Category: SE Asia

Trip to Koh Samui, off the coast of Thailand.

30th March 200430th March 2016 admin Koh Samui Leave a comment

	Thailand was a place I had heard rave reviews about. It was the first time I was going to visit a non western country and I was looking forward to seeing the culture there. As it was, the months previous to this had been extremely stressful and my x wife recommended going straight to an island and relaxing.
We found a nice beach resort, and had our own hut. I spent much of the time relaxing on the chair outside the hut reading (I have never been a great fan of swimming, so didn’t often venture to the pool) Here in my sandals, T-shirt and shorts I sit reading enterprise .com by Jeffrey Papows, the designer/inventor of Lotus Notes.
	When I arrived at the airport, there were a number of signs saying smile country. What I quickly realised, is that the Thai’s are just about the happiest and friendliest people on the plant. This chap ran the bar, with a girl called “A” (I am not joking she was literally called A) In the 10 days I was there, I never saw either of them frowning !.
As mentioned elsewhere, I had always wanted to see real elephants in there natural habitat. This elephant was helping a farmer move logs.
	Another first for me, was to visit the Jungle. It was on 300 metres from a road, but it felt like a jungle to me !
Nearby, another elephant was walking through my “jungle”, which completed the scene.
	We decided to go walking, and visit Koh Samui most famous landmark, The Big Buddha. The map we were using was not to scale and instead of the mile and a half walk we thought it would be, it was about 8 miles in stifling heat !.
Me in the forecourt next to the Buddha. The Big Buddha is 15 meters tall was built in 1972 and located near the northern shore of Koh Samui.
	In the main village of Bo Phut, there were a number of nice restaurants and bars to relax in. After having a 20oz Steak for only £2, I decided to walk along the docks next to the village.
We decided to go on a boat trip to the nearby Angthong National Marine Park. We got of the boat, and walked up a hill, which gave a great view off the whole park.
	Sitting on a boat, drinking bear is something I could get used to doing. I could see how this area was featured in the film, The Beach, with Leonardo DeCaprio.

The wild city of Bangkok, touching tigers and a visit to the bridge on the river Kwai.

30th March 200430th March 2016 admin Bangkok 05 Leave a comment

	Our guide Adam, takes the lead, as we speed across the Chao Phraya river, in our private boat, long tailed boat.
We visit the Royal palace and tour the grounds. Completed in 1782, its magnificence cant be overstated.
	Wat Phrakaewhe – The temple of the emerald Buddha. This is the most sacred temple in Thailand. The Buddha is actually made of Jade or Jasper.
It was not possible to take pictures inside the temple, so I got this shot of it from outside the door. The emerald Buddha has been the cause of many wars throughout the history of that region. The robes on the Buddha, are changed 3 times a year by the King, personally.
	The Royal palace is an astounding collection of 100 buildings, Golden spires and glittering Mosaics. One of the many wall paintings, within the Royal Palace.
Statue of a hermit, the traditional symbol of medicine.
	One of the most stunning sites of the whole trip. An exact replica of the Angkor Wat (the oldest temple on earth) in miniature.
Wat Po, the temple of the reclining Buddha (actually, the largest reclining Buddha in the world). Built in the 17th century, it is 48m long and 5m high and gold plated. Due to the design of the building it is impossible to get a picture side on. The feet, contain the traditional 108 Auspicious sights of a true Buddha.
	Wat Arun, the temple of dawn. Covered in Chinese porcelain. Chinese ships visiting the Siamese capital, would use porcelain as ballast. As an ancient form of environmental friendliness, the ballast would be used for decoration, rather than just thrown in the River. We were allowed to climb to the first level but the 2nd and 3rd were closed.
As we head back to our long tailed boat, our guide “accidentally” takes us into an alley full of souvenir shops and hawkers. We get out of there as quick as we can, and continue our journey. Our tour continues through the waterways of Bangkok.
	We wanted to see a floating market. Unfortunately, companies like Tesco, have largely destroyed this type of commerce. This was the only trader that we could find when we visited one of the more famous areas.
This section of the river had hundreds of fish in it. There was no need for a fishing rod, you could literally put your hand in the water and pull them out.
	We stayed around the Nana Plaza. The traffic in Bangkok is horrendous, so staying at a hotel near the Sky train was essential. In the evening, we go out to a local bar for some entertainment. This local bar owner, had a superb Tie with a dollar bill on it. A Thai wearing a Tie.
Next day, off to visit the bridge on the river kwai. Had to get up at 6:am. On the way we visit a sort of Safari park and see tiger cubs.
	A horse and a cockerel “make friends”.
The highlight of the trip, we got to sit with some real Tigers and touch them. This photo isn’t a fake, I am actually sat with 3 Tigers (there was no-one nearby with a gun or anything, if they “lost it”, I was dead). A real trip out of the comfort zone.
	A trip to the world famous Bridge on the river kwai. This is the bridge across the river, built later by the Thai Government.
Kanchanaburi cemetery, where some of the 13,000 people, who died building the original railway, are laid to rest. On the trip with me, were a brother and sister from Sweden. Together we found a grave, of someone from The Manchester Regiment. The cemetery contains most of the people who died building the bridge, except for the Americans, who were repatriated. There were Japanese tourists everywhere, who were smiling and taking pictures, without a hint of irony.
	After this, we visited the JEATH museum. This stands for Japanese, English, Australian, Thai and Holland. The museum is designed in the shape of a hut, of the kind prisoners would sleep in. There were many pictures and artefacts inside, including this train carriage, used for transporting prisoners. Cholera was the main killer. It was said that a person that contracted this illness, would be unrecognisable to friends 2 hours later.
A section of the original bridge. Only around 50m long, its all that remains of the original, that cost so many lives. In the book/film bridge on the River Kwai, the the bridge is made from bamboo, and other stuff like that. In reality it was built from concrete, wood and steel. Not surprising really, considering as a fiction writer, he was also the Author of planet of the apes ! In reality, the bridge was destroyed by Allied bombers, and not by Commando’s.
	A replica of one of the Japanese watch towers, that overlooked the work camp. Many of the people who built the bridge, were civilians, and forced local labourers.
The present day bridge, built by the Thai Government. There was a tourist train that traversed the bridge every 10 minutes.
	The modern day bridge, taken from a different angle. I walked across the full length of the bridge, it was quite scary at times. In certain places, if you miss your footing, there is nothing to stop you falling in the River.
We drove further up the railway, and then stopped for lunch, at a restaurant next to the line. We had an amazing BBQ lunch and got to sit overlooking the Kwai river, with this view. Its possible to do the trip over 2 days, and there are plenty of really good floating guest houses on the river to stay in.
	Nearby, a section of the railway, runs next to a cliff. We arranged for a driver to drive around, and meet us at the other end. It was about a mile and a half to walk. With the cliff on one side, and the river bellow, it was a pretty spectacularly experience. Half way along, there was an enormous cave dug into the cliff face, where Japanese soldiers sheltered during bombing raids.
Having reached the other side. Some quick refreshments, and then a 3 hour car journey back to Bangkok, with some fascinating conversation from Jenny, her brother and our polygamous driver. A brilliant day out.

