Welcome to March 2010
March is usually a nice enough month, last year saw a lovely month of March with sunny weather pretty much all month long and 2008 saw a bad start of March but halfway through the weather turned around and it started to brighten up.
It's the month preceeding April, typically the hottest month of the year on Samui, so the closer you get to April the more likely the weather is going to be good in March.
The forecasts look good for the first week this month and the draught is keeping on!
First off, we're still in Pattaya for the remainder of this week for more wreck diving followed by a few family holiday days so you will keep receiving updates from our adventures here first!
Thanks for checking in and hope to see you soon on Samui!!
Camille
Sunday, February 28, 2010
1st March, 2010
Today's weather;
Pattaya is having a nice blue sky this morning with a current temp of 26C at 7am.
Pattaya is having a nice blue sky this morning with a current temp of 26C at 7am.
Pattaya beach around Soi 4
Yesterday Pattaya experienced a warm and sunny day with a max temp of 33.5C. Not bad!
We also completed the first day of wreck diving successfully with another one following today.
Camille
Jawa Mee & Char Kuey Tiaw at Jin Shan (金山) Kopitiam, Butterworth
Jin Shan (金山) Kopitiam (N5 24.851 E100 23.079) is located Taman Bagan, Butterworth - Penang Mainland. This is one of my favorite kopitiam at Butterworth which I will visit it every time...
The foods here are not Very good but most of them are above average. There are many stalls selling the authentic Penang foods. One of my favorite food is Jawa Mee (Noodle).
Jawa Mee, or Mee Jawa, is a Penang Nyonya-inspired noodle soup. Despite its name, Jawa Mee has its origin in the Peranakan kitchen far and away from Jawa. The type of Jawa Mee sold by hawkers has the noodle swimming in a transparent tomato-based gravy. It is topped with boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, one or two prawns, fritters, slices of beancurd, a sprinkling of fried grounded peanuts, and chilli paste to taste. Source from here.
It's very difficult to find a decent Jawa Mee at Johor Bahru area, most of the hawkers at JB are not really know what is 'Jawa Mee' and they normally sell 'Mee Rebus' to imitate this famous food of Penang!
Friends told me that there is another stall located along Jalan Raja Uda which is famous of the Jawa Mee, but I am not able to taste it in this trip. The Jawa Mee served in this kopitiam was above average, and I love to have it at least Once when I visit Butterworth.
Rated : 3.5/5
Rated : 3/5
If you happen to pass by this kopitiam, don't mind to have a try on variety of Penang foods which serve here. It might not the best, but at least temporary ease your temptation of the delicious Penang Food! :)
Jawa Mee, or Mee Jawa, is a Penang Nyonya-inspired noodle soup. Despite its name, Jawa Mee has its origin in the Peranakan kitchen far and away from Jawa. The type of Jawa Mee sold by hawkers has the noodle swimming in a transparent tomato-based gravy. It is topped with boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, one or two prawns, fritters, slices of beancurd, a sprinkling of fried grounded peanuts, and chilli paste to taste. Source from here.
Jawa Mee of Butterworth
It's very difficult to find a decent Jawa Mee at Johor Bahru area, most of the hawkers at JB are not really know what is 'Jawa Mee' and they normally sell 'Mee Rebus' to imitate this famous food of Penang!
Friends told me that there is another stall located along Jalan Raja Uda which is famous of the Jawa Mee, but I am not able to taste it in this trip. The Jawa Mee served in this kopitiam was above average, and I love to have it at least Once when I visit Butterworth.
Rated : 3.5/5
Char Kuey Tiaw of Jin Shan Kopitiam
Another famous food I ordered is Char Kuey Tiaw (Fried rice noodle) which is also very famous in Penang. Same as the noodle above, taste average.Rated : 3/5
Location of Jin Shan Kopitiam
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Goodbye to February, 2010
Goodbye to February, 2010
It's been a good February to boost as well. Hardly any rain at all, just a few lost drops here and there and rather unusual hot for a February.
Last year saw also a very good February and in 2008 it turned wet towards the end of the month.
It was a rather quiet month for me with not that many postings but the Thai Red Cross Charity ride was a great event and the Tambun Sala Koy was a first one for me and an unexpected nice one as well.
With 3 years of blogging now under my belt I just get the feeling that I'm barely scratching the surface! There's plenty more to come!
