viewpoints so awesome. Cafes and lodging of all sorts had sprung up so many compared to the region's desolated past. In fact on this middle earth trip, I had too much coffee and many more tea, it kept me sleepless in our lodge listening to the howl of the midnight gale. The winds were in full force, the clouds were pushed up the cabbage farms marinating them in full moisture. The results of which were bright green leafy vegetable so fresh when the sun rose while the farmers did their picking. The morning spectacle was astonishing as the sun hung low. Below was a breathtaking canvas of striking white clouds so inviting like a vast sea of cotton yield, and above the stark gloom of the dark rain clouds. The sky opened in the middle. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWuMt781jmsi38En2Ll8DoR6oaw_L7V-4eZtJs2kfswfZWo898W_LoNszazvuyjHfx6vAdfzuFGoW-atKX20hKEwS3Hgxe-rE7iGtFOmep2z8K7czft7M18QmXzQ7eedHQt2-/s1600/pic014_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWuMt781jmsi38En2Ll8DoR6oaw_L7V-4eZtJs2kfswfZWo898W_LoNszazvuyjHfx6vAdfzuFGoW-atKX20hKEwS3Hgxe-rE7iGtFOmep2z8K7czft7M18QmXzQ7eedHQt2-/s1600/pic014_resize.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Brilliant</td></tr>
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Trips to the central highlands I reckon, is for nature oriented lovers. The nature reserve offered hiking to clandestine spots, and a number of waterfalls along the driving route were good convenient stops for Som Tam meals. They suck, they really do and they went on tourist price tags, they were just for filling my hunger. There were one or two good eateries, an interesting one was Chinese on Phu Tub Berk. No pubs, no nightclubs no karaoke up there. To BYO and enjoy wine out the decks in the cold dark nights. There was a Seven Eleven but only on Khao Kho I found. There was no Starbucks, but I found a good too many local cafes. You most likely get an overdose like I did if you visit thus. There was no petrol station in the mountains, I had to fill from an ancient petrol pump where petrol was first drawn up a glass measuring cylinder. It was generally more costly too at 50 Baht per liter. When to go will never be in April summer. I had thought only December was good, like most Thais making their journey north to experience what they call extreme cold of winter. But it will be just barren dry land unlike in the rainy season August I went. It was like an attractive Windows screensaver, except when the wind blew the grass swayed making waves in unison, the cloud shadows creeping the vibrant fields.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Full set of photos are at <a href="http://photos.cllim.com/FullScreenSlideShow.aspx?gallery=4529578&mt=Photo" target="_blank">photos.cllim.com</a>.</span></div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-88523523683250270342014-07-31T08:00:00.000+07:002014-08-03T08:53:12.293+07:00Mae Rim in the Off Peak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KdXpsbYofM33C0ZuU7TWSrZm3D_ivKPPrWTjip7WtxR9dXwiQfi1nQV8FLhvaSHnNXlskPWe5jEJM9ALKq8rCD4-xW8rEdS6s4Li_4aveC9LfteRA8lMVmp_BXYHAufbfOw8/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KdXpsbYofM33C0ZuU7TWSrZm3D_ivKPPrWTjip7WtxR9dXwiQfi1nQV8FLhvaSHnNXlskPWe5jEJM9ALKq8rCD4-xW8rEdS6s4Li_4aveC9LfteRA8lMVmp_BXYHAufbfOw8/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, No People</td></tr>
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Previously in the winter peak of 2013, I had witnessed <a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2014/01/travelling-mae-rim-and-mon-cham.html" target="_blank">Mon Cham turned Mon Jam</a>. And, in my travels, I had always only coincided my plans to match with the seasons, such as visiting northern highlands during the winter and the southern islands during the summer. These plans to get the best out of my money's worth. On me recent business trip up north, we decide to detour up the hilly terrain of Mae Rim during our spare time. It offered me a chance to witness how these normally packed attractions were like in off peak. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinRloQeNLimL8-mh6rRBplk9zvEHZbeTvVYgM_B3hTxayfAT8aj3gulUcenstZi1hvEWqFt-wfLo0CwbqexZWB-5MgARrOs0lE5LxPxTM9PMytVoU6AgIgOfgbbWHs5s3NZbu/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinRloQeNLimL8-mh6rRBplk9zvEHZbeTvVYgM_B3hTxayfAT8aj3gulUcenstZi1hvEWqFt-wfLo0CwbqexZWB-5MgARrOs0lE5LxPxTM9PMytVoU6AgIgOfgbbWHs5s3NZbu/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain Clouds Came</td></tr>
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Climate wise, the highlands of Mae Rim was surprisingly cooling and acceptable. Humidity levels was high compared to winter yes. Strawberries for the picking were not in season and sights of makeshift stalls left in disarray waited for the coming November. Gone were the hordes of stampeding visitors, like creatures in all colors of the desert gathered on the last watering hole. It was serene, it was peaceful. We had our afternoon tea by the edge of the mountain, the sun shined as white clouds drifted low above our straw capped shack. Only our chats, and the annoying toddler next to ours streaking his cry across the otherwise tranquil canvas of nature. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbMxhWDPUW8HXTgvT0ZMhDsAiSOyCpZmQV2heworsWzXOHlGJ7wjFgCIAHk0LShAbW4Hvl7tcYb8Mv5CZ47wWOIOTZW1jTbC6sAkU7rZz43kWAUM03QY00KbA8KOUEvom2HdC/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbMxhWDPUW8HXTgvT0ZMhDsAiSOyCpZmQV2heworsWzXOHlGJ7wjFgCIAHk0LShAbW4Hvl7tcYb8Mv5CZ47wWOIOTZW1jTbC6sAkU7rZz43kWAUM03QY00KbA8KOUEvom2HdC/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so it Rained</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rain clouds crept up the slopes onto the peaks. Mon Cham was shrouded in fog, the temperatures dropped to a cool 20 Celsius or so. Then it drizzled as we chitchatted in the gentle melody of splashing afternoon raindrops. My colleague told, sometimes the best the northern highlands can offer is not necessary in the coldest month of December. Come north, after the rain, before the cold. It won't be chilly, but hot it will not be. There's a window there for a pleasantly cool expedition without the swarms. </div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com3Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, Thailand18.9274165 98.88039249999997118.687133499999998 98.557668999999976 19.1676995 99.203115999999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-29116615672723625972014-07-27T08:18:00.000+07:002014-07-30T07:59:03.361+07:00Sui Sian Chinese Restaurant at Landmark - One Pig Rule<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XGkq9G444c21bFdQX83YN6ayJ66L3T7KsAkhKhJZSTF1KTQszC1iv8-IRqB6VpTx6Yrimnywr7mp5r1tYTF4lzdXxV3IiizhlsDPUzqMKAVMpilFwuq-4CntrApOPS5FC2o8/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XGkq9G444c21bFdQX83YN6ayJ66L3T7KsAkhKhJZSTF1KTQszC1iv8-IRqB6VpTx6Yrimnywr7mp5r1tYTF4lzdXxV3IiizhlsDPUzqMKAVMpilFwuq-4CntrApOPS5FC2o8/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Singular</td></tr>
