Weather Report

Here it is, almost the end of January.  As luck would have it Korea has had the heaviest snowfall in recorded history.  You can imagine the havoc it has caused.  No cabs were available for two days.  Buses got stuck and passengers were told to get out and walk. The newspapers describe S. Korea as being a new magical place to visit, and take in the winter wonder land.

Then the temperature rose to more normal ranges and heavy fogs set in.  I did not venture out on these days because I had enough dealing with the driving when the road conditions and visibility were good.  However, I do like the fog, it is so thick I feel like I am in a Sherlock Holmes mystery.

With the melting, fog and drizzle and cooler temperatures at night the icy conditions are treacherous!!  I could not believe it when I saw workmen with blow torches melting the ice on walkways.
Koreans are quite hysterical about the cold, people will often wear parkas, hats and gloves indoors.  At the gym, they wear ski jackets while on the treadmill.  Meanwhile I am creating quite the puddle of perspiration in my t-shirt and shorts.!!

We had a bit of a surprise at a restaurant last week.  When I picked up my glass of water, I found that they serve hot water in the winter.  Al and I both liked this once we got used to it.

I am aware I am exhibiting a Manitoban trait by blathering on about the weather.  At the convenience store I have befriended a very pleasant Russian girl.  The other day I made a remark about being tired of the cold.  She looked me in the eye and said in a serious tone "If you don't like it you can move to another country."  I don't think I'll mention the weather again.

Cheers from winter wonder land!

Bangkok, December 21-24, 2009

When we left Phuket we were not feeling up to parr.  At first we thought it was the air pollution from the city and after a few days we felt better.  We later learned that we had a mild case of jelly fish poisoning.  Apparently when jelly fish die;, their bodies break up on the rocks.  The minute particles remain poisonous as they float on the surface.  While we were swimming, we felt a stinging sensation all over our bodies and thought it was the salt water. Little did we know.

Luckily it did not disrupt our trip.

The transition from Phuket to Bangkok was dramatic from the quiet, beautiful rural life, to the chaotic, crowded, noisy polluted city.   Bangkok does however offer a deep sense of culture, beauty and excitement.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Its official name in an abbreviated form is Krung Thep which means "the City of Angels".  It has also been called "the Venice of the East" because of its system of natural and man-made canals or "klongs". 

Next is the view from our hotel room.  We stayed at the Grand Millenium, a very modern glass and concrete structure.

A street like this can have quite the surprise when you turn the corner!  The first night Al and I decided to take a walk.   We ended up in a red light district where were both continuously propositioned.  We quickly returned to our hotel and stayed put for the night.

 

Al was amazed with the complicated wiring and surprised that it worked.

You can see parts of the city can be beautiful.

Then you turn around and see the debris and poverty.

I have never seen so many people!

Taking one of these tuk tuks is like taking your life into your hands.  Taking one of the motor cycle taxis is even worse.

Seeing the Grand Palace was beautiful but made me feel a little upset when you compare it to the standard of living of the general population.

Students often have classes in the temples when they study history

We decided a boat cruise would give us another perspective of this city of many faces.

One fifth of the population lives along the banks of the canals.

This is a water monitor.  It looks like a crocodile, but I am told it is harmless.

This canal is a fisherman's dream, just teeming with catfish.

Al could NOT get over the wiring!

This sunken ship has been there about twelve years, they just haven't gotten around to salvaging it yet.

You can also get some idea of the amount of smog.  Sunsets and sunrises are almost non-existent.

  

The tourist are never ending. This is disruptive to the locals with the traffic, waves, noise and pollution.  At the same time they rely on the money the tourists bring.

In the past the locals relied on floating markets.  Today they are virtually obsolete.  The few markets that are left are there for the tourists.

The canal was jammed with boats and more kept coming!

The teak carvings and furniture were stunning, and it was interesting to see the artisans at work

We visited a beautiful serene place called the Rose Garden where we were served an international luncheon.  I admit Al and I prefer Korean to Thai food.

We met a very nice couple from England.  Al and I decided he looked like Jack Nicholson

Beautiful flowers were carved from fresh vegetables

Al is much braver than I am!


Nice to know I can still be surprised..


Cheers until next time!