Monday, December 19, 2011

Temperatures rising 34C, and dropping 10C

Local 


Wednesday Highs and Lows
Thai 
Meteorological 
Weather 
Underground
accuweather
Feels Like
Meo 
Weather
Weather
Channel
29/15
28/17
34/16
27/17
29/16


Sunday  Highs and Lows
Thai 
Meteorological 
Weather 
Underground
accuweather
Feels Like
Meo 
Weather
Weather
Channel
24/12
22/10
27/11
21/10
26/11


  • Tropical storm Washi  to weaken before reaching  Malasia  
    Bangkok Post


  • Tropical storm Washi recently created havoc over the Philippines

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Sakon vs Khon Kaen Coke Cup Final, Friday

Sakon faces Khon Kan in the final match of this year's coke cup.
3 PM Friday, municipal field. 

This Saturday, proceed with caution

 Red Rally in Sakon Nakhon
That according to an article in today's THE NATION
I'll be keeping a great distance from any public gatherings Saturday, and recommend foreigners do the same.
Most likely security forces will be out in full force for the occasion throughout the city.

I'm shopping  in Khon Kean
Many hotels in in Khon Kean had no vacancy.
Possibly due to the silk festival.

Thanks to Tom of Isaan-life I found the Grand Lion.
Not a fancy hotel, but suited me just fine.  Located just a short distance from a shopping center and the place I had to go.

Been quite a pleasant trip so far, and I've been offered a free ride home.

My view of Khon Kean


So is there some other purpose for schools?
What amazed me even more was the wiring system.
I'd hate to be the lineman looking for your phone connection.

You really have to step carefully.
These critters are everywhere. Just glad they are cement, not the real thing.



After taking care of my affairs I had a rum breakfast nearby.
Met this guy who'd been thinking he's been drinking Thai Whiskey for the past ten years. He was a bit shocked that Sangsom is a rum




My free ride home has been delayed by a day, after a bit more local shopping, we are off to Udon

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Traveling for an annual Income Statement

I'm on the way for an overnight stay in Khon Kaen.
Had strongly considered doing the trip on my motorbike.  Done that before, a couple of times.
That's a chilly trip through the Phu Phan Mountains this time of the year.
I do not have proper attire.

Did consider 'briefly' traveling by bus. My spine said "don't you dare!"

In the end I opted to hire a car (Bt3,700).  Pricey I know, but my spine appreciates it.
At least this way I can have a few cocktails along the way.

  



Monday, December 12, 2011

Cool Temperatures Continue

Clouds approaching from the south
Local patchy  clouds (midweek).  No rain in the forecast


TuesWedThurFriSatSun
Thai Meteorological 26/1528/1728/1826/1728/1828/18
Weather Underground26/1428/1729/1826/1527/1527/15
Accu Weather29/1430/1631/1629/1629/1631/16
Meo Weather24/1426/1726/1825/1526/1526/15
Weather Channel27/1428/1729/1728/1629/1529/16





Seems A bit premature forecasting

  • Marathon somewhere in Sakon Nakhon.
    Don't recognize the location.  Apparently it took place Sunday 


This Day in Sakon History
December 13, 2009

Sakon Nakhon Dragon Festival 2011


Not too many dragons came out of hiding this year. it seemed like a  a very downsized celebration.
No participant cobra performers, no painted faces.
Female participants were in their daily garb, no fancy dressed ladies.




Even the starting times had been changed.  I was  almost two hours early when I arrived at the temple. The police detail responsible for the safety of the event hadn't yet arrived.

You gotta admire and respect those Sakon Nakhon guys in brown. 
They did a fine job insuring that the day ended without accident or injury marring the celebrations.
Juggling uninterrupted traffic and a parade.  On top of it all frequent deafening firecrackers.

 



I arrived early at the temple. Folks where eating breakfast and drinking coffee.
I received dozens of very friendly 'hello's and a cup of coffee.

Trinket sellers accompanied the parade from start to finish. 
Didn't whiteness any sales.
It was really a fun day

Someone could make money selling earplugs at these events
Protective masks and goggles would probably also sell well

It was really a fun day

 
You could identify businesses wishing to be blessed, by offerings tables in front of their business



Unlike a bull in a glass shop, these dragons caused no breakage when they entered a business

Kids searched for unexploded fireworks after each celebration
View the  entire Album of the Sakon Nakhon 2011 Dragon Festival