Sakon Nakhon Chinese New Year celebrations (udated)

A couple days after Valentines day.  An evening trip into the center of town is a must. A special bonus is of course if you get an invite to the temple dinner celebration. This collection of pictures and videos from the past fifteen years is a project in the making. Plenty of stories to tell

2007   2009 xxxxxxxxx 2009   2010 2011 2012 Feb 10, 2013   2014 2015 2016

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

One day in Bangkok

The motorcycle trip to Nawa to attend Mick's funeral on Wednesday left me physically exhausted and a bit in pain.  Thursday I had a Bangkok appointment and did a round trip in one day. 5:30 am to 9 pm. Return flight from Bangkok my mental headcount, counted over half a dozen, possibly ten westerners arriving in Sakon Nakhon on that flight.  The numbers of westerners visiting the area for short and extended visits are way up from what they used to be.  Most noticeably to me, the morning flight to Bangkok via AirAsia there were no services unless you paid extra for them. Not even a bottle of water.  Nok Air did offer a miniature bottle of water. Pictured is a Nok air complimentary water bottle next to a 5 baht bottle.  I had an inflight meal on the way home, and spotted other passengers being served Singha. Keep in mind these amnimineties have to be paid for at time of booking. Had not noticed it as much on my morning Airasia flight, Nok Air no legroom. My knee was pressed against the seat in front of me. Behind me a mother flying with a presumably one year old infant. Lets just say it was a one hour non stop kicking and bouncing trip. Somewhere in Bangkok I received a two Euro coin (valued at 78 baht or US$2.48)  instead of Thai ten Baht. These coins are identical in size and appearance Spent a couple hours in a Bangkok restaurant enjoyed a blt with chicken and egg. "Keep your whiskey out of sight, no problem."

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Michael Kemp Funeral 24 January 2018

I had met Mick at a few public expat events. Not close friends, just friendly acquaintances.  

For me the motorcycle drive to Nawa was physically exhausting, but I wanted to pay my respect to the family and make some photo memories.

Got to say hello to friends and acquaintances, and meet new ones.

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Mick Kemp's funeral today งานศพ ในวันนี้

Receiving mourners at the residence noon and before.  Temple Appointment 1 pm
Awaiting further information (driving directions).   Think the town is NAWA, also the home of Bruno's bar.  Trying to decide if I want to do this trip by motorcycle or hire a car.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

In South East Asia, low levels of influenza activity were reported. WHO

If you have the flu, don't travel

World Health Organization updated 8 January summary of Influenza around the world


Why the Deadly 2018 Flu Season Could Get Even Worse | Fortune

The Trouble with This Year's Flu Season

From China to Europe by train, next stop Thailand

Still consider the high speed rail system 'under construction' in Thailand will be more beneficial to Chinese businesses than Thailand. China will use Thailand as a thoroughfare.  At high speeds it won't be much of a sightseeing trip.

Morning ritual

A morning ritual, chasing the mosquitos away.
Expat Michael Kemp, who resided in Ban Na Wa, Nakhon Phanom, passed away Friday, January 19, as a result of a vehicular accident.
Accused of questioning the accuracy of proclaimed Thai history That's a huge POTHOLE

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

To avoid a repeat of the worst football experience I'm gathering data

The worst thing that can happen is that you drive four or five hours to attend a football game only to be told the playing venue has been changed, but noone you asked knew where.

distance to Sakon Nakhon	team	Stadium
314 km	Buriram
312 km	Khong Chee Mool Surin	Surin
310 km	Loei  City F.C.
208 km	Mahasarakham F.C.	Mahasarakham Stadium
334 km	Chaiyaphum United F.C.	Chaiyaphum Stadium
310 km	Muang Loei United F.C.	Wang Saphung Stadium
391 km	Huai Thalaeng United F.C.	Surapala Keetha Sathan Stadium
214 km	Nongbua Pitchaya F.C.	Nong Bua Lamphu Province Stadium 17°07′48″N 102°25′25″E
284 km	Sisaket United F.C.	Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium 15°06′02″N 104°20′27″E
312 km	Surin City F.C.	Sri Narong Stadium 14°52′30″N 103°29′48″E
283 km	Ubon UMT United F.C.	UMT STadium 15.263592°N 104.842982°E
180 km	Yasothon F.C	Suan Phayathan Stadium 15°46′58″N 104°09′05″E

There's still some data to be updated as it becomes available

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Squashed Dreams

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon