Saturday, December 6, 2008

Thailand reopens

...with New Rules for Travelers

Thailand airports resume operations on December 5.

New immigration rules have been announced.
The most obvious change affects persons arriving by land. THAIVISA

A discussion of all changes is at www.thaivisa.com/forum


The Dragon and Cobra ritual Practice Session

I have yet to get a correct answer what this festival is called.

Until I get a definite answer I call it the Chinese Dragon Serpent Festival
The ritual is in the belief that it will insure a good year ahead.

The beating of the sticks is to scare away cobras.
I can attest to that this ancient ritual is still effective today:
If you make plenty of noise, snakes tend to avoid confrontation.

Mostly kids, and plenty of adults gather at the temple nightly.
These ceremonies take a bit of practice and safety lessons.
It can really hurt if you don’t pay attention.

The nighty practice sessions are rewarded with a meal donated by temple parishioners.



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Geriatrics Meeting

A impromptu Ex-pat Geriatrics meeting was held yesterday.
The Bon Cafe was chosen for the conference.
Previously operated as a coffee shop, the establishment is reincarnated as a restaurant and beer bar.

Purpose of the meeting was a trial run of the reincarnation.
As is typical, all persons attending the function had plenty of suggestions on improving the establishment.

It’s central location (within walking distance to my home) is a plus.



(click on image for larger view)

An english menu features Hambergers and fries, fried eggs and fries, or a side order of fries.
Along with Instant mushroom soup, the menu needs improvement.
I suggest what Thais are great at: THAI FOOD, the type that doesn’t make you run for the garden hose.




Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Smiles from Above

If you looked at the sky early evening yesterday, it was smiling back.
Hopefully a good omen !



Local media is making the event into a BIG STORY

Kids with sticks and cobras on the prowl

It happens every year around this time.
Kids beating numchuck type sticks together.
No they aren't about to do a Kung Fu hit on you, they're warding off snakes and dragons.

It's all practice leading up to the dragon festival held this year on December 11.
Nightly training sessions are now underway at the local Chinese temple.
The cobra snakes you see aren't real.