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I had been yearning for good Dim Sum in Thailand. And this is not like in Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia where authentic Chinese tasting Dim Sum are in abundance. Most Dim Sum in Thailand had been "customized" for the local taste, and "degraded" to fit the local budget. I had been listening to radio every morning commuting in traffic to work, 2 hours in notorious Bangkok jams. And over the air, repeatedly for so many mornings, the advertisement by Landmark for their Dim Sum buffet with unlimited servings of Peking Ducks and Suckling Pig. Peking Ducks, Suckling Pig, Dim Sum... listening to them almost every day. Put my cravings for good Chinese food into the equation and the result was me arriving one Sunday morning, hypnotized by the drone of adverts and hungry on the 10th floor of Landmark where Sui Sian was. Sui Sain, the water goddess, I wanted to see if she could make a hungry man happy. She did, she really did. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKFIELkDhQU1AlvB_HQKg7w6jhJ9fhmapGzirGTgMFBsxi_MCGW4OwresTJ2ASGjaosd8DZKZZyDG1AQumAaPLX1602mb4qBV0it7cVuYF3Swu7B_Tohyphenhyphen3Pzqdwixn5yhUdaE/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKFIELkDhQU1AlvB_HQKg7w6jhJ9fhmapGzirGTgMFBsxi_MCGW4OwresTJ2ASGjaosd8DZKZZyDG1AQumAaPLX1602mb4qBV0it7cVuYF3Swu7B_Tohyphenhyphen3Pzqdwixn5yhUdaE/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Awesome</td></tr>
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Prawn dumplings, were full bodied with real prawns. The small pool of broth which the steamed delicacies soaked in were rich in flavor. Every chomp of them bite sized steaming wraps housed in bamboo baskets were authentically Chinese in taste. I was home with every bite, that was the way it should be, Dim Sum as I knew it. The crisp Peking Duck skins surgically removed by skilled chef hands were wrap in thin paper like Chinese pancakes right at the counter and served fresh. Together within and complimenting in taste, a slice of spring onion stalk, a stick of cooling cucumber and a dash of sweet black bean sauce. The thin layer of duck fats oozed as I bit into the crafted savory and it was an explosion of ecstasy. I had not had Peking Duck for ages, a good Peking Duck that was. Next came another star of the feast which was a full tray of Suckling Pig roasted to perfection. A good thin layer of pig fats and some lean meat beneath a layer of crispy skin well seasoned with Chinese flavors. I took a piece of accompanying white Mun Tou, had a dash of sweet black bean sauce spread on it, had a single square piece of Sucking Pig placed atop. It was beyond excellence. Unfortunately, the fun stopped there, one single piece of Suckling Pig. Sooner than expected, the pig was no more leaving only an empty plate, all us patrons had our share of indulgence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-es-rxfi_TdjZF-jUGGl1RtZmKGtEPYopu32UUFo-8XOVUt2CNu_Yiw8CeGifNVHfoVi1OX2qq88QZB0g0GUYjZ0ud5k9qqvVvJJ1wzBYVMeqKQW73joQ0CAddsVsqqzk63Yn/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-es-rxfi_TdjZF-jUGGl1RtZmKGtEPYopu32UUFo-8XOVUt2CNu_Yiw8CeGifNVHfoVi1OX2qq88QZB0g0GUYjZ0ud5k9qqvVvJJ1wzBYVMeqKQW73joQ0CAddsVsqqzk63Yn/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Authentic</td></tr>
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China have their single child rule and Landmark have their single pig rule. I eagerly waited for the next full plate of Suckling Pig to be whisked out from the kitchen but it never came. Why? Because they only had one Suckling Pig. So on with the other Dim Sums I indulged and then visited the counter again some more. But no pig, because they had only one pig. Tables that filled later visited the counter and still there was no pig, because they had only one pig. In my two hours there since my first taste of Suckling Pig, I accumulated mileage re-visiting the counter that could had me exchange for a domestic flight but still no pig, because they had only one pig. And then I asked one of the staffs, I want to eat pig, and she said pig was coming. It never came, they had only one pig. Pity those who came later in the buffet session at Sui Sian, because the goddess only blessed the restaurant with one pig and it was gone. No more pigs were descending from heaven because Landmark hotel had only ONE SINGULAR PIG. Landmark... . . maybe they have their unspoken One Pig Rule. One pig, gone, no more pig. That was the one singular disappointing pig, I mean bit, of my lunch at Sui Sian.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJphiQpgqywk0bU9yfkfn9V3ntaEsWDWMpgKnCL4hefjJNVrUdxbUBAdV8vQaraF-JJSFNkv7jsoxyqtuuH92kSzD_AXeGGZJX3_I72-9LnYaz8IkT0JSYPmAh64f0XJrx34f/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJphiQpgqywk0bU9yfkfn9V3ntaEsWDWMpgKnCL4hefjJNVrUdxbUBAdV8vQaraF-JJSFNkv7jsoxyqtuuH92kSzD_AXeGGZJX3_I72-9LnYaz8IkT0JSYPmAh64f0XJrx34f/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy</td></tr>
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</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0The Landmark Bangkok13.741152458050328 100.553971121917713.739224458050328 100.5514496219177 13.743080458050327 100.5564926219177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-46435252921875455062014-07-24T08:12:00.001+07:002014-07-24T08:12:24.256+07:00The Bloc of Recycled Containers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQFvvRX2d8QgXXfbVc86HJrX3yFj3Nb15dAZJzmu-V_mDwQsWkgCKj3XdV5-K21piFZoj8DBFufvES4KIeK_5eWvNJ5JPprZDSPvWfYhePBHaP-EmQepyPB6yNnJEuuJASnFg/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQFvvRX2d8QgXXfbVc86HJrX3yFj3Nb15dAZJzmu-V_mDwQsWkgCKj3XdV5-K21piFZoj8DBFufvES4KIeK_5eWvNJ5JPprZDSPvWfYhePBHaP-EmQepyPB6yNnJEuuJASnFg/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy Place</td></tr>
