tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37473387109821600062024-03-14T03:53:15.726-07:00NIGEL'S WORLDNIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-22510344296263266402010-06-14T21:13:00.000-07:002010-06-15T03:13:26.914-07:00Laos: Vientiane - Cherry's Diary: Our new home<div style="text-align: center;">Finally my half-sister Lily & I have a new home. A new home far from Bangkok. A new home in another country called Laos in the capital city of Vientiane. A new home surrounded by trees and plants & compared to Bangkok, this is a dream come true. We have our very own house, which is roomy & quite comfortable for our needs. We have a large garden to play in and explore and being surrounded by high walls a very safe place, too. ..... although, given the opportunity we both love to escape and roam in the quite Soi (street) outside and explore the Buddhist temple opposite. The young monks are very friendly and do not mind us playing around. Every morning, after a quick breakfast, Nigel takes me for a walk along the banks of the mighty River Mekong. At the moment, Lily is still too young to enjoy this walk, really, I think, she hates being on the lead. I like it, as I am always close to my master, but still able to explore and I have made a number of doggy friends too..... Life is just perfect:<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEC6PyagtnwgP0tQv5oYY4EO9xSYE_rs5EeB_XWPOC9qbNUZCsL7RNwRMhhVGhq1SLJbXunbYvDou14We9GEw6r3l4Nowf8PR8DszTy6PAWu_4Y6-DLOTthaffqUsXXhhSye0E0fA/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEC6PyagtnwgP0tQv5oYY4EO9xSYE_rs5EeB_XWPOC9qbNUZCsL7RNwRMhhVGhq1SLJbXunbYvDou14We9GEw6r3l4Nowf8PR8DszTy6PAWu_4Y6-DLOTthaffqUsXXhhSye0E0fA/s400/IMG_0096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482914703627809042" border="0" /></a>The main house<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaUT4KJDRVOMwTMdk7I_db-RZ6WYhAicPuBroxTuOjH71AQTw6xFxggPm9D2CNkk34pxV8ROP4gJlA7YSTSV5sIKbq2xSTWNEJ2twT-GvQwgku2qDOMg_7v-L37dMD9iWvFFAAcor/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaUT4KJDRVOMwTMdk7I_db-RZ6WYhAicPuBroxTuOjH71AQTw6xFxggPm9D2CNkk34pxV8ROP4gJlA7YSTSV5sIKbq2xSTWNEJ2twT-GvQwgku2qDOMg_7v-L37dMD9iWvFFAAcor/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482910209638075490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is our new house, which is roomy but quite cosy & is connected to the main house<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYmv4ZX_cyPT6_AH1_ZYvW6i_gX2gJfiR6c5NUiOH3OuVi7A68S6hFxmLYRYKUUDnW276MzLXmuTjEzQ5Ughrpa9pGnRU7h_UuH5MRFV5HvHNn0vRdnzF5hXBqO29qX8w26sl7bJ_/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYmv4ZX_cyPT6_AH1_ZYvW6i_gX2gJfiR6c5NUiOH3OuVi7A68S6hFxmLYRYKUUDnW276MzLXmuTjEzQ5Ughrpa9pGnRU7h_UuH5MRFV5HvHNn0vRdnzF5hXBqO29qX8w26sl7bJ_/s400/IMG_0102.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482912645125033090" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Given the opportunity we do like to sit in comfort in the Main House watching the TV or just falling asleep.....<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5jenF4QKKOvWYAhD_VksTAmkOGTX7TAMF7eC-OctNNoBOzCqKC7BNxxt-EKh_vu683WGffinLk_akogcRZu4iQu72aegThrQ8pSiS1P3iKFHO5F7bzqVubOC9o9t46gQlBXXnRox/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLTu3apyL1tgJcNQKH1Sp2DWE11gQQEJbzX5kGghMLcgJH_4fCkoTgKAIzIu29oSPNorHRNNZ0gLR3gRnTjzgeVLJnDhxgdMI8jF18HbcKc8yIDmCHvOkZZuFUfbGGyvKFbTOZCWt/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLTu3apyL1tgJcNQKH1Sp2DWE11gQQEJbzX5kGghMLcgJH_4fCkoTgKAIzIu29oSPNorHRNNZ0gLR3gRnTjzgeVLJnDhxgdMI8jF18HbcKc8yIDmCHvOkZZuFUfbGGyvKFbTOZCWt/s400/IMG_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482905808888469394" border="0" /></a><br />That's me<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVOo04xHzf_GJHxTywOYiq0VAph5F5vZWeXKVI3nDwQ4eBkma9s1opJ3vQnER0VQNcxftiWaz7nugFcr4O-D7yOWdIAZTw057X67ISuTI4zH6gvpNsriM2QbmkJzv056Z5RtZ5kl/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVOo04xHzf_GJHxTywOYiq0VAph5F5vZWeXKVI3nDwQ4eBkma9s1opJ3vQnER0VQNcxftiWaz7nugFcr4O-D7yOWdIAZTw057X67ISuTI4zH6gvpNsriM2QbmkJzv056Z5RtZ5kl/s400/IMG_0061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482904873142185762" border="0" /></a><br />& this is my half- sister, Lily<br /><br />The garden is a a great place to explore and has many interesting plants:<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFgSVOwza-xsW6GUqXq8XUsFy_XGBC8etXxUfpXPUQwRaJrBo9uybz9XXqpJtOTZJs2rRdSzaIY3hwam03BJ6LuPEEu5wTskuJ4xTQXxjJuif0tt97ZsiyweJ9W-EnvwoWakUp5sx/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFgSVOwza-xsW6GUqXq8XUsFy_XGBC8etXxUfpXPUQwRaJrBo9uybz9XXqpJtOTZJs2rRdSzaIY3hwam03BJ6LuPEEu5wTskuJ4xTQXxjJuif0tt97ZsiyweJ9W-EnvwoWakUp5sx/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482895508042825922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A pretty blossom tree<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0xMN6JPCBY7En1Mu6j8Yz2MksqctgkJVF1wRdzcISalpF2sGbkFJDdJDgaP1qznChj5YDpG7AubfDbvRaRpIT46_4sY7ZSlo6RwedmuaQqlX3ufbdOubaq1XjNPXrZg4OxraoXEE/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0xMN6JPCBY7En1Mu6j8Yz2MksqctgkJVF1wRdzcISalpF2sGbkFJDdJDgaP1qznChj5YDpG7AubfDbvRaRpIT46_4sY7ZSlo6RwedmuaQqlX3ufbdOubaq1XjNPXrZg4OxraoXEE/s400/IMG_0078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482893134036459138" border="0" /></a>and produces Carambola or Star Fruit<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxkMN7PUCyVOwAbqm28ajqMnEDA18Eizn6LFEsL31pyPIrTgscQgWxJPp_w4xNCF6b7UdICILlzv0RHZEEeMrdBWRDj2ZoCwZyTSLVyzBerN49eb0anR-UPhzXWZWa6_aVL7LcC6Y/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxkMN7PUCyVOwAbqm28ajqMnEDA18Eizn6LFEsL31pyPIrTgscQgWxJPp_w4xNCF6b7UdICILlzv0RHZEEeMrdBWRDj2ZoCwZyTSLVyzBerN49eb0anR-UPhzXWZWa6_aVL7LcC6Y/s400/IMG_0099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482890043517944002" border="0" /></a><br />We have our own large Mango tree<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEW2roUkElvgjiU2ujS40m_GVnORaDqeMDCloV_evWCFNauJAqw4CEn7T1uCakO-e3_nBM8UO5fukRx_0vWPNkl8z1t3sjGK4pxnjILxpERaeYtlVWIjc6Chv0Gv5PBLwPN5qkO34_/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEW2roUkElvgjiU2ujS40m_GVnORaDqeMDCloV_evWCFNauJAqw4CEn7T1uCakO-e3_nBM8UO5fukRx_0vWPNkl8z1t3sjGK4pxnjILxpERaeYtlVWIjc6Chv0Gv5PBLwPN5qkO34_/s400/IMG_0106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482888032332910338" border="0" /></a><br />a couple of delicious Yellow Coconut palms<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgvHhmAz3h9qvxe-1DhckDc_zmqeO9YU3wp8Gc8zZpm8yBKUzfVi2lmXQWavIz1c9l20NCKiK170aGvu_Rjw63L7WGeU_vOmVQQ37JrroqRC2v6d4k63a6bwwtNjaodjdeN5z7_4I/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgvHhmAz3h9qvxe-1DhckDc_zmqeO9YU3wp8Gc8zZpm8yBKUzfVi2lmXQWavIz1c9l20NCKiK170aGvu_Rjw63L7WGeU_vOmVQQ37JrroqRC2v6d4k63a6bwwtNjaodjdeN5z7_4I/s400/IMG_0082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482881955621552354" border="0" /></a><br />and a number of Banana Plants, too....<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTkKAZoJUoDCxMQnwpu4xCxP-txkLRlfZ4gMwAKZIhaFy1VSovM1JTkkUJ4W57WUOlAUAlapHI_2__fA0Y6O_giLReQYIssySLs3E40NBUFdkQamhGpZGRiUBcSobV28PPfkwQ_-u/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTkKAZoJUoDCxMQnwpu4xCxP-txkLRlfZ4gMwAKZIhaFy1VSovM1JTkkUJ4W57WUOlAUAlapHI_2__fA0Y6O_giLReQYIssySLs3E40NBUFdkQamhGpZGRiUBcSobV28PPfkwQ_-u/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482878764932473346" border="0" /></a><br />Here are the gates to the property from the quiet Soi<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw7P4MC1Ywcrj_ijImoZyEpQG5H1J4VJWi4-aqSVfGZz9EuJH4UVj7cBot9Wxs5kmE7FI96UwfcvvKdASjHcJ2VUJ_nB1oC_lyoBvNVt_ayMBeS_h7SrRiMPK_AEKqX8gyAFODWmC/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw7P4MC1Ywcrj_ijImoZyEpQG5H1J4VJWi4-aqSVfGZz9EuJH4UVj7cBot9Wxs5kmE7FI96UwfcvvKdASjHcJ2VUJ_nB1oC_lyoBvNVt_ayMBeS_h7SrRiMPK_AEKqX8gyAFODWmC/s400/IMG_0086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482871361535544370" border="0" /></a><br />& here am I on guard duty.......<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPNehlwHsUavRjpu8rJ4xuaBvL0kvzhMUFdC6_wjMTiZUAxGC0jjFzQxvkYm1bH6aJQFguFg3q17PoBrmNxe84VpEFW_s_5O3XyVX8SHVvc2RiWpGUOpA4OZHm_TvKNNgw7ToUWVX/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPNehlwHsUavRjpu8rJ4xuaBvL0kvzhMUFdC6_wjMTiZUAxGC0jjFzQxvkYm1bH6aJQFguFg3q17PoBrmNxe84VpEFW_s_5O3XyVX8SHVvc2RiWpGUOpA4OZHm_TvKNNgw7ToUWVX/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482867779820577506" border="0" /></a><br />View of the gates to our home from the Buddhist temple<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwBW0yb6lRt2ZPX1gurYn8GATQFAurcTxO8TQQdOMqRBlf3G3SSEgx2qNYelEIYe8jvkUsDoj1__nYZbX86kCrClyD9zo1Fc40lemgHaPMbbjqymaEG96Piy0YbG11a2mEiqfaCie/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwBW0yb6lRt2ZPX1gurYn8GATQFAurcTxO8TQQdOMqRBlf3G3SSEgx2qNYelEIYe8jvkUsDoj1__nYZbX86kCrClyD9zo1Fc40lemgHaPMbbjqymaEG96Piy0YbG11a2mEiqfaCie/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482861475567442754" border="0" /></a><br />The temple from the front....<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPh84Peguf4hDgKfThK9uFqDrRhlRzmXjIuqKlniJHtzYh3_5m8jOY5UYjQDnmO2P52d2VJwPS-b4iB4IbbeadS49vdkwAyqWaUcdyJb2JE47W0AlakLZkVlMG3BFztpZj3J4qtjG/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPh84Peguf4hDgKfThK9uFqDrRhlRzmXjIuqKlniJHtzYh3_5m8jOY5UYjQDnmO2P52d2VJwPS-b4iB4IbbeadS49vdkwAyqWaUcdyJb2JE47W0AlakLZkVlMG3BFztpZj3J4qtjG/s400/IMG_0083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482858154524836306" border="0" /></a><br /> The Temple Bell-Tower has many stone carved animals in front...<br /><br /><br /><br />Here are a couple of pictures, taken on my walk along the Mekong River, close-by<br />to home.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygW7ml8hKV5paeP-iyngQp7HeWl0W6sOV31J1z5fU7CvLl7lTetLO09_YzytdcZZ3xudCkrSJ4q6cZH1P_c-cNTHZ3KWOIWWMRTspTkjbMiTg6RDFvbFeAxEcPo3RZvTG71W0hMQb/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygW7ml8hKV5paeP-iyngQp7HeWl0W6sOV31J1z5fU7CvLl7lTetLO09_YzytdcZZ3xudCkrSJ4q6cZH1P_c-cNTHZ3KWOIWWMRTspTkjbMiTg6RDFvbFeAxEcPo3RZvTG71W0hMQb/s400/IMG_0089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482854839036917490" border="0" /></a><br />A Fish farm<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC7zYvnXmXHnuc5NZXEPSUmBvaO2-q6rTAQEFutyoLuPNV6yJ_SugpCTaRpWfG9aOTMj3239lq9-7-Jw3JMQFXXrDH-AyL5TsnTzN16dndXMCpgkifNh83zBzKwXyzbX1uocrs75h/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC7zYvnXmXHnuc5NZXEPSUmBvaO2-q6rTAQEFutyoLuPNV6yJ_SugpCTaRpWfG9aOTMj3239lq9-7-Jw3JMQFXXrDH-AyL5TsnTzN16dndXMCpgkifNh83zBzKwXyzbX1uocrs75h/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482852915106346434" border="0" /></a><br />A fisherman with traditional fishing net...<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK65T9U9AS8M-B3uX-4I-bUTuFdVhu_54T5yjGZWxSxhE4lUNM96CEjcGblAvyKPbFJwVby8cF1rccy6LiLr1jDCf17Lr-BnZo8P4Qz0Rg-3P50SKqNOwXFIhkh1QMc1su7PYwefi/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK65T9U9AS8M-B3uX-4I-bUTuFdVhu_54T5yjGZWxSxhE4lUNM96CEjcGblAvyKPbFJwVby8cF1rccy6LiLr1jDCf17Lr-BnZo8P4Qz0Rg-3P50SKqNOwXFIhkh1QMc1su7PYwefi/s400/IMG_0087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482851933414903778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Young fisherman<br /></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-77949078722378915682010-03-23T20:00:00.000-07:002010-03-24T00:46:37.925-07:00Thailand: Chonburi - Pups, monkeys & the sea<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Last weekend, Thawon, the pups & I traveled south, out of Bangkok to the coastal town of Bang Saen. Located near to the city of Chonburi, on the Bight of Bangkok, the beach here, is straight & sandy, an ideal spot for the pups to discover the delights of the sea.....</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >From previous experience, we knew Choco would be in his element & would have a great time. and this proved to be the case. His brother Bolt, though, is not a "water baby" & does not relish the water. Here proved to be no exception..... Although enticed in the water, to follow a ball, he would quickly escape back to the sanctuary of dry land.........</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDRgJ4jfcQroag1KA0O3NV9Inamq7HTjqx_v_0ax6QfG4rkGIMQBss4epr4ckLn1SrPnkdTU0YAERLOe53gRszFtWiao_1w2JcrQfAFr2ECpVI-ewxhz72ZVyqK97zezNVtEDEopT/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDRgJ4jfcQroag1KA0O3NV9Inamq7HTjqx_v_0ax6QfG4rkGIMQBss4epr4ckLn1SrPnkdTU0YAERLOe53gRszFtWiao_1w2JcrQfAFr2ECpVI-ewxhz72ZVyqK97zezNVtEDEopT/s400/IMG_0423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452078008038026994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDRgJ4jfcQroag1KA0O3NV9Inamq7HTjqx_v_0ax6QfG4rkGIMQBss4epr4ckLn1SrPnkdTU0YAERLOe53gRszFtWiao_1w2JcrQfAFr2ECpVI-ewxhz72ZVyqK97zezNVtEDEopT/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG"></a></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bolt, Thawon & Choco in the sea<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7mcc8uRLwxKiVQKAIW3WfEl0k8h-BD0JLuURd9S-SNaMPLfzLidPI8EdvmLDPt8xMZj6sammaFmR_WoBDnzDQcIr41zio00xP5MLLlBQkrGDRF7k0l-Gael1F8u4eubpLQ2fXW-z/s1600/IMG_0421.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7mcc8uRLwxKiVQKAIW3WfEl0k8h-BD0JLuURd9S-SNaMPLfzLidPI8EdvmLDPt8xMZj6sammaFmR_WoBDnzDQcIr41zio00xP5MLLlBQkrGDRF7k0l-Gael1F8u4eubpLQ2fXW-z/s400/IMG_0421.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452077723870973058" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A great pose by Choco<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TAHTxkLYFweZyn6s25EY2Wf_Q2K52yTLq9bnht21x6BuPrJnMwdE-ZkGU9R7WAHIxFXD4bYdT28KXZB8A9CiNGwlgtjCLQ9iuiWbc9ia_eU1dNLHP12WKUveVAVp9sJoUVbnPZ3T/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TAHTxkLYFweZyn6s25EY2Wf_Q2K52yTLq9bnht21x6BuPrJnMwdE-ZkGU9R7WAHIxFXD4bYdT28KXZB8A9CiNGwlgtjCLQ9iuiWbc9ia_eU1dNLHP12WKUveVAVp9sJoUVbnPZ3T/s400/IMG_0430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452077442399289426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">He loves to swim too....<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehU6_FgZL183cJQvlp_IoyLsLz4iFlOfkLNmb6cux36FtuX6PFESbH5NPKsE6qWZfqUwjogUy-4RBa68o2ijvDBhiYKjBo9GgDhY6kAo3EaZiZX3aTarG79G4UeCL-pz9gqueA828/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehU6_FgZL183cJQvlp_IoyLsLz4iFlOfkLNmb6cux36FtuX6PFESbH5NPKsE6qWZfqUwjogUy-4RBa68o2ijvDBhiYKjBo9GgDhY6kAo3EaZiZX3aTarG79G4UeCL-pz9gqueA828/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452076996851694530" border="0" /></a><br />Not like his brother, though<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI8UOpRH3kfJnwTy4WY-suX1xSI1eF_EirOoC8cC8-RhZgXB6RzFnfWNo1M0i3eZ3l3utQuMlFIx71uiztvQlSwuoOlz87s6b8goD3P-y8uscBf1ClAukUq0z7z9-kD4D2WEkWybP/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI8UOpRH3kfJnwTy4WY-suX1xSI1eF_EirOoC8cC8-RhZgXB6RzFnfWNo1M0i3eZ3l3utQuMlFIx71uiztvQlSwuoOlz87s6b8goD3P-y8uscBf1ClAukUq0z7z9-kD4D2WEkWybP/s400/IMG_0441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452076479790549362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TBOrUWn06hnytggVn97OSqzH1aNsTiZEcC0Iv21MB7X4p_0ng3zflJUW0c5MtsZDXVCo8ergf7-raw2UXQf9amLjkHw56ThuNPHRRYmruB53YgQlE8EPvGVXudYAgkzrrdDx3UIT/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TBOrUWn06hnytggVn97OSqzH1aNsTiZEcC0Iv21MB7X4p_0ng3zflJUW0c5MtsZDXVCo8ergf7-raw2UXQf9amLjkHw56ThuNPHRRYmruB53YgQlE8EPvGVXudYAgkzrrdDx3UIT/s400/IMG_0431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452076139225258946" border="0" /></a><br />Bolt is not content in the water.......<br /><br /><br /><br />And what do you do after a swim?<br /><br />A contented puppy digs a hole in the cool sand.....!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TQtNJlyBh87hX7Pix33_Fe5siDeDUTb0En3nA0Gigi4Zjk19-VfAf6w_LMohCU2QTJOOGsXvMJ6aiOj4NsE7FVIhL3T24ZYw6qVCp5eo8p2_iczEZmZrB5En3hCPjGh_xPMgBzFW/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TQtNJlyBh87hX7Pix33_Fe5siDeDUTb0En3nA0Gigi4Zjk19-VfAf6w_LMohCU2QTJOOGsXvMJ6aiOj4NsE7FVIhL3T24ZYw6qVCp5eo8p2_iczEZmZrB5En3hCPjGh_xPMgBzFW/s400/IMG_0413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452075738779944274" border="0" /></a><br />and falls sleeps............<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93nOdcHnp6QJwv5-ptdpfR-9rJy4HSmOxhbakhjRIwLuXKDFMrqgeu7o4egmzwMlu0W6iUGPWI_qr6ghagqlY1t5Q5jrpem-4sd4-RnvksWrrfNlXl_d2KZiK6CIHk5p2Qg68XQ1c/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93nOdcHnp6QJwv5-ptdpfR-9rJy4HSmOxhbakhjRIwLuXKDFMrqgeu7o4egmzwMlu0W6iUGPWI_qr6ghagqlY1t5Q5jrpem-4sd4-RnvksWrrfNlXl_d2KZiK6CIHk5p2Qg68XQ1c/s400/IMG_0414.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452074617560038754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br />Close by to the beach is the small forested peninsular of Khao Sam Muk, known for its resident population of Long-tailed Macaque Monkeys. The Macaques are very common in Thailand and are seen in many areas of the country..........<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QjTC6BCPfxRQUZ4eLTxMvtc5vLfYbGcSnOw3nM_mSbsz54YSfeI1IGmuRCiv2TLXK89YkhvLMY8p9xiJDB9jnMcKFRqk7hmX6lhIYac4B4eYw0aJrbzTniA1E58eWNo5DGR8b_iE/s1600/IMG_0445.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QjTC6BCPfxRQUZ4eLTxMvtc5vLfYbGcSnOw3nM_mSbsz54YSfeI1IGmuRCiv2TLXK89YkhvLMY8p9xiJDB9jnMcKFRqk7hmX6lhIYac4B4eYw0aJrbzTniA1E58eWNo5DGR8b_iE/s400/IMG_0445.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452090207897407922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVsl9HfuNeAzw5_fOj_2HgZ0xOZVv7u68cN9UhqwPOeH2F9nCeL1p1DnQumb73gO5deLkiAyOa49PLB-9fqzmAoPs-13mGerjFuOe8cfjmAxDu7PNZec6Lg3kz3qZhD8n7zIJeSB3/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVsl9HfuNeAzw5_fOj_2HgZ0xOZVv7u68cN9UhqwPOeH2F9nCeL1p1DnQumb73gO5deLkiAyOa49PLB-9fqzmAoPs-13mGerjFuOe8cfjmAxDu7PNZec6Lg3kz3qZhD8n7zIJeSB3/s400/IMG_0448.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452090670067429842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM77edMsQYg3HnvOPS3RRj2Miawu_sNeqoRUfpbwT1zp5EXn0QJqgOvQde5-ul7DgPBMtbP_NK6KZ74JpnvpR5JhUbXHKgmeY0NBTTmvylCp9VVHgSR23Ry_3ONgTOdOGNR1RKjlXQ/s1600/IMG_0467.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM77edMsQYg3HnvOPS3RRj2Miawu_sNeqoRUfpbwT1zp5EXn0QJqgOvQde5-ul7DgPBMtbP_NK6KZ74JpnvpR5JhUbXHKgmeY0NBTTmvylCp9VVHgSR23Ry_3ONgTOdOGNR1RKjlXQ/s400/IMG_0467.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452093119733618482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WzomQ-JhCHxO1zJ5zEl7axMb-KQ0RER0obJlKTS82wrbQgdW3Gc7rs7iocS1gK0xvxMg3lS_fleWh65knTKDA2C_eu46YM_dwvGN6w1DuW8uZWPOUKqhPErkZTNo6W2j_DuSd8ff/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WzomQ-JhCHxO1zJ5zEl7axMb-KQ0RER0obJlKTS82wrbQgdW3Gc7rs7iocS1gK0xvxMg3lS_fleWh65knTKDA2C_eu46YM_dwvGN6w1DuW8uZWPOUKqhPErkZTNo6W2j_DuSd8ff/s400/IMG_0463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452092022576133426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-5ru2XEBjo5RGWiRS2cnQ0hkGJL0PWgwurcsl7Kx1fSy73I3zQA-ghUOV4sYB9ql6zOB4TecDXgrYR1fzdMmr4730bxJA0yyY141vy58uQr_pH06v314T-2wafYBH8U4GSU6D1BI/s1600/IMG_0470.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-5ru2XEBjo5RGWiRS2cnQ0hkGJL0PWgwurcsl7Kx1fSy73I3zQA-ghUOV4sYB9ql6zOB4TecDXgrYR1fzdMmr4730bxJA0yyY141vy58uQr_pH06v314T-2wafYBH8U4GSU6D1BI/s400/IMG_0470.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452093334522409666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5jaK_V6RVqrwojdWUw5Bs_iLo6wmAIxs3mBEIOsOXMs5-fs91B8UCepH5RjhVVSAw51akG7jRunsSPnX63XX-hVMVVvqmzajUuv9Yo6LA_C7ZZDj9JlltEIsm2iNB1MsIokxj5Wr/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5jaK_V6RVqrwojdWUw5Bs_iLo6wmAIxs3mBEIOsOXMs5-fs91B8UCepH5RjhVVSAw51akG7jRunsSPnX63XX-hVMVVvqmzajUuv9Yo6LA_C7ZZDj9JlltEIsm2iNB1MsIokxj5Wr/s400/IMG_0456.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452091649237734466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDWbD7ZKx43vizFFy_d8FlzgNnYrmYhJlQiz3Vwx0b22ZtNlwmPGfn3zKhq6il__fudrLDSl6ffHc9ibYfa3c0wEcxbf526IkZNTv36-Pw0-IMWf7Vixkp2oDDhtWJNqGJihtXcZf/s1600/IMG_0478.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDWbD7ZKx43vizFFy_d8FlzgNnYrmYhJlQiz3Vwx0b22ZtNlwmPGfn3zKhq6il__fudrLDSl6ffHc9ibYfa3c0wEcxbf526IkZNTv36-Pw0-IMWf7Vixkp2oDDhtWJNqGJihtXcZf/s400/IMG_0478.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452098859025488658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKexFCNE3ucvVCaPtjRsbOTFm38T61lUryvu-ng0c1BZOEz5a3RBdoFwUKLzvK5C5FpoKdFMdx4C50KPcw8nVCe6BZq0bCt8HjtXfqdmy1OOmJ9xCGqy4nxwLFH8mpkMLH4CnPEWAy/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKexFCNE3ucvVCaPtjRsbOTFm38T61lUryvu-ng0c1BZOEz5a3RBdoFwUKLzvK5C5FpoKdFMdx4C50KPcw8nVCe6BZq0bCt8HjtXfqdmy1OOmJ9xCGqy4nxwLFH8mpkMLH4CnPEWAy/s400/IMG_0455.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452090981084534274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnUvMvp7CtkLLyWxRIwwVkkZ0-OdG_mPa1BZS7Dmx9eUfva4HEA_YIIYy_D073WVyNY0M56xcreDeHOXQMKVGxnaei5x-haLvm-IqXYApU1wlvUE3d5jqpK1ufQsp1h6kY4bcfu_5/s1600/IMG_0455_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnUvMvp7CtkLLyWxRIwwVkkZ0-OdG_mPa1BZS7Dmx9eUfva4HEA_YIIYy_D073WVyNY0M56xcreDeHOXQMKVGxnaei5x-haLvm-IqXYApU1wlvUE3d5jqpK1ufQsp1h6kY4bcfu_5/s400/IMG_0455_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452091233958545650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEZpClMpdiJ_A_o-HHcdFceDmmdY81hFHmobtd4-N3X2pof8yNpSo8NH8w4RTAEAtO-OGAGbmPe7cOKSnFox04EYuB94oN6XvhG_nP-GpYf7TeOdEH_vKrBbjcyxv7YSEjEBicTn9/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEZpClMpdiJ_A_o-HHcdFceDmmdY81hFHmobtd4-N3X2pof8yNpSo8NH8w4RTAEAtO-OGAGbmPe7cOKSnFox04EYuB94oN6XvhG_nP-GpYf7TeOdEH_vKrBbjcyxv7YSEjEBicTn9/s400/IMG_0481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452100724676696514" border="0" /></a>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-10835386835615672522010-02-01T08:11:00.000-08:002010-02-02T20:20:39.205-08:00Thailand: Nong Khai - Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I have been told that any visit to Nong Khai has to include a look around a sculpture park. I was a little skeptic, I must say, but it turns out that this is, indeed, a sculpture park</span> like no other and I spent a good couple of hours taking in all the sights........<br /><br />Also known as the "garden of the concrete gods", Sala Kaew is both intriguing and mysterious. The small park is packed with enough arcane imagery to baffle the best theologians and weird enough to entertain both a seasoned traveller & bus loads of local school children.....<br /><br />The park's origins may be traced to the 1970's and a Lao mystic named Luang Pa Bunleua Sulilat. The story goes, that as a child, Sulilat fell into a hole while wandering around a mountain range in Laos. At the other end of which he met a hermit called Kaewkoo, who taught him about Buddhism, the underworld and other mystic goings-on... He must have been a bright child, for returning home, he began to build a concrete sculpture park to give physical form to his vision.!<br />In 1978 Sulilat fled Laos and settled in Thailand, as he feared his teachings would no longer be tolerated by the Laos ruling Communist Party.<br /><br />The many hundreds of sculptures represented in the park include those of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesh and other Hindu dieties, as well as Buddha images and a 'wonderful' collection of anthropomorphic dogs........<br /><br />Here are a few examples:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-Mh6XEXyC69yYJuX5xWxtk-cMKRa7_MZwKEczAifYjoUTIjSoF4q4EM58B0uxQW6XDAjMzvotAlP8mX682f7Tb94M50YcTyBdfaQPz53YzhNxSnZXi0_1MQ1Xh05IEnQTxn6MsLT/s1600-h/IMG_0007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-Mh6XEXyC69yYJuX5xWxtk-cMKRa7_MZwKEczAifYjoUTIjSoF4q4EM58B0uxQW6XDAjMzvotAlP8mX682f7Tb94M50YcTyBdfaQPz53YzhNxSnZXi0_1MQ1Xh05IEnQTxn6MsLT/s400/IMG_0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433858697820525394" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At 30 metres high, this statue has an awning of fiercely open-mouthed Naga serpents shading a meditating Buddha.....<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBKr2qOGxOt1GGmjyeOW-tVTen_kKIaAKA48m33MeSGLDOBm9Nq96U0134mgsur4vU9HVOKWXXm9RK07JeoEIJvtTWbcQfzmPofYgZ3XKIcAMpgd6LZMuVr3B4ayLOW0Z-mmtMCW0/s1600-h/IMG_0008-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBKr2qOGxOt1GGmjyeOW-tVTen_kKIaAKA48m33MeSGLDOBm9Nq96U0134mgsur4vU9HVOKWXXm9RK07JeoEIJvtTWbcQfzmPofYgZ3XKIcAMpgd6LZMuVr3B4ayLOW0Z-mmtMCW0/s400/IMG_0008-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433847847905624498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC5qyArrC7CjoPBS2cgaWCD9rlSj9tHCkiZ8goN0R1nhEzMpCT9QVqQot2T788niIN3SHh5JjfqsJhe2_eTpwoApKPHD7qCMSIQ5YPWONTi8WBQZ0gauLjl6tGQ_NGNgIqx8qmQay/s1600-h/IMG_0026-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC5qyArrC7CjoPBS2cgaWCD9rlSj9tHCkiZ8goN0R1nhEzMpCT9QVqQot2T788niIN3SHh5JjfqsJhe2_eTpwoApKPHD7qCMSIQ5YPWONTi8WBQZ0gauLjl6tGQ_NGNgIqx8qmQay/s400/IMG_0026-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433846979722886450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79Qp8eEmJ6mk9ApWLPkLgM61ywkeSlrrWgpfzP-AiWh2omlw2FoEak_0ckgiDf5dTtMtqaWonKt8W6riV1ejRFs9BQM4068HPgU0-g3Tl9PRdvmxTba0H8kz5RPJg20feGRM8CBZg/s1600-h/IMG_0010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79Qp8eEmJ6mk9ApWLPkLgM61ywkeSlrrWgpfzP-AiWh2omlw2FoEak_0ckgiDf5dTtMtqaWonKt8W6riV1ejRFs9BQM4068HPgU0-g3Tl9PRdvmxTba0H8kz5RPJg20feGRM8CBZg/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433845562124816738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvysunUR6Z9q4SeSoVUAM93OCm6UmnejIH1yj8xNHHvu2qFl26Vx7B_uQjBiEC4kxRfk75SqQtXCHfKVwKY2ksvtAjrzy9VyZejV-BqESoxSZxq5l16Mlv2VeU6Vam1CSZt-_zm21N/s1600-h/IMG_0014-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvysunUR6Z9q4SeSoVUAM93OCm6UmnejIH1yj8xNHHvu2qFl26Vx7B_uQjBiEC4kxRfk75SqQtXCHfKVwKY2ksvtAjrzy9VyZejV-BqESoxSZxq5l16Mlv2VeU6Vam1CSZt-_zm21N/s400/IMG_0014-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433843994401158994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cXAtMOd_OJwOp-VaWUHZWQIx3hHZHmeyI1VIYFuMjCcKWEz-69niiSPZBHPPwBS4FLe_wZWJz7thlWx9w4L_SugkBimKeMIpo_vzL48Ke80MfURIKIZKkAKQnEjfsbeuxMX4Rogq/s1600-h/IMG_0025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cXAtMOd_OJwOp-VaWUHZWQIx3hHZHmeyI1VIYFuMjCcKWEz-69niiSPZBHPPwBS4FLe_wZWJz7thlWx9w4L_SugkBimKeMIpo_vzL48Ke80MfURIKIZKkAKQnEjfsbeuxMX4Rogq/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433842151356867474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq476Ae0InZXt59qShY4mY5UUEv5PJsDZLs3B2KUnt1O6CAwq3XWDproCaxSZNDDabqUTHdGpTLG4EEzbGO9aQ1QqYWUQrnUoxQ-qUBTarFL6jK5iZIni6lEwM8gPztwAxOz3Li30U/s1600-h/IMG_0023-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq476Ae0InZXt59qShY4mY5UUEv5PJsDZLs3B2KUnt1O6CAwq3XWDproCaxSZNDDabqUTHdGpTLG4EEzbGO9aQ1QqYWUQrnUoxQ-qUBTarFL6jK5iZIni6lEwM8gPztwAxOz3Li30U/s400/IMG_0023-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433839078024347010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3euVwxVBWVSdpKFXrUSCry7nnjYsc9jYiMzu7-PPAnBH0SuTZ0zDLsb-n9dBaALaL844ipOQFxl63z_kit-41uP-P_EPWol3aqiEEBziJPIbiQLYo-hGeCVCxxbMcse6SXet701O/s1600-h/IMG_0020-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3euVwxVBWVSdpKFXrUSCry7nnjYsc9jYiMzu7-PPAnBH0SuTZ0zDLsb-n9dBaALaL844ipOQFxl63z_kit-41uP-P_EPWol3aqiEEBziJPIbiQLYo-hGeCVCxxbMcse6SXet701O/s400/IMG_0020-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433837959301057586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtUFnBsxBEDN6oVx5ytQ2BH5Ke7zD0qbflzLDMmdjkt6cbV3kUbIt_pHv4Ec6lLJdeyVAyjyZLaSAR9k5FdhYY1nOthR7HvMwYHmuTIGjFluCD_dT8oabKGENr00huNR38iiOnW_O/s1600-h/IMG_0022-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtUFnBsxBEDN6oVx5ytQ2BH5Ke7zD0qbflzLDMmdjkt6cbV3kUbIt_pHv4Ec6lLJdeyVAyjyZLaSAR9k5FdhYY1nOthR7HvMwYHmuTIGjFluCD_dT8oabKGENr00huNR38iiOnW_O/s400/IMG_0022-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433316592979250722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB8ww1lI7Aqwfp3NOL72LAcAuztcvQNerGr7_zNwdcOiI7GxM2D5Bii8oo8keQ8YzXUtf9xqiLHFcUdgkCz0QXn_KMxn1bdMBCV0fjZjVARpngv3bAOlVXtRHuoy-OgZ2HfbR1y1I/s1600-h/IMG_0028-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB8ww1lI7Aqwfp3NOL72LAcAuztcvQNerGr7_zNwdcOiI7GxM2D5Bii8oo8keQ8YzXUtf9xqiLHFcUdgkCz0QXn_KMxn1bdMBCV0fjZjVARpngv3bAOlVXtRHuoy-OgZ2HfbR1y1I/s400/IMG_0028-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433315565826115330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This one with all the dogs is a particular favourite.......!!