I will correct my last posting. The trip to Bangkok from Pattaya ended up being on a bus. The train, while very cheap...around 50 cents for the four hour ride, would have been nice, it was to be full of kids enjoying a school break. The ticket office only opens 30 minutes before train time, and the kids were already unruly, so I went to the bus station, and took a bus back in just over two hours.
I have had a relaxing time here, going out from time to time between the heavy downpours, but it is actually refreshing.
Today, I went to the Bangkok National Museum and viewed the small exhibit on the Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an China. Thai citizens got in for about a dollar, while all others were charged nine dollars...a fact I have no problem with. I also had no problem with the fact that seniors got in free....but only Thai seniors. I could not pass the test.....no Thai I.D. card. After we got in, they informed us that no cameras were allowed. They had a counter where you checked in the cameras, and picked them up on exit. We were allowed in by groups of 40. They had a tent cover, due to the frequent rains, and every 10 minutes, another group were allowed in. I was just in time, made the number 40th, so walked right in...it was lunch time, maybe that helped. When I came out, about 30 minutes later, there were hordes of people waiting, dozens of buses had arrived, and it was getting to be a mad house outside.
I was fortunate....I got my camera, then asked if I could go into an anti-room, the second from the exit and take some photos....the lady said yes, but go quick and no flash....so I got most of what I wanted.
I have a quiet schedule for the rest of my time here. I will do my usual walking between storms, and on Monday, will pick up my second pair of glasses. I had ordered the first pair before going to Pattaya, and picked them up the day I got back. Using my old frames, which came from here several years ago, I have been extremely happy with these new lens. I see everything in a new light!!!.
Also, on Monday about nine in the evening, I will take a taxi to the airport to begin that long day travelling home. My flight leaves at one in the morning, October 16, I cross the International Date line, and continue travelling with an arrival around ten in the evening, Ottawa time, same date, but 30 hours later. Unless there is something exciting in the meantime, for which I will do an update from the Inchon Airport, (near Seoul, South Korea), I will next update upon arriving home.
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
Thursday, 3 October 2019
Hello From Pattaya, Thailand; 04/10/2562 (Year of The Buddha ) Oct. 04/2019
I have been here in Pattaya since Tuesday morning, and will be returning to Bangkok early afternoon tomorrow by train. That will cost me about .50 cents, Canadian. I came down on a but, which cost much more...five dollars!!!. Ground transportation is not expensive...unless one uses a taxi, and is not aware of the set rates. On the way from my apartment to the bus station, a taxi cost me five dollars, and it took an hour....most of it stuck in traffic at rush hour.
The smog hit Bangkok Tuesday morning, lasting for two days...well above the health safety level. It was my choice to come here, rather than going to the site of the famous Bridge on The River Kuai..different ways of spelling this. It was forecast for rain there...more so than here at Pattaya.
Both are about the same distance out, one north-west, the other, south of Bangkok.
Since this is known as the rainy season here, there are not many tourists. Until today, I think there were only about three rooms at this hotel that were occupied....and probably over 40 units in all.
As I walked the beach and visited the new malls...two new malls....huge in size, both built in the last two years, it became immediately clear that there were few tourists...mostly locals.
This is a week of celebration for China...starting yesterday, 70th anniversary, so about one hundred thousand Chinese are expected in the next few days. In addition, the government has created a scheme to help the poorer people of the country see their areas, so ten million will see a payment made to their bank, to encourage them to travel during this slow time, and on for the following two months.
I walked the beach yesterday and today, some boating activity with parasailing, but no wind for sailing. Some of the activity on the water is staff training, and...playing during their quiet season.
I do not have much planned for the one week plus a couple days before going home, but will attempt to get to the National Museum to see the Terracotta Warriors display. Last week, they decided to shut down on Mondays and Tuesdays....not much warning for tour groups.
It is so slow here, that on three occasions when I walked into McDonald's for a coffee, I was the only customer...and one of those times was at noon!!!
I will do a report prior to my departing for Canada on October 14, at nine P.M., when I take a taxi to the airport. My first flight departs here on the 15th at 01;10 A.M....and I get home 27 hours later...same date....at ten P.M.
The smog hit Bangkok Tuesday morning, lasting for two days...well above the health safety level. It was my choice to come here, rather than going to the site of the famous Bridge on The River Kuai..different ways of spelling this. It was forecast for rain there...more so than here at Pattaya.
Both are about the same distance out, one north-west, the other, south of Bangkok.