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Along Ratchapruk spots a trendy hub. It's made up of recycled containers housing cafes and a pub. Good to go in the evening as the containers will be less of a solar oven, and you can have hip dessert, coffee or tea alfresco on top of them boxes. The Bloc, a poser focal point, people go there to be seen. Heaps of young girls frolic amongst the containers taking selfies. There was a restaurant, I may try the next time. Yet again, Bangkok never fails to amaze. There is always something good around the corner for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYL4B6rSNt4Uc3bXmfa4vCXIVZY54Ko19Qt8DX6E3Pq_lQRA7xOacTNNiMWRaUzw0bYP0gXxHr7kbl3T7ospQCFLKqYmJmIBtVGaClgJLyeLZZIIEHoQ-5-dVwQyqFwnAJO6k/s1600/IMG_8006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYL4B6rSNt4Uc3bXmfa4vCXIVZY54Ko19Qt8DX6E3Pq_lQRA7xOacTNNiMWRaUzw0bYP0gXxHr7kbl3T7ospQCFLKqYmJmIBtVGaClgJLyeLZZIIEHoQ-5-dVwQyqFwnAJO6k/s1600/IMG_8006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert Galore</td></tr>
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</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand13.768369840161887 100.4446340693115213.766441840161887 100.44211256931152 13.770297840161886 100.44715556931152tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-52105894870498926042014-07-05T17:24:00.000+07:002014-07-05T17:24:01.112+07:00The Dog that Swam Back to Koh Lipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__GOMtEAFMKpHGjP8kinXNuGpfsm4sbJw-ja84DLrsXtTCIj_RoAdeVVKPpoKTt8qdI2D9hhfV8y0ZH5ij-WzqcqlDi1wqhZ8AdLKVkWiXAOtgxUTCNb0H8ayQ2LHICu5cN9c/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__GOMtEAFMKpHGjP8kinXNuGpfsm4sbJw-ja84DLrsXtTCIj_RoAdeVVKPpoKTt8qdI2D9hhfV8y0ZH5ij-WzqcqlDi1wqhZ8AdLKVkWiXAOtgxUTCNb0H8ayQ2LHICu5cN9c/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dog that Swam Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Everywhere we went strolling, there was always a dog nearby. And there was a big bunch out the newly opened Seven Eleven enjoying the cool breeze as them doors opened and closed. Dogs on Koh Lipe seemed the luckiest mammal. Most had no owners and venture freely anywhere and everywhere on this speck of paradise. People loved them, people enjoyed watching them. These seaworthy dogs played along the shores and sometimes headed out into the sea to beat the heat. They were all friendlies, though we were told by the hotel staff to be weary of some in the more obscure parts of the island where the dogs were not used to much human contacts. In Idyllic resort housed a resident dog. It was there every day. Weather intentionally or not, I wished it there to stay. The dog had a legend. A loner not accepted by the other packs that roamed the island, it often got into fights. Thus it was once transported and let loose on Koh Adang for its own safety. Smart dog appeared in Idyllic the next day, it swam across the ocean back to where it wanted to be. Idyllic let it be from then on, and hopefully for a long long time to come.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQy85iABaGBpJVe05YjNcjAP42iCxVKTBe0Y2QrqQfEo-XGbuKpTTiERzX3uXQrtKoRDKXWpiSFlPwWzSVYxyIlfU1tBWh6DUKpvmoUfjlJgZFxZJhxrD0xfp1FxVWn1WJxzj/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQy85iABaGBpJVe05YjNcjAP42iCxVKTBe0Y2QrqQfEo-XGbuKpTTiERzX3uXQrtKoRDKXWpiSFlPwWzSVYxyIlfU1tBWh6DUKpvmoUfjlJgZFxZJhxrD0xfp1FxVWn1WJxzj/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a Swim</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhw9CqZIc3sPGWE7TBgbom1Q2dM6kcxsBwOceiNtPktE82cQdc7b3zEl2oTzU_6lX7s_8hP1hk0rI5q-o-b3l4BDj4pKwuGY7Dl95wDjVkAg5PJXjm8JF4Cnx_1t_G2Ra54HX/s1600/IMG_9117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhw9CqZIc3sPGWE7TBgbom1Q2dM6kcxsBwOceiNtPktE82cQdc7b3zEl2oTzU_6lX7s_8hP1hk0rI5q-o-b3l4BDj4pKwuGY7Dl95wDjVkAg5PJXjm8JF4Cnx_1t_G2Ra54HX/s1600/IMG_9117.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrxxatsl3u_CO0Z-reVP89AnOjVYPyZCdjYMbqTz4pMwJ-C5EKeM7Bc_n1ayHArbXQH8Sw3rnJwPU4uqChbftTSij8t28m4oXo6oHHhjLiNTYnEp3q_oZsr9WpFPKGHACBghy/s1600/IMG_9490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrxxatsl3u_CO0Z-reVP89AnOjVYPyZCdjYMbqTz4pMwJ-C5EKeM7Bc_n1ayHArbXQH8Sw3rnJwPU4uqChbftTSij8t28m4oXo6oHHhjLiNTYnEp3q_oZsr9WpFPKGHACBghy/s1600/IMG_9490.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play the Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BUAdxA8eVXTgtvMxatZdDRKsRx1FHP4fQRF7YwNcKOT7LU9VgbRBuCt4WRk6YsJu-dTwXVMXhG08TAHDVBPy68RrcjAbfUQvMHxPr-nta2OgVtQxFRBdFPg1MYwbN1QvU9Tq/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BUAdxA8eVXTgtvMxatZdDRKsRx1FHP4fQRF7YwNcKOT7LU9VgbRBuCt4WRk6YsJu-dTwXVMXhG08TAHDVBPy68RrcjAbfUQvMHxPr-nta2OgVtQxFRBdFPg1MYwbN1QvU9Tq/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basking and Smiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkLGDnzS_ayI_GdRaq13EOwi7fGf6tAnTnLGlPCMs9WfjWBXBWOUz9jPFRyp3QLW0eE0gBWFbEB5qi2gP0GHM-uTM7NgEaHjag92wmsLkXCt25RwVSRMYN70nZ1MzRxCYVOw1/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkLGDnzS_ayI_GdRaq13EOwi7fGf6tAnTnLGlPCMs9WfjWBXBWOUz9jPFRyp3QLW0eE0gBWFbEB5qi2gP0GHM-uTM7NgEaHjag92wmsLkXCt25RwVSRMYN70nZ1MzRxCYVOw1/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" height="195" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu90usNc_jQPjRgwV1R884-VaW9sAGxPluAuLEsR1gCVcigj5HTsel4Nu9OY_tpWz9750RqQ4AUU5M6iv86hPeuGwj4jvlvKlnUTMctYesEAsJ56phfThj79nbVXpv_T8ZRTz/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu90usNc_jQPjRgwV1R884-VaW9sAGxPluAuLEsR1gCVcigj5HTsel4Nu9OY_tpWz9750RqQ4AUU5M6iv86hPeuGwj4jvlvKlnUTMctYesEAsJ56phfThj79nbVXpv_T8ZRTz/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North of Sunrise Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OeW1EmaEZebWKkuXvn0ZiKLcHexC4KbCYh1S2QeuphmtxaJU2LzJgNsRwtCi9Fg_SuNfFYnG8hyaq9tcA031Sw026ctYdB9jChMoqVrh095ph-uQ3oxEv8TCuVMGtBpQwcxd/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OeW1EmaEZebWKkuXvn0ZiKLcHexC4KbCYh1S2QeuphmtxaJU2LzJgNsRwtCi9Fg_SuNfFYnG8hyaq9tcA031Sw026ctYdB9jChMoqVrh095ph-uQ3oxEv8TCuVMGtBpQwcxd/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of Idyllic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKOh9fGSuPQGfwYqBGemyChevrouNB2ODYZpPnYYwQ0YkufvI1nC8THCP_vi6H0tm2T3joz9A-q3mD1BhWlE3384mh0jRsba8-6odXkgpKaqAKvPZlciNhsA6V254A-LibY5i/s1600/IMG_9334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKOh9fGSuPQGfwYqBGemyChevrouNB2ODYZpPnYYwQ0YkufvI1nC8THCP_vi6H0tm2T3joz9A-q3mD1BhWlE3384mh0jRsba8-6odXkgpKaqAKvPZlciNhsA6V254A-LibY5i/s1600/IMG_9334.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Tail Boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynntVrPYr0g6DxfU7LVo80sfi93XqPweLirmAHyfmuc0EEEJylPdLeuwMfgBj4hcCHNHYRw-LhcvRaqYPwIy66AKmoLS5JDMLk41vJqPY_b0WCpB-rtW62rV4_DUWjTRZ99d8/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynntVrPYr0g6DxfU7LVo80sfi93XqPweLirmAHyfmuc0EEEJylPdLeuwMfgBj4hcCHNHYRw-LhcvRaqYPwIy66AKmoLS5JDMLk41vJqPY_b0WCpB-rtW62rV4_DUWjTRZ99d8/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artificial Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com2Ko Li Pe, Tarutao National Park, Thailand6.4885717 99.304895900000026.4570177 99.26455540000002 6.5201256999999995 99.345236400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-34272361921466220172014-07-01T08:34:00.000+07:002014-07-01T08:35:19.425+07:00My Memorable Boat Ride, Koh Lipe Low Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibEhPS0Z97-aQANx_wDblpecN8QPOLCVFbcpIGhDqIgdIUaq0xeyot_NOF6HDTGEgLYmhBM-FnAXG-TNAXHAnDkkFxwhqvFyEljm3x0lQYiv0kwLDBKm_7WWzF5n1Gu3uToLP/s1600/IMG_8614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibEhPS0Z97-aQANx_wDblpecN8QPOLCVFbcpIGhDqIgdIUaq0xeyot_NOF6HDTGEgLYmhBM-FnAXG-TNAXHAnDkkFxwhqvFyEljm3x0lQYiv0kwLDBKm_7WWzF5n1Gu3uToLP/s1600/IMG_8614.