Phnom Penh and the devastation of Pol Pot.

24th February 200424th February 2016 admin Phnom Penh Leave a comment

	Sarah and I visit the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Our first stop is a visit to the Royal Palace.
The Throne hall. The Silver Pagoda is so named, as the floor is made from 5329 silver tiles.
	One of many beautifully painted wall Mural’s.
A house on the palace grounds, built in a French style, and reminiscent of Louisiana.
	The grounds were varied, and included museums showing exhibits of farming and house building techniques. We wandered around for several hours, and then had a break in the coffee shop.
After this, we visit the Raung Damrei National Museum. A traditional Hindu symbol is one of the many artifacts on the grounds outside the Museum.
	The front of the museum. It was not possible to take pictures inside the museum. We had a specialist Museum guide, who talked us through the hundreds of different artifacts and Buddha statues throughout the ages.
In the middle of the museum was a beautiful and well maintained garden. I never normally give to beggars, which is hard, as I know sometimes the money I pay for a newspaper in the UK, could feed them for 2 days. This isn’t because I am tight. I contribute a lot to charity, but I believe we should help people so that they can help themselves, and encourage them to earn money instead. As we left the museum, A street hawker was selling postcards. His hands had been blown off during the war. After we bought some cards, he insisted on giving us our change, which we had to force him to accept as a tip. On another occasion, we gave some small change to a child in the street, and were mobbed by around 20 children as we attempted to get into our car.
	Our guide took is to the central Market. It was much more formal and organized than any of the markets we had visited in Vietnam.
He advised us there were better bargains at the Russian Market. We wandered around for hours, and bought loads of nice things for our new house. In the evening, we visited the internationally famous Foreign Correspondents club, next to Sisowath key on the Tonle Sap River. Supposedly, everyone who is anyone in Cambodia, goes there. The food was excellent, and at one point the power to the building failed, which was exciting.
	Cambodia, was a contrast of some of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen, and some of the most horrible. Here we visit the Toul Sleng museum of genocide used by S-21 to carry out the orders of Pol Pot, who came to power on the 17/4/75. The “lucky” one’s were marched of to the fields and forced to work 12 – 14 hours per day. The rest ended up here. It had once been a high school, it was used for interrogation and torture.
Some things there, I didn’t photograph, as they were frankly too horrible to be put on a public site. Here a cell where “prisoners” would spend 3 days of torture and interrogation, before being executed as a matter of course. The “prisoner” would be chained naked to the bed. They would sometimes be given an empty oil container as a water bottle, and an ammunition box to be used as a toilet. There was dried blood on the floor from where several people had been executed.
	Interrogation was conducted to find out if people were intellectuals or had committed crimes against the state. In reality, whatever they said, they were executed after 3 days. The Khmer Rouge routinely photographed each person before execution and in one of the rooms, their pictures had been put on display. The cruelty of the interrogators new no bounds. One picture showed a woman just before she was executed. She had pleaded for her 2 month old babies life with no regard for herself. In reply, they killed the baby first. In front of her.
As a backlog developed, more and more cells were created to house the enormous number of “criminals”. Most of the “guards” and interrogators, were armed children aged between 10 and 15. They had been taken away from their parents and indoctrinated.
	The grounds were varied, and included museums showing exhibits of farming and house building techniques. We wandered around for several hours, and then had a break in the coffee shop.
After having lunch at the foreign correspondents club, we cautiously headed 9 miles out of town to Choeung Ek. There are actually thousands of sites like this in Cambodia, but this is the one that most people associate with the Killing Fields. Our guide had been lucky enough to be educated in Europe (his English was superb.) and had avoided much of his countries tragedy’s. His Grandfather had been killed by the Khmer rouge, and his father had been killed in the Vietnamese invasion.
	There were ditches everywhere, where bodies had been dumped. If a person was found to be still alive, they would be hanged from one of the nearby tree’s to save ammunition. Although a great effort had been made to remove the bodies, there were bone remnants, literally everywhere you walked. On rainy days, bones are washed onto the path. In this ditch, 166 bodies of people without heads, were retrieved.
Some years ago, I watched a documentary about the killing fields. Children had been swung by their feet against a tree, and had there heads smashed in, to save ammunition. At the site, I recognized the tree. astoundingly, a small child offered to be photographed next to it. Its in the far background, I couldn’t bring myself to stand near it, let alone photograph it.
	The monument containing the remains of 20,000 victims next to the field. People were executed because they spoke French, because they wore spectacles, because they looked “clever” and even if they showed remorse when loved ones were being taken away. A third of the countries population were killed (figures vary between 2 and 3 million dead). Children killed their “criminal” parents with shovels. In 1979, the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia. 10,000,000 land mines were left behind (there are still 1,000,000 to this day) and 600,000 people fled across the Thai Border. In 1991 the UN launched the largest peacekeeping mission in history to restore democracy in Cambodia. In 1998 Pol Pot died in his home under house arrest.
Cambodia has a long way to go to get back to normal, but hope exists everywhere. One our way home, we passed the football stadium. Our guide commented that in a friendly game against Vietnam, they had been beaten 8 – 0. I replied that wasn’t a great result. He said the same football stadium had been a holding area for “criminals” before being moved to Toul Sleng. Most Cambodians, were delighted just to see football actually being played there.

Angkor Wat, lost city in the jungle (1/2).

