Monday, December 31, 2007

1st January, 2008

Today's weather;

The New Year starts with overcast and strong winds. Current temp at 7 am was 24.5C.

Yesterday turned into a day filled with strong winds and rain. It was dry at midnight but before there was a lot of rain in the early evening. Max temp reached 29.6C.

Camille

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Goodbye to December

It's that time of the month again.

Time to wave goodbye to December and the whole year of 2007!

Weather wise December was a lot better than the previous two month and probably better than usually during an average December.

There was plenty of sun with just a few times some rain and it made for some warm weather. Sometimes it was rather chilly in the mornings, only around 21C (I can hear the Scandinavians laughing all the way up here!) but you get used to it -;)
All you folks that decided to visit Samui during December should've had a good time.

All the best to you all and a splendid evening with a Happy New Year party, wherever you are!

Camille

31st December, 2007

Today's weather;

Cloudy it is this morning, the very last of 2007. At 7 am it was 25C.

Yesterday turned out once more as a very nice day, after an initial cloudy sky in the morning it cleared up during the day and we had a blue sky almost all day long with a max temp of 31.5C.

Happy New Year!

Camille

The year 2007

It's almost over; 2007 and we're getting ready for the new year; 2008.

Just a quick few moments to reflect on 2007.

It's the year that I started this weather blog on 16th February and to my own surprise, it seems a lot more successful than I had ever imagined or expected.

The highlight being late October and early November when a lot of 'rubbernecking' went on about the conditions on Samui, which by the way, where not very good, loads of rain and some parts of Samui were declared a disaster zone. Thanks for your interest by the way, I received emails on a daily base with questions about the situation.

That month alone I had over 7.000 clicks on my blog! Thanks to you all out there! Now it's back to a 'mere' 3.700 clicks during December, which again, isn't that bad at all.
Thanks again to you guys, out there in Taiwan, Russia, US of A, UK, Netherlands, Australia, Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Sweden, Norway and in the Gulf! Thanks for checking in once in a while!

Very good news towards the end of the year was that my friend Crispin got out of jail after almost a year and a half and all his charges have been dropped! Good to know you're a free man again Crispin, you deserve it!

A few folks I'd like to point out;

My friend Dave in Okinawa who has his own Japan/dive blog, who was an inspiration to me for starting my blog.

Jamie in Phuket, who runs a Phuket weather blog who was also inspirational and who also runs a very informative Phuket blog. I really wish there were more weather blogs on various parts of Thailand, if you know about any, please let me know!

Monique, another Dutchie here on Samui, who has just the most amazing photo blog with many pix about Samui.

My other blogs, the dive blog and my Samui hotel recommendations blog.

Of course, you, the readers of my blog!

If you all appreciate my blog, keep it alive, don't forget the donation button or to click on my advertisements, it keeps my blog boat floating and please keep supporting the above mentioned blogs!

All the best for the New Year to you all.

Camille

Saturday, December 29, 2007

30th December, 2007

Today's weather;




Fairly cloudy, white spots in a little bit of blue sky. Current temp at 7 am is 23.5C.




Yesterday was another warm and sunny day with a max temp of 30.6C. Here's a picture of yesterday's sun set, not very romantically on the beach but behind our house.

Camille

Friday, December 28, 2007

29th December, 2007

Today's weather;

It's mainly overcast with a thin sun trying to pry through the cloud cover. Current temp at 7 am was a meagre 22.7C.

Yesterday was another warm and sunny day with a max temp of 31C.

Camille

Thursday, December 27, 2007

28th December, 2007

Today's weather;

A blue sky with scattered clouds in it reigns this morning. Over the ocean thicker concentrations of clouds seem to gather but it's warming up quickly. At 7 am it was only 21.3C.

Yesterday was a nice day, sunny and warm with a max temp of 30C

Camille

Good news for my friend Crispin

At last, there was good news for my friend Crispin.

After 1 year and 5 months in a Thai jail, being accused of many things, my friend Crispin got released from jail today with all charges being dropped! Justice after all.
It's been quite an ordeal for him and and I'm glad it's all over.

This is great news and I'm very happy for him. This evening he can walk around again at free will.

