Betel nut is a misnomer, as the name actually implies the Areca nut wrapped in a Betel leaf.

My interest is in the Betel leaf.
The juice from the leaf and stem applied to the skin seems relieve a number of skin irritations and brings instant pain relief.
When chewed, the leaf has a variety of medical uses, curing worms, headaches, relief arthritis and joint pain.
It also has antibiotic effects when placed on open cuts. I am adding the Betel to my garden.
Read more about it at WIKIPEDIA

Saturday started early, with many locals making preparations and heading to temples, to make merit. Todays trip to the healer was done at rocket speed. Samat, who had been driving me every day, was in a hurry to get back home to take the family to their favorite temple.

There is a football game this afternoon, at the school near my house.

And then of course there was a concert

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A little bit of everything

Long Weekend ahead

I was supposed to be in Bangkok for the '4th of July,'
It was to be a reunification with my Thai friends from Seattle.
The entire restaurant staff. Multiple families.

This extended illness of mine, even though apparently in it's final days, still is a factor that I don't want to commit myself to an extended holiday away from home.

I had considered to use the time to renew my Passport.
Then I realized, they are going to be closed for an extended time from Independence day
through the Thai holidays concluding on Wednesday.

A week in Bangkok is too long in that town for my tastes.

Then there is the spread of swine flu, I tend to shy away from mass transit for the moment.

There is bound to be a local parade, but so far I have not heard of any date or time.

Michael Jackson's worm,
Britney Spears Twitter,
Gossip Girl Sex Tape.
Do they strike your interest?

Then consider reading the new category added to the (right) sidebar: "Computers and the Internet."
It's news about the latest attempts to access your computer with worms and viruses.
Internet places and mail to avoid.

Texas Longhorns
Trojan unscientific survey ranks Houston as the horniest city in The U.S.A.


Thais pronounce it BAIPOO.

Thanks for the help in identifying the leaf in my previous post.
Looking up a pronunciation has been impossible.
What I need here is the actual Thai script, so I can use one of the many online translators.

I have not missed any of my daily appointments with a local healer. Seven sessions are required.
Really noteworthy is that Shingles is quite predominant in this area. I have heard from many local Thais.
Oh they've had it, or they have family members who've gone through it.
But the crazy revelation is that many people stricken with this virus don't see a doctor, instead rely on local, some herbal treatments, and healers.
That first week I could not have survived without pain killers.
Most of these people are half my age.

Wax Candle Parade July 16, 2008


Tourism Authority are you listening.

According to international news media, Norway seems to be least effected by the present world financial crisis.

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Witch doctor.. The scientific method

Second visit to the healer.
Same amazing effects. This time I paid attention to the leaf he was chewing.
On the way out I pinched one of the leafs from a vine.
I broke off the stem and squeezed the juice onto a spot that was missed.
Same relieving result.
Now to determine what the name of this plants is, and do some research.

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The title says it

Extraordinary

You don't realize it's a commercial 'till the very end.
A bit of a tear jerker!!

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I'm off to see the witch doctor...

My last visit to the hospital, while in severe pain was pretty much worthless.

The pain injection I received was so weak, I simply felt like I had a couple of beers.

No pain relief at all.

The same can be said for a number of herbal medicines.

Even though one seems to have some effect after repeated application.

At this stage I am ready to try anything. Even a healer.

I visited one this morning.

The guy chewed on a leaf and then spit a fine, cool mist on my back,

reciting what was apparently prayers, between applications.

Astonished is all I can say.

All the shingles pains to my back disappeared.

This little healing episode cost 30 baht and needs to be repeated seven times.

I'll be back!!

Thais are strong believers in the supernatural, spirits and such.

A number of experiences here in Thailand have convinced me there is something to that.

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Another day in Paradize

I had received an invitation to an event at a local school (S-BAC).
The best translation of the event I received was 'New Student Introduction Day.'
You might better understand it simply as Open House Day. A few dozen parents participated.
Buddhist religious ceremonies generally start the day of activities.

The opening ceremonies conclude with traditional thai dancing by students.

I am supposed to sit on the stage with the dignitaries and teachers. I can't sit still that long. I always politely decline, pointing at my camera. My excuse, I want to take pictures.

The guest speaker apparently had his audience's full attention. Students were laughing, answering questions, or even blurting out comments. It wasn't just a speech, rather almost a community discussion at times. Even though I have no idea what was said, the presentation was just superior.

Students present teachers and dignitaries with local flower arrangements.

Quite a few awards were handed out to students with perfect attendance records. I also departed with a number of gifts which I always cherish.

A perfect day concluded later in the evening watching a Bee Gees concert on local Sakon Nakhon TV (STV)

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Thai VIP

Thai gentlemen of high esteem must stand tall.
High heels are therefore important.

Talking about VIP. I was one of those my first year here, VIP.
Talk about butchering my name "Hans. "The sign read "VIP Mister Hung."
I'm not making that up, I have a picture of that sign somewhere.
Come on Tony, let's hear your wise crack on that one.

I know you're just itching with one.

For a good laugh visit

Visit to the Toon

Stopped by Toon bar yesterday. Apparently the place was quite busy the night before. They were still cleaning.

The owner rushed off to get me some herbal medicine which will surely take care of my medical condition.
So here I am alone with this new somewhat cute lady... wait a minute.. adams apple...
Well, she/he was still cute,,, but... after all these years I'm still not quite used to... T&D

I looked across the field.
Why is it every time a cow or buffalo sees a camera, they look like they are posing for you.

The big story here is that Toon is continuing a tradition of providing prospective customers a free ride.
Yes, it you're stuck in a local hotel, just give them a call and they'll gladly provide transportation to the bar.

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Grasping for straws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that the Thai government will exempt fees for tourists visas effective June 25 until March 2010.

Tourist visas must be applied for in Thai embassies or consulates and are good for 30 or 60 days.

They can be extended by 30 days while in Thailand

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