24th February 200424th February 2016 admin Angkor Wat 2 Leave a comment

	The Angkor Thom elephant gate. It’s possible, to actually rent an elephant and ride it through the gate. On this occasion, only a coach of Japanese tourists is visible.
A base reflex of a mighty army heading into battle.
	The elephant wall. Its about 100m long, and has elephants carved into it.
One of the many amazing 3d carvings of the face of Buddha. Originally a Hindu temple, it was converted to a Buddhist temple and the faces were carved over the Hindu symbols.
	Angkor Thom, is not technically a temple, but is actually a city with temples contained in it.
Me sat enjoying the amazing atmosphere.
	Another excellent find by our guide Mr Han. Its possible in one obscure position, to see 3 contrasting faces, on 3 different monuments. I could have walked around there for days, and not found this spot
The city had many spectacular walkways. Here, the roof has collapsed/been destroyed and only the supporting pillars are visible.
	Two of best preserved serene faces of Buddha. My guide book described it as “investigated with delight, and left with regret”.
The main walkway into At Prohm. At the side of the path, some former beggars, had taken up playing music as a source of income. Many of them had lost limbs due to land mines, but they hadn’t lost any of their enthusiasm for music.
	This is what I really came to the Angkor Wat to see !. Originally built in 1186, it was hidden in the jungle for nearly a thousand years. Like the rest of Angkor Wat, it was discovered in the mid 19th century by Henry Mouhot a French explorer Briefly featured in the film Tomb Raider, there’s something magical about exploring lost cities.
Seeds contained in bird droppings had been scattered all over the city. In the thousand years since, entire trees have grown up and literally merged with the buildings. Here a tree, has actually grown on top of one of the buildings.
	Our guide Mr Han and I pictured next too one of the tree’s The trees were Banyan, Kapok and Fig. The roots in the background, illustrate the sheer size of the tree’s.
A picture of the main temple, with the reflection showing on the small lake in front. Our guide Mr Han, was excellent, and knew all the best places for Photographs, and how to avoid crowds.
	One of the most famous scenes of the At Prohm. Exploring a city lost in the jungle, one off the most amazing experiences of my life.
We later went to see an Artisan centre. where deaf people are taught to make natural crafts. The people in the country are desperately poor, and we bought as many presents as we could afford.

Angkor Wat, lost city in the jungle (1/2).

24th February 200424th February 2016 admin Angkor Wat 1 Leave a comment

	The Angkor Wat, is a bit like the Temple bar in Dublin. There is a district called the Temple bar, and an actual pub in the district called Temple bar. The area of Angkor Wat, is 400 square kilometres. We visited the temple of Bante srey, much smaller than the temple of Angkor Wat, but has a moat.
Angkor Wat, literally means “City that is a temple”. A base reflex of the white monkey army. We later saw the ancient folktale acted out by Dancers.
	Some of the buildings inside the temple.
The outer wall of the temple from inside. As beautiful as the temple was, we were told not to venture beyond this wall, as the outside had not been cleared for mines. I was surprised to hear that towards the end of the war, temples like this, had actually been mined by the authorities to protect them from Thieves.
	A base reflex of Shiva – the destroyer. She destroyed the world, then it was re-created. She is actually quite a positive figure in Hinduism, as she symbolises removing bad things, replacing bad habits etc. (a kind of ancient Hindu Anthony Robbins).
As we drove back, we visited some villagers, who lived in a hut at the side of the road. They make their living boiling up the juice from cocoanuts and making a sort of sugar substitute, which can earn them up to 10 dollars a day. This is the ladder they use to climb the tree’s. Its a hard life. Statistically, off all the people doing this, that fall out of tree’s only 2% survive.
	This is the hut they work in (there was another hut further back from the road which they share with their 4 children), out of the sun. It has a kind of clay Yukon stove, with a sort of large wok on top, to boil up the juice. The sugar is distributed in containers woven from grass (we bought 10 dollars worth, and told them to take a day off).
On our way back to lunch, we visit Pre Rup. A really tall temple, with a large staircase.
	A view from the top, shows the majestic steps bellow it.
Sarah and I have lunch at the amazingly authentic foreign correspondent club. The food was excellent and we were made to feel like real international travellers.
	A picture of the Angkor Wat, the largest temple on earth, taken from across the moat which surrounds it.
We enter the Wat, through the east gate. There are 3 gates into Angkor Wat, designed for Elephants.
	A base reflex from the eastern wall, which has only recently been decoded.
A picture of the main temple, with the reflection showing on the small lake in front. Our guide Mr Han, was excellent, and knew all the best places for Photographs, and how to avoid crowds.
	I climbed to the very top of the temple. The angle of the stairs, was nearly 70 degree’s, so a head for heights was needed. There was a euphoric feeling when stood in the central temple at the top.
Sarah and I photographed in front of one of the base reflex’s This sculpture is more than 1000 years old.
	In a different time, this empty pool would have been filled with worshippers swimming and bathing.
Sarah relaxes next to the outer wall, as we make our way out of the front entrance. Our guide had taken us in the side way, around the back and out through the front, which he advised was the quietest way to see it.
	A view from the entrance, down the walkway, and out across the moat bridge.
Angkor Wat from the front. The handrails on the walkway, are carved from stone and more than 1000 years old.
	In the evening, we visit the APSARA Restaurant-Theatre, enjoy delicious Cambodian food and watch traditional theatre. We sat on the cushions on the floor, and ate from low tables. As we arrived, I rolled up my jacket and placed it under the table. I didn’t realise, there was a 1 metre deep trench underneath the table, for the comfort of westerners. I had to climb under the table, and into the hole to retrieve my Jacket !. There were many short performances, and then a multi scene story called The Reamker. In this picture, are Neang Seda and Preah Ream (who are lovers). In the background are Reap and hanuman.
The traditional legend, is that Reap kidnaps Neang Seda and Preah Ream goes out to find and rescue her. He is assisted by Hanuman, white monkey and general of the monkey army. Together, they kill the fearsome Reap and return Neang Seda to Safety. The small characters in green, are the soldiers of the monkey army.

Hanoi. Vietnam capital and resting place of Ho Chi Minh.