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overcrowded But it did not Matter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So different, so very much different in this low season compared to 2 years ago. The schedules of boats crossing over to Koh Lipe was limited to only one trip a day, 11:30 am. So was the return trip back, started at an early 9 am. What was so very much different was the chaos getting on board the speed boats. There used to be a queue system but during the low season it did not happen. First I will blog about the leg from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe. I got queue card number 1 for I was early. It did not matter anyway when we were lined up for boarding. The native islanders, many, strolled right in front of me and boarded. The boat was overloaded but so what. As long as the boat did not sink at the pier, it should make it to the island. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TbFEzJjzu-6GCgX426lYRRBeFd5FuqI1FqlMmPKoNEWrjMi9-qCgBzjfkRgEXnNmV_NhbnShu4csQEKdeE-mIkq2jp3acOP_5bzi9db6hU0CRORcPnN1Th0HBu2eW5WrBebQ/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TbFEzJjzu-6GCgX426lYRRBeFd5FuqI1FqlMmPKoNEWrjMi9-qCgBzjfkRgEXnNmV_NhbnShu4csQEKdeE-mIkq2jp3acOP_5bzi9db6hU0CRORcPnN1Th0HBu2eW5WrBebQ/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When we arrived near Koh Lipe, as the sea was rough near shores, the speed boats were unable to approach. As such, we transited on a floating platform set out in the deeper water. It was the start of spoilage to my idea long awaited holiday. We had to buy additional tickets for getting on to long tail boats to get on shore. The she-boy handed us slips of paper and pointed us to queue over somewhere there. We realized 20 minutes later it was a wrong queue, it was for a private charter to one of the resorts. So we asked the impatient she-boy again and she annoyingly pointed us somewhere over somewhere again. I think she was having a bad artificial vagina day problem or something. Anyway, we finally got on shore after shoving among hordes of people who were unable to comprehend a queue system, all trying eagerly and impatiently to jump onto the long tail boats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LvRJ4HIHvDFUory_DjdShySDrYeoDeRME7JgMA1IUBLive48ZEenkLgnUDOThza7lrpenPQiG6QS_fCv8IS6o3_VVvEcwpzbXMnLrdty9kdwUknk5NmlWFXIzj4vzh6CBYeo/s1600/IMG_8607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LvRJ4HIHvDFUory_DjdShySDrYeoDeRME7JgMA1IUBLive48ZEenkLgnUDOThza7lrpenPQiG6QS_fCv8IS6o3_VVvEcwpzbXMnLrdty9kdwUknk5NmlWFXIzj4vzh6CBYeo/s1600/IMG_8607.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scramble for It</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now, the trip back. I will have to describe it with the lingo of Singlish in order to fully illustrate in words how it really went. To begin with, there were no queue cards issued. Again this was unlike 2 years ago. We were all bundled up in disorderly scattered groups on the beach. Where there were shades, there were some of us. Under the trees, under the shack, and all over the wooden bar selling fruit smoothies to fight the already searing morning heat. And then, it was 9.30 and them operators announced it was time for boarding. Everyone rushed for the boat and I really meant everyone. The kiasu syndrome I had not seen in a long long time suddenly come out in all kinds of pattern and color.<br />
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In Thai culture, everything should be rather orderly, just like how we see Thais queue up for trains and buses. But here on Koh Lipe, with the perfect mix of nationalities, things started to turn strange. On the onset of boarding, the Singaporean (me) and Malaysians sprinted faster than cheetah to the front of queue. Then the China woman cut queue and board the boat without tickets ignoring the commands of the Thai operator. Then the Singaporean (me again) and Malaysian kiasunisim come out full battle order and hell broke the queue line. Then the Thais in the queue buay tahan and also anyhow start to cut left right center and upside down. We all had a wild time crowd at the boat try to squeeze our way up. Malaysians and Thais then, in a strategic move, released their tiny kids to stream up the boats through cracks in order to chop seats. And then the China woman's husband shouted for her to get off the boat because she board wrong boat (yes she is bimbo + kiasu + kiasi beating us Singaporeans and Malaysians). Then she squeeze herself out in the market of chaotic rojak Thais Malaysians and Singaporean snatching seats. By right the bulky angmohs will come from behind and bulldoze us to the corner, but they decided to let us kill ourselves first. Perfect storm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGWLiDaK_PWqKJT2l-Ru8a5D1Y-OOlJqkdWSjOPnZTfQY7lZt50YML2N5XsRNOJR0SZ8LTQid4XzxAd0qZ4RNctf4PC56MpPemfMX4ouw9rqCVOizALLCdT5S8XExTyRNTuPB/s1600/IMG_8829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGWLiDaK_PWqKJT2l-Ru8a5D1Y-OOlJqkdWSjOPnZTfQY7lZt50YML2N5XsRNOJR0SZ8LTQid4XzxAd0qZ4RNctf4PC56MpPemfMX4ouw9rqCVOizALLCdT5S8XExTyRNTuPB/s1600/IMG_8829.