Fun things to do in N.E. Isaan

Tourism Authority of Thailand,TAT, Nakhon Phanom office video's on YouTube are dramatically improving.

Another video at YouTube is of a last year's Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession,a similar procession is held later this month in Nakhon Phanom.

The Great Escape, Sakon Style

Just when you thought you've seen it all, the question arises: 

 "Why did the sow cross the four lane highway?"

With each approaching vehicle, this ham scurried to safety, eventually accomplishing a safe crossing. 

Smarter than most soi dogs

Sakon Nakhon Real Estate

Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand.  http://www.ddproperty.com/en/sakon-nakhon     It's an eight page listing of local realestate. It's interesting to note is the prices

The title "Teaser..." is right.

At the end of the video a big headline: 
"coming soon."

I asked: "when?" 
 The reply was: "Maybe not"

All Quiet on the Sakon City Waterfront

Only one longboat in the water

Seaweed harvesting pending

Lunchtime, Seaweed harvesters sit idle

Not sure if benches have been sitting there all year or were recently erected. Hope a safety check is on the agenda 

It's an awfully bad designed bridge, especially for senior citizens, impossible for the disabled.  Made even more difficult by missing planks 

Park entrance for the 'Parade' delivering the royal trophy.

Look at the steps to get an accurate feel for the steepness of the ramp.

Some vehicles have to  ""put the pedal to the metal" 

It all starts in eight days

Hope the upper half of this float is completed

Parade Craze

Saw this high speed parade go past me last week.

Complete with police escorts, stopping traffic to let the convoy pass  

The types of parades in this city always amaze me

As Seen at Apple's

At times it's like an antique car show

A remnant of times gone by
Probably a 1960's model

Battle station: Snake Alert

7 pm: 
A neighbor alerted us to the fact that she had seen a snake enter our garden.

Flashlights in hand we quickly discovered the invader.

With the primary defensive weapon, bleach spray,  not available, a brick served as immobilizer.
Only the head was visible and easily decapitated.

With fields drying out, snakes are on the move seeking moist environments.

Sakon Nakhon Royal Longboat Races October 26-27, 2012

The procession delivering the Royal Trophies to the Grandstand begins at  8AM 
This year there are twelve groups participating in the parade

A ceremonial delivery of the trophies near the grandstands 

At the conclusion of the delivery ceremony, the Thai National Anthem is performed, usually by a military ensemble.

By the time the speeches begin, it's time to find yourself a good viewing area

If you arrive late for "The Parade of Boats," seats are available further from the grandstands

The Boat parade includes a trophy peacock dance contest

Boat races begin immediately after the "Parade of Boats."

Recommend a pleasant walk amongst  team cheerleaders and families, you'll get plenty of hellos and welcomes

Some time in the mid to late afternoon a rest period is recommended, so you are refreshed for an evening of fun activities