The Exotic Streets Of Bangkok

After two days of jet-lag, I decided I was now ready to do some sight-seeing in Bangkok. I dressed in shorts and T-shirt, and carried a towel and a bottle of ice water to pour over my head to ward off heat stroke. I wasn’t going to let a little monsoon keep me inside. My husband, Dick, came along, reluctantly, but I knew it was to keep check on my impulsive spending habits. He is not a shopper. I can’t help it if my DNA is overrun with sales signs and discount figures. It’s what most women do. I do it well.

The sights and smells of Bangkok cannot be adequately described by a mere mortal such as I — but I’ll try.

Bangkok is a mish-mash of elegance, squalor, delicious aromas, and putrid smells — from an overworked, under-built sewer system. Sightseeing was going to be a problem, I could tell. I had to keep my head down and a wary eye on the pavement to avoid various bricks and rocks strewn here and there. An unsteady obstacle course awaited the hapless toe. I’d heard that archeological excavations revealed civilization was alive and well in Thailand over 4,000 years ago. Could these bricks be the remnants of their digs?

Melting asphalt stuck to my shoes as I tried to pick my way across the steaming streets. Dirt, grime and debris cluttered the sidewalks, buildings and alleyways. Scurrying tourists and expatriates from all over the world filled the streets, along with the wonderful smiling Thais. Bangkok, I’d read, is truly an international city and one of the largest ethnic mixes in the world, with people shopping, selling, buying and trading, cooking and eating. I found myself caught up in the frenzy and excitement.

Stores, stores, and more stores, selling leather goods, ready-made clothing of wools and silks made by artistic Thai and Chinese tailors, genuine Ralph Lauren shirts, jewelry, paintings, footwear, and household goods. Carts with fruit sellers and fortune tellers squeezed into small stalls dotted the area. My eyes could not keep up with my thoughts as I surveyed the excitement surrounding me. Whatever Madame’s heart desired could be produced, and all you had to do was ask! I loved this place. The gracious vendors smile, wai and disappear, returning a few minutes later with just what Madame requested. And tailor shops were everywhere, each offering ready-to-wear in twenty-four hours. If you had a favorite outfit purchased at, say, Nordstrom’s, and wanted it duplicated, all you had to do was give it to the tailor and two more would be ready for you the next day at one-third the price paid for the original.

In fact, if you stood still long enough, you might find them coming up to you with their measuring tapes at the ready. On one such encounter I stood peering in a shop window when I felt someone touching me. I whirled around. “What are you doing?” I shrieked at the startled man beside me. I was worried he might be one of those pickpocket experts I’d been warned about.

“Sokay Madame, I jut fit you foh new clothes. We make what you like foh goot baht.”

“What kind of clothes?” I asked, not quite so worried.

“Genuine copy, Madame!”

Having something tailor-made, plus a “genuine copy” was exciting, but I had nothing with me at the moment to give him. “Maybe I’ll come back and bring something.”

“Sokay, sokay, you come back latah, yeth?”

“Probably not today, but maybe…”

Dick had been checking out some western boots in a shop window when he heard the transaction take place. “Christ, don’t start. You already have more clothes than you can wear and no closets to put them in.”

“No mattah,” the vendor said, pointing to my slacks. “I make copy foh you now.”

“Well, I do like these…”

“Don’t you have enough to wear? Come on, let’s go,” my husband hissed as he grabbed my arm and started walking away. The vendor looked startled at Dick’s outburst. I learned later that it’s out of character for Thais to raise their voice or show any kind of aggressive behavior in public. It’s fundamentally against their nature and their Buddhist beliefs. To witness this kind of behavior was not acceptable. He looked down at his shoes.

“Excuse me?” I threw Dick a hateful look. “Could you be any more rude?”

“Yeah, well, I know you when it comes to shoppin’. Say goodbye, let’s go.”

I gave the vendor an apologetic look as I turned to leave, but made a mental note of his area. I would return — sans husband.

I noted dozens of these vendors milling about. They didn’t have a specific area where they did business but rather walked around drumming it up, sort of like a tailor’s rep. If they found any live ones they’d drag them to the shop, drop them off to be fitted and then leave to find another customer. I assumed they received a commission for all the bodies they brought in. I was sure I’d find just the right place when I returned.

Dick grumbled that he was hungry, a euphemism used to drag me away from shopping. We followed our noses toward the food smells, but as we approached the area he slowed his pace. “What?”

“Maybe we should wait ’til we get back to the hotel.”

I could hear the fear in his voice. “Come on! What’re you afraid of? I don’t see any tourists bent over with signs of botulism.”

“Maybe they’ve been here a while. They’re used to the food. We’ve got USA stomachs. That stuff might give us the runs.”

“We have to get used to it sooner or later, we’re going to be here for a while and I plan on eating like the natives, not the tourists.”

“And in the meantime, we suffer?”

Geez, what a wuss! “We’ll build antibodies.”

I strode off ahead of him, wondering what I would do if I got a case of the runs right here in downtown Bangkok. I should have put some Lomotil in my purse before I left the hotel, a purse that was now heavier than a pallet of bricks as I kept adding all the things that I felt would keep me from getting all the things that everyone said I’d get.