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Tail Boats to Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>See, during the low season, not only were the schedules limited because of the perceived lower number of travelers, so were the number of operating boats. As such, if there were, and always were, greater number of travelers then what the number of operating boats could take, did not matter. Just pack us all on board without safely concerns. The operators told us, this happened because they can never predict the number of native islanders who will be making the crossing as they have the rights to board without pre-bookings. They had to take them all in, and the islanders were immune to the concept of civic orderly queuing system. So boats will be packed to the brim on some days, passengers had to crowd and some sat on the aisle and everywhere a butt could fit. The planned departure of boats from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe will also likely be delayed. They waited for passengers who arrived on later flights in Hat Yai as there were no more scheduled crossing after. This year, I tried Easy Lipe speed boats, I was totally not impressed. My 11.30 am departure was delayed a good hour, it ate into my quality island time. I wished I had used the same Ploysiam speed boats as I did 2 years ago because they were the one that left on time. It was an unpleasant experience, definitely was, the journey to and from Koh Lipe during the low season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknWRXSlFdwGWfbifqUjAd-_fA4vABQ65o5rljymcp9M0IgUaURDQ6RwPBexhyphenhyphen4ntdV9RSotx71SSLud0VTmaq-ADAIujcG9CTblGg5-_NMPdPFHixkD3_kiPFPSh1kwYTL_1P/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknWRXSlFdwGWfbifqUjAd-_fA4vABQ65o5rljymcp9M0IgUaURDQ6RwPBexhyphenhyphen4ntdV9RSotx71SSLud0VTmaq-ADAIujcG9CTblGg5-_NMPdPFHixkD3_kiPFPSh1kwYTL_1P/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough Seas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQwQOAX-nFP1QGFWDx-4pUJZvYtZsVDWR43VKGQibmlN7HgrmoMEKnwlZcP31k4qSFmVgnnXInxAEtWhDsERRbl-WqqbfEJvzdnhqHtHIDn5fgRwmuiBTvYzxkkK9zOwgj61D/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQwQOAX-nFP1QGFWDx-4pUJZvYtZsVDWR43VKGQibmlN7HgrmoMEKnwlZcP31k4qSFmVgnnXInxAEtWhDsERRbl-WqqbfEJvzdnhqHtHIDn5fgRwmuiBTvYzxkkK9zOwgj61D/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" height="195" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2hwB9GgTLJ5JkvvBerejTO3cArWR3xK2Btni6wzyh1HyVE0cjIZl-wI1wrhYvukKlL27QDO3YzLuyHqPKMpqS3BfVm5rLxszCKX9FxobwrofqZ75iQsn2NdwozNfzqjAbC7_/s1600/IMG_8622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2hwB9GgTLJ5JkvvBerejTO3cArWR3xK2Btni6wzyh1HyVE0cjIZl-wI1wrhYvukKlL27QDO3YzLuyHqPKMpqS3BfVm5rLxszCKX9FxobwrofqZ75iQsn2NdwozNfzqjAbC7_/s1600/IMG_8622.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Should Have Use This</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz_JYfTCsR2ygPMVkLpTS0zZxD08Kw32phIO9Yc3SQzLuG7gOsIKMk7J0ezga7MR8DgcJeKPWgcxXD3lz7Kmw_SPM-ozjk0uWKpE9CCK1g-8kaFOVMbHNWHwFWWPI5B62H-EI/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz_JYfTCsR2ygPMVkLpTS0zZxD08Kw32phIO9Yc3SQzLuG7gOsIKMk7J0ezga7MR8DgcJeKPWgcxXD3lz7Kmw_SPM-ozjk0uWKpE9CCK1g-8kaFOVMbHNWHwFWWPI5B62H-EI/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm Clouds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8jbS-KpN8uPOBZHdgDeVx4cmfUC4RdxsHg_C547aA84x64iHutz_vAQ5dqbFzQejRrlBrXcArxVs9sKMzHZSEFCP3by-BE9K5oVwpJ31ag1yyn3zZvxV-c7SAgDclixEBi3J/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8jbS-KpN8uPOBZHdgDeVx4cmfUC4RdxsHg_C547aA84x64iHutz_vAQ5dqbFzQejRrlBrXcArxVs9sKMzHZSEFCP3by-BE9K5oVwpJ31ag1yyn3zZvxV-c7SAgDclixEBi3J/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under Repair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Qz6bPjnkUUECpQL8ut59jPuzYmaS3T1SjAfwjaGocOB1n9-h_XEzcXj0bP0i_h3wlupS5FJAzIlhW9sQvRZYFkng52G1EkOhkkpRQJsDq5NM6bVwkIsagzNep7NdncSa7xE/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Qz6bPjnkUUECpQL8ut59jPuzYmaS3T1SjAfwjaGocOB1n9-h_XEzcXj0bP0i_h3wlupS5FJAzIlhW9sQvRZYFkng52G1EkOhkkpRQJsDq5NM6bVwkIsagzNep7NdncSa7xE/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Shadows</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com2Ko Li Pe, Tarutao National Park, Thailand6.4885717 99.304895900000026.4570177 99.26455540000002 6.5201256999999995 99.345236400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-21968318417681774442014-06-21T00:07:00.002+07:002014-06-21T08:04:40.579+07:00Koh Lipe 2 Years After<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyFQW-BkY4Z4ID61We-gzrpc1SnufcrqZ6_ebOkl0l66RqPrtIewA2gx4h1y6MvjbRhuVdZYtRv7OUdmPDFFKWAVBLmN3nxODP3Wm-1IEdjD_0d7WA2vj7NbXSbentrblerTX/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyFQW-BkY4Z4ID61We-gzrpc1SnufcrqZ6_ebOkl0l66RqPrtIewA2gx4h1y6MvjbRhuVdZYtRv7OUdmPDFFKWAVBLmN3nxODP3Wm-1IEdjD_0d7WA2vj7NbXSbentrblerTX/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seashell</td></tr>
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The last time I was here <a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2012/12/koh-lipe-2012-southern-experience.html" target="_blank">2 years ago</a>, I did not see a Seven Eleven. Neither did I see natives clad in purple vest which were labeled with big numbers like a soccer jersey. Those were the inhabitants who provided official taxi services on the island. It cost only 50 baht per person for getting from anywhere to anywhere. The walk from Seven Eleven to our resort took a good half an hour. Not wanting my fingers to break away from the strangle of heavy plastic bags loaded with a huge assortment of sodas, we hopped on one of those Taxis. A sidecar made of welded rods attached to a smoky putting motorcycle that went breathless ascending the slightest slopes, that what it was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6IT_bokANpV62Swv3d7pb91yB9vywNHJM6DtaeDdPm5-hEkCn1zK5n1oCZ18j6IRzH3eFu2afrodzpmf97ZuA-qHTgUE7AqZhDrfvAzB-hqVk2bVkKn7JKVsoKvUYKPHmykD/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6IT_bokANpV62Swv3d7pb91yB9vywNHJM6DtaeDdPm5-hEkCn1zK5n1oCZ18j6IRzH3eFu2afrodzpmf97ZuA-qHTgUE7AqZhDrfvAzB-hqVk2bVkKn7JKVsoKvUYKPHmykD/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxis in front of of Seven Eleven</td></tr>
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The rider, a tiny and tanned elderly man. His complexion told the story of the island's salty wind and her blazing sun. He was a native and told us that the men in purple came about only recently. It was established to ward off the rampant Burmese operated taxis who stole the business of the community. Well at least now, we can be sure whatever we spent on the island goes to the islanders genuinely to help, in the long run, create a better paradise for us city dwellers to indulge. Seated on a thin layer of PVC wrapped foam they called a cushion, we throttled over rocky gravel and speed reducing humps made from harbor ropes laid across the island roads. It took us less than 10 minutes to arrive at the beach where our resort was. We alighted, bid farewell, and he gave us his number so we could call him anytime should we need his service.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7aNYwpoT_-iliCDg2MXlNKgvDm1pA_mGwHV_TLc2OgyT5wUwuEcJwezTIM7hS8SJWi90KGZi16IO14QhHQmF4GOL_4eFKRovG3w_lT_TTgEmEd3hQG6NEuCB6TJ2-HKvJ2Q7/s1600/IMG_8832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7aNYwpoT_-iliCDg2MXlNKgvDm1pA_mGwHV_TLc2OgyT5wUwuEcJwezTIM7hS8SJWi90KGZi16IO14QhHQmF4GOL_4eFKRovG3w_lT_TTgEmEd3hQG6NEuCB6TJ2-HKvJ2Q7/s1600/IMG_8832.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Road</td></tr>
