Ottawa, August 13, 2022

 I have now recovered from the long trip home, and am about up to date with the work I had waiting for me. From the time I departed my hotel in Bangkok to arrival at my Apartment was 36 hours, with very little sleep. As one gets older, the body takes more time to recover from the change of routines, and the different meal times, and so on. 

My time in Bangkok was limited to the times required for the dental work which in the end was five different days  spread over a month. I returned to Bangkok from Pattaya, (two hours south), to meet one appointment. This was a bus trip which cost about three dollars Canadian each way. One of the most interesting places we visited this time is a Tropical Garden known as..Nongnooch. It is located just outside the city of Pattaya, and is easily found on Google. One could spend several days there and still not see it all. In my view, they have gone overboard with the number of model birds and animals....but, who am I to say. It was very enjoyable , and, if the opportunity arises, I would go again.

My friends also took me to a mountain where an image of Buddha is carved in outline on the mountain face. This image can be seen for miles, however we drove very close and posed for photos. I am attempting to find a name for this mountain...in English. 

In the south-center of Pattaya is a range of very high hills with a huge Buddha that can be seen for miles. We drove up there and took photos out over the beach and sea, probably the best views of the area . The sight is simply called...The Big Buddha.

I had prearranged a visit to the Pattaya Orphanage, so we went there one afternoon and had a good visit with the staff. Because of restrictions around Covid, we did not interact with the children.

I knew when I booked the trip that it would be the rainy season, however, after waiting almost three years for the major dental work, decided to go anyway. The rain was no problem...mid afternoon each day, it came down so hard that all traffic just stops for the 20 to 30 minutes then out comes the sun until tomorrow, then the same all over again.....lots of water.