24th February 200424th February 2016 admin Hanoi Leave a comment

	Sarah and I arrive on the 2nd leg of our South East Asia tour, at Noi Bai airport, in Hanoi. We are picked up by our guide and driver, and head across the red river, towards the city. As we arrive in the evening, we stop on the way to enjoy a superb 8 course Vietnamese dinner. I found Hanoi to be both modest and charming. Here Sarah and I pose outside the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.
Next day, we set of, on a tour of the city. The Quoc pagoda sits on an island in the West Lake. Supposedly founded 1,400 years ago by King Ly Nam De (the famous warrior of Sword restored fame), it was virtually impossible to photograph in one shot.
	A garden near the Quan Thanh temple.
Sarah and I, photographed next to the Hoan Kiem Lake (the lake of the sword restored).
	Our guide showed us this fascinating arga. Its possible to buy money for the dead (its costs about a fifth of the cost of normally money. You then burn the money in the arga, for the people you want to pray for. I asked if people burned money, for Ho Chi Minh. The reply was in the present tense “Uncle Ho is a simple man, he does not need money.”
The actual bridge of the lake of the sword restored. An Arthurian-type legend is associated with this lake. It’s about a sword provided by a golden turtle from the lake, in the 15 century and which was used in battles against Chinese invaders. The sword was later returned to the lake (hence the name sword restored).
	Its still possible to see turtles in the lake (although we didn’t see any unfortunately). In the middle of the lake is a small island with a structure on it, which was previously the symbol of Hanoi.
Later we had a cyclo tour of the old quarter. Although it was an interesting experience, I would have preferred to walk around, as they only go at 2 miles an hour.
	One of the many streets in Chinatown.
A traditional Vietnamese house. The bottom story, normally acts as a shop front, with the occupants living in the back of the shop. They are very narrow, long, and built high. At one time, houses were taxed on their width, hence why some of them are only 7 feet wide. the length of the house also creates a larger, cooler shaded interior.
	The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. Although it had a very “comedy Soviet” feel, it was imperative to remain respectful. He had originally asked to be cremated, and his ashes scattered over the highest mountains in the North, South and Centre of Vietnam. It is located on the spot in Ba Dihn square, when on September 2nd 1945, Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence, which he never lived to see.
The Presidential Palace. When the French left Vietnam in 1954, Ho Chi Minh declined the offer to live there, preferring to live in a small cottage in the Palace grounds. The venue was instead used for meeting visiting dignitaries and school children.
	In 1958 he moved to his house on stilts, next to a small lake, given to him as a birthday gift. His house is exactly as it was, when he died. There were very few possessions, aside from a simple bed and desk.
There were banners around naming Ho Chi Minh, as the: “Father of the modern state” and: “Liberator of the Vietnamese people”.
	One of his favourite pastimes was feeding the fish in the lake beside his house. We stood on the steps, but armed guards “discouraged” us from feeding them ourselves.
The single Pillared Pagoda. It was originally built in the 11th century to look like a lotus flower, floating on the water. Tragically, like many of the things we saw, it had been destroyed by the French and been rebuilt.
	We passed this statue as we walked to the puppet theatre. It showed 3 figures, and said something like “Its okay to give your life in the war for independence.” Basically, people carrying explosives could run towards tanks, and destroy them, but obviously, they would die also. Since there were more people willing to die than tanks, the tanks lost battlefield superiority, and became redundant.
The Thang Long water puppet theatre. The artists stand waist deep in water, and operate the puppets from behind a bamboo curtain. They have demonstrated their art as guests in over 40 countries. Its essential to read the program. Although impressive to watch, its practically impossible to tell what’s going on.
	The Temple of literature, oldest university in Vietnam. The modern symbol of Hanoi. The previous symbol, had been the building on the Island of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Inside, there was a beautiful wooden staircase, reminiscent of Trinity College library in Dublin. Again tragically, like the single pillared pagoda, it was destroyed by the French before leaving, and rebuilt after 1954.
	Some barbers had set up shop, next to the outer wall of the Temple. I think that simple scenes like this, are as much a part of travelling, as visiting famous bridges and eating local food.

Saigon (now H Chi Minh City) famous of the Vietnam war.

