Sakon Nakhon

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The devil made me do it

Was in the mood to stir things up today.
So I asked people if they wanted to go to Bangkok with me tomorrow.
I got a lot of strange looks, before they turned into smiles and definite "NO"
Needless to say I will be staying at home.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Rowdy Fans Barred

Thai Port Fans who gave Thailand Football a black eye with their behavior after last weeks game "Thai Football gone BERSERK," have been banned from attending this evenings match against SHB Da Nang.
Fans have been relegated to another stadium a few miles from the action, where they can watch the game on a big screen TV
Thai port vs SHB Da Nang game time is 18:30.
The game is televised on UBC

The HOT SEASON has arrived

Temperature at my house (noon) shade 85F / 29.4C, direct sun 104F / 40C.

A nurse friend advised me that the hot season not only brings on cases of heat exhaustion.
There are also more cases of stomach ailments. Air quality is also something to consider.

Air pollution notices for some provinces have already been posted. THE NATION
Most of this pollution is caused by fires farmers use to clear and prepare their fields.

NASA image aquired Feb 10, 2010

Stomach irritations, including food poisonings become more prevalent since food storage time is reduced by the hot and humid weather.
If in doubt, I microwave food before eating.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Booking with NOK air: The Sakonnakhon options

With access to any computer and printer you can go online, book your flight and print out your ticket.
Or you can go to the office near BIG C, just behind the pizza place.
See my previous blog entry for details Sakonnakhon NOK Air office

Your third choice is another NOK air representative. Head north from BIG C, past three traffic lights.
In the middle of the block (left side) look for flags atop a building

Next door to the office, in the same building, is a pastry shop.
492 / 4 Chai Pha Suk Rd.
tel: 042-712256

The future looks parched

During my recent road trip to Mukdahan one thing became very obvious:
All rice fields along the road were bone dry.
There were a few watering holes along the way, but these seemed close to drying up too.

The Mekong river was also quite low with islands visible and green with vegetation.
Been a few years now, when the water level submerged the steps leading up to the immigration office.

Normal level

July 2003

That's not the drought causing the drastic drop in the river's water level.
It's Dams in China.
They have three operating dams and plan more. Laos is also in the process of building dams.
There are plans for a total of 19 dams.
At that rate future travelers may well be able to wade across.
For the moment, downstream countries have pleaded with China to release more water.

Additional reading Damned Chinese: mighty Mekong a memory
review-of-contested-waterscapes-in-mekong

Monday, February 22, 2010

Sakon Nakhon FC at Mukdahan FC intense............... but scoreless

What's the difference between Buriram FC and Sakon Nakhon FC road games?
Ten busloads of spectators (Buriram FC pictured right).
Think the difference is sponsorship.

During Sakon Nakhon's first away game against Mukdahan, team supporters were sparse. Even Mukdahan's home team crowd was considerably less than expected.

I was invited to attend the game by my extended Thai family and friends.
As was expected, I was also invited to handle expenses. Something I really did not mind doing... this time.

We arrived early enough to take a short walk along the Mukdaham riverfront.

First things first:
Public toilets were 5 baht,
unless of course you knew about the open rear staircase.
Thailand is funny that way.

Next on the agenda 5 baht rental of binoculars enabling you to get a closer look of the shores of Laos.

So why did I wind up paying 10 baht.
Those are the more powerful ones, they cost extra.

Can you see me alright?

Of course there are endless stalls selling everything from kitchen cutlery, cheap toys and tools, herbs, spices. You name it...

My wallet passed the market unscathed

We arrived at the game minutes before opening ceremonies.

It was an intense game with plenty of near misses. Kept me at at the edge of my seat.
Plenty of cheering and lot's of oey's

Just before half time the music was turned up quite loud behind us. The parking lot served as a multipurpose field and locals had gathered for their daily exercise.

Great halftime show in my opinion.
Mother nature also added it's own feature for the show

I mentioned this earlier, but the team really needs some sponsors. At least so they can buy some drum sticks.
Until then they'll make due with what they have