Local swimming hole

It was noon when I passed a local watering hole.  

The doors where still locked and it only took me seconds to decide on an alternative.  

A stopover at a local family market for some refreshements and I was off to the canal.

Even here it was still a bit early, only a few groups had started early.

School must have gotten out by the time I headed home. 

Incoming traffic was intense. With school vacation only a week away, this place will get crowded.

From Album  090302 Canal

Photo Contribution

From Photo Album  Zoo-ology

Seen in Mr B's back yard

Sakon Nakhon Football on the rebound

From 080322 Sakon Nakhon Football

With heavy losses last year, Sakon Nakhon FC is relegated to Thailand Division 2 league this year.  The 2008 performance in Division 1 was dismal 

1 win, 6 draws, 13 losses,

It wasn't always that bad. In previous years Sakon Nakhon FC ranked among the pro league (now renamed premier league).

Thailand is spending 70 million Baht on football. Unfortunately the major share of that pie (50 million) is going to Thailand's Premier league. Leaving 20 million to division 1, 2 and a newly formed women's league. The premier league consists of 16 teams, some with commercial backing, while division 1 and 2 have over 30 teams.

Looks like another year when players have to purchase their own shoes

From 080228 Sakon Nakhon Football

From 080405 Sakon Nakhon Football

Some past games became especially intense and extremely hilarious because of wet conditions on the play field.

From 060813 Football 8/13/06 3:38 AM

The fields are dry, the team has been practicing daily for some months.  Sakon Nakhon FC starts the Season March 29. 

 

It's going to be a winning season !!

Five Star Dining at Toon Army SakonNakhon

Graham really outdid himself in preparing the evenings buffet. There is no denying he is an outstanding chef.
Of course my favorite was spring rolls. The very tender beef being a close second.

There is no denying the food was a class act, something you might expect from a five star establishment. Surprisingly, the most popular item on the menu was his garlic bread. It was the first plate to empty.

It was obvious everyone who attended enjoyed the food and the camaraderie.

Early evening attendance was not as high as one would expect, and I really missed seeing a number of my friends there.
Possibly the heat, humidity and rain earlier in the day may have caused some folks to arrive later in the evening.
Having just recovered from a bout of heat exhaustion the previous day, I called it a day just before the entertainment began.

Thailand offers free Tourist visas

In an attempt to revitalize Thailand's ailing tourism industry, visa fees will be waived effective March 5 through June 4.
This offer does not apply to extensions.
Further details at TAT News Room
                            or Thai Visa Forum

Now Hear This !!

Every neighborhood has broadcast speakers.
Obviously intended for local propaganda, they broadcast short messages beginning at 6 a.m. on weekdays, and an hour later on weekends.

Usually starting with some local music, verbal messages generally last for less than five minutes. Of course it's all in Thai.

A new set of speakers was installed last year. Closer to my home, and much louder. "Grin and bear it."

What is annoying:frequently there are two separate systems playing different music and making speeches simultaneously.

AND: the volume on the new speakers had been turned up so loud that the speakers are "blown," creating very distorted sound.

Another Day in Paradise

I was out for a Sunday drive ...
...when I happened to come across this testosterone charged event.

Are you coming out for a drink today ?

Not in this heat.
Heck, that makes is more of a reason to drink.
Naw. I prefer to have drinks served to me at my oversized bathtub. 

Turned on My roof sprinkling system around noon.
Water flows down the roof into the gutter, back into the water supply.
And that's how you cool the roof and create plenty of boiling hot water.

Bet the local canals will be crowded tomorrow.
Yes the hot season is on!
Next weekend the feels like temperature is forecast to be 48C (118.4F)

Wear your helmet

Of course there are plenty of exceptions to this law, 
if you know what I mean.