Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Tha Rae Christmas

Pronounced Ta Lae, the town is approximately 25 km from Sakon Nakhon on highway 22 heading towards Nakhon Phanom.
The largest Christian community in Thailand, according to Tourism Authority Thailand, Tha Rae residents claim that the now famous Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade originated in their town and rightfully should be known as the Tha Rae Christmas Star parade.

I had recently met an acquaintance  from a few years ago (my teaching years) and was honored with an invitation to visit his home on Christmas Eve. The parade passed in front of his home.

After the parade we enjoyed  a Thai Christmas dinner, complete with turkey done in green curry, and numerous other courses.  I had an additional pleasure of meeting and conversing with Rudi, a German gentleman, who has been residing in the area for  some years.





A Christmas Eve full of fond memories

Sakon Nakhon is getting ready for the holidays

Early this morning  they started setting up for this evenings
Sakon Nakhon Starlight Mak Mao and Beef Feast 
at the new waterfront park



Preparations are also in full swing at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sakon Nakhon Starlight Mak Mao and Beef Feast

Locally produced Ma Mao (Mak Mao) red wine, juices, deserts and the like, are featured with locally raised  beef , during the festival held December 24 through 26.  The feast is scheduled to be held at the new waterfront park.
This STV video clip features a similar event held in September of this year
Sakon Hmakemea Festival



Pond at Sakon Nakhon Airport

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Don't knock till you tried it

I have flown with NOK Air ATR-72 twin-turboprop from Sakon Nakhon to Bangkok. 
I can say I'll remember the flight for some time and won't be repeating it any time soon.
In flight you receive a miniature hot dog on a sweet roll which is eaten in three bites.
You are offered seconds on a four ounce container of water.
If you do want a meal, order it when you book your flight for an additional charge. I must admit, that meal was absolutely delicious. Think two or three people (including myself) ordered meals

I suspect the aircraft I flew in had been in service on other routes for some time.
Seat cushions were well worn where it counted, totally flat.
My own seat being worn with age began to feel painful after 20 minutes into the flight.
It felt like sitting on a metal bench.

Preparations for landing were announced with a jolt which I would compare to a sudden down-shifting in an eighteen wheeler.  After that flying seemed a bit rough till we landed at Don Mueang Airport.  If you have a connecting flight, you'll have to take a shuttle bus to the international airport.

My schedule in Bangkok changed unexpectedly.  I needed a few extra hours before my return trip.
I asked if I could change to the afternoon flight to Nakhon Phanom.
I was informed I could not change my destination or cancel my flight (for a refund) and would have to purchase a new ticket to Nakhon Phanom.
I opted instead to fly on a Thai Airways 737 to Udon Thani.
Complimentary newspapers, boxed meals, coffee or tea where provided.
The flight was shorter and more comfortable.

I did have to spend a few extra hours riding in a car from Udon, but made good use shopping along the way.
Related Aviation News at 
http://inspiring-isaan.blogspot.com/2009/12/thai-to-stop-udon-flights.html
Nok Air to assume three Thai Air Routes beginning March 2010 http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/29893/thai-boss-insists-nok-handover-will-go-ahead

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Buddha Community Festival

Dec 25 - 31
Opening Ceremony 3 p.m. Dec 25

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

They do love parades



Many times I have driven into town to do some shopping, or visit friends, only to run smack into a road block for a parade. Today I got a ten minute advance notice of the parade. Turned out there were actually two parades with two different routes, merging together near the school grounds

Met some Thai friends and was invited to a Christmas party.
My holiday party schedule is really starting to fill up

T.i.T. Bits

extra holidays for 2010 approved by Thai cabinet

March 1  Magha Puja Day has been extended to a three day holiday
April 13-15  The Songkran holiday  has been extended to April 13 - 18
August 12 - 15  Mothers Day has been made a four day Holiday
October 25  Chulalongkorn Day has been extended to a three day holiday
December 6  Fathers day has been extended to a three day holiday
Source: The Nation


internet services
Thailand connected to High-Bandwidth Submarine Cable‎ read at THAIVISA
CAT cuts int'l internet gateway fees read at THAIVISA


I Like


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Cool Temperatures ahead

The mannequin at Thai Meteorological Department website is changing wardrobe from sweater to parka on Thursday. Expect a nightly two degree temperature drop until the weekend. When nighttime temperature forecast vary from 9 to 13C.