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There were times of inconvenience on some days as we tried to walk from Sunrise to Pattaya beach. The pathway was blocked. It just so happened that during our stay on island paradise, they were going through a revamp of the island's connecting roads. New fresh concrete was poured and laid to dry, entire stretches of roads were closed off. We were patient and we stepped gingerly alongside. It sure was an obstacle course stepping over clusters of rocks and moving pass the reeking dustbins. Dogs did not bother and went ahead to walk on the still soft concrete. They left cute paw prints. Some in-considered visitors thought themselves were dogs too, they saw what the dogs did and did what the dogs did. Their sandal prints were large and unimpressive. We listened to the taxi drivers complained some days, they said the roads were built too narrow for two way traffic. Taxis sometimes had a game of fencing with their handles on some of the tighter sections. And on other days, they complained that the roads were encroaching into their homes, the land areas declared by deed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicob1L1mn8U3oEtso9w2zTp-I6SxS0UTo7scDGaZd5RKt9Sa7tl_IJVfCSKRUdlmneMmLEkP2GZwQj-FkIkDSlEibH5q7DZQP-S7thlt0t9WcXpk2MYouVVmEE3Z5pzH7AiUqd/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicob1L1mn8U3oEtso9w2zTp-I6SxS0UTo7scDGaZd5RKt9Sa7tl_IJVfCSKRUdlmneMmLEkP2GZwQj-FkIkDSlEibH5q7DZQP-S7thlt0t9WcXpk2MYouVVmEE3Z5pzH7AiUqd/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves of Low Season</td></tr>
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Was it the season in particular or was it pest population boom? Cockroaches, they invaded our room. I never did had a pest problem last time I was there at Idyllic Resort. One morning, I found an unfortunate bloke who drowned in the leftover instant cup noodle out the balcony, the other day one died next to my shoe for unknown reasons. And one fine scary night, one was terrorizing us by flying all over our room and we in panic called for DDT to be sent from the reception. Only it never came in time to ease our fear of the winged devil smacking into our faces. We conveniently engaged a cat which was always out front of our corridor. Without his consent of any meow, we seized him in the middle of his balls licking routine and let him loose where the roach landed. Cat turned attention from balls to roach in an instant as roach scurried on the tiled floor. Cat 1, roach 0. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebtYX2wUihWAyct7S_sQskIBwS6j68wAj3PqwjSuGknEb7DQReab3C5NjXrljC1faOmpU_qf4VkCZ70OlTcyruACpcMaMxwxsbcz-HNmLuERlpn3WIcvGgvNUZCWnoUnGa5aL/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebtYX2wUihWAyct7S_sQskIBwS6j68wAj3PqwjSuGknEb7DQReab3C5NjXrljC1faOmpU_qf4VkCZ70OlTcyruACpcMaMxwxsbcz-HNmLuERlpn3WIcvGgvNUZCWnoUnGa5aL/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewage Storage</td></tr>
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The island this season, much to the dismay of us tourist, many of the resorts underwent major renovations at the same time. New buildings were being erected creating rather an eyesore, large heavy logs were suspiciously pulled out of the sea after dark. Much of nature remained the same, it was the roads and taxi services that had changed. Water was still suctioned from underground for our use, and electricity still pumped from generators central of the island. We were still able to get strong GSM signal which allowed us to upload statuses during our boat trip all the way from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe. The dogs still woke early to greet the sunrise with me during morning shoots. Contrary to what many websites had portrayed, there were ATMs on the island and they do dispense cash. Let's see how more Koh Lipe will change over the next few years, hopefully not too much. It is her rustic nature that is the magic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__Qvg_9qRAV3vA4BSyr6wrWXhPwviGT4SPn6sKMSO6PqG_CFY6RBLiY9FGtmtA41m9vl4v2FhVuk9Bx6vUP158W1bo_j9lEfhapfSGim31ukNyIFfK0nlxEvrZGQrH6kPD5DG/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__Qvg_9qRAV3vA4BSyr6wrWXhPwviGT4SPn6sKMSO6PqG_CFY6RBLiY9FGtmtA41m9vl4v2FhVuk9Bx6vUP158W1bo_j9lEfhapfSGim31ukNyIFfK0nlxEvrZGQrH6kPD5DG/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cove on Sunset Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1iuFJ6k3HVUuGX0OaOOwOgj0Bd1BSDMo9wRMtywYvdJSN3n2U6qg9QBnUWZ0sOEena77oZRf7aEkfNohuF4klfM54u0U4pGs8Opq6a5jYwqeH8mvfsnq1fb6jjHjTm6FRIDL/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1iuFJ6k3HVUuGX0OaOOwOgj0Bd1BSDMo9wRMtywYvdJSN3n2U6qg9QBnUWZ0sOEena77oZRf7aEkfNohuF4klfM54u0U4pGs8Opq6a5jYwqeH8mvfsnq1fb6jjHjTm6FRIDL/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building Materials</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7thnIqyKwB2xkiWKHW9rueT62CNIhCJtldDZVOWpS4wI5oveOkNDUiH0tiSU7_KfGPslei86a4jzQ0p12VvyUAAw2KgqxjWVN4nUnKHKKyuDfujR7HYaJ4vN4Rk8n91hv0XLM/s1600/IMG_8958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7thnIqyKwB2xkiWKHW9rueT62CNIhCJtldDZVOWpS4wI5oveOkNDUiH0tiSU7_KfGPslei86a4jzQ0p12VvyUAAw2KgqxjWVN4nUnKHKKyuDfujR7HYaJ4vN4Rk8n91hv0XLM/s1600/IMG_8958.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where Natives Dwells</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UZ17LNGaBjvHND-V6aLGg69fuDf6us2N-MJ2SjOzpCsVJCbL_2cCL1sOV_zcV0Gxp90seqkOb8JLyrVGJQmSn_o-R9F9wquHO9Yc-xAy5EyLsgfBRaH8UjqL0BPIKaBIR3PI/s1600/IMG_8985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UZ17LNGaBjvHND-V6aLGg69fuDf6us2N-MJ2SjOzpCsVJCbL_2cCL1sOV_zcV0Gxp90seqkOb8JLyrVGJQmSn_o-R9F9wquHO9Yc-xAy5EyLsgfBRaH8UjqL0BPIKaBIR3PI/s1600/IMG_8985.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mdR-hif7np2QS8G-g5lE_6AyIHAf59xm7lzfkuOsetP_sSKvXipPS7-eFXM8P1grr6Y8oVrzLStBiERBVTHYz4qr7EvKIc10Mw2vuX7-rYnNv7bECh2Ue4Inat3y0XnlLm2T/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mdR-hif7np2QS8G-g5lE_6AyIHAf59xm7lzfkuOsetP_sSKvXipPS7-eFXM8P1grr6Y8oVrzLStBiERBVTHYz4qr7EvKIc10Mw2vuX7-rYnNv7bECh2Ue4Inat3y0XnlLm2T/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dog and The Sea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_feYATy951EWabJtin6DU83QFG43vgoOtuLHgVHtSmUl4CzCadylBRRNoV7BdNfoifLbHa6mlMyOUIDt2cpYcMwbtCVFgih3eEi0IhNV30URMluiT5Nega-KiFRHhbdkqLv4_/s1600/IMG_9447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_feYATy951EWabJtin6DU83QFG43vgoOtuLHgVHtSmUl4CzCadylBRRNoV7BdNfoifLbHa6mlMyOUIDt2cpYcMwbtCVFgih3eEi0IhNV30URMluiT5Nega-KiFRHhbdkqLv4_/s1600/IMG_9447.