Today's weather;
July seems to start out nice. There's some thin overcast and the sun is trying hard to peep through. Current temp is 27.5C
Yesterday was a nice day with a max temp of 34.2C
Welcome to July,
Camille
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Goodbye to June
June 2007
Seems to have been a lot wetter than usual. Each June we have some rain, as part of the monsoon at the other side (Andaman Sea) but this year there was a lot more, especially at the beginning of the month.
There was also a nice stretch of sunny weather in the middle of the month.
Towards the end of the month, we had some vicious storms with some more rain again.
I'm looking forward to see July cleaning up and bringing lots of sunshine again.
Camille
Seems to have been a lot wetter than usual. Each June we have some rain, as part of the monsoon at the other side (Andaman Sea) but this year there was a lot more, especially at the beginning of the month.
There was also a nice stretch of sunny weather in the middle of the month.
Towards the end of the month, we had some vicious storms with some more rain again.
I'm looking forward to see July cleaning up and bringing lots of sunshine again.
Camille
30th June, 2007
Today's weather;
There's more overcast today and current temp is 27C.
Yesterday was also overcast all day long with the sun trying to peek through the cloud cover but to no great avail. Max temp was 31.2C and on the positive side, it stayed dry all day.
See you next month,
Camille
There's more overcast today and current temp is 27C.
Yesterday was also overcast all day long with the sun trying to peek through the cloud cover but to no great avail. Max temp was 31.2C and on the positive side, it stayed dry all day.
See you next month,
Camille
School party at Plai Laem
The local school party at Plai Laem
Today it was the time of the year again for the local school party at our neighbourhood school. We got the invitation a couple of days ago, in an envelope.
I've been going to this party since at least 4 or 5 years, since my wife's niece goes to this school and she performs here every year.
That's what's it all about, the kids of each class perform and they all dress up for the occasion, some picture will later.
We arrived shortly after five and it wouldn't be Thailand if there wouldn't be food available. As you can see on the picture's, tables are set up in the by now familiar 8 persons per table modus operandi. This time around I didn't have to serve though and could enjoy the food.
The envelope with the invitation is being used again, since every body that decides to eat here pays money for it, so the school doesn't lose out financially but actually makes money out of it. The food is donated and the envelopes make for good use for the school. Classrooms can be revamped, computers bought, you name it.
Here's the donation box at the entrance of the school grounds. Many high ranked local Thais and big hotels are invited, since they also spend money or come with gifts and today a computer was donated by Sila Evason hotel, one of the more upscale hotels on Samui, located in Plai Laem.
After all this the actual dancing starts and our niece has gone through the ranks so to speak and she was in the 'oldest' class and strangely enough they went on first;
This years theme for her class was a classical dance theme and they did well.
I found it a bit strange that the oldest class went on first, so the young kiddos had to wait before they could go on.
Here's some other children who were standing guard at the entrance to the school grounds, with some of their teachers and they're welcoming people, as long as they're not posing for my pictures!
Here's a picture of the very young ones, who're about to perform. It's a real cute experience and fun to watch how they try to remember their moves on stage and constantly look at each other to see if they remember everything correctly.
By now it's becoming a bit more crowded and everybody's waiting for their daughter, son, niece or nephew to perform.
It was a well organised evening this year, which according to my wife had to do with the fact that there was a new head teacher who was a bit smarter in how to organise everything and it seems he succeeded this year.
Today it was the time of the year again for the local school party at our neighbourhood school. We got the invitation a couple of days ago, in an envelope.
I've been going to this party since at least 4 or 5 years, since my wife's niece goes to this school and she performs here every year.
That's what's it all about, the kids of each class perform and they all dress up for the occasion, some picture will later.
We arrived shortly after five and it wouldn't be Thailand if there wouldn't be food available. As you can see on the picture's, tables are set up in the by now familiar 8 persons per table modus operandi. This time around I didn't have to serve though and could enjoy the food.
The envelope with the invitation is being used again, since every body that decides to eat here pays money for it, so the school doesn't lose out financially but actually makes money out of it. The food is donated and the envelopes make for good use for the school. Classrooms can be revamped, computers bought, you name it.
Here's the donation box at the entrance of the school grounds. Many high ranked local Thais and big hotels are invited, since they also spend money or come with gifts and today a computer was donated by Sila Evason hotel, one of the more upscale hotels on Samui, located in Plai Laem.