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmoSBDZGPyViJPHBgXfBkC9rxwgn8-usgpIJI657_B93sjSAgCycV79h0TzRbdJAKVqNEybz4LvvMxZRLf3B9bVlQ9SDneG_mg7e6aFZRO4kYJrvkTN8bJs75BWOouVPJO6T3yDsS/s1600-h/IMG_0034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmoSBDZGPyViJPHBgXfBkC9rxwgn8-usgpIJI657_B93sjSAgCycV79h0TzRbdJAKVqNEybz4LvvMxZRLf3B9bVlQ9SDneG_mg7e6aFZRO4kYJrvkTN8bJs75BWOouVPJO6T3yDsS/s400/IMG_0034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433314665749344738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFz1_bRcJs5VHu7I1HQp6s4ngdJQcFppr0_g_p_BNZmsL_ZHmVXI6ltuCh2B77cLhyCvjbUMjADUwk-jhuyayhe-HkdZL09ElOkgApyIeNtCX_vrAbcWWa_TbYzzM7iZOw-VAeIuv/s1600-h/IMG_0032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFz1_bRcJs5VHu7I1HQp6s4ngdJQcFppr0_g_p_BNZmsL_ZHmVXI6ltuCh2B77cLhyCvjbUMjADUwk-jhuyayhe-HkdZL09ElOkgApyIeNtCX_vrAbcWWa_TbYzzM7iZOw-VAeIuv/s400/IMG_0032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433313588397990834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOc4Esy7YXVKb5zcxH7C2Gi3shfUIPgQh5zvnOmgBQmhyphenhyphenHAGH2sE-AqwcHYcSQhzYTF1umfxcRdMESMSrJlB9zb8cjagKUjFANQjFUvokyfP35pgmzXZm86pidGmJjQtWNQSrWCh6/s1600-h/IMG_0031-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOc4Esy7YXVKb5zcxH7C2Gi3shfUIPgQh5zvnOmgBQmhyphenhyphenHAGH2sE-AqwcHYcSQhzYTF1umfxcRdMESMSrJlB9zb8cjagKUjFANQjFUvokyfP35pgmzXZm86pidGmJjQtWNQSrWCh6/s400/IMG_0031-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433312248309515858" border="0" /></a>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-77706318883768838802010-01-31T22:22:00.000-08:002010-02-01T08:05:32.872-08:00Thailand: Nong Khai - Wat Noen Phra Nao<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></span>Situated south of the main town of Nong Khai is a lovely forest wat.<br />Wat Noen Phra Nao surrounded by cool shaded trees is a centre<br />of Vipassana meditation, one of India's most ancient techniques,<br />being established more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for all ills.....<br /><br />The forest wat is home to a number of Buddhist statues and figurines,<br />many explaining the teachings of The Buddha.....<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgIlnr6zePIh5TwuxdH1nPe-FXNLrj__yZfPphGW1pAeC9a6z8UBxLRqxg-uk_cxEhADdHkMhugp26oCqqTwlTYlZRMIzKlcIRTiw-Cj6jKJoZ2_T2ZiBHcona_ymnL-AOMdXKvK3/s1600-h/IMG_0054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgIlnr6zePIh5TwuxdH1nPe-FXNLrj__yZfPphGW1pAeC9a6z8UBxLRqxg-uk_cxEhADdHkMhugp26oCqqTwlTYlZRMIzKlcIRTiw-Cj6jKJoZ2_T2ZiBHcona_ymnL-AOMdXKvK3/s400/IMG_0054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433190649103127202" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This set is of The Buddha teaching to the five Asthetics<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSDlWq6soJAfPhCt0ts_o3wrQl1QNtreAWBcpvElnCFNDQiSklxn5VzI_XrEgete_EbmlvK1kFBg-px4h5qiqpIhIPy-enLW6ILQPQJFHbBgtrlZoGC1coLukARHh4caZsi53GSWE/s1600-h/IMG_0057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSDlWq6soJAfPhCt0ts_o3wrQl1QNtreAWBcpvElnCFNDQiSklxn5VzI_XrEgete_EbmlvK1kFBg-px4h5qiqpIhIPy-enLW6ILQPQJFHbBgtrlZoGC1coLukARHh4caZsi53GSWE/s400/IMG_0057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433188659150533250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Bell Tower is very fine<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUInx-NbDd990ggkCyy38BwrJNSZrnd14gEPguWaoXlwtAATMgoreBl9LLx6-5m40dDZhAamaNm2ER99I34gRoh774Nx_6xEW9tm608v3EDXTkoD8XNtqjvuspQJJYV1ffzH8KJNI/s1600-h/IMG_0059.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUInx-NbDd990ggkCyy38BwrJNSZrnd14gEPguWaoXlwtAATMgoreBl9LLx6-5m40dDZhAamaNm2ER99I34gRoh774Nx_6xEW9tm608v3EDXTkoD8XNtqjvuspQJJYV1ffzH8KJNI/s400/IMG_0059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433187222142377170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">...and the Ubosot, Ordination Hall, has a certain<br />"gothic " feel about it.....<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJVYknn8hKBQkK-O0AN9FUHdxRDCItmh-KEd7nhLuAIMWxsA2scIvDoutkrZAXW4mBHil3vVOESquL3zJZbGIPDAfaMCVguHqySwvS3xn41TnN9DX2VWegR1_g45Cvhu9iIeypJZ/s1600-h/IMG_0060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJVYknn8hKBQkK-O0AN9FUHdxRDCItmh-KEd7nhLuAIMWxsA2scIvDoutkrZAXW4mBHil3vVOESquL3zJZbGIPDAfaMCVguHqySwvS3xn41TnN9DX2VWegR1_g45Cvhu9iIeypJZ/s400/IMG_0060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433186423423102642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixhxDWQ_Uk6hLJOJiSzD4nuBq9vHTGRcKbmLZsvAB_SRYxTS9vGIHXT0eEFExpjs2cwo2v9DJt4tv9e8ac5j6rvj1YsgA46PX4BowsnjFeF0_kqeBFMtiKThEZJlCDdtWnJoKLqa0/s1600-h/IMG_0005-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixhxDWQ_Uk6hLJOJiSzD4nuBq9vHTGRcKbmLZsvAB_SRYxTS9vGIHXT0eEFExpjs2cwo2v9DJt4tv9e8ac5j6rvj1YsgA46PX4BowsnjFeF0_kqeBFMtiKThEZJlCDdtWnJoKLqa0/s400/IMG_0005-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433167437906126114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">amplified by the 8 sema or boundary stones....<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenNzZsBE1rKnabGLusDURE_OZMmMWGXEcSL3ZaNDYyZoRwMei0UQn3Vam3lrsGmFf9N1UxodKW98rrdmtiDPNz8l91SyiWHp46R1Q8ZJFsX4sZSlm5DpnH3BPcJGp8yD2sPYhmZ9A/s1600-h/IMG_0002-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenNzZsBE1rKnabGLusDURE_OZMmMWGXEcSL3ZaNDYyZoRwMei0UQn3Vam3lrsGmFf9N1UxodKW98rrdmtiDPNz8l91SyiWHp46R1Q8ZJFsX4sZSlm5DpnH3BPcJGp8yD2sPYhmZ9A/s400/IMG_0002-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433166592002802674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Temple cloister in the Inner Courtyard that houses the Ubosot<br />only covers two sides....<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvWz3Cc52vUkIT8d74U9SIO6I5y8kYyF_5ww7RuonafFlqn3qw4sS4VbA9ka0sZNrCX5O7r6wrpyB3RqYeuxf-VR_0BfVf3AmFCveJG1-wIGp_jRxZYGDUd5kuvsgNfwS0HChhaxu/s1600-h/IMG_0001-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvWz3Cc52vUkIT8d74U9SIO6I5y8kYyF_5ww7RuonafFlqn3qw4sS4VbA9ka0sZNrCX5O7r6wrpyB3RqYeuxf-VR_0BfVf3AmFCveJG1-wIGp_jRxZYGDUd5kuvsgNfwS0HChhaxu/s400/IMG_0001-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433164691049877346" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The wat is surrounded by a Chinese Cemetery, in the<br />midst of which is this new stupa....<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnGYvkkuzA7Si3VUWJISTQp3EieB0oTMJD3ZJuLR-k-ZvryLECB2fLwOEdWukrzfYnrS23KapdV6GWjcbg8Dt3wuq-OGZhmf7C739I2lT5TP46VIMMosqdb2v5uaQ3lmRDAdSZ9cu/s1600-h/IMG_0064.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnGYvkkuzA7Si3VUWJISTQp3EieB0oTMJD3ZJuLR-k-ZvryLECB2fLwOEdWukrzfYnrS23KapdV6GWjcbg8Dt3wuq-OGZhmf7C739I2lT5TP46VIMMosqdb2v5uaQ3lmRDAdSZ9cu/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433163625039298754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The temple has a most peaceful air about it...<br />on the three occasions I visited, though, neither<br />the Ubosot or Viharn were open..... which is a pity<br />as I would love to have seen inside....<br /></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-45902534454840270702010-01-22T08:00:00.001-08:002010-01-31T21:38:36.841-08:00Thailand: Nong Khai - Gateway to Laos<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I have recently spent eight days in Nong Khai, a pleasant "backwater" in the North-Eastern part of Thailand. Lying on the</span> Mekong River, the town is the gateway to Laos.<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGbrXiyRi1gmnKt_STQyoR2_m1VQNmrnlUD0SnRb3LiF2-a9yqs4g6FXFhQtV68eSFTb5UUxkoREgdg31db5TbFfi2Zqqdm_7xhjpnoS_Hf9DfM2J6KoHXjUaL-hSXrVlNf69rOuv/s1600-h/IMG_0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGbrXiyRi1gmnKt_STQyoR2_m1VQNmrnlUD0SnRb3LiF2-a9yqs4g6FXFhQtV68eSFTb5UUxkoREgdg31db5TbFfi2Zqqdm_7xhjpnoS_Hf9DfM2J6KoHXjUaL-hSXrVlNf69rOuv/s400/IMG_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433110022998018098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe7a3ytaoHMVFQsq3n09ozWasYVXh15Uwlma_4ShwhvIlEZzBsUS59bt8DLeixRQuW57c6Otqlp-612v-_YL6vIJfUFbLiU5zZ_4HD19M_uPHSyRwJhxxmowbCAn9v193hJb-E2NK/s1600-h/IMG_0038-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe7a3ytaoHMVFQsq3n09ozWasYVXh15Uwlma_4ShwhvIlEZzBsUS59bt8DLeixRQuW57c6Otqlp-612v-_YL6vIJfUFbLiU5zZ_4HD19M_uPHSyRwJhxxmowbCAn9v193hJb-E2NK/s400/IMG_0038-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433123108686693234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfYu4LiywpQRGeDiivefG14ruKBIHV2hpz4sHCS45QF-87yL3ZONhPNGpBS8lkm12OSZ-uN7ns31YD0tmtYqKARzPRuXJcBtp2qD9WU15pWSFEnnfFuhV7_KK_ulKNN-KgRW8i7iP/s1600-h/IMG_0065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfYu4LiywpQRGeDiivefG14ruKBIHV2hpz4sHCS45QF-87yL3ZONhPNGpBS8lkm12OSZ-uN7ns31YD0tmtYqKARzPRuXJcBtp2qD9WU15pWSFEnnfFuhV7_KK_ulKNN-KgRW8i7iP/s400/IMG_0065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433126868188444018" border="0" /></a>The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.<br />This two lane road bridge with single track railway in the centre<br />straddles the River Mekong and was opened in April 1994.<br />The correct name for the bridge is really "The First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge",<br />as a second, more recent bridge, has been built further down stream.<br />The cost was about US$30 million and was funded by the Australian government<br />as a development aid for Laos<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is more to Nong Khai, though, than just a bridge linking two countries.....<br />The town, though small, is very attractive with many Buddhist Temples, a lively covered street market, a riverside promenade with sweeping views of the river and restaurants with terraces facing the broadwalk.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmwvxR0k_gbOOvTG7L3M4kMyjcdj9k3ooYBzhjHdfv0nwhXj-1JJhOj5TwjQ9f6pSTolBhK3TeN2oGAaL4IJUlF3MtozaSp4JyM5DH-OZLlNmaZGIp5b6Q0NFF0wORs7J0RYrawQK/s1600-h/IMG_0034-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmwvxR0k_gbOOvTG7L3M4kMyjcdj9k3ooYBzhjHdfv0nwhXj-1JJhOj5TwjQ9f6pSTolBhK3TeN2oGAaL4IJUlF3MtozaSp4JyM5DH-OZLlNmaZGIp5b6Q0NFF0wORs7J0RYrawQK/s400/IMG_0034-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433121259973561202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Part of the riverside promenade<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL26nf9SFeEcr-UhiwISAZ8rRpI04E1VUwX1cgjvNvfhLFDhzPM49lzGZiVB-vDDL7F1GAofqgT40JOFUhlsKJzNfaCWCx0bPxKQOKlG0LqyM41tQNNp7yodIZBPHvRaZT1KqARct/s1600-h/IMG_0040-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL26nf9SFeEcr-UhiwISAZ8rRpI04E1VUwX1cgjvNvfhLFDhzPM49lzGZiVB-vDDL7F1GAofqgT40JOFUhlsKJzNfaCWCx0bPxKQOKlG0LqyM41tQNNp7yodIZBPHvRaZT1KqARct/s400/IMG_0040-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433120672231366274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">At the far end of the promenade is the river boat station and ferry stop for goods destined for Laos, that are not transported by road. From early morning to late afternoon, the jetty is a thriving place with a great array of goods, ranging from rugs, pottery and cookware to washing machines, tv's and furniture.....<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsrb2QxY2u5UM3in3q1p6JEDNE3myGzKjy8ogEBanJutHAE1VGZkHkhjvIcvnMmn6mm_75FhNzq3XrRNylYf6aKeNrC7M_c04W40tgpsmOX0K-3_WAxW-VjEuQThMDo9wyVYXaCZU/s1600-h/IMG_0029-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsrb2QxY2u5UM3in3q1p6JEDNE3myGzKjy8ogEBanJutHAE1VGZkHkhjvIcvnMmn6mm_75FhNzq3XrRNylYf6aKeNrC7M_c04W40tgpsmOX0K-3_WAxW-VjEuQThMDo9wyVYXaCZU/s400/IMG_0029-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433119758404312450" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On the opposite bank to the river station is the Laos equivalent,<br />although never seemingly as hectic.......<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8d0Kocus07ea6xllYKiYFp9F5h85AHO_qWi0486wU3KjN4_Vts7RhttHUWRrK-i1fppYrgcPrCOyaOWIjqLai_ZqSGCc3WhAAEeGvKbDaraYEJNSAMCMGz58PSLv4WD_vLB7ZALu/s1600-h/IMG_0037-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8d0Kocus07ea6xllYKiYFp9F5h85AHO_qWi0486wU3KjN4_Vts7RhttHUWRrK-i1fppYrgcPrCOyaOWIjqLai_ZqSGCc3WhAAEeGvKbDaraYEJNSAMCMGz58PSLv4WD_vLB7ZALu/s400/IMG_0037-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433119191137563346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Further along is this fish-farm<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA4exakHwlEKcXEw-EW_OBZC3ZdGaKnhjBLkhQ7c0ix_TkW5IggQtk5k1OMnuz_xMmRpT4Tiq7aU1fJydaBA-MbdTpKty_aW7slmxOsbZaoBu8FFkFmTfJqv3THeZAWJhGiUUYhwr/s1600-h/IMG_0036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA4exakHwlEKcXEw-EW_OBZC3ZdGaKnhjBLkhQ7c0ix_TkW5IggQtk5k1OMnuz_xMmRpT4Tiq7aU1fJydaBA-MbdTpKty_aW7slmxOsbZaoBu8FFkFmTfJqv3THeZAWJhGiUUYhwr/s400/IMG_0036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433111453735350450" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Set all along the promenade are these attractive billboards displaying tourist maps of the town and surrounding area. Very French........!!<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-6EapgqjuFzwy-LUN2gTxP-E6btm6Kc1SkCkHm0-cl0wDyJKgwXctOKt6I3G-OAmt_ypjcix3IJ_wf3YzZdCQG0dp_cDI2vAAnBazCZ8oiOq3lJL537dvZ6gwjrny0y6UgxXACNn/s1600-h/IMG_0017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-6EapgqjuFzwy-LUN2gTxP-E6btm6Kc1SkCkHm0-cl0wDyJKgwXctOKt6I3G-OAmt_ypjcix3IJ_wf3YzZdCQG0dp_cDI2vAAnBazCZ8oiOq3lJL537dvZ6gwjrny0y6UgxXACNn/s400/IMG_0017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433118427730918050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the middle of the River Mekong is this ruined chedi, "Phra That Klang Nam", and is visible only during the dry season when the river waters lower by some 13m.... The chedi, dating back to between the 15th and 17th centuries, slipped down the embankment in 1847 and continues to slide; being near the middle of the river, now.<br />Once the top of the chedi is visible in the dry season, coloured flags are fastened to the top.....<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eHWSV8T1XU3cHWtNRqwbyxS9vQITiDY2utver21tYnXnTF2Oe7ZdPAgSwU4fP7JTqA8FECw3u92Cs5FzB2s4zGDBe3i2jUT9FEvbN2gN1D_n2tnJVOwO-batYD3ucQdJKfz_sLlr/s1600-h/IMG_0009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eHWSV8T1XU3cHWtNRqwbyxS9vQITiDY2utver21tYnXnTF2Oe7ZdPAgSwU4fP7JTqA8FECw3u92Cs5FzB2s4zGDBe3i2jUT9FEvbN2gN1D_n2tnJVOwO-batYD3ucQdJKfz_sLlr/s400/IMG_0009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433122498498721202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Phra That Nong Khai appears above the river waters<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8puinoSeGbcHcE9ssux0T83QGhFJk5SKA9yXCc1iIkPtbV0Pu_HT-cVXm6K6Qm0hf0tt1z6arvLt05PehqE7PrKzq_fJtGNmvXRf5qhqocsaiOHhBjPNAj9l1LKOZHEFqHXE8tG97/s1600-h/IMG_0013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8puinoSeGbcHcE9ssux0T83QGhFJk5SKA9yXCc1iIkPtbV0Pu_HT-cVXm6K6Qm0hf0tt1z6arvLt05PehqE7PrKzq_fJtGNmvXRf5qhqocsaiOHhBjPNAj9l1LKOZHEFqHXE8tG97/s400/IMG_0013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433122092604425522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On the original site of the chedi stands a replica, known as "Phra That La Nong"<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji46fbQm7Qm7hROX79Cyak5sau-SWyitdHMhj5XDCSe-r3NuEX9NXi3sWI3Kd1UIquvytOvf5O7PyrOcUrnjRWLhTKmQX21BqyYCgnXYdVlUQ3ckQa49lH-b7ZB1PulPlqxWI3MDZi/s1600-h/IMG_0015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji46fbQm7Qm7hROX79Cyak5sau-SWyitdHMhj5XDCSe-r3NuEX9NXi3sWI3Kd1UIquvytOvf5O7PyrOcUrnjRWLhTKmQX21BqyYCgnXYdVlUQ3ckQa49lH-b7ZB1PulPlqxWI3MDZi/s400/IMG_0015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433125315086402594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHW_Bgd8OJQJiJp0D7Z6mjLAr2JFxz_f5hxGGamuaWWkBHS9el9aHLhUg0qFjjx_5UL6r82WURpN57nP_jhGQqyekpCGrin_zvLh9ERVX58zhrkr2TO8IlPXe42w4bCWGEGhMQOZY/s1600-h/IMG_0019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHW_Bgd8OJQJiJp0D7Z6mjLAr2JFxz_f5hxGGamuaWWkBHS9el9aHLhUg0qFjjx_5UL6r82WURpN57nP_jhGQqyekpCGrin_zvLh9ERVX58zhrkr2TO8IlPXe42w4bCWGEGhMQOZY/s400/IMG_0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433124084551559906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The attractive Provincial Offices<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATx-VWc9fOuD-Zv0x3OdJbeA-PLdXXhyphenhyphenYAD1Cy_AeqRSUNzOK3rm9NkxgSPGNSn1JAY9FaI1TpiKotPmQNZfPLSmyytzlu0rbdfH8sh4NNRyIWB86XUFHkmBbHnSmRNjvqpc8hjLc/s1600-h/IMG_0043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATx-VWc9fOuD-Zv0x3OdJbeA-PLdXXhyphenhyphenYAD1Cy_AeqRSUNzOK3rm9NkxgSPGNSn1JAY9FaI1TpiKotPmQNZfPLSmyytzlu0rbdfH8sh4NNRyIWB86XUFHkmBbHnSmRNjvqpc8hjLc/s400/IMG_0043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433115594018003906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Close-by is the former Provincial Governor's mansion, now a museum<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc52__F-pbd7T_5Ktw2_EL4i2YRGlR3afzR6XE0eJ3ILGAX7CHN9ZmVjK4cMS7VyGPhMXeBxKK__0UmtfNjw22jKOdUn9pYX_oGsdwcyMft9ZVGVTZfEwgfmayRpXHU6tPQDjXgrAI/s1600-h/IMG_0003_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc52__F-pbd7T_5Ktw2_EL4i2YRGlR3afzR6XE0eJ3ILGAX7CHN9ZmVjK4cMS7VyGPhMXeBxKK__0UmtfNjw22jKOdUn9pYX_oGsdwcyMft9ZVGVTZfEwgfmayRpXHU6tPQDjXgrAI/s400/IMG_0003_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433141405431234530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On the main road out of town is the City pillar<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifczzvaPvGZDq-krjFVEJkhFXv3Ww8uI6QmQqB3NmDR9ZHMmNd_jWJOkKBojwrdt6bJ5-9FaTRsQ-aG4UAocmSZCBmqUCvJv4_8Ft2QNf8ObgBMGOio59V5C-HuAtGloBBBTqdkqtf/s1600-h/IMG_0035_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifczzvaPvGZDq-krjFVEJkhFXv3Ww8uI6QmQqB3NmDR9ZHMmNd_jWJOkKBojwrdt6bJ5-9FaTRsQ-aG4UAocmSZCBmqUCvJv4_8Ft2QNf8ObgBMGOio59V5C-HuAtGloBBBTqdkqtf/s400/IMG_0035_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433114233731649890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_yOc5bQrOA20bdmr2zi6N_ktO7lL8MCaBTVFvgv8QWUSH0PUePE91ezszBPCSMRRX-svKVJZx-x0xiJrd4on7h4Y4fzconSVO68zWhE1Q8KXsWANk7ogJ0OqXj2oCZ_zgQu9nOfg/s1600-h/IMG_0037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_yOc5bQrOA20bdmr2zi6N_ktO7lL8MCaBTVFvgv8QWUSH0PUePE91ezszBPCSMRRX-svKVJZx-x0xiJrd4on7h4Y4fzconSVO68zWhE1Q8KXsWANk7ogJ0OqXj2oCZ_zgQu9nOfg/s400/IMG_0037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433114884161606290" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Set behind the riverside promenade and encompassing a couple of streets is the interesting covered market of Sadet<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_ElL8s6XmD9GxSy-rGVMW9SVDG31XS9zHKbdXPNX-TfUhYdkV9dIvoI0b2EEQ_lBmyac2NqiVEX9MJ394dSoh83KWNjrDR1uwPSETmFnxxNfknF4YCAtICavdWLvFwNYAnqv8liH/s1600-h/IMG_0040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_ElL8s6XmD9GxSy-rGVMW9SVDG31XS9zHKbdXPNX-TfUhYdkV9dIvoI0b2EEQ_lBmyac2NqiVEX9MJ394dSoh83KWNjrDR1uwPSETmFnxxNfknF4YCAtICavdWLvFwNYAnqv8liH/s400/IMG_0040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433113268199919266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0awOJ6g3_qxVRS6oUBNsqpKiuOcRdEdod4tji1Y2oHH7VcPtXXJLLfkafs930RfW8YEVgkQXBJuQNuad-G3iRQdG0MUcmJHrlPEebD8tRQ_PDmdJjmnHbpGu4mFY3IjNGcBq1lG6x/s1600-h/IMG_0043-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0awOJ6g3_qxVRS6oUBNsqpKiuOcRdEdod4tji1Y2oHH7VcPtXXJLLfkafs930RfW8YEVgkQXBJuQNuad-G3iRQdG0MUcmJHrlPEebD8tRQ_PDmdJjmnHbpGu4mFY3IjNGcBq1lG6x/s400/IMG_0043-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433112732294142898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPrGXwK_I8_t7ChePtA1NzK87ycwucCuM8aa4I_2ypdMRLVpF5w6ONsz1PuE2Et2RKkVR9jMt3_VKpKebhQGxkUxyjRgiwtLQUym7VfW40XxDr73IGU3zrIpyopqwR9S3n1uO-dyN/s1600-h/IMG_0041.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPrGXwK_I8_t7ChePtA1NzK87ycwucCuM8aa4I_2ypdMRLVpF5w6ONsz1PuE2Et2RKkVR9jMt3_VKpKebhQGxkUxyjRgiwtLQUym7VfW40XxDr73IGU3zrIpyopqwR9S3n1uO-dyN/s400/IMG_0041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433112149700227554" border="0" /></a>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-4526295777874162982010-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:002010-01-11T09:08:41.534-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A Sunday stroll through ThonburiThere is nothing better on a fine sunny morning, than get up and go for a leisurely walk.....<br />
and yesterday was no exception. Armed with comfortable shoes, my camera and a water bottle, I made my way downtown to the Chao Phraya River and boarded the courtesy boat to the Millennium Hilton..<br />
the start of my walk.<br />
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En route we pass the 5-star Bangkok Peninsular Hotel<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Close by is the Millennium Hilton, a stunning building.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boat takes me directly to the hotel's own pier, from whence I head,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bold as brass, through the riverside restaurant, up the steps, past the<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">conciege checking room numbers and out through the lounge to the main door.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think, if I had a mind for it, I could have partaken with breakfast without<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">being charged.........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thonburi, although part of Bangkok, has a distinctly different air about it....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here there are few "tourist sites" so I always feel much on my own.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apart from the river frontage, with its gleaming towers blocks, little has<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">changed with the streets beyond.. winding, somewhat confused and in<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">places I forget I am in a great metropolis.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Within this 'backwater' there are a number of interesting places<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Behind this shrine to the Buddha is an old fort -<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pong Patchamit Fort built in 1852 during the reign of King Rama IV<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as a defence against attack from the river side.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today the fort was closed, although the exterior walls are about<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This mighty cock has mad its home amongst the battlements.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Riverside entrance to the Chee Chin Kho, <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Sino-Thai Buddhist temple.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like the outer courtyard here as there are a number of unusual sights!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Decorated Banyan tree with carved face in bough.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There area number of temples around here, like so much of<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bangkok. This "boat" caught my eye, outside Wat Thong Thammachat -<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a Sino-Thai memorial house in the shape of a boat.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and many canals, too. Although, like this one above,<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This "Fat Buddha" image is in a side courtyard of a temple<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Sino - Thai Spirit House is like a number in the area.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is situated on a small bridge over a canal.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little further along, my path takes me besides the waters of the Chao Phraya River<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I see a glimpse of this post modern apartment ....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, on reflection, I still prefer the old wooden neighbourhood houses.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and their traditional ways...here red chillies are drying in the heat of the sun...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Around the corner is "The Princess Mother Memorial Park"<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all peace and quiet .....wonderful..<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I end my walk, once again, at the Memorial Bridge.... <br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-45239453782390792162009-12-31T06:42:00.000-08:002009-12-31T06:42:04.642-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A walk along the Chao Phraya River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My latest walk takes me along a section of the Chao Phraya River that has a riverside walkway... it is unfortunate there are only a couple of such walkways in the whole of the city.....<br />