With cauldrons of boiled chicken — feathers floating in the water — frying fish and oysters, coupled with the noxious fumes from the cars and sewers, it was easy to understand how a newbie could get nauseous. I strolled and sniffed. Oh the smells; some good, some disgusting, rancid, flowery, spicy, fishy and others unnamable.

A bit further down we found the origin of the odors. Natives were hawking their foods and wares on card tables, pushcarts, wooden tables, concrete-blocks, showing and selling their treasures and serving their food. One cart might have Rolex wannabes and genuine look-alike pearls and rubies, while the next might sell fish — cooked or raw — while ravenous flies were no doubt dropping their larvae as they hovered above the food. With a wave of the hand to disburse the flies, and an exchange of baht, off went the food to the Thai’s iron-clad digestive system; curried chicken, noodles, shrimp, squid, and the all-important staple — rice.

Next to the food were tables with T-shirts, shorts, “genuine” Gucci purses, leather pants, more watches and “No Copy” Dior perfume. The next cart might be laden with kettles of boiling squid, noodles or shrimp soup, sending their tempting aromas to the heavens. I took a quick peek inside the pots. I could have sworn I saw some very dubious looking characters bearing an uncanny resemblance to octopi, bats, snakes, and strange looking mushrooms. Maybe I’d pass on the soup. The next cart could be moo (pork) or gai (chicken) and mee grob, the Thai national favorite of fried noodles.

Standing at the ready, beneath the food carts, were the ever-present ravenous dogs, waiting for a tidbit to fall their way. This was one of the most pathetic sights I’d ever seen. Literally dozens of dogs roamed the city, the majority of them looking sick and emaciated, fur coming out in large patches. Some were bleeding from mange with flea-infested scabs invading most of their ravaged bodies. With their hind legs in constant motion as they scratched, they appeared to be permanently standing on three legs. Years of inbreeding and lack of care left them looking more like canine caricatures than real dogs. Some appeared to have begun their lineage from a large breed with perhaps a smaller one infiltrating the love nest. Many had at least one of their legs broken and twisted from either a head-on with a motorcycle or a car.

The Thais didn’t seem to notice the pitiful creatures as they walked around or stepped over them. But they never seemed to be upset by the sight of them and most didn’t even bother to shoo them away. They seemed to tolerate them — as they did the farangs — without showing animosity.

The number of dogs running loose without a home saddened me. In the span of a few blocks, we saw, and nearly tripped over, dozens of them. Some were mating, some looky-loos wishing they were mating, very few were fighting, and some were just cooling their heels by a rubbish heap waiting for a juicy morsel to unearth itself. The dogs seemed to have the same kicked-back personalities as the Thais, lying outstretched in the middle of a street or highway or just dozing under food carts.

Adding to this carnival-type excitement, on the sidewalks and streets, were the merchants who pushed or drove their portable kitchens on what appeared to be old Schwinn bicycles with sidecars attached. On top of the sidecar stood a shelf with a butane burner, which kept the food tongue-scorching hot. Down the street they’d peddle — fires burning, kettles boiling and pots swaying to and fro.

Further along I saw frail little pushcarts on spindly wheels with pots hanging from wires over a small butane burner, brimming over with boiling delicacies. Ten to twelve plucked chickens, open eyes staring, dangling limply on wires stretched across the cart. The seller, after shooing away the flies, would grab a handful of chickens and toss them into the steaming cauldrons, along with boiled corn on the cob and fresh veggies to finish off the well-rounded meal. Next to these pushcart, and stacked high on blocks, were a profusion of tape recorders, cassette tapes, candy bars melting in the heat, and Buddha statues. All this seemed quite unsanitary by American standards, in fact, an inspector from the Health Department might drop with apoplexy, but I said damn the fly larvae and ate with abandon. I ordered what I thought looked edible but dumped the little wiggly things that appeared to be treading water. Dick opted for corn on the cob and rice.

I had made up my mind that if I was going to live in this country, I’d better learn to like their food. And like it I did. In fact, I can close my eyes today and fondly recall the smell and taste of Bangkok.

After a busy day of shopping, walking and eating, I slept like the dead — concrete-slab mattress and all.

Shopping for Thai Handicrafts

Think ‘Chiang Mai’ and images of mountains and waterfalls come to mind. First time visitors might be forgiven for thinking that Chiang Mai’s key attractions and activities include temple tours and trekking, and that the Northern culture is defined by colourfully dressed hill tribe folk and an ancient moat. But one of the city’s greatest selling points is its fantastic shopping and the Baan Tawai craft centre south of the city is a cornucopia of handicrafts, home décor and Asian cultural souvenirs.

Few people come to Chiang Mai without an evening spent wandering the famous Night Bazaar and going home with a lot more than they intended. The range and prices of goods on display are astonishing, featuring everything from antiques to Zen art. But this is simply a convenient warm up for Baan Tawai, where many of the crafts are made and sold at much cheaper prices.