After all this the actual dancing starts and our niece has gone through the ranks so to speak and she was in the 'oldest' class and strangely enough they went on first;
This years theme for her class was a classical dance theme and they did well.I found it a bit strange that the oldest class went on first, so the young kiddos had to wait before they could go on.
After her performance, her Mum, Grand mum and various other people gave her and the other kids performing so called 'Puang Ma Yang', the colourful things she's holding. One has to buy them and than you give them to your local performer. They're taken away again and resold for the next act. A prefect way of making money again for the school funds.
These 'Puang Ma Lay' are very common during all live shows in Thailand from performers. During shows people walk up to the stage and hand them to the performers on stage, sometimes also money is handed over.
In the picture to the left one can see a long row of guirlandes (that's what they look like) and some younger children waiting to perform, all nicely dressed up.
Here's some other children who were standing guard at the entrance to the school grounds, with some of their teachers and they're welcoming people, as long as they're not posing for my pictures!
Here's a picture of the very young ones, who're about to perform. It's a real cute experience and fun to watch how they try to remember their moves on stage and constantly look at each other to see if they remember everything correctly.
By now it's becoming a bit more crowded and everybody's waiting for their daughter, son, niece or nephew to perform. It was a well organised evening this year, which according to my wife had to do with the fact that there was a new head teacher who was a bit smarter in how to organise everything and it seems he succeeded this year.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
29th June, 07
Today's weather;
Overcast again with a current temp of 27C.
Yesterday it cleared up during the day time and there was sunshine but around 7 pm it started to rain again with hard winds. Max temp was 31C
See you tomorrow,
Camille
Overcast again with a current temp of 27C.
Yesterday it cleared up during the day time and there was sunshine but around 7 pm it started to rain again with hard winds. Max temp was 31C
See you tomorrow,
Camille
Hotel Recommendations: Tri Trang Beach Resort
Do I hear cries of "where the heck is Tri Trang Beach"? Let me tell you about it. We just went that way a couple of weeks ago (see Tri Trang & Paradise Beach), and we have visited Tri Trang beach many times in the last 6 years. It's only a few kilometers from Patong, at the south end of Patong Bay, along the winding road past the Merlin Beach Resort, and yet somehow remains a hidden gem. There is one hotel on this beach - the Tri Trang Beach Resort. It looks good and I am assured that the rooms are big and the service is decent...but I have one word for you - location, location, location. This is pretty much a private beach given the lack of intrusion from other tourists, and yet you are just 10 minutes from the center of Patong for some crazee nightlife and all the food you can eat! (see location on Google Earth)
The room rates are not bad either, especially for low season - and this beach is more sheltered than many since it faces north, so big waves are not a problem. Tri Trang Beach is a place I can really recommend if you like a bit of seclusion but still close to the main tourist areas. But, shhh! Don't tell too many people about it! I think the reason that this beach stays quiet is that the access is via a small road that says "Tri Trang Beach Resort" so people assume it's private. In fact you can also just go there and use the beach and eat in the restaurant, but since people don't realise this, the beach near the hotel is all yours...
Tri Trang Beach Resort - Online Booking and Reviews
• Tri Trang Beach Resort Rates and Reservations by Agoda.com
• Tri Trang Beach Resort Reviews at Agoda.com
Tri Trang Beach Resort - Photos
Phuket Hotels - More Information - Online Booking
• Phuket Hotel Info and Booking at Agoda.com
• More of Jamie's Phuket Hotel Reviews
• Jamie's Top 10 Phuket Hotels
• Thailand Hotels at Agoda.com
The room rates are not bad either, especially for low season - and this beach is more sheltered than many since it faces north, so big waves are not a problem. Tri Trang Beach is a place I can really recommend if you like a bit of seclusion but still close to the main tourist areas. But, shhh! Don't tell too many people about it! I think the reason that this beach stays quiet is that the access is via a small road that says "Tri Trang Beach Resort" so people assume it's private. In fact you can also just go there and use the beach and eat in the restaurant, but since people don't realise this, the beach near the hotel is all yours...
