The Old Phra Arthit Pier Gastronobar

The Old Phra Arthit Pier Gastronobar, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Wandering around the Banglampu area of Bangkok recently, we came upon the Old Phra Arthit Pier Gastronobar. The place was empty at the time but it just had a nice feel to it so we stopped and (as you can see) had a Chang beer or two. We were so taken by the pleasant atmosphere of the place that we went back a couple of weeks later and had some lunch which proved to be very good and relatively easy on the pocket. At the opposite end to the photo there is a small terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya river where you can watch the world go by.

One of the residents of Lumpini Park, Bangkok

One of the residents of Lumpini Park, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Just before I took this photo, this guy had just swallowed whole a rather large fish so I guessed he wasnt hungry, but just after taking the photo he threw his head back and opened his mouth wide as if to say "I might just swallow you whole too". Needless to say I backed of sharpish. I was in Lumpini park last month after heavy rain and monitor lizards were everywhere presumably because the water levels had flushed them out of their normal homes in the water drainage pipes

The Old Boatman

The Old Boatman, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Not too long ago, we went on a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and some of the Klongs. Out boatman was this fine chap who believe is 84 years old which is just one year younger than his boat! It was a great day out, helped along by a few bottles of wine.

Klong vendor and dog, Bangkok

Klong vendor and dog, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The klongs are canals that criss cross Bangkok. They offer a fascinating insight into the daily life of Bangkokians and there are still many vendors plying their wares on them. This is just one of them.

In the Pink

In the Pink, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Soldiers at the funeral of Princess Galyani Vadhana

Military Cadets at the funeral of Princess Galyani Vadhana, Bangkok

Military Cadets at the funeral of Princess Galyani Vadhana, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Saturday was the procession and cremation of Princess Galyani Vadhana in Bangkok. It was a truly spectacular event. This shot was taken before these military cadets joined the parade. They were making last minute adjustments and waiting in ranks.

Sorting Fish - Cha Am Harbour

Sorting Fish - Cha Am Harbour, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Cha Am harbbour is a hive of activity every morning as the fishing boats return loaded with fish. The catch is unloaded by hand in baskets such as these which are then deposited on the floor and sorted into fish of different types and sizes. The people who do the sorting sit on their haunches for hours on end until all the boats are unloaded and sorted. After sorting the fish are taken away by the wholesalers.

Sitting out the Storm

Sitting out the Storm, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

There been some evil weather around recently - lots of thunderstorms and rain. I left some behind in Bangkok recently as I headed together with a friend for Cha Am harbour. This is the first shot I took when I got there showing these boats against the back drop of a storm raging in Bangkok and in the Gulf.

The loneliness of the long distance traveller

The loneliness of the long distance traveller, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

In Munich for a couple of weeks, this is Marienplatz Station on the U-bahn. I remember being here a couple of years ago when they were renovating this station and this is the result. It is more akin to space travel than travelling through the bowels of Munich. Beam me up Scottie!

One of the Original Spice Girls

One of the Original Spice Girls, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Whatever happened to the Spice Girls - well here is one alive and well in Klong Toey Market, Bangkok. She was singing a cover version of Donna Summer's Hot Stuff at the time :-)

Wok's cooking?

Wok's cooking?, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Another photo from Klong Toey market. You are never far away from food in Thailand and the market is no exception. As well as fresh meat, fish and vegetables, the market has it fair share of stalls serving frfeshly cooked food. This girl was busy with stir fried vegetables in a huge wok.

Waiting for the Tide

Waiting for the Tide, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Friendship Beach lies on the East coast of Phuket in Chalong Bay (Ao Chalong). The tide goes out a long, long way to reveal a vast expanse of sand. In the background is Koh Lon. The strip of blue water in front of the island is the main channel to Chalong Pier which is where most of the fishing trips go from, along with speedboats to Koh Phi Phi.

Fish are fun!