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I begin my walk at the Memorial Bridge situated at the southern perimeter of the "Old City":<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the four bridge supports.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Construction began on December 3, 1929 by the British based engineering firm of<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dorman Long, in Middlesborough. The Company was also responsibe for, amongst others, the Tyne Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and the Storstrom Bridge in Denmark.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bridge was opened on April 6, 1932, coinsiding with the 150th<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty. In Thai, the bridge is named<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge, after King Rama I, the first king of the dynasty...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having crossed the bridge, I am now in Thonburi and continue my walk.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first stop is the Buddhist temple of Wat Prayura Wongsuwat.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best known for the large white painted Stupa in the temple's cofines,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have come to see the 'memorials garden'. The garden contains a small<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pond full of turtles, surrouned by memorials, all in the shape of houses hidden within<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grottoes and lush foliage....... a peaceful place.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Detail of the entrance gate to the temple<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turtles enjoying the sun.....!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple examples of the 'house' memorials....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this grotto is a panted figure of the Buddha<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Continuing along the river, I pass the Italian-style<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and gargoyle.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Figure of the 'Virgin Mary' in the church's outer courtyard <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little further on from the church is one of the loveliest Chinese<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking through the entrance to the Cho Sue Kong Shrine.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I particularly like the stone carved murals either side.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwHtKdOVaEEwuWXo9fIV9dr7_bat8_PTl_w23fpswOg7jP2FRR8XHfySBSvcl8qkpAtExJmuL32PkIF55xE98ghwGXwByhl4aEeJIV39nGHUyngv02MRAJLtICulIBaULgf3ZzZjF/s1600-h/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwHtKdOVaEEwuWXo9fIV9dr7_bat8_PTl_w23fpswOg7jP2FRR8XHfySBSvcl8qkpAtExJmuL32PkIF55xE98ghwGXwByhl4aEeJIV39nGHUyngv02MRAJLtICulIBaULgf3ZzZjF/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as is this above the main door..... <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdSdcgz69F64TYLWnL36aJl5L2zv0D5jxmCKf9a6H9Xkw7IlzVZHJgwlKjjNuHKjHJSNDUEuDGPQYolueuTliU6JQrnyImsFt17xE0iSGPJFKiqTtr5HCvkB23sfl13ofhhh019kM/s1600-h/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdSdcgz69F64TYLWnL36aJl5L2zv0D5jxmCKf9a6H9Xkw7IlzVZHJgwlKjjNuHKjHJSNDUEuDGPQYolueuTliU6JQrnyImsFt17xE0iSGPJFKiqTtr5HCvkB23sfl13ofhhh019kM/s400/IMG_0054.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...overlooked by this wooden figure of a lion.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next door to the Shrine is one of my favourite Temples, Wat Kalayanamit.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">This beautiful Sino-Thai Temple dates to the reign of King Rama III<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">at the beginning of the nineteenth century.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the years, the temple has fallen into a state of disrepair. This,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">thankfully, is now being redressed.......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bell tower contains the largest brass bell in Thailand<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The central Viharn houses a huge statue of The Buddha<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">which almost fills the entire interior space<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Ubosot, or Ordination Hall is being<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sympathetically restored<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ceiling detail of the restored Hall<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I now leave the Temple and take a local cross-river ferry<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">back to Bangkok and the "Old City" <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View down the Chao Phraya River from on board the cross-river ferry<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I disembark on the opposite shore, I am in the middle of<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bangkok Flower Market.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of my favourite places in Bangkok. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a porter resting.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buying vegetables from a street trader....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and here is a fruit seller.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fine balancing act............!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the Flower Market, it is only a short walk to my destination, Wat Pho,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">home of the Reclining Buddha, which I visited a little while back. Now I<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">intend to concentrate on the outlying precincts....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On my way in, I see his monk waiting to catch a tuk-tuk....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the double-ringed temple 'cloisters",<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">400 Buddha images are housed....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wat Pho is considered the pre-eminent place for the learning<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the ancient Thai medical art and massage. There are a couple of pavilions<br />
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Where shall I venture next......!<br />
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</div></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-33130673203941195502009-12-27T22:51:00.000-08:002009-12-29T07:41:09.483-08:00Laos: Vientiane - A stroll thru' the "Sandlewood City"Having lived for a little over a year now in Bangkok, coming to Vientiane is such a contrast and the more I see of the city, the more comfortable I feel here....... as this is , more than likely, to be my new home within the next couple of months.<br />
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I start my walk along the great Mekong River, with view across the waters to Thailand. Few vessels ply thru' her waters, but there is a sense of serenity and beauty about the river, that I really like......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6yhWqUkeVlZjTxTiNU6yG9bgwop7NV9rGbOinZRjx1ra9V5mEfn6FXIWrPKRq6Bz84Q0ZbQbrBcKi0X2Grbj3nRzzj5f24CnLOecZAJ71En92WK7VJklYnNQReko-Ey3GMtceAQa/s1600-h/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6yhWqUkeVlZjTxTiNU6yG9bgwop7NV9rGbOinZRjx1ra9V5mEfn6FXIWrPKRq6Bz84Q0ZbQbrBcKi0X2Grbj3nRzzj5f24CnLOecZAJ71En92WK7VJklYnNQReko-Ey3GMtceAQa/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking along the Mekong towards the city centre.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_wM2cjL0xeVPDHALExH77wff7Mz16Y7viW0wka1m3avuD0XX9lz-xuoakJTT_GvPgdQnzp4qKmEpv9o3EIULsVeQEHVn5tRK3OFKHnhTho_N3FdhTxw3HTVoQPwcDE0ck__zVst9/s1600-h/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_wM2cjL0xeVPDHALExH77wff7Mz16Y7viW0wka1m3avuD0XX9lz-xuoakJTT_GvPgdQnzp4qKmEpv9o3EIULsVeQEHVn5tRK3OFKHnhTho_N3FdhTxw3HTVoQPwcDE0ck__zVst9/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Fish farm" nearby....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmCOzm6xodsA1Lmv9lYqXWncJF4cPI2OZ2gMnGX7MxtKf0P6VaGOas1u2FHhLY6dgbbt1rOnf4Bbq2oWDziEA6mcdKS9UxyjoyBl3-nVnUSlHBW6TZRgi1jM0yu2AINIl9HCOlXWG/s1600-h/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmCOzm6xodsA1Lmv9lYqXWncJF4cPI2OZ2gMnGX7MxtKf0P6VaGOas1u2FHhLY6dgbbt1rOnf4Bbq2oWDziEA6mcdKS9UxyjoyBl3-nVnUSlHBW6TZRgi1jM0yu2AINIl9HCOlXWG/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Old river boat.........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmKOBASoDkRcYUi3t-JxhtVcYF5kwkQMFXxAH_hGWSimwlAF7xKeP3N73cH-VzirSKdTlPRQexNugWfduqqxBqDp2qDOZpQhEiXS6JPakH2tuCMEIb2TTY7O_-2p8Xy8mXUeSM2ao/s1600-h/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmKOBASoDkRcYUi3t-JxhtVcYF5kwkQMFXxAH_hGWSimwlAF7xKeP3N73cH-VzirSKdTlPRQexNugWfduqqxBqDp2qDOZpQhEiXS6JPakH2tuCMEIb2TTY7O_-2p8Xy8mXUeSM2ao/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">River fisherman ......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6vnapG04qHFWsykVt31gUodPUqqd6-f2WCTOdrosot9zh-y8clWgEgKQcT_RjWUVWWzZFiwGsw15k0e6swGsUupIG6ZA3DQdePTsd-e00YxxR_wQ-MQMm5dx-976ZEun7c2bB79e/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6vnapG04qHFWsykVt31gUodPUqqd6-f2WCTOdrosot9zh-y8clWgEgKQcT_RjWUVWWzZFiwGsw15k0e6swGsUupIG6ZA3DQdePTsd-e00YxxR_wQ-MQMm5dx-976ZEun7c2bB79e/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unloading supplies<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGf3qpdVtxI_C2PNI0zwsw1pksODonGtuiEJNYgVzKlQQzHjEqxCnIPM26Kkpgs-wxtLidLiXSp2bUCObZ57DgOi7BUI-aNbqdSCNqTQXFZG1qXIZWLrDOSNxImWoRrh2fO_Njyiz/s1600-h/IMG_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGf3qpdVtxI_C2PNI0zwsw1pksODonGtuiEJNYgVzKlQQzHjEqxCnIPM26Kkpgs-wxtLidLiXSp2bUCObZ57DgOi7BUI-aNbqdSCNqTQXFZG1qXIZWLrDOSNxImWoRrh2fO_Njyiz/s320/IMG_0034.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These ferry passengers across the river to Thailand.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">From here, my path takes me to an area overlooking the Dom Chan,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a huge sandbank that varies in size with the changing of the river's height.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here the earth is rich and fertile & good fo growing.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Riverside allotments are popular with the locals<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">often under water during the rainy season.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdY4c-oBhrePQhbO3DdJUk3jJZqUe-dQ5zdUkXOFvMlNa6IloFJceyzF_iBTFM1yTaOWMz5XCtwW2WxpTMPdfcauKaG_FGrIIukL_UmU94YZxigcEBJERaqWHf3iUsbHVAOgsJt9S/s1600-h/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdY4c-oBhrePQhbO3DdJUk3jJZqUe-dQ5zdUkXOFvMlNa6IloFJceyzF_iBTFM1yTaOWMz5XCtwW2WxpTMPdfcauKaG_FGrIIukL_UmU94YZxigcEBJERaqWHf3iUsbHVAOgsJt9S/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yours truly.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Leaving the River Mekong behind, I now head towards the city centre<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entrance to Pha That Luang.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This 'Stupa' is the most important national monument in Laos,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and is both a symbol for the Buddhist faith and Lao sovereignty.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> From here, I retrace my steps to visit a large gate....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjzF4G3q47X6OzuQ-jDs6T6jTO4GtUUzTZ8VD8URVOi4tlpgityiFHBlKS799q9po7LpPIuPcyaLlnIC6C4c85rLqU1TuJQv6H9NlqBECoVkCLdg98-LlwvI2D0P0VXzB5TAxEaqi/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjzF4G3q47X6OzuQ-jDs6T6jTO4GtUUzTZ8VD8URVOi4tlpgityiFHBlKS799q9po7LpPIuPcyaLlnIC6C4c85rLqU1TuJQv6H9NlqBECoVkCLdg98-LlwvI2D0P0VXzB5TAxEaqi/s400/IMG_0021.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Patuxai<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vientiane's own "Arch of Triumph" that was built in the 1960's<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">with US purchased cement that had been ear-marked for the<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">construction of a new airport.......!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ceiling detail at the apex of the arch<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMy_z6QVWmV1z1989Jk94wpgfcVj4kPZCqclEH28QZuoWdfoCg-bpzQIFNeh-bmvYbiVxSNcLfYTDgKPi5Sr9hDWXQ0QrRXErumipZnZ43JpuItz2Po0lmc1CIVJtra9EYeJlCJJN/s1600-h/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMy_z6QVWmV1z1989Jk94wpgfcVj4kPZCqclEH28QZuoWdfoCg-bpzQIFNeh-bmvYbiVxSNcLfYTDgKPi5Sr9hDWXQ0QrRXErumipZnZ43JpuItz2Po0lmc1CIVJtra9EYeJlCJJN/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Souvenir stand on the second level....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGA4sFSc_nF3DiN_pXqiZ7wbhEJ7rHYSH5iJLqG_1Lz3CGI-ihri3gCC8505AjrfgBKbBXXvfIzFYSHXB0UlFZJ2Busppr0FsCHR65tM4Bxca7ngf5onrz6CM8WMTzxYJKrJUBdKQ/s1600-h/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGA4sFSc_nF3DiN_pXqiZ7wbhEJ7rHYSH5iJLqG_1Lz3CGI-ihri3gCC8505AjrfgBKbBXXvfIzFYSHXB0UlFZJ2Busppr0FsCHR65tM4Bxca7ngf5onrz6CM8WMTzxYJKrJUBdKQ/s320/IMG_0080.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spiral staircase to the top...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQdHyoemtbEM6kV8FUgMEX_yg0K9cuCpSYkzH_RGRwDXrYtXTC7lG8Epd65NWZABst_7Bi1g6rD4uQpgs4OIe5GebzPc1KLt8_7kLMNGzm1PldEGW9QQKkElOyBX2o1U8XmbBw7He/s1600-h/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQdHyoemtbEM6kV8FUgMEX_yg0K9cuCpSYkzH_RGRwDXrYtXTC7lG8Epd65NWZABst_7Bi1g6rD4uQpgs4OIe5GebzPc1KLt8_7kLMNGzm1PldEGW9QQKkElOyBX2o1U8XmbBw7He/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the top of the arch down<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddFGxAy18bxrtQZWqrz6n9CzR9IONZDrgfJFDSnU1n6zL0cYG-L3Fx56o2gX-zJp-mVZv7svSlzdXRcsCSRsRdgWTGSmdaJ1K-lJyCyPzaDBQWoe1VbGiYHoE0aZotOpNZgIbWHds/s1600-h/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddFGxAy18bxrtQZWqrz6n9CzR9IONZDrgfJFDSnU1n6zL0cYG-L3Fx56o2gX-zJp-mVZv7svSlzdXRcsCSRsRdgWTGSmdaJ1K-lJyCyPzaDBQWoe1VbGiYHoE0aZotOpNZgIbWHds/s400/IMG_0025.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Street vendor.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnj2EvcAvq3Nw6WBtirzLinbISTtgVsZy5TiztjuFVgDuLdu4oIQa38D4zyxULevqjXynTHc7d4NwKL637z_iGd1MpMyZHaevzcGV5zOTjvN6nWa2NgJ02wEHY6SPK2s9de8wdxTV/s1600-h/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnj2EvcAvq3Nw6WBtirzLinbISTtgVsZy5TiztjuFVgDuLdu4oIQa38D4zyxULevqjXynTHc7d4NwKL637z_iGd1MpMyZHaevzcGV5zOTjvN6nWa2NgJ02wEHY6SPK2s9de8wdxTV/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Statue of King Sisavang Vong 1904 -1959<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATwzUrplrP2jzbFN80Bc_lAYFwKz25yzM8skYa9wRswoSoOfSmPs7qLR8ikFVqeWFhwiwTvVtDwsocqc3blZ6cKL5HPMavMg9rjphWB6EljbXB1-jx_Bcfgaqqs_1iYMbKQ5M4cbX/s1600-h/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATwzUrplrP2jzbFN80Bc_lAYFwKz25yzM8skYa9wRswoSoOfSmPs7qLR8ikFVqeWFhwiwTvVtDwsocqc3blZ6cKL5HPMavMg9rjphWB6EljbXB1-jx_Bcfgaqqs_1iYMbKQ5M4cbX/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Immediately behind the statue is a much revered Buddhist temple:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wat Si Muang and home to the "Lak Meuang" or city pillar<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the entrance to the temple are several 'shops' selling devotions for the faithful:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABakvvGicb26WHFPxCW5HigX1A55RqLDRej1hAZ63ORyBcMbFCgV-1LFfhsqpTaJkkIKDZ5ea32SJ4Xwlrf-6G7oWzwizetpF0BVx244omVyID0QKlZKKP5cc6iimp0cYt543nNej/s1600-h/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABakvvGicb26WHFPxCW5HigX1A55RqLDRej1hAZ63ORyBcMbFCgV-1LFfhsqpTaJkkIKDZ5ea32SJ4Xwlrf-6G7oWzwizetpF0BVx244omVyID0QKlZKKP5cc6iimp0cYt543nNej/s320/IMG_0006.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Jci22g0YZsDg4k48dgyswJzlr3md8FEIY7SbOpw08momflIGwbPDXgrHJ28xWMXf2uGVOoKvhQpNgZ5-oi_wOPEF4PfDhPrd-bQdxAV4tfGsAI9n_2G3xv84LdBh6L75WlyBwCk/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Jci22g0YZsDg4k48dgyswJzlr3md8FEIY7SbOpw08momflIGwbPDXgrHJ28xWMXf2uGVOoKvhQpNgZ5-oi_wOPEF4PfDhPrd-bQdxAV4tfGsAI9n_2G3xv84LdBh6L75WlyBwCk/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG9UVrEyEdy6GY6o61yQviMRsgtm3SoGWkMDQ_86dz8YmRNlyXkz9RaR5NInW-YbXzg4wYunH7OQkiZTJnhPpqISRqh2e_tw5nIPM-Ee7D0jCWBo6zJZiR3U6R3fWdymeE0u7sRdy/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG9UVrEyEdy6GY6o61yQviMRsgtm3SoGWkMDQ_86dz8YmRNlyXkz9RaR5NInW-YbXzg4wYunH7OQkiZTJnhPpqISRqh2e_tw5nIPM-Ee7D0jCWBo6zJZiR3U6R3fWdymeE0u7sRdy/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxDu5sRfr99ObqoWuETpc7WDPYypXaFx9dVMN9oTnjIzp1WweyDrLVuN8dIhR4Vfb6FHe85PcVTU7AlANVx5kcnWL0IrmE4uXn8quGFgiUyVcPbffz1oRcUGgNaLjq8l-4f15L1ij/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxDu5sRfr99ObqoWuETpc7WDPYypXaFx9dVMN9oTnjIzp1WweyDrLVuN8dIhR4Vfb6FHe85PcVTU7AlANVx5kcnWL0IrmE4uXn8quGFgiUyVcPbffz1oRcUGgNaLjq8l-4f15L1ij/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and these 'captured birds that are "bought' by people and<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">released in the temple grounds for good luck....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5RiA93qqffrkR9hVJTa6Jd5QHqAhkQbnkT_j_iif_MgBeHO8kHn07plk7VLTbN1KNCF1AFf_7nLQEnGVYfLfNyXrxkaIllCTytQAN4kvDUfsX2d5SK_-mU9ImpqWjdIktMAT6_lN/s1600-h/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5RiA93qqffrkR9hVJTa6Jd5QHqAhkQbnkT_j_iif_MgBeHO8kHn07plk7VLTbN1KNCF1AFf_7nLQEnGVYfLfNyXrxkaIllCTytQAN4kvDUfsX2d5SK_-mU9ImpqWjdIktMAT6_lN/s400/IMG_0024.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main Temple Hall housing the city pillar<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I particular like the exterior 'furnishings' at this temple....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a few- <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwioejrDuenfp4BJNCwr1abitzw10ZKWPj-kcwRc281AHQ4xb5yffpjWYhygJNYXl_GMcxmB7vVMlTt8gOeTEjnLgnCPydmStqPPzhFWA1i_hdrwdBh-NpdsBfAyhc0R48LXwbw3CA/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwioejrDuenfp4BJNCwr1abitzw10ZKWPj-kcwRc281AHQ4xb5yffpjWYhygJNYXl_GMcxmB7vVMlTt8gOeTEjnLgnCPydmStqPPzhFWA1i_hdrwdBh-NpdsBfAyhc0R48LXwbw3CA/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqNSzLMOaYL_sW4dyTDv0h0yDczYyHoFTNd-Rp9Wg_Q4Ubt7lENE1pNmiv_5CvIGxVypJ5kcDgz7ClBNwXIRk_trQkiIkEKaPfSxhWjLstOp1PHM-YggF6RErYclI0wMVIeVLYqL9/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqNSzLMOaYL_sW4dyTDv0h0yDczYyHoFTNd-Rp9Wg_Q4Ubt7lENE1pNmiv_5CvIGxVypJ5kcDgz7ClBNwXIRk_trQkiIkEKaPfSxhWjLstOp1PHM-YggF6RErYclI0wMVIeVLYqL9/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> A little foot weary, I head to find some refreshment...........<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-63264451896575782632009-12-18T18:56:00.000-08:002009-12-18T19:01:58.311-08:00Christmas Greetings from Bangkok<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Christmas is here again.................<br />
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I am here in 32 degrees of sunshine and blue skies!!<br />
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I cannot believe that I have now been living in Bangkok for a year now, arriving some 366 days ago!<br />
Here the streets are full of festive cheer, trees covered with twinkling lights, Christmas Trees are seen outside shopping centres which are all decked out with glittering streamers and garlands, with festive music playing in the background.........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The huge MBK Shopping Centre decked out with festive lighting<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dazzling Tree outside another shopping complex<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yours truly.....Siam Paragon<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">scenes outside Siam Paragon........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giant "dog" outside Central World<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wooden Soldier<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Close to home.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Colourful floodlit fish......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dragons and.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">multi-headed elephant.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I wish you all A very Happy Christmas and a great new Year.......<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">xxx<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nigel<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-48047661359428648842009-12-07T20:15:00.000-08:002009-12-07T20:15:38.708-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A third walk thru' the "Old City"<div style="text-align: center;">This, my third walk within the confines of the "Old City" of Bangkok takes me from the<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saen Seap Canal to Wat Pho.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mahakan Fort<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fort was built in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I as<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a defense for the city of Bangkok. Originally the defensive walls<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that surrounded the city on the landward side contained 16 gates and 17 forts.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mahakan is one of only two remaining.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt_myTRB4RETOovr7iLqBzWO_dtuUmjCnWIiwve5kVK8bK1LYPfSgX8NGM3OjY6TQFQMTCpD4pRIdhLW_UeMyhXQwXGuDVWYGbt_8wJUBjkmqaWt5IIdvAvQ4OtcdSEd5yHAfM98h/s1600-h/bangkok-rama2-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt_myTRB4RETOovr7iLqBzWO_dtuUmjCnWIiwve5kVK8bK1LYPfSgX8NGM3OjY6TQFQMTCpD4pRIdhLW_UeMyhXQwXGuDVWYGbt_8wJUBjkmqaWt5IIdvAvQ4OtcdSEd5yHAfM98h/s320/bangkok-rama2-map.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Across from the fort is Wat Ratchanadda. Within the confines of the temple is<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">an unusual and unique structure - the Loha Prasat or "metal castle". Appearing almost<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Burmese in design, the pagoda is, in fact, based a copy of a similar building in Sri Lanka.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Building started in the reign of King Rama III, in the early 19th century, only being completed<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in the present reign.......!! In all there are 37 metal 'spires' on the structure, representing the<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">37 virtues that lead to enlightenment.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Metal grille at the base <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shrine on the top storey<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">View from the top.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The temple of Ratchanadda is undergoing much restoration and<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">is rarely only open to the public. Today, I was lucky as the doors to<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the Ubosot were open.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVblV04FiA8a-og_gU0MaAfDXnXfRiHMH0FR63_SO0scq59kMWji5I6nN8HydTVPI9oJ5soyiKY5s25cHMwG62NixTWbZT5nGr03gDX1b6CIb2M9aTdtChCqjWu4-UW02v_pWX54U4/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVblV04FiA8a-og_gU0MaAfDXnXfRiHMH0FR63_SO0scq59kMWji5I6nN8HydTVPI9oJ5soyiKY5s25cHMwG62NixTWbZT5nGr03gDX1b6CIb2M9aTdtChCqjWu4-UW02v_pWX54U4/s400/IMG_0001.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside, a monk was extoling the virtues of the Buddha....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A monk shrine in the temple's outer courtyard.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Wat Ratchanadda, I follow the small canal that runs<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">parallel to the temple....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ornaments hanging over the canal<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkSDQJzF2kHluYwD-pc1UTWFbD2CpKcIZ1zrBgB5Veczi8Uc2d74C-ZwfEd5nG2U2w5Rs7VCwieewAhoQjAMuugCyveF27IJPh2YMXMpuWNTgaquXPIckNPVNa8jqjOPmY6LIk4fK/s1600-h/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkSDQJzF2kHluYwD-pc1UTWFbD2CpKcIZ1zrBgB5Veczi8Uc2d74C-ZwfEd5nG2U2w5Rs7VCwieewAhoQjAMuugCyveF27IJPh2YMXMpuWNTgaquXPIckNPVNa8jqjOPmY6LIk4fK/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Street seller preparing her Thai curry in readiness<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for lunch time. She is always busy as Bangkok City Hall<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">is just around the corner<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The unassuming City Hall with a concrete square in front.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always reminds me of London's South Bank.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opposite the square is the Giant Swing.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsjcVj3AJz63Ax1lFCWqDq5hlBHGJYm1JXaaRK0wx9F1duQCYbc1ZyPKhy2K1pQIzaPI_GJ2ZRJU4V9mt4cBAcMbxDn52wqnCbDbk3lQ1eY8XTGGQtmUaf4ZHP5M745lwUzlAfMqO/s1600-h/IMG_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsjcVj3AJz63Ax1lFCWqDq5hlBHGJYm1JXaaRK0wx9F1duQCYbc1ZyPKhy2K1pQIzaPI_GJ2ZRJU4V9mt4cBAcMbxDn52wqnCbDbk3lQ1eY8XTGGQtmUaf4ZHP5M745lwUzlAfMqO/s400/IMG_0038.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally constructed in 1794, the swing is a religious<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">structure. The "Swing Ceremony" was one of twelve royal ceremonies<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">held in each of the lunar months of the Thai Lunar Calender & was based around<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a Brahma epic.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fy_LOoSwQz2O4d_QaOhTRoMB2mwotvEwT9y5o1jGdcPUavkPxSKqELLKQ093fL5CkoPPhOHf2MfoXrs3IYclq0akineo5VYy8ZAL_5sXH-aCq1Y1rze5CQxFeaKElFTT4hWjKZas/s1600-h/IMG_4842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fy_LOoSwQz2O4d_QaOhTRoMB2mwotvEwT9y5o1jGdcPUavkPxSKqELLKQ093fL5CkoPPhOHf2MfoXrs3IYclq0akineo5VYy8ZAL_5sXH-aCq1Y1rze5CQxFeaKElFTT4hWjKZas/s400/IMG_4842.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shrine to Vishnu, close to the Swing....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From here, I head eastwards and pass Wat Ratchabopit<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">built during the reign of King Rama V.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find the memorial courtyard most interesting as a great<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">number have a Victorian gothic-style feel to them and would not<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">be amiss in any churchyard in the UK.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL1v3OyUhh48kWAjBZDgnB5767uu2_QcMyaK2xOidClHwfs_SYLRc3MAOYlLuIHFeIYrlUDrZfKNpExe9vrCBGG38zEtsPXUabKEG7KLi5wc5OsTjBactxe-psVWagyYmMn5sO4DW/s1600-h/IMG_0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL1v3OyUhh48kWAjBZDgnB5767uu2_QcMyaK2xOidClHwfs_SYLRc3MAOYlLuIHFeIYrlUDrZfKNpExe9vrCBGG38zEtsPXUabKEG7KLi5wc5OsTjBactxe-psVWagyYmMn5sO4DW/s400/IMG_0053.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, the walls of the temple are lined with beautiful ceramic tiles:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving the temple, I head towards he Khlong Kumueang Doem, the "Old City" Moat.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRjRXgNxWhuqu5T0x8Kv-S6I4XhBttDRamwG4LBNYprhXOxkYSNydBcUQQ1A3B9O4grN3QfXxV9RmXtogFx4fh74FS7CSM7DV95RLVW0SPMCaGEwvA5rNrGr8hf5WXRvcsLDyVadt/s1600-h/IMG_4790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRjRXgNxWhuqu5T0x8Kv-S6I4XhBttDRamwG4LBNYprhXOxkYSNydBcUQQ1A3B9O4grN3QfXxV9RmXtogFx4fh74FS7CSM7DV95RLVW0SPMCaGEwvA5rNrGr8hf5WXRvcsLDyVadt/s400/IMG_4790.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decide to cross the canal by the Chang Rongsi Bridge<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Bridge is unusually wide as it was originally designed to<br />
carry the weight of elephants to & from the rice mill nearby.<br />
Hence the name Chang Rongsi, meaning, 'Rice mill elephant bridge'<br />
<br />
During the reign of King Rama V, the bridge was rebuilt, being completed in 1910.<br />
I particularly like the bridge ends:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRGTfdRXc4h_9ivrpoxkHhjd0H3ouWzlzaco5bsb_Yv0VsqWQAPIQ6-T1D353k4YpYcTQQLN24IWgzJVBmvIUMY0Jy-ICtsQF9FENCOfI_8RaaZDuUjzbzGOpERXHHiFIP7k7-qlj/s1600-h/IMG_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRGTfdRXc4h_9ivrpoxkHhjd0H3ouWzlzaco5bsb_Yv0VsqWQAPIQ6-T1D353k4YpYcTQQLN24IWgzJVBmvIUMY0Jy-ICtsQF9FENCOfI_8RaaZDuUjzbzGOpERXHHiFIP7k7-qlj/s400/IMG_0040.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
very cute..........!<br />
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<br />
A little further down stream, I come to an unusual shrine: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiD38X4DzgSYkFRd9ewcKTij9YFVRCNHAQF92U46pcGtXvBpDLNr6jBlVorvtNPhOl700zVbZCpKgYZ7pvUVnFgDAW3IcWrY7lxOl00um9MAQDXxEonAhTdoJCaW4YRD6biNKdURO/s1600-h/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiD38X4DzgSYkFRd9ewcKTij9YFVRCNHAQF92U46pcGtXvBpDLNr6jBlVorvtNPhOl700zVbZCpKgYZ7pvUVnFgDAW3IcWrY7lxOl00um9MAQDXxEonAhTdoJCaW4YRD6biNKdURO/s400/IMG_0043.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The shrine dates to 1913 in commemoration of HRM Queen Sri Phatcharinthra,<br />
the consort of King Rama V, on the occasion of her 50th birthday.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8IXke8-Q8UMs-5qaBva56ltnOggOTC-wuhyphenhyphendfUCJySPDkXK2Zkic0MvX0sls3PDN9jjtxSRSfVGz9ep1-rjPuDXPOuqZRVqzvOSf1qg6pObaGva7LRT4grPw2qAC2kyAFoNXP6RX/s1600-h/Saovabha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8IXke8-Q8UMs-5qaBva56ltnOggOTC-wuhyphenhyphendfUCJySPDkXK2Zkic0MvX0sls3PDN9jjtxSRSfVGz9ep1-rjPuDXPOuqZRVqzvOSf1qg6pObaGva7LRT4grPw2qAC2kyAFoNXP6RX/s320/Saovabha.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
The memorial takes the form of a metal sculpture of a pig, signifying that the queen<br />
was born in the year of the pig<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Almost opposite the shrine is the delightful Saranrom Park.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The park was originally the royal garden that formed part of the Saranrom Palace.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dating back to the reign of King Rama IV, the park was constructed in 1866.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQClj8oR7FjmZ_ew79xjRyvCnnBmbgZql_8GPCM6YNy3fm3OFqXyzZrL2hbcWhjZmteCfNnp2Z1M04C8dvgDGK8AXvzMp0dijG-rIDPDtMikFKxnUBME3bT0Xonu58GJxs-RclU4m/s1600-h/IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQClj8oR7FjmZ_ew79xjRyvCnnBmbgZql_8GPCM6YNy3fm3OFqXyzZrL2hbcWhjZmteCfNnp2Z1M04C8dvgDGK8AXvzMp0dijG-rIDPDtMikFKxnUBME3bT0Xonu58GJxs-RclU4m/s400/IMG_0059.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Victorian-style bandstand <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The park is home to several "miniature Thai houses" showing the<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The modern band-stand<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVY8L6h0CKk3L796u5lpDysKs9ETS9MDzS9R9cnlirSrRhgMLPLldx2Jr3HN9PU1-U2H9oJDpARTuF0UQH9sQ8RFHGebhi9aog5cmkQace38CvpPPE0dvNzDwZBuJGvD-yViIWYLr8/s1600-h/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVY8L6h0CKk3L796u5lpDysKs9ETS9MDzS9R9cnlirSrRhgMLPLldx2Jr3HN9PU1-U2H9oJDpARTuF0UQH9sQ8RFHGebhi9aog5cmkQace38CvpPPE0dvNzDwZBuJGvD-yViIWYLr8/s400/IMG_0060.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like these loudspeaker stands, looking more<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">like bird cages........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSbbznUyHQcF93NcOr3Kdmg72j9MPan16zEzZoJ8Y_iirmho-N1sDNNAAPxCfmnF2LmIMb_O_I46mzACf5ZUSmzz6pCXZ-6nYDkoAcl8yH6bMiRLwCoV16LsOZzYEHLwJpE1KNT6k/s1600-h/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSbbznUyHQcF93NcOr3Kdmg72j9MPan16zEzZoJ8Y_iirmho-N1sDNNAAPxCfmnF2LmIMb_O_I46mzACf5ZUSmzz6pCXZ-6nYDkoAcl8yH6bMiRLwCoV16LsOZzYEHLwJpE1KNT6k/s400/IMG_0055.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having 'cooled off' in the sanctuary of the park, I now head<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Passing on the way the walls of The Grand Palace<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Wat Pho is the first grade royal temple and is adjacent to the Grand Palace.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The correct title is Wat Phra Chettu<span style="background-color: red;">pho</span>n Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">but is chiefly known as the temple of the Reclining Buddha. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85WNzGt2BDsrc0JIL3-sZUTdbVfCQRIblHa6NCAnm2pyQpEd973rax8Z_odek8Xpn1LTfcWY_xjt4Qfhttu8ofw_n5JG-PPgVljeMqVLjOh2OBxawn9EuIDiqTwtOISglNT3VDv4y/s1600-h/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85WNzGt2BDsrc0JIL3-sZUTdbVfCQRIblHa6NCAnm2pyQpEd973rax8Z_odek8Xpn1LTfcWY_xjt4Qfhttu8ofw_n5JG-PPgVljeMqVLjOh2OBxawn9EuIDiqTwtOISglNT3VDv4y/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, preceeding the founding of the city.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Today, I have come to rediscover the wonderful paintings that surround the figure.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are just a few 'teasers':<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigArOlq4mSG-j9sr2i5o4ql4SZ9nfS2sQOro65K748ueRzsn7E2Ej9DJ2IXV-qO832jUJtFmQpgayoIn8RcWnndI36Nnt-q5DIgNNFsd0BozoXX0ssvC_GHhavPp4fPcGKr-ZEjJeH/s1600-h/IMG_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigArOlq4mSG-j9sr2i5o4ql4SZ9nfS2sQOro65K748ueRzsn7E2Ej9DJ2IXV-qO832jUJtFmQpgayoIn8RcWnndI36Nnt-q5DIgNNFsd0BozoXX0ssvC_GHhavPp4fPcGKr-ZEjJeH/s400/IMG_0086.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Foot sore and weary.....I head home!!<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-73555169749596356852009-12-04T10:45:00.000-08:002009-12-04T10:45:59.225-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - Further glimpses of the "Old City"My second walk, again takes me thru the "Old City" of Bangkok. This particular one being one of my favourites.<br />
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My starting point again is the last point of call on the Khlong Saen Seap. This time, though, I head south following what would have been the old walls of Bangkok. My first stop is at The Golden Mount Temple, that forms part of Wat Saket. The climb is long and as I find it worse going down than up, I prefer to stay at the base of the Mount, in the cool shade of the trees, concentrating looking at the jumble of bricks, overgrown bushes, Buddha images, forgotten grottoes and numerous shrines to the departed:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5mVAanQl1SiT9ukc9kNzcaIEQDsp_X8C1w1PGuZM5DV6vJ8_LVjOf0OTsOhLpxuZ9Xd6GrmesrcTbLXnCgqROedz9z0JfC9T9N0qgrliRM1zOLGY1hyphenhyphenEAXIF393wx5QWavqXj__0Dv4/s1600-h/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5mVAanQl1SiT9ukc9kNzcaIEQDsp_X8C1w1PGuZM5DV6vJ8_LVjOf0OTsOhLpxuZ9Xd6GrmesrcTbLXnCgqROedz9z0JfC9T9N0qgrliRM1zOLGY1hyphenhyphenEAXIF393wx5QWavqXj__0Dv4/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The surrounding streets around the Mount are noted for their numerous wood workshops<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">for the construction industry. Here can be found anything from turned door knobs,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">finely carved finials, cable ends, floor boarding and doors.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> One of the many shops specializing in wooden objects for house construction<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Door maker <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bqRUMoarC_iB7NqJqMLax5U8VD1UFbFcX0FrQVn6yfRLdBUpgoU_77Kvw5o1scFSM1m9RPf2RCdYb34UiQEMsOEIzOfe0qJn4qHz_wsJ6bqNjPgELBoNP9AU6gneI161EhF6PMoZsmk/s1600-h/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bqRUMoarC_iB7NqJqMLax5U8VD1UFbFcX0FrQVn6yfRLdBUpgoU_77Kvw5o1scFSM1m9RPf2RCdYb34UiQEMsOEIzOfe0qJn4qHz_wsJ6bqNjPgELBoNP9AU6gneI161EhF6PMoZsmk/s400/IMG_0054.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">catching up on the news......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJXlWMKXhsQ_VyGhbl1V-kea1Rd3cased9qDViQUZKKFRdSBBGlvc6dNDeX33bmYdJnhqkyViObwElwJotym3bOKGXzBTZBz3OiC1V-X0JllRej0Qte5QIZ1P4FNI8EwGBMpaewc2eIA/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJXlWMKXhsQ_VyGhbl1V-kea1Rd3cased9qDViQUZKKFRdSBBGlvc6dNDeX33bmYdJnhqkyViObwElwJotym3bOKGXzBTZBz3OiC1V-X0JllRej0Qte5QIZ1P4FNI8EwGBMpaewc2eIA/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">....seems to be a popular pastime here!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7cOD3DFfrXpvm0eq5kk_FuGy_8_MZtgihJILLU705gI1mcD1wD0pcZLBZJ_QXfzLDQyddIA19458kaxdHkmwPI4ekPWAw8EbzS8SiAlOxXPnHl6F7ke5KJaGKtEC6Tcer6Tf6O60cOA/s1600-h/IMG_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7cOD3DFfrXpvm0eq5kk_FuGy_8_MZtgihJILLU705gI1mcD1wD0pcZLBZJ_QXfzLDQyddIA19458kaxdHkmwPI4ekPWAw8EbzS8SiAlOxXPnHl6F7ke5KJaGKtEC6Tcer6Tf6O60cOA/s400/IMG_0058.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Around the corner is this metal worker specializing<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in fashioning monks alms bowls.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg9qyRJeXtHVBNKlliZaaDPn5n3NAuAL2mMkqoeRuT2wVcO1JGUq7Mrs3myMThxwnOdS1UWmhbqdJ4wE6k9qGq0MQu8vxybL045qisQ8os81Yi7cPKqDVindWLKurOE8VWJM6tp9ERjI/s1600-h/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg9qyRJeXtHVBNKlliZaaDPn5n3NAuAL2mMkqoeRuT2wVcO1JGUq7Mrs3myMThxwnOdS1UWmhbqdJ4wE6k9qGq0MQu8vxybL045qisQ8os81Yi7cPKqDVindWLKurOE8VWJM6tp9ERjI/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I now cross over the Khlong Kumueng Doem, the<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">original city moat and I am now within the confines<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the "Old City" of Bangkok.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I now take the oportunity of visiting one of my most favourite temples in Bangkok, the<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">delightful, historical Wat Thepthidaram, built during the reign of King Rama III between 1836 - 1839 for his beloved daughter. The building style is Sino-Thai.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vN2joqqx_LQNssgYd3__OP-KB9aO93OTqiDj9cUBojTp6sEM1Mo2uHeatBz7pxLAXTXRvzOOXxJOUFvb9WVq4QqhTKAKguEhmhLaNrMIhUoadJyNGxayXE9hhAL0pTZbcRv21FrN-_8/s1600-h/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vN2joqqx_LQNssgYd3__OP-KB9aO93OTqiDj9cUBojTp6sEM1Mo2uHeatBz7pxLAXTXRvzOOXxJOUFvb9WVq4QqhTKAKguEhmhLaNrMIhUoadJyNGxayXE9hhAL0pTZbcRv21FrN-_8/s400/IMG_0060.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entrance to the Ubosot (Ordination Hall)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9AUVg1PsMDJgQ4NAxl8xvy7GmeuTylJNd4BxGltRFDuvzgt4nky_FZOSlYt_pqzBWyVT7_kRV6VHh3rSZfiOm_fOL0Qg3j-ObtweyzTeK630eoGVP_7M9QzqRAymaHxD6mRCD4g572w/s1600-h/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9AUVg1PsMDJgQ4NAxl8xvy7GmeuTylJNd4BxGltRFDuvzgt4nky_FZOSlYt_pqzBWyVT7_kRV6VHh3rSZfiOm_fOL0Qg3j-ObtweyzTeK630eoGVP_7M9QzqRAymaHxD6mRCD4g572w/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The interior of the Ubosot with the revered Buddha figure<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpssim1uDaPmjS_5DSgHVWp6NePndaFjVqE9N77euNHZlILu80hR9_3ToTkgnTfZN_yOm3AE4k__qTeKuVL9edXNPe2mkl4qtzWzJ28clqVOHWqDdVTPjZRXtX2EydO0ARwxsX2sx9Tg/s1600-h/IMG_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpssim1uDaPmjS_5DSgHVWp6NePndaFjVqE9N77euNHZlILu80hR9_3ToTkgnTfZN_yOm3AE4k__qTeKuVL9edXNPe2mkl4qtzWzJ28clqVOHWqDdVTPjZRXtX2EydO0ARwxsX2sx9Tg/s400/IMG_0075.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Detail of the Buddha figure<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsJV6KG45xQI7qVCI18A8RAg_PK-J76qXFzSiw2etAnwmSnS22swXk2ucg5-SRiVIdwN7bpdWb1yxHB2itBVcMpMzA4aefyPX1ja0SDf-kFzkpnY8SU8sZtxeBiyms61eZ_FM1_6aac8/s1600-h/IMG_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsJV6KG45xQI7qVCI18A8RAg_PK-J76qXFzSiw2etAnwmSnS22swXk2ucg5-SRiVIdwN7bpdWb1yxHB2itBVcMpMzA4aefyPX1ja0SDf-kFzkpnY8SU8sZtxeBiyms61eZ_FM1_6aac8/s320/IMG_0063.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gilded Buddha figure at the base of the main statue<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Portrait of King Rama III<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TLnBZT8mwaaXDZXg2joYcg937F_AXolpIYRd9JARXcVzknXoujXVfxwIcVfjuCxOvh73ZV74fg3NHopboslBgqGsdCNH3If2j4uzSUl8UXHIpzS2J_Shj8Ej7Zxlw_RxGPm8BT7p-D4/s1600-h/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TLnBZT8mwaaXDZXg2joYcg937F_AXolpIYRd9JARXcVzknXoujXVfxwIcVfjuCxOvh73ZV74fg3NHopboslBgqGsdCNH3If2j4uzSUl8UXHIpzS2J_Shj8Ej7Zxlw_RxGPm8BT7p-D4/s320/IMG_0067.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Painting in the Viharn<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUROJ6gno8ZGCx1Cftgv5NfLQECeIkBfoCmMbS3jHUbZGIqzAAQ7v-HoBNEY2JDTueSLTn0cr5AD-2YM4Ex6rDIq8I45J2qMIhkKEZxhBurt9EGtzdpHIlbqnavJC2UXj6jHmhZTFNnwc/s1600-h/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUROJ6gno8ZGCx1Cftgv5NfLQECeIkBfoCmMbS3jHUbZGIqzAAQ7v-HoBNEY2JDTueSLTn0cr5AD-2YM4Ex6rDIq8I45J2qMIhkKEZxhBurt9EGtzdpHIlbqnavJC2UXj6jHmhZTFNnwc/s400/IMG_0079.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Within the living quarters of the monks is a small room, or Kuti, devoted to<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the celebrated Thai poet Sunthorn Phu who was a monk here....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6Ll-DthmsvHIdJ0KJXZvL48xig1OXc3EmcJZo4T_eO6A_M5mIn3dsN_39CscGCMb6KMT61yePvzjdJ5aLoMWoa7O3Sxkxr1VW259rZWlxHqmLrOxxLdYBB7180IbGMm42FhgYvut9BE/s1600-h/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6Ll-DthmsvHIdJ0KJXZvL48xig1OXc3EmcJZo4T_eO6A_M5mIn3dsN_39CscGCMb6KMT61yePvzjdJ5aLoMWoa7O3Sxkxr1VW259rZWlxHqmLrOxxLdYBB7180IbGMm42FhgYvut9BE/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another avid reader.....!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving the temple, I continue my walk south.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPUdP0kHqXnLw-8T31jR2N6LBrE8MN2adLFz58B1ajD87w5Zk5a6QFdZo4dpQy6PEqAuO8j6sJfjAUZZGVF5SnPk6KE2uhjfFWJ1G5SB9HkCkprw0T81_68pfyutwDI-uy_f4CpTD_Vo/s1600-h/IMG_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPUdP0kHqXnLw-8T31jR2N6LBrE8MN2adLFz58B1ajD87w5Zk5a6QFdZo4dpQy6PEqAuO8j6sJfjAUZZGVF5SnPk6KE2uhjfFWJ1G5SB9HkCkprw0T81_68pfyutwDI-uy_f4CpTD_Vo/s400/IMG_0083.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instant repairs on the street...... luv it!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQU46rx7yeJqAOCY7If-V47JbDlIdTmgbS1A2lqF-u5ZsKpUepoKHTcIjxyCoz0USQKEv6IVIcINsVGrhm_RrBXU3kIv-ISCONZHH4XcvKXFTZ55F9VEunbpP03NnkCs9dKr_bUrg9oU/s1600-h/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQU46rx7yeJqAOCY7If-V47JbDlIdTmgbS1A2lqF-u5ZsKpUepoKHTcIjxyCoz0USQKEv6IVIcINsVGrhm_RrBXU3kIv-ISCONZHH4XcvKXFTZ55F9VEunbpP03NnkCs9dKr_bUrg9oU/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Basket work shop<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYGd-S0thvRSw8pl5XUKUQ3C8QJEaTgJFmeDm-rs2plGuKgnEsdG0RsH9DBIq6gHvd3kfAVz_P7C9odSipc9Ovf3uVC88gloiuvAdECkQCf75PeUkcKTH9Zs6uQILnYuBmJLDG_TKs1k/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYGd-S0thvRSw8pl5XUKUQ3C8QJEaTgJFmeDm-rs2plGuKgnEsdG0RsH9DBIq6gHvd3kfAVz_P7C9odSipc9Ovf3uVC88gloiuvAdECkQCf75PeUkcKTH9Zs6uQILnYuBmJLDG_TKs1k/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this part of the city are many shops specializing in homeware<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP9Xv48pWqCZi6eM98yslz1NhiRoKE8ZsJysbbogRl2qRle7waqt7VJnPmdmFUPSvHXy5rQ-5qAttRHW9twFoNNGmEfudEN-MmMtFsCHNMYE5TmNKzkRof0SnX9JQx4OWJ3XCcgFDuCA/s1600-h/IMG_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP9Xv48pWqCZi6eM98yslz1NhiRoKE8ZsJysbbogRl2qRle7waqt7VJnPmdmFUPSvHXy5rQ-5qAttRHW9twFoNNGmEfudEN-MmMtFsCHNMYE5TmNKzkRof0SnX9JQx4OWJ3XCcgFDuCA/s400/IMG_0086.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No home in Thailand is complete without its Spirit House<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having decided not to buy my own spirit house,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I venture on and decide to seek sanctuary in a former Bangkok prison......!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JhhqRWb50f_JoY5ylmkb8zF6m2NX9l7QizjCJdYzIQUHnoYYsb4550qSDIMuWeTIfBg6tQos2WTMIVFcF1nNzk2zBBY0V_Ni8KpcPb9Yc1vTQIn8JBLsj4iZ1CEA1mknx_Qw2QWrRkA/s1600-h/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JhhqRWb50f_JoY5ylmkb8zF6m2NX9l7QizjCJdYzIQUHnoYYsb4550qSDIMuWeTIfBg6tQos2WTMIVFcF1nNzk2zBBY0V_Ni8KpcPb9Yc1vTQIn8JBLsj4iZ1CEA1mknx_Qw2QWrRkA/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The prison dates to the reign of King Rama V and all but a couple<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the buildings have been torn down and turned into a Park,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">called Rommaninat, in celebration of Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLctUIGoA-NqVqVX2Bxu7XwMKdTEYafdAoGHD0U76brn5S21T0kzLHLHkXEaIFDZURgDrv7QAd7d6Rv13JCFWr_TjiAyK0QfGVCZkAPgy13zilqZ0nFZJWJGZF0rnBjPRNL7QV3rqp4A8/s1600-h/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLctUIGoA-NqVqVX2Bxu7XwMKdTEYafdAoGHD0U76brn5S21T0kzLHLHkXEaIFDZURgDrv7QAd7d6Rv13JCFWr_TjiAyK0QfGVCZkAPgy13zilqZ0nFZJWJGZF0rnBjPRNL7QV3rqp4A8/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the only "Cell Block" still extant<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw6Ztib8sKSrRs7qHfqFq8DQasmeEgwChnU_mTGci-uOWxuQlNzw9j0vy0LJWcC_ONX6-CZE88Uf0iEHbNPn0FNKajMyoxVowmfbOnZktbGR9Kqv8huo-wYaRKiX_3dl7iJjuH6s_daw/s1600-h/IMG_0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw6Ztib8sKSrRs7qHfqFq8DQasmeEgwChnU_mTGci-uOWxuQlNzw9j0vy0LJWcC_ONX6-CZE88Uf0iEHbNPn0FNKajMyoxVowmfbOnZktbGR9Kqv8huo-wYaRKiX_3dl7iJjuH6s_daw/s400/IMG_0096.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of a number of "watch towers" have been kept.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one set in the middle of a pond.....!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CiHb_S6jNJq9n_Q0YSM9qWnJnC26ULRdzUnWx71AZAKJAaVQx0FTU1WEDkzLlbDMKVsu9pPDKm-c4bBc5FpnEy4rXmSLCXCP2DuMPHbPPqLx4gqYDgJ6zzArbp9h3E3lTzQEuTaIU3Q/s1600-h/IMG_0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CiHb_S6jNJq9n_Q0YSM9qWnJnC26ULRdzUnWx71AZAKJAaVQx0FTU1WEDkzLlbDMKVsu9pPDKm-c4bBc5FpnEy4rXmSLCXCP2DuMPHbPPqLx4gqYDgJ6zzArbp9h3E3lTzQEuTaIU3Q/s400/IMG_0087.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Old gate-way to the prison<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV2pjya10aRgf0uRiTPDj-UfcbqpvfJMv1MaSoWsj9jLhntLqdyoQXEBZJHAoXBCp7eMRCwFxoHeh_E_r5QSXQcydTmOpxqDw0sglanc5iuxrVQqVYT3LbCZtcW2DXOp-q7_xZY46QxQ/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV2pjya10aRgf0uRiTPDj-UfcbqpvfJMv1MaSoWsj9jLhntLqdyoQXEBZJHAoXBCp7eMRCwFxoHeh_E_r5QSXQcydTmOpxqDw0sglanc5iuxrVQqVYT3LbCZtcW2DXOp-q7_xZY46QxQ/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Similar to most parks in Bangkok, this is an outside gym......<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">popular too:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5rDvgTORCduv96kessfpm4ijC2Bn2-FwR8gGGw_vUcQSIHnMBrPdhnQMs3eyiy0NXgh6LyFUuXkpw1kjh2JaNqFXvDxF_W7dLGPTdVTsX4zavQU9eyiQHhQxUyH7-ofFOi6Fu7E_Fyk/s1600-h/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5rDvgTORCduv96kessfpm4ijC2Bn2-FwR8gGGw_vUcQSIHnMBrPdhnQMs3eyiy0NXgh6LyFUuXkpw1kjh2JaNqFXvDxF_W7dLGPTdVTsX4zavQU9eyiQHhQxUyH7-ofFOi6Fu7E_Fyk/s400/IMG_0095.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the grounds are well kept by an army of "cleaners"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZn4ukFv65EpPvXa19lWoHDUT9oLB5kmmfjhlSqCpAyjAh-X3ibrhVxmruCg8-JWOlonqQ5G1bCQ1PgD7IBdjTVObqxk93bKMNn8JkfKcZ_l5W_Sx9ekEh7hDdZTpUz6OSHf1UjaSI_U/s1600-h/IMG_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZn4ukFv65EpPvXa19lWoHDUT9oLB5kmmfjhlSqCpAyjAh-X3ibrhVxmruCg8-JWOlonqQ5G1bCQ1PgD7IBdjTVObqxk93bKMNn8JkfKcZ_l5W_Sx9ekEh7hDdZTpUz6OSHf1UjaSI_U/s400/IMG_0098.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I leave the park by the north entrance, cross over the road and enter another Temple.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another of my favourites as the wall paintings here are exquisite.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I never set out to do a temple tour on this walk, it just happens,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that in this part of the city, it is impossible to go a far without passing one......!!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Viharn at Wat Suthat<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The main Buddha Image inside the Viharn.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a common sight in all temples across Thailand to see the<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">devotees all dressed in "the"purity of white" to honour the King's birthday<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here in Wat Suthat there is no exception.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lunch stop being taken in the "cloisters"<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bedding and mosquito netting ready for the night<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NJvz7iKVPdhON1_epFNEfw0Ak2E2GHN_ATXXSCM-_HcHx6W99rFchlynRPOXOpm8nAKaStKeoPJAsxTLoslTRlepLIpsy-qFkpRJucwEoMHz8ax91j0Ve_mqmN3FhAAedgEUWnhAcBk/s1600-h/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NJvz7iKVPdhON1_epFNEfw0Ak2E2GHN_ATXXSCM-_HcHx6W99rFchlynRPOXOpm8nAKaStKeoPJAsxTLoslTRlepLIpsy-qFkpRJucwEoMHz8ax91j0Ve_mqmN3FhAAedgEUWnhAcBk/s400/IMG_0157.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This man is taking an early afternoon kip nearby.....!!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I have come to the Ubosot to see the wall paintings that cover every centremetre<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the hall: here are just a few.........really!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTlK969fZI2BDFvPbyIeC6BoKzKPVEBU3q2ri-keZ8PYaFT3s9FdJbzL4JB-FNpiwh_u4WgQERYbjKpbCtz-BXNDURwuZfAfhxaLN2UHHeP12xBrIwbPhod5SpxpDtN1efNiqGg1PmR4/s1600-h/IMG_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTlK969fZI2BDFvPbyIeC6BoKzKPVEBU3q2ri-keZ8PYaFT3s9FdJbzL4JB-FNpiwh_u4WgQERYbjKpbCtz-BXNDURwuZfAfhxaLN2UHHeP12xBrIwbPhod5SpxpDtN1efNiqGg1PmR4/s400/IMG_0109.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I now make my way out of Wat Suthat and head towards the river.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My journey takes me thru' an area devoted to shops specializing<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in goods for the monks and temples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR5zzy0t_7ovxl8_3okDFMGykrqE8oW5ScUY7GB0Ol6IYNmv5PbqdcSNakg0lZow5RRN5Ae_11uvfp7UDQdUycLOZCSvlynrEGqfaw1KTD0Wy6rcq4e6Klp0jAxJa2IqkOoEvDSf5/s1600-h/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR5zzy0t_7ovxl8_3okDFMGykrqE8oW5ScUY7GB0Ol6IYNmv5PbqdcSNakg0lZow5RRN5Ae_11uvfp7UDQdUycLOZCSvlynrEGqfaw1KTD0Wy6rcq4e6Klp0jAxJa2IqkOoEvDSf5/s400/IMG_0162.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Side street honouring the King.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Couple of streets later, I am at the River Chao Phraya, my final<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Off home to have my daily massage.......mmmmm!<br />
</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-36573041059612630262009-12-02T08:23:00.000-08:002009-12-02T08:30:53.086-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A walk thru' the "Old City"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am determined to have some form of exercise, most days, whilst my body heals..... at present, due to my unstable legs, walking is about the only form I can do without putting strain on my neck. Swimming is off limits for a while......I do cut a strange figure, at times, when I suddenly loose balance, much to the amusement of the locals!! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The following picture essay was taken on the walk I took in the "Old City" of Bangkok.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started by taking the express boat along the Khlong Saen Seap from near home to the edge of the Old City......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the Khlong, my first stop is the democracy Monument<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">constructed in 1932 to commemorate Thailand's<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">first constitution.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Monument is located at Ratchadamnoen Avenue<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">part of the processional route on Saturday 5th December<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to celebrate King Bhumibol's 82nd Birthday<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All along the route are giant posters of the King - <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking a side road, I pass a small segment of the original city walls.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All that is left of the fortifications that once surrounded the city<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opposite is a much revered & important Temple, Wat Bowornniwet.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Built between 1824-1832, this is the temple that the male<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">members of the royal family, spend time as monks.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBqMuJ3fIU2GCeEt_W8M_sxYpiNtmt5DT4LTW97iHpSNqISdZMX970uzFgjUheenvIO9IcKRxKIsDXz08J-eY6uy_aOAy5h26inCyXmVI9clo8VaiTwKfmGwLJKgiFinrZFtRfz4byPQ/s1600-h/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBqMuJ3fIU2GCeEt_W8M_sxYpiNtmt5DT4LTW97iHpSNqISdZMX970uzFgjUheenvIO9IcKRxKIsDXz08J-eY6uy_aOAy5h26inCyXmVI9clo8VaiTwKfmGwLJKgiFinrZFtRfz4byPQ/s400/IMG_0013.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Golden Chedi at Wat Bowornniwet.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fine Buddha image at the Temple<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving the temple, I bypass Khoa San Road, the heart<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of Bangkok's backpacker district and head towards the river<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">via Phra Sumen Fort. One of the two remaining forts in old Bangkok<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">constructed in 1783 to fortify the old city during the reign of King Rama I<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">when Bangkok was established as the new capital.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpHaCzUlBZ0sXXkaukoPsAEaBGqh7rFj6eGx1xtk-t6Bdb8T0LbviRNXIdgoWqMy4zbY8d7y_Ufx-2kkp3iCY1ASTTrsreCwqefIXiVDPRADG_pgrzt9SHoCZazfDg-0xruaf_rJHZI0/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpHaCzUlBZ0sXXkaukoPsAEaBGqh7rFj6eGx1xtk-t6Bdb8T0LbviRNXIdgoWqMy4zbY8d7y_Ufx-2kkp3iCY1ASTTrsreCwqefIXiVDPRADG_pgrzt9SHoCZazfDg-0xruaf_rJHZI0/s400/IMG_0016.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Thai-style pavilion in the fort's riverside park.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poster in the park <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View towards Rama VIII Bridge from the park<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View across the river<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I take the riverside walkway and head towards Bangkok's<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amulet Market. En-route, I make a detour to visit<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wat Mahathat. The Temple predates the founding of Bangkok<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in 1792 but was significantly altered after one of the temple's<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">monks, the young Prince Mongkut became King Rama IV. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Entrance to Wat Mahathat<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buddha images in the temple's "cloisters".<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Statue of King Rama I in the Temple grounds<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving the Temple, I stroll down Thanon Mahara,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the centre of Bangkok's Amulet Market<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fresh cut pineapple seller on the street<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amulet Stall<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUW2nwm8v7qB4gYtNlZwBjeBN3ffLtmGqqA8ZADtH9MqCkBv_AGGHPqTT9rrLyhkVaWsu-KrKGKd5iLH823y8z8uh-pf3nzyPtstOGTzlCxqOkC4TlQy3735Mkxuj49WttWZvs9dvpGU/s1600-h/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUW2nwm8v7qB4gYtNlZwBjeBN3ffLtmGqqA8ZADtH9MqCkBv_AGGHPqTT9rrLyhkVaWsu-KrKGKd5iLH823y8z8uh-pf3nzyPtstOGTzlCxqOkC4TlQy3735Mkxuj49WttWZvs9dvpGU/s400/IMG_0037.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monk looking at Amulets<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thai desert seller..... <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving the market, I head towards Wat Phra Kaew<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5giNAhIydNilEsrwtfcDtkGb8I1GzbI9N5E-J3IlRh2ysVyXkeGbJ0sDUvOgEwL3eFDNqI2vvfGAMrFP4JpwWGapmNNmOP0O2DJ_Vw1KFpWwHJHtd5szBFJZLktFIkB3milryNiNaJU/s1600-h/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5giNAhIydNilEsrwtfcDtkGb8I1GzbI9N5E-J3IlRh2ysVyXkeGbJ0sDUvOgEwL3eFDNqI2vvfGAMrFP4JpwWGapmNNmOP0O2DJ_Vw1KFpWwHJHtd5szBFJZLktFIkB3milryNiNaJU/s400/IMG_0045.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, I reach my goal, Wat Phra Kaew<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-5184526666573617772009-11-14T04:07:00.000-08:002009-11-14T04:07:07.106-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A city of contrasts, a look at some buildingsAs world capital's go, Bangkok is a young city, being founded 227 years ago, ahead of Kuala Lumpur by 75 years, but behind Singapore by 79 years.......<br />
Most of the public building we see today date back, in the main, to the late 19th & early 20th centuries'. (I am deliberately not including any Temples in this narrative.) The development and modernisation of Bangkok was due, primarily, to King Mongkut (1851-1868) and later on his son, King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910). For instance, the city's first paved street was completed in 1863 under Mongkut's rule, his son proceeded to construct new roads, developed a railway line to connect to the north of Thailand and oversaw the creation of a tramway.....<br />
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Bangkok is not a beautiful city by any means. Spread over some 350 kilometres, home to an estimated ten million people, Bangkok has grown into a sprawling mass of glistening skyscrapers, towering apartment blocks and gridlock traffic. There are also areas of the city overrun with 'decay',cheap housing, grimy housing blocks, poorly maintained roads and amenities. Of course, much could be said the same for certain districts of London, Paris and New York for example................!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlEC1INzqyCsyZv64MK4bUJYjss1kpcoHkf1vPG0OGNl_z__9XlEeQTXK2ACiU0MIDKNKi4zIikEOV-FAbcA305L0-CX4T_aady9APlf7C9Qq2fr9uoRA_X1kZqQg3ELQ4rqihsHlVl8/s1600-h/03+View+from+77th+floor+of+Baiyoke+Tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlEC1INzqyCsyZv64MK4bUJYjss1kpcoHkf1vPG0OGNl_z__9XlEeQTXK2ACiU0MIDKNKi4zIikEOV-FAbcA305L0-CX4T_aady9APlf7C9Qq2fr9uoRA_X1kZqQg3ELQ4rqihsHlVl8/s400/03+View+from+77th+floor+of+Baiyoke+Tower.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The skyline from atop Baiyoke Tower <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4_Ghyphenhypheni1yTh0NHK5zs_dszSIo0I9BZyV2atBeay3U6jj763aWi5PQ_EPtxXRTiRTHmTyUskUMDn04Tr73AmtdA7l26XQVRMwHZzGWKDvnxbmJaL-cnkWc6exXVDkt5XRAJmt6W-LUXvY/s1600-h/02+Wat+Saket+-+view+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4_Ghyphenhypheni1yTh0NHK5zs_dszSIo0I9BZyV2atBeay3U6jj763aWi5PQ_EPtxXRTiRTHmTyUskUMDn04Tr73AmtdA7l26XQVRMwHZzGWKDvnxbmJaL-cnkWc6exXVDkt5XRAJmt6W-LUXvY/s400/02+Wat+Saket+-+view+a.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the roof tops of 'Old Bangkok' from The Golden Mount<br />
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I have been photographing and filming Bangkok for almost one year, yet even now, I am always finding some new hidden gem to explore, some building that catches my attention, some area I have never visited. This next set of photographs on the buildings of Bangkok, is my latest offering. Here I have concentrated on picturing the contrasts within this great metropolis using lesser known buildings and a glimpse at the "cathedrals of commerce"...........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">This image of the king is on the front of Bangkok City Hall....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlHgEjR0P9DKE3JObKQq5GuBVr9xYqVKVbIsqeiNagE32aQ4NTkWtT3Xw3zUtviZMml7HZVyyc0IfOzZR_Tkgpwv5kxqSTDN06MNsXQibyxYCa1JgpC7DTTmZih7NPnZVyXHeyfvrzEk/s1600-h/IMG_0063_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlHgEjR0P9DKE3JObKQq5GuBVr9xYqVKVbIsqeiNagE32aQ4NTkWtT3Xw3zUtviZMml7HZVyyc0IfOzZR_Tkgpwv5kxqSTDN06MNsXQibyxYCa1JgpC7DTTmZih7NPnZVyXHeyfvrzEk/s400/IMG_0063_2.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> Bangkok City Hall<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">This is the home of the metropolitan administration<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">The 'square' in front of the building disguises an underground<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">or shrubs, fountains and seating areas would enhance it no end......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3CuLSwfjXt5ZCOzWbwGIMnkwtc-d04ctGzj0zWIxZTnYb_OheTIyWjEjznO4CB2RzuAN89PDzJWDdWjHdhHOw9TseB8yEH-CL4VkqBQeIBWJNRVKFcvm4OSqjnVS8RbxKJm_vabAp2M/s1600-h/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3CuLSwfjXt5ZCOzWbwGIMnkwtc-d04ctGzj0zWIxZTnYb_OheTIyWjEjznO4CB2RzuAN89PDzJWDdWjHdhHOw9TseB8yEH-CL4VkqBQeIBWJNRVKFcvm4OSqjnVS8RbxKJm_vabAp2M/s400/IMG_4848.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOr9ls19PmrQB6djq4lXPie_67ClZrGf0AuHjHXzFWBDn57-4lBucAkRU0hTubZGEUF6x2e3qnCELspBaoPLBbbPsTGfrozLV0OqeZNRacb9t0arIP6MYt0uaklQfpcgPPM9wIgrHQ44/s1600-h/04+The+Abhisek+Dusit+Throne+Hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOr9ls19PmrQB6djq4lXPie_67ClZrGf0AuHjHXzFWBDn57-4lBucAkRU0hTubZGEUF6x2e3qnCELspBaoPLBbbPsTGfrozLV0OqeZNRacb9t0arIP6MYt0uaklQfpcgPPM9wIgrHQ44/s400/04+The+Abhisek+Dusit+Throne+Hall.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall </span> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Completed in 1904, this small one-storey building was used exclusively<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the former reception hall with the Dusit Palace and is now a museum...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The building has an interesting history:<br />
Built in 1907 by Italian architects, the Hall was completed in 1915.During the 1932 Revolution, which saw Thailand transform from an absolute to constitutional monarchy, this was the headquarters of the Peoples' Party. The first National assembly was convened here in June 1932 and, until 1974, was the seat of Parliament.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ministry of Defence Building<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Constructed between 1882-1884 on the site of three former royal palaces<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hua Lamphong is Bangkok's main Railway Terminus.<br />
Opened in 1916, the station has a distinct "Italian Renaissance" style<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chinese Clock Tower in Lumpini Park<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Tower was built in 1925, the only visible reminder<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the Siamrath Phiphitthapan Trade Fair that was held here.... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaklNRZrFv1Ma5mEUAKGq5fBHs44P0wVkl4PuodNDDmeyoBir6efiTWCYel2t-ucoDdlFsD_RLiZOVlru94XwawZMtbZxSGOsfgWzDfIhJhqjTLJfeQqn8-3uuPyLVOV9OXy80qAeu-xk/s1600-h/IMG_4837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaklNRZrFv1Ma5mEUAKGq5fBHs44P0wVkl4PuodNDDmeyoBir6efiTWCYel2t-ucoDdlFsD_RLiZOVlru94XwawZMtbZxSGOsfgWzDfIhJhqjTLJfeQqn8-3uuPyLVOV9OXy80qAeu-xk/s400/IMG_4837.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">London is known for its characteristic terrace housing,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bangkok is known for its shop-houses.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw747IyDplRRd8ZOka7DBD4NLpVaMdPkKAS7aKrYrIqpnVpaApWgq9nbwgILO_ZDf7-rvo3rrssEhYxtRIJQvO2z3BqqbYtutqhrYaOmZWPg_5tVAGC4l8dqoVa_2PtKyBQBufBkTPFtw/s1600-h/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw747IyDplRRd8ZOka7DBD4NLpVaMdPkKAS7aKrYrIqpnVpaApWgq9nbwgILO_ZDf7-rvo3rrssEhYxtRIJQvO2z3BqqbYtutqhrYaOmZWPg_5tVAGC4l8dqoVa_2PtKyBQBufBkTPFtw/s400/IMG_0037.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The charming Chinese-style pagoda in Saranrom Park<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5POpCrBtjJj28I2FC-5HkEJVjqRYQm9Z1QgGpwC9_RvOEbt4v3e-kbI6bmPUuYV6QSQlnfbtm3p4r8G5ACLtZoGziOEghcyFej3EB2zmPMfyv4OgGp9rR77YfjKUedbzqXYUxYjlCP3E/s1600-h/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5POpCrBtjJj28I2FC-5HkEJVjqRYQm9Z1QgGpwC9_RvOEbt4v3e-kbI6bmPUuYV6QSQlnfbtm3p4r8G5ACLtZoGziOEghcyFej3EB2zmPMfyv4OgGp9rR77YfjKUedbzqXYUxYjlCP3E/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A former nineteenth century merchant's house,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">now a restaurant, in Chinatown <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RPmYHYuozgWZcLfiO8-4EsabUOxC7buUIxYlAflUtrKIcyk0dWXSj6d6yG73cKYjpbh00EvAJEmqXUm_jTt13dwKroaZ0s_LIHzXaZYIxldx4i6WJjAzXOpv2cEgEidhcqmRDp84pgk/s1600-h/20+Jim+Thompson+House+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RPmYHYuozgWZcLfiO8-4EsabUOxC7buUIxYlAflUtrKIcyk0dWXSj6d6yG73cKYjpbh00EvAJEmqXUm_jTt13dwKroaZ0s_LIHzXaZYIxldx4i6WJjAzXOpv2cEgEidhcqmRDp84pgk/s400/20+Jim+Thompson+House+a.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Jim Thompson House<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American Millionaire-entrepreneur,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">who discovered Thai Silk and made it an international business.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The house dates back to the 1950's and is, actually a collection<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of six buildings dating back more than two hundred years<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that he combined to make one large home.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCldYJ7-yrWwH3LUiRtYZdOkYRBqLz0Ms6_T6DhG53QxbuuwmqKKhDHtBrTXgD9G12IAzFz9RwgS6h8iGGyvGNZ7HsClJesAMPFysy86OYJj4IouhVXx13B1gyjeb9jCFTN-s5e2xSdA/s1600-h/12+The++Ban+kamthieng+House+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCldYJ7-yrWwH3LUiRtYZdOkYRBqLz0Ms6_T6DhG53QxbuuwmqKKhDHtBrTXgD9G12IAzFz9RwgS6h8iGGyvGNZ7HsClJesAMPFysy86OYJj4IouhVXx13B1gyjeb9jCFTN-s5e2xSdA/s400/12+The++Ban+kamthieng+House+.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Ben Kamthieng House<br />
This gem of a building is a traditional Thai Teak wood House dating back<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> some 160 years. One of the best surviving examples of Northern Thai architecture<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPQN00ZCaXEL1jS__vEY98GcGKLHNznULZWZrRpwmfL5_qozh6hyphenhyphenbPJZ9zQy2szYKj3oQ2JfmI6IHcouEEN2KEd6lYdbrqVICvVhVnlRVju7DYtcpBm_Y4VY2JfxS_18jOZXm7lQ9F7E/s1600-h/21+From+Lumpini+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPQN00ZCaXEL1jS__vEY98GcGKLHNznULZWZrRpwmfL5_qozh6hyphenhyphenbPJZ9zQy2szYKj3oQ2JfmI6IHcouEEN2KEd6lYdbrqVICvVhVnlRVju7DYtcpBm_Y4VY2JfxS_18jOZXm7lQ9F7E/s400/21+From+Lumpini+Park.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 'Downtown" skyline from Lumpini Park<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Park was created in the 1920's by King Rama VI....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0hQVRGYaDh9Z8Df94fcg7bWVFxKQTd_HLumrabEGl4z-zuZj3icOYKk60tVPh866qj3CNkMMfBqCK8ca0nZX8Ms0rPV7aRg9kx_JK4Ykw9izl3TRehfdn_QvQqgTB9EGuwaUJwv4hrY/s1600-h/IMG_4350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0hQVRGYaDh9Z8Df94fcg7bWVFxKQTd_HLumrabEGl4z-zuZj3icOYKk60tVPh866qj3CNkMMfBqCK8ca0nZX8Ms0rPV7aRg9kx_JK4Ykw9izl3TRehfdn_QvQqgTB9EGuwaUJwv4hrY/s400/IMG_4350.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apartment Building overlooking the Chao Phraya River<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqEyIxPsxXUHQ6v4WeLD3HawZIDM0KTpxFi2xiwKAfEMYdWUY-c62IHYhG6Tpe3fX2vAXdJ1nFMc-0MfdxRmfo4rrtvfz6RNz-kvW3bF5EVngpSXmPdMowCwhtak2Fj1t684UHuY6kvc/s1600-h/25+Millenium+Hilton+Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqEyIxPsxXUHQ6v4WeLD3HawZIDM0KTpxFi2xiwKAfEMYdWUY-c62IHYhG6Tpe3fX2vAXdJ1nFMc-0MfdxRmfo4rrtvfz6RNz-kvW3bF5EVngpSXmPdMowCwhtak2Fj1t684UHuY6kvc/s400/25+Millenium+Hilton+Hotel.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Millennium Hilton Hotel close by....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The building dates to 2006<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H_DUJ7x6PVOrIVBZc0ayUnzaBYyE1jDn7WW3nr8fkTTfV1jTLrhcvj_4RAMN4iCcu63YxJZoktQqaAeJfsVU-vEpoz0_V4IrPfzLZ67T0lcmtiqIlBKR8LGcGLBEcvKhwSIMXnQGXoA/s1600-h/IMG_3918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H_DUJ7x6PVOrIVBZc0ayUnzaBYyE1jDn7WW3nr8fkTTfV1jTLrhcvj_4RAMN4iCcu63YxJZoktQqaAeJfsVU-vEpoz0_V4IrPfzLZ67T0lcmtiqIlBKR8LGcGLBEcvKhwSIMXnQGXoA/s400/IMG_3918.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two Apartment skyscrapers abandoned......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIM18cUUI_M4VKqPpCumno7CF8CmgmwdPGw1h-NKpEVUorllLiNveDEy8Z9zjB76tDSOnFfb7N4po5Up5NyvQ25bFliPreLUg2h24cHUWAvPaf4VcuQrjlrK9vSYNJM2bAbynYWcmOE1I/s1600-h/IMG_6397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIM18cUUI_M4VKqPpCumno7CF8CmgmwdPGw1h-NKpEVUorllLiNveDEy8Z9zjB76tDSOnFfb7N4po5Up5NyvQ25bFliPreLUg2h24cHUWAvPaf4VcuQrjlrK9vSYNJM2bAbynYWcmOE1I/s400/IMG_6397.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are several building like this within the<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">metropolitan area, victims of the 1997<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">economic crash.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbVRtVB_FCrKRMxRYlqBizBO7p_Q5JgMkJl50FMIN2msmRnGCISAjV9lFMJy93bZnNuy4AmePA3T04J3oEa5zR9jVfw6iDQXGv6CQEniygy2-K6lR85TQa7j3QKA6hizqRRNyRiUbXNY/s1600-h/IMG_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbVRtVB_FCrKRMxRYlqBizBO7p_Q5JgMkJl50FMIN2msmRnGCISAjV9lFMJy93bZnNuy4AmePA3T04J3oEa5zR9jVfw6iDQXGv6CQEniygy2-K6lR85TQa7j3QKA6hizqRRNyRiUbXNY/s400/IMG_0021.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Even in Bangkok, the graffiti artist is at work........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8zEJtrsx53jFmLkkaqxDvPtDJ54Zyay73N4Vywan43Hy_rDDTrGG6rIeKbQf0EUUlCAdDCgIRjZkLYrXhRs8L9JNCGpLrHEq4SQKcXrb4_5rcINKNNFsarMuiWLpWDBoTpMu-Z8vdKY/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8zEJtrsx53jFmLkkaqxDvPtDJ54Zyay73N4Vywan43Hy_rDDTrGG6rIeKbQf0EUUlCAdDCgIRjZkLYrXhRs8L9JNCGpLrHEq4SQKcXrb4_5rcINKNNFsarMuiWLpWDBoTpMu-Z8vdKY/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The HSC would have a field day with construction here<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in Bangkok.......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanon Ratchadamri in the heart of "downtown" Bangkok<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baiyoke Tower II<br />
Thailand's tallest building<br />
This 85-storey 'Post-Modern' edifice houses a multi-storey car park,<br />
hotel, revolving restaurant and public observatory. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Completed in 1997, the building took seven years to complete..... <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CentralWorld Tower, also known as<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zen Department Store & Tower, next door.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Centara Grand Hotel was completed in 2008 <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Central World Plaza<br />
This is Southeast Asia's second largest shopping mall complex, the largest being in Manila. The complex was originally opened in 1990 and was originally named The World Trade Centre. Anticipating the opening of Siam paragon Shopping Complex huge renovations and expansion took place in 2003.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Statue in the Plaza.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside Central World.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> one small corner, that is.....!!!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Main Lift Atrium in Central World<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entrance to Siam Paragon complex<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Another grand shopping centre, completed in 2005<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bangkok has become a shopaholic’s "delight" that is unrivaled anywhere in Southeast Asia<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The walkway to the complex passes a cascade of water<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking up one of the main escalator halls in the complex.........<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-83699666481931956752009-11-03T07:24:00.000-08:002009-11-03T18:14:43.889-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A city of contrasts, the waterwaysI maintain that Bangkok is still the "Venice of the East", albeit greatly 'tarnished' and in desperate need of a makeover...... Many of the canals that have existed a century ago, have either become little more than waste grounds or have been converted into roadways for the ever increasing thirsty motor vehicle.<br />
Yet canals remain, though, apart from the Khlong Saen Seap, little used and no longer form the life blood of thie city. Here are some of my favourite locations:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Khlong Law<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Saphan Hok <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bridge was initially made of wood with a lift-able walkway to allow boats to pass by. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Six such bridges were built between the reigns of King Rama IV & King Rama V,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">both in Bangkok and Thon Buri. The full name for these bridges was<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Saphan Hok Baeb Wilanda' meaning Holland-style....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, none remain except this 'replica' rebuilt using period photographs.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reminds me of Amsterdam........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A quiet leafy corner..... <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This Khlong has a pleasant rest stop.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This tree is covered with Chinese shrines<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Khlong Wat Thethida<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hung with ornaments.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close-up<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A peaceful backwater....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Local houses' on the Khlong Saen Seap <br />
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Passenger boat on the Khlong Saen Seap<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Central World Tower in the middle background....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are two out of eight stone murals on the<br />
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Along the Khlong Ong Ang........<br />
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The entrance to Khlong Krun Kasem on the Chao Phraya River<br />
</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-78417897912503857782009-11-03T01:57:00.000-08:002009-11-03T01:57:47.155-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A city of contrasts, River boundContinuing my latest series of photographs of Bangkok, the following concentrate on the Chao Phraya River.... With recent heavy rains during much of October in the north of the country, the waters of the river were particularly high, with scenes of flooding up and down the river, including parts of the metropolitan area. <br />
Although the rains have abated, many areas close to the river bank retain their sand bag defences......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Long-Tail boats waiting near the Grand Palace<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A near flooded Spirit House......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Local lads taking a dip.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like this house....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A mixture of the old and the new....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q9MOpW_5gt_ShAEHjE9dY_6LAM_R0N57Znjf4b24XhrO0jGzbybR0GhkxbaSPR3_gJIsNQVdIM2GMbCg6_9YkQas0KHOOmthaN88L7pVyfxOGQhHojUiOb8d5uuOpLOo7gQh00ClyVk/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q9MOpW_5gt_ShAEHjE9dY_6LAM_R0N57Znjf4b24XhrO0jGzbybR0GhkxbaSPR3_gJIsNQVdIM2GMbCg6_9YkQas0KHOOmthaN88L7pVyfxOGQhHojUiOb8d5uuOpLOo7gQh00ClyVk/s400/IMG_0021.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New homes for the "middle classes"........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fishing is very popular as the river is full of good size cish....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Crane takes a free ride down-stream....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Central World" Tower in the heart of Bangkok's shopping district <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">......as is "Baiyoke Tower, Thailand's highest building.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Outside a Sino-Thai Temple<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4v9gx0maP6DTilcOvlwwxbOpB64Vzt8K0o-SRwZY98R4xAfnesl_0-Aiwm5tDLQEY_ZR7Q4knPYTzpzdiUqzbQaUkU7iHiouDMOwpgVmPk6O51DlOS86kCQ2kKzGvn-QIkft6mfY8xQ/s1600-h/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4v9gx0maP6DTilcOvlwwxbOpB64Vzt8K0o-SRwZY98R4xAfnesl_0-Aiwm5tDLQEY_ZR7Q4knPYTzpzdiUqzbQaUkU7iHiouDMOwpgVmPk6O51DlOS86kCQ2kKzGvn-QIkft6mfY8xQ/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This iron bridge was the first bridge to traverse the river Chao Phraya. Construction began in December 1922 in the reign of King Rama VI and took three years to complete, officially opening on January 1st 1927. The bridge was seriously damaged by American bombers during the Second World War, was repaired between 1950-1953 by a British company and officially reopened by King Bhumibol, Rama IX in December 1953. With a total length of 441.44 meters this is Thailand's longest railway bridge.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Phra Suman Fort was constructed in 1783 to fortify the old city of Bangkok<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A monk awaits for the Chao Phraya River boat...... <br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-9398258034859742552009-11-02T23:46:00.000-08:002009-11-02T23:55:28.391-08:00Thailand: Bangkok - A city of contrasts, First stop<span id="goog_1257179597465">The rain season has finished here in Bangkok, and, for the most part, the skies are blue, the days are less humid and the evenings are pleasantly warm........</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1257179597465">Here are my latest "impressions" of this great metropolis -</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1257179597465">My first stop is to Wat Rakhang in Thon Buri, set beside the Chao Phraya River almost facing the Grand Palace.<br />
The Temple dates from the time Ayutthaya was capital of Siam but was significantly rebuilt during the reign of King Rama I in the 18th century. I have come, not so much to see the temple, but to seek out a small garden within its confines. Set in this shaded and tranquil plot is a "Ho Trai" or scripture house that has great significance. This elegant wooden pavilion, set on wooden stilts and covered in light red paint once formed part of the home of King Rama I before he was crowned. The building later being donated to the temple and converted into a place to hold the buddhist scriptures. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1257179597465">The charming exterior of the "Ho Trai"</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Window deatil<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Detail of delicately carved and painted porch arch<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1257179597465">The Ho Trai is divided into three sections; a retiring room, the central room and a study come reading room. As I pass through the front door into the central chamber, I am faced with a huge </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Portrait of King Rama I <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">To the right is the Reading Room containing a wooden cabinet covered in<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1257179597465">To the left is the Retiring Room, dominated again with </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In all three rooms murals covered the walls. These were painted during the reign of King Rama I by Phra Achan Nak. This celebrated monk come artist used tempera mixed with latex for the murals. These natural substances yield few shades and gave little brightness to the paintings. At the time Siam was recovering from war, so imported paints from China and India were hard to come by. However, the results give them a feel and age of something much older.......<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-85768419525836744552009-10-29T10:59:00.000-07:002009-10-29T10:59:40.410-07:00Thailand: Bangkok - Around and about Din DaengAs most are aware, I am renting an apartment in Bangkok, in the district of Din Daeng. As I have made Bangkok my base, for travelling around this part of Asia, this is the cheapest way, rather than at a guest house or inexpensive hotel.....<br />
