more pictures- Phon Na Kaeo Longboat Races

Saturday afternoon at the Phon Na Kaeo long boat races.

Spent most of the time leisurely walking around the entire lake, Chang at hand.
I was a bit amazed by the number of people who recognized and greeted me.

Of course there was plenty of entertainment, dancing, socializing, and yes... drinking

  

Plenty of security around the stage and dancing area, all smiles and Thai polite, made me feel safe and welcome.


Lost in translation

My work permit application had been put on hold until the new school term begins in November.  

There were some questions regarding my answers on one of the forms:

For official purposes I listed my father as "unknown" and left the remaining questions blank.  

I had to explain why I did not list his occupation and religion.

I listed my mother as deceased, but still had to explain her religion.  

She's not going to church these days.

Don't miss this link

"Threat of bubble economy looms again for Thailand"    THE NATION
a well written and informative editorial analyzing the current monetary situation

Internet television I'm watching

Al Jazeera  BBC1  ABC   NBC  TNT

Boat Race weekend at Phon Na Kaeo

Indulged in my favorite past time today.  

Jumped on the crotch rocket (motorcycle), and drove out into the countryside.  

First a stopover at Eddy's restaurant, where I learned that he has recovered and attends to the bar during the evening hours.  

Of course I also caught up on the latest gossip of who'd been visiting, who's back in town, and who indulged in a bit of a beer when he knows he shouldn't. 

After a few drinks I was off to see how  preparations are going for this weekend's boat races.

A few miles down the road on highway 223, you can see the highway sign were you turn left. (click on the photo to see a larger view)

The road does have a few potholes, here and there, so it's advisable to drive at a reasonable speed.

Once you come to this intersection (pictured below), it's time to look for a parking space.

It's a good idea to carry an umbrella, wear a hat, and use sunscreen

At the fair grounds everything seems to be ready for the fun ahead.

There are even opportunities to participate in model car races

The eateries are all ready and the cooks are lounging while they can

The longboats are arriving and are being readied

Seems like even the judges are doing a test boat trip

Festival Preparations underway

They were hauling away road dividers in town this morning.

Construction of the grandstands is well underway.

Banners all over town announce the Wax Castle Festival, the boat races, and a vegetarian festival at the Chinese temple from Oct 8 through 10.

They are also quite busy at the lake harvesting seaweed and vegetation from the boating race area.

 

As previously mentioned, the Welcome bar was recently sold.
It is now Thai owned and will shortly be renamed.  They will continue the Friday evening pool tournaments.  At the moment the bar is open in the evenings only.
The bar will begin regular hours on October 15 and will have a Thai menu.


There's some interesting reading at the EXPAT FORUM, entitled "In Thailand ... someone is always watching you." It's well written, and oh so true.

Don't miss the picture of the porn restaurant sign at the Pattaya Rag. 
It's hilarious.
Porn is a very common name in Thailand and does not mean the same thing it does in English. 
While ago I had this call from a friend complaining that his girlfriend went to Pattaya to do Porn. A quick phone call and I set him straight. 
She was in Pattaya with her friend named Porn


If you're interested to find out what sales BigC is having, you can see their advertising brochures on-line

The most intense La Nina since 1955 is forming near the equator.  Expect unseasonably heavy rains.  Philippines bracing for La Nina

Torrential rains and flash floods forecast

A tropical depression to the east of us is moving in a northwesterly direction.

Heavy rains are forecast through midweek.

Welcome Bar changes ownership

The bar will temporarily not be open during day time and opens at 6 PM.
The bar should be on a regular operating schedule after October 15, opening at 10 AM.

Concert time correction

Previously mentioned a concert of Isaan type music at Ming Muang Field.
The concert is scheduled for October 4, not Saturday, October 1.

Thai filing system

Got an example of the Thai way of filing.
I'll have to remember this one for future reference.
Decided to visit the local hospital to get an injection for a pulled muscle.
Checked in at the front desk and handed the receptionist my passport.
After about ten minutes on the computer, she still had not found my files.
Another ten minutes and my records just didn't seem to exist.
I tried to simplify her search by printing my name on a piece of paper.
No help!!
After over half an hour, and with plenty people getting ahead of me, she finally found my files.
In the hospital records my name is not Hans, but Mr Hans.
Now who would think to look for Hans under the M's.
Not me!!

Thank my lucky stars this was not an emergency.  I'd be in deep doo doo.   555

Thai lingo for dummies

The Thai version of lol (laughing out loud) in a text conversation. "5" in Thai is pronounced "ha," so three of them would be "hahaha."

Keep Kool, Insulate

The problem with most brick and mortar houses is the fact that these building materials absorb and hold heat either through direct exposure to the sun or through heat absorbed and transmitted from  roof tiles.

 

My attic, without insulation or ventilation had the capabilities to fry an egg in under 30 seconds.

First I had vents installed at both ends of the attic.

There are a number of options for attic insulation. 

Large sheets of paper backed foil which are mounted under the roof tiles.   These sheets come in varying sized rolls

Recently saw local advertisements of a company which sprays insulation either on the top or underside of roof tiles.  It's something I may consider on a newer roof.

I insulated my suspended ceilings in 2005 with a combination of  Styrofoam sheets and rolls of insulation.

Purchased the insulation at PC hardware store at 90 baht per roll.  I had found these insulation rolls being sold at other stores at double that price.

Still on my Christmas wish list, a solar Attic Vent, something I have not been able to find locally.