Tonight we went on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River. It was a 2 decker boat - we luckily were on the top floor - we had the band and singers with us.<br><br>
They had a buffet dinner which was pretty good. Steve and Haley had some sushi. Both of them seemed to like it. There was all kinds of food, including spaghetti.<br><
The cruise began with a dancer dressed in the traditional Thai outfit dancing a beautiful, graceful dance. Throughout the cruise the band played and sang. They were really pretty good. We had to laugh though when they played an Elvis song ~~ which sounded like "you ain't nothing but a hot daag"! Also they played the theme song from Titanic (we thought of it as "Thai tannic"). Then to top it all off, at the end of the cruise the band played and the waiters danced the electric slide to . . . Achy Breaky Heart!<br><br>
We saw many beautiful buildings lit up including the Grand Palace, a couple of bridges and a couple of wats (or Budhist temples). It was a very nice cruise.
Linda
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Pictures have been added
Hi Everyone!
Check back on my old posts because I have finally added some pictures. Enjoy!
Linda
Check back on my old posts because I have finally added some pictures. Enjoy!
Linda
Friday, July 27, 2012
Beautiful Feet!
I have finally had my first foot massage ~ it was wonderful! I will tell you all about it, but first I need to explain the different kinds of massage parlors.
If the windows are blocked out or the curtains are drawn ~ a woman shouldn't go in. Also I have heard of some women going in and the girls inside say something like "not for women, only men!". So obviously you would be safer finding a place by a recommendation.
Renee took us to a parlor about a mile from home. We ordered a foot scrub for 350 B (or about $11.00). They put your feet in super hot water. Then take a brush and scrub off all the dead skin. Then it is time for a foot and leg massage. They add in acupressure with fingers and a wooden tool. Then they turn you around, sit you down and then begin a back massage, arm, hand and then head massage. It must have lasted an hour! I couldn't believe how hard they worked!
We each tipped them 200B (about $6.00). My feet feel so soft and pretty. I plan on taking Steve there. I think he would really enjoy it too!
If the windows are blocked out or the curtains are drawn ~ a woman shouldn't go in. Also I have heard of some women going in and the girls inside say something like "not for women, only men!". So obviously you would be safer finding a place by a recommendation.
Renee took us to a parlor about a mile from home. We ordered a foot scrub for 350 B (or about $11.00). They put your feet in super hot water. Then take a brush and scrub off all the dead skin. Then it is time for a foot and leg massage. They add in acupressure with fingers and a wooden tool. Then they turn you around, sit you down and then begin a back massage, arm, hand and then head massage. It must have lasted an hour! I couldn't believe how hard they worked!
We each tipped them 200B (about $6.00). My feet feel so soft and pretty. I plan on taking Steve there. I think he would really enjoy it too!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Chico's Cat Cafe
About a mile from my apartment is a cute little cafe named Chico's. There are 8 cats that roam about the gift shop and the small cafe. I enjoyed every bit of it! The gift shop has beautiful jewelry, purses, and some clothes. While you are shopping you can sneak in a pet or two from one of the sweet cats.
Then you can rest in their adjoining cafe. I had blueberry tea - served in a glass pot. Along side it was a small container of liquid sugar. Haley had peach tea and a tuna sandwich. My friend Renee had a soy milkshake. We talked for a long time - never feeling rushed by the staff. You always have to ask for the bill in Thailand. They never thrust it on you.
If you are a cat lover and you come to visit - I will definitely take you there! Linda
Then you can rest in their adjoining cafe. I had blueberry tea - served in a glass pot. Along side it was a small container of liquid sugar. Haley had peach tea and a tuna sandwich. My friend Renee had a soy milkshake. We talked for a long time - never feeling rushed by the staff. You always have to ask for the bill in Thailand. They never thrust it on you.
If you are a cat lover and you come to visit - I will definitely take you there! Linda
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Waterfalls and Elephants (Na thok le Chang)
Haley and I went on a tour to the Khao Yai National forest. Our guide "Shem" was very informative. He took us and a couple from Ireland to a small town's outdoor market. There he let us taste many of the local fruits. One of my favorites was the Mangostene. It looks like a purple golf ball with a pretty green flower stem on top. The meat inside is sweet. Another one we liked looked like a small new potato but it was a sweet fruit. I can't remember it's name.
