Koh Hong(Krabi), Phang Nga Bay

Koh Hong(Krabi), Phang Nga Bay, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is Koh Hong, Krabi. There are 2 islands called Koh Hong in the area, one on the Krabi side and the other more twards Phang Nga. I believe that "hong" literally means "room" and it is the term given to the fascinating lagoons in some of the islands of Phang Nga Bay. Some of the "hongs" can be reached, as in this case, by boat at full tide, while others can only be reached by canoe (through caves) at certain stages of the tide. Once inside these 'hongs" it is a different world as it is so still and peaceful except for the sound of the birds. I first encounterd these 'hongs' many years ago on a canoe trip and was instantly mesmerised by their sheer beauty.

Klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Khlong Toey Market is the largest market of its kind in Bangkok and being situated in one of the poorest areas of Bangkok near to the port, it is also one of the cheapest. The market sells mainly meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and and fruit and caters to both the local population as well as restauranteurs and professional cooks. Many of the products on the food stalls around Bangkok originate from here. A true Thai market, it is rare to see a European face there.

Although a fascinating market, some parts are not for the squeamish. A number of rather exotic foodstuffs such as frogs, both live and skinned as well as those great North Eastern Thailand delicacies fried locusts, crickets and waterbugs are much in evidence. Live chickens are kept in cages in one area and are slaughtered to order. In other parts live catfish, eels and other types of fish slither around next to crabs with blinking eyes and flapping prawns, while on the next stall a butcher carves up a whole pig.

The vegetables and fruit stalls carry a huge variety of very fresh and attractive goods. The bright greens, reds and yellows are just some of the colours that catch the eye. Spice stalls with bright green, red and yellow Thai curries also provide a pleasing sight. Wherever there are people in Thailand, there a food vendors and Klong Toey market is no exception. Pre-prepared curry stalls vie with fresh stir fries and pancake makers to ensure people have sufficient nourishment in their stomachs.

The market is extremely busy both with customers and porters. The porters, both male and female, scurry around the place either ferrying fresh supplies from the trucks to the stalls or transporting customers purchases. It is a hive of activity and periodically, the water truck, accompanied by a possee of people with brooms, appears to hose away the debris. The smells, sounds and sights will all stick in the memory.

Woman Porter, klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Woman Porter, klong Toey Market, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Klong Toey market is very busy and you have to be careful you dont get run over by the porters who are constantly scurrying around the place. Most of the porters are men but there are some women hauling fresh fruit and vegetables around.

The Kalawar (Holy Rosary) Church, Bangkok

The Kalawar (Holy Rosary) Church, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The Holy Rosary Church, known locally as the Kalawar Church has stood on this site since King Rama 1 granted the land to Portuguese descendants in 1786, 4 years after the formation of Bankok as the new capital of Thailand. The present building is the church's 3rd re-incarnation and was constructed in Neo Gothic style between 1891-1898.

Morning Glory

Morning Glory, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This boat is abandoned in Layan Bay which is a very picturesque part of Bang Tao in Phuket. Tken at dawn, the colours were very warm. I personally like this photo fot it's simplicity, warmth and serenity

A Krabi Sunrise

A Krabi Sunrise, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Taken from Koh Hong(Krabi) in Phang Nga Bay. The sun is rising over Krabi. This was a particularly beautiful sunrise with a slight mist diffusing the sunlight.

Koh Rang Yai, Phang Nga Bay

Koh Rang Yai, Phang Nga Bay, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The islands in Phang Nga Bay can often be busy with visiting tourists who arrive in speedboats from Phuket and Krabi. However, it is usually still possible to find a relatively quiet spot. This island is one of our favourites for a BBQ as the beach is so beautiful and quite long so you can be alone if you wish.

Just another Tequila Sunrise

Just another Tequila Sunrise, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Actually its just another Bang Tao, Phuket sunrise but it doesnt quite have the same ring as the old Eagles tune.

A Bang Tao Sunrise, Phuket

A Bang Tao Sunrise, Phuket, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

At the southern end of Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, there is muslim fishing community. Although some boats have been modified to transport tourists to nearby beaches, the majority are still used for fishing. Early in the morning, the catches are brought ashore and sold at a stall. There are many different kinds of fish and I bought a 3kg red snapper which turned out to be delicious.

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.