“We had a fantastic day there” says, Judy Hickman, from Kansas City. “In the end I spent more than a thousand dollars, and the lady at the shop is shipping for me”. She confessed that she didn’t intend to redecorate her home while on holiday but the prices were too good to ignore. “They’re making us a hyacinth sofa for out TV room and we got a bunch of awesome Buddha carvings, one huge one for our lounge wall” she gushes.

The area has been an artisan centre for quite some time, but with the influx of tourism it has expanded considerably in the past five years and now includes several arcades of stalls and small shops, with a whole new wing recently added. The road leading to the centre is also lined with larger shops dealing in furniture, outdoor ceramics and antiques. Handicraft dealers from all over the world now fly in regularly to stock their shops abroad, spawning a whole industry of sourcing agents and logistics support.

But if you’re just here for a little souvenir shopping you won’t regret squeezing a half day tour in to your Northern Thailand schedule. Baan Tawai is the cheapest place in Thailand to find silk, antique reproductions, incense, candles, oil and soap gift packs, ornaments, lamps, bamboo products, wall hangings, frames, vases and much more. They can all be found on market stalls at tourist centres in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, but the range is far less and the mark-up almost 200 per cent. Most the items on display at Baan Tawai are uniquely Thai, many characteristically Northern and hand made from natural materials.

Wood is definitely the spirit of the place, with plenty of carved figurines, Buddhist art pieces, décor items and wall hangings. But the Thai have a knack for creativity and the range has diversified incredibly in recent years, introducing contemporary designs and ideas. Many of the shops construct teak furniture, made to order, at stunning prices. And although a bedside table doesn’t exactly fit into your suitcase, a professional packing and shipping infra-structure has developed which means you simply have to show up with your credit card.

Apart from spending money, just wandering among the stores and seeing the artisans at work is fun. The Thai are very gifted with their hands and you can see them weaving rattan, carving busts, painting, adding colourful finishes to figurines, or applying delicate lacquer work in time-worn traditions. Another wonderful aspect of Baan Tawai is the pride that the shop owners take in decorating their small shops. Chiang Mai has a distinctively romantic character and the locals love to create small ponds, gardens, water features and displays in the shops, hotel lobbies, restaurants, galleries and coffee shops all over the city. But by far the best little tropical gardens can be found at Baan Tawai.

Baan Tawai is also famous for Asian antiques, some of which rank among the world’s best. Chiang Mai is possibly one of the best places in the region to find not only valuable pieces but very authentic looking reproductions. After all, for 200,000 baht you can become the proud owner of a late-eighteenth century Burmese Buddha head made from marble or you can outfit your entire apartment with equally impressive looking copies for the same price.

“There’s a bigger market now for reproductions”, says Khun Monsit Boonvipatsavee, owner of Chilli Antiques – one of the most established dealers in town. “Now antiques are very expensive and difficult to spot, that’s okay if you’re a dealer, but now people are just looking for something that looks old”, he explains. His gallery on the Hang Dong–Sarapi road has some fantastic examples of ancient-looking Buddha figurines, bronze bowls, pewter and Burmese masks. He has perfected methods of burying newly crafted pieces soaked in acid to speed up the aging process to create truly impressive pieces of pseudo antiquity. Aged bronze Buddha heads are very popular accessories on the décor list of the expensive villas in Phuket and Samui and his pieces can be found in some the country’s most expensive hotels.

Thai products are fast becoming famous the world over, they are cheap and beautifully crafted. From silk bed throws to the ubiquitous triangle cushions, the distinctive styles are now found on flea markets and in decors shops from London to Christchurch. You may not have planned to take too much back with you but once you discover the delightful products available and the prices, you’re likely to be dashing to one of those luggage stalls at the night market.

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Travel diaries: Thailand

AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS AND NEITHER WILL YOU!

So, you’re thinking about taking an overseas vacation. You keep hearing good things about South-East Asia, but you can’t decide exactly which one of the many beautiful places you’d like to visit.

So, being the “happy-go-lucky, float like a plucked chicken feather on the breeze and go where life takes me” spirit that you are, you throw a few darts at a map of the region to narrow down the field of potential destinations. But after watching your first two darts land in the middle of the Indian Ocean, many nautical miles away from the nearest land mass, and the third one hitting the wall and falling unceremoniously to the ground, you abandon this technique and eventually book a trip to Thailand. Congratulations wise move you’ll love it! But now what?

Apart from having the odd takeaway from the Thai restaurant down the road (and finding out how hot is too hot) you know very little about your chosen holiday destination, and thus have absolutely no idea what you are going to do once you’re there. So you speak to a friend that knows someone who knows someone who’s been to Thailand, you flick through a dozen or so travel brochures and somewhere along the line you hear about this place where you can literally work, rest and play with elephants.

Being someone who loves all creatures great and small (in varying degrees, understandably) you hit the Net to find out the “who, what, why, how, which, where, when’s” of this place and Hey Presto! here you are at ElephantStay.com (Either that or you’ve ended up at this website accidentally after misspelling a search for Eleventh Day, whatever the hell that is, sounds like some kind of cult)

In any case, here you are reading all about Elephant Stay and you’re thinking that it sounds like something you really want to do. From someone who has recently been there and done it, please trust me when I say that you are now just a few mouse clicks away from booking yourself into an amazing experience that will remain in your memory and in your heart forever.

