November 14, 2014 Mandawee Resort, Land Tour

Friday, November 14

This morning everyone is up by 6:30 and we head for breakfast, as we have a land tour today beginning at 8:30.  Many more people have arrived and most if not all are Thai.  Nice air-conditioned van picks us up and we have a driver and a tour guide.

We pass quite a few rubber trees which are being tapped.  This and palms grown for the coconut and palmoil are the main agricultural products here.  The apparent attitude of drivers here is to use the entire width of the road as long as all vehicles fit.  There are many motorbikes with side carts, tuk tuk's, pick-up trucks, vans, buses, cars and motorbikes and what appears to be two wider interior lanes and two narrower one on the outside.  Traffic just sort of flows...

First stop is a souvenir shop - everyone here encourages you to support the economy!  We buy some postage stamps and soon are back on the road.  We notice many single pump gas stations (Happy Oil and others) which service the scooters and motorbikes.  Gas is $1 per liter.  There are massive amounts of electrical wiring on concrete poles - looks like they just keep adding more as things develop! Quite a lot of vegetation including flowers.

First stop is a trail through the jungle to Crystal Pond, Blue Pool and Emerald Pool. Nice walk, nice water but not spectacular.  Unfortunately they allow swimming and it seems to us that things will be ruined sooner rather than later....

Pretty dong fern along the way.  Trail begins as raised concrete, then there is some wood and then muddy dirt.

Next is Ron (Hot) Waterfall.  Another trail leads to some pretty falls formed by hot springs.

 At a small pavillion near the river we notice this curious python popping his head out of the rafters.  He soon withdrew so we never saw more than his head but it was large!  Saw this cute lizard there as well - about 8".

We go to a nice little open-air restaurant for lunch, again typical Thai food, though it is not very spicy at all for us "farangs" foreigners.  Most dishes are chicken or pork or shrimp.  Some fish, but beef is seldom seen.

Next stop is Tiger Cave and Wat Thumsula.  There is a cave which was once occupied by a tiger and later converted to a buddhist temple. There are both monks and nuns at Tiger Cave.  The monks are in orange, the nuns have shaved heads and wear white.
 They are building a huge wat nearby with cool dragons, tigers and a big gong which we see several people rubbing for luck.

 The Thai people do lots of things for luck and consider many things (tigers, rats, etc.) signs of luck.  Having our photo taken with Leaw, the tiger, is also supposed to bring luck.

We have seen very very few policemen, though we do see several signs touting "Tourist Police - Your First Friend".  We return to Mandawee at 4:30, do a quick change and catch a shuttle to Krabi town.  No dinner at the resort tonight, so we find a nice seafood restaurant along the water called Ao-Nang Seafood.  We order and share an assortment of foods including pineapple rice, curried seafood in coconut, fish cakes and fruit.

The walk along the beach is very busy and has many shops and restaurants.  There is a cabaret and a couple of "lady boys" dressed to the 9's trying to get customers.  They take a liking to Tom - all in good fun.  What good looking "women"!!

Catch a shuttle back to Mandawee, go for a swim and call it a night.

Thursday, November 13

Nice night's rest despite hard bed - which we hear is typical for Thailand.    Enjoyed rice soup at breakfast - sort of like porridge - with many things to mix in, omelets, juice, toast, fried rice.  Internet speed is good and Tom and I exchange a few pictures.

At 8:30 we left for a boat tour to several islands in the Andaman Sea.  We are just a few minutes from the water.   Many long tail boats but today we are on a speed boat named Catherine.  About 15 of us, including 3 staff.

First stop is Pra Nang Island which has very nice beach with a couple of shrines to a goddess - lots of phalic symbols - and a small cave and plenty of rock formations.  I asked a Swedish man to take a picture of all of us.  There are a lot of different nationalities around: Swedish, Australian, Brits, Malaysian, Thai and more.

 A few minutes ride takes us to Tup Island, one of several closely spaced.  The tide is coming in, so we opt not to wade to the other island and instead go for a nice swim with lots of green and black striped fishes.

Next we anchor off chicken island and out comes the snorkeling equipment.  Nice snorkeling with many varieties of fish including parrot fish, moorish idol (big angel fish), tiger fish, spiky black sea urchins, and lots of coral, some colorful green and purple. Mam has never snorkled before and we could hear her giggling in delight through her snorkel! If you were too still some of the tiger fish nibbled so I kept moving!

Then we went onto chicken island for lunch.  Does this look like a chicken to you?

  Lunch was a chicken drumstick and typical stir-fried veggies and rice.  Then on to Poda Island which had nice beaches, a wooded center and monkeys.

Most of these islands are part of a National Maritime Park and there are some tent campers on Poda. Hot in the sun, but pleasant in the shade where we walked and hung out.

Back to shore and a short ride returned us to Mandawee where we swam a bit in the pool and Greg worked out at their fitness center.   Quite a rain storm came through, complete with thunder and lightning and what definitely qualified as torrential rain.