Since this is known as the rainy season here, there are not many tourists. Until today, I think there were only about three rooms at this hotel that were occupied....and probably over 40 units in all.
As I walked the beach and visited the new malls...two new malls....huge in size, both built in the last two years, it became immediately clear that there were few tourists...mostly locals.
This is a week of celebration for China...starting yesterday, 70th anniversary, so about one hundred thousand Chinese are expected in the next few days. In addition, the government has created a scheme to help the poorer people of the country see their areas, so ten million will see a payment made to their bank, to encourage them to travel during this slow time, and on for the following two months.
I walked the beach yesterday and today, some boating activity with parasailing, but no wind for sailing. Some of the activity on the water is staff training, and...playing during their quiet season.
I do not have much planned for the one week plus a couple days before going home, but will attempt to get to the National Museum to see the Terracotta Warriors display. Last week, they decided to shut down on Mondays and Tuesdays....not much warning for tour groups.
It is so slow here, that on three occasions when I walked into McDonald's for a coffee, I was the only customer...and one of those times was at noon!!!
I will do a report prior to my departing for Canada on October 14, at nine P.M., when I take a taxi to the airport. My first flight departs here on the 15th at 01;10 A.M....and I get home 27 hours later...same date....at ten P.M.
Sunday, 29 September 2019
Bangkok, September 29, 2019;
To buy an aspirin here can give one a headache!!. True. I went into four drug stores to purchase ASA 81 MG aspirin, and could not do so. Two huge Pharmacy chains here are Boot's, which we used to have in Canada, and Watson's. At each, I explained that I was from Canada, and wished to purchase 81 MG ASA, as I had done this on previous trips, and as long as I was from out of Thailand, could do so. Thai's needed a prescription. This time, I was informed that Pharmacies must have a license to dispense or sell these drugs, so most can not do so. After two hours attempting various shops, I was informed of one location where I could buy what I wanted, but it was a good walk; I completed the walk and got what I wanted. Here, 60 cost about a dollar!!!.
With thunderstorms forecast for the next five days, I have decided to take the two hour bus trip down to the beach at Pattaya for three nights. The beach is a good place to be if it is wet. There is no risk of lightning at the coast as the salty air works against lightning. I have been told by folks from the west coast of Canada, California and elsewhere that they have never seen a lightning storm on the coast....inland, a different story.
I did some shopping last evening at a place called Asiatique...(different spellings), where over a thousand shops sell everything Asian...a massive place with every imaginable type of shop. It would take several days to visit every one. It is mainly a night market....newly constructed over an old dock site along the Chao Phraya river which runs through Bangkok. To get there, I took an elevated rail line part way, then transferred to a water taxi...free service for the market for two kilometers down the river. There was as much boat traffic as there were cars on the distant road. I had dinner there after getting the items I went looking for. Here, on like myself has to be careful what you order...I like seafood, and do enjoy most of it, but refuse to touch squid or octopus, whatever it is called. My rule is simple...if it has more arms than I do, I do my bit for the environment and leave it alone. If the menu states seafood...or seafood sauce, or any like words, I take a pass. I enjoyed the chicken Pad Thai.
I sometime stage an old adage...what happens in Rome stays in Rome...or...as for here, Thailand, stays in Thailand. There are many stories that could be told, but many never will be, however, I will share one that will give you an idea of some of the things I am capable of doing.
When I was here for the first time, in May 2012, I brought an eye glass prescription and got new lenses installed at an outlet known as Top Charoen, which has many outlets in Thailand. I had to wait a couple of days for the new glasses. The place had a staff of seven, and I was asked if I would stop in for tea any afternoon when I was in the area....I was to be at a nearby hotel for two weeks. The staff wanted to practice English; said that many came for glasses, but did not have time to stop and chat. I took them up on the offer, and dropped in most days......it just happened to fit my schedule. I learned, the last week that one of the ladies was having a birthday the following day. I decided that for my visit the next day, I would buy a large cake, and deliver it to her at "tea time". I had told one or two others, so paper plates and forks were discretely delivered. When I walked to her desk, she broke out in tears and headed off to compose herself. When she returned, she said that she had been married for ten years and her husband had never bought her a cake or gift. I think I was in his bad book for a while, although we never met. I walked by there last week, and the place is gone to another mall somewhere. That's Bangkok for now!!!
With thunderstorms forecast for the next five days, I have decided to take the two hour bus trip down to the beach at Pattaya for three nights. The beach is a good place to be if it is wet. There is no risk of lightning at the coast as the salty air works against lightning. I have been told by folks from the west coast of Canada, California and elsewhere that they have never seen a lightning storm on the coast....inland, a different story.