23rd February 200423rd February 2016 admin Saigon Leave a comment

	We arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airfield. The American built Airport was first thing grunts would see upon arrival in Vietnam.We had a private tour throughout our visit (as we did during the all of our SEA trip) and were delighted to be driven around in a private car, with our own personal guide. The city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, hours after it was taken by the North in 1975, but practically everyone still calls it Saigon. We visit the war remnants museum, which contains tanks, helicopters, planes and bombs from the American War (its isn’t called the Vietnam war in that country).
The museum had originally been named the museum of American war crimes.Not many American tourists wanted to visit a place like that. Its name had been changed. This bicycle had been owned by a female supporter of Ho Chi Minh. Although the name of the museum had changed, its content hadn’t. She had been tortured horribly whilst in prison. The exhibit said simply that after she had been released she had been incapable of performing the role of wife or mother. Sarah and I chose not to think about what that meant.
	Bomb casings.The explosive inside ripped easily through the 2 inch thick steel casing. During the war, the Americans had dropped 8,000,000 tons of bombs on the country – more bombs than the allies dropped in the whole of World War 2. The shrapnel from this must have been devastating.
Various forms off the M79 grenade launch.It fires high explosive grenades, and in operation functions much like a pump action shotgun. Although designed as a counter ambush weapon, it had on occasion been used as an interrogation tool. There was a horrible picture of a person who had been shot with one (I’ve chosen not to show it, but you can Google and find it if you wish).
	Notre Dame Cathedral, the largest Catholic Church in Vietnam.
The central post office a beautiful building.The Cathedral and the Post office are both in the main square in Saigon, which during the war was named the JFK square.
	Inside the post office.A person who had worked there for years and retired, worked freelance inside the Post office as a translator. On the back wall is a picture of Ho Chi Minh. People talk about him in the present tense even though he passed away some time ago. He is practically worshipped in Vietnam.
Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown district.Mopeds are the main form of transport in Vietnam (for example, there are 3m people in Hanoi, and 2m motorbikes !). During rush hour it can be terrifying as tens of thousands of them invade every part of the city.
	The Binh Tay Chinese Market.Originally built by a wealthy Chinese business man who started life as a homeless orphaned beggar. He later amassed enough wealth to be able to give the Market to the city as a gift. It was absolute mayhem in here. They sold everything you could think of, and actually had dried sharks fins for making soup.
Thien Hau Pagoda.The largest Buddhist temple in Saigon. There are so many things to see and do on a trip like this, Sometimes its nice to visit somewhere quiet and relax.
	We stayed at the Rex Hotel on the main square.In the evening, we had a traditional 7 course Vietnamese meal. Traditional music and dancing were performed while we ate.
The rooftop bar of the Rex Hotel is practically an institution in Saigon as it has amazing views of the city.During the war, the Rex hotel was used as officers quarters. We took a small laptop with us, and were able to connect to the Internet in all of our hotels. It was also useful to research the things we had seen/were going to see.
	The next day, we head out in search of adventure.One of the many paddy fields that panorama’d our journey. I found out on my trip why rice is grown this way. Rice can grow underwater, but weeds and other vegetation can’t. Instead of using weed killer, just grow the rice underwater, and let nature do the work.
The image of the young girl fleeing a burning village, covered in napalm, immortalised the war.This is the section of Trang Bang Road (named after the bombed village) where that picture was taken. Today, Kim Phuc lives in Canada and works for the United Nations. Her brother still lives here and sells burgers from a van a quarter of a mile away. The reality of the story, is the Vietnamese Air force were responsible for the attack The Americans were not involved at all.
	The famous Cai Dao temple.Cai Dao fuses Buddhist, Taoist, Confusionist and Catholic beliefs. The 9 levels of enlightenment are symbolised by 9 steps within the temple. Each level is guarded by 2 dragons and the top level features the symbolic eye of wisdom. On the temple grounds are schools and hospitals for the followers of the religion.
Cai Dao is a multi faith religion, unique to Vietnam.Apprentices initially wear white robes, then progress to either red, blue or yellow robes dependent on the discipline of the religion that they pursue. Sections of the temple are devoted to Victor Hugo !.
	We went to see the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, 90km from Saigon.During the war, the Vietcong had setup a series of tunnels, which they used to conduct covert warfare. We met our guide (dressed in full revolutionary garb) and were led down a narrow trail, into the Jungle. There were swimming pool sized craters one either side of the path, where B52 bombers had left their mark. We stopped to look at a diagram of the tunnels, then watched a propaganda film. Here we were shown a section of ground, and invited to try and find the tunnel entrance.
After spending a few minutes, and finding nothing, our revolutionary, finds the trapdoor easily, and climbs in to his waist.The tunnels went down 3 levels, and even the first level, 3 – 4 metres bellow the surface, could stand the weight of a 50 ton Tank driving over it. During the war, the 25th Infantry division were based here (right on top of the tunnel network), didn’t know of the tunnels existence, and could never work out where the sniper fire was coming from. Estimates at the length of the tunnels, vary from 75 – 200 miles.
	We get a chance to go into one of the tunnelsThey were amazingly equipped, with mess halls, sleeping quarters, operating room, printing press and even a small cinema. A briefing room, with replica people taking the role of wartime commanders. On the surface, innocent looking termite mounds, were hollowed out to provide an air supply to the tunnels. A similar technique, in reverse, took cooking fire smoke miles away from the actual tunnel network to prevent detection.
Many of the original tunnels, had booby traps to thwart any attempt at compromising them.We travelled down to a 2nd level tunnel. These could withstand direct overhead bombing from a B52. They were cramped and hot, and the air was very thin. I can only imagine the physical and mental toughness of the people who lived in them.
	Our guide Long, demonstrating Ho Chi Minh Sandals, made from tyres (they were overly large for demonstration purposes).Ho Chi Minh wore a pair of these sandals throughout the war. They were practical and tough, like the people who wore them !. We were given a sample of food the tunnel dwellers would eat. It looked like banana, and tasted of sweet potato (grim!). They only received rice once a week, as a treat.
Next we had a tour of various forms of traps. Some of them, looked absolutely terrifying.A tiger trap, is just a big hole with punji sticks in it, right through to small portable devices, which could be carried, and then deployed along a trail. The most ingenious thing I saw, was how they had dismantled unexploded bombs and used them as booby traps. In this way, it was possible for lightly armed fighters to ambush an entire tank.
	We were given a chance to fire authentic Vietnam war firearms.I got to fire an M60 heavy machine gun. I have seen them on the television, but the power of one of those things is devastating. You point it at the target, pull the trigger, and there isn’t much of the target left !.
We had more superb food at a restaurant near the fashionable Dong Khoi shopping area.The exchange rate for Dong, was such that £41 would purchase a million Dong. Notes of less than 200 Dong, are worth less, than post-it notes and are frequently used for this purpose.
	The former presidential palace, now named re-unification hall.The presidential palace was very 60’s is in style, and had been the site of many parties and fashionable social gatherings.
A terrace on the roof was used for entertaining (JFK had attended parties here).Just underneath this, an American UH1 (huey) helicopter, on the rooftop helicopter landing pad.
	Its maintained exactly as it was on the morning, in 1975 when the war ended.The presidential desk.
Our guide long, with Sarah in the basement tunnels underneath the palace.They lead to the telecom and war rooms. It is rumoured that a secret tunnel allows people to leave the palace unnoticed but the government will not confirm or deny this.
	The bunker reminded me of the building at the end of Terminator 3, with 30 year old computers.A “portable” radio system, for use when the palace was attacked/under siege.
America first sent troops to Vietnam on the 8/3/65. They left 10 years later.At 11:30am on the 30th of April, 1975, NV tanks crashed through those gates, and Saigon fell to NV forces. The acting president (who had only been in office for 26 hours) surrendered.
	Many people remember the scene from TV pictures.This is the actual tank that arrived at the palace.
This is the view from inside the palace.It shows the view from the flagpole where the flag was hung. It marked the end of a war for independence which had begun in 1945 with the French, and was finally over. America lost 65,000 troops, Vietnam lost 3,000,000. Today, 2 out of 3 Vietnamese, are under 30.
	On a lighter note, we had lunch afterwards, and the restaurant had made up a pineapple in the shape of a chicken, which was smart.