  But by 6:00 it had cleared, and we headed down the street to the dining hall.  Thai fried rice, a curry and several other choices, plus the usual pineapple and watermelon , both of which are grown locally.  We have also seen mango trees, papayas, lots of bananas as well as jack fruit and some others.

Played some Golf (cards) and had a good evening.

Wednesday, November 12
Today was a travel day.  We have been rising early, so this morning most of us walked a few blocks to a market at about 7:00.  It was very busy, with people buying and selling.  Several monks were there, as they present themselves every morning with a basket or bowl and people give them food and other items and in return receive a blessing, sometimes chanted.

Mam was with us, so she identified quite a few items that were for sale.  Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves was very popular, as were many different fruits, vegetables, eggs, assorted other meats and sausages, dried and steamed fish, prawns, live catfish,  Some of the items were fresh and some were cooked on the spot, such as soups, spring rolls, a kind of donut-y pastry.  Mam says many workers pick up something here to take with them to work for lunch.

Back to the hotel and breakfast buffet, then we checked out and met our driver for a ride to the airport - this time to a different airport, Don Mueang which is the original airport which now handles mostly domestic flights.  We went through security and all with no problems and boarded an Air Asia flight to Krabi - about an hour and twenty minutes.  Smooth flight and a driver from the Mandawee Resort was there to meet us in Krabi.

We went through Krabi town and the resort was 15 minutes or so away.  The land is mostly flat with rugged, abrupt limestone karst mountains partially covered with vegetation. We are on the west side of Thailand, on the Adaman Sea. Tropical vegetation and many flowers. Chap and Mam got a wonderful deal, renting a 3 bedroom villa with a pool.  The package also includes two tours, one on land and one by boat, a massage and all meals.  We went to the restaurant for a light lunch and later in the afternoon we all had foot massages, which included legs, feet as well as neck and shoulders. Very relaxing.

It began to rain sometime during the hour-long massage, so we had tea and waited for the rain to abate.  Around 6:00 it was just dripping a bit and we made the short dash to the restaurant for the dinner buffet.  Thai food including rice and a few dishes with fresh fruit as a finish.  Went back to the villa and played cards for a while.  The shower in our bathroom is a waterfall shower and there is no shower curtain...Greg and I haven't figured out how to shower without soaking the floor, but it is all tile so we aren't too worried.

After a dip in the pool by some, we called it a night.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Short night as we are adjusting to time change. We got up at 4 AM and Greg went for a walk while Beth started on the blog.  Greg reported that street vendors were already beginning to set up and guards, taxi drivers and others beginning to mill around.  Greg came back and watched Premier League Darts on TV!  We get a few English channels.

We met the others here in the hotel for their breakfast buffet – quite extensive with both Thai and Western foods.  Omelets, pastries, rice soup, lots of fresh fruit and much more.

Our driver, “Lek", met us at 7 AM and we headed to Ratchaburi Province to a Floating Market.  About a 50 mile drive. Traffic already heavy as we pass uniformed school children, vendors, etc.  This is a city of 7 million!  

There are policemen posted occasionally to help keep traffic moving, most of whom are wearing face masks to protect from the pollution.

Many of the businesses and shops do not open till 9AM or so but there are lots of people out.

We pass by some large flooded fields and learn that these are salt farms.  They bring the water from the oceans in and dry it to get salt.  Many people selling huge bags of the finished product along the road.   We stop by an area where they are making sugar from coconut palm nuts and selling many products made from it as well as the husks.

We arrive at the Floating Market and board a boat, similar to the longtail we rode yesterday – long and narrow to travel the canals.  At first there is just an occasional shop, then many more and many more boats as well.  Some vendors have shops along the canal and the boats (shoppers) pull up and you can shop from the boat.  Other vendors are in their own boats, selling everything from hats, purses, carvings, paintings and clothing, to Pad Thai, roasted meats, drinks and fresh fruit.  Some smile and hawk their things quietly while others are  more aggressive. There are many women amongst the boaters and sellers and some are wearing white faces which Mam says is sunblock.

At some points there are 4 or five boats abreast across the canal and much bumping and thumping as people jockey for position.  Away from the busiest parts, there are some lovely teak houses and personal residences.  Many mango, coconut palm, banana and other trees with abundant fruits. Lots of flowers as well, including bouganvilla, hibiscus, bird of paradise, and lots unidentified others. Tom buys a hat, Beth a scarf, and Mam buys some little coconut treats made from thick coconut milk which is steamed.

From here, we head back to the city and The King’s Palace, which is a huge and beautiful complex bustling with tourists and school groups.  There is some sort of military event going on in one area also, so many people in uniform.

The complex is huge and buildings are a mix of gold, intricate tile work, and statuary.  Beautiful and amazing workmanship, some of which dates back to the 1700’s.   The temple of the Emerald Buddah is here also where we remove our shoes and wonder through.  The actual Buddah is from the 1400’s and is rather small but is ensconced in an elaborate structure.  This Buddah, as well as many others, is dressed in orange robes.  The king changes the outfits of the Buddah four times a year.  There are many characters from Hindu religion as well, as the two religions of Hinduism and Buddhism are related and intertwined through the history of Thailand.  There are other buildings housing weaponry, artwork, two throne rooms and more, as well as a Government Building with offices and such.  There are Thai military guards posted periodically and their stoic expressions do not change as tourists stand beside them for photos, etc.

We return through the bustling city, including Chinatown which is lined with shops and food carts, to the hotel.  Traffic is just unbelievable with vehicles changing lanes often and driving wherever there is space.  Buses, motorbikes, scooters, tuk-tuks , cars and vans as well as an occasional bicycle jockey their way forward.  We reach the hotel in time for nice shower and rest.  It has been a very hot day, so this is welcome!

We meet again for dinner at 6PM and walk to a Thai restaurant called Taling Pling, passing by Indian, Lebanese and other restaurants en route.  Again, we order a variety of dishes and share red curries, Tom Yum Soup, asparagus and prawns, kale, pad thai, shrimp and fish cakes… some with a little spice but none very hot if you avoid those little chili peppers! Yum!

NOVEMBER 8, 2014 TO AIRPORT, LONDON, BANGKOK THAILAND

November 8-10, 2014

Bryan took us to the airport Saturday afternoon, where we boarded United 935 to London.  Plane was almost full.  We watched several movies en route - Hercules, Maleficent and Draft Day, none of which were stellar, although Draft Day was suprisingly crisp and fun.  Managed a tiny bit of sleep and arrived in London about 9 hours later, a little early.  Had a little more than 2 hours layover.  No problems with security, etc. and we boarded Thai Air 911 on time.

The Thai Air plane was only 15-20% full, at best, so we had room to spread out!  Watched a little entertainment, had a typical chicken and rice dinner and then was able to sleep for a few hours as Beth stretched out on the three seats behind us and Greg had three in our original row!  The Thai attendents were very nice and polite, greeting us with wai's and handing out warm towels before every meal or snack service.

Arrived in Bangkok and moved smoothly through passport and customs.  Chap and Mam were there to meet us and had hired a driver and van to pick us up and take us to the hotel.  It is Monday morning here. Heavy rush hour traffic where lanes tended to appear and disappear at random. Aggressive drivers, but didn't see vehicles with dents so I guess they all get along.  No way we would drive here! Many scooters in the city, which weave in and out of the other traffic.

Narai Hotel on Silom Road.  Checked in and had a good hot shower. Then Greg and Mam had a quick bite to eat and headed back to the airport to meet Tom and Sue.  Beth went with Chap to run a few business-related errands.  We picked up some certifications for a few stones, bought some cutting supplies for his shop and delivered a few things to his friend Indie  in the Jewelry Exchange Building where Chap has a small office.  A man at the cutting supply store was able to show us how to replace the sim card in my phone, so that is now functioning, with the same number.  Stopped at Bangkok Bank, also, and exchanged some dollars for bhat. We walked and enjoyed the sights - many food carts selling meats, vegetables like corn on the cob, and many types of fresh fruits.  Traffic is a bit crazy and I learned that not everyone will stop at a red light and, as Chap said, the pedestrian does NOT have the right of way here!

Saw several "spirit houses" or small shrines decorated with flowers, incense, etc. These and wats - temples - are prolific.  Passersby would often pause and wai before them.

I took a short nap back at the hotel till Greg and Mam arrived back with Tom and Sue.  We all met downstairs in a bit and the driver took us to the river where we boarded a long tail boat.  They are long and narrow, with propellers on the end of a long rod.  Big engines - Tom said V6's and V8's.

Water had lots of floating hyacinths.  Temperatures warm and humidity high so it felt good to be moving.  Our boat soon turned off of the Chao Prayo River into canals which wound around the city, past many homes, Wats, etc.  Some homes were very poor, almost tumble-down, others were quite substantial.  Many homes growing morning glories in the water nearby - the young plant growth makes a tasty salad (which we sampled later).  Glimpses of many fish - some quite large - along with several komodo dragons - very large 3-6' long!   Several fishermen and we passed a few boats which were hawking drinks, hats, etc. Quite a mixture of peoples and homes, but most smiled and waved at us tourists.

Our one stop was at Wat Arun, which was a collection of decorative buildings including a tall chedi with steep stairs, which we climbed part way.  Intricate details including statues of buddha, horses, warriors, etc.  We only had 30 minutes here and then climbed back into the long boat and returned to our driver and the hotel.

We walked a few blocks down the street to Silom Village Trade Center where we enjoyed an interesting a tasty dinner, with Chap and Mam ordering a collection of dishes that we shared.  Some of the dishes included catfish, prawns in garlic, scallop salad, morning glory salad, chicken with cashews and a glass noodle & mushroom salad.  All with rice, of course.  A few of the dishes were spicy but by avoiding those little green and red chili peppers, all were fine.  Slices of fresh papaya, water mellon and pineapple topped things off!

We wandered back to the hotel, stopping at Hindu temple across the street which was having some sort of ceremony.  We will all meet for breakfast tomorrow.