At the market we saw many interesting meats, fish, live frogs, and even a dried rat for sale. Yum!!
Then we drove into the forest. At night you can see elephants crossing roads. I asked our guide "why do the elephants cross the roads?" but he didn't get my joke. Oh well, another example of miscommunication. Later we went on a long walk through the jungle. Then down 200 steps to the base of a beautiful waterfall. There are at least 3 waterfalls in the park during the rainy season. Oh, and of course what goes down must go up - we had to climb back up the steep 200 steps to get out!
On the drive out of the park we stopped to look at a macaque monkey that was standing on the side of the road. He was so cute! We also saw about 5 deer.
Next we had a Thai lunch at a cute hotel. The food was very good, not too spicy.
Then the elephants were ready for riding. Our elephant was named Cherry - she was 19 years old. The other one was 49 years old. About 5 minutes into the ride, the mahout asked Haley if she wanted to drive the elephant. She hopped up on Cherry's neck. She had to scoot right under her ears because that is the strongest part. Soon we came to a steep hill, but Cherry was sure footed. Then we went into a river - that was fun! The elephants sucked up water and sprayed it in the air. We were about 10 feet off the ground. At the end we fed the elephants bananas. I would definitely recommend this trip to visitors!
At the market we saw many interesting meats, fish, live frogs, and even a dried rat for sale. Yum!!
Then we drove into the forest. At night you can see elephants crossing roads. I asked our guide "why do the elephants cross the roads?" but he didn't get my joke. Oh well, another example of miscommunication. Later we went on a long walk through the jungle. Then down 200 steps to the base of a beautiful waterfall. There are at least 3 waterfalls in the park during the rainy season. Oh, and of course what goes down must go up - we had to climb back up the steep 200 steps to get out!
On the drive out of the park we stopped to look at a macaque monkey that was standing on the side of the road. He was so cute! We also saw about 5 deer.
Next we had a Thai lunch at a cute hotel. The food was very good, not too spicy.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunak le Maow ( Dogs and Cats)
The stray animal situation here in Thailand concerns me. I have been told that Thais love dogs, but they seem to love them differently than Americans. Any street you walk down in Bangkok you will be met by at least 1 dog. They usually walk in packs. They are not dangerous, at least I haven't seen them attack anyone, but you can tell that none are fixed. I have actually seen 2 dogs mate on the street!
A Thai man told me that in the Buddist religion, they believe that if you have been a bad person, that when you die you might go to hell for awhile and then be reincarnated as a dog. They allow these dogs to live out their natural lives, many on the streets. I looked on line and saw an article about dogs being sold from Thailand to Vietnam and China for meat! It is hard to imagine but it is true.
I talked with one American woman who volunteers at a dog rescue place. She also told me about a cat rescue that I am going to check out.
linda
A Thai man told me that in the Buddist religion, they believe that if you have been a bad person, that when you die you might go to hell for awhile and then be reincarnated as a dog. They allow these dogs to live out their natural lives, many on the streets. I looked on line and saw an article about dogs being sold from Thailand to Vietnam and China for meat! It is hard to imagine but it is true.
I talked with one American woman who volunteers at a dog rescue place. She also told me about a cat rescue that I am going to check out.
linda
Friday, July 20, 2012
Mai Poo-en (New Friends)
Friday, July 20th
I have begun making friends. The first woman I met was Renee (from New Orleans). She lives in my building. She is a member of The American Women's Club. She told me all about the meetings, volunteer opportunities, and socializing. She invited me to a cooking class at an Italian restaurant. So Haley and I went. I met many women there. A lot of them have lived outside the US before.
I asked the women if they had maids. All but 1 said yes - at least a couple times a week to do laundry, dust, and clean bathrooms. It doesn't cost much ~ about 150 Baht an hour ($5.00) ~ but I still don't want to have a stranger in my house doing my laundry!
They talked about keeping busy by playing tennis, volunteering, going to yoga or Pilates. I feel like I've gone down the rabbit hole and ended up in a life of luxury ~ strange, strange.
I have begun making friends. The first woman I met was Renee (from New Orleans). She lives in my building. She is a member of The American Women's Club. She told me all about the meetings, volunteer opportunities, and socializing. She invited me to a cooking class at an Italian restaurant. So Haley and I went. I met many women there. A lot of them have lived outside the US before.
