Minor Glitches in Paradise

Live like Heaven is on Earth

Not so beautiful Thailand

The building construction crew in the neighborhood decided to save money in disposing of their waste, so they dump it into a vacant lot. Recent strong winds distributed lighter materials throughout the neighborhood.

Foreign Flag waving may be offensive

Tony, who has a restaurant and bar along the highway recently had a social visit from local constables. They noted that a recent storm had dragged the Thai flag to the ground. Tony quickly rectified that situation. Then he was advised that flying a foreign flag on a major highway is not allowed, it is offensive. I don't know if this is a law or just an opinion.
I'm not big on flag waving these days. My suggestion fly no flags. Flags are not meant to advertise. During special events, government agencies adorn highways with plenty flags.

Imaginative attention getters to promote a business are better suited.

Flashback

I just transferred photographs from the year 2002 into new software.
During the transfer each picture flashed for a second on the screen. 

Almost 3,000 photos. Talk about time travel.

2002 My living room in Seattle.  A good indicator of my special interests.

Command central today.

Read online

Thai Visa Bar Codes in Passports 'Coming Soon' 
http://phuketwan.com/

Thai Lao train service at Nong Kai
Nakhon Phanom Bridge
Bangkok Post

More about Thai Lao Bridge at Nakhon Phanom
VOA News

Esarn Water-Slide Mekong River Trip

What do you do when school's out and temperatures are soaring?
You grab a few buckets and head to the river with your friends.
These youngsters labored for hours carrying water up the hill creating hours of slimy fun.

Phu Phan Rajanivet Palace

I first had the opportunity to visit the grounds of the Phu Phan Rajanivet Palace during the Songkran period of 2002.
Tours of the grounds must be pre- arranged. 

Unfortunately we were restricted from entering the grounds of the royal household, presumably because they were occupied.

A once in a lifetime opportunity was an invitation to a Royal Party and Fashion Show, November 11, 2003.
People attending included members of the royal family, politicians, diplomats, and Sakon Nakhon residents.
At the conclusion of the fashion show, televised nationwide, locals mingled with Thai fashion models and stars.

Cameras have been forbidden to similar events in subsequent years.

 

View this album 031120

Google Map with brief description (link) Phu Phan Rajanivet Palace
Pictures on the net by Jinjok

School's out... party season begins

When I returned from yesterdays wedding party, they were pitching canopies down the street from my house.

Usually when you see these canopies going up in front of a residence,
someone has died, is getting married or is celebrating a birthday.
There are other possible events.

This party, complete with food and drinks is a fund raiser for the construction of a local temple.
An envelope was delivered to me this morning.

Of course I returned the envelope with a donation this evening, but declined the dinner invitation.
Most of the food they offered is Esaan food, just too spicy for my taste.
Just a block away, another party. That one is a wedding party, quite a bit noisier.

I'm just thankful that I do enjoy the local music. I suspect these parties will last until the early morning hours.


View over my back fence.

Wedding Party

7 a.m. wedding invitation. That can't be right. But a phone call confirmed the time.
We arrived on time. I couldn't believe it, breakfast was already under way. It was breakfast at the grooms home, complete with beer and whisky.

By the time the procession got under way, everyone was in a happy mood.

We convoyed down the main highway, then turned off and passed along country roads along the airfield.

At the edge of a village the convoy stopped. Everyone disembarked.
A lively two mile walk with plenty of dancing, singing and what I would call "Esarn Yodeling."

I've attended a few of these weddings, I know the routine.

To enter the bride's home, the grooms feet were first cleansed. Two girls hold a chain or rope across the entrance. A belt was used this time. The groom has to pay a toll before the barrier is removed.

The bride was waiting in her room. The groom had to pay a toll once again to enter.
Then it's down to business as the parents of the groom hand over the dowry and the ceremony commences.

More photos in Album 090306 G.. Wedding

I went home for a needed nap, but rest assured, the party continued well into the night.

Watch 1 minute video 090306 Wedding video (1 minute)

Mishmash

Why does the Thai Baht remain so strong? 
I've been saying it all along, and now the media is confirming it.
The Government has been propping it up.. That's gotta be expensive and really hurt exports. Tourists also would find a weaker baht more attractive.

Local Season opener for Sakon Nakhon F.C. is March 29 against Mukdahan, (not 15th as previously mentioned).

I was sound asleep in front of my TV last night when I was awakened by a long-time Thai friend.  He delivered a wedding invitation for Friday evening.  

I've always enjoyed my visits to that village.  All the kids from the village hover around me, waiting to throw coins into the air

Just finished uploading the pictures of Jan's funeral of July 2007. A number of you attended and can find your picture in that album.

           

Also Uploaded pictures from a november 1 2007 birthday party. The little girl with the crown... ladyboy. Plan on having a similar event this year for my 65'th. Catered meal, entertainment.

And after all these years of doing it wrong, 

I've finally been shown how to peel Potatoes

Recently added albums

There are now over 140 albums in my Picasa gallery