Fish are fun!, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Klong Toey Market in Bangkok is one of the largest meat, fish and vegetable markets of its kind. It is a bustling place with lots to see from exotic fruits to live frogs (see an earlier post). The market is very busy especially early in the morning which is the best time to visit to catch the real action. This mother and son seem to enjoy their work.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I have posted a photo of the floating market before but, as it is one of Thailand's biggest tourist attractions, I thought I would add another one.
Sometimes it becomes so busy at the market, that the boats can hardly move as was the case here.

One Night in Bangkok

One NIght in Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

We have a terrific view from our balcony and I have taken many photos. This is one I took recently on a clear evening just after a particularly spectacular sunset. The tall building to the left is the LH bank with the Banyan Tree Hotel to the right. The HSBC bank is the building on the far right.

There are more and more tall buildings appearing in Bangkok, and with each one that is finished there is an addition to the light show.

Fruits of Thailand - Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Pitaya or Dragon fruit as they are commonly known are grown on a cactus like plant. They are readily available in Thailand but are grown mainly in Vietnam. This variety is known as the Coata Rica Pitaya. Other varieties have white flesh inside. The fuit is native to Mexico and South and Central America.

Klong Kids

Klong Kids, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Bangkok is criss crossed by canals and it is fascinating to take a boat trip and witness the daily life around these canals. There are always kids swimming but this group were having great fun and just loved having their picture taken. I just love the happiness in their faces from the cheeky grin of the boy on the left to the pure delight in the little girl bottom right.

Beach Bar, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Beach Bar, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Bars come and go especially in Thailand. This beach bar appeared on Bang Tao Beach on day so we duly encouraged it by buying a couple of beers. However, when we next went to Phuket, it had disappeared without trace but there is always another bar!

Prow of a Long Tailed Boat

Long Tailed Boat, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This picture was taken on a beautiful sunny day at Nai Yang Beach in Phuket. All long tailed boats in Thailand feature this type of ribbon decoration on the prow as it brings good luck.

Fruits of Thailand - Rambutan

Rambutan, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Rambutan were first introduced into Surat Thani in the 1920's and it has become a very popular fruit. The red and green fruit is peeled to reveal a succulent, tasty white flesh with a seed in the middle. The fruit is round or oval and 2 - 3 inches long and is in season in July and August. It is part of the same family as lychees and longan and is believed to be a native of South East Asia

Fishing Boat, Patong, Phuket

Fishing Boat, Patong, Phuket, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

At the southern end of Patong Beach there is a fishing community that was totally destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. Most visitors to Patong probably do not know of its existence. Luckily ,most of the inhabitants escaped and the community has been rebuilt. This is just one of the many boats moored in this creek.

Beaches of Thailand - Kamala Beach, Phuket

Kamala Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Kamala is one of Phuket's many beaches lying to the north of Patong Beach and to the south of Surin. Kamala was very badly hit by the 2004 tsunami but has now recovered to boast new hotels and shipa and even a short promenade. Kamala is also home to the very well known cultural theme park Fantasea - http://www.phuket-fantasea.com/

Pride & Admiration

Pride & Admiration, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I spent the weekend in Phuket early one morning I wandered early down to the southern end of Bang Tao where the fishermen keep their boats. At 7:30, the place was a hive of activity with boats coming in from a night's fishing, others casting their nets in the shallows and also many of the older folk just sitting around watching the activities. I came across this guy who was plucking fish out of his net together with his grandson, and asked him politely if I could take his picture. He duly stood to attention, but I noticed the look of pride and admiration in the eyes of his grandson. His face is the real picture - not a great photo but really a picture with a great story.

Sunsets of Thailand - Bangkok

Bangkok Sunset, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

It is not only the beaches that get spectacular sunsets in Thailand as this shot taken in Bangkok will testify.

Surfing Ashore

Surfing Ashore, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The fishermen of Chennai go out at about 3am in the morning returning around 7:30 am. During the monsoon season there is quite a bit of surf and these boats come in very fast.