Camille

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

27th December, 2007

Today's weather;

Overcast with scattered blue spots and sunshine and dry. It's not the same dark overcast like yesterday but a lot brighter. Current temp at 7 am is 22.7C.

Yesterday saw overcast all day long with heavy showers early in the morning between 8 am and 9 am which caused some short lived flash floodings. The rest of the day it remained dry but with a heavy dark overcast. Max temp reached 29C.

Camille

Ton Sai Waterfall and Khao Phra Thaeo

Ton Sai waterfall is on the other side of the mountain from Bang Pae Waterfall in the North East of Phuket. It's easy to get to - just turn east at the main junction in the center of Thalang town and you drive about 5km through rubber plantations (see location on Google Earth). The two waterfalls have their source on the same mountain, Khao Phra Thaeo, which is Phuket's largest untouched area of forest and is officially designated as a National Park. Entry fee is 200 Baht, or free if you arrive after 3pm. We stopped for a look a couple of weeks ago after spending an afternoon at Layan Beach - I can't resist the lure of free entry!

Part of Ton Sai Waterfall

We just went for a quick look at the waterfall, get a bit of jungle air (it's very jungly round here) and a little bit of exercise. There was a sign for a 2km nature trail, but I didn't think my kids would thank me for that. Apparently you can even hike over the mountain and join up with Bang Pae falls - not for the faint hearted I would say. The forest is said to be home to wild deer, monkeys, wild boar and even bears - I read that somewhere, but I somehow doubt the presence of bears... I have also read that the area was used during the filming of Good Morning Vietnam (which was mostly filmed in Thailand).

Kids playing at Ton Sai falls

Local kid at TonSai waterfall

Like Bang Pae there were a fair few locals splashing in the water and playing on the rocks. Watch your footing - some steep rocky paths around the falls. Like all other waterfalls in Phuket, the cascade is not small, and yet not hugely impressive, although it might be after heavy rains. There are several little waterfalls and you can hike higher up the hill if you have enough energy. Yeh, it's quite nice but rather tiny if you have seen Iguassu, Victoria falls, Niagara...

Jungle scene at Ton Sai Waterfall

Local wildlife at Ton Sai Waterfall

My daughter enjoyed making a mask from giant fallen leaves...

Leaf Mask

Well worth stopping in for a half hour. If you come after 3pm. Worth coming to the Thalang area where you can also find several temples, the Thalang museum, and if you head round to Bang Pae to see the other waterfall and the Gibbon project, add on a seafood lunch at Bang Pae Seafood, well you've got the makings of a good day out away from the crowds.

TKK Restaurant, Teluk Jawa (a.k.a. Megah Ria Seafood Village)

Having my Christmas dinner at TKK Seafood Restaurant, Teluk Jawa (a.k.a. Megah Ria Seafood Village)
(N1 28.606 E103 50.728)

Map from JB Custom to TKK Restaurant



The meaning of 'TKK' is Tie-Kong-Kia in hokkien (means son of the god)! Of somebody call it Tan-Ku-Ku in hokkien (means long waiting). :)
We ordered a few dishes like : Steam prawn, steam sotong (squid), Thai style slice cockle, vegetables and Hot plate Tofu (bean curd).


Among all, I love the steam squid very much! The spice added was just marvelous!
The environment is relax and not crowded. As you can see, there are two session in the restaurant.....typical seafood restaurant area and the romantic bridge area especially for couples or family.


Live seafoods available








The total cost of the dinner are MYR78.00. It's quite reasonable price from this good environment restaurant.

Related post :-
TKK Seafood Restaurant (2nd visit) at Teluk Jawa, Johor Bahru.

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Tuesday, December 25, 2007

26th December, 2007

Today's weather;

There's a cloudy sky with blue in it and it's dry. Current temp at 7 am is 25.3C.

Today's it's already 3 years ago that the Tsunami hit Thailand and other countries. My thoughts go out to all the victims.

Yesterday was a lovely day, sunshine all day long with a max temp of 29.1C although it felt a lot warmer.

Camille

Monday, December 24, 2007

Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple (柔佛古廟)

GPS coordinates : (N1°27.625 E103°45.785)
This is one of the oldest structure in Johor Bahru which build on 19th century and well maintain till today. It's located along Jalan Trus in between Kotaraya Shopping Complex and Pan Pacific Hotel at Johor Bahru town.

