Chumphon Boxing Day

Travelled down by train from Hua Hin on Boxing day after a strange Christmas Day which was quiet and uneventful.Perhaps you really need some cold weather and some alcohol to make it happen!

We discovered the best place to while away an hour is the Railway station coffee house the journey was about three hours through un-remarkable countryside, mainly consisting of a jungle of banana trees and other growth, quite relaxing nonetheless.

We stayed at the Chalica resort which consisted of a number of bungalows a bit like a motel but a bit more upmarket.Situated on the other side of the river from the station .Our room had a large bed and a huge bath with the shower outside surrounded by bamboo screen.

The next day we were picked up by a charming man called Lamphong who took us to the coast which was about 36km away from Chumphon.We agreed to hire him for the day to take us around the region.We first visited the Mu Ko Chumphon National park.The whole area is over 300 square kilometers of conservation area and the spot Lamphong took us to was a mangrove preservation area.

This was the first time I have used my seniority as a way of saving money! We got free entrance as pensioners.

We made our way along the walkways to discover we had chosen the same day as a school visit of around 60 kids aged 7-10 along with their teachers.We received stares, smiles and even a few hellos that got more frequent as we went around.Lovely.

I wonder what risk assessments that the teachers had to make which included how to deal with dropping off suspension bridges, walkways in to the swamp, how to deal with crab eating macaque monkeys and possibly a croc or two? By the way we discovered that the monkeys are carriers of Herpes B virus which doesn't cause them any problems but...don't get too friendly with them!!

We made our way back to the tuk tuk with the screeches of the monkeys or the kids, not too sure which.

Lamphong then took us to where the ferry for visiting the islands off the coast leave from.It was a first glimpse of a truly tropical beach scene but unfortunately the sea was too far in for us to enjoy it to its full.

We then moved on northwards and arrived at a rather sad looking location called Hat Sai Ri .The place could be a cross between Clacton and Morecambe on a bad day.Lamphong took us to a front line , I was going to write bar/restaurant but neither fit it.It was really no more than someones living space which spread out on to the pavement.It was suggested it was lunchtime and we might like to have some seafood.....well we're not that acclimatised to this type of living just yet so we settled on two beers. To our surprise the old man disappeared off on his bike and returned a couple of minutes later with......two beers of the large variety which he offered us but they were too much for us to drink. We ended up paying for the two but only having the one as we couldn't see him out of pocket.Felt a bit guilty not eating there but no way!

We then made our way to the shrine of the Prince of Chumphon, the son of King Rama V, known as the father of the Thai Navy, where we met up with the kids once again, this time they had firecrackers being set off along with a warship HMS Chumphon to run around on.

Christmas Eve Festivities

I had seen details of the Christmas at the Vic@HuaHin on line when researching the resort.We arrived by tuk-tuk from the hotel at about 5.30 just at dusk and we wandered around the complex and came across this baby Buddha.We had to find where our table was and Maureen was well impressed to be placed in the first row on Table 2.

They must have heard that two intrepid international travellers were passing through and thought of the thousands that would read the blog and that it would spread the word about their work!!
Nah, probably just because we were the first to respond I suppose.

The show started as the night closed in as the students marched on in 2 groups one the singers and the other the drummers who then performed the Little drummer boy which was truly enchanting with the drummers keeping time so expertly.

The next up were the young children that are in the prep home school which will become part of the school in its next phase of development.It was noticeably populated with expat's children around the ages of 3-6 years.They seemed more interested in making noises into the microphone but did eventually give us a rendition of 'Away in a manger'.

If they develop a much self-control and discipline as their older counterparts show then that can only be a benefit to them in the future.We had a Turkey dinner cooked by the daughter of the principle and this was well received by the audience although I'm afraid that we had to send back our first glass of wine in Thailand because it was crock. Unfortunately some of the audience were more interested in the food rather than watching the performances and I thought that the westerners were the main culprits....in fact one man sat with his back to the kids for the whole show and even got up for seconds mid way through a song!

One of the great things we have noticed so far is the absolute charm and politeness of the Thai people, a trait we could well learn from  and one that was so lacking from a certain portion of the audience that night.

It is hoped that when the young ones leave home schooling for the proper school this will help them learn some of the manners shown by the senior students and perhaps help their parents too!

A week in Hua Hin

Is enough.


We had chosen to spend Christmas to be included in an extended stay in one place and on reflection perhaps it would have been better to spend  more time up in the northern areas around Erawan.The hotel whilst being comfortable enough lacked any outdoor space where you could chill and relax after a hard days beaching which is basically what Hua Hin is about.

In the three months in Lanzarote before we came here I didn't manage to spend any time on a beach yet here I've managed 3 or is it 4 I don't really know but I know it was enough although very pleasant.We patronised this one beach front cafe where the loungers and brolly were the usp's and Maureen even had a pedicure which for 3 quid must be seen as a bargain....she's well pleased.

Back to the hotel and we did that walk every day took us past street markets and all sorts of mobile telephones ,t-shirts,copy DVD's( read forged) .

Hua Hin stretches out along the main road that runs North South and is well blessed with high end hotels that cater for the richer weekenders from Bangkok ie they are little kingdoms where the rif raf are not welcome.

The city is the Royal residence for His Majesty the King and his family and has been their favoured spot for well over 60 years.We came across some buildings on one of our evening walks back from the beach where a photographic display gave an idea of what Hua Hin was like when they first discovered it and it really looked idyllic no wonder they fell in love with it.Our guide told us that the buildings were the one's that they occupied.....I think.

I was pleased that I was able to make some changes to the rail tickets whilst we were here.We had planned that the next stop would be Chumphon some  235kms south however when booking the ticket the sleeper train to Butterworth in Malaysia was full.The system here is that you book upto 30 days ahead but the tickets go so quickly that it was sold out before I knew it.Then by chance I happened to discover that seats were available from Hua Hin to Hat Yai on the border so I grabbed them. This left us with a day to get to Chumphon for 2 nights stay there before returning to Hua Hin to catch the train back  through Chumphon and on to Hat Yai.This would have meant a 4 hour drive back to Hua Hin before starting a nine hour overnighter....not exactly the type of planning that AC would be proud of. But as luck would have it I asked at the ticket office if it was possible to change the point of departure from Hua Hin to Chumphon and of course it was....so problem solved ....same beds just hope nobodies in them for the bit we've dropped though!! It's meant that we don't need car hire....phew...sorry Allan I just would not feel happy doing it..let the train take the strain or pay something like over 100 pounds in taxi fares .

Christmas is here in Hua Hin trees reindeer ,Santas and music all in the Malls perhaps that says something about where Christmas has gone and how its perceived in a Buddhist country.Our non Christmas existed of calling people who were doing Christmas but we did have a rather special Christmas eve event when we visited Vic@HuaHin which is the venue for the Bangkok fringe festival.It is attached to a local school for the performing arts that was set up by a prominent Thai actress to develop young talent a couple of years ago.They also operate a series of weekend schools where different cultures and activities can be explored

http://huahinartsguide.com/the-complete-hua-hin-arts-guide/arts-places/arts-centers-and-special-venues/vic-hua-hin-theatre-and-performing-arts-centre/

Hua Hin Sunday 20th December

Hua Hin Sunday 18th December

We had planned to take a train to Hua Hin but as there are only 2 trains that would connect and one of those was before 7 in the morning we went for the taxi bus option.They picked us up at the guesthouse at 12 noon after a relaxed breakfast.We thought this minibus looked a bit OTT for just us two and an extra seat for our luggage but by the time we had picked up another 12 people on route it was all so clear.

The journey down seemed like we never really left Kanchanaburi because the roadside never appeared to change.As we drove through Cha-Am a township just to the north of Hua Hin we started to see the high rise Condo's.It made for a change from the continuous line of BBQ food shops and made us think that Mike would be in his element here but I'm sure he wouldn't be impressed with the amount of time some of the food has been around in its cooked/uncooked versions.The amount of food at each of the stalls makes you think they have catered for the world to call on the off chance but then again they have eaten just up the road!

We were just entering Hua Hin when the driver asked us where we were going and we told him our hotel which he promptly phoned and they arranged to pick us up at the Clock Tower in about 10 minutes which turned in to 20 but hey who said we were in a hurry!

The hotel is on the outskirts of town after a minivan taxi ride through the busy streets selling all sorts of stuff plastic and edible.A pleasant utilitarian place with very clean bright public areas and a good aircon unit in the bedroom .We are here for a week to catch up with ourselves after a rather busy start to the adventure.

Hua Hin is for all those that know it a bit like a Puerto del Carmen type of place but the beach is fine with plenty of beach cafes/bars that hire the loungers and umbrellas for the day.The sea is never really blue a cross between the brown of Weston Super Mare and a greener tinge when the sun is out.It has mostly been hazy whilst we've been here but it's been quite pleasant with no great level of humidity.

Breaking News

Oh dear!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10775043

Bridge over the River Kwai

Saturday 17th December

We spent today in the town of Kanchanaburi which although the third largest in Thailand has an air of an enlarged village rather than a town. It consists of two parallel roads running north to south, the busy road is the main highway and our guesthouse is on the quieter village one that leads down to the bridge.

The bridge immortalised in David Lean's film starring Sir Alec Guinness is not the original bridge since the first one was constructed of wood and was built to carry supplies over to the other side of the river whilst the metal one was constructed, it was subsequently destroyed.The current bridge was prefabricated and shipped over from Java.

Our first sight of it had been at dusk on the evening before and there were many more tourists there when we arrived on Saturday morning.There is a sort of town square feeling about it with loads of food and drink sellers offering all sorts of refreshments some of it still seemingly dodgy looking....at least to me..my tummy has been a bit precious since the second night but I am eating rice with stuff so perhaps Allan there's hope for a risotto yet!

We walked across the bridge with Maureen whistling Colonel Bogey as we took our obligatory photos to show that we had been there , all the time keeping an eye out for one of the tree trains a day that still follow the route of the old war time railway as far as Nam Tok....of course they are at set times but you never know do you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83bmsluWHZc&feature=related

There are a couple of unexploded bombs that act as  guardians of the bridge these could well have been dropped by Allied pilots....in fact the largest number of deaths caused at the tail end of the war seem to have been as a result of friendly fire.

On the site of the old POW camp by the side of the river is the new market place where there is one heck of a confusing museum with pictures from all sorts of conflicts from the Boer War to Indo-China war of Independence but in no seeming order or connection .Outside this room was a row of the main characters of the conflict but a lot of them looked suspiciously like each other.Sir Winston Churchill looked very sprightly  indeed rather than the jowelled figure we know. The narrative each one had was quite interesting to read!!

On the other side of the courtyard was a Thai heroine of the 13th century called Madame Mo so that called for a photo opportunity didn't it and in the taking of this picture no dragons were harmed

I don't think I have ever seen museum exhibits with so many cobwebs on them!


We crossed the bridge on something akin to a Thomas the Tank Engine affair that when I asked where it went I was told there and back.......and guess what it did just that....as far as the level crossing on the other river bank and back again, accompanied by' Colonel Bogey' on the outbound and 'You are my sunshine' on the return.

Kanchanaburi Days 2 and 3

Pong Phen Guesthouse , Kanchanaburi, Thailand,Thursday

Left Bangkok at 10.30am took taxi not to the main Hualomphong station but to the one the other side of the river called Thonburi Noi where we purchased tickets for the 3 hour journey to Kanchanaburi.At 100 Baht each must be considered a bargain although third class did mean a broken bench seat.

The train 258 left on time and stopped after about 500 yards….oh dear was this a bad sign..it turned out to be because of single track working; we gave way to a loaded train of military vehicles and operatives all caked in mud presumably from the flooded areas around Bangkok. No real evidence of excessive floods but you certainly see the remains of floodwater and the mounds of rubbish it left behind.Saw a lot of activity trying to put this right.

The train stopped many times along its route at stations little more than uprated bus  stops and others that were little gems decorated with bourgainvillas of all colours.

Have decided that Thailand is the land of the never ending car boot sale we bought crisps and a pineapple for our sustenance along the trip.

Eventually arrived at Kanchanaburi station where we took our first pickup van taxi which delivered us very quickly to the guest house right overlooking the river.We arrived just in time to catch our first Thai sunset which Bangkok had not afforded us, the sound of the birds and insects as the sun went down was a bit special and we tried to think of other places that it matched.

The hotel is a grouping of lodges and ours overlooked a branch of the river…not sure if it’s the Kwai will need to check that out  but it looks promising.

It turns out that we are overlooking a small inlet of the river where a floating houseboat is moored it has the rooms at deck level with a large open seating area above .

The bridge we can see definitely crosses the river but it is too modern to be the one we have come all this way to see .At sunset the noise of the river bank is increased as a karaoke boat goes past , know which I prefer! After a reasonable meal we down a couple of beers and head for a good nights sleep something we have found very easy so far.

Erawan Falls, Friday December 16

An early morning start which saw us pick up a trip organised with Toi’s  Tours to visit the Erawan National Park about 80km north of Kanchanaburi  , Hellfire Pass, Krasae Cave and the Death Railway and ending finally on the River Kwai bridge. Maureen had wanted to see the Elephants  but it wasn’t possible to combine them with the Hellfire pass museum  so in order to gain a greater appreciation of the  rest of the time here the museum won.

We were driven north to the park entrance  along with Wim, from Belgium, Serena from Turin but studying at Oxford and Peter from Sweden.Our guide Dau gave us a brief welcome to Thai language with the difference between sweatyka  and sweatykrap  which still remains that to me!

Dau turned out to be extremely attentive and her driver  called Um ….urm I think it’s that, was very skilled at diving into places he should not have got into, overtaking two lines of traffic and all this done with scant regard for  the solid yellow lines down the centre of the road.

We have arrived in the cold or dry season and the vegetation shows the signs of autumn or the fall with the leaves turning brown and dropping.The ground here looks really dry the relevance of this we are to discover later.Dau says that she does not look forward to the cold water morning showers on days like this when the temperature drops as low as 16 degrees C! ..seems Ok to me!

The falls are at seven levels with increasing degrees of difficulty as you progress from one level to the next.Level one and two take us to large swimming pools with opportunities for swimming with those nibbler fish that are becoming common place all over Europe, only here they are seemingly more interested in a bite than a suck, Maureen says that they are about 4 times the size of the Lanzarote versions the really big fish didn’t seem interested at all and just floated in corners out of the way of the tourists, mainly Russians.We only made it up to level 4 , I felt a bit ashamed when I compared it with Colin’s recent Everest trip but hey who said this was going to be a walk up a mountain!Level  4 was the most interesting of the falls as this gave you the opportunity to slide down the bosoms of some famous woman we didn’t know

After lunch at the entrance to the park we got back onto the bus and dropped off Peter and Serena who had taken the elephant option whilst we headed toward Hellfire Pass.

we could see the two mountain ranges either side of our route to the pass and they looked pretty tall and imposing.The pass is a cutting through the mountainside as the Thai Burma railway made it's way toward the Burmese frontier.It was built by the Japanese during World War 2 to transport men and materials to prepare for the invasion of India.When I say built they really just oversaw the construction as the labour was provided by a force of English, Australian,Dutch and a few American POWs along with nearly 90,000 Asian labourers 'recruited' from conquered territories.

Hellfire pass was a cutting through the mountainside of about 8m wide by 25 m high all dug out by hand as there was no proper machinery to do it . A spike was driven into the stone , twisted and tapped in again and twisted until a hole about 8 inches deep, big enough for a charge to be filled.
When sufficient charges had been laid then they were blown and the rubble cleared.This was done for 18 hours a day during the 'speedo' ,this was the Japanese way of increasing the output of the workforce, all under the supervision of brutal Korean guards who gave little mercy if a worker stumbled,if they  appeared to slacken the required pace or even just felt like beating a worker for the fun of it.One guard called the Silent One would walk along the ranks at roll call and indiscriminently punch ,slap or kick anyone.

It got its name because working by tar lit lamps at night it made the workers think they were in hell.

They were'nt far wrong

It is estimated that the human cost of the railway was one life for every sleeper laid down, a truly awful waste of life and that doesn't take into the account of the torture and maltreatment at the hands of pitiless guards who had no concept of humanity.

Kanchanaburi Cemetery is a beautifully kept place.We've visited a few cemeteries in Europe and by their very nature are sad places but there is a feeling here of anger because by and large these poor men weren't killed in action against their foes....these were murdered by the conditions and treatment meted out by the people who were supposed responsible for their care.

I found it very difficult as we mixed with Japanese tourists to understand their reasons for visiting this place.

An interesting viewpoint can be that of Eric Lomax who said in his book The Railway Man,
If you are a victim of torture you never totally recover. You may cope with the physical damage, but the psychological damage stays with you forever.

In 1945 I returned to Edinburgh to a life of uncertainty, following three and half years of fear, interrogation and torture as a POW in the Far East. I had no self-worth, no trust in people, and lived in a world of my own. The privacy of the torture victim is more impregnable than any island fortress. People thought I was coping, but inside I was falling apart. I became impossible to live with; it was as if the sins my captors had sown in me were being harvested in my family. I also had intense hatred for the Japanese, and was always looking for ways and means to do them down. In my mind I often thought of my hateful interrogator. I wanted to drown him, cage him and beat him – as he had done to me.

After my retirement in 1982, I started searching for information about what had happened in Siam. The need to know is powerful. In the course of my search I learnt that Nagase Takashi – my interrogator and torturer – had offered to help others with information. I learnt that he was still alive, active in charitable works, and that he had built a Buddhist temple. I was skeptical. I couldn’t believe in the notion of Japanese repentance. I strongly suspected that if I were to meet him I’d put my hands round his neck and do him in.

My turning point came in 1987 when I came across The Medical Foundation for Victims of Torture. For the first time I was able to unload the hate that had become my prison. Seeing the change in me, my wife wrote to Nagase. The letter he wrote back was full of compassion, and I think at that moment I lost whatever hard armour I had wrapped around me and began to think the unthinkable.

The meeting took place in 1998 in Kanburi, Thailand. When we met Nagase greeted me with a formal bow. I took his hand and said in Japanese, “Good Morning Mr Nagase, how are you?” He was trembling and crying, and he said over and over again: “I am so sorry, so very sorry.” I had come with no sympathy for this man, and yet Nagase, through his complete humility, turned this around. In the days that followed we spent a lot of time together, talking and laughing. It transpired that we had much in common. We promised to keep in touch and have remained friends ever since.

After our meeting I felt I’d come to some kind of peace and resolution. Forgiveness is possible when someone is ready to accept forgiveness. Some time the hating has to stop.

  After reading that and with my interests in Restorative justice I find that I should take  a second look at my
 feelings and learn to deal with the anger that arises from here but it's difficult, however if a victim can do it then so should I.


if you are interested in more of this try theforgivenessproject.com  

Day One in Bangkok

It's like the millennium controversy all over again....was today our was it yesterday that is counted as the first day?
We arrived at the hotel Royal President at about 5pm, the Qantas flight was fairly straight forward and we transferred by taxi again fairly seamlessly so by about 6 we were off onto the streets of Bangkok.We found our way from the hotel annexe to Sukhumvit Road and into our first contrast of the visit the roadside stalls selling anything from knock off watches, handbags and even Viagra ( also available as a generic for the price conscious consumer!) to the swish Terminal 21 mall where you can shop the world.

We got back to the hotel just past 10 and woke up at 8.45 am after a very good nights sleep but late for the early morning start we had planned for ourselves.Grabbed a quick breakfast and headed off initially in a taxi to take us to the Grand Palace this turned very quickly into hiring the taxi driver for the day!.