Tri Trang Beach Resort - Online Booking and Reviews
• Tri Trang Beach Resort Rates and Reservations by Agoda.com
• Tri Trang Beach Resort Reviews at Agoda.com
Tri Trang Beach Resort - Photos
Phuket Hotels - More Information - Online Booking
• Phuket Hotel Info and Booking at Agoda.com
• More of Jamie's Phuket Hotel Reviews
• Jamie's Top 10 Phuket Hotels
• Thailand Hotels at Agoda.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
28th June, 2007
Today's weather;
Heavy overcast this morning with a current temp of 25C.
Yesterday around 1.30 pm we had a very strong storm with heavy winds and lots of rain. Apparently this storm raged all over Thailand in varying degrees and in Phuket people died, living on the beach in small 'slum' like buildings, according to Thai TV this morning.
Later in the evening there was more rain again but funnily enough the max temp was over 34C
Stay dry and see you tomorrow,
Camille
Heavy overcast this morning with a current temp of 25C.
Yesterday around 1.30 pm we had a very strong storm with heavy winds and lots of rain. Apparently this storm raged all over Thailand in varying degrees and in Phuket people died, living on the beach in small 'slum' like buildings, according to Thai TV this morning.
Later in the evening there was more rain again but funnily enough the max temp was over 34C
Stay dry and see you tomorrow,
Camille
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
27th June, 2007
Today's weather;
Looks rather good. It's sunny outside with loads of blue sky. Current temp is 27C
Yesterday it was mainly overcast with rain in the early evening around 6 pm and very hard rain and strong winds around midnight.
Camille
Looks rather good. It's sunny outside with loads of blue sky. Current temp is 27C
Yesterday it was mainly overcast with rain in the early evening around 6 pm and very hard rain and strong winds around midnight.
Camille
Monday, June 25, 2007
26th June, 2007
Today's weather;
It's overcast again with a fairly strong wind, but dry so far. Current temp is 28C.
Yesterday was a alight overcast with no rain, max temp reached 32.5C
See you later,
Camille
It's overcast again with a fairly strong wind, but dry so far. Current temp is 28C.
Yesterday was a alight overcast with no rain, max temp reached 32.5C
See you later,
Camille
An emotional day
An emotional day
Rather early, around 8 am, we went to the temple and everything was ready to welcome all the expected visitors. Huge amounts of food were prepared and all plates, water bottles, ice, glasses etc etc were ready to be brought out. Until about 9.30 people trickled in but than a steady stream kept coming until about noon and it was hard work for all people tending the various tables, about 20 - 25 tables each seating 8 people. Grand sons/daughters, sons in law (like myself), girlfriends, nephews, cousins et all, everybody helps tending the tables, cleaning the dishes, preparing the food and you name it.
All people (groups, families) attending bring an envelope with some money and in return they received a small Buddha figure. The amount in the envelopes varies on how good you know the deceased person or the family and can vary from 100,- Baht to a couple of thousand Baht.
Around noon the monks started their chants for about an hour and a half. When that was over, an event takes place that excites everybody, small, wrapped coins are being thrown into the crowd, 1, 5 and 10 Baht coins and some have numbers on them which connect to prices, like a rice cooker, a blanket etc. Everybody is full of anticipation and enjoys grabbing the coins off the floor.
When this cheer full event was over, the body, which all these days was in a refrigerated casket, as shown on this picture above, was brought over to the place where the actual cremation took place, a couple of hundred meters away from the temple. With a last farewell from the people who followed along, the casket is placed inside and cremated. This last part, bringing the body over and actually starting the cremation seem always to pass by really fast and is rather emotional.
Rather early, around 8 am, we went to the temple and everything was ready to welcome all the expected visitors. Huge amounts of food were prepared and all plates, water bottles, ice, glasses etc etc were ready to be brought out. Until about 9.30 people trickled in but than a steady stream kept coming until about noon and it was hard work for all people tending the various tables, about 20 - 25 tables each seating 8 people. Grand sons/daughters, sons in law (like myself), girlfriends, nephews, cousins et all, everybody helps tending the tables, cleaning the dishes, preparing the food and you name it.
All people (groups, families) attending bring an envelope with some money and in return they received a small Buddha figure. The amount in the envelopes varies on how good you know the deceased person or the family and can vary from 100,- Baht to a couple of thousand Baht.
Around noon the monks started their chants for about an hour and a half. When that was over, an event takes place that excites everybody, small, wrapped coins are being thrown into the crowd, 1, 5 and 10 Baht coins and some have numbers on them which connect to prices, like a rice cooker, a blanket etc. Everybody is full of anticipation and enjoys grabbing the coins off the floor.