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillout Chairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPDfC1tbxWDEpmzvtXtNtLFqze3pUuYfFA_Q6oNkpygu9wV2oqu1DrsUKDqvX3Nav-rDwDEra7_YhetgKNLSNOx_LXYiejMYwF1SZ3mHFdSBeVWwbKMazZfm0Lp4G1a1MZ75y/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPDfC1tbxWDEpmzvtXtNtLFqze3pUuYfFA_Q6oNkpygu9wV2oqu1DrsUKDqvX3Nav-rDwDEra7_YhetgKNLSNOx_LXYiejMYwF1SZ3mHFdSBeVWwbKMazZfm0Lp4G1a1MZ75y/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the Shade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAHOqyF3R97szfU5YpvyOXEPQScW371ADTqtWhyiuJfQkrUP_IVigglpSOBr3R_-gB5dFQ5OuDb1h1FqbeEW69TJFjHfo1QvW3-73X1ZgiMLGwhiZfmOtDMLpjMhHiUDiClXT/s1600/IMG_9664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAHOqyF3R97szfU5YpvyOXEPQScW371ADTqtWhyiuJfQkrUP_IVigglpSOBr3R_-gB5dFQ5OuDb1h1FqbeEW69TJFjHfo1QvW3-73X1ZgiMLGwhiZfmOtDMLpjMhHiUDiClXT/s1600/IMG_9664.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats they Rocked</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FEOz9PeCqcr7APskVnZ12YulqCLPXbozTgT_XWkQERq39fYiYW0r4DaxGv1XC7UqA7DQ9InRmTvZnvJ7sPg6WoBH77N7Cyz_u81O7al0zx4-oEZJpQ9HlCy11nXJX4yNll7b/s1600/IMG_9879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FEOz9PeCqcr7APskVnZ12YulqCLPXbozTgT_XWkQERq39fYiYW0r4DaxGv1XC7UqA7DQ9InRmTvZnvJ7sPg6WoBH77N7Cyz_u81O7al0zx4-oEZJpQ9HlCy11nXJX4yNll7b/s1600/IMG_9879.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helpful Child</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuucGPMBryM81d0cIuDszlWEbphV5vlnelSKP9i8ryXHyiUlsh289scAhN9VQguWYI9_YT87ari9hjrplq-1bhREZ-e8dvxx5XQHb1-08yHx6WFHIWYUQb8Sv-4WIrZF-Y6Cc/s1600/IMG_9912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuucGPMBryM81d0cIuDszlWEbphV5vlnelSKP9i8ryXHyiUlsh289scAhN9VQguWYI9_YT87ari9hjrplq-1bhREZ-e8dvxx5XQHb1-08yHx6WFHIWYUQb8Sv-4WIrZF-Y6Cc/s1600/IMG_9912.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Idyllic Afternoon</td></tr>
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Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Ko Li Pe, Tarutao National Park, Thailand6.4885717 99.304895900000026.4570177 99.26455540000002 6.5201256999999995 99.345236400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10445703.post-20237980294855425382014-06-15T22:23:00.000+07:002014-06-21T00:08:36.349+07:00Koh Lipe during the Low Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sipping Cocktails at Castaway Resort</td></tr>
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Taking on the advice of someone I met on Koh <a href="http://jewie.blogspot.com/2012/12/koh-lipe-2012-southern-experience.html" target="_blank">Lipe 2 years ago</a>, I tried Koh Lipe during the low season where everything is just that quieter. Bad idea. June, in the middle of the raining season, visiting any islands in Thailand will be pure gamble. Yes, the rain does not pour 24x7, but unfortunately the wind and waves does. The southerly blew for a continued 3 days while I was there, spoiling my chance of snorkeling near Koh Lipe's eastern shores where Idyllic Resort is located. Only on my final day of return, did the wind recourse to blow from the southwest leaving the eastern shores in good calm. Nevertheless, on the 4 nights I was there, I protested by going into the water because I just need to be. It was a tumble of stretched arms and legs, ass in the air sometimes. I quickly retreated back to the hotel pool obediently and watch the sea instead, eliminating the risk of kissing sea urchins with my face. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An the Boats Were Here</td></tr>
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Sunrise beach was not as crowded as in October of 2012 while I was there. Most visitors still preferred to stay on the sunset side where Pattaya Beach is. It was filled with mostly China and Malaysian tourist. This meant noise level up several notches. The sea over there was way too violent compared to the already rolling waves of the eastern shores. There were no boats moored at Pattaya, they had all moved over to Sunrise beach. As the wind in low season will blow mostly from southwest, Pattaya took the full force of her battling. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the Infinity Pool</td></tr>
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The sky did break sometimes, opening to allow the sun to turn Koh Lipe into postcard perfect paradise painted in varied hues of green and blue, the white shores burning in the foreground. At times like these, I chilled out sprawled across the hotel's infinity pool just listening to waves. Other times, I sipped cocktail at Castaway Resort watching the horizon to the tune of the best lounge music on the island. Castaway was mostly filled with westerners sunbathing and occasionally challenging the waves tumbling. Many were seated in the shades working on their notebooks, or reading their books. Tranquility enveloped us all, it was a state of blissfulness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfNBsQpnbFhY6FRkPfyG9mA7-a1ishTSzZOTVwTdmc2xBk_GnTTZ1GGlMXXGuLyBU7OMI2pIXIzPJ65ffZWgZnszKxi-p6jFnNJ0eRcyZ0miTmMTUv0-Y67XUpiMo22O-T94Z/s1600/IMG_9192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfNBsQpnbFhY6FRkPfyG9mA7-a1ishTSzZOTVwTdmc2xBk_GnTTZ1GGlMXXGuLyBU7OMI2pIXIzPJ65ffZWgZnszKxi-p6jFnNJ0eRcyZ0miTmMTUv0-Y67XUpiMo22O-T94Z/s1600/IMG_9192.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking Street on a Weekday</td></tr>
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Low season on a weekday's night, walking street connecting the beaches was like a ghost town. It was deserted and windless. A large tour group did interrupt the stillness of her humid air, they crowded a restaurant somewhat in the middle of this street. Most shops were closed, an untidy bundle of stacked up tables and chairs, the dust evidence of isolation. On Pattaya beach however, was a bustle of activities. Plastic tables decked out the shore, the after light of sunset casted everything blue. Spots of candle lit orange illuminated diners, the tray of glistening fresh seafood laid on cold ice reflected the iridescence of the tungsten bulbs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZhZoPI3OloFixKmXS8NtbFAEV42crEqPYxcYJ2jTYi38M96ui6aGio1IFPW2yUSeiNkYZTSBHjFGGrW2_AFeJQs1TgtZYiCHP2W_2Xlz9K_eoRN3lPxaPs3qdSCEXj_U-_mV/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZhZoPI3OloFixKmXS8NtbFAEV42crEqPYxcYJ2jTYi38M96ui6aGio1IFPW2yUSeiNkYZTSBHjFGGrW2_AFeJQs1TgtZYiCHP2W_2Xlz9K_eoRN3lPxaPs3qdSCEXj_U-_mV/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splash</td></tr>