Initially we were expecting to pay 400 baht but it cost us 1500 in the end with the guy who was very friendly taking us around the major sites we had in mind.We  had our first bump within about 200 yards of hotel as the taxi driver behind forgot to break.They got out and sorted it amicably and we were off with a cheery smile.

Traffic jams everywhere with all sorts of exotic vehicles including Tuk-Tuks  a sort of scooter driven bench seat, to motor cycle taxis with young ladies riding side saddle and an array of different coloured taxis denoting what I don't know.

Bangkok Express

 WHAT TO SEE IN BANGKOK
Bangkok began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world­ famous floating market or colourful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell.
1.  Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Old City
A dazzling site from afar, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew command respect from all who have walked in their sacred grounds. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Wat Phra Kaew enshrines the highly revered Buddha image Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha),carved from a single block of jade, dating from the 15th century AD.
Open: 08:30­15:30 Location: Between Wat Pho and the Royal Field How to get there: taxi
2. Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and pleasingly chaotic area, packed with market stalls and probably the highest concentration of gold shops in the city. During major festivities like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the dynamism and spirit of celebration spreads across town like wildfire, and if you happen to be around, don’t miss an opportunity to witness Bangkok Chinatown at its best.
Location: Yaowarat Road MRT: Hua Lamphong How to get there: taxi or MRT then walk five mins.
3. Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak
The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine hundreds of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm­fresh fruit,vegetables or flowers. Food vendors fill their vessels with cauldrons and charcoal grills, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodles’ or seafood skewers upon request.
Location: Ratchaburi Province How to get there: best to book a tour, call +66 (0)2 651 9515
4. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Riverside
Constructed during the first half of the 19th century by King Rama II, in the ancient Khmer style, the stupa (or ‘Prang’ in Thai), showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain, is even more stunning up close. Apart from its beauty, Wat Arun symbolises the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell. Contrary to what its name suggests, the temple appears most beautiful at sunset.
Open: 8:30­17:00 ­ Location: Thonburi ­ How to get there: river taxi to Tien Pier, then cross the river via ferry
5. Wat Pho, Old City
There’s more to Wat Pho than the gigantic reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage. Once a centre for public education during the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho harbours a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to literature, astronomy to archaeology. The vast temple complex contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine.
Open: 8:00­18:00 ­ Location: Sanam Chai Rd. ­ How to get there: Taxi or river taxi to Tien Pier
6. Chao Phraya River & Waterways, Riverside
The areas from Wat Arun to Phra Sumeru Fortress are home to some of the oldest settlements in Bangkok, particularly Bangkok Noi, where you can still revel in the charming ambience of stilt houses and markets flanking the complex waterways. One of the most scenic areas, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night: water­taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples, historical landmarks and luxury, five­star hotels.
Open (river taxis): 06:00­20:00 ­ Location: start from Sathorn Pier (Central Pier) ­ Book tour: call +66 (0)2 651 9515
7. Jim Thompson’s House, Siam
Jim Thompson’s three decades of dedication to the revival of Thai silk, then a dying art, changed the  industry forever. After he mysteriously disappeared into the jungles of Malaysia, he left a legacy behind, which is reflected through his vast collections of Thai art and antiques now on display at the Jim Thompson’s House and Museum, itself a lovely complex of six Thai­style teakwood houses preserved to their original glory.
Open: 09:00­18:00 - Location: Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Rd. - BTS: National Stadium
8. Vimanmek Mansion, Old City
Once the royal residence of King Rama V, Vimanmek Mansion is an architectural marvel – the entire structure is fashioned entirely from gold teakwood without using a single nail. The interiors resemble a living museum, where you can walk through (under strict guidance) some of the rooms and marvel at a treasure trove of rare arts and furniture pieces from the early Rattanakosin Period – all belonging to the late king.
Open: 08:30 until 16:30 (Tues­Sat), last tickets 15:30 Location: Rajavithee Road How to get there: taxi
More at http://www.bangkok.com/attraction/BANGKOK GUIDE
YOUR FREE BANGKOK GUIDE
FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
www.asiawebdirect.com
Book online or call us at +66 (0)2 651 9515

Came across these suggestions as to what to see when we are there, if you have any suggestions or hints/tips that would be useful please feel free to add them and we'll give them a go.