Bangkok Monsoon Season

Bangkok Monsoon Season, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

As it is that time of year, here is another weather picture, this time of one of Bangkok's iconic tuk tuks during a cloudburst. when it rains like this, it suddenly becomes nigh on impossible to find an empty taxi. As you can see the taxi's in this photo have no "for hire" signs lit. Eventually we got one with some help from one of the locals who hailed it for us.

Barge on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Barge on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The Chao Phraya river in Bangkok's busy and vibrant waterway used by many different boats. A frequent site are the barge tows. A tug is used to pull 3 or 4 giant heavily laden barges. This tow is approaching the area near Saphan Taksin. The large building with the golden dome is the State Tower, an apartment block that is well known for the open air restaurant and bar on top fro mwhich there is a fantastic view. The building on the right which ia a similar height to the State Tower remains unfinished - a monument to the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Thunderstorm over Bangkok

Thunderstorm over Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

It is the rainy season here in ,which has been characterised of late by hot, sunny days followed by rain in the evening. This shot was taken from our apartment balcony on Wednesday 16/7/08 when we had a particularly spectacular lightning show. The lightning was almost constant for a while and I thought we were in for a huge storm. However, it was all show, as the storm passed close by without shedding a drop of water.

The Boy and the Birdtrap

The Boy and the Birdtrap, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This young boy has shinned up a small tree to hang a birdtrap. The trap was quite ingenious. It already contained a bird which was being used as bait to attract other birds. The trap was constructed with an inner cage holding the bait and an outer cage at the front with a lid. Although I didnt see it in operation, I presume that when another bird was attracted, it went into the front cage to face the bait bird. As the space was quite small, this action would inevitably bring the lid down trapping the new bird. This picture was taken on the east coast of Phuket.

Loha Prasat (Metal Palace), Bangkok

Loha Prasat (Metal Palace), Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is one of my favourite buildings in Bangkok. It is situated on Ratchdamnoen Avenue next to Wat Ratchanadda. It is called Loha Prasat but also known as the Metal Palace due to its cast iron spires. he building is based on an ancient Sri Lankan temple and was began in the early 19th century by King Rama III, but has only relatively recently been completed.

A Happy Hill Tribe Vendor, Bangkok

A Happy Hill Tribe Vendor, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

These days, Bangkok is full of hill tribe people selling their hats and trinkets. They are everywhere and generally drive me mad as they all have these wooden frogs that make a croaking sound. I have to say that it is a very realistic sound but I just get sick of hearing it. This particular lady was laughing because she saw me take aim with my camera and immediately said "photo - 50 baht!". She started to laugh and didnt actually seem to mind that I took a photo even though she didnt get 50 baht.

Sunsets of Thailand - Surin Beach, Phuket

Surin Beach Sunset, Phuket, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Just another sunset picture this time taken at Surin Beach in Phuket. We often go to this beach for sundowners hoping to view one of the wonderful sunsets that can appear here. This particular evening was not very spectacular until quite late on when this redness suddenly appeared in te sky. It lasted just a couple of minutes before fading away.

Tree Frog

Tree Frog, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Still on the subject of frogs, we met this cheeky little chap in Phuket. We were sat in the garden when I noticed something sliding down a bush. It turned out to be a tree frog who wasn't the slightest bit concerned about being photographed. He posed obligingly for several minutes before disappearing. Even the flash didn't seem to bother him

The tree frog is apparently a nocturnal animal that scours plants and trees in search of insects to eat.