Pattaya, elephants, guns and cross dressers

23rd February 200423rd February 2016 admin Pattaya Leave a comment

	We arrive on the first stage of our tour of South East Asia, in Pattaya, where we are to be married. Pattaya is 147km SE of Bangkok, and is Thailand’s most successful beach resort.
Most of the people I saw in Thailand, used mopeds and motor bikes as transport. Travelling in this country, like most of Asia, is an exciting experience. Sarah’s Dad drives this 4×4, which is easily the safest form of transport.
	The beach road and walking street, are the most “happening” parts of Pattaya. We drive along the road, and enjoy the view out to Sea.
We drove up the coast to Jomptien beach to escape the crowds. we have lunch at a beach side restaurant listening to the sound of the waves. The steak here, was delicious.
	We visited a monument to celebrate the kings birthday. The Royal family are revered in Thailand, criticising them in public, will almost certainly end in violence or arrest !.
In the evening, we went around a few of the bars. One of them, is semi famous for look alike singers. The main highlight of the show, was Tina Turner and her backing singers.
	Although he was obviously Thai, “Elvis” really had the kings moves, and definitely got the crowd going.
At the end of the show, everyone got up dancing, and had a go at the Limbo.
	The girls were a lot more supple than us, but we had a go anyway.
Frank had only arrived that day, it was great to see him again. He started working in Bangkok, and made his way to Pattaya to join us.
	Along the beach, heading out of Pattaya, I walked about 8 miles along the shore, until I came to this building.
Pattaya is well known as an adult playground. A nearby gun club, gave me the opportunity to try my hand at shooting. I fired a few practice shots with a .32 revolver before trying out some more exciting guns.
	The colt 45 Model 1911 (so named as it had been designed in 1911). It has heavier calibre bullets, that give a real kick when shooting. The downside is, its less accurate that smaller calibre guns, and can fire less bullets between re-loading.
I went back the next day, to try a different gun. The Berreta 92 (used in Lethal Weapon, Die Hard and just about everything since). The smaller calibre rounds give less of a kick and are more accurate as you can see from this picture. It can also hold a lot more bullets.
	Sarah and I go out for the evening. Here Sarah sits in an appropriately named Baat Taxi. You get one circuit of beach road and 2nd road, for 10 Baat (about 15 pence). When I first met Sarah, she had just returned from a trip to see her dad in Pattaya. She told me enthusiastically about an Irish bar called Shenanigans, and how much she enjoyed it there. Here 3 years later, we sit together, in the same bar. The Beef and Guinness Pie was superb.
We drove out of Pattaya, to visit the Elephant village. They actually have a special tower with stairs, to enable you to climb onto the elephant more easily.
	Sarah and I, on our elephant.
The Elephant master normally sits on the Elephants neck. Unfortunately, on this occasion, he had to answer a call of nature. For 10 minutes, Frank was convoyed around the forest at the whim of the Elephant, as it searched the forest for food !.
	Part of the trek, took us through deep water.
My favourite animals, after Elephants, are Larr Gibbons (I first saw them at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.) They are so well balanced, that when they walk, they have to hold their arms above their shoulders. Imagine my delight when we got to actually meet them in the forest.
	As we were led on a trek through the jungle, by our guide, one of the Gibbons (which were really friendly) hitched a ride with Sarah. Our guide showed us different types of plants, to cure upset stomachs and other ailments. Especially interesting was “shy” grass, which closes, when its touched.
Me on a tropical rope bridge, as we trekked through the jungle. It was here, that for no particular reason I learned how to tell real silk from imitation. If you burn a small piece of it, nylon and the like will shrivel, where silk will turn to Ash.
	Although this looks like a lakeside bar, its actually a raft, which we took across the lake. We drank beer during the crossing and Sarah gave the Gibbons some Cherry aid.
Many people know of my interest in bushcraft. Here we visit a large bamboo shelter. When I say large, a hundred people could congregate in it, with ease.
	Our guide shows us the construction of the shelter. Flat pieces of bamboo are woven together to make the walls, which are amazingly robust.
We are driven back to the centre for lunch, in an ox cart. 25 mph doesn’t sound like much, but in a vehicle with no suspension, and wooden wheels, it was exhilarating.
	The night before we flew out to Saigon, the worst storm I had ever seen, was brewing. The locals must be used to it, as Ray just laughed.

Three days on the Island of Koh Chang.