I asked the women if they had maids. All but 1 said yes - at least a couple times a week to do laundry, dust, and clean bathrooms. It doesn't cost much ~ about 150 Baht an hour ($5.00) ~ but I still don't want to have a stranger in my house doing my laundry!
They talked about keeping busy by playing tennis, volunteering, going to yoga or Pilates. I feel like I've gone down the rabbit hole and ended up in a life of luxury ~ strange, strange.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Khalid lab Farangs (Tricking Foreigners)
Khun Somchai (Steve's driver) drove Haley and I to the Palace. Just as we got there it began to rain lightly. We of course had our umbrellas (you need one in Thailand) and walked to the gate. A man appeared and told us that gate was closed because the King was there and that we should go to the next gate. So on we went to the gate. As we got there a little man stopped us and said that the palace was closed for the next 1 1/2 hours and that by the way, his friend the tuk tuk driver could take us to see other things. I said no and walked back to the original gate.
On the way an announcement rang out saying "the palace is open everyday, do not believe people who tell you it is closed!" We had almost been scammed!!! I was so mad! But, the palace is still worth it. You can see pictures on line. Again, as soon as my computer is fixed I will add my own.
Linda
Khama Kit ~~~ ( Thoughts )
Thursday, July 19th~~
My observations about living here so far . . .
EVERYTHING is harder in Asia!!! I keep saying that because -
LANGUAGE - and miscommunications,
NO CAR - I must be careful what I buy and how big it is since I have to carry it home! MONEY - I still can't seem to compute quickly if what I'm seeing is a good buy.
DIRECTIONS - the map is good but you can't always see a street sign.
TV - we get some American shows but not some of our favorites ~~ I guess I'll have new favorites!
Linda
My observations about living here so far . . .
EVERYTHING is harder in Asia!!! I keep saying that because -
LANGUAGE - and miscommunications,
NO CAR - I must be careful what I buy and how big it is since I have to carry it home! MONEY - I still can't seem to compute quickly if what I'm seeing is a good buy.
DIRECTIONS - the map is good but you can't always see a street sign.
TV - we get some American shows but not some of our favorites ~~ I guess I'll have new favorites!
Linda
Sawansat. (zoo)
Wednesday, July 11th~~
Haley and I took the BTS to Victory Monument. Then we walked 1 1/2 miles (in the heat) to the Dusit Zoo. The zoo was nice, seemed a little more run down than the Cincinnati Zoo. But the animals seemed happy. They didn't have any polar bears ~~ must be too hard to keep them cool!!
We watched a mahout drive or ride an elephant. Then we got to feed the elephant some cucumber strips. That was fun! The elephant stuck his trunk right into the bowl and helped himself!!
We rode a tuk tuk back to the BTS - good thing! I think I would have died from heat stoke if we had walked back.
Linda
Haley and I took the BTS to Victory Monument. Then we walked 1 1/2 miles (in the heat) to the Dusit Zoo. The zoo was nice, seemed a little more run down than the Cincinnati Zoo. But the animals seemed happy. They didn't have any polar bears ~~ must be too hard to keep them cool!!
We watched a mahout drive or ride an elephant. Then we got to feed the elephant some cucumber strips. That was fun! The elephant stuck his trunk right into the bowl and helped himself!!
We rode a tuk tuk back to the BTS - good thing! I think I would have died from heat stoke if we had walked back.
Linda
Ratana corn (Jewels)
Today Haley and I went to the gem and precious stone district. Most of the shops were wholesalers, but then we saw a 4 story complex that was nothing but gems, antiques and art. It was all very pretty - but we didn't buy anything. I'm sure I'll be taking my mom and sister there when they come out.
I guess you are thinking - where are all the pictures? They are coming soon. Our computer is being fixed -then I can download them.
Linda
I guess you are thinking - where are all the pictures? They are coming soon. Our computer is being fixed -then I can download them.
Linda
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Feels like home?