I did some shopping last evening at a place called Asiatique...(different spellings), where over a thousand shops sell everything Asian...a massive place with every imaginable type of shop. It would take several days to visit every one. It is mainly a night market....newly constructed over an old dock site along the Chao Phraya river which runs through Bangkok. To get there, I took an elevated rail line part way, then transferred to a water taxi...free service for the market for two kilometers down the river. There was as much boat traffic as there were cars on the distant road. I had dinner there after getting the items I went looking for. Here, on like myself has to be careful what you order...I like seafood, and do enjoy most of it, but refuse to touch squid or octopus, whatever it is called. My rule is simple...if it has more arms than I do, I do my bit for the environment and leave it alone. If the menu states seafood...or seafood sauce, or any like words, I take a pass. I enjoyed the chicken Pad Thai.
I sometime stage an old adage...what happens in Rome stays in Rome...or...as for here, Thailand, stays in Thailand. There are many stories that could be told, but many never will be, however, I will share one that will give you an idea of some of the things I am capable of doing.
When I was here for the first time, in May 2012, I brought an eye glass prescription and got new lenses installed at an outlet known as Top Charoen, which has many outlets in Thailand. I had to wait a couple of days for the new glasses. The place had a staff of seven, and I was asked if I would stop in for tea any afternoon when I was in the area....I was to be at a nearby hotel for two weeks. The staff wanted to practice English; said that many came for glasses, but did not have time to stop and chat. I took them up on the offer, and dropped in most days......it just happened to fit my schedule. I learned, the last week that one of the ladies was having a birthday the following day. I decided that for my visit the next day, I would buy a large cake, and deliver it to her at "tea time". I had told one or two others, so paper plates and forks were discretely delivered. When I walked to her desk, she broke out in tears and headed off to compose herself. When she returned, she said that she had been married for ten years and her husband had never bought her a cake or gift. I think I was in his bad book for a while, although we never met. I walked by there last week, and the place is gone to another mall somewhere. That's Bangkok for now!!!
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Bangkok, Thursday, September 27, 2019
Today is bright and sunny, the first such day since my arrival. A lot of rain each day, this is that time of year, and last evening was no exception.
I am now finished with thee dental appointments, about an hour and a half total time, all three were un -interrupted from the time I sat down until the doctor was finished. There is none of the five chairs under going treatment at one time as is the situation in Canada. Total cost...68.00 Canadian.
Now I will do some special shopping for items that are not readily available in Canada. I will also be doing a day visitation to the National Museum here in Bangkok. I found out on Monday that there is a special exhibit of the Terra Cotta Warriors from China, here until December 5. For those who do not know of these warriors, I suggest you go to Google for the full and fascinating story of their creation, and discovery not too many years ago. It cost over ten million dollars to bring them here...only a few, plus other relics from the site. The move required special temperature and humidity conditions.
Depending on the weather and forecasts, I hope to visit either the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai, or go down to Pattaya with the beach and ocean, for three days. The beach is more suited to rain...when it is 34 degrees.
Other than that, It will be a quiet time here in Bangkok. Since this is the wet season, it is not overrun with tourists.
I have secured an apartment for the rest of my time here starting Monday, so will make my next plans after that move from this hotel.
I am now finished with thee dental appointments, about an hour and a half total time, all three were un -interrupted from the time I sat down until the doctor was finished. There is none of the five chairs under going treatment at one time as is the situation in Canada. Total cost...68.00 Canadian.
Now I will do some special shopping for items that are not readily available in Canada. I will also be doing a day visitation to the National Museum here in Bangkok. I found out on Monday that there is a special exhibit of the Terra Cotta Warriors from China, here until December 5. For those who do not know of these warriors, I suggest you go to Google for the full and fascinating story of their creation, and discovery not too many years ago. It cost over ten million dollars to bring them here...only a few, plus other relics from the site. The move required special temperature and humidity conditions.
Depending on the weather and forecasts, I hope to visit either the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai, or go down to Pattaya with the beach and ocean, for three days. The beach is more suited to rain...when it is 34 degrees.
Other than that, It will be a quiet time here in Bangkok. Since this is the wet season, it is not overrun with tourists.
I have secured an apartment for the rest of my time here starting Monday, so will make my next plans after that move from this hotel.