23rd February 200423rd February 2016 admin Koh Chang Leave a comment

	After flying from bangkok airport we landed at Trat airport on the first leg of our journey to Koh Chang. The flight was very comfortable and refreshments onboard were a lot nicer than I had expected. We were driven to the airport “terminal” by jeep and then jumped in a minibus (300 THB) for the rest of the journey to Koh Chang. I really like the elephants made from bushes that adorned the runway.
Our minibus stopped at the ferry port Ao Thammachat. Typically, nobody knew when the boat was going to sail, so we just stood around waiting. After a while, seemingly because someone in charge felt like it our ferry left port. One of the cars we lodged quite near the back of the ferry and frank commented that we could be embarking on a 2nd Herald of free enterprise. We get our first glimpse of Koh Chang at Ao Sup Pa Rod – Pineapple Bay in English. I had been told there was a restaurant near the port where you could catch your own fish. Unfortunately, we didn’t hang around at this end and I never got chance to visit it.
	We arrive at White Sands Beach and check into our hotel, the Alina Grande. Located on the first floor, we had this spectacular view. One evening when there was a party going on downstairs Frank and I sat out on this beautiful balcony.
It was late afternoon when we arrived, so we relaxed around the hotel and then went out for the evening. I had researched the trip extensively and all of the web guides recommended having dinner on the beach. There were loads of restaurant to choose from. In the end we couldn’t decide so just picked one at random, sat down and got stuck into some beers. The catching up of old times began in earnest.
	The food when it arrived, was superb. I had Chicken and beef, Frank had something Thai. I thought the chefs looked pretty cool with there skirts on (not sure I would have had the courage to wear one though). They served Fish from this traditional boat.
The next day, we go for a wander along the beach.
	As we wandered further I saw this sign. It was good to have my old friend Frank around, and the line about should always have a buddy, seemed poignant at that moment.
We continue along the beach which really was spectacular. An area on the beach had 2 trees close together and a scantily clad western girl lay sunbathing there, so that everyone had to walk around here. Frank and I commented that even in the worlds most beautiful places, there’s always a spanner around and I’m not talking about one in a workshop.
	The beaches obviously circles the island with roads and resorts. Inland a tropical rainforest which reaches quite high altitudes is illustrated in this picture. We were staying in a hotel across the road from the beach. More expensive hotels were actually on the beach and the cheapest form of accommodation were huts. The nightly cost of the huts varied with the facilities available.
We walked as far up the beach as possible, before reaching a rocky outcrop. It was the most peaceful part of the beach.
	We found this voodoo theme’d hotel (a collection of huts in actual fact). At high tide, it was just a few metres from the water. Each room/hut had a balcony with a hammock hung up on it. It had more character than any acclamation I saw on the island (although I’m not sure how comfortable it would have been to stay in).
Frank spots a jelly fish. Were British in the end, and knocking 40 weren’t exactly going to put on a pair of speedo’s.
	It was a warm day and we visited this small cafe on a quieter part of the beach. A couple of beers and the usual chat about family and stuff like that. Listening to the waves splash against the shore was a relaxing experience I don’t get to enjoy very often.
As we sit, the Sun heads towards the horizon and the end of another beautiful day. In the evening, we go out for a Curry and then visited a Bar. There were girls in the bar, trying to strike up a conversation and worse. Not really my thing. The sort of lead girl, asked me if I wanted to play pool. I knew from experience, it would be simpler to put all of my money into an envelope and hand it to her. We started playing connect 4. I won the first game, then I was shocked to see that she had won the 2nd game. She quickly realised that I was surprised and in the next few games, she played really badly.
	I was convinced that she was deliberately losing. Without being judgemental, I am a 20 year experienced engineer and she a bar girl. How could she possibly beat me ?. After a quick discussion with Frank, I bet her 400 Batt, that she couldn’t beat me. She looked a little cautious. I explained that if I won, she wouldn’t have to give me anything and that Frank would hold the money while we played. Her expression changed. Although I’ve never seen it, I imagine, as an assassin loads a sniper rifle, he has a similar expression to the one she had. In less than 8 moves, she had beaten me. Chatting on the way home, the ever wise Frank explains – There are literally hundreds of thousands of Bar girls in Thailand. They don’t usually receive much of an education, but connect 4 requires intelligence. With that number of girls, statistically, many of them could be scientists or Dr’s. I think you’ve just been beaten by one of them. In many cases their family’s don’t know what they do, so I didn’t take any pictures.
The following day we decided to get out and explore some more of the Island.
	Wanted to get a jeep but we had a limited budget and costs on the Island were a lot higher than Bangkok. We decided to wander along the coastal road, as it gave the best views of the Ocean.
There were a number of small Island just of the coast of Koh Chang. It was possible to go on a boat trip and visit some of the Island. From here we could see people canoeing to the Island. This must have been smart, as you would effectively have the whole island to yourself. We stopped here for a can of coke and then continued on our way.
	We left the road and started to trek through the Jungle (views weren’t as nice, but the experience was much more pleasant) As we trekked we crossed various sort of vegetation and landscape.
At times there was no path as such and we just walked through fields like this one.
	On other occasions we walked through the jungle undergrowth.
We arrive at Bang Bao. A small town literally on legs. Shops, restaurants bars all connected by wooden walkway. I tried not to look down at the water, as rubbish was simply thrown down there and taken out with the tide There were mattresses, nappy’s and all sorts of things there.
	Further away, this hotel was made up of a collection of stilted huts connected by a walkway. I wish we had more time there, I would love to have stayed in one of these.
The lighthouse at Bang Bao. The colour of the ocean, the colour of the sky and the salt air all combined for one of life’s special moments.
	The following day, back to Bangkok. We decided to save money and travel by minibus. Frank calculates that a 5 hour journey to Pattaya a stopover there and then 2 hours back to Bangkok will work. The minibus was at least air conditioned, but confusion about who was traveling and who wasn’t made it leave 90 minutes late. Still we met some pretty cool guys from the North-east of England and had a good chat with them on the way.
The minibus rolls onto the ferry. We get out and sit on the viewing platform. A last look at Koh Chang.
	I had visited Pattaya before and spent 9 days there (one of the happiest times of my life). This was a bit different. We weren’t staying in the Woodlands this time. We wandered around looking for somewhere cheap and ended up in some flop house called the Carlton. Never mind it had a bath so I got cleaned up; got some sleep and we headed out for a couple of drinks. I got this action shot of the Ocean road at night.
I had walked down the famous walking street on my previous visit during the daytime. I had read that the place came alive at night and that was certainly true. The usual fayre of restaurants/takeaways selling just about every type of cuisine, souvenir stalls of every kind, the usual adult entertainment and of course a couple of Irish bars which we made straight for.
	While walking along the street we saw this young boy who had spectacular football and balance skills. He immediately caught everyone’s eye. I quickly composed myself as I have seen pickpocket distractions like this in other countries before. I shouldn’t have worried, he had a sign saying he needed money to start a foot balling career (I thought it only took talent ?) and asked for donations. Since his “act” was pretty good, we put 20 bat in his bucket.
I fulfilled a personal ambition by visiting a bar that had live Thai Boxing. Neither competitor appeared to be fighting for freedom or the love of a good woman, if you know what I mean. That said it was entertaining. At the end of the match, their “trainer” brought the victor out and we were invited to tip him. Minutes later he returned with the loser expecting the same treatment. My western culture has a problem with rewarding failure in this way. I decided that since the man had been beaten like a gong for my entertainment he deserved something. The following day we caught the bus back to Bangkok.

I fly back to Bangkok to catch up with Frank in 2008.