I have grown to like this part of the city, an easy ride by MRT or bus to both downtown and the 'old City'. As you have seen from a previous posting, the local market is second to none. <br />
There are numerous 'local' restaurants, a Buddhist Temple, couple of good supermarkets and above all else a feeling of a 'village' very much with it's own identity........ I like it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entrance to Wat Din Daeng<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buddha image<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg0bLDYbSGbleep2iUKFOilpbsbV76tMwZf90Lfnxt2xF_kH9cRyWc_VWfrg9n3d0k4zjVmt1kAWcJJ97qNZGCBtPIcVCwCUh197niJp9EtGvw_Z_anhVuT5tzaJHBaG3vEvgoOhrTok/s1600-h/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg0bLDYbSGbleep2iUKFOilpbsbV76tMwZf90Lfnxt2xF_kH9cRyWc_VWfrg9n3d0k4zjVmt1kAWcJJ97qNZGCBtPIcVCwCUh197niJp9EtGvw_Z_anhVuT5tzaJHBaG3vEvgoOhrTok/s320/IMG_0017.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small Buddha Pavilion<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKKyu86lFudAGRKKJid6VrfPbXwg-GkpH95sfngaxlL4v6ecI9MQDg6U-8E5aNOHkR577AmXMKo_0cD-0vsKM8pi3jSTbCaCP2Q2QvVdyZKyaWfTV-JtyAqUrdcbPRK7NrGSCwQsJiuk/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKKyu86lFudAGRKKJid6VrfPbXwg-GkpH95sfngaxlL4v6ecI9MQDg6U-8E5aNOHkR577AmXMKo_0cD-0vsKM8pi3jSTbCaCP2Q2QvVdyZKyaWfTV-JtyAqUrdcbPRK7NrGSCwQsJiuk/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">A local cafe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Picking up a quick lunch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the many stall holders offering<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Figure of a revered monk in the midst of the market <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entrance to the market with Portrait of the King.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHpjaDSOg8lBNIccIbTfw4eCqDZ2-EycgUwqh568NBV-NaG4TYHcUEUdQYYvL1d1Dh5RVzz0SqYo9Lbl2wJZcmIU5kAD7bVPgHU_YbK-_NPfT1h4VAHKZdBG2zns2-6ng2kpFlUueJ0c/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHpjaDSOg8lBNIccIbTfw4eCqDZ2-EycgUwqh568NBV-NaG4TYHcUEUdQYYvL1d1Dh5RVzz0SqYo9Lbl2wJZcmIU5kAD7bVPgHU_YbK-_NPfT1h4VAHKZdBG2zns2-6ng2kpFlUueJ0c/s400/IMG_0019.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bringing to market.......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Motorcycle "taxis" waiting for a fare<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZVbiDRRkUY-cbAqF7CvPvhr8JNpcTHAXGQim7adYGdnRY2V87pOdX6WHxyPTuv8x46p_R1iYRrQTFGoj-6tKvaKz3F4lbt2hPK3DY1RfFE2BRn4zL8TKP7gJctIYI5CpX1LOJzhw8lY/s1600-h/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZVbiDRRkUY-cbAqF7CvPvhr8JNpcTHAXGQim7adYGdnRY2V87pOdX6WHxyPTuv8x46p_R1iYRrQTFGoj-6tKvaKz3F4lbt2hPK3DY1RfFE2BRn4zL8TKP7gJctIYI5CpX1LOJzhw8lY/s400/IMG_0029.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the "boys" takes a rest.......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A monk walks barefoot "begging" for alms<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dancing in the streets during the festival of Songkran <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The local supermarket, just a short walk away.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Statue of the Buddha near the Police Station.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shrine in Entrance to the Apartment<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close-up of shrine.......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little fella paid a visit one morning & was gone within seconds.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoying a fresh coconut <br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-37273058487042766702009-10-29T00:15:00.000-07:002009-10-29T01:41:38.562-07:00Thailand: Chonburi - An "English Camp"Recently, I spent two days at an "English Camp" for a local school in Chonburi. The journey to Chonburi which is about 100 km east of Bangkok on the coast, took a couple of hours and was held in the 'safe haven' of a Thai Army base, in the midst of a forested area next to the sea shore.<br /><br />I had had the good fortune of having been invited by Bruce's church group, who were running the Camp for the school. Although the group could speak English, they wanted a couple of 'native' speakers to add weight to the sessions.... I was joined by a couple of young Americans and a New Zealander. And, of course, I took my camera along with me too, although in the end, I did not have the opportunity to use it a great deal......<br /><br />The first day started really early with a 5.00 am alarm call, followed by a twenty minute bike ride, a short meeting to acquaint everyone with each other and finally a mini-bus journey to Chonburi. I had the ominous feeling that the next two days were not going to be a joy ride!!!<br /><br />We arrived at 'base-camp' just as the 85 children, aged between 8 and 12 years, were descending from two coaches, together with the Head Master, a number of teachers and assistants.....<br />Following a school briefing by the Headmaster, the church group took over the days' proceedings.<br />The children were assigned into seven groups and given their group name associated with children's stories, such as Aladdin, Pocahontas & Peter Pan. I forget now, the others!!!!!!!!<br /><br />'Peter Pan' was Bruce's group and my role, so I gathered, was pretty flexible - I could wander from group to group talking to the children or take a more direct approach and aid Bruce and his group. I chose the latter.<br />Singing English childhood songs was the backbone of the two days, together with a group 'skit' based on their character. I might be biased, but 'our' Peter Pan' skit seemed the best of all seven. I must say Bruce was amazing, his patience with the children, coaching them through their lines, done with all smiles and enthusiasm.<br /><br />Where ever possible, English was spoken, a delight for me!!! Sometimes the youngest children looked 'lost' so Thai was used for clarification.......<br />As a group of so many children, they were all remarkably well behaved, the elder ones helping the younger ones, no fighting, squabbling or bad language. I am sure this would not happen in the UK!!<br /><br />I came into my element, with the 'vocabulary activities' on the second day. Each group, in turn, would come to 'our classroom' where I would go through word games, aided by Bruce. This was good fun - one I particularly liked was the pronunciation game, showing the differences between sh and ch, th and ve.... etc.<br /><br />Our accommodation was basic, barrack-style building with only a couple of the rooms having a bathroom. I ended up having a shower in one of the 'boys' rooms whilst they were busy watching tv with one of their teachers'......<br /><br />Unfortunately I found the two days quite exhausting, I lacked energy, had a neck ache throughout and my legs were decidedly unsteady. Since my return to Bangkok, I have learned that I have "Spinal Stenosis" and require surgery.......<br />Non-the-less I had a thoroughly enjoyable time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQkiEGseTLzimbC2tSXuFhgTxph2WBU7LpBEToN7G0YAE8-GAhAL1xaqM43Av2K_sm0jAB3aMZM7LOwCWSwTiL8KeBLSGc8rV3lI5TUlrJL44AKHADE_vg7kPVoVPHXsQ4FvVZkjmFO4/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQkiEGseTLzimbC2tSXuFhgTxph2WBU7LpBEToN7G0YAE8-GAhAL1xaqM43Av2K_sm0jAB3aMZM7LOwCWSwTiL8KeBLSGc8rV3lI5TUlrJL44AKHADE_vg7kPVoVPHXsQ4FvVZkjmFO4/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397918438575961474" border="0" /></a><br />Headmaster addresses the Group<br />with some of the teaching staff<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x7UnFYcP4mylvb0hPB4qAthIJpEhRouc57_2LNRt_g3OQvepHikAwXq2kmuyLo35sBrkmGZdd86Lewa_ChwzjhHavbwKQyf4BL2nrDZV2qLs0CCGrqN5lTrI_nmWj_E8YxjjM_AIXUY/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x7UnFYcP4mylvb0hPB4qAthIJpEhRouc57_2LNRt_g3OQvepHikAwXq2kmuyLo35sBrkmGZdd86Lewa_ChwzjhHavbwKQyf4BL2nrDZV2qLs0CCGrqN5lTrI_nmWj_E8YxjjM_AIXUY/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397923286092836658" border="0" /></a><br />Bruce is on the drums.............!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07dbxnEskn2dMOI5AZ4KNrK7VvUo0YyV1_eOEawroisaGfaYmAL5saJ3l-fNg_bhyphenhyphencLrnwueDfsAgTC1fRb2Q3znd4Wv-kZpAWojG8Ptm2ikx6swF8DEcLe_Yt9HUvannX985Hohyphenhyphenamk/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07dbxnEskn2dMOI5AZ4KNrK7VvUo0YyV1_eOEawroisaGfaYmAL5saJ3l-fNg_bhyphenhyphencLrnwueDfsAgTC1fRb2Q3znd4Wv-kZpAWojG8Ptm2ikx6swF8DEcLe_Yt9HUvannX985Hohyphenhyphenamk/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397932288630235570" border="0" /></a><br />The other 'native' speakers showing off their singing skills......<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIdkgt7PtxXKxXooejcd23ZxKBc9WsLPH82KBE1cDkkSSPCxEZfT2ezNF2nDrFRZ3eEG_-RiH2y6YkaBFOsdJ37U3uZdQTTSajdO_9KLqvCO5U87eCRib2cMWcvRY3KWvaJtW-PHYi8U/s1600-h/IMG_0008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIdkgt7PtxXKxXooejcd23ZxKBc9WsLPH82KBE1cDkkSSPCxEZfT2ezNF2nDrFRZ3eEG_-RiH2y6YkaBFOsdJ37U3uZdQTTSajdO_9KLqvCO5U87eCRib2cMWcvRY3KWvaJtW-PHYi8U/s400/IMG_0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397922049163968866" border="0" /></a><br />Luncheon break<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl14aaKBOw2m1sGqkVCQS0Co7I1AWGXSGRh2mnRB2l4BqwnxNVcEv6jMu0It4oyzxGn4gHGETnteZMaPJOayIb9DlecEcgCqCOpz8PV-K3wDpwdH-njwXyGFyqOec1mOn7-p-oKsoPS8/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl14aaKBOw2m1sGqkVCQS0Co7I1AWGXSGRh2mnRB2l4BqwnxNVcEv6jMu0It4oyzxGn4gHGETnteZMaPJOayIb9DlecEcgCqCOpz8PV-K3wDpwdH-njwXyGFyqOec1mOn7-p-oKsoPS8/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397923999033750802" border="0" /></a><br />The youngest member of "Peter Pan'......<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw1CU-PcZ6xrYTHMuNEyIdqOnLHLseVHD194rdyXUMl9cg0qRrLlKBbR13TlSFDKIqHeWlaweFs4Mj5DyFBU82UfZNno_Ue2TA0zei44Oavw_VHoVWXdxbY3iCFveehDJnb6QHaI5aqg/s1600-h/IMG_0010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw1CU-PcZ6xrYTHMuNEyIdqOnLHLseVHD194rdyXUMl9cg0qRrLlKBbR13TlSFDKIqHeWlaweFs4Mj5DyFBU82UfZNno_Ue2TA0zei44Oavw_VHoVWXdxbY3iCFveehDJnb6QHaI5aqg/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397925625119937906" border="0" /></a><br />and the cheekiest .........<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb00s_Zgy3kXNW1nNPYpD2-D0zzOiDd9yVB82lwNSbUiUzCl8BeB6MP1lN0uV8a1WxWkYDfvF-U0S2pSPJoCx2tFQD6mn3asRu4u0WSLFCHOiiETQQCoR_xEgsBynLeyqIGzOUSwukN0/s1600-h/IMG_0035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb00s_Zgy3kXNW1nNPYpD2-D0zzOiDd9yVB82lwNSbUiUzCl8BeB6MP1lN0uV8a1WxWkYDfvF-U0S2pSPJoCx2tFQD6mn3asRu4u0WSLFCHOiiETQQCoR_xEgsBynLeyqIGzOUSwukN0/s400/IMG_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397926088370332818" border="0" /></a><br />The Church Group<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-86093909902963047502009-10-13T18:54:00.000-07:002009-10-13T22:27:05.520-07:00Thailand: Phi Phi Island - paradise lost<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" >The six islands that make up the Phi Phi archipelago are considered to be one of ".....the most naturally beautiful islands in the world....." and "....one of those places everybody should go at least once in their lifetime......" </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiOR6fyZC9HgJxA_tfteaGpkLIstXstPG3SfpzW3-MT6CLWvO66NKgfzrwXpY5V0AgFDOzT-JXM85ZUELASV88G_xspuod2reh555bkX5GN7M0igmN7BlyMI-2MFEGARzrjzqolArC_w/s1600-h/PhiPhi-map-big.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiOR6fyZC9HgJxA_tfteaGpkLIstXstPG3SfpzW3-MT6CLWvO66NKgfzrwXpY5V0AgFDOzT-JXM85ZUELASV88G_xspuod2reh555bkX5GN7M0igmN7BlyMI-2MFEGARzrjzqolArC_w/s400/PhiPhi-map-big.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392306537123453442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br />This is my fourth visit and to all intents and purposes, my last!!!!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" >Don't get me wrong, the Islands are spectacular with huge limestone mountains, whose cliffs abound with lush vegetation, that descend into azure coloured waters rich in coral and marine life. During my times scuba diving and later as an instructor, I have dived most of the reefs in the area. There are numerous caves carved in the rocks and the long white sandy beaches are soft to the touch.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />Now I know I am now a fully paid up member of the 'grumpy old men club' where life in the past seemed golden and joyful, (not true, by the way!!), but not all change is for the better. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />Take Phi Phi as an instance - </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />I first came to the Islands in the late 1980's. An age before the internet, emailing and social networking changed our lives.....</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br />The journey by boat taking several hours and after I embarked, I encountered a serene paradise with no permanent buildings, electricity or telephones, with shade only being found under a canopy of huge palm trees. The accommodation was really basic, there was one dive 'shop', a couple of 'local' restaurants and I remember the few other tourists I encountered were of the same 'adventurous breed' as I, with the local population being made up of fishing folk.<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" >Paradise gained.........</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br /><br />Today, the islands have suffered from the rampant growth & exploitation of tourism. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" >Being a mere 50 km south-east of Phuket, Phi Phi is now easily accessible from mainland Thailand by fast boat, putting the islands squarely on the tourist map, turning them into a 'rush a day' destination, where the day-trippers overpopulate the island from about 11.00am when the first boat arrives till 3.00pm when the last boat leaves.<br />Restaurants, shops, in the main selling T-shirts, internet cafes and a shanty town abound on the main and only populated island of Ko Phi Phi Dom. Litter in the form of cans and plastic bags are strewn over the two beaches that form the isthmus. At night the bars lure the young into a frenzy of binge drinking and merrymaking till dawn, turning the place into the ordinary rather than the extraordinary.<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" >Paradise lost..........</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />There are a couple of factors that compounded this. Firstly, Ko Phi Phi Leh was the backdrop for the 2000 movie 'The Beach'. Following the release of the film, tourism on Phi Phi Don increased dramatically, and with it the population of the island. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" >Secondly, Ko Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when many hundreds of people lost their lives and nearly all of the island's infrastructure was wiped out. Reconstruction was swift in coming, leading to the growth of permanent structures, hotels, resorts and dive shops.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk31YqnVyJCJk4qMwsz0VZJKlRo2B1AngFT-Oel4mQGcRXDAi1bg5sUSHJr663SrCiENVfA_-Fha-ouQ52UAH6goOqVcyfu4rtdsF8rpGKqfFPl5T_rMuxTmtT2HGCALH_b6_C12kqXac/s1600-h/IMG_0253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk31YqnVyJCJk4qMwsz0VZJKlRo2B1AngFT-Oel4mQGcRXDAi1bg5sUSHJr663SrCiENVfA_-Fha-ouQ52UAH6goOqVcyfu4rtdsF8rpGKqfFPl5T_rMuxTmtT2HGCALH_b6_C12kqXac/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392304721856861122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Phi Phi Dom</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The main Island of the Archipelago</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IGgpkwE58ZFEkhePmw7j6GA22zRlKUAbKVfgvqGrWg0_eBch73OcofcthRVqVFtpv1IBh-ALAvl5FtnTyCS1RtmYCYvWz5XWSBW_GGUv6JP0ZMUwxRUkbgZej-SA233qcG6gCrbMDgs/s1600-h/IMG_0255.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IGgpkwE58ZFEkhePmw7j6GA22zRlKUAbKVfgvqGrWg0_eBch73OcofcthRVqVFtpv1IBh-ALAvl5FtnTyCS1RtmYCYvWz5XWSBW_GGUv6JP0ZMUwxRUkbgZej-SA233qcG6gCrbMDgs/s400/IMG_0255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392307266417798370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Approach storm on Phi Phi Ley<br />From the Lookout on Phi Phi Dom<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsv9hyBUBQ50uMbbnbZEVjH1sWeBgeCR6p1uKe0aZ0kKZz-KQ_60hZLMuGnQ7wKsA7Ya8tRyHDby0eJyrTQ1NY-hnT3HbTAHnL1UPFFHvx7WxMpJI0fLDq1KBOQVpYMlds5OspAnGKms/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsv9hyBUBQ50uMbbnbZEVjH1sWeBgeCR6p1uKe0aZ0kKZz-KQ_60hZLMuGnQ7wKsA7Ya8tRyHDby0eJyrTQ1NY-hnT3HbTAHnL1UPFFHvx7WxMpJI0fLDq1KBOQVpYMlds5OspAnGKms/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392311757774305330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Ton Sai Bay</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4PreEf93IOM0Z_QSIvIe8aBobv37yVdrgOm6TVKIdzU4yf0hqhyGmDyvuoqFypHhKf4AbXm-19UvPnaipW_iRoMQ3Ab6WK3PLsa0rS1O_T718FlLoW4g2BhRZ-a-XAS_MOFffOFDsnk/s1600-h/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4PreEf93IOM0Z_QSIvIe8aBobv37yVdrgOm6TVKIdzU4yf0hqhyGmDyvuoqFypHhKf4AbXm-19UvPnaipW_iRoMQ3Ab6WK3PLsa0rS1O_T718FlLoW4g2BhRZ-a-XAS_MOFffOFDsnk/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392316927372763218" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Loh Dalam Bay</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF2xJqi-w9TVRNSApzscyVeMgPeVY8Y96AFApBpBoxSVMhkpomway8jQdcqB2-8FnWWN5ntvlPaXvicXuG9uBSVlBgQ-ClyvH19Q7ZEFhT8fIb_1BmsOhqtn5sCKMceM5UNTeihgojnQ/s1600-h/IMG_0275.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF2xJqi-w9TVRNSApzscyVeMgPeVY8Y96AFApBpBoxSVMhkpomway8jQdcqB2-8FnWWN5ntvlPaXvicXuG9uBSVlBgQ-ClyvH19Q7ZEFhT8fIb_1BmsOhqtn5sCKMceM5UNTeihgojnQ/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392313070774312114" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Dramatic Limestone Cliffs.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JklvEcK-cyf_XTYOg66nlY_gSnAWKYCJyhIOLG7wWC55fCuGA5ZzSo5gnDJSIrh9aWMsXBcdaVyzDr21mnAIiZOPXBHwmGP8ZTQMljifTXKqNBlw9D4HCoQjeVvHLs2g8NgXtXTl9Bc/s1600-h/IMG_0240.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JklvEcK-cyf_XTYOg66nlY_gSnAWKYCJyhIOLG7wWC55fCuGA5ZzSo5gnDJSIrh9aWMsXBcdaVyzDr21mnAIiZOPXBHwmGP8ZTQMljifTXKqNBlw9D4HCoQjeVvHLs2g8NgXtXTl9Bc/s400/IMG_0240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392314164479753810" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The "dripping" limestone Viking Cave</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRKecrtQdFqMJkJWDiGi14nq9KzCxpFTYxeA_sfDeRVCphPSOpvmpbcn2k5CPvLW8Pp9z_oTO6IdfBwrnNjXwgG_cAr5Flb_bpxbyjOrgUhvhOQ9C4pKJxMGevR_CyicXlcfKCUIHPsQ/s1600-h/IMG_0241.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRKecrtQdFqMJkJWDiGi14nq9KzCxpFTYxeA_sfDeRVCphPSOpvmpbcn2k5CPvLW8Pp9z_oTO6IdfBwrnNjXwgG_cAr5Flb_bpxbyjOrgUhvhOQ9C4pKJxMGevR_CyicXlcfKCUIHPsQ/s400/IMG_0241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392315371189210786" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Cave home<br />The Island is home to a thriving 'bird's nest soup' industry<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCI8KJMPAKYkBIV-oG6P9fwsJLdUhXxMZdXPHgUmdMhda3jKPYu51SGwwa4YbzQ6OVl8qMxCJ9tADaF4uE2PfvKiwCOaCB3zjH-y68utkRP_b-ZboJ45krqLXzWv24sftQdQsjmiYNJg/s1600-h/IMG_0261.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCI8KJMPAKYkBIV-oG6P9fwsJLdUhXxMZdXPHgUmdMhda3jKPYu51SGwwa4YbzQ6OVl8qMxCJ9tADaF4uE2PfvKiwCOaCB3zjH-y68utkRP_b-ZboJ45krqLXzWv24sftQdQsjmiYNJg/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392318612680098994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Squid fishing boat</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq6rnbfiSei0JaU78Bnxn9opZCLIEKJ5zB2TGiTotTDgS4anjV2wFyEijSCdtN5QNqhHvC2KRNj9CsoCgMPs7FeLIBOrKKOLKGIUx5eiBMumykkG0tb8ev3qPxQ-Gbty3-w4X9Nb6x6s/s1600-h/IMG_0270.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq6rnbfiSei0JaU78Bnxn9opZCLIEKJ5zB2TGiTotTDgS4anjV2wFyEijSCdtN5QNqhHvC2KRNj9CsoCgMPs7FeLIBOrKKOLKGIUx5eiBMumykkG0tb8ev3qPxQ-Gbty3-w4X9Nb6x6s/s400/IMG_0270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392319297903727042" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Long-tail boat</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3DjuZ9uAFM0rJuXxNp8fRpayYMF7o9kJnbmWjXfqvtQFJXZMggUbOEHhvflrob6bElHuLr4F0NWddSZpEJ-HDNrgAD3kfv39hUmboBvg0HNoADl30xPRTjMyA0P1F9gpj69ZdISuxPc/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3DjuZ9uAFM0rJuXxNp8fRpayYMF7o9kJnbmWjXfqvtQFJXZMggUbOEHhvflrob6bElHuLr4F0NWddSZpEJ-HDNrgAD3kfv39hUmboBvg0HNoADl30xPRTjMyA0P1F9gpj69ZdISuxPc/s400/IMG_0264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392320384309788226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Long-tail fishing boats</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">now used to ferry tourists round the islands</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1RlraQzZFi5d8rGTJlFlCDtZlgRA9Oqkn0e90eVxSxh2pXPL0mpu4keDxubjZaDdXccszXY-NwsxLkGbyL_py42jTzsLcQrYiytSUeGPod4lkyuzUFeEoQOHencFg5uCb-atX25LGwg/s1600-h/IMG_0250.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1RlraQzZFi5d8rGTJlFlCDtZlgRA9Oqkn0e90eVxSxh2pXPL0mpu4keDxubjZaDdXccszXY-NwsxLkGbyL_py42jTzsLcQrYiytSUeGPod4lkyuzUFeEoQOHencFg5uCb-atX25LGwg/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392321323845558162" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Shark painting on the prow of a long-tail</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6yEk2YdGbCIBC0YdqGYMmEcnWQbeXQhE1cjQk1ZRfSqTJS4y0VF-0aRdYMMu7-YlOmjGPxZ923xvAssJAwhOyjwmnOghorbrpbejTOPxXulw0X19zm9vUTlCr_8hZIq936eTxwxXsf8/s1600-h/IMG_0272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6yEk2YdGbCIBC0YdqGYMmEcnWQbeXQhE1cjQk1ZRfSqTJS4y0VF-0aRdYMMu7-YlOmjGPxZ923xvAssJAwhOyjwmnOghorbrpbejTOPxXulw0X19zm9vUTlCr_8hZIq936eTxwxXsf8/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392322315154596146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The beach front Ton Sai Bay..............</span><br /></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-52192043343647940822009-10-12T22:00:00.000-07:002009-10-13T07:32:38.478-07:00Thailand: Phuket Island Re-visited - quiet places<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Despite the continuing building frenzy; the new resorts, gated town house developments, sea-view apartments, the excesses of Patong, (Phuket's main tourist destination, known for it's 2 km long white sandy beach and heady nightlife. I remember the place well in the 1980's when it was little more than a fishing town.......!!), I still like Phuket.<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I like it, cos' all is familiar.<br />I like it, 'cos I am still able to find out of the way places, off the 'tourist trail'.<br />and I like it, 'cos I am with a Thai friend showing him the sights. All the 'locals' we meet seem amused & delighted that a 'farang' (foreigner) is shows their island to a Thai rather than the other way round!!..... </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7kECw0LkX_S9ptDW_v-pZHDFx6vnQe87N-TMUhOl71JFpeW22arhF6hleOsH3DrD27wdniDl1k9FJQ0FpcHmcFJL47gRjhQOBIx8urdBtAiCZ1a36P2wFcakkbErTnGGsWhxnv1EQJg/s1600-h/IMG_0109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7kECw0LkX_S9ptDW_v-pZHDFx6vnQe87N-TMUhOl71JFpeW22arhF6hleOsH3DrD27wdniDl1k9FJQ0FpcHmcFJL47gRjhQOBIx8urdBtAiCZ1a36P2wFcakkbErTnGGsWhxnv1EQJg/s400/IMG_0109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391945871982254466" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Chalong Bay from Cape Khaokhat</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Di75w_q8wSZe-wDQ45kywONVZ0dGCtHPbD5hkGN5uNxjJyWPZw4lnGylPTNo-BwjZyZ9htPviUOZgWxNuy8rUaX4_avDx6hCtylTlkNLK1nwdjdtIpH9bIPUmLQ6l3_gmhZiAeocC2A/s1600-h/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Di75w_q8wSZe-wDQ45kywONVZ0dGCtHPbD5hkGN5uNxjJyWPZw4lnGylPTNo-BwjZyZ9htPviUOZgWxNuy8rUaX4_avDx6hCtylTlkNLK1nwdjdtIpH9bIPUmLQ6l3_gmhZiAeocC2A/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391954972223174882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Fish- farming in the Bay</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYjbacHs3n6-KPP1o3VFWn5yGxfh28E8fwWD6MnUJPt4I4fv_jTZZFgYbsnqbZoqO0n9vBc50SPDw1P7Xf9QKxa7Pxdf5xdao4mCECDMATlkLcpmBoyUjhlq25tmrvGqKo9HuhcShPF0/s1600-h/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYjbacHs3n6-KPP1o3VFWn5yGxfh28E8fwWD6MnUJPt4I4fv_jTZZFgYbsnqbZoqO0n9vBc50SPDw1P7Xf9QKxa7Pxdf5xdao4mCECDMATlkLcpmBoyUjhlq25tmrvGqKo9HuhcShPF0/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391956059516156402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The small fishing community at Talat Yai</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">This is close to Phuket Zoo<br />& around the corner from the </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">house I rented in 2006.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj24RjPE5IZFH4R2MctFRqxzpDRJI-_4aDwB1oqAg-oKBbTXrWjM0xzpbPFjKhcokE4nD2XBXnk7onZst8UAL-XzKIrrAElosZx2ruiMlMkI6eA72x9-ICp8CMzbJzdMrSj_tFTaQiCE/s1600-h/IMG_0141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj24RjPE5IZFH4R2MctFRqxzpDRJI-_4aDwB1oqAg-oKBbTXrWjM0xzpbPFjKhcokE4nD2XBXnk7onZst8UAL-XzKIrrAElosZx2ruiMlMkI6eA72x9-ICp8CMzbJzdMrSj_tFTaQiCE/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392087175785552962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Brother & sister seek shade from the sun.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEKv2VOXH183Vj1WBR51MZ1Sn8JqJ1a7RKUsj7PDzcu5o1vRcnInGod6OqvhgDV-o_PVsOdt04DtyrYAs8Nt2lQeBePoM79q8sYYvfEUkyE6TtNwcky0gQ0KQIJ0aA3z9Wfo9Dt0FO2M/s1600-h/IMG_0140.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEKv2VOXH183Vj1WBR51MZ1Sn8JqJ1a7RKUsj7PDzcu5o1vRcnInGod6OqvhgDV-o_PVsOdt04DtyrYAs8Nt2lQeBePoM79q8sYYvfEUkyE6TtNwcky0gQ0KQIJ0aA3z9Wfo9Dt0FO2M/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391957678173449634" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Beginnings of the Mangrove Forest at Talat Yai </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKuTqtL-J8yXc0n8BFNWJbn6BPtK_ZLJxa-E9A5X0s6zNOYbsW4omxfEKz14XXbfJ4T87K4Ol1ANd-1mhW2_lDJGA4oZ0xIYn7nCV4LsCv-q_ngV8NDywG98j2-QndfJorqFMs-rEH2U/s1600-h/IMG_0219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKuTqtL-J8yXc0n8BFNWJbn6BPtK_ZLJxa-E9A5X0s6zNOYbsW4omxfEKz14XXbfJ4T87K4Ol1ANd-1mhW2_lDJGA4oZ0xIYn7nCV4LsCv-q_ngV8NDywG98j2-QndfJorqFMs-rEH2U/s400/IMG_0219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391959058103883682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The quiet 'uncrowded' beach of Markham Bay</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">on Cape Panwa</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj-ucJGbKzKBmp5xwD_WjcISnMH8SFIR3w04nJSMrFLA1OsZKM3Of63paKIyxb5mJb7gPUJbatNEVEouZeinai_SUPzVGMhkJxVH6FOgVr6YkrxVsLFVVTsIjwE2HuGLYtdPlH8fRPbE/s1600-h/IMG_0222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj-ucJGbKzKBmp5xwD_WjcISnMH8SFIR3w04nJSMrFLA1OsZKM3Of63paKIyxb5mJb7gPUJbatNEVEouZeinai_SUPzVGMhkJxVH6FOgVr6YkrxVsLFVVTsIjwE2HuGLYtdPlH8fRPbE/s400/IMG_0222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391960306175113922" border="0" /></a><br />The foreshore is covered with these 'Sand flowers'<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF-dFXcyF_ohS8xllSWfp35QnZ-jB3veIxS082nMw2geFMTwphWh7IchrtqHUNoC-qikL-4VapM8JL5UyS8uef7qW7N4PA0WulQsPveRG7I_8xhrOlx6LzrDymfjM8n9PtoQ6grWReTk/s1600-h/IMG_0227.