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.

Stand for the King

IMG_0609, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The King of Thailand is revered by his people. He is now 80 years old and has been on the throne for over 60 years during which time he has gained the unwavering respect of all his people due to his commitment to them. The respect in which he is held can be witnessed every day in Bangkok at 8am and 6pm. In public places the National Anthem is played and everyone (and I mean everyone) stops what they are doing and stands still. This show of reverence is heartfelt as is displayed by the people in this picture. Taken in Lumpini Park, Bangkok.

Contortionist, Lumpini Park, Bangkok

IMG_0612, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Wandering through Lumpini Park this weekend, I came across this guy with his leg behind his neck. I am willing to bet that with a bit of practice he could kick ass - his own ass!

Beaches of Thailand - Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Nai Yang is very close to the airport and there are 2 separate areas that are part of a National Park which hopefully will preserve its natural status to some extent. There are a couple of hotels but it is generally a fairly quiet beach, especially at its northern end. The water here is shallow and there are wide expanses of sand when the tide is out. There is also a reef which despite the shallowness of the water makes for good snorkeling. This beach has long been a favourite destination of ours for lunch. Beach restaurants serve some very good seafood.

Balloons on legs

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A colourful and slightly humorous picture snapped in Bangkok. I am sure this guy was feeling quite light on his feet.

Bangkok's Street Vendors - Satisfying the Thai passion for eating

I have been using Google Documents which allows you to create text documents, spreadsheets or presentations and store them online. As it is possible to embed these documents in a blog posting, I thought I would try it, and this is the result.

The embedded presentation contains several photos I have taken in Bangkok of street vendors. I find them a fascinating subject for photographs.The Thais love to eat and as every visitor to Bangkok knows, street food is everywhere. Some of it is very good and while visitors often doubt the wisdom of eating off the street, it can be very rewarding for the taste buds. It is easy to tell if the food is fresh and if a stall is busy you can almost guarantee that it is good and you will suffer no ill effects.

Sunsets of Thailand - Layan Beach, Phuket

Sunsets of Thailand - Layan Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Layan Beach is not particularly well known on Phuket. It lies at the northern end of Bang Tao Bay. There is not much development up to now and part of the area is designated as a National Park. It is actually quite popular with the locals who can be seen swimming on their days off. New developments are in the pipeline however so I am sure it will become increasingly popular. For now, it is a great beach for a leisurely walk wihtout crowds. There are a couple of local bar/restaurants from which to admire the sunset.

Myanmar

Temple in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma(Myanmar)" , originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Myanmar (Burma) is again in the news for the wrong reasons. This time, the country has been hit by a fierce cyclone that has devastated much of the country, killing thousands and leaving many more thousands homeless. Having visited Myanmar, I have some understanding of the conditions there. This event will have hit them very hard.
This picture is of the Sule Pagoda in the centre of Rangoon.

Basket Case, Hanoi Vietnam

Basket Case, Basketware Vendor, Hanoi , Vietnam

Basket Case, Hanoi Vietnam, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

It sometimes seems that life in Hanoi, Vietnam revolves around people selling things. The streets are thronged with shops, markets, street and mobile vendors. It is sometimes quite amazing at what the Vietnamese can carry on a bicycle or motorbike. This particular vendor was pedalling (excuse the pun) basketware and made for an interesting photograph. I have many such photographs as I am quite intrigued by the mobile and street vendors that populate the South East Asian countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Thunderstorm over Phi Phi Island, Thailand

Thunderstorm over Phi Phi Island, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The south of Thailand is particularly prone to thunderstorms and these can occur at any time. They are often also very localised. There can be a huge storm and yet a couple of miles down the road it can be bright sunshine. This is particularly true in Phuket. and the surrounding area. This photo of a thunderstorm over Phi Phi Don island illustrates the point very well. We were on a ferry on the way to Phi Phi and it was a beautiful day. Clearly, there is a thunderstorm raging over the island, but when we arrived there was not a sign of it. These storms, although short in duration, can often be quite violent accompanied by torrential rain, high wind and thunder and lightning.