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The days on Sunrise beach was generally quieter then on Pattaya. As the gust came most of the time from southwest, waves were somewhat gentle but it still stirred up sand reducing the water visibility much. Close to shore, it was like snorkeling in white sandstorm. Further out, risking currents that could swept me to far far away, visibility was much better. Restaurants along this beach were not operating at full force. At Zanom, there was no sandwiches for that afternoon indulgence, there was no fresh seafood laid on trays. They had also closed the BBQ pits so further limiting what we could order. Everything was cocooned in an off peak mood which included the savory of Koh Lipe. It was disappointing compared to the last time I was there. The fried rice I ordered was mushy. Best meal I had on Sunrise Beach came from Idyllic Concept Resort, I would never eat at hotels but I was left with limited choices. Surprisingly, this resort upheld her standards, the food was great, the live lobster that went for 1800 Baht per kg was grilled to perfection and the Cream of Mushroom was tasty on the palate and thick to my liking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYWWuZpxc0Vzy2KsFuU1lawVVhaSEPCoZir_8IqchBOkQNVW4dPdyhlVhBou8JePOPLseizwzEBwhc3YI-fujyTSKSl0jNL7YRi14onolFFM6VLYN5EHRoUSS-iIzAJT259Tv/s1600/IMG_8998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYWWuZpxc0Vzy2KsFuU1lawVVhaSEPCoZir_8IqchBOkQNVW4dPdyhlVhBou8JePOPLseizwzEBwhc3YI-fujyTSKSl0jNL7YRi14onolFFM6VLYN5EHRoUSS-iIzAJT259Tv/s1600/IMG_8998.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm Coming</td></tr>
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This year is the first time Koh Adang was made off limits to tourist during the low season. This in an effort to preserve the marine life and to give them a chance to recuperate from the abuse of trashing snorkelers. The tour of long tail boats still operated but with destinations on the island hopping list limited. The wave direction changed from day to day, and so did the spot for visitors boarding the vessels for trips and the return journey. It will either be Sunrise Beach, the far and hidden cove of Sunset Beach or the northern shores where Mountain Resort is. Koh Lipe certainly had progressed compared to 2012 when I was there. Travelling to this island during the low season was also a totally different experience. These 2 which I will blog about in my next few posts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO-R7V62rpA96_VuM1YUIF8buJjgZSjfiZD1zWZQz3RW4-gVP7aWCR76zfN5FXkx6LSYwD9tzRlCogeCIR_YshxzGI7q7I87VVjj79kv8RXdMiw1bpyuhs8-Eqmt4RGTUN7zh/s1600/IMG_9144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO-R7V62rpA96_VuM1YUIF8buJjgZSjfiZD1zWZQz3RW4-gVP7aWCR76zfN5FXkx6LSYwD9tzRlCogeCIR_YshxzGI7q7I87VVjj79kv8RXdMiw1bpyuhs8-Eqmt4RGTUN7zh/s1600/IMG_9144.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattaya Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlWZ8dCoQlJVReK0qM3OrAgJr8-jIHqf7_ps7l5CSYmCcMoDDsgpgyKNUPuU_-p3TZL9TZ5LhlBtpyzBzlnYwsfBKAYYJfu_PxqqcVmRC4Mc3e6lIB59P-htso6-v5jXcN4lV/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlWZ8dCoQlJVReK0qM3OrAgJr8-jIHqf7_ps7l5CSYmCcMoDDsgpgyKNUPuU_-p3TZL9TZ5LhlBtpyzBzlnYwsfBKAYYJfu_PxqqcVmRC4Mc3e6lIB59P-htso6-v5jXcN4lV/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" height="195" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYlAQFrRllJkuOzdbTVKSnhJnmyRExqwDp5-PIT_yBDduPnLCEpYrnVnHoekFlnitzeloRfJwhMBIsBp8aMkP0ogaNgDqwQpSjc1MX5x5jpUxDxUhHP8_YTjSs2T1OsUTIOt9/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYlAQFrRllJkuOzdbTVKSnhJnmyRExqwDp5-PIT_yBDduPnLCEpYrnVnHoekFlnitzeloRfJwhMBIsBp8aMkP0ogaNgDqwQpSjc1MX5x5jpUxDxUhHP8_YTjSs2T1OsUTIOt9/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling Waves on Sunrise Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4YKjyPmXwgOT4HHqWC_k1uYAlHIDVB7sB9CT-KZhN6mJ2WeHDe51tD2WD5HWiPILV6eIZ6k97nChL8APe_5fwDSaawHDl6pXPcI6r9Fvc7Al2LUwnbT0Aezs_Uakk8AcCgfu/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4YKjyPmXwgOT4HHqWC_k1uYAlHIDVB7sB9CT-KZhN6mJ2WeHDe51tD2WD5HWiPILV6eIZ6k97nChL8APe_5fwDSaawHDl6pXPcI6r9Fvc7Al2LUwnbT0Aezs_Uakk8AcCgfu/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the Sky Breaks, Its Perfect Almost</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYGo5Ap4ESAXXzh1f8s_3XFB_6g1picsiQDeBULV00JdlSr3eGZfoWzhdJDgtvblYOOzNKSEEdg8owiEB23GWzEkyfYsjrQn1tB13H28Ad8riyLXrOuq3Nj4h0EFTSDaD-Kxq/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYGo5Ap4ESAXXzh1f8s_3XFB_6g1picsiQDeBULV00JdlSr3eGZfoWzhdJDgtvblYOOzNKSEEdg8owiEB23GWzEkyfYsjrQn1tB13H28Ad8riyLXrOuq3Nj4h0EFTSDaD-Kxq/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" height="160" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapce Rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sm2pczOuChbftJj1IJi48pSBPLXk_kH5NtcIoDo-65hJQKwJHvLDQiaRPwPGdiTm3zgdSKqaRceEwtI-k4tLqsrAglxeA2dengdXDboKlV-4HsfcS_ILkEEoj2qG9ejR2ekM/s1600/IMG_8921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sm2pczOuChbftJj1IJi48pSBPLXk_kH5NtcIoDo-65hJQKwJHvLDQiaRPwPGdiTm3zgdSKqaRceEwtI-k4tLqsrAglxeA2dengdXDboKlV-4HsfcS_ILkEEoj2qG9ejR2ekM/s1600/IMG_8921.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Tail Boats awaiting Sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxFxjbg50lsw4ZiIAgRfDc5cE_hxlL8Udz6MAtDN9smD7wmkSanEXgFCOFHGqUZnNFd4sxjDmNfeMiPEbo7BPsL-KO9MYinJGqKMkimjdfdYbg8fxXiCIv64WbU8iuNHoM6ZM/s1600/IMG_9001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxFxjbg50lsw4ZiIAgRfDc5cE_hxlL8Udz6MAtDN9smD7wmkSanEXgFCOFHGqUZnNFd4sxjDmNfeMiPEbo7BPsL-KO9MYinJGqKMkimjdfdYbg8fxXiCIv64WbU8iuNHoM6ZM/s1600/IMG_9001.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm Before The Storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CH-4iCGPtrM2-4SeZaqx7BHmeSmWJtFhqpmXtXCtGLXZwVLzV7_I7IvdGr3D_U7LGax01cuWcyk9AAtIjTxBsYACvbc0r1hDqPN4CFvpZBP56Y4xJ-6ONqvZovqMnfnVSVD3/s1600/IMG_9060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CH-4iCGPtrM2-4SeZaqx7BHmeSmWJtFhqpmXtXCtGLXZwVLzV7_I7IvdGr3D_U7LGax01cuWcyk9AAtIjTxBsYACvbc0r1hDqPN4CFvpZBP56Y4xJ-6ONqvZovqMnfnVSVD3/s1600/IMG_9060.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Securing Boats Before The Storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBLaRO2Oh0x2WDCRlpgPCPDdlyHQuy-gJ7wXoEtIUmSSxlR4ot-jRZ_XL3eSJpFRlfr8snURw0mJI7OqE6SpwsGW-TO7zUCtPR3esbP51Xh63MPMuh-5sKLBdlgbzVN3O96y0/s1600/IMG_9075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBLaRO2Oh0x2WDCRlpgPCPDdlyHQuy-gJ7wXoEtIUmSSxlR4ot-jRZ_XL3eSJpFRlfr8snURw0mJI7OqE6SpwsGW-TO7zUCtPR3esbP51Xh63MPMuh-5sKLBdlgbzVN3O96y0/s1600/IMG_9075.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battling the Waves</td></tr>
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</div>
Jewiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07751027506601215077noreply@blogger.com0Ko Li Pe, Tarutao National Park, Thailand6.4885717 99.304895900000026.4570177 99.26455540000002 6.5201256999999995 99.345236400000019