My wife and I travelled to Thailand in September 2007, for our honeymoon vacation. We spent 3 days at the Elephant Stay kraal and the things we did whilst there and the people we met made this the best part of our trip by a long way. Bangkok was amazing, a real head spinner, Phuket was beautiful, but nothing we did in Thailand (or anything we’ve done anywhere else we’ve been for that matter) could match our time

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (21): Farang: It’s Songkran. Hide your wallet! Part 1.”

By Carl “J.C.” Pantejo, Copyright April 2008

(Author “My Friend Yu – The Prosperity Mentor,” Copyright August 2007. Pantejo – Y.N. Vurce Publishing.)

“Prosperity: The eternal flow of all that’s good in life…”

*Below is the twentieth episode based on a series of real life events experienced by the author. The only deviations from the truth may be the names of people and places. These stories are also incorporated in “My Friend Yu – the Prosperity Mentor: Book II,” Pantejo – Y.N. Vurce Publishing. Release Date: 2008.

Three weeks before Songkran 2007, I broke up with my first “real” girlfriend in Thailand.

- Noot -

She told me her name was Noot when we met. Months after we broke up, I learned that wasn’t her real name. We had been living together for about six months in an upper class condominium complex in Rangsit.

It was clean, had two aircon units, two balconies, a living room, a bedroom, a mini-mart and restaurant in the lobby, cable TV, internet café, manicured grounds, a good security staff, washers/dryers, adequate parking, and friendly management.

And, of course, it was expensive.

While we lived together, I taught English at the nearby, prestigious government High School Monday through Friday. Monday through Thursday nights, I taught adult English classes at Future Park (in one of the many Language schools located throughout the mall). On Saturdays, I taught another adult English class at a local International school. The pay was too good to turn down.

Why was I working so much?

Three reasons.

First, I didn’t want to spend any of my military pension while I was actually “living” in Thailand. For vacation? Yes. While living here? No. I wanted to see if a foreigner could, indeed, live comfortably in Thailand with only the money earned in Thailand.

Second, I love teaching and the novelty of teaching English in Thailand had not worn off yet. Granted, the High School students were pretty lame and unmotivated, but the adult students were great to teach.

Lastly, as this was my first girlfriend in Thailand, I was totally unaware of how much support (and gifts) I was responsible for. Consequently, I gave her outrageous amounts of money and some very expensive gifts.

- The Beginning of the End -

At about the four month mark in our relationship, I was beginning to wonder if it was doomed. I was just beginning to learn Thai and she did not speak English (even at the rudimentary level).

The lack of communication was strike number one.

During the next two months, I noticed other things happening. She played the head games that I’ve come to realize are the norm for so many young girls in the LOS.

She was a spendthrift, totally reckless with the money I gave her. She spent enormous amounts of money on all things trendy and feminine. She never saved any money. I guess she thought I was a limitless ATM machine.

Her lack of money skills was strike number two.

She was also a slob. Oftentimes, after coming home from my THIRD job, I would end up cleaning the condo, washing the dishes, or doing laundry.

She spent endless hours on the phone while the TV was on, both aircon units blasting at max levels, and playing on her PSP.

Why did I ask her to move in? Well, she was beautiful, caring, and sexy. I suffered from the common Thailand Rookie Syndrome: I let myself get blinded by beauty and sex.

Of course, her nymphomania was cured soon after moving in. The sex became less and less as the months went by.

(Granted, when it [sex] did happen, it was great, but I had this nagging feeling that it just wasn’t worth the rest of the bull$hi+.)

- Strike number three, she’s out! -

As I grew more and more fatigued from overwork and irritated by her antics, she became more and more demanding. The dreaded Family Emergency and guilt trip stories became more frequent.

The last straw came when she and her female friend (from two floors up) were watching TV in the living room and it was approaching 1:00AM. Their chatter and the TV’s loud volume were keeping me awake in the bed room.

Why is silence so deafening to Thai people?

I politely asked her friend to leave and explained that I was working early and needed some sleep. The truth was that I also wanted some sanook, sanook.

After the visitor left, I turned off the TV. My girlfriend looked shocked, as if I had just shot her mother! She began pouting.

Looking at the blank TV screen for a minute, she let out a loud exhale. Then, while doing a pretty good “about face” (for a civilian), she gave me a fake salute and went into the shower.

In spite of the sarcastic gesture about my military background, I thought, “Great, she’s getting ready for me.”

I waited for her to finish showering and wondered if I was, indeed, being too militaristic and controlling in our relationship. Even after five years of retirement from the U.S. Military, I still had vestiges of the lifestyle manifest now and then (usually when I was angry or stressed out).

But after assessing our live-in history, I brushed any thoughts of being a tyrant aside. I gave her much, much more freedom than most partners (Farang or Thai). I didn’t pry into anything I considered none of my business – although, in hindsight, I should have!