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF-dFXcyF_ohS8xllSWfp35QnZ-jB3veIxS082nMw2geFMTwphWh7IchrtqHUNoC-qikL-4VapM8JL5UyS8uef7qW7N4PA0WulQsPveRG7I_8xhrOlx6LzrDymfjM8n9PtoQ6grWReTk/s400/IMG_0227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391961184625584658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Looking down the beach to the north<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlqof6ILSB8lxq5m10pqM305AvuvSzrrPnDHSEHJpoqaDsv7QcEwa8Y0PxTui0RRlg-GWrb18ebEoahcAoeWYaQ2sz1WkLX3rp-Gwpmo_aMa7k-UxZO5fX2-biiLPxrt7QjfAVsstk7I/s1600-h/IMG_0233.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlqof6ILSB8lxq5m10pqM305AvuvSzrrPnDHSEHJpoqaDsv7QcEwa8Y0PxTui0RRlg-GWrb18ebEoahcAoeWYaQ2sz1WkLX3rp-Gwpmo_aMa7k-UxZO5fX2-biiLPxrt7QjfAVsstk7I/s400/IMG_0233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392065119901848402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">and to the south</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">This is Markham Bay, looking south, full shot!!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigDliutAIJrHqB2BYIo36wHuYOaxlXEiIKduCOT96EmPKk4XBjWBQRKYLMKDfayYTTmuIQZpf4OBxwUY3gTyqfrtKDTtmtWWp3qRuy2zEUYJLgZovUSY040bn0g6aI6EHxbX_1luN2Mc/s1600-h/IMG_0234.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigDliutAIJrHqB2BYIo36wHuYOaxlXEiIKduCOT96EmPKk4XBjWBQRKYLMKDfayYTTmuIQZpf4OBxwUY3gTyqfrtKDTtmtWWp3qRuy2zEUYJLgZovUSY040bn0g6aI6EHxbX_1luN2Mc/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392066308255214946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Mmmmmmm!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWAGPn-cAHtQizlvyfJbYskoGXV4aPfqye_uOxbWHKz1CtxMksSRe7efi1QlQMp1PGkrb6nHzy0SBCLP76bRcOhOleblVFtYz24JsvL2DYBmZ5evz8iWOyjXuRgn9qQdFj4KB-P81jNo/s1600-h/IMG_0236.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWAGPn-cAHtQizlvyfJbYskoGXV4aPfqye_uOxbWHKz1CtxMksSRe7efi1QlQMp1PGkrb6nHzy0SBCLP76bRcOhOleblVFtYz24JsvL2DYBmZ5evz8iWOyjXuRgn9qQdFj4KB-P81jNo/s400/IMG_0236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392067430728556226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I wonder if this little crab realizes his habitat is in danger.......</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xYr-EyBmLf72glUbxtVs3wn4ERo1CmpBtbB-pgfwNGrq-VSLXDKUU68i5s0bpM9i-DTMbS7HSveGvjOfLyzVRhR3u2lqnorHfxMqvpeV6OOMmrANzAbVUJ9FPtHoRYgZ5jUHepL96io/s1600-h/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xYr-EyBmLf72glUbxtVs3wn4ERo1CmpBtbB-pgfwNGrq-VSLXDKUU68i5s0bpM9i-DTMbS7HSveGvjOfLyzVRhR3u2lqnorHfxMqvpeV6OOMmrANzAbVUJ9FPtHoRYgZ5jUHepL96io/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392069062745602530" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Traditional fishing boats moored in Rawaii Bay</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibRa8gyhiORcJIibZsUsXMVnNWfMMtcgWleNWsPt53ghc_NyK1-ZP1geN3RxDNK2PWNlJmXk3bfEk0TDSzxxLweNYcB7Z_4B9Dytm2ufdtf-GEbk02opW-N6OiVDzQOVYE-kztjFKm_c/s1600-h/IMG_0088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibRa8gyhiORcJIibZsUsXMVnNWfMMtcgWleNWsPt53ghc_NyK1-ZP1geN3RxDNK2PWNlJmXk3bfEk0TDSzxxLweNYcB7Z_4B9Dytm2ufdtf-GEbk02opW-N6OiVDzQOVYE-kztjFKm_c/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392070728861936322" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />A windswept view of Kamala Beach on the west coast</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Having explored both the East and West coasts of Phuket, it was time to head inland and show Bruce the out of the way places in the foothills of the mountains</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Phuket Mountain Range forms a backbone between the East & West side of the island. For the most part, this limestone range is covered with lush tropical jungle with just a few roads crossing between the two sides. In all, forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Rubber tree plantations help make Thailand the biggest producer of rubber in the world</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfK-siPZL7kA4glp2rdFXWjjt9Ua6meQxotP-jSa-M49FqNCvyJmkcaaLrALlCqkXU8Jp2hjYo6i4NNHintEe1uAc3t_wvY90AhdqADlplTi4T7FRQZygt5hCPoOB9K6ULc79JLgvTR4/s1600-h/IMG_0130.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfK-siPZL7kA4glp2rdFXWjjt9Ua6meQxotP-jSa-M49FqNCvyJmkcaaLrALlCqkXU8Jp2hjYo6i4NNHintEe1uAc3t_wvY90AhdqADlplTi4T7FRQZygt5hCPoOB9K6ULc79JLgvTR4/s400/IMG_0130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392076508159478018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">One of the many Rubber plantations on the Island</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJN8QNnJ4rX0sC07z1tVQpfHPBMeOZSjcNbbV5YjdBjFVg9521wyMmKu2uw3C_C-EGAL7aImM2B1jAvdRpuyjwfitEvvbq3pkbK_Mx-h4u9wasRS1pJuGf2rtH0U125Q_6aiYH60Iw7E/s1600-h/IMG_0131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJN8QNnJ4rX0sC07z1tVQpfHPBMeOZSjcNbbV5YjdBjFVg9521wyMmKu2uw3C_C-EGAL7aImM2B1jAvdRpuyjwfitEvvbq3pkbK_Mx-h4u9wasRS1pJuGf2rtH0U125Q_6aiYH60Iw7E/s400/IMG_0131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392077934662552690" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Collecting the natural rubber from the trees</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWltUgIuAIPZUzNGXA1BSYK7WJ2z4U71M6ZvPODBy12s-ClzvmF02bjGnDRD5SazX90_bSmdRgN23k2Rjlaz5wlxUiNUskx-SFewZ2r9YgZ0sOYjzdb3_DHIt55r6N7anC89ZV5ZgKA9E/s1600-h/IMG_0162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWltUgIuAIPZUzNGXA1BSYK7WJ2z4U71M6ZvPODBy12s-ClzvmF02bjGnDRD5SazX90_bSmdRgN23k2Rjlaz5wlxUiNUskx-SFewZ2r9YgZ0sOYjzdb3_DHIt55r6N7anC89ZV5ZgKA9E/s400/IMG_0162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392079192798105202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Red Coconuts</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I have only ever seen these here in Phuket.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3qnmehpTMna5Z4QaV9AYXMajhuMAtRGDntIThwS-JiwHFxlawwReEpOsonrOdbOBOIXCXhtKUK8A3Bc2w2dD2CkEpcbk0O74XCVE91D71kkVZSxmVZE7u_dVYpCd5KaI-WGfHMYjBKg/s1600-h/IMG_0127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3qnmehpTMna5Z4QaV9AYXMajhuMAtRGDntIThwS-JiwHFxlawwReEpOsonrOdbOBOIXCXhtKUK8A3Bc2w2dD2CkEpcbk0O74XCVE91D71kkVZSxmVZE7u_dVYpCd5KaI-WGfHMYjBKg/s400/IMG_0127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392089315830031474" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Growing pineapple</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gpaEWltFMiTV06adh7V6UMJa_R2ne2lRSF0oCqttY_nB5mZuQhFwamh_E3JjPBjTRgedXx_RZyBzBO4ng0NH9FY7m0urI9wRDAjBJTL5i3v81uqkArXbYg2Mp7LUh7H3AH_LUKNZrj4/s1600-h/IMG_0214.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gpaEWltFMiTV06adh7V6UMJa_R2ne2lRSF0oCqttY_nB5mZuQhFwamh_E3JjPBjTRgedXx_RZyBzBO4ng0NH9FY7m0urI9wRDAjBJTL5i3v81uqkArXbYg2Mp7LUh7H3AH_LUKNZrj4/s400/IMG_0214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392081156280125762" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Water Buffalo family</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm22X59iFZU8PXxtyMDaSZ_L3jTHzVcXpqin9hH15kYlj0CCGVx2PRiMdP9aHdbOptTaQpCR21BrYdDKnkzSeFNrn6mFTEKD6shR8he-ni1oGnr_VTn0WXKY59UTayGx-YtGLJIFjti0/s1600-h/IMG_0174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm22X59iFZU8PXxtyMDaSZ_L3jTHzVcXpqin9hH15kYlj0CCGVx2PRiMdP9aHdbOptTaQpCR21BrYdDKnkzSeFNrn6mFTEKD6shR8he-ni1oGnr_VTn0WXKY59UTayGx-YtGLJIFjti0/s400/IMG_0174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392084462679480018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Squirrels at Rang Hill, Phuket Town</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXcMTUN7aWmnH-vg0cmS3G9OZnpfGx3W9JTfZ2GmH41wyuo1s1xV1tHWcKsiRUkyshFcP2kPI0-wBGPTPcdZVz_3EcD2F8rVeaona-sBHPjpFBIqSWeT5usMXewXSFmxAeVMh7fjAz1A/s1600-h/IMG_0200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXcMTUN7aWmnH-vg0cmS3G9OZnpfGx3W9JTfZ2GmH41wyuo1s1xV1tHWcKsiRUkyshFcP2kPI0-wBGPTPcdZVz_3EcD2F8rVeaona-sBHPjpFBIqSWeT5usMXewXSFmxAeVMh7fjAz1A/s400/IMG_0200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392085523663599938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzm24Pf1AjaRPkoe9iYSoAWeRQcD-guSwT1dEIWFvQvJmqJ4lrDp_4PPC-535dsT_LF65UDkSzaPuXvgE1O0QgtoxVC7M-r1HdYqnyejWZC9hNAs3mT9TV0Yx0OMBfIfFGExWK__2_jw/s1600-h/IMG_0232.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzm24Pf1AjaRPkoe9iYSoAWeRQcD-guSwT1dEIWFvQvJmqJ4lrDp_4PPC-535dsT_LF65UDkSzaPuXvgE1O0QgtoxVC7M-r1HdYqnyejWZC9hNAs3mT9TV0Yx0OMBfIfFGExWK__2_jw/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392086408756807858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">This 'little fellow' landed on my shoulder </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">as I was riding my motorbike......</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ftBUK5Sk15PCNmINNQreFfidrb-1yUMNn_55_r3iOsrihHG9U1tWRQUpf9uymj2jo5NAgFbk9foDEyWoFIsz2dCLGfmup7iR4MduqHQlCotqlJKimKUOJLHEQ0nnW4_wsY7UIQsP-LA/s1600-h/IMG_0210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ftBUK5Sk15PCNmINNQreFfidrb-1yUMNn_55_r3iOsrihHG9U1tWRQUpf9uymj2jo5NAgFbk9foDEyWoFIsz2dCLGfmup7iR4MduqHQlCotqlJKimKUOJLHEQ0nnW4_wsY7UIQsP-LA/s400/IMG_0210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392090585281030130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I liked this 'Street dog' with one eye.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRqeXkrX6czZpffBTfva-uo1etRWECYUACfqUi82CYepLQnAK9hEfXXBTRG6N6e-Lxl3ZMqMnFoHeHVinjGYIVROfY8sq8ijHYEnuI9EMQRDvTbmH-JrqaaLzPwlN_XG2DMuRS-DPAL0/s1600-h/IMG_0124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRqeXkrX6czZpffBTfva-uo1etRWECYUACfqUi82CYepLQnAK9hEfXXBTRG6N6e-Lxl3ZMqMnFoHeHVinjGYIVROfY8sq8ijHYEnuI9EMQRDvTbmH-JrqaaLzPwlN_XG2DMuRS-DPAL0/s400/IMG_0124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392091433539650802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">aaaaaagh! how cute.........!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-90104223690108738002009-10-12T05:49:00.000-07:002009-10-12T08:12:50.091-07:00Thailand: Phuket Island Re-visited - two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYjz3MZ2o7CpGHP8SJsMfI3lRRrd1EKo4IV7uvxkZiBMUWuJ6uK7ItNGpMexLRNTC2s4VPH-3a_qesI0TAuFaQDLOQbJmKz2wu3a6-iQbVNpjoO_MF9oWNYtp6Dobi22H8q8NfcQi1xU/s1600-h/IMG_0158.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYjz3MZ2o7CpGHP8SJsMfI3lRRrd1EKo4IV7uvxkZiBMUWuJ6uK7ItNGpMexLRNTC2s4VPH-3a_qesI0TAuFaQDLOQbJmKz2wu3a6-iQbVNpjoO_MF9oWNYtp6Dobi22H8q8NfcQi1xU/s400/IMG_0158.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391731385004089954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The coastal road heads onwards towards Promthep Cape, the headland that forms the extreme southerly point of Phuket Island.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFvIGI0XFChI6UtX_JV4s14AYerVk0w8EjVyNo3gNtBFbyFQ5OgnZz-01IykcLq78qpPZG9SY8mhlSUl-XGdglr5hKavMgREaHzA_Ccw_dUm3RdmRsENtTZYT_0WmGV1GAXiYOQt2qtw/s1600-h/IMG_0028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFvIGI0XFChI6UtX_JV4s14AYerVk0w8EjVyNo3gNtBFbyFQ5OgnZz-01IykcLq78qpPZG9SY8mhlSUl-XGdglr5hKavMgREaHzA_Ccw_dUm3RdmRsENtTZYT_0WmGV1GAXiYOQt2qtw/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391700434537197314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The name Promthep comes from "Prom", which is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1TkGdzrq7VInEQlGTfIAwwKaZae6Tku8tChFED2MNzHeJA58UfRtV0gRPd4492Ml7MoSRa0kl1GgKoaIAmm2C0lvbMwjYhAP1dWiTgcDkO0FB-YxJ4UNm8l589V0TxZzBn3jZtJh3Gk/s1600-h/IMG_0041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1TkGdzrq7VInEQlGTfIAwwKaZae6Tku8tChFED2MNzHeJA58UfRtV0gRPd4492Ml7MoSRa0kl1GgKoaIAmm2C0lvbMwjYhAP1dWiTgcDkO0FB-YxJ4UNm8l589V0TxZzBn3jZtJh3Gk/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391702699640519666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPQoTpMxmS6L7siLg1b6u_tfVN1g_2EHlEtZYJT9X0-Bn8nzAtwvPiINH0tBMW5UB8uFljfsBA3gzRpbZpSyPr8tkJLmPAZMdV2wCfqEVAVMhoARvRFKY4ntBsWKyOvIX__pXNdMvGqI/s1600-h/IMG_0043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPQoTpMxmS6L7siLg1b6u_tfVN1g_2EHlEtZYJT9X0-Bn8nzAtwvPiINH0tBMW5UB8uFljfsBA3gzRpbZpSyPr8tkJLmPAZMdV2wCfqEVAVMhoARvRFKY4ntBsWKyOvIX__pXNdMvGqI/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391713093045531506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Approaching storm</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">On a commanding point overlooking the Cape is a shrine to the Hindu deity Brahma.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SLvkeuyAE1zGciezBhk_parDrz68aRtNYazkJKG_I-ViA2b0Fl8N4d0wpao1Ko7YqbuHIPclVQngKj4hoyIDRc78VlhVXagYDFkc06PK-4tXMKAG0hFlpOemqaSIMQLRUGPcHk7ETlQ/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SLvkeuyAE1zGciezBhk_parDrz68aRtNYazkJKG_I-ViA2b0Fl8N4d0wpao1Ko7YqbuHIPclVQngKj4hoyIDRc78VlhVXagYDFkc06PK-4tXMKAG0hFlpOemqaSIMQLRUGPcHk7ETlQ/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391705442900372562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />It is usual for the devotees to present carved elephants to Brahma, either as request for a wish or as thanksgiving for granted wishes. The elephant is the mount of Brama and signifies longevity. As a result, the Brahma shrine is filled with carved elephants.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx6gJkLa1RdRgf3ExGwRtoZwbGnPzkab_C2a2b0eNKWNmqf8hQx2LKAx6kziYIjEQECIBDedhPErOlxxPrMlqr4c8hnvshRwiZJmmj6wuQa7FkDmsSywdNO-u6O0NNPzzyW98fArI0Nk/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx6gJkLa1RdRgf3ExGwRtoZwbGnPzkab_C2a2b0eNKWNmqf8hQx2LKAx6kziYIjEQECIBDedhPErOlxxPrMlqr4c8hnvshRwiZJmmj6wuQa7FkDmsSywdNO-u6O0NNPzzyW98fArI0Nk/s400/IMG_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391704092950678018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Close-by is an unusual looking building, The Promthep Cape Lighthoue, built to celebrate King Bhumipol's Golden Jubilee</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFuV0sG2CnwMhhJouFKS-0H5hToonwHGpYRWzqE4WZ4LVVpYh7vHTduVDsNJubnSVYAAVWKJjwWcdBwIuvqDZQb3_FnicnpwcyN0UBe1Scp1A3wQtBINO5WimFgnJfLZXSGybVW0y5pk/s1600-h/IMG_0032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFuV0sG2CnwMhhJouFKS-0H5hToonwHGpYRWzqE4WZ4LVVpYh7vHTduVDsNJubnSVYAAVWKJjwWcdBwIuvqDZQb3_FnicnpwcyN0UBe1Scp1A3wQtBINO5WimFgnJfLZXSGybVW0y5pk/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391707560159720482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP7RJY3u4R9tnJZmqiVIqJwmGpbhENbBjirzca7yX_sz3JJrCacAWXiVsWTDm_B__DulgHdRYOKmjeKnuBUwaxc-f_ehpC9CZ7AOZymHYbrudArWRFtGOLoaWVpZqZKZdlYcvaQ8TN9o/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP7RJY3u4R9tnJZmqiVIqJwmGpbhENbBjirzca7yX_sz3JJrCacAWXiVsWTDm_B__DulgHdRYOKmjeKnuBUwaxc-f_ehpC9CZ7AOZymHYbrudArWRFtGOLoaWVpZqZKZdlYcvaQ8TN9o/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391708078660087090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Adjacent to the Lighthouse is a statue to Admiral His Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Kiartiwonges,</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> "The father of the Thai Navy".</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGV64Y1rbTsEna9s2O9bQjDaif6vU1Ap9mtndDih7C8GVtFNFdQjr__E0bM6Cd3L3JaOpnEXv8gNr6JBDYsvxNBbyQqHsElCnrYgc8wzJNPKNXvnCmexuU3m5A-H3Px5xbAjZyJgWZwk/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGV64Y1rbTsEna9s2O9bQjDaif6vU1Ap9mtndDih7C8GVtFNFdQjr__E0bM6Cd3L3JaOpnEXv8gNr6JBDYsvxNBbyQqHsElCnrYgc8wzJNPKNXvnCmexuU3m5A-H3Px5xbAjZyJgWZwk/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391711514213691666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Prince Abhakara was the twenty-eighth son of<br />King Rama V and was born in December 1880.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The prince was sent to England to study at the age of thirteen and became a naval cadet in the Royal Naval Academy. Six years later, the prince returned to Thailand. He established the Royal Thai Naval Academy and the Naval Engineering School. He was also responsible for building the first military base in Phuket.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-13863945404282040332009-10-12T03:24:00.000-07:002009-10-12T05:38:39.072-07:00Thailand: Phuket Island Re-visited - one<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">For a long while now, I have wanted to pay a return visit to the Island of Phuket. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Ten days ago, I achieved this:<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFDq5wusoodg6TOBVqSHtpqGbq5hwyqzkDPwvtS9aCHO3FXzQfrM7q4DCKMRZMyzi_VPpSxSJUR-hl4UT_Vn8FXBISZgp6Q_dn5x39SET4vd32A2RIETvKoECwSEzS5dwh_8VjGGSvUM/s1600-h/map-of-phuket-4.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFDq5wusoodg6TOBVqSHtpqGbq5hwyqzkDPwvtS9aCHO3FXzQfrM7q4DCKMRZMyzi_VPpSxSJUR-hl4UT_Vn8FXBISZgp6Q_dn5x39SET4vd32A2RIETvKoECwSEzS5dwh_8VjGGSvUM/s400/map-of-phuket-4.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391658894603877026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpcWey_HDnSBVUJwdA3IHAiS67VE1ve9tjxFL0QOWIgyHyvwObiZdyfTUZkj_cA8mF2blU_4Kpl8I6CD7e9g7tT97GPvaO7vWc8sn8fREMyw4svRVSefmgPYoPFxsCMn6QZJf5L3IXx4/s1600-h/phuket_island.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpcWey_HDnSBVUJwdA3IHAiS67VE1ve9tjxFL0QOWIgyHyvwObiZdyfTUZkj_cA8mF2blU_4Kpl8I6CD7e9g7tT97GPvaO7vWc8sn8fREMyw4svRVSefmgPYoPFxsCMn6QZJf5L3IXx4/s400/phuket_island.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391659383562526482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />The last time I was here was about two and a half years ago when I lived and worked there for a spell.<br />During that time, I travelled the length and breadth of the Island, seeking out of the way places away from the hedonistic and tourist 'infested' beach resorts.<br />I visited most of the Island's Buddhist temples, dived the warm waters off her coast, became a fan of Tesco Lotus ( there being only one store then, now they expanded across the whole island) and took, literally, thousands of photographs.....</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />This time round, I was to act as 'tour guide' for my friend Bruce, who has never been here.<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Our base was the small town of Kata, located in the south of the island, which I knew well and liked a great deal.<br />Despite the new hotel developments, the charm of the place still remained and the beach is one of the best........</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HbKizaf5ubEOjlF_uVIKNzwXOeLGjqrsNVoMEijZEeiqdBVvXmHcCgA3s9zOz5HqmLQCGyRMykeVufE9Vjh77IDK-FgVRa4D5KcOz1nn2jVUd3J9HzDtwcYJYRfqsIw1NHCANbwlCL8/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HbKizaf5ubEOjlF_uVIKNzwXOeLGjqrsNVoMEijZEeiqdBVvXmHcCgA3s9zOz5HqmLQCGyRMykeVufE9Vjh77IDK-FgVRa4D5KcOz1nn2jVUd3J9HzDtwcYJYRfqsIw1NHCANbwlCL8/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391661891405648114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Kata Beach<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIft8Homxpjt2wTPN9Rw18p4y-IzoAbIGe3Ba_UvcEN1ZQL1uKPVAZVXY4mIOuz7k7iAxGLz1CNw9yVArdNCpM6s5LXBj_zKutmde1lLMb7VvQEB6uPwju5EyDEn85sWPa846iX5G5o4/s1600-h/IMG_0146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIft8Homxpjt2wTPN9Rw18p4y-IzoAbIGe3Ba_UvcEN1ZQL1uKPVAZVXY4mIOuz7k7iAxGLz1CNw9yVArdNCpM6s5LXBj_zKutmde1lLMb7VvQEB6uPwju5EyDEn85sWPa846iX5G5o4/s400/IMG_0146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391666313328430066" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Strong waves at Kata Beach<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj0YNSisPRMTAZ8mn05Swa-tmsIIKIgvV32QINXSwgyV-NcZnPaVlX9FpeVljKw0Q-uFIpaXBAXoG6a7zCkeL6YiwJpBLerpmlMQHTBG-zcytPHa4Iy-frzVbsoqLa4UH8Kl6ryGiqEo/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj0YNSisPRMTAZ8mn05Swa-tmsIIKIgvV32QINXSwgyV-NcZnPaVlX9FpeVljKw0Q-uFIpaXBAXoG6a7zCkeL6YiwJpBLerpmlMQHTBG-zcytPHa4Iy-frzVbsoqLa4UH8Kl6ryGiqEo/s400/IMG_0100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391675677978994578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Our hotel pool proved a sanctuary </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">away from the violent crashing waves....</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Dominating the town on the landward side are the Nakkerd Hills. At the highest point a great statue of the Buddha is nearing completion. The Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha – to give it its official name – will be 45 meters high and 25 meters across at the base. The body constructed of re-inforced concrete is being faced in white Burmese Marble and will be an impressive sight when completed. As the project was begun more than a decade ago, there is still a long way to go.........<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOmzE2cdJOK2MV8FX4GwPZJcZy2aXVatLjsm5_W6tcFiTCKNW-uHx_-97dsybiLRt22nlK6cvhpsc4U2yisjv3DlnjbWbQ7BBJsc4GZV4J0cOheDyhpX8Zg1te4wDln7fkUBcDkHJJxs/s1600-h/IMG_0059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOmzE2cdJOK2MV8FX4GwPZJcZy2aXVatLjsm5_W6tcFiTCKNW-uHx_-97dsybiLRt22nlK6cvhpsc4U2yisjv3DlnjbWbQ7BBJsc4GZV4J0cOheDyhpX8Zg1te4wDln7fkUBcDkHJJxs/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391668099345016098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-ppuhVvOOjYZQekvH62xLX35n5vRjegiELdVblG9YRaupWA9xjHMli-XnZG7FdrTbgdod5OvRFjg7G4Qx72zS1c35UtNE2prARbzxbDraYjdMny7giAgYIZxEBPsd7zAKHigqiAFchQ/s1600-h/IMG_0063.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-ppuhVvOOjYZQekvH62xLX35n5vRjegiELdVblG9YRaupWA9xjHMli-XnZG7FdrTbgdod5OvRFjg7G4Qx72zS1c35UtNE2prARbzxbDraYjdMny7giAgYIZxEBPsd7zAKHigqiAFchQ/s400/IMG_0063.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391673832813220642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Working on site</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc73hwboBdY93zP8WmTNXWpJS2ltt3eObexHWEnxP2v7XClIfKwLvV48LmFOkL1M6mqhge1OWeQKPH4TmeNz1VYUOZR4VZTPjdiBkEYYJRsycEJcAvTiAo_53Ldi7WGz8v9_kMASpoGc/s1600-h/IMG_0066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc73hwboBdY93zP8WmTNXWpJS2ltt3eObexHWEnxP2v7XClIfKwLvV48LmFOkL1M6mqhge1OWeQKPH4TmeNz1VYUOZR4VZTPjdiBkEYYJRsycEJcAvTiAo_53Ldi7WGz8v9_kMASpoGc/s400/IMG_0066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391674711765352194" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"Talking" to a new friend!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO3pfnaUYNMPGbra6ByVYBPpqpQs2IqJzorCnfNNlc1Bc-5BB1EVknpx5I7-6R_ncsaC1VOstYex3OCDkaO4qu_XE1GyOhn9NTmLPynBxLrYZFCDCzW8Ym23FUxCelllyTT6xM_Mdwd8/s1600-h/IMG_0060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO3pfnaUYNMPGbra6ByVYBPpqpQs2IqJzorCnfNNlc1Bc-5BB1EVknpx5I7-6R_ncsaC1VOstYex3OCDkaO4qu_XE1GyOhn9NTmLPynBxLrYZFCDCzW8Ym23FUxCelllyTT6xM_Mdwd8/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391677518248855986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">View from the "Big Buddha" over the town of Chalong </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">and the Bay beyond....</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI-tWAMjpr81odJKxr6U3gHfNfBhyDyxzjxdbtmKrLbmFt2MhAaqRpJgglulpIIbx3kZvF21M_Np3kxHECUrF1mbP7kLDLpGl3HD12fSucxSbNwO4qfCBGZO9TdIv5sLBEKxrU9BYlhE/s1600-h/IMG_0050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI-tWAMjpr81odJKxr6U3gHfNfBhyDyxzjxdbtmKrLbmFt2MhAaqRpJgglulpIIbx3kZvF21M_Np3kxHECUrF1mbP7kLDLpGl3HD12fSucxSbNwO4qfCBGZO9TdIv5sLBEKxrU9BYlhE/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391678263573855554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Monkeys in the surrounding trees</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReGpWREL0Jm90_XjKB6sD4eTOlAhccMRJ9jlNTq8QUwxQX4tCLVrZ9kskHyAZJ9sZ8xNK-OKlSyaq5_FqLApBB2tWQ7NYmTod4I6IcDF5wRbZemTl0Xb_KFJnlCU4KKLvyId3ig4py7g/s1600-h/IMG_0051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReGpWREL0Jm90_XjKB6sD4eTOlAhccMRJ9jlNTq8QUwxQX4tCLVrZ9kskHyAZJ9sZ8xNK-OKlSyaq5_FqLApBB2tWQ7NYmTod4I6IcDF5wRbZemTl0Xb_KFJnlCU4KKLvyId3ig4py7g/s400/IMG_0051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391680643004546610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVAxIBE42GsOY6dVF9p-qlE8ykApBlJ4kpDSWdsZ38F2eIEe1CqOp3jI0VY7kaIRb1S4ZXBoGcX24TPjMxUKKzUQOMuEymPvb2IX6b4FvbhtEnV-hoznjGqRlkLICk3FOinCfO5D3c34/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVAxIBE42GsOY6dVF9p-qlE8ykApBlJ4kpDSWdsZ38F2eIEe1CqOp3jI0VY7kaIRb1S4ZXBoGcX24TPjMxUKKzUQOMuEymPvb2IX6b4FvbhtEnV-hoznjGqRlkLICk3FOinCfO5D3c34/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391684101964827506" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Leading out of Kata town is a delightful coastal road that winds up and around the hills with jungle on one side and grand sea view vistas on the other...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9ovp88ir0nmjLsLE7PBqfu4Yd8gPmqmEFcUXYPLx6JjdF-bq4Do8_yGuBRDF8CMjh4VzI4fTo-zJazhCz-YtDef8Mbx9WZSQfZMW9_1ZnF1aA04vpvbPwaYko0yxQ9AM1jgz9BqC65A/s1600-h/IMG_0151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9ovp88ir0nmjLsLE7PBqfu4Yd8gPmqmEFcUXYPLx6JjdF-bq4Do8_yGuBRDF8CMjh4VzI4fTo-zJazhCz-YtDef8Mbx9WZSQfZMW9_1ZnF1aA04vpvbPwaYko0yxQ9AM1jgz9BqC65A/s400/IMG_0151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391687497334036002" border="0" /></a></div></div> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Three Bays</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Kata Noi in the foreground, </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Kata and Karon Beach in the background</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv49B5tXp9Zmy668O58ZrCne5UHlUnhqG44y7XV9hE99MwEyOJ7BhmutHXfx3yKozMb6rAEJb0s14ttqiSJo6SrGgXJK-iMWKTq7mCxO4kR0236p9VUxuOcGieNoiC3oDLWCYz5EptkoI/s1600-h/IMG_0156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv49B5tXp9Zmy668O58ZrCne5UHlUnhqG44y7XV9hE99MwEyOJ7BhmutHXfx3yKozMb6rAEJb0s14ttqiSJo6SrGgXJK-iMWKTq7mCxO4kR0236p9VUxuOcGieNoiC3oDLWCYz5EptkoI/s400/IMG_0156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391689455379947810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Looking thru the jungle towards Kata Noi Beach</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3Jg2k6l_Y8Cm0nAF0qqQkP85BoQkXtpMtlXpMA4b9HpiagGtkF74UkdZwZ1ISfnzk5ulZSqIqyf2DKz7Di-DmZecB6nnVYGrYgSIozvyXQ0M97bqyiZb5rRU5C8a1wanhw10C8sbXWM/s1600-h/IMG_0212.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3Jg2k6l_Y8Cm0nAF0qqQkP85BoQkXtpMtlXpMA4b9HpiagGtkF74UkdZwZ1ISfnzk5ulZSqIqyf2DKz7Di-DmZecB6nnVYGrYgSIozvyXQ0M97bqyiZb5rRU5C8a1wanhw10C8sbXWM/s400/IMG_0212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391690764989347922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Dwarfed by this mighty jungle plant.