Beaches of Thailand - Pattaya

Pattaya Beach, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

We made a visit to Pattaya recently. The beach there is narrow and crowded and to my mind has very little to recommend it. As far as I am concerned that goes for Pattaya itself as well. We stayed in the Marriott hotel which was excellent - just a pity it is in Pattaya as we will not be going back. Pattaya gets many tourists but it is not really a place for families. Jomtien beach may be different as I am told it is much nicer.

Sunsets of Thailand - Laem Thong Beach, Phi Phi Don, Thailand

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Thailand is one of those places that has wonderful sunsets. Like most amateur photographers, I cannot resist the beauty of a sunset picture. There are many beautiful sunset photographs and i even like some of my own. This one was taken on Phi Phi and is quite unusual because I was more or less facing east when I took it rather than west. The light from the fading sun was so powerful that it created a sunset all across the sky. Look out for a photo of the sunset taken pointing west which I will post shortly.

Beaches of Thailand - Nai Thon, Phuket

Nai Thon Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is a relatively quiet beach compared to the likes of Patong and Karon that are 2 of the more well known beaches on Phuket. Nai Than is also on the west side of the island but further north and not far from the airport. For me, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on Phuket with a wide expanse of white sand and it is also safe for swimming. There are not too many hotels in this area and it is far enough away from Patong and Karon to deter most people from making the trek which is why it is still uncrowded and populated only by those "in the know". How long it will remain this way remains to be seen as apartments are being built nearby. If you go check out the rustic Reggae bar at the south end of the beach.

Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand

Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Chinatown, Bangkok is a fascinating place and one of the oldest areas in Bangkok. The Chinese were moved to this area in the 1780's so the king could build the Grand Palace. This is Yaowarat Road which is the main street in Chinatown. It is famous for gold shops which line the street on both sides. Intermingled are Chinese medicine pharmacies, shark's fin restaurants and a few hotels. The pavements are also lined with vendors selling all sorts of things. This is just part of the fascinating area that makes up Chinatown in Bangkok.

Engines in Chinatown, Bangkok

Engines in Chinatown, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Sampeng Lane in Chinatown, Bangkok is a famous market. It is a very narrow bustling place full of shops selling jewellery, fabrics, toys, shoes and just about anyting else you can think of. In the streets around the other (eastern) end of Sampeng it is quite different. The streets are full of bits of car parts from complete engines to axles, gearboxes and suspension springs. The whole place is a dirty oily mess and, as you can see, the parts are piled up to the extent that you cannot walk on the footpath.

360 Bar, Phuket Pavilions, Phuket

IMG_0180, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The 360 bar in Phuket Pavilions is situated atop a hill with rather splendid views of Bang Tao Beach. As they have a happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30, there are few better places on Phuket to watch the sun going down whilst enjoying a cocktail. The cocktails here are prepared by expert bartenders using top brand spirits so they are actually quite a bargain as it is a "buy one, get one free" happy hour. Personally, I recommend the Long Island Ice Tea - two of those ensures that you are in for a good evening. Everyone we have taken there aged from 20 to 80 have enjoyed the experience.

Bangkok Garland Vendors

Garland Seller, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Garlands made of jasmine are very popular in Thailand. Most Thais usually have one hung from the back of their rer view mirror. They give off a pleasant scent and counteract the fumes fo Bangkok. It is quite normal to see the garland vendors at busy intersections risking life and limb as they parade between the cars trying to sell their wares.@0baht is the going rate which is about 25 UK pence.

Songkran & Thingyan

Myanmar (Burma) Water Festival (Thingyan), originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Songkran is the Thai new year and is the time when people should sprinkle water over each other to cleanse for the coming year. It has, however degenerated into pitched water fights that many people clearly enjoy but others do not. We are just a few days from Songkran, and the Burmese equivalent which is called Thingyan, and the shops are full of water blasting machines. If anything Thingyan is even worse as it continues unabated for 4 days. Podiums are set up especially near lakes, and water is pumped through hosepipes and water jets to soak anyone who is within reach.

The Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine is located next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bangkok. It was built in 1956 after a series of mishaps had befallen the building of a hotel - the Erawan. No further problems were experienced in the building of the hotel which was later demolished to make way for the Grand Hyatt. The shrine has a statue of Phra Phrom which is the Thai version of the Hinu god Brahma and is very popular amongst Thais who come to pray for good luck. There are dancers at the shrine who are paid to perform by people who have had their prayers answered. I also have a new Canon EOS 40D camera and this is one of the first pict

Lumpini Park, Bangkok

Lumpini Park, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Lumpini park is one of the few open space areas in central Bangkok. The place is alive first thing in the morning and just before dusk with Bangkokians up to all manner of things. Jogging, Tai Chi, balroom dancing, Kendo, exercising, lounging, walking, aerobics and badminton are just some of the activities that go on here. I recently walked through the park at 6pm and there were literally thousands of people in there, many of whom were participating in aerobics. I saw at least 3 large groups of more than 100 people all following the movements of an aerobics teacher. It was quite a site and brought out such a sweat on me that I had to go and have a beer.

Lumpini is one of my favourite places in Bangkok and I never tire of wandering around the place watching what is going on. Even observing the Hari Khrishna lot is quite absorbing. One of these days I will count the number of times they sing "Hari Khrishna, Hari Rama" etc. It must get quite boring!

Banana Flower

Banana Flower, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is a banana flower. Usually, the flower hangs down on a long stem and the banas grow up the stem behind it. This one was spotted hanging over a garden wall in Bangkok.

Bananas are native to South East Asia, are widely consumed and come in many different varieties. The Thais eat the flower as well creating a dish known unsurprisingly as Banana Flower Salad. It is something that my wife Ann is quite partial too although personally I can take it or leave it.

Bangkok River Taxi

Bangkok River Taxi, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is one of the more interesting forms of transport in Bangkok. These River Taxis fly up and down the klongs (canals) at high speed stopping just long enough for passengers to alight and jump on board. The canals are quite narrow but it doesnt stop them travelling at such high speeds. They are an important component of the transport infrastructure in Bangkok. Notice that the 2 guys standing on the side of the boat (They are the ones who collect the fares) are wearing crash helmets. There must have been some accidents in the past for this to be the case as safety issues are definitely not normally a strong feature of Thai life.

Bayoke Hotel, Bangkok

P1090128, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is the Bayoke Hotel in Bangkok and it is the highest building in Bangkok. There is a bar on th83rd floor and a restaurant on the 82nd floor, both of which give excellent views of Bangkok. Unfortunately, the bar is not much to write home about and neither is the restaurant. We visited some weeks ago on a Friday night when they have an "all you can eat" buffet. Some people may like it ,but it is definitely not my style, so we won't be going back. The views were indeed spectacular though! I should mention that for a small fee, you can also go up to the observation deck so that may be worth doing.

Beaches of Thailand - Lamaii Beach, Koh Samui

Lamaii Beach, Koh Samui, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is just one of the beaches on the now famous Koh Samui and is taken from the almost deserted northern end of the beach.

Beaches of Thailand - Koh Phai (Bamboo Island)

Koh Phai (Bamboo Island)

Ko Phai (Bamboo Island), Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This rather beautiful beach is on Koh Phai, otherwise known as Bamboo Island. It is National Park so you get charged to visit but the beach is lovely. It lies just to the north of Koh Phi Phi which can be seen in the background. There are no hotels here so it is mainly visited as a day trip by boat from Phi Phi or Krabi.

Beaches of Thailand - Surin, Phuket

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

Having just spent Easter in Phuket, here is another Thai beach - Surin. Located on the west coast of Phuket, Surin is much quieter than beaches such as Patong or Karon. Although now visited by many tourists, Surin is very popular with the locals. This shot is of the quieter northern end of the beach. In the rainy season the beach is unsuitable for swimming as there is a vicious undertow which accounts for several unsuspecting tourists (who ignore the warning flags) every year. There are many restaurants lining the beach road and it is a great place to sunset watch.

