I am now into my last week here in Thailand, more specifically at Udon Thani. On Friday, I return to Bangkok, and on Sunday, spend the longest day travelling home. Except for a couple of cases at resort cities, we have not been hard hit with the coronavirus. There were five flights daily from Wuhan,where the virus started, to hot spots here in Thailand, but all have been cancelled, with that city and others in a lock down. Reports here indicate that the virus began when a man ate a rat, which is a delicacy in China. Interesting, since this is the year of the rat on the Chinese zodiac, and today is in fact their New Year's day. Celebrations were quiet here last evening, in respect to those who could not celebrate.
My friend has not improved; in fact he is quite low, has high fever, and feels cold all the time.
I will have some blog pages to do when I return home,as the internet here is not reliable, and I have some things to say from a tourist point of view.
It is my intention to do an update from Bangkok, before I depart for Canada on February 2.
Saturday 25 January 2020
Wednesday 8 January 2020
Udon Thani, Thailand January 8, 2020
It is a quiet afternoon here, about 34 degrees, and very dry. I was out for a while this morning, and find the place very active. Udon Thani has a population of around 400 Thousand; ..that depends on whether you believe the Chamber of Commerce equivalent, or the tax collection people.
One block from my hotel is a lake of just over a mile square area containing a great park. The park is called Nongprajak Park, and contains wide bike/walking trails, hundreds of assorted palm trees and others, as well as plants galore. I did a two hour walk there yesterday morning...many bike rental posts, paddle boats etc. It is one of the nicest city parks that I have ever seen. At the entrance is a kids zone called Dino-land, with huge dinosaurs, birds etc, such that kids do not want to leave....even the big kids.
The hospital where my friend is faces this lake and park, so staff and patients that are able can go out for strolls as they feel like it. The hospital complex is huge, connected buildings for more than a kilometer along the lake and off to the side.
Family and friends from the family's home village..So Phisai is three hours away; They drive down, visit for an hour or so, then have lunch and return home. Someone is with him at all times.
The hospital is just one block from my hotel, so it is very convenient for visits, and a drop in for family if they wish.
At this time, there is no indication of how long I will be here, it will of course depend on how my friend recovers. At this time, it looks like a very slow recovery,,some days good, others not so good.
In any event, since this is the closest airport to the family farm/village, I am booked to start my trip home from here on January 31 at noon. I have two nights booked in Bangkok, and fly out of there to Tokyo and on at six in the morning, February 2.
Before starting this page, I checked the statistics for this past week...this blog read by folks in Canada, Thailand, Brazil, Ukraine and Portugal.
I will do an update in about a week
One block from my hotel is a lake of just over a mile square area containing a great park. The park is called Nongprajak Park, and contains wide bike/walking trails, hundreds of assorted palm trees and others, as well as plants galore. I did a two hour walk there yesterday morning...many bike rental posts, paddle boats etc. It is one of the nicest city parks that I have ever seen. At the entrance is a kids zone called Dino-land, with huge dinosaurs, birds etc, such that kids do not want to leave....even the big kids.
The hospital where my friend is faces this lake and park, so staff and patients that are able can go out for strolls as they feel like it. The hospital complex is huge, connected buildings for more than a kilometer along the lake and off to the side.
Family and friends from the family's home village..So Phisai is three hours away; They drive down, visit for an hour or so, then have lunch and return home. Someone is with him at all times.
The hospital is just one block from my hotel, so it is very convenient for visits, and a drop in for family if they wish.
At this time, there is no indication of how long I will be here, it will of course depend on how my friend recovers. At this time, it looks like a very slow recovery,,some days good, others not so good.
In any event, since this is the closest airport to the family farm/village, I am booked to start my trip home from here on January 31 at noon. I have two nights booked in Bangkok, and fly out of there to Tokyo and on at six in the morning, February 2.
Before starting this page, I checked the statistics for this past week...this blog read by folks in Canada, Thailand, Brazil, Ukraine and Portugal.
I will do an update in about a week
Friday 3 January 2020
Report from Bangkok January 4, 2020
I am enjoying the relaxing pace, and the 34 degree, dry temperatures. Spent quite some time yesterday exploring a huge temple area not far from the river. Found out after that I had actually been at two temples, not far separated!.
On Monday at noon, I will fly north to the city of Udon Thani, where my friend is hospitalized. At last report, he is still in intensive care, differing points of view as to whether he is getting better, or just eating well and going down hill. His kids come for visits during the weekend, so I will arrive after they have gone home....school and such to do for them.
I am enjoying the slow pace, and visiting some areas here that are new for me...still a lot of Christmas music, and amazing pine trees....made from empty water bottles...not a real tree among them. The Reindeer are also fake!.
Wi-Fi continues to be a problem, but is good at the breakfast dining room, from where I am sending this update.
I do not expect to do another update for a week or so, when I determine what is happening up north.
I hope all had a good, safe new year celebration......I went to bed at nine.....very quiet night.
On Monday at noon, I will fly north to the city of Udon Thani, where my friend is hospitalized. At last report, he is still in intensive care, differing points of view as to whether he is getting better, or just eating well and going down hill. His kids come for visits during the weekend, so I will arrive after they have gone home....school and such to do for them.
I am enjoying the slow pace, and visiting some areas here that are new for me...still a lot of Christmas music, and amazing pine trees....made from empty water bottles...not a real tree among them. The Reindeer are also fake!.
Wi-Fi continues to be a problem, but is good at the breakfast dining room, from where I am sending this update.
I do not expect to do another update for a week or so, when I determine what is happening up north.
I hope all had a good, safe new year celebration......I went to bed at nine.....very quiet night.
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