I provided her with an “allowance” that was larger than all her friends in the same situation. In fact, her monthly expenses were more than the monthly expenses of two average-sized, middle class Thai families put together!

I was always respectful, responsible, and affectionate.

All I asked from her was companionship when I was home, friendship (i.e., to have fun together – anywhere: at home, at restaurants, malls, cinemas, etc.), partnership in daily living (meaning: to share in the housework and daily errands), a little financial responsibility (e.g., no squandering of money), and a healthy, regular sex life.

What did she do while I was working so much? I don’t know. All I know is that the longer we stayed together, the more I felt that she was not willing to do (or possibly, not capable of performing) the most routine tasks. It was disappointing and frustrating.

I heard the shower stop.

Anticipating a nice romp in the sack, my mood changed instantly. She was always one of the best women in bed that I’ve ever met.

The combination of her young, curvaceous body; smooth, fair skin; shiny, jet black hair that cascaded down her back; exotic face; and angelic smile, was hard to beat.

I had never seen a woman with such a full, firm bust and butt, on an otherwise fat-free body, before. Her waist-to-hip ratio blew my mind. I have always described her bust as “unbelievably Hide-n-Seekable” and her waist as “tiny, just three palms wide” to my Farang friends.

As the bathroom door opened, I saw her step out with a towel wrapped around her waist. Her upper body was fully exposed and still glistening from the shower water. The cool air from the air conditioner had the desired effect (pencil erasers standing at rigid attention – Woo-Hoo! Thank you God.). The light behind her produced a full-body halo that made her look like an angel sent from above – just for me! Jeez! She was so beautiful!

I leapt off the bed, grabbed a bath towel and hung it on myself (guys, you know what I mean). Doing a “drive-by” sniff kiss on her neck, I skipped into the bathroom like a little kid.

True to convention, it was now my turn to bathe. I had already showered. But, for the girlfriend’s peace of mind and comfort level, I quickly showered again.

But when I came back to bed, she didn’t acknowledge my presence, rolled further away, and pretended to fall asleep.

I was having none of this! I pulled her to me and said I wanted some. She acquiesced, but instead of the usual raucous, loud, playful, and raunchy sex – the unbridled sex that made me feel decades younger when we met, she did the starfish routine on me. Uncharacteristically, she lay there motionless – like a beached starfish. I was so pissed-off that I didn’t even finish!

Thinking things over, maybe I was asking too much from her, especially after throwing her friend out of the condo?

Oh well, I decided to forget it and try to go to sleep. I moved to kiss her goodnight, but she copped an attitude and turned away.

Mai bpen arai (whatever, no problem), I whispered – to her and to myself.

But I could not go to sleep. The totally lopsidedness of the relationship was making me feel like a fool. I couldn’t see any way to turn this lose/win relationship into a win/win.

- Tossing and Turning -

I thought about all the things that I had been trying to forget. I thought about her extended trips home (supposedly to Cambodia). I thought about all the money I was throwing away on her. I thought about her late night calls to her “brother.” I thought about our continual state of miscommunication. I thought about her sloppiness. I thought about her attitudinal changes about me and about sex. I thought about being tired all the time from my multiple jobs. I thought about how she threw away money on stupid things and on her friends. Then I thought about how little I asked of her.

How dare she cop an attitude on me!

At 4:00AM, after tossing and turning for almost three hours, I sprung out of bed, grabbed a large, black (clean) trash bag, and began to throw her clothes in it.

Apparently, the girlfriend was not asleep either. Without a word, she got up, took the trash bag from me, and continued packing her clothes. I went to the balcony and watched her pack her belongings while I smoked outside.

She called and woke up her friend. Ten minutes later, both of them were packing up the soon-to-be ex’s remaining knick knacks, toiletries, and stuffed animals. She packed up the PSP and her Nokia N72 cell phone (gifts I bought her for her birthday). Then she picked up the Sony camcorder I bought for the both of us for Christmas, put it down, and looked at me. I nodded a “yes” and she quickly packed the camcorder into her brand name, oversized shoulder bag too.

Then, without a fuss, they left. Amazing.

It was about 5:15AM – too late/early to go to sleep. I had to get up at 6:00AM anyway. So, I just made a cup of coffee, smoked, and thought about what had just happened.

I knew it would be rough. I was so used to her being around. I knew I would miss her, but I couldn’t live like this. I’d had enough. It was for the best. And with that thought, I actually felt relieved.

The next day, she and her friend came down to my room. She motioned that she left her toothbrush in the bathroom and immediately stepped in and went to go get it. I watched her. She went into the bathroom for maybe three seconds. For the next ten minutes she poked around the rest of the condo, supposedly looking for her toothbrush.

I knew what she was doing. She was looking for another woman (or evidence of another woman). She couldn’t believe that a man would break-up with her just to be alone. In her mind, it JUST HAD to be another woman.

Search unsuccessful, she started to leave my condo sullen. Clearly, she had prepared herself for a cat fight and now there was no one to fight.

