Koh Samui, Thailand pics

Koh Samui Thailand

For this Thai island, we opted for a tour that highlighted the key export for the island-coconuts. Starting with a brief overview of the importance and multiple uses of the crop, we went on to learn about the short-tailed macaque monkeys trained to pick the fruit.  Training takes about 6 months, with the monkeys responding only to the voice of their owner/trainer.  During their attendance at monkey university, they are taught to climb the trees, jump to other trees, select the perfectly ripe coconut, and then twist it until it drops.  Each monkey harvests about 350 a day at 5 baht apiece, contributing to the island's export of one million coconuts per month.   Local unskilled labor earns the equivalent of $7-10 USD/day.  In an 8-9 hour workday, with breaks every 15 minutes, the monkey produces about $55 USD income per day.  The monkeys are treated like family, and eat, sleep, play, and even watch tv with their owners. 

After our visit with the monkeys, we walked through the nearby traditional fishing village of Baanttua Tanon, which ended at a seafood and produce market offering a fabulous variety of local fresh foods.  The perfect growing climate, hot and wet, combined with the ability to grow on flatlands or in the mountains, results in a great diversity of crops, such as 20 different eggplants.  Street food was offered along our walk but cleanliness made any of the food suspect for our consumption and even the locals drink only bottled water.  Markets open around 4AM, cooks wanting to purchase the best and freshest ingredients arrive long before daybreak.  

We saw a large number of western travelers and ex-pats during our trip, drawn by cheap prices, white-sand beaches, and diving and snorkeling opportunities.  Our guide tried to impress upon us the dangers of foreigners driving on the island.  "Green means go, yellow means go faster, red light means go faster still."  Anyone slowing for a yellow light will surely be rear-ended and would be at fault for the accident.  Generally, westerns are at fault for any accident regardless of what has transpired.  Also, the government has instituted seat belt regulations which requires use by passengers in any vehicle.  Non-use will result in a 5000 Thai baht fine ($158 USD) but if the said vehicle doesn't have seat belts the passenger is at fault, not the driver providing the vehicle!  Quite a racket for local police, who are paid on the spot for infractions.  

We continued our visit by traveling to Wat Phra Yai, a 49-foot tall seated Buddha, built in 1972 and perched atop a rocky islet on the N/E coast.   Nearby shops allowed us to easily spend the remainder of our Thai money.  We also had the opportunity to use our first Asian-style toilets here, the squat over a hole variety, which is an experience I can pass on again unless absolutely necessary.  This small island, of 250 square miles, was easily circumnavigated during our 4-hour tour.  

Pictures follow in the next blog.

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Sanctuary of Truth pics

Sanctuary of Truth at Pattaya, Thailand

This carved wooden structure is located outside Pattaya, a smog-filled industrial and resort city of one million.  The Sanctuary, however, is located away from the city views along the waterfront at Rachvate Cape.  Started in 1981 by business tycoon Lek Viriyaphanl, there are about 250 Burmese craftsmen and women responsible for the daily progress.  Teak, mahogany, and redwood are the woods used, with the top of the structure reaching 344 feet.  Construction is tongue and groove and it is being completed without the use of nails.  Special flexible joints have been created that allow it to sway during earthquakes.  It is a complex and phenomenally beautiful project. 

While elements of Buddhism and Hinduism are reflected in the carvings, it is not considered a temple.  It hopes to instill the concepts of family, truth and living together peacefully.  

Pictures follow on next blog.

Bangkok pics

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, the “city of angels”, is also home to over 15 million people.  First founded in 1782, the city has since become an economic powerhouse of the region.  Our trip began at the ship's port, Laem Chabang, a 2.5-hour drive from the city.  During the ride, our guide, Jack, provided a historical and cultural narrative on the area.  

Our first stop was the Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai king, regal court, and administrative seat of government for over 150 years.  The grounds are massive, covering 218,000 square meters and the crowds were almost overwhelming.  To say the temples are impressive is an understatement.  The location definitely packed a WOW factor.  The Jade Buddha, established in 1782 by King Rama I, is also found on the grounds and is considered the most important temple in Bangkok.  The costume of the Buddha is changed three times a year by the king but always consists of a coat made of gold and gemstones.  

Having worked up an appetite we walked to a nearby restaurant on the Chao Phraya River.  Shrimp Pad Thai, Fried Spring rolls, and mango smoothies recharged us for the afternoon.  Our guide then secured a private tour on a noisy, long-tail boat along the river.  The tour included an overview of the iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and ended near the entrance to Wat Pho.  This temple is best known for the 49-foot high and 141-foot long Reclining  Buddha covered with gold leaf.  Once again there was an impressive collection of structures.  

Throughout SE Asia I donned a new item for my wardrobe, a 3-M, N-95 face mask.  With air pollution at sometimes dangerously high levels, face mask use is widespread.  The Thai government is starting to attempt to curb the pollution by taxing older cars and charging a 300% tax on second vehicles.  Just a small step in the right direction.