Sakon Nakhon Makeover

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Street Sign 2003 - - - -  - - - - - - - - - -- - - Street Sign 2009

T.i.T. Bits

First International  Lotus, Waterlily and Aquatic Plants Conference

to be held in Sakon Nakhon in October 2010

This guy obviously left his brains in Sweden.

Wants to be a Pattaya policeman

Mekon River Damming gone wild.

China has built three hydroelectric dams, another almost completed. 

 Laos has seven dams, plans to build 70

Markmao Society Of Sakon Nakhon - - - - -- - - - - - - - Ban Kudnakham, Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon O.K. Corral

Was awakened by a barrage of firecrackers in the direction of ITU.
The barrage was followed by an orchestra of car alarms.

Traditional western Christmas celebrations I'm used to never included heavy artillery.
Other Countries, other Traditions.

Fireworks are part of Thailand's heritage and culture.I'd venture to say its like this all over Asia.
From my observation, fireworks season begins on fathers day, December 5, resumes on December 11, the Chinese Dragon and Serpent festival.

There is a two week lull until Christmas when fireworks become a daily event until New Years.
It's Fireworks "High Season."

Some fireworks are sold legally, some are not.
Some are home made.

It's the time of the year when some attention must
be paid to personal safety.

I believe it was less than a year ago when a local man literally lost his head over a fireworks.
Blew his head clean off..
You see fireworks ignited within feet of parked vehicles, it's time to take cover, in case that 4,000 pounds of shrapnel is sent your way.

Feast at Eddy's Branch 63

Home sick on Christmas Day

Woke up with a severe case of food poisoning, high fever and diarrhea.
 Needless to say it wasn't a merry day for me. All my plans for the day were cancelled.

As sick as I was I did appreciate a visit from a school owner and teachers, that much more.

T.i.T. Bits

Udon Thani Thai Air service to be replaced by NOK Air within three months Bangkok Post
Louisiana Jazzman Rice vs. Thai Jasmine Rice BusinessWeek

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

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