I touched her shoulder and said “Kao tot na kraap, tee rak (Sorry, darling). Lar gone (Good bye). Choke dee (Take care).”

Saying, “Mai bpen arai,” she left with her friend.

(Continued in “Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (21): Farang: It’s Songkran. Hide your wallet! Part 2.” – They NEVER go away for good…)

“Until next time, find ‘The Flow’ and jump in!”

Your Friend in this Intrepid Journey called Life,

Carl “J.C.” Pantejo

Farang, Thailand, Songkran, call, SMS, girlfriend, ex, sexy, cruelty.

Note: If you want to read more about Asian and Western cultural differences, finding unconditional love, exorcising past personal demons, Universal Laws, and the Illusive Secret of Happiness, please read the following articles:

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’: From Heartbreak to Happiness”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (2): Coincidence or Synchronicity: FROM RELAPSE TO MIRACLES…”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (3): LOST AND FOUND – Kindred Spirits and Mistakes made in Haste.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (4): LOST AND FOUND – Meant to Be?”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (5): “The Stray”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (6): “New Beginnings, Old Endings”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (7) – Living Well? Farangs and Finance: The Myth”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (8) Living Well? Farangs and Finance: The Reality, Stupidity, and Hard Knocks.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (9): New Girlfriend, New Life.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (10): Farangs and Asians – Polarized Views.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (11) – Farangs: In (or considering) a long-term Western/Asian Relationship? Read This Now!

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (12) – Farang: Square Peg, Round Hole? Compatibility Issues.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (13) – Farang: Compatibility Issues II”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (14) – Farang: Tipping the Scales. Good or Bad?”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (15) – Farang: Interpretation of Your Results.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (16) – Farang: Make Your Scale Sway or Walk Away.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (17) – Farang: Further Interpretation. Lopsided Scales.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (18): A Good Tilt with a Bar Girl?”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (19): Another Good Tilt with a Bar Girl?”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (20): The Good Tilt – Enhancing your Compatible Relationship.”

“Alternative Notions of Life, a Different Path: Guardian Angels and Universal Laws.”

“Alternative Notions of Life, a Different Path (2): Trying too hard?”

“Alternative Notions of Life, a Different Path (3): First, Be Effective.”

“Alternative Notions of Life, a Different Path (4): Intend. Be Certain.”

“Alternative Notions of Life, a Different Path (5): Why me or why not me? Your choice.”

“Alternative Notions of Life, a Different Path (6): Gratitude – What’s Your Perspective?”

“How Dare She! Out of Desperation I Learned How to Forgive”

“Remember Who You Are!”

“Need to Heal Your Broken Heart? Read on. Overcome Heartbreak and Learn the Illusive Secret of Happiness.”
“Simple (and Priceless) Life Lessons from the Most Influential Prosperity Mentor in My Life – My Father”

http://www.ynvurcepublishing.com

Villas In Krabi, Luxury Holidays At Thailands Andaman Sea

Krabi is a province of astonishing beauty, with spectacular views over the Andaman Sea and the closest coastal access to the Koh Hong island group, and the more famous Koh Phi Phi island. The province is largely ignored however by vacationers on luxury holidays in Thailand as Phuket is a short distance away and more notorious for it’s luxury villas and condos.

Luxury villas are operating in Krabi, with all the amenities and service a guest would expect from the more developed Phuket, but with greatly reduced prices to reflect the seclusion and access of many of them. For a guest seeking isolation and total relaxation Krabi is a perfect place to come for your luxury holiday in Thailand.

The accommodation that has been built along the coast of Krabi province and islands off the coast such as Koh Lanta all share the same characteristics: private, luxurious and self-contained. Most have direct access to the beach and with spas, pools, restaurants and even shops, there is no need for guests ever to leave the confines of the villa area. Many villas offer personal chefs and maids to attend to your needs throughout the day, and drivers to shuttle you around should you wish to explore.
All of which is perfect for people who want a quiet, luxury break or an escape from the usual holiday crowd. Those who prefer not to stay around the pool being pampered for two weeks should definitely consider hiring a car or motorbike to explore the rest of the region.

As all the Krabi villas are located directly on the shore, with only indirect public access, the beaches are effectively private, for the use only of the resorts’ clients.

Krabi has something for everyone, whether you are an active sportsperson, or a lazy beach bum. Its stunning scenery provides adventure in the form of rock climbing and kayaking, as well as pure relaxation with island hopping tours and laidback beach life.

Underwater enthusiasts will love the diving and snorkeling in Krabi’s warm coastal waters, while nature lovers can visit elephant camps and explore the diverse flora and fauna in the national parks. There are also plenty of outdoor sports available, including fishing, golf and mountain biking.

After all that action, you can be pampered in one of Krabi’s many spas, where you can try out a Thai massage, or visit the natural outdoor Jacuzzis at the Klong Thom hot springs site.

Immerse yourself in local culture with Thai cookery lessons or a visit to the famous Tiger cave temple with its spectacular mountain-top shrine. All of these activities can be arranged by the impeccable service on offer at some of the most unique Asian villas available.