Right now I'm in Pattaya for three days of wreck diving, so there's more to follow on this.
Stay tuned and I hope March is going to be as nice as February turned out to be.
Camille
It's been a good February to boost as well. Hardly any rain at all, just a few lost drops here and there and rather unusual hot for a February.
Last year saw also a very good February and in 2008 it turned wet towards the end of the month.
It was a rather quiet month for me with not that many postings but the Thai Red Cross Charity ride was a great event and the Tambun Sala Koy was a first one for me and an unexpected nice one as well.
With 3 years of blogging now under my belt I just get the feeling that I'm barely scratching the surface! There's plenty more to come!
Right now I'm in Pattaya for three days of wreck diving, so there's more to follow on this.
Stay tuned and I hope March is going to be as nice as February turned out to be.
Camille
28th February, 2010
Today's weather;
It's blue but with plenty of clouds around in Pattaya although it doesn't look like rain. Current temp at 7am is 27C.
In an hour I'll be sailing off for the first day of three days worthwhile of wreck diving.
Yesterday saw another lovely day with a blue sky all the way from Chaam to Pattaya. Max temp reached 32.7C in Pattaya.
Camille
It's blue but with plenty of clouds around in Pattaya although it doesn't look like rain. Current temp at 7am is 27C.
In an hour I'll be sailing off for the first day of three days worthwhile of wreck diving.
Yesterday saw another lovely day with a blue sky all the way from Chaam to Pattaya. Max temp reached 32.7C in Pattaya.
Camille
Friday, February 26, 2010
27th February, 2010
Today's weather;
Coming from Chaam this morning where we stayed over for the night on our way to Pattaya for some new wreck diving adventures in combination with a family holiday.
A near perfect blue sky is opening up over Chaam with a current temp of 32.3C at 7am.
Sun rise over Chaam beach just before 7am
Coming from Chaam this morning where we stayed over for the night on our way to Pattaya for some new wreck diving adventures in combination with a family holiday.
A near perfect blue sky is opening up over Chaam with a current temp of 32.3C at 7am.
Sun rise over Chaam beach just before 7am Yesterday saw Samui with a 31.2C max temp and we travelled under blue skies all the way to Chaam with only one freak moment when a truck with a snails pace hang a U turn on our side of the lane and plenty of cars at high speed came to a screeching halt and with three trucks turned upside down next to the road within the first 100 km's of our journey. You gotta love it, driving in Thailand!
Almost forgot, our car battery giving up in Surat Thani so we had to get a new one. A dry battery so folks like me don't have to check the water levels anymore.
Max temp in Chaam reached 32.3C yesterday.
Camille
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Views from Khao Kad View Tower at Cape Panwa
It was over 3 years ago that I blogged Khao Khad Viewpoint, and realised the photos probably need updating. The viewpoint is still the same, built at some expense with a tower, car park (where I have never seen more than half a dozen cars) and a little shop selling drinks and snacks. Owner looking rather bored. The Khao Kad View Tower is not too hard to find if you follow the road down Cape Panwa (location on Google earth). We detoured up to the tower last weekend on the way to The Beach Bar, it was late afternoon and I'd like to be up there for sunset sometime as you look west across Chalong Bay towards the hills including the Big Buddha. There is a 360 degree view from the top of the tower, looking west across Chalong, north to Phuket Town, east across the sea towards Phi Phi and south across several islands.
The tower and facilities were obviously built with the idea that hundreds of people would flock here for the views. But Cape Panwa remains a quieter area of Phuket, which is why we like it so much! The tower is about 20 meters high atop the hill (Khao Kad.. Khao = Hill). Steps lead directly up to the tower or there is a network of pathways through the trees...
At the top, plenty of fresh air and views.. this is looking across Chalong Bay:
And this view looking South, you can see several islands the nearest (little) island is called Koh Thanan, behind that is Koh Lon, which is around 4km from end to end and the highest point over 250m above sea level. Behind Koh Lon is Coral Island (hill in the center of the picture) and in the far distance is the highest point of Racha Yai, about 25 kilometers south of Phuket.
Zooming in to the west.... this is the Big Buddha, it's about 5 miles away as the eagle flies:
And this view, zooming in to the east - the island lit up by sunlight is called Koh Doc Mai (15km away), and beyond, despite the hazy day you can make out Phi Phi which is over 40km from Phuket.