Dead Frogs, Klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Dead Frogs, Klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Dead Frogs, Klong Toey Market, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Thailand is famous for its cuisine and as I have said before, the Thais themselves love nothing better than tucking into a plate of something delicious. However, something delicious, like beauty, Can be the eye of the beholder. Thailand as many "strange" dishes. Fried grasshoppers, beetles and grubs are often seen on carts throughout Bangkok. Frogs (or toads) are also something of a delicacy, as can be seen from this photo. Dead, skinned frogs are offered for sale on Kong Toey market in Bangkok. Next to this, there were hundreds of live frogs under netting, also for sale. In fact, you can just see some on the right of this picture.
I have eaten frog's legs but I am not sure I want to tuck into a full frog. I suppose it all depends on what you are used to.

Photoshop effects

DPP_0006 artistic film grain, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I took this photo in Phuket at Layan beach. At the end of the beacj there is a small river estuary where this boat lay. I like the photo for some reason and decided to play around with it a little bit in Photoshop which is photo editing software. This is the effect that I liked.

It is best viewed large which can be done by double clicking the image and then selecting "all sizes" followed by "large".

Express Boat, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Express Boat, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Express Boat, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

There are some parts of Bangkok where it is better to get around by express boat. This is certainly true around Rattanakosin Island which is the old part of Bangkok. This is where most of the tourist sites are also. Tourists do use the express boats but so do the locals. They are often packed as they zooom up and down the Chao Phraya River. They are also very cheap. The Chao Phraya itself separates Bangkok from Thonburi and is always full of all kinds of boats - longt ailed tourist boats, express boats, river ferries, pleasure boats and tugs pulling heavily laden barges. It is a very busy river.

The British Club Bangkok Pipe Band

IMG_1465, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The British Club Bangkok hosted a celebration of the Queen's official birthday recently. I went along for a short time but very quickly retired to a nearby Irish pub to watch the rugby. However, I did have time to snap the British Club Bangkok Pipe Band who were making a splendid noise. I have to say that none of them looked too happy but then again it cant be too uch fun huffing and puffing in 34 degrees of polluted Bangkok heat. It seems to me that wherever you go, they always seem to be able to dig up a piper or two on these occasions. The same went for Burns night back in February which was held in the same Irish pub where I watched the rugby.

Sunsets of Thailand - Ao Phrao Beach, Koh Samet

P1020573, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

There are some beautiful sunset locations in Thailand and koh Samet is one of my favourites.

The Rainy Season Koh Samet

IMG_1493, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

It is the rainy season here in Thailand but not so as you would notice. We spent the weekend in Koh Samet, that beautiful little island which is situated about 2 hours east of Bangkok and is a favourite weekend destination of Thais and expats alike. As you can see we experienced wall to wall sunshine with barely a cloud to be seen all weekend. Being low season, the beaches were empty too. I guess we were just lucky.

My Friend, the Policeman

IMG_1391, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

There I was minding my business and taking a few photos over by the Assmebly Building in Bangkok, when all of a sudden a policecar appears at the side of me. "Good afternoon", said the officer to which I responded equally politely. "Nice camera", he said "You take picture of me". Naturally ,I said yes and he positioned his car so that I could get the statue in the shot as well. After a few photos including some he shot of me, he invited me to sit in his police car while he gave me his address. This took some time - about 20 minutes, as he apparently had difficulty translating the Thai script into roman characters. I will send him the photos but it is anyone's guess if he will get them as his address is not that clear. Hopefully they will reach him as he was very keen to have his photo taken. It was a totally bizarre experience fo rme however.

Garden of Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech, Morocco

Garden of Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech, Morocco, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Yves Saint Laurent, that most famous of couturiers died recently. Marrakech was one of his favourite places and where he had a home, and a garden which is open to the public. The garden is particularly notable for the cactii but also for the stunning colours that are used everwhere. The very intense blues contrast with vivid yellow pots and a terracotta floor.

Reclining Buddha, Wat Po, Bangkok

Reclining Buddha, Wat Po, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I have lived in Bangkok for some two and a half years this time, for 6 months previously, and I have visited on numerous occasions in the past. During this time, I have never been to Wat Po which is one of the 3 most famous attractions in Bangkok. The other two are, of course, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun otherwise known as the temple of dawn. I finally made it there recently and took some photos including this one of the famous reclining Buddha. Gold plated and measuring some 46 metres long and 15 metres high, it is an impressive sight. Wat Po is Bangoks oldest temple as well as being its largest.