These stunning Villa rentals are on a par with anything in Asia, yet very few people have a chance to experience them as they head to the more famous villas in Phuket and Samui.

For the more adventurous, or for those who have experienced the best of Phuket and Samui, Luxury villas in Krabi can offer something new and exciting for guests on vacation in Thailand.

Coral Island

 

Coral Island is located just off of the coast of Phuket Island, Thailand, and is a popular tourist destination for those who want to get away from the crowds at Phuket. You can take a ferry boat or speedboat to reach this tropical resort that features tranquility and seclusion.

Many people who stay in Phuket Island visit Coral Island for the day as a brief respite from the touristy area of Phuket. There are also those who seek a romantic beach wedding on this island that is known for privacy and romance. The resort on the island is a five star resort and has fine dining, luxurious accommodations and all the amenities you could want during your Thailand holiday.

The island has coral reefs all around the coast, making it ideal for those who want to snorkel. The coral in this area is colorful and unlike anything else you have ever seen. Those who enjoy deep sea diving often visit Coral Island for the underwater sights that are unlike anything else in the world.

If you are thinking about trying deep sea diving during your Thai holiday, Coral Island is the ideal place to go. There are deep sea diving lessons available in a variety of languages, including English. If you think the beauty on the island is something to behold, wait until you get a look under the water!

If you want to go fishing or take a sea kayak around the island, you can do this at Coral Island. There are many things to do when staying at this beautiful island with its pristine beaches.

If you are looking for fresh seafood, you can get the best meals imaginable at Coral Island. The seafood is very fresh and at the resort restaurant it is barbequed Thai style. If you have never had a traditional Thai barbeque before, now is the time to partake in this culinary delight. There is a traditional Thai barbeque every Friday evening at the resort restaurant.

The Coral Island resort area also has a variety of different restaurants that feature Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and traditional Thai food as well as western fare. You can also take your pick of the many different tropical drinks on the island.

Nothing can be nicer than having a day away from the crowds when you are visiting Phuket Island. Although Phuket Island has everything you need to make your holiday complete, sometimes it is just nice to get away from it all. Taking a speedboat over to Coral Island for the day is the perfect way have a little bit of solitude during your Thai holiday.

Whether you want to lounge on the pristine, white sand beaches and swim in the crystal clear water, visit the resort and enjoy traditional Thai barbeque, or enjoy water sports such as sea kayaking, snorkeling, boating or even deep sea diving, you can find everything you need on Coral Island, located just fifteen minutes off of the Southeast coast of Phuket Island, Thailand.

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Land of the Vikings

The largest city and the capital in Norway is Oslo. The name was derived from Old Norse. The city is beautifully situated at the head of Oslo Fjord surrounded by forested ridges, and this very location gives Oslo unexpected qualities for a national capital. Oslo is the natural hub of Norways international and national travel.

During the 19th century, Sweden and Norway were ruled as one kingdom, under Karl Johan. It was then that the grand main street Karl Johnas Gate was built and named after him. In 1905 the country separated from Sweden, and in 1925 an act of Parliament finally changed the citys name back to Oslo. Today, Oslo is Norways political, economic, industrial, and cultural capital. The Norwegian royal family lives in here, and it is where the Nobel peace prize is awarded.

The city has great public transportation every thing from modern subway system a harbour ferry and a trolley cars

The tourist season peaks in June, July, and August, when daytime temperatures are often in the 70s and sometimes rise into the 80s. In general, the weather is not overly warm, and a brisk breeze are possible anytime. Nights can be chilly, in summer. The endless days of the midnight sun can be seen in the summer.

If you decide to travel in May, try to be in the country on the 17th, or Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, when flag-waving Norwegians bedecked in national costumes, or bunader, fill the streets.

Drinking out is very expensive in Oslo, starting at around NKr 50 for a beer or a mixed drink. Many Norwegians save money by having drinks at friends houses called a forschpiel before heading out on the town. Some bars in town remain quiet until 11 PM or midnight. Day or night, people are usually out on Karl Johans Gate, and many restaurants and clubs in the central area stay open until the early hours. A more mature upmarket crowd ventures out to the less busy west side to Frogner and Bygd. Aker Brygge, has many bars and some nightclubs, attracting mostly tourists, couples on first dates, and other people willing to spend extra for the waterfront location.

Oslo is the best place in the country for buying anything Norwegian. Popular souvenirs include knitwear, wood and ceramic trolls, wood spoons, gold and silver jewellery, pewter, smoked salmon, caviar, chocolate, and goat cheese.

Dining in Phuket, Thailand. Don’t miss out on the best Phuket has to offer.

Thailand is a culinary treat, it’s famous for its delicious and spicy menu. Dishes typically use lemongrass, coriander, garlic, chili and lime juice to flavor their meals.

Seafood lovers will feel that they have arrived in paradise, rock lobsters, squid, large prawns, oysters, muscles, fresh crabs and fish are available in Phuket. Thai Pork is tender, tasty, and juicy, often better than the chicken that can sometimes be overcooked, and you should order imported steak unless you need to exercise your jaw.