An eagle cruised around the hill as we enjoyed the views. My 300mm zoom lens was just about good enough to snap some photos. Marvelous birds, eagles. After a few passes, it headed off south - much of Cape Panwa is still forested and natural, a good home for an eagle family.
Cape Panwa is a world away from the main tourist areas of Phuket but has been developed quite a bit in the last 5 years with several new resorts opening. Good place to stay if you like peace and quiet. Hotels include the Cape Panwa Hotel, Novotel and Sri Panwa. Cape Panwa is also home to Phuket Aquarium.
The tower and facilities were obviously built with the idea that hundreds of people would flock here for the views. But Cape Panwa remains a quieter area of Phuket, which is why we like it so much! The tower is about 20 meters high atop the hill (Khao Kad.. Khao = Hill). Steps lead directly up to the tower or there is a network of pathways through the trees...
At the top, plenty of fresh air and views.. this is looking across Chalong Bay:
And this view looking South, you can see several islands the nearest (little) island is called Koh Thanan, behind that is Koh Lon, which is around 4km from end to end and the highest point over 250m above sea level. Behind Koh Lon is Coral Island (hill in the center of the picture) and in the far distance is the highest point of Racha Yai, about 25 kilometers south of Phuket.
Zooming in to the west.... this is the Big Buddha, it's about 5 miles away as the eagle flies:
And this view, zooming in to the east - the island lit up by sunlight is called Koh Doc Mai (15km away), and beyond, despite the hazy day you can make out Phi Phi which is over 40km from Phuket.
An eagle cruised around the hill as we enjoyed the views. My 300mm zoom lens was just about good enough to snap some photos. Marvelous birds, eagles. After a few passes, it headed off south - much of Cape Panwa is still forested and natural, a good home for an eagle family.
Cape Panwa is a world away from the main tourist areas of Phuket but has been developed quite a bit in the last 5 years with several new resorts opening. Good place to stay if you like peace and quiet. Hotels include the Cape Panwa Hotel, Novotel and Sri Panwa. Cape Panwa is also home to Phuket Aquarium.
26th February, 2010
Today's weather;
A very early start of the day since we're off to the ferry soon, taking the 7am ferry t the mainland today. It's actually too dark to see right now what's the weather going to be like but it seems that there are no clouds and I can see a nice star studded sky. Current temp at 5.30am is around 26C
Yesterday was nice and sunny during the morning but than clouds appeared over Samui and it looked a lot like it would start to rain but I didn't see any. Max temp reached around 30C
Not sure if I will be able to get internet access tomorrow, so maybe my next update will be on Sunday.
Camille
A very early start of the day since we're off to the ferry soon, taking the 7am ferry t the mainland today. It's actually too dark to see right now what's the weather going to be like but it seems that there are no clouds and I can see a nice star studded sky. Current temp at 5.30am is around 26C
Yesterday was nice and sunny during the morning but than clouds appeared over Samui and it looked a lot like it would start to rain but I didn't see any. Max temp reached around 30C
Not sure if I will be able to get internet access tomorrow, so maybe my next update will be on Sunday.
Camille
Chinese New Year 2010 at Bukit Gambir, Muar
Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is commonly called "Lunar New Year", because it is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chú xī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve". Sources from Wiki.
The period around Chinese New Year is also the time of the largest human migration, when migrant workers in China, as well as overseas Chinese around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's Eve. More interurban trips are taken in mainland China in this 40-day period than the total population of China. This period is called chunyun (春運 or 春运, Pinyin: chūn yùn). Sources from Wiki.
After the reunion dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year by lighting the first incense (Joss Stick) of the year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year. Sources from Wiki.
I usually spent my Chinese (Lunar) New Year at Bukit Gambir - Muar once in 2 years. The routine is the same every year where everyone put on their New shirts and trousers after shower before having our Reunion dinner. Some families celebrate their Reunion during lunch. After the dinner, everyone are preparing for the Big day! Tables for praying, fire crackers and fireworks are in order.
Chinese New Year is the time to celebrate the family reunion and thanksgiving. Normally the Chinese will pray to gods for good luck, wealth and the family ancestors. The ceremony will take hours and follow by the burning the fire crackers and fireworks...
There are many items on the praying table...