23rd February 200423rd February 2016 admin Bangkok 08, SE Asia, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	Having promised to go and see my old mate Frank at his new home in Bangkok for nearly 2 years, I was feeling quite guilty. But that doesn’t achieve anything. so I fired up Expedia and booked a flight with Ethihad and stopped over in Abu Dhabi airport. Bangkok traditional name is Krunk Thep or city of Angels. Its short for Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit – the longest place name in the world.
Frank and Na met me at the airport, and we headed towards the hotel that I had booked for the first night (the excellent Siam Society hotel and resort). I had forgotten the hotel documentation and even with Na’s help we were unable to find it the first time. We went back to Frank and Na’s and they showed me around their condo. Collected the info on line and we took a taxi to the hotel, checked in and then headed for Town. A had seen quite a lot of Bangkok, on my 4 previous trips there, but Frank found some things I hadn’t seen, and we wandered around. The Baiyoke Sky tower II is the highest building in the Kingdom of Thailand.
	There were some interesting (and some strange) things inside the tower, which is also a hotel. I realised just how much living in Thailand had changed Frank. I wanted to be photographed driving this tuck tuck. I asked Frank if we needed to anyone’s permission, and he just said get in it and ill take the picture. He certainly has become a lot more practical and direct while living in Thailand.
On the 84th floor is a spectacular revolving roof deck, with 360 degree views of Bangkok. It was from this vantage point, that you could really see just how much smog there is in Bangkok. It was quite amazing to see the sprawling city.
	One place I have always put of visiting, is Khao San (pronounced Kow-San) road. Years ago, it was a haven for travellers and backpackers, but today is just a tacky collection of hair dying and fortune tellers. You can buy fake student cards and even University degree’s here. It was nice to pop into an Irish bar and have a pint, but aside from that, I didn’t see anything that made me want to ever go back.
As we walked along, Frank pointed out this Police vehicle, which in the UK would be called a meat wagon. Apparently, criminals are “collected” off the street and packed into this thing in the baking evening heat. The human rights of criminals, don’t seem to be a high priority in Thailand.
	These enormous barges travel up and down the Chao Phraya river each day. In some cases a relatively small boat could tow 6 or 7 of these things. We went on a boat trip. One of the touts at the waterfront tried to over charge us. Frank was all over it. His point was I think a fair one. The normal price for the boat trip is 20p. Just because you have money, why should you pay £2.
We wandered around some more (I’ve seen most of the sites of Bangkok, so today I just wanted to walk around and just enjoy being there). We jumped on the skytrain. I took this picture, as it captures several of the things that are synonymous with Bangkok. On the left top, a superb building left unfinished after the problems with the Asian markets a few years ago. On the right, some traditional buildings and loads of trees and vegetation. On the left bottom, some old ramshackle buildings where the locals live in “budget” accommodation.
	In the evening, we went to an Irish Bar and I met Franks friend Matt and his lovely girlfriend Anne. Later in the evening we had chicken and rice known locally as khao pad gai which a grew to love during the trip. Frank and I left for Koh Chang the following day.
On the evening that we returned to Bangkok, there was some kind of Buddhist ceremony taking place. There is a temple right next to the condo and Ann and Na wanted to visit it. We waited outside, and were presented with this strange scene. A series of mechanical monks (basically clothing dummy’s with traditional robes put on them) rotate around on a revolving platform, you take turns at throwing money in the bowls they are holding. They reminded me of something out of Dr Who. As all the bars were closed, we spent the evening wandering around the local area.
	Matt had a day of work the following day, and we all decided to go out. We drove around the city in style, in his car (watch a video of driving in Bangkok). Our first stop, was the Erawan Museum. Built by Lek Viriyaphant a wealthy Thai eccentric, who had also been responsible for the Sanctuary of truths which I had seen whilst walking along the coast of Pattaya. The huge bronze sculpture modelled on Airavata, the heavenly elephant of Hindu mythology, stands on a base pedestal. The pedestal is decorated with millions of tiny tiles enamelled in the fashion of Thai Benjarong ceramics. The museum holds a priceless collection of Thai art and Craft and is modelled on Airavata, the heavenly elephant of Hindu mythology. Tours of the museum start in the lower level of the pedestal, which houses the oldest artefacts. Unfortunately now photographs were permitted in the lower level.
The upper level of the pedestal is dominated by an elaborate double staircase, also decorated in Benjarong porcelain. The structure is surrounded by tranquil gardens, waterfalls and statues. whole are is considered very lucky by local Thai people (most of the people in the museum were Thai, there were very few American, Japanese or British tourists, and those that were weren’t in large groups). It is rumoured that a girl went here and prayed, and a few minutes later, she bought a lottery ticket that made her a millionaire. Not sure if that’s true, but lottery ticket salesmen didn’t seem in a hurry to dispel it.
	A close up of the decoration of the staircase shows these oriental spoons and bowls put to good effect. From here, its possible to walk up a spiral staircase in one of the Elephants legs and go higher into the structure.
In a sort of anti chamber with beautifully made wood panelling. A window at the side, shows some of the gardens and fountains surrounding the statue (and provides a pretty good centre piece for a picture of the lovely Na).
	Further up the stairs, was this celestial altar with Buddha’s and religious artefacts. With its light blue and gold decorated walls following the contour of the elephant, the chapel has a rather ethereal feel. Off the temples I have visited around the world this was one of the most relaxing, and I lingered a while in there once I had seen everything.
After the elephant museum, we went to see the ancient city or as its know locally Mauang Boran. It houses a collection of the Thailand’s most significant historical sites, buildings and structures. Some of the structures some are actual size, but others have been scaled down to a 3rd of their original size. This room was part of a re-construction of an entire Thai village.
	The ancient City is more than 200 acres in size. We travelled around in Matt’s car, but many people toured it by bicycle. It is constructed in the shape of Thailand. Each of the structures, is positioned in the park relative to where the original structure resides in Thailand.
One of the 109 sites represented here, the Pavilion of enlightenment.
	Of all the amazing buildings this was my personal favourite.
It’s recommended to spend a whole day there. We only hung around for a couple of hours, so I never got to research the historical significance of the site. You will just have to take my word for how astounding it was to be there.
	Sala of Ramayana.
A traditional Thai house village house.
	One of the wild deer that live in the Ancient City. The largest outdoor museum in the world, it felt all the more authentic, to have animals like this, just wandering around.
The top of the temple provides this spectacular view of the Ancient City. In 1962, following a serious dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over ownership of the temple, the International Court of Justice in the Hague ruled that it belonged to Cambodia.
	This building was probably the most spectacular in the whole park. I never actually found out what it was called, so if your reading this and you know, please email me.
The floating village. This isn’t actually a reconstruction, the original buildings were dismantled, moved here and then re-constructed in meticulous detail. I really enjoyed being in the Ancient city. I love to explore, and it was like being able to explore an entire country and all its history in an afternoon.
	We decide to take some refreshments. Na has some sort of drink in a coco nut.
Just like in a real floating market, there were traders, plying their wares from boats (although these were more likely to be souvenirs than rice or meat).
	We left the ancient city, and went to visit Bangkok Pier. I had never actually thought about it before, be Bangkok, is right next to the sea. The place is owned by the Army (the Thai army have all sorts of assets and a General for example, can run several businesses whilst working for the government).
The main drive up to the Pier had the largest collection of Seagulls I had ever seen in 1 place. You were able to buy food to feed them, but there were literally thousands of them, flying around in a circle to keep coming back, to get more food.
	On the last afternoon before my flight home and what had been a superb trip.# Frank and I take a boat into town; the same boat that Frank normally takes to work in the morning. In my minds eye, I had this idea of a serene relaxing trip along the water. It didn’t happen that way. They pull up plastic Tarps on each side of the boat, so you cant see out. The engine is dirty and the gearbox long past it sell by date, so the screaming and clattering of the engine and the pungent smell of fuel in my nostrils are my main memories of the trip.
We get off the boat and just wander around looking at things. We eat an enormous fried Chicken meal in one of the shopping centres that would feed 10 people and cost next to nothing. We wander through a market. The stench of rotten meat came close to reuniting me with said meal for 10. We continue walking and Frank shows me this amazing scene just near his condo. To the left of the picture, a banana tree is literally growing out of the pavement. A brilliant trip, I would like to thank Na, Frank Anne and Matt for making me so welcome and I promise i’ll be back soon.