Sunday, 22 September 2019
Report from Bangkok, Monday, September 23, 2019
Hello All; I arrived here at ten last evening after about 30 hours in travel status. All flights were early, and very smooth despite lots of lightning off in the distances. For the most part, we were cruising at 32 thousand feet, and the outside temperature ranged from minus 56 up to minus 42 at altitude. The flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong was 12 and a half hours...north to Betel Alaska, then over the Kamchatka peninsula, down over Kobe Japan and over the Island of Taiwan to Hong Kong. I had about two hours in Hong Kong, then on to here. I rate the Hong Kong airport Terminal as one of the best I have been in. There are frequent locations with tables where travelers can use computers free...they are there for the using....talk about trusting; water stations with stacks of cups, and also refill locations for those with water bottles...a nice touch. Most other airports have shops where you pay dearly for a bottle of water.
The heavy traffic at BKK was over for the day, so...after the long walk from the gate to customs I was cleared through passport control/immigration and on my way into the city by taxi in 15 minutes. Since I know the set rate, 400 Thai Baht, I told the driver where I was going, said I am here often and gave him the money before he could ask for more. Since I have stayed at this small hotel before, the night staff remembered me...not sure why, but you know...what happens in Siam stays in Siam.
I did my dawn patrol, went to Foodland Supermarket which has a 24 hour restaurant, and had breakfast. The rest of the day will be for relaxing.
The heavy traffic at BKK was over for the day, so...after the long walk from the gate to customs I was cleared through passport control/immigration and on my way into the city by taxi in 15 minutes. Since I know the set rate, 400 Thai Baht, I told the driver where I was going, said I am here often and gave him the money before he could ask for more. Since I have stayed at this small hotel before, the night staff remembered me...not sure why, but you know...what happens in Siam stays in Siam.
I did my dawn patrol, went to Foodland Supermarket which has a 24 hour restaurant, and had breakfast. The rest of the day will be for relaxing.
Saturday, 21 September 2019
Hello From Vancouver Airport gate D-52
Here I am in Vancouver at 0900 Pacific Daylight time, awaiting my noon time flight to Hong Kong and then off to Bangkok. I flew with my eldest daughter to Edmonton on September 14, one week ago. We then drove to Dawson Creek, and were with various family members for the rest of the week. I returned to Edmonton on Friday morning, and met with family in the afternoon...a cousin and friend who drove up from Red Deer. In total, I put 1470 kilometers on the car.
The colors in northern British Columbia are at their fall best...various shades of yellow, as the Aspens and Poplars change.from a nice green..we saw many places where the leaves had already fallen. My daughter took hundreds of photos which will become available at a later date at another site. I will let you know when they are up.
While in the Dawson Creek, Ft St. John area, we visited the area where I and my sisters and brothers were brought up...on a farm. I got out as soon as I could, the rest stayed in the area. We had family get togethers, over dinner...11 at St John and 21 in Dawson...for the most part, different folks at each.
I saw many deer along and crossing the hiways, also one medium size bear. Many animals were in the trees by the road...when driving after dark, I saw many pairs of eyes, but no idea what animal they were on.
I am due out of here about 12;30, and we have a scheduled 13 and a half hour flight into Hong Kong. I have about three hours there, then a three hour flight into Bangkok. If all flights are on time, it will midnight Sunday , Bangkok time, when I get to my hotel. Thailand is 11 hours ahead of Ottawa and Eastern Daylight time now. So, it will be about noon Sunday at home in Ottawa when I get to Bangkok. I have a dental appointment for 11;00 on Tuesday...probably the first of several.
Once I get my dental appointments /work finished, I expect to do a two day trip up north west of Bangkok to the city of Kanchanaburi...this is the location of the actual bridge that was bombed in world war 2, and filmed in Ceylon..now known as Sri Lanka....in the movie.."Bridge On The River Kwai. Sometimes, the spelling is different. It is a two hour van/car ride from Bangkok....great jungle setting.
I will next report from my second home...Bangkok Thailand!.
The colors in northern British Columbia are at their fall best...various shades of yellow, as the Aspens and Poplars change.from a nice green..we saw many places where the leaves had already fallen. My daughter took hundreds of photos which will become available at a later date at another site. I will let you know when they are up.
While in the Dawson Creek, Ft St. John area, we visited the area where I and my sisters and brothers were brought up...on a farm. I got out as soon as I could, the rest stayed in the area. We had family get togethers, over dinner...11 at St John and 21 in Dawson...for the most part, different folks at each.