Beaches of Thailand - Thung Wua Laen, Chumphon

Thung Wua Laen Beach, Chumphon, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is Thung Wua Laen Beach near Chumphon which lies more or less midway between Bangkok and Phuket on the Gulf coast. It is actually not far from Koh Samui, but why go to Koh Samui when you can find an uncrowded, unspoilt beach like this. It is really beautiful with just a few small hotels (at least at the moment). There are many such beaches in Thailand that remain relatively undiscovered. Long may that continue!

Chinese Doors

P1040032, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

One of the good things about living in Thailand is that there are many, many arists that are quite talented so it is relatively inexpensive to buy or commission some original artwork. We were looking for a fairly large painting to cover a wall in our villa. I remembered that I had taken this photo in Georgetown, Penang some time ago and we decided to have it painted. It may not be to everyone's taste but the result was a spectacular painting which is so faithful to the original photograph.

The photos was taken at the Cheah Kongsi Clan House in Georgetown, Penang.

Bangkok – A Shopper’s Paradise

Bangkok is visited by millions of tourists each year, and it has become a shopper’s paradise rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong as the shopping destination of the region, thanks to its unique combination of prestigious malls, department stores, local markets, ubiquitous street vendors, and the bustling Sampeng Lane in Chinatown.

Bangkok has many malls scattered across its central area. These range from malls with hundreds of low cost outlets such as the Platinum Fashion Mall, or the famous Mah Boon Krung (MBK), to the luxuriously appointed, high end malls such as Siam Paragon or Gaysorn Plaza. MBK is aimed mainly at the locals, but is also often frequented by foreign tourists in search of bargains. On the other hand, Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Plaza are stuffed with expensive designer shops to attract a wealthier clientele. Most of these malls are designed to keep you fed, watered and entertained in between serious bouts of shopping as they house various entertainment activities such as cinemas, bowling alleys, restaurants, bars and karaoke establishments.

The recently opened Siam Paragon, which is aimed at the high end of the market, offers 5 themed shopping floors entitled Luxury, Fashion, Lifestyle Leisure, Living Technology and the combined floor of Paragon Passage and IT World. Most of the famous ‘designer’ label shops such as Versace, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Thailand’s very own Jim Thompson are ensconced on either, or in some cases both, of the Luxury or Lifestyle Leisure floors. Additional floors are named Gourmet Paradise that features a wide variety of eating places from expensive restaurants to a food court; Siam Ocean World which is south east Asia’s largest aquarium, and Global Entertainment which houses a Cineplex, a bowling alley, the only IMAX and 3D theatre in Thailand which boasts the largest cinema screen in the country. The Royal Paragon Hall is also available for various entertainment events.

CentralWorld, previously known as the World Trade Centre has recently been extended and refurbished. It is now the largest shopping mall in South East Asia and is aimed more towards the mid range shopper. There are hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as the usual entertainment complex which includes a cinema, bowling alley and an ice rink. The department stores Isetan and Zen can also be found within this cavernous mall and the addition of a 5 star hotel in the near future will mean that you never have to leave the place!

MBK is usually hectic, full of young locals, incorporates the department store Tokyu and is the place for low cost clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, electronics and, especially, anything to do with mobile phones. The usual cinema complex can be found and there are food courts and restaurants galore.

Bangkok is also famous for its markets. Local markets such as Klong Toey can be found everywhere, but the most famous are Chatuchak, known locally as ‘JJ’, Pratunam, Suan Lum Night Bazaar and the infamous Patpong night market.

Chatuchak is primarily a weekend market and is just enormous. Served by both Skytrain and underground systems, it is easy to get to, and serves some 200,000 visitors per day who peruse the literally thousands of stalls offering just about anything you can think of. Art, clothes, pets, plants, furniture, antiques, household items, books, jewellery, ceramics, handicrafts etc., etc., can all be found in enormous variety at bargain prices. Impossible to cover in a single day, the full weekend is needed to even begin to explore the variety that this market offers.

Pratunam located across the road from the Platinum Fashion Mall, and incidentally close by the well known IT mall Pantip Plaza which offers the best in IT and electronic bargains, is the haunt of many locals seeking out garment and material bargains. Crowded and bustling, it is arguably the cheapest place for clothes. Jewellery and handicrafts are also well represented.