Map provided by MalSingMaps.com

It also the symbol of unity among five chinese dialect : Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainan. And host the five Deities : Yuan Tian Shang Di-(元天上帝) or (大老爷), Hong Xian Da Di-(洪仙大帝) or (洪仙公), Gan Tian Da Di-(感天大帝), Hua Guang Da Di-(华光大帝) and Zhao Da Yuan Shuai-(赵大元帅) for the five groups.
For more information about the temple, please visit Wiki : Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple.


I went to this temple on Sunday (23-12-2007) afternoon. Not many peoples there except some tourists. I found out this temple is different from others, because it's not a huge in size but it's famous of the historical values and also not much to explore.



Only the main hall and the both side doors are access to the small area which displays all the history of this chronicle temple.

Right lane


Left lane



Entrance to the Culture Center



Annual Chingay will be organized by the temple known as Parade of Deities. During the time, it has attract many peoples to participate, which also attract tourist for this grand Parade of the temple.


It's took me about 30 minutes to view every corner of this temple.

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25th December, 2007

Today's weather;

Merry Christmas to all my blog readers!

This Christmas starts with another blue sky and hardly any white in the sky. Current temp at 7 am is a fresh 21.6C.

Yesterday was warm and sunny. The afternoon saw some cloud formation but nowhere near rain. Surprisingly the max temp only reached 29.4C

Camille

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Make some revenues by blogging everyday

Do you surf internet everyday?
Do you visit others bloggers site?
Do you search for information in blog everyday?
Do you like to provide information in blogs everyday?
Do you trying hard to blogs for money?
Do you want to review some website by your own opinions?

If yes, make some profits on your blog today! Just as simple as what you surf & blog everyday.
There are many opportunities on the internet today, Payperpost is one I am going to discuss now. They provide many opportunities for you to review others peoples blogs or websites. Once your reviews approve by the admin, you will pay by Payperpost. Just simple as that! Register now!
I not going to tell you how much you can make, but all depends on your passion and hard work. It can be couple of dollars to thousands in one month, you decide! There will be no other hidden conditions once your blogs approve by admin, and you can start your blog reviews.
But there are some criteria you need to follow.......
* Minimum of '20' posts in your blog within '90' days.
* Update your blog regularly.

If you are the one I mention above, please start your internet earning by register with Payperpost now. You won't be regret anyway!
If you are not the one I mention above, fulfill the criteria from today onwards! You can register it today, but you have to wait until you meet the requirements.

Once you get your paid, you can keep it for yourself or donates to some charity organization.


Mango, Russian Cafe and restaurant in Chaweng

Last night was Russian night.

Unfortunately this restaurant has closed down.

We went to Chaweng for a Russian dinner. Steve, one of my future IDC candidates was in town with friends and since his wife is Russian, the choice was rather easily made.

It's also nice to have time again to post on this blog, since I was rather busy with diving, see my dive blog for my latest adventures.


The restaurant is located at the entrance/parking lot for TOPS supermarket in Chaweng, or kind of behind Will Wait at the beach road.

The food was outstanding and it's an interesting adventure to eat and discover new food! Most of you may have heard of the traditional beetroot soup Borscht. This is on the Russian menu but so are a lot of other delicious options. Luckily Alexei was there, Steve's wife cousin, so he and Steve's wife decided to order a mix of traditional Russian starters. This picture shows the so called ' fish under a blanket' and it's delicious. It's herring covered by veggies and other things. Other starters we had was a kind of potato salad and various other dishes who's name I forgot already.

Ask for the Russian menu once you're there!

As mains we had Chicken Kiev, a stew with tomatoes and smoked pork, stuffed peppers and how about this creamy, cheesy lobster for Russian seafood? It was all well worth while and I can recommend this restaurant if you would like to try something different.

Camille

24th December, 2007

Today's weather;

A blue sky is ruling this morning with a current temp of 26.5C at 7 am.

Yesterday was another lovely and sunny day with a max temp of 30.7C. Bring on this years Christmas!

