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.
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