We are in Bangkok for the first 3 days before we (hopefully) catch a train to Kanchanaburi to see the Bridge over the River Kwai so time is somewhat limited.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration governor MR Sukhumbhand Bhoribhat reiterated that all main roads in Bangkok will be dry by New Year.

The problem right now is huge piles of rubbish after the floods recede. All three BMA‘s threegarbage disposal sites are now operational with 80-90% of garbage buried while the rest are processed into organic fertilisers.

Read more: Bangkok Post

Shame we'll be there next week!!

Departure Day minus 4

We are back in Malvern with all the last minute preparations in hand.We arrived back from Lanzarote to a rather cold Birmingham airport....come on, everybody was saying how mild it is back here...I tell you 6 degrees from 23 degrees is a bit of a shock.
David collected us at the airport and took us back to Leamington where Kat had prepared a delicious meal and all supported with a traditional Christmas welcome.A special note of thanks to Alice & Tim who are our house sitters for the way they have looked after the house and especially Henry who looks really well

Early start on Friday at Malvern dealing with the postage build up, then on Saturday discovered we need International Driving Permits for the car hire in Thailand and had to detour to Evesham to collect from the post office.
Drove up to Barbara's for our annual Christmas get together with Jan , Colin and Sue.As ever this is a superb way to kick start Christmas even when we are not here for it!! Thanks everybody for a great time...hope you enjoy your festivities.

Back to the weather!!!......we were only saying the difference to last year..and then we  drive through semi blizzard conditions on our way from Eastham to Shaw..

Had a lovely lunch with Mum , Terry, Lily and Jo,Brian and a surprise visitor, David who came up to catch up with his Grandma.Great to see everybody looking so well.

Leaving for home

The next few days are to be devoted to closing up our stay in Lanzarote before we return home to start our world travels.Maureen thinks the garden needs cutting back and any washing of clothes for the trip will be done here so hopefully we get plenty of drying time between now and Thursday. We are taking leave of our Lanzarote friends but are confident that with our security guard all will be well when we return.

Seriously David and Carol do a sterling job for our little community and we will miss seeing them during the winter, not forgetting Lucy either whose welcoming is always guaranteed. Woof woof!!

Planning for it all

This is the trip we promised ourselves when we retired but things just got in the way .

Then we had a chance to follow Vicky who went downunder in June 2011 with Gianni and it just grew from there. At first it was meant to be South Africa, Australia,New Zealand and returning via South America but that was getting out of hand and things got in the way again!!

So after resetting the budget an alternative was sought and this is it, most of the trip well 66% of it is now planned and booked just some fine tuning here and there and a big bit in North Island of New Zealand to come up with at the end of our stay there.

We booked our flights with Qantas in September before we left for Lanzarote where most of the planning for the stay was carried out.The wonder of t'internet as some might say.

We changed  totally our original plan and are now going to visit SE Asia before Australia and New Zealand returning home via Los Angeles.

Travelling before the middle of December helped to reduce the flight costs which peak from around the 16th onwards until the middle of January, this has meant that we could spend more time in SE Asia an area we have never ventured to....in fact until we get to America it's all new!

Sadly we will miss out on Christmas this year with family and friends but we hope that by keeping in touch this way it will make it easier for us to let you know what we're upto, as we turn back the clock and head off as the young'uns do. (only with a bit more comfort....we hope).

During our planning we've had a variety of hurdles...flooding in Bangkok really looked to be a major concern and when they started to put a bounty on the capture of crocodiles it seemed at bit too far to go to get a cheap handbag.Then Qantas had industrial problems which hopefully will not cause us too many issues as we make our way round the world.Trains in Thailand which seem to be fully booked as soon as they become available but hey who said this was going to be a walk in the sun.