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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Beaches of Thailand - Koh Samet

Koh Samet is a small island lying just off the coast to the east of Bangkok. About 2 hours by bus from Ekkamai bus station, the island is popular with Thais, Expats and tourists alike. Featuring beautiful beaches and crystal clear water, it is an ideal place to get away from Bangkok for the weekend.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Plumeria (Frangipani)


Plumeria (Frangipani), originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Having been a keen gardener in the past, one of the delights about living in Asia is the wealth of tropical plants and flowers that grow here. IN particular I love the Frangipani or Plumeria to give it it's offical name. This is a tree with a beautiful flower which is normally white and yellow. There are some varities of a different colour of which this is one.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Patuxai (Victory Gate), Vientiane, Laos

This monumnet in the centre of Vientiane is called Patuxai which means victory gate. It was built in the 1960's as a monument to those who died fighting the French. It was built with money donated by the US for the purposes of building an airport hence it's other name The Vetical Runway.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Japanese Week


P1080193, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

It was Japanese week just before Christmas in Bangkok, or at least it was outside Central World shopping Centre. This was an excuse it seemed for the local youth to dress up in all sorts of strange costumes to participate in a competition. I have no idea who all these people were supposed to represent but in some cases the connection to Japan seemed to be very tenuous indeed - I saw one guy dressed as St George! These are 2 Alice in Wonderland lookalikes ( I think!)

Monday, January 07, 2008

Colourful Umbrellas, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, in the North of Thailand is known for its handicraft. Furniture is very popular but so are umbrellas mnay of which sport colourful designs such as these. Chiang Mai is generally cheaper than Bangkok and other places such as Phuket and anyone furnishing a house usually does so with products purchased direct from Chiang Mai.