Once the clock hit 12 midnight on the Eve, everyone are ready...most of them will pray for luck, wealth, everything they want on the coming year...
I'm always Love to capture the 'Fire' where all the joss sticks burns togerther...
After the praying ceremony, it's time everyone were waiting for...Fire crackers time!
They will burn as many as they can...
After the loud fire crackers noise on the Chinese New Year Eve (midnight), the show continue with the Fireworks!
Yes, you are right! It's a sleepless night!!
And you see all the children are happily holding the fireworks everywhere at this Serom and Bukit Gambir area.
The Chinese New Year atmosphere was very much better in the small towns or villages compare with the city area in Malaysia. I'm not sure about other country...
At this moment onwards, every Chinese are fill with Happy and Excitement!!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Mythology
According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nien (Chinese: 年; pinyin: nián). Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nien ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. One time, people saw that the Nien was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nien was afraid of the colour red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nien. From then on, Nien never came to the village again. The Nien was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nien became Hongjun Laozu's mount. Sources from Wiki.
After the reunion dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year by lighting the first incense (Joss Stick) of the year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year. Sources from Wiki.
Big Dragon Joss Sticks are light up
I usually spent my Chinese (Lunar) New Year at Bukit Gambir - Muar once in 2 years. The routine is the same every year where everyone put on their New shirts and trousers after shower before having our Reunion dinner. Some families celebrate their Reunion during lunch. After the dinner, everyone are preparing for the Big day! Tables for praying, fire crackers and fireworks are in order.
Chinese New Year is the time to celebrate the family reunion and thanksgiving. Normally the Chinese will pray to gods for good luck, wealth and the family ancestors. The ceremony will take hours and follow by the burning the fire crackers and fireworks...
There are many items on the praying table...
Foods and others on the praying table
Family members (include children) are ready for the praying ceremony
I'm always Love to capture the 'Fire' where all the joss sticks burns togerther...
The joss stick or another word 'Incense' burning...
After the praying ceremony, it's time everyone were waiting for...Fire crackers time!
They will burn as many as they can...
The common fire crackers on Chinese New Year
After the loud fire crackers noise on the Chinese New Year Eve (midnight), the show continue with the Fireworks!
Yes, you are right! It's a sleepless night!!
At this moment onwards, every Chinese are fill with Happy and Excitement!!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Mythology
According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nien (Chinese: 年; pinyin: nián). Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nien ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. One time, people saw that the Nien was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nien was afraid of the colour red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nien. From then on, Nien never came to the village again. The Nien was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nien became Hongjun Laozu's mount. Sources from Wiki.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
25th February, 2010
Today's weather;
It's back to the normal schedule, partly cloudy blue skies. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C
Yesterday saw the usual weather develop after the initial shower in the morning, warm and sunny. Max temp reached 30.5C
Tomorrow we'll leave for a week in Pattaya, partly diving and partly a family holiday. We'll make a stop over tomorrow at either Prachuap Kirikhan or Cha'am, although the latter may be difficult since I expect many people to flee Bangkok tomorrow because of the court verdict against former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and the expected demonstrations and/or riots and Cha'am may be filled to the rafters with Bangkokians.
Camille
It's back to the normal schedule, partly cloudy blue skies. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C
Yesterday saw the usual weather develop after the initial shower in the morning, warm and sunny. Max temp reached 30.5C
Tomorrow we'll leave for a week in Pattaya, partly diving and partly a family holiday. We'll make a stop over tomorrow at either Prachuap Kirikhan or Cha'am, although the latter may be difficult since I expect many people to flee Bangkok tomorrow because of the court verdict against former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and the expected demonstrations and/or riots and Cha'am may be filled to the rafters with Bangkokians.
Camille
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Thai Red Cross Charity Motorcycle ride - 2nd version and 2nd part
The Thai Red Cross Charity Motorcycle ride - 2nd version and 2nd part
As promised almost a week ago by now, here's a follow up with some more pictures of the The Thai Red Cross Charity Motorcycle ride - 2nd version around Koh Samui with a starting point at Chaweng Lake Pavilion.
There were a few choppers on display and this is a great sample of how a chopper should look like.
Almost as comfy as in a car, the controls of a Harley Davidson electra glide.
There were also some hi speed road racing machines at the ride, this one definitely springing into the foreground.
