1/20/05
Exit Row Duties
So, this Stewardess logged some major flight time over the winter holidays, working out of the busy hub at Osakas's Kansai Airport, moonlighting with both United and Japan Airlines flights.
What happens in Bangkok, get in cab and in the blink of an eye you could be at the driver's cousin's brother in law's jewelry shop, intended to fall for a scam, instead the desired destination. We even got kicked out of one cab for refusing the offer, after I stated 'I HATE jewelry!' Nevermind that I was making it at this time last year.
First impressions were Thailand reminded me of Mexico, a bit run down, lots of shiny gold religious imagery, bright, colorful, SPICY food, but with the most international mix of people I've seen yet in my travels.
Christmas in Bangkok was spent on a scenic boat cruise down the river that runs through the center of the city, traditional Thai food, dancing, and music, except when the woman playing the traditional Thai musical instrument, of which I do not know the name, slipped into a thoroughly Thai verison of Jingle Bells.
But the real gem of time spent in Thailand was spent on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, off of Koh Samui on the EAST coast of southern Thailand. Never once did I consider going to Phuket, having heard of its status as a major tourist spot. So when the tsunami hit, the day we arrived on the island, on the 26th, we saw nothing but a calm paradise. An oddly surreal experience...
What happens in Bangkok, get in cab and in the blink of an eye you could be at the driver's cousin's brother in law's jewelry shop, intended to fall for a scam, instead the desired destination. We even got kicked out of one cab for refusing the offer, after I stated 'I HATE jewelry!' Nevermind that I was making it at this time last year.
First impressions were Thailand reminded me of Mexico, a bit run down, lots of shiny gold religious imagery, bright, colorful, SPICY food, but with the most international mix of people I've seen yet in my travels.
Christmas in Bangkok was spent on a scenic boat cruise down the river that runs through the center of the city, traditional Thai food, dancing, and music, except when the woman playing the traditional Thai musical instrument, of which I do not know the name, slipped into a thoroughly Thai verison of Jingle Bells.
But the real gem of time spent in Thailand was spent on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, off of Koh Samui on the EAST coast of southern Thailand. Never once did I consider going to Phuket, having heard of its status as a major tourist spot. So when the tsunami hit, the day we arrived on the island, on the 26th, we saw nothing but a calm paradise. An oddly surreal experience...
Who-la-la!
These were the best hip shakers at apparently the best Luau to be found in Maui, the Old Lahina. You're greeted with a mai tai and a lei upon arrival, and the entire staff is extra friendly sarong wearing, tattooed Hawaiians. An open bar specializing in super fruity drinks and the pig in the ground undigging kick things off, but it's the dancers that are the most memorable.
It's SUPER!
It's the SUPER THAI BOXING Truck! This thing prowled the streets of Thong Sala, on Koh Pha Ngan, playing curious Thai Boxing music and repeating, “THAI BOXING-(undistinguishable Thai) - THAI BOXING and more strange music.†THAI BOXING was highly entertaining, especially because they started off with the 10-12 yr olds, who get really mad at each other. The older guys had some amazing kick attack moves, and surprisingly funky traditional dance moves, as well.
Christmas
See if you can find Philip in this reflective photo of a reflection. This was the Christmas Day dinner canal cruise. I think I might start my own tradition of eating Thai food for Christmas in coming years. The red curry with green beans makes for festive coloring. It was a perfect evening…
TASTY!
One the sort of outdoor markets/street vendors in Bangkok. Best new vegetable discovery, this little green thing that looks like an olive but tastes like a combination of zucchini and eggplant. Too many new fruits to count, but one Philip and I dubbed a queer combination of celery and apple, mostly tasteless but you wanted to like it.
Wholesome dancing
Traditional Thai dancing action, these girls have the most flexible hands I've ever seen.
1/19/05
Viva the King!
This was one of the main temple strips devoting more than half of its gold to the King of Thailand and the rest to that buddha guy, whoever his is...
The King is getting up there, so most photos had that fuzzy touched up look about them to keep him looking forever young.
The King is getting up there, so most photos had that fuzzy touched up look about them to keep him looking forever young.
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