Eating out in Phuket is a pleasure, and relatively inexpensive. There are some charming garden-style restaurants such as Nok & Jo’s, and of course those that cater for you on the beach front enjoying the view of the Andaman Sea. Most restaurants in Phuket offer International cuisine which consists of a Thai menu and a western style menu; plenty of pastas, pizzas, BBQ’s, Tex-Mex, hamburgers and sandwiches. There are also some fusion style restaurants serving dishes from all around Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India.

Thai waiters are happy to play and entertain your children so that you can enjoy your food peacefully. Thai people are smiley and friendly, often supplying mosquito coils and happy to explain or even show you various Thai dishes that you may be unfamiliar with.

There are a number of bakeries, delis and cafe’s on the island serving fresh bread and pastries. Paula’s Cafe Retro, Surin, lets you start the day with Eggs Benedict and smoked salmon, or a breakfast burrito and good coffee. They also have an interesting lunch menu and specials board.

If you prefer fine dining, this is usually found in a high-class air-conditioned restaurant, and there are many good chefs in Phuket. You could try Weaves, part of ManaThai hotel which has a stunning interior, beautiful flower arrangements, and interesting articles from around Thailand. This restaurant has character, history, and friendly, attentive staff. Wines from around the world are available in these types of restaurants, but do expect to pay a premium because of import duties.

If you would like to try some gourmet Western cuisine try Les Anges run by chef Peter Webber. It is a café, deli, bakery (with the most divine cakes, pastries and home-made chocolates on Phuket,). It is also a restaurant and bar. It can be found on the East Coast of Phuket at the Royal Phuket Marina along with Limoncello, a fine Italian restaurant and Skippers bar and restaurant.

If there is one thing that the Thai’s adore it’s rice. Local Thai people will eat rice three times a day and it forms the basis of most meals. The best type of rice in Phuket is the Jasmine rice, grown only in Thailand; you could try red, purple or even black rice. There are also rice noodles, and egg-noodles in various sizes.

‘Phad Thai’ is Thailand’s signature dish, noodles fried with garlic, small pieces of tofu, egg, and either shrimps or chicken, sprinkled with peanuts, and maybe some chill-powder and lemon on the side. This is a great lunch time dish, and popular with children as it closely resembles pasta.

There are some other great dishes that you must try whilst you are in Phuket, such as ‘Tom Yam Kung’ spicy sour prawn soup, or red, yellow, and green Thai curries made with coconut milk, spicy salads, and minced chicken fried with basil are all delicious. You could try Lemongrass Restaurant, on Suirn beach road, which serves good Thai food.

Fresh fruits and ice-creams form the basis of most Thai desserts, look out for ‘Dragon Fruit’ named because of it’s amazing pink and green colour, or the juicy mangos which are often served with sweet sticky rice.

Whatever you choice, from ‘Phad Thai’ noodles to Italian pizza the tropical island of Phuket offers great food for everyone at a range of prices, there are many restaurants to choose from. We hope that you enjoy your stay in beautiful Thailand.

The Heart of Thailand

Bangkok being a city of 10 million residents is Thailand’s largest and populous city. A city that is continuously growing both vertically and horizontally Bangkok has burgeoned in to a mega city following Thailand’s rapid economic growth. For administrative purposes the city has been divided into 50 precincts, among them certain districts are extremely popular with tourists for their historical and cultural attractions as well great shopping malls and nightspots.

Sukhumvit is probably the economic and entertainment hub of Thailand. Any tourist that comes to Bangkok would definitely visit this area as it holds the glitzy high end shopping malls as well as the raunchy nightclubs and chic restaurants. Sukhumvit is also a significant area for business travelers as many of the country’s major financial institutions and companies have set up their offices here.

Sukhumvit is divided in to a number of sub-divisions known as sois that are numbered from one to twenty four. Differently numbered sois usually pack in a different vibe and offer different forms of entertainment to guests. The major nightspots are located in Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy or Soi 21 and 23, a large number of Bangkok’s Go-go bars and fleshpots are concentrated in these areas, however a number of less steamy and more docile clubs and bars can also be found.

Silom is a sober, straight faced financial district where some of the largest corporate offices and international banks are located. Known as Bangkok’s equivalent of Wall Street with gleaming skyscrapers and serious looking business professionals strutting the streets. However come nightfall the area turns in to a major party district, a number of other pursuits can also be enjoyed here such as catching a Thai kickboxing match, watching traditional puppet theatre or shopping in a night market.

Rattanakosin is what survives of “old” Bangkok, this where King Rama I built his kingdom in the early 18th century and today many of Bangkok’s historical attractions can be seen here. A number of ancient Thai Buddhist temples can be found here, however a sober dress code is advised since they are functional places of worship. Other interesting attractions include the National Museum, the art gallery and Yaowarat which is Bangkok’s Chinatown.

The city of Bangkok takes a long time to explore and to appreciate fully, for long stay tourists it is advisable that they check in to a Bangkok apartment. The comforts of a luxury hotel can be enjoyed at much more affordable rates at many Bangkok serviced apartments.

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