Here people are grabbing the coins and are looking for them on the ground.
When this cheer full event was over, the body, which all these days was in a refrigerated casket, as shown on this picture above, was brought over to the place where the actual cremation took place, a couple of hundred meters away from the temple. With a last farewell from the people who followed along, the casket is placed inside and cremated. This last part, bringing the body over and actually starting the cremation seem always to pass by really fast and is rather emotional.
This is the actual place where the cremation took place, a little bit outside the actual temple grounds.
I'm really drained from all events today and will see you tomorrow again.
Camille
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Taipei Trip 2007, 25th - 30th June
Trip report.
Basically it’s rains everyday, a lot of outdoor places we skipped. The itinerary was change and adjusts to suit the weather over there.
The transport information is superb & the foods at Taipei were wonderful!
25th June 2007
0830hrs flight from Changi Airport, SG.
After 4 hours +.....we reached the north of Taiwan......
Reached Taoyuan International Airport around 1310hrs. (N25°04.624 E121°13.929)
Took a Cab to Han She Hotel (N25°02.567 E121°30.312).....(cost NTW1300 for 7 person, I mean for the taxi fares)
Supposed to check in 1200hrs, but some bad situation make us checked in 1700hrs. But the hotel staff kind enough to let us rest in one temporary room.
Some photos around the hotel area.....
Special brake disc
And......the Wa-Wa....
Having our tea break with relatives from Taipei.....they brought us to a restaurant which is in the basement of Far Eastern Shopping Complex (N25°02.497 E121°30.551). Foods were good! But order too much.....cannot finish all.....
The Restaurant.
And the dishes.....
After the tea break, we went to Ximen MRT Station ( N25°02.531 E121°30.494) to buy our "Yo-Yo card" (TWD500.00 = RM52.52). Basically it's a prepaid MRT card.
By travel with this card, you will get 20% discount from all the fares! :)
Back to hotel, rest till 2000hrs, headed to Jiangzicui Station to look for another old friend of my sis in-law. in less than 5 minutes, we reached Jiangzicui Station (N25°01.790 E121°28.343) and walk across the road to"Feng Hwa Restaurant".(N25°01.740 E121°28.411) which they are waiting......
Also order too much, cannot finish it.......
I took some photos surrounding of the restaurant......
The night view of Jiangzicui street.....
After the dinner, we went back to Hotel for rest and ready for Day 2.
I & my brother in-law went to the convenience store beside to get some "Taiwan Beer" and enjoy ourselves along the street of XimenDing.
Just thinking that how nice if Jaguar is around....
End of Day 1.
Day 2 - 26th June 2007
Finish our breakfast here.....(below the hotel)
Get into "Ximen Station" to "Long San Station" & headed to Long San Temple (N25°02.207 E121°29.985). - The Historical Temple
The building surround.....
Before the temple, we were caught into this shop......because of some cheap stuff.
I got this for geocaching......(TWD20.00)
Shop till noon, took our lunch opposite.......
Here.....
The mee-hoon & the dishes were YUMMY!!
Attracted by this antique shop just next to it......
Then......Long San Temple
The entrance of the temple....
The beautiful waterfall at the side......
Spotted this wawa......(white behind)
While on the way back, my daughter found this indication light.....and so happy to dance on it!!
Daddy, I am so happy to have my pen & book!!!
We went back to Hotel around 1630hrs, take a rest and planning to have our dinner which recommended by "Turbosnail" - "Stinky Tofu" at Gongguan night market. (N24°59.222 E121°31.880)
1930hrs, took MRT from Ximen to Gongguan Station.....
Some photos along the night market.....
Suddenly I smell something very strong come from in front of us!! I told myself....I FOUND IT!!!
This is the ONE!!
Get inside the stall, order whatever the store selling......the superb spicy chili sauce is the BEST!!! (Who say Taiwan chili not spicy enough??!)
I had double of the Stinky Tofu!! Wonderful!!
(Stinky Tofu a.k.a. Chinese cheese)
Oyster mee-sua (vermicelli)
Ooooppsss! Too late! "Tien Pu Rak" (Direct translate - Sweet but not spicy)
As usual, after dinner the women went for shopping! I snap some photos around Gongguan Night Market.....
And....OOOPPPPSSS!!