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span></div></div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-21580859344356929302009-10-11T21:44:00.000-07:002009-10-29T07:53:55.761-07:00Cooking with Bruce<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bruce is a great cook and the following is one of his favourites</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAVnaNeqWr1JkDqhBiAkJDRhgpFd_wIdcD6fdhyphenhyphenlbCWi2PqVIgkRF9ZQf5V2ohpgYNU4Q3dcANIXdDK7toQKTPq0RsQ1mC8201w4ZHF30aNL6W0S2oioinVIZqUxcrRUydbRzjzWoPUY/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAVnaNeqWr1JkDqhBiAkJDRhgpFd_wIdcD6fdhyphenhyphenlbCWi2PqVIgkRF9ZQf5V2ohpgYNU4Q3dcANIXdDK7toQKTPq0RsQ1mC8201w4ZHF30aNL6W0S2oioinVIZqUxcrRUydbRzjzWoPUY/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391573004258158434" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:180%;" >FRESH SPRING ROLLS</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Ingredients</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">1/2 kilo Pork Fillet<br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">1 Carrot</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX8Eahn1vVhmk4X_lFStWM7wKHetIht9u6vkpsQ5SKDANmsqbFm2RIgsEqAk_u9cwkgmpuAcvPBxqx15HFqnZeOapQP_XD0H8k0q6fBqTeV-JA06cWpsueSC_xWt3iy1p_J_ME_8F5Wg/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX8Eahn1vVhmk4X_lFStWM7wKHetIht9u6vkpsQ5SKDANmsqbFm2RIgsEqAk_u9cwkgmpuAcvPBxqx15HFqnZeOapQP_XD0H8k0q6fBqTeV-JA06cWpsueSC_xWt3iy1p_J_ME_8F5Wg/s200/IMG_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391572574566264658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">1 bunch Spring Onions</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />2 small Cucumbers</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />1 handful of Bean Sprouts</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">6 large Garlic cloves</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">1 Lime</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1/2 kilo Rice Noodles</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4C0aoIfAqMcI8xJUGHCc7_6AwCVGkfF3U1egbjQLyGoN6H0YsWu7jj1yYskhjrkwtfH5sE8TJWDfLz8D6y9okuY0AqlQ_Gd9-6C-w39kqF8oL9UuT8eBdJ-IXBLyXfllpdAckZKDa3pU/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4C0aoIfAqMcI8xJUGHCc7_6AwCVGkfF3U1egbjQLyGoN6H0YsWu7jj1yYskhjrkwtfH5sE8TJWDfLz8D6y9okuY0AqlQ_Gd9-6C-w39kqF8oL9UuT8eBdJ-IXBLyXfllpdAckZKDa3pU/s200/IMG_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391573571475764130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Soya Sauce</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Sugar Syrup</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />1 Packet Rice Paper</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m-ZsDQtVy7ihCdZU1lWHdR1Owd8Bp78bzK6X7uk1sowad4uIZNx7qZXONcy6iPwpg9PSZ39oTvbYer0RQgzkRB898H91NxmYYz8kLK5Ctk0CS38qoKTnA2MxGa_g3YgpKWNWMC25ZTs/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m-ZsDQtVy7ihCdZU1lWHdR1Owd8Bp78bzK6X7uk1sowad4uIZNx7qZXONcy6iPwpg9PSZ39oTvbYer0RQgzkRB898H91NxmYYz8kLK5Ctk0CS38qoKTnA2MxGa_g3YgpKWNWMC25ZTs/s200/IMG_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391574139668496098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Stir fry the pork and garlic together in a little oil</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdl24bK2I_SzbvQJgtimStQ1mqJP-EzLIqi87aJr4hEiIYHtKjMQL2OJHgGpW8gEDOPZbU4GFJk2WDXFl1Jev0vrQnaKwICV3-NY4F4YnHdqp7XLIBRgD5vZeLcROnJ4PdAahtdpJlCY/s1600-h/IMG_0008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdl24bK2I_SzbvQJgtimStQ1mqJP-EzLIqi87aJr4hEiIYHtKjMQL2OJHgGpW8gEDOPZbU4GFJk2WDXFl1Jev0vrQnaKwICV3-NY4F4YnHdqp7XLIBRgD5vZeLcROnJ4PdAahtdpJlCY/s200/IMG_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391574645937543922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br />When brown take off heat & keep to one side<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Add pinch of salt to Bean Sprouts & stir fry </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Add Rice Noodles and continue to stir fry together till soft - approx. 2-3 minutes</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />Dice Carrot into match sticks</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu6ZfG1h6eCfC3CYGyl01eqjb7tTvjDDoKzv2fM7nvVXfXt-p2FNwh3TvFF6fkjqxNTyq-9hrNYKzL3NCinsfEIQ8kNepsHKqvY3msnxspFIb90WeaTn-edHn5pKhgZHlBBXJ89z1Eqs/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu6ZfG1h6eCfC3CYGyl01eqjb7tTvjDDoKzv2fM7nvVXfXt-p2FNwh3TvFF6fkjqxNTyq-9hrNYKzL3NCinsfEIQ8kNepsHKqvY3msnxspFIb90WeaTn-edHn5pKhgZHlBBXJ89z1Eqs/s200/IMG_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391575528842293682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Chop Cucumbers & Spring Onions into lengths</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dice Pork into strips</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Add cooked Garlic to Rice Noodles & mix together</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />Take a sheet of rice paper & dip into warm water</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIL-PPZlZEZWezDl5MAYcw9kwQkqFxEmYo4ZMoJbXzHGoPLrfi2hnR6E31sGbYY7TF5goVK8LHFQvjvgUHNIGhD4CgsqcUDNMR8GaxtHZJRO6jKR6_Kg3eeCuEbxzZx-UdwNYqVPYPmg/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIL-PPZlZEZWezDl5MAYcw9kwQkqFxEmYo4ZMoJbXzHGoPLrfi2hnR6E31sGbYY7TF5goVK8LHFQvjvgUHNIGhD4CgsqcUDNMR8GaxtHZJRO6jKR6_Kg3eeCuEbxzZx-UdwNYqVPYPmg/s200/IMG_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391576253505858882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Spread sheet on board and add -</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Strips of pork</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />The Rice noodles with garlic</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A couple of sprigs of Mint</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />The strips of Carrot, spring onion and Bean sprouts</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">How to roll:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">1. Take each side of the rice paper wrapper and fold over the filling.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X5-iA6tCUqpxBspkQUOhrCMMTWN3mVX9EOMvpXAdbk-Wvy5QBP99_joZ2ukiQBg9ohTKL3TX96g4ftJzIVy9RhP3J4vvZwmZLMqVPV-ASrc-phPbrOSZx25jKWQaKgFlGhtGSeKI8wI/s1600-h/IMG_0025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X5-iA6tCUqpxBspkQUOhrCMMTWN3mVX9EOMvpXAdbk-Wvy5QBP99_joZ2ukiQBg9ohTKL3TX96g4ftJzIVy9RhP3J4vvZwmZLMqVPV-ASrc-phPbrOSZx25jKWQaKgFlGhtGSeKI8wI/s200/IMG_0025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391576940794216242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2. Fold the bottom of the wrapper up over the filling & gently press</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rEEO4YdWK4Wif5mJhfxRQWxVwyoJswJWhNvH5sYoH6497Wv5GlBMeW4uWSIZx2c-kFT1WP3MvINhAkH9-3b-bnHIzFPJtJ7QF1rSYtb26WOOdawAbsVcOBE-l1dIgxG_w8_aofPk3QM/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rEEO4YdWK4Wif5mJhfxRQWxVwyoJswJWhNvH5sYoH6497Wv5GlBMeW4uWSIZx2c-kFT1WP3MvINhAkH9-3b-bnHIzFPJtJ7QF1rSYtb26WOOdawAbsVcOBE-l1dIgxG_w8_aofPk3QM/s200/IMG_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391577695528628466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> down.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">3. Continue by rolling the wrapper towards the top.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />You now have a fresh spring roll.</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ser3EJEx58i27MMbKF-RmVfWq9RMasEwOls-8OtWBQ-Jsio2ftyVrq5n7li5Rm4J_YjdINBz5g0aZE2kVOg8L1Dcab4UZ5gX-Jr8ih2GVIjVYolH2AZaog7Y5Pav9w0qqlhDE1nw8Mo/s1600-h/IMG_0024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ser3EJEx58i27MMbKF-RmVfWq9RMasEwOls-8OtWBQ-Jsio2ftyVrq5n7li5Rm4J_YjdINBz5g0aZE2kVOg8L1Dcab4UZ5gX-Jr8ih2GVIjVYolH2AZaog7Y5Pav9w0qqlhDE1nw8Mo/s200/IMG_0024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391578285177804882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />This recipe makes 20 Spring Rolls in total</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These are now ready to eat with dipping sauce</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">SWEET CHILI DIPPING SAUCE</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />4 tablespoons Soya Sauce</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_SLuJBb5WNdGqB3jUbZmBvhgcJHE7y346xg3-Dwx08Q_9GxcK3sLh0SrAB9E2qe88FWxk_ZBR2PNFTSFDRfiWXRbrZe1TpczztUYpDuFZ0N0z7k9cD2E8PzW6YcNVzryTirHEHsRSGA/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_SLuJBb5WNdGqB3jUbZmBvhgcJHE7y346xg3-Dwx08Q_9GxcK3sLh0SrAB9E2qe88FWxk_ZBR2PNFTSFDRfiWXRbrZe1TpczztUYpDuFZ0N0z7k9cD2E8PzW6YcNVzryTirHEHsRSGA/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391579062145767330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">8 tablespoons Sugar Syrup</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />6 tablespoons Mineral Water</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />4 Red Chillies (depending on taste!)</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />2 Tablespoons Lime Juice</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />2 tablespoons crushed peanuts </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cook Soya Sauce & Sugar Syrup together with a little mineral water till boiling</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Continue to simmer for 3 minutes</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />Add lime juice and the chillies, finely chopped</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">When ready to serve add crushed peanuts to the sauce</span>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-66741766081243758072009-09-23T07:43:00.000-07:002009-09-23T07:43:46.905-07:00Thailand: Ayutthaya - The ancient capital of SiamAyutthaya - full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is both an ancient capital and modern city in the central plains of Thailand, 85 km to the north of Bangkok.<br />
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The city was founded by King Ramathibodi I (U-Thong) in 1350 on a island within a bend of the Chao Phraya river, which had been the former seaport city of Ayothaya. By the beginning of the 15th century, Ayutthaya was regarded as the strongest power in the 'Indochina' region. In the sixteenth century, the city was described by foreign traders as being one of the biggest and wealthiest in the East.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1686 French drawn map of Siam <br />
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Constantly at war with her neighbours, fighting off rebellions within her provinces, Ayutthaya was finally conquered and sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Siam's capital moving south, first to Thon-Buri, then across the Chao Phraya River to present-day Bangkok.<br />
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Today only the ruins testify to the former splendours of the old capital. The modern day city being founded a few kilometres further east. What remains of ancient city, form the 'Ayutthaya Historical Park' being declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1991. And it is to here that I have come to visit.........<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Having arrived by train, my first stop is to catch a ferry across the river -<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Armed with a map, I had alredy decided which places I wished to visit.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Chantharakasem Museum<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a National museum and was originally known as the Chan Kasem Palace, being the principle residence of King Naresaun established in 1577 when he was Crown Prince. The palace was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 and remained in ruins until the reign of King Rama IV who, in 1936, rebuilt it as the museum we see today.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When King Ramathibodi founded the city in 1350, he ordered the building of a royal palace at the same time. Today, the only reminder that a building existed are a few remains of the brick foundations.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The three bell-shaped chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet have practically become synonymous with Ayutthaya. <br />
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built by King Bromatrailokanat in 1448 and was reportedly one of the grandest temples in the ancient capital and is still on of the best preserved. The temple took its name from the large standing Buddha image erected on the site in 1503. Later when the image was smashed by the Burmese in 1767, King Rama I had the remaining pieces collected and placed in a chedi at Wat Pho in Bangkok.<br />
The three chedis were built to contain the ashes of King Boromatrailokanat and his two sons, King Ramathibodhi and King Boromatrailokanat II. Surrounding these chedis was a large cloister with further smaller chedis placed near the outer wall.<br />
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The Temple was originally connected directly with the royal palace. <br />
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</div>Despite the destruction all around them, the chedis remain remarkably intact and must be regarded as the high point in my visit to Ayutthaya. They remain a testament to past glories and a symbol to a fallen city.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the east side of the Royal palace lies the remains of Wat Phra Ram. The Temple was built in 1369 by King Ramesavara on the cremation site of his father, King U-Thong. Wat Phra ram is dominated by the central towering Prang, which, although badly damaged, still shows enough to gain an idea how rich in detail it must have been.<br />
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My final destination was to Wat Ratchburana.<br />
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The Temple was built by King Borom Ratchathirat II in 1424 at the place where both his brothers died having killed each other during a fight for the vacant throne of Ayutthaya, following the death of their father........<br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747338710982160006.post-70168361243760957542009-09-22T22:13:00.000-07:002009-09-22T22:13:11.370-07:00Thailand: Samut Prakan - 'Muang Boran', the Acient CityEngland has the 'Weald & Downland Museum', Siberia has the 'Talzy Museum' and Thailand has the 'Muang Boran', also known as the Ancient City.<br />
What do they all have in common? They all display local buildings, some rescued from destruction, others reconstructed from original materials. In all they display the importance of architecture in a rural location.......<br />
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'Muang Boran' is located near to the town of Samut Prakan, 40 km south of Bangkok, close to the estuary of the Chao Chraya River. To get there, I took <br />
Bus number 25 directly from downtown Bangkok to the entrance. <br />
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Taking the shape of Thailand, the museum covers 96 hectares (240 acres) and is considered the largest open air museum in the world with over 120 exhibits. <br />
The inspiration for this 'wonder' was Lek Viriyaphant (1914-2000), also known as Khun Lek, an eccentric Thai millionaire, ( making his fortune as a Mercedes Benz dealer in Thailand) and patron of the arts. Having been interested in art since childhood, Lek Viriyaphant was inspired to establish the Ancient City. Initially, he intended to build a Thai-map shaped golf course where miniatures of important national ancient sites were placed on certain spots within the area. He, then found that many ancient sites in Thailand had been left to decay. Thus, he changed the concept of the Ancient City from being a place of relaxation to an open-air museum. My first visit here was in 1990 and I hardly recognised the place with all the new additions, all set within beautiful landscape gardens......<br />
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On displays are scale models, life sized replicas and one-third scale examples of ancient ruins, monuments and buildings, all providing an insight into the ethnic and cultural heritage of Thailand. In the main I have photographed those structures that have escaped destruction, have been restored having been found in a ruinous state in their original location or because I just like them......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Stupa of Phra Maha That<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a recreation of the great Stupa at Nakhon Si Thammarat,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of the most ancient cities of Thailand, situated in the south of the country.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The original Stupa, containing the Buddha relic was built during<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the reign of King Si Thammasokarat in 555AD.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This re-creation is one-third smaller than the original. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy429_yCdMI7_ctZdVtG_yM07bI5qQ2LDoUmllNCrx-UE4VY32Y-zb-k2tNdcVtlDJMoasx51XhtrLw0czm86vkxop69Uq0blJ6smE64ndRTNhi1FUxgDSnb2UxxXGtW16EHXSEyVqodg/s1600-h/1+The+Scripture+Repository.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy429_yCdMI7_ctZdVtG_yM07bI5qQ2LDoUmllNCrx-UE4VY32Y-zb-k2tNdcVtlDJMoasx51XhtrLw0czm86vkxop69Uq0blJ6smE64ndRTNhi1FUxgDSnb2UxxXGtW16EHXSEyVqodg/s400/1+The+Scripture+Repository.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The Scripture Repository<br />
<br />
This restored repository was brought from Wat Yai, Bang Khonthi in Samut Songkhram Province. The original building, standing in a pond at Wat Yai, was much dilapidated. In the past, the scripture repository was normally raised on piles over a pond to protect the palm leaf manuscripts from ants and termites.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5Sn6sGZhDMsG3fbUvkb4VUF8GUWhGr60UVZrB-H93hGSOqLyehEp0Zqj0MbLGajYX0eeIxt4pm103IntOUJfkf5KNWcB6egrvUq5POwbdToHU_yMI0sypywf7BTAq6H18U46S5sfs4E/s1600-h/1a+The+Scripture+Repository+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5Sn6sGZhDMsG3fbUvkb4VUF8GUWhGr60UVZrB-H93hGSOqLyehEp0Zqj0MbLGajYX0eeIxt4pm103IntOUJfkf5KNWcB6egrvUq5POwbdToHU_yMI0sypywf7BTAq6H18U46S5sfs4E/s400/1a+The+Scripture+Repository+a.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roof detail of the Repository<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Probably dating to Ayutthaya times, the exterior of the building would have been originally covered with murals depicting the life of The Buddha.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These have long faded. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjZlrJVLBx7lOIaq0fJ1mqOCDtSOfvbJA-qMaRsF2zftv7H0nziIjZgKOdjRUQG_Hcm5vAooD3C8Cm-jQEbiwTrgWAKZ5f7gCo4bGquxQzpVUjly1d5yASGb-Y_nE-rFBtE6kG33_XW8/s1600-h/2+The+Bell+Tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjZlrJVLBx7lOIaq0fJ1mqOCDtSOfvbJA-qMaRsF2zftv7H0nziIjZgKOdjRUQG_Hcm5vAooD3C8Cm-jQEbiwTrgWAKZ5f7gCo4bGquxQzpVUjly1d5yASGb-Y_nE-rFBtE6kG33_XW8/s400/2+The+Bell+Tower.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bell Tower<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Located close to the Repository,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2gV1iY7pHsThcOhHgQLLKJ0d99j-0p4okwOggYpr7dSlI3vHcgGBnHTOy11x1CbijDJy5o-BmEo7vEGcjiqxcUQU2RysjP7sr89F4BNQ7FjlZeOqCsFIVARdrfTajlJQPghdcI9kFtM/s1600-h/3+The+City+Pillar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2gV1iY7pHsThcOhHgQLLKJ0d99j-0p4okwOggYpr7dSlI3vHcgGBnHTOy11x1CbijDJy5o-BmEo7vEGcjiqxcUQU2RysjP7sr89F4BNQ7FjlZeOqCsFIVARdrfTajlJQPghdcI9kFtM/s400/3+The+City+Pillar.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The City Pillar<br />
<br />
A Lak Mueng or City Pillar is found in most cities of Thailand.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Built to house the city spirit diety, who is much revered by the citizens of the town..... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseL9WxTxb_cesnj40PDZF7pn97BiAS37N-r7v9u8VYTa17HeJdQTVyQVvR8e9-Fo63i_OHHxaHNknP29MF7RQ9a7cAwWXWjf-Vda1_5m1hDgHTlbrdli6PmIx3VRDC_Ggk0xQcHMVEaA/s1600-h/5+Village+House+from+the+Central+Plains+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseL9WxTxb_cesnj40PDZF7pn97BiAS37N-r7v9u8VYTa17HeJdQTVyQVvR8e9-Fo63i_OHHxaHNknP29MF7RQ9a7cAwWXWjf-Vda1_5m1hDgHTlbrdli6PmIx3VRDC_Ggk0xQcHMVEaA/s400/5+Village+House+from+the+Central+Plains+a.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Village homes from the Central Plains<br />
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Here a group of traditional Thai houses made of panelled teak, have been re-erected.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Originally they would have housed the local farmers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82aASdrk9l3B_UgtIYfJgBhR9lSbykqkoxmP20XXO1pFofaaeKnoIo_xUJVe1LXt5donIhHUmFKVjlXrCSpCPFeJpgAyze1cbokmWi5CILGCBwMjFbPIHIk6rBk2WJWTqL1kSyp9jEnY/s1600-h/7+Old+wooden+Spirit+House+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82aASdrk9l3B_UgtIYfJgBhR9lSbykqkoxmP20XXO1pFofaaeKnoIo_xUJVe1LXt5donIhHUmFKVjlXrCSpCPFeJpgAyze1cbokmWi5CILGCBwMjFbPIHIk6rBk2WJWTqL1kSyp9jEnY/s400/7+Old+wooden+Spirit+House+b.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div>The Shrines<br />
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These old wooden shrines or spirit houses are a symbol of the belief the Thais have for the supernatural. These 'houses' are a way of paying respect to these forces. The belief is that these shrines are home to the spirits who protect their homes and community from any harm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYREvXoZrf-KHRXAMw7th7II25uDnk42atatXKq_-Z9K-H8EbAKJMXK1Sx13GuYLLXMQmlv6X-59iLUovcF7b3LlcDF9H6bWWLRIr2tPDtPb6Q77RHjpKQdMx-CgkLgKFY9nimuJoHebY/s1600-h/8+Old+wooden+Spirit+House+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYREvXoZrf-KHRXAMw7th7II25uDnk42atatXKq_-Z9K-H8EbAKJMXK1Sx13GuYLLXMQmlv6X-59iLUovcF7b3LlcDF9H6bWWLRIr2tPDtPb6Q77RHjpKQdMx-CgkLgKFY9nimuJoHebY/s400/8+Old+wooden+Spirit+House+a.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Floating Market</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
A traditional Thai floating market had been removed</div><div style="text-align: center;">from the original site and rebuilt here.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxTHaU_2pAQWNZCylJ1vQSafez5ZCvMf3dTl_F-knk1mWYviaOrlFgL-FgOIG0K_kM2EasR7G8I1oaU-78eDTMqoZxHKkd28UKvkSErFde88mmQEfjl0K5tgLxGnATOVremdi1SgQ2u8/s1600-h/12+Floating+Market+-+fruit+seller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxTHaU_2pAQWNZCylJ1vQSafez5ZCvMf3dTl_F-knk1mWYviaOrlFgL-FgOIG0K_kM2EasR7G8I1oaU-78eDTMqoZxHKkd28UKvkSErFde88mmQEfjl0K5tgLxGnATOVremdi1SgQ2u8/s400/12+Floating+Market+-+fruit+seller.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">including a number of 'traders'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWGNFbFJZz66B9iEqsJWzBn5Ago2OX75dup5Z7iyAUTRB7UKy-XXJdxjVmYUQ4Xem_cmi_T6YIx-kwefMRdf8egx5k8fA6-T-OaLNo-CnR2WfkzEFxS6sWHz-6C1SN12P9q0HyDt8Mg4/s1600-h/11+Floating+Market+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWGNFbFJZz66B9iEqsJWzBn5Ago2OX75dup5Z7iyAUTRB7UKy-XXJdxjVmYUQ4Xem_cmi_T6YIx-kwefMRdf8egx5k8fA6-T-OaLNo-CnR2WfkzEFxS6sWHz-6C1SN12P9q0HyDt8Mg4/s400/11+Floating+Market+b.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">quaint village homes.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaLZV_0AGHkC8xzVuJHhw6hOtV_pFAs6QK_wA3jchABg1J3MFL93KxBJt7JS-IgKRiMc6q4OLBxm7cKP8hjiAs8GO1iW5MTcfbNgkMrQEdJI3wKtDbWN8ESfLfDiM9lWZxWkQDBrKZto/s1600-h/10+Floating+Market+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaLZV_0AGHkC8xzVuJHhw6hOtV_pFAs6QK_wA3jchABg1J3MFL93KxBJt7JS-IgKRiMc6q4OLBxm7cKP8hjiAs8GO1iW5MTcfbNgkMrQEdJI3wKtDbWN8ESfLfDiM9lWZxWkQDBrKZto/s400/10+Floating+Market+a.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and an artist's studio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk7jGOXaBju3unRRuB0LxB_JK73VLfYwYOVQ4Ha9RFfhDQ-yU1PTBIUFNPmv-tRNTaGuhF-2WeZZuiVDvJ5N4s-BxSYFhmvzcZQFOx9LbSxtakJT2hAF035SfZBK0xV8l5KUxKFhqi0s/s1600-h/13+Traditional+fishing+net.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk7jGOXaBju3unRRuB0LxB_JK73VLfYwYOVQ4Ha9RFfhDQ-yU1PTBIUFNPmv-tRNTaGuhF-2WeZZuiVDvJ5N4s-BxSYFhmvzcZQFOx9LbSxtakJT2hAF035SfZBK0xV8l5KUxKFhqi0s/s400/13+Traditional+fishing+net.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A traditional Thai fishing net<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uZuCnIPaD5r50SnsXFT7PXXgWjCGDRYDQ3E0SbpQBediZd-NOZXMT4FenFm5TqbSM10dbyUS0ENL8Gh1vGpQofcW7znudtfVixVhDLliZ70-uOkyrFN0nM2skAhhM60bq6sqnlPY8W4/s1600-h/14+The+Dvaravati+Wihan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uZuCnIPaD5r50SnsXFT7PXXgWjCGDRYDQ3E0SbpQBediZd-NOZXMT4FenFm5TqbSM10dbyUS0ENL8Gh1vGpQofcW7znudtfVixVhDLliZ70-uOkyrFN0nM2skAhhM60bq6sqnlPY8W4/s400/14+The+Dvaravati+Wihan.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Dvaravati Wihan<br />
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The Dvaravati 'Kingdom' existed between the 6th to 11th centuries AD, encompassing most of what is now present say Thailand. Centred around Nakhon Pathon, the Dvaravati was heavily influenced by Indian culture and played an important part in introducing Buddhism to the area.<br />
The reconstructed Dvaravati wihan here, represents the <br />
influence the 'kingdom' had on Thai history. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA0rR3z_yyNRYfWos3yvuClc_eHmBMxnkvikpdakYQKYna6oyYc1tQ49JH6BoWVKuUJhmrbloV4AyzYHGcw9gq4NyDz6OCRdGKWHGztEZiVwIt0qP_2vcSzPN6VYwr4iaF0_r53YAzhI/s1600-h/15+Onion-domed+Bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA0rR3z_yyNRYfWos3yvuClc_eHmBMxnkvikpdakYQKYna6oyYc1tQ49JH6BoWVKuUJhmrbloV4AyzYHGcw9gq4NyDz6OCRdGKWHGztEZiVwIt0qP_2vcSzPN6VYwr4iaF0_r53YAzhI/s400/15+Onion-domed+Bridge.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This "onion-domed' bridge leads to an island garden<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with an array of wonderful coloured orchids<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGDggdr-gv3mmd3PFdqwqkb7wrYfks33zPMrk6mdAQbG2G0zAHHYtf2FSy3ng8r9LJE5o0KRBxWH8UCbIsAd8-Bu4TDu0bjpNyL_ZhPK85OusLWRrscO8T56OGIYV3h_vkJK6VIgaf7s/s1600-h/17+Orchid+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGDggdr-gv3mmd3PFdqwqkb7wrYfks33zPMrk6mdAQbG2G0zAHHYtf2FSy3ng8r9LJE5o0KRBxWH8UCbIsAd8-Bu4TDu0bjpNyL_ZhPK85OusLWRrscO8T56OGIYV3h_vkJK6VIgaf7s/s400/17+Orchid+b.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and this one has a juvenile 'Praying Mantis' on one of the petals<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jyk10DXzaVmD5tFLJDbwBYCH7EVNeea7x8b4DCcfSHo4qYGJgz-P5xZITSwJRHo7FbyOmg6qqoH7pNkViVchrCfspgI2VMWxBUQjY6xWmkZ4srv-ZjOC-9_KY7wjxb7g-Kq_Y_4wfuI/s1600-h/18a+preying+mantis+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jyk10DXzaVmD5tFLJDbwBYCH7EVNeea7x8b4DCcfSHo4qYGJgz-P5xZITSwJRHo7FbyOmg6qqoH7pNkViVchrCfspgI2VMWxBUQjY6xWmkZ4srv-ZjOC-9_KY7wjxb7g-Kq_Y_4wfuI/s400/18a+preying+mantis+closeup.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Dvaravati House<br />
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This re-constructed traditional Thai house was built by a wealthy 'noble' family and is referred to as being the 'Dvaravati House' as the gables are similar to that of the 'Dvaravati Palace' in the Province of Kalasin in north-east Thailand.<br />
The house is made up of a group of eight separate house/room units, all facing onto an open-air veranda. Each house had a particular purpose: a chapel, bedrooms, a day room and a bird-room.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Interior views - <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3TujQzqSMq_HAfT8nfXicZrSQbi1AmvZzsLAib_msfUEB_sGDoOa2Wyeebci2yyt5_JfIIhSotipAE8kIHOEcI5zpUH85coyIwaBZCtbhi-bpxvzOjewTC0s2iI9DDeA4XuQIqO12xE/s1600-h/20+.The++Dvaravati+House+Interior+aJPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3TujQzqSMq_HAfT8nfXicZrSQbi1AmvZzsLAib_msfUEB_sGDoOa2Wyeebci2yyt5_JfIIhSotipAE8kIHOEcI5zpUH85coyIwaBZCtbhi-bpxvzOjewTC0s2iI9DDeA