The Suan Lum Night Bazaar is due to close, but in the meantime, it is a haven for evening shoppers seeking Thai handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and locally designed products. Several restaurants, bars and a food courts are also incorporated into the complex.

Patpong, infamous for its go-go bars and seedy nightlife is equally famous for its night market selling all manner of ‘brand’ name goods. A tourist trap, but nevertheless a ‘must see’ area for the first time visitor to Bangkok, hard bargaining is required to get down to the prices that can paid elsewhere.

Street vendors populate the main tourist areas of Sukhumit and Silom roads to such an extent that it is often difficult to pick your way through them. Specialising in ‘tourist’ wares, they offer an interesting selection of articles and present a challenge to anyone’s bargaining skills. Bargain hard and you will probably be satisfied but make sure you check the quality.

Sampeng Lane slices through Chinatown and requires a certain amount of stamina to be able to withstand the crush and the heat that is a feature of the area. It is narrow and very crowded, but offers the shopper a wide variety of articles at the cheapest of prices. Some of the shops are ‘wholesale only’ but many allow you to ‘mix and match’. For example, you can buy 5 different pairs of earrings at the wholesale price for 5 pairs. As well as jewellery, this long lane offers, shoes, clothing, fabrics, accessories, paper products and much more. At one end of Sampeng Lane is the Paphurat cloth market. Predominantly Indian run, fabrics and Indian jewellery abound.

Shopping in Bangkok could well be the ultimate shopping experience. The number and wide variety of shopping opportunities make it an unparalleled destination – a Shopper’s Paradise.

The Chennai Tuk Tuk, India

originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is the Chennai tuk tuk. It whizzes around Chennai just as the Bangkok tuk tuks do but, if anything, they are even more scary, squeezing into gaps in the traffic. A definite experience!

Graffitti

 
Like most places Bangkok is not immune from the "graffitti artists". There are several places in Bangkok where graffitti art can be seen adorning walls, and I am sure that there are plenty of Thais who indulge in this particular form of art. This piece of graffitti is located on a derelict building site on Sukhumvit Road, right in the middle of the tourist district. I presume the site has been in such a state since the financial crisis of 1997. Indeed, there are lots of examples of unfinished buildings around Bangkok. I rather suspect that this piece of graffitti is the work of a number of tourists given its location. The "work" is signed by 3 people Dek, Rea and PMY.

The Bangkok Bus Passenger

originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I was roaming around Chinatown one day and decided to take some pictures of people on buses. This is the result. They all seem to have one thing in common - a rather bored expression. Anyone who has experienced the nightmare that is Bangkok traffic will understand exactly why these people are bored.

Sunsets of Thailand - Joggers, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket

Sunsets of Thailand -  Joggers, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket

Sunset Joggers, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

One of my favourite activities in Phuket, is to go down to the beach at Bang Tao to watch the sunset. Some people seem to want to indulge in some rather strenuous activities such as the couple jogging along the beach in the photo. Personally I prefer the more leisurely activity of sipping a cocktail, especially as it is happy hour so its buy one get one free!

Beaches of Thailand - Koh Samet

Idyllic Beach, Koh Samet, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

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.

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.

Patuxai (Victory Gate), Vientiane, Laos

Patuxai (Victory Gate), Vientiane, Laos, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

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.

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!)

Colourful Umbrellas, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Colourful Umbrellas, Chiang Mai, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

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.

A Fisherman of Chennai, India

A Fisherman of Chennai, India, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

While in India near Mamallapuram, I walked along the beach to a fishing comunity. This community was hard hit by the 2004 tsunami but had recovered largely thanks to help from some German organisations who had provided new boats. The locals were quite friendly especially as they could speak some English and were only too happy to talk to me. This is one guy who caught my eye and was only too happy to have his photograph taken.

Incredible India

Krishna's Butterball, Mamallapuram, Chennai, India, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is Krishna's Butterball in Mamaalpuram near Chennai India. It is a huge rock which seems precariously balanced but I guess stronger men than I have failed to push it over. Still it is quite an amazing site.