This looks really cool in my book, as if put together by old steel.
As promised almost a week ago by now, here's a follow up with some more pictures of the The Thai Red Cross Charity Motorcycle ride - 2nd version around Koh Samui with a starting point at Chaweng Lake Pavilion.
There were a few choppers on display and this is a great sample of how a chopper should look like.
Almost as comfy as in a car, the controls of a Harley Davidson electra glide.
There were also some hi speed road racing machines at the ride, this one definitely springing into the foreground.
This looks really cool in my book, as if put together by old steel.
All revved up and ready to go!
24th February, 2010
Today's weather;
It was very warm already this morning but to my big surprise, there was one big, grey cloud hanging over Plai Laem with at it's outskirts blue sky all around! Even more strange, 3 drops of rain fell out soon to be followed by a real mini shower, as documented below. It will soon blow over though and become sunny and warm again although this was a very welcome shower.
A serious break in the rather monotonous weather reports of the last weeks.
Current temp at 7am is 28.5C.
It was very warm already this morning but to my big surprise, there was one big, grey cloud hanging over Plai Laem with at it's outskirts blue sky all around! Even more strange, 3 drops of rain fell out soon to be followed by a real mini shower, as documented below. It will soon blow over though and become sunny and warm again although this was a very welcome shower.
A serious break in the rather monotonous weather reports of the last weeks.
Current temp at 7am is 28.5C.
Yesterday saw more of the same, warm and sunny weather with a max temp of 30.2C but it felt a lot warmer!
Camille
Red Indian Show and Animal Musical Parade at A'Farmosa, Malacca
After our dinner, we proceed to the show area and waiting for the Red Indian Show & Animal Musical Parade at Cowboy Town of A'Farmosa.
Waiting for the Red Indian Show
The show started at 8.30pm. You will see there were four (4) Red Indians standing in the middle of the passageway. Some kind of starting ceremony...
The Chief of the Red Indian was continue playing the fire show for the whole night! As you can see from my follow photos...
Initially, everyone were curious on what he did, but after 10 minutes...I saw most of the visitors felt boring about it...Too bad, I think this was the only thing he did for the night! Haha!
Follow by the group fire performance.
The Red Indian Show last about 45 minutes, then the audiences have 5 minutes break time for their Ice-scream...
I keep alert of this gate on my left and waiting for the Cowboy for photography. But when they ran out, I couldn't snap a good pictures of it! :(
They had made the show really interesting during the Animal Musical Parade. I noticed the curious and happiness of my daughter face, I'm glad that we didn't waste our trip here!
Follow by the animals...I had miss the chance to capture the group of Chickens and Ducks ran out from the gate...they were too fast...
After the animals, there were groups and groups of peoples continue on the parade to celebrate Christmas! It was a Great Atmosphere!
They also invite the visitors to play some games and provided some goodies for them...
After the show end, the fireworks continue and last for about 15 minutes...so beautiful!!
The show was Great and Interesting! My daughter and my wife were enjoyed the show very much!!
The Red Indians still continue their performance at the 'Fun-fair' area until midnight! You won't have a chance to miss the show at all! haha!
My daughter was enjoying the Fun-fair ride in the till midnight. But the ticket was a bit expensive compare with other ride within Malaysia. (MYR4.00 per ride)
We were there till 12.30am, the town was still crowded when we left...
Waiting for the Red Indian Show
The show started at 8.30pm. You will see there were four (4) Red Indians standing in the middle of the passageway. Some kind of starting ceremony...
Follow by the group fire performance.
The Red Indian group performance
The Red Indian Show last about 45 minutes, then the audiences have 5 minutes break time for their Ice-scream...
The Ice-scream stall...
I keep alert of this gate on my left and waiting for the Cowboy for photography. But when they ran out, I couldn't snap a good pictures of it! :(
The Cowboy of the Cowboy Town
The Red Indian
Follow by the animals...I had miss the chance to capture the group of Chickens and Ducks ran out from the gate...they were too fast...
The elephant group
The Tiger
The fake snow machine in actions!
They also invite the visitors to play some games and provided some goodies for them...
The Fireworks at Cowboy Town, A'Farmosa
The Red Indians still continue their performance at the 'Fun-fair' area until midnight! You won't have a chance to miss the show at all! haha!
We were there till 12.30am, the town was still crowded when we left...
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