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