Beaches of Thailand - Hua Hin

The Beach at Hua Hin, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Hu Hin is located on the Gulf coast about 3 hours drive from Bangkok. It is a favourite place of the Thai Royal Family who have a palace there and is a favourite place for Thais at weekends. A favourite pastime, when in Hua Hin, is to visit one of the many seafood restaurants that jut out into the sea on stilts. All manner of seafood is available which is deliciously presented.

Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai

Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

No visit to Chiang Mai would be complete without seeing at least one of the many wats(buddhist temples) that the city is famous for. This one is situated outside of the moated city and dates back to the 14th century. It was built by King Keu Na of Lanna and there are numerous chedi in the grounds that contain the remains of members from the former Chiang Mai Royal Family.

Dancers at the Chiang Mai Inthakin (City Pillar) Festival

Dancers at the Chiang Mai Inthakin (City Pillar) Festival, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The Chiang Mai Intakin Festival (Festival of the City Pillar) is held annually to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and its residents. It is held at Wat Chedi Luang, which is one of the original wats in Chiang Mai. One of the main events is the parading of the Buddha image names "Fon Saan Haa" which means "One hundred thousand drops of rain". Following the parade, the image is sprinkled with water by the local people who believe that by taking part in the ceremony, they will be blessed with good health and that the rain will fall in the right amounts at the right time during the year. For 7 days, the local people "make merit" by offering flowers and lighting candles to the Buddha image.

The festival this year began on Saturday 1st June.

Samlor at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Samlor at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

As I have been in Chiang Mai this weekend, it is time to post some photos. This one I took in the evening just outside Thapae Gate which used to be the main gate in to the walled city. Times have changed of course as the city has outgrown the confines of the (remaining) walls and moat to expand well beyond the original boundaries. The gate is still important in Chiang Mai as the immediate area is the scene of many events including a market on Sundays. Samlors are still used in Chiang Mai and this guy just looks as though he is waiting for some traveller to come up the road towards the city.

Cool Dog

Cool Dog, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

You have all heard of a hot dog and here you have an extremely cool dog. WHen I first saw this dog he was asleep and I just thought someone had put these glasses on to take a photo. However, he woke up, looked around for a few minutes, showed no inclination to remove the sunglasses and promptly went back to sleep again. He was seen in Bangkok on the steps of the National Stadium MRT station, where he was the source of great amusement.

Vintage Car Exhibition

Triumph, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The Paragon Centre in Bangkok hosted a vintage car exhibition last week. There were over 200 cars of differing ages including 2 cars that my grandfather once owned - a Ford Popular and a Triumph Mayflower. Some of the cars were quite spectacular with quite a collectionof one of my all time favourite cars - the E type Jaguar. This one is a beautiful Triumph which had a dickie seat. I have owned 2 Triumphs myself - a Spitfire and a Dolomite. I loved them.

The Fruit Season, bangkok

The Fruit Season, bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

It is officially summer in Thailand whci means amongst other things, that it is the fruit season. The markets of Bangkok are full of delicious fruit brought in from the surrounding areas. In addition to the exotic fruits that can be found here such as dragonfruit, lychees and guava, oranges, apples and bananas are also in plentiful supply. Many street vendors sell freshly squeezed orange juice which seems to me, to be particularly delicious at this time of year.

Flame tree, Bangkok, Thailand

Flame tree, Bangkok, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

May is the time of year when the flame tree flowers. These are very spectacular trees and grow quite large. It is failrly obvious to see why they are called flame trees.

Apparently flame tree is a monika given to several species of tree in different parts of the world. I believe that the Thai version is the Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia).

Thay are quite beautiful.