I saw many deer along and crossing the hiways, also one medium size bear. Many animals were in the trees by the road...when driving after dark, I saw many pairs of eyes, but no idea what animal they were on.
I am due out of here about 12;30, and we have a scheduled 13 and a half hour flight into Hong Kong. I have about three hours there, then a three hour flight into Bangkok. If all flights are on time, it will midnight Sunday , Bangkok time, when I get to my hotel. Thailand is 11 hours ahead of Ottawa and Eastern Daylight time now. So, it will be about noon Sunday at home in Ottawa when I get to Bangkok. I have a dental appointment for 11;00 on Tuesday...probably the first of several.
Once I get my dental appointments /work finished, I expect to do a two day trip up north west of Bangkok to the city of Kanchanaburi...this is the location of the actual bridge that was bombed in world war 2, and filmed in Ceylon..now known as Sri Lanka....in the movie.."Bridge On The River Kwai. Sometimes, the spelling is different. It is a two hour van/car ride from Bangkok....great jungle setting.
I will next report from my second home...Bangkok Thailand!.
Wednesday, 11 September 2019
Ottawa, September 11, 2019
I will update this blog today while I have some quiet time. With luggage already packed, and just one appointment to attend before departing for a month. I will have my annual eye examination tomorrow, then the countdown begins.
Since I must be at the Ottawa airport at 04;00 in the morning of September 14, I will take a local transit bus out there about eleven P.M., and do some reading and puzzles. For me, that is better than getting up in the wee hours and taking a taxi at much greater cost. At this time, one bus will do the route. With major changes expected after I leave, it will take three buses to come home from the airport on October 15, late at night.
My oldest daughter is making the trip with me to Edmonton, and up to Dawson Creek/Ft St John. She will return home to Ottawa the same date, (21 September), that I fly on to Vancouver, Hong Kong and Bangkok....where I will arrive about 30 hours after departing Edmonton.
Allowing for a day to rest and recover from the long flight, I have my first dental appointment at 11;00 on 24 September. Of the many things I like about Thai dentists, is the fact they are with you from the time you sit in that big chair until they are finished. They do not run around to four or five other patients while working on you....as is done in the States and here in Canada. The facilities are rated about number six in the world....as is the entire Thai medical system.
I have a hotel booked that is close to the Bangkok Smile Dental office, where I will stay for the first week. I am working with an apartment rental firm to book an apartment for the remainder of my time in Thailand.
If the weather permits, and after the dental work is finished...(I expect at least two appointments), I expect to book a two day trip and travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, which is about three hours north west of Bangkok by van/bus. This is the site of the famous "Bridge on The River Kwai." I was there in 2012, on May 18 to be exact, and wish to do it all again, with the added feature of staying over one night if it can be arranged. How do I remember, you ask...because I still have the rail ticket from that first time there!.
That is about all for now. I will report in from northern B.C., before heading off to Vancouver and Asia...on 21 September.
Since I must be at the Ottawa airport at 04;00 in the morning of September 14, I will take a local transit bus out there about eleven P.M., and do some reading and puzzles. For me, that is better than getting up in the wee hours and taking a taxi at much greater cost. At this time, one bus will do the route. With major changes expected after I leave, it will take three buses to come home from the airport on October 15, late at night.
My oldest daughter is making the trip with me to Edmonton, and up to Dawson Creek/Ft St John. She will return home to Ottawa the same date, (21 September), that I fly on to Vancouver, Hong Kong and Bangkok....where I will arrive about 30 hours after departing Edmonton.
Allowing for a day to rest and recover from the long flight, I have my first dental appointment at 11;00 on 24 September. Of the many things I like about Thai dentists, is the fact they are with you from the time you sit in that big chair until they are finished. They do not run around to four or five other patients while working on you....as is done in the States and here in Canada. The facilities are rated about number six in the world....as is the entire Thai medical system.
I have a hotel booked that is close to the Bangkok Smile Dental office, where I will stay for the first week. I am working with an apartment rental firm to book an apartment for the remainder of my time in Thailand.
If the weather permits, and after the dental work is finished...(I expect at least two appointments), I expect to book a two day trip and travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, which is about three hours north west of Bangkok by van/bus. This is the site of the famous "Bridge on The River Kwai." I was there in 2012, on May 18 to be exact, and wish to do it all again, with the added feature of staying over one night if it can be arranged. How do I remember, you ask...because I still have the rail ticket from that first time there!.
That is about all for now. I will report in from northern B.C., before heading off to Vancouver and Asia...on 21 September.
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