The Udon Thani Tuk Tuk

P1080254, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Since living in Asia, I have discovered that tuk tuks come in all shapes and sizes other than the ubiquitous Bangkok tuk tuk. This one was seen outside the station in Udon Thani and seems to be pretty tyoical for the area. I am currently in India where they are different again and are predominently yellow in colour. But then I am in Chennai so they maybe a different colour elsewhere in India.

Cappuccino coffe Laos Style

Cappuccino coffe Laos Style, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

How about this for a work of art? This was a cappuccino coffee served in a small cafe in Vientiane, Laos.

The Sleeping Policeman

Caught asleep on duty, Grand Palace, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Caught asleep at the Grand Palace in Bankok or was he? Maybe he was just bored

The Tired Street Vendor

The Tired Street Vendor, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This guy has obviously had enough of lugging around his baskets of fruit and fallen asleep. As he carries a small stool with him, he obviously makes a habit of it. I can't say that I blame him as the heat in Bangkok can be oppressive and those baskets look heavy.

This is taken at Chit Lom just opposite the Central department store.

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Street Food, Bangkok

Street Food, Bangkok

Street Food, Bangkok, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Street food is everywhere in Bangkok. Vendors are seen all over the city pushing their carts loaded with fruit, curries, kebabs, fried insects etc. These kebabs look particularly appetising - meat, peppers and pineapple.

Standards of hygiene could be better it has to said but the food doesnt seem to do the Bangkokians much harm.

See more photos and travel stories at http://kevinhellon.googlepages.com

Roses in Chinatown

Flower/Vegetable market, Chinatown, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Close to Chinatown is the flower market where you can buy mnay different flowers and bouquets. This being Thailand, there are lots of orchids but also roses seem to very popular and very cheap. A large bunch of roses will set you back about 50 baht or about 70 pence.

See more photos and travel stories at http://kevinhellon.googlepages.com

Bar in Chatuchak

Bar in Chatuchak, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Chatuchak market other wise known as Jatujak or "JJ" to the locals is an enormous weekend market with thousands of stalls. In fact, much of it is open throughout the week. It is located in the north of Bangkok tends to be very hot and I have also noticed that it seems to get more than ots fair share of thunderstorms. As my wife likes to shop there, I inevitably getted dragged along from time to time but there is a little oasis in the midst of this shopping desert and this is the place in section 26/161 which is fairly close to the edge of the section. A great place to have a beer, it has a great atmosphere and I have seen many a weary tourist's eyes light up as they accidentally come across it. The staff are very pleasant, if not a bit strange. At least one is a katoey (or ladyboy) and another is obviously a Bob Marley freak with dreadlocks. They tend to make up large concoctions of whisly & soda or tequila and lime to sip in between serving their customers. Although the sale of beer is officially prohibited between 2 and 5 pm, it does not seem to be a big issue in this establishment.
Despite being a frequent visitor, I ave absolutely no idea what this bar is called. I must ask next time I go.

Bangkok, Skytrain Security Guard

Bangkok, Skytrain Security Guard, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

THis is the Skytrain in Bangkok which has been open since about 1999. When it first opened it was virtually empty and you could get a seat everytime. How things have changed. It is virtually impossible to get a seat anytime. Still very limited extensions are currently under way and there are more lines planned but this is Thailand so dont hold your breath in the hope that a new line will be appearing soon.

Chinese Temple

Chinese Temple, Bangkok, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Bangkok has a large Chinatown and many of the Thais hail from Chinese descendants so it is not surprising that Chineses temples abound in Bangkok. They tend to be quite small and often somewhat hidden in contrast to the huge Wat's that are the temples of the more traditional Thai form of Bhuddhism.

This temple is on a road running parallel with Silom Road and just behind the Central department store. It is typically adorned with dragons.

See more photos and travel stories at http://kevinhellon.googlepages.com

The Robin Hood Tuk Tuk

P1070264, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Seen from Phrong Prom skytrain station on Sukhumvit Road, I presume that this tuk tuk is owned by the Robin Hood pub which is was just passing.

See more photos and travel stories at http://kevinhellon.googlepages.com