Camille

The Cliff Grill

The Cliff Grill,

It's been a while since I had time to write a review, since I've been busy with diving but at last, I'm back in business;

Yesterday we had dinner at the The Cliff Grill, beautifully located on the hills between Chaweng and Lamai with a spectacular view over the ocean.





It's great spot for either lunch or dinner and they have a nice bar next to the restaurant.

Their menu is Mediterranean and has good fish, meat (NZ steaks, chicken), spaghetti's and vegetarian on offer.




We had a mixed seafood combo platter as starter between the three of us, which almost served as a complete meal. It was meant for two but almost stuffed the three of us. It had calamari, king prawns, mussels in white wine sauce and two white fish filets plus a salad and French fries.

It was really delicious and especially the French fries went down well with me since they were fried in olive oil, mmmm, yummy.



As mains we had line fish (sea bass), a rib eye and I had a combo of line fish and calamari. As dessert my wife had a delicious Tiramisu. There was also a special on offer; Green Tea mousse!
Wine flowed freely and it was a delicious meal in a nice location.

It's a bit more expensive than your average restaurant, meals range from around 300,- to 700,- Baht but it's well worth it.

Reservations are recommended at 077 414 266 or check their website and their kitchen is open between 12am and 10 pm.

Camille

Saturday, December 22, 2007

23rd December, 2007

Today's weather;

A splendid looking clear blue sky is out an about on this important day for Thailand's democracy with elections at hand today. Current temp at 7 am is 24.3C

Yesterday was a very nice and sunny day with a max temp of 30.2C

Camille

Friday, December 21, 2007

22nd December, 2007

Today's weather;

A blue sky with some white clouds in it this morning. Current temp at 7 am is 25C.

Yesterday was a warm and hot day with sunshine all day long.

Today and tomorrow I'm still diving so unfortunately I don't have much time to post any other blogs.

Camille

Thursday, December 20, 2007

21st December, 2007

Today's weather;

It looks beautiful this morning, an almost perfect blue sky with some scattered clouds in it. Temp at 7 am is around 25C.

Yesterday had sun and overcast during the day time but around 5 pm it started to rain pretty hard for about half an hour. After that it cleared up again and the sky was filled with stars during the night time.

Had to pick somebody up at airport last night and it was as busy an arrival area as I've ever seen it! Samui is about to become busy!

Camille

Budget Hotel at Taman Rinting, Masai, Johor Bahru.

TS Hotel (N1°29.545' E103°52.089')
7, 9 & 11, Jalan Sena 2, Taman Rinting, Masai, JB.
http://www.tsgroup.com.my
Tel : +607-3861588
Fax : +607-3865688
Room rates : RM68 – RM120
* Breakfast included.

* Meeting room for 30 – 40 persons.

* Restaurant.

* Health Centre & Spa.

* Lounge and café.


Budget Hotel related post :-
*
Budget Hotel at Taman Molek, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Scientex, Pasir Gudang, Johor.
* Budget Hotel At Taman Senai Utama, Senai, Johor.
* Budget Hotel At Taman Putri Wangsa, Ulu Tiram, Johor.
* Budget Hotel At Kulai, Johor.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Rinting, Masai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Bandar Seri Alam, Masai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Nusa Bestari 2, Skudai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Nusa Bestari , Skudai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Daya, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, Johor.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru.



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Budget Hotel at Bandar Seri Alam, Masai, Johor Bahru.

Grand Far East Hotel (N1°29.772' E103°52.475')
10, Jalan Suria 9, Bandar Seri Alam, Masai, JB.
http://www.fehotel.com
Tel : +607-2515181 / 2562515
Fax : +607-2515988
Room rates : RM55 – RM160
* Free Wifi services.

* Prayer room.

* Meeting room.

* Snooker table.

* Café.

* Lift services.


Budget Hotel related post :-
*
Budget Hotel at Taman Molek, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Scientex, Pasir Gudang, Johor.
* Budget Hotel At Taman Senai Utama, Senai, Johor.
* Budget Hotel At Taman Putri Wangsa, Ulu Tiram, Johor.
* Budget Hotel At Kulai, Johor.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Rinting, Masai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Bandar Seri Alam, Masai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Nusa Bestari 2, Skudai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Nusa Bestari , Skudai, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Daya, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, Johor.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru.
* Budget Hotel at Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru.


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