I ask her to smile, she turn away!!
We got back to hotel around 2330hrs. Same as usual, buy some Taiwan Beer and end my Day 2.
Taipei Trip
* Day 1 & day 2
* Day 3 & day 4
* Tamsui of Taipei - Day 5
* Day 6 - Taipei bye-bye
Basically it’s rains everyday, a lot of outdoor places we skipped. The itinerary was change and adjusts to suit the weather over there.
The transport information is superb & the foods at Taipei were wonderful!
25th June 2007
0830hrs flight from Changi Airport, SG.
After 4 hours +.....we reached the north of Taiwan......On top of Danshui
Danshui River
Reached Taoyuan International Airport around 1310hrs. (N25°04.624 E121°13.929)
Custom clearance
Took a Cab to Han She Hotel (N25°02.567 E121°30.312).....(cost NTW1300 for 7 person, I mean for the taxi fares)
Supposed to check in 1200hrs, but some bad situation make us checked in 1700hrs. But the hotel staff kind enough to let us rest in one temporary room.Some photos around the hotel area.....
Special brake disc
And......the Wa-Wa....
Having our tea break with relatives from Taipei.....they brought us to a restaurant which is in the basement of Far Eastern Shopping Complex (N25°02.497 E121°30.551). Foods were good! But order too much.....cannot finish all.....
The Restaurant.
And the dishes.....
After the tea break, we went to Ximen MRT Station ( N25°02.531 E121°30.494) to buy our "Yo-Yo card" (TWD500.00 = RM52.52). Basically it's a prepaid MRT card.
By travel with this card, you will get 20% discount from all the fares! :)
Back to hotel, rest till 2000hrs, headed to Jiangzicui Station to look for another old friend of my sis in-law. in less than 5 minutes, we reached Jiangzicui Station (N25°01.790 E121°28.343) and walk across the road to"Feng Hwa Restaurant".(N25°01.740 E121°28.411) which they are waiting......
Also order too much, cannot finish it.......I took some photos surrounding of the restaurant......
The night view of Jiangzicui street.....
After the dinner, we went back to Hotel for rest and ready for Day 2.
I & my brother in-law went to the convenience store beside to get some "Taiwan Beer" and enjoy ourselves along the street of XimenDing.
Just thinking that how nice if Jaguar is around....
End of Day 1.
Day 2 - 26th June 2007
Finish our breakfast here.....(below the hotel)
Get into "Ximen Station" to "Long San Station" & headed to Long San Temple (N25°02.207 E121°29.985). - The Historical Temple
The Long San Station
The building surround.....
Before the temple, we were caught into this shop......because of some cheap stuff.
I got this for geocaching......(TWD20.00)
Shop till noon, took our lunch opposite.......
Here.....
The mee-hoon & the dishes were YUMMY!!
Attracted by this antique shop just next to it......
Then......Long San Temple
The entrance of the temple....
The beautiful waterfall at the side......
Spotted this wawa......(white behind)
While on the way back, my daughter found this indication light.....and so happy to dance on it!!
Daddy, I am so happy to have my pen & book!!!
We went back to Hotel around 1630hrs, take a rest and planning to have our dinner which recommended by "Turbosnail" - "Stinky Tofu" at Gongguan night market. (N24°59.222 E121°31.880)
1930hrs, took MRT from Ximen to Gongguan Station.....
Some photos along the night market.....
Suddenly I smell something very strong come from in front of us!! I told myself....I FOUND IT!!!
This is the ONE!!
Get inside the stall, order whatever the store selling......the superb spicy chili sauce is the BEST!!! (Who say Taiwan chili not spicy enough??!)
I had double of the Stinky Tofu!! Wonderful!!
(Stinky Tofu a.k.a. Chinese cheese)
Oyster mee-sua (vermicelli)
Ooooppsss! Too late! "Tien Pu Rak" (Direct translate - Sweet but not spicy)
As usual, after dinner the women went for shopping! I snap some photos around Gongguan Night Market.....
And....OOOPPPPSSS!!
I ask her to smile, she turn away!!
We got back to hotel around 2330hrs. Same as usual, buy some Taiwan Beer and end my Day 2.
Taipei Trip
* Day 1 & day 2
* Day 3 & day 4
* Tamsui of Taipei - Day 5
* Day 6 - Taipei bye-bye
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