Saturday, July 15th
Tonight Steve, Haley and I to the BTS (sky-train) up 2 stations to the seedy "Naa Naa" district. We walked up to a restaurant that I have wanted to go to since February when we first came to visit. It is called "Cabbages and Condoms". Funny name, but they don't only have good food, some of their profits go to help with the fight against AIDS. As you walk in to the restaurant's property you see signs showing safe sex positions, light fixtures made out of condoms, and statues whose clothes are made out of colorful condoms! It is really cool. They even have a Santa Claus whose costume is made out of red condoms! I loved it. Anyway, the food is Thai, hot and spicy. It was pretty good, but my favorite part was the decorations. I would highly recommend this restaurant to visitors.
On the way home we had to walk to the BTS station through a monsoon! We were soaked. After the train, we looked around for a tuk tuk, but none could be found. So we walked the mile home in the rain, thunder and lightening! We laughed at our situation. Even when the cars splashed us, we just had to laugh. Quite a night. . .
Linda
Tonight Steve, Haley and I to the BTS (sky-train) up 2 stations to the seedy "Naa Naa" district. We walked up to a restaurant that I have wanted to go to since February when we first came to visit. It is called "Cabbages and Condoms". Funny name, but they don't only have good food, some of their profits go to help with the fight against AIDS. As you walk in to the restaurant's property you see signs showing safe sex positions, light fixtures made out of condoms, and statues whose clothes are made out of colorful condoms! It is really cool. They even have a Santa Claus whose costume is made out of red condoms! I loved it. Anyway, the food is Thai, hot and spicy. It was pretty good, but my favorite part was the decorations. I would highly recommend this restaurant to visitors.
On the way home we had to walk to the BTS station through a monsoon! We were soaked. After the train, we looked around for a tuk tuk, but none could be found. So we walked the mile home in the rain, thunder and lightening! We laughed at our situation. Even when the cars splashed us, we just had to laugh. Quite a night. . .
Linda
Live and Learn
I feel kind of silly - I can't remember what to say in even simple situations - like at a store I said "good-bye" in Thai instead of "thank-you". Oh what a silly farang (foreigner) I am!
Haley and I walked 20 minutes to the Emporium Mall. On the way Haley was getting oogled by all the Thai guys. I guess they don't see too many skinny red-headed girls.
Just before we got to the mall we saw a parked motorcycle. Sitting on the seat was a stripped orange cat with a leash on it. It was so cute! We also saw 3 people riding on a motorcycle with the front person being a 2 year old girl (no helmet)! Wow, it is a strange new world!
Haley and I walked 20 minutes to the Emporium Mall. On the way Haley was getting oogled by all the Thai guys. I guess they don't see too many skinny red-headed girls.
Just before we got to the mall we saw a parked motorcycle. Sitting on the seat was a stripped orange cat with a leash on it. It was so cute! We also saw 3 people riding on a motorcycle with the front person being a 2 year old girl (no helmet)! Wow, it is a strange new world!
Beginnings
July 4, 2012
Today is Independence Day and the beginning of my new life in Bangkok, Thailand!
To be honest, it is a little overwhelming - figuring out where to shop, how to shop, and how much I can carry home. My blog is called "Everything is Harder in Asia" because I have found myself saying this over and over, especially when I am frustrated with something.
I am very amazed and proud of Steven - he has lived here and thrived all by himself in a foreign country! True, a lot of people do speak at least a little English - but still - if he can do it alone, then I can surely survive (and thrive) with him!!
One of the first things I did this morning was to rearrange the livingroom furniture - surprise surprise! Those of you who know me well will not be surprised about that!! It now feels more homey to me.
I hope that you enjoy this blog, I will try not to complain too much, and I hope to have many funny things to tell you about trying to live in a foreign country. I hope to teach you a new Thai word every time I write and it will have to do with something I am writing about.
Linda
To be honest, it is a little overwhelming - figuring out where to shop, how to shop, and how much I can carry home. My blog is called "Everything is Harder in Asia" because I have found myself saying this over and over, especially when I am frustrated with something.
I am very amazed and proud of Steven - he has lived here and thrived all by himself in a foreign country! True, a lot of people do speak at least a little English - but still - if he can do it alone, then I can surely survive (and thrive) with him!!
One of the first things I did this morning was to rearrange the livingroom furniture - surprise surprise! Those of you who know me well will not be surprised about that!! It now feels more homey to me.
I hope that you enjoy this blog, I will try not to complain too much, and I hope to have many funny things to tell you about trying to live in a foreign country. I hope to teach you a new Thai word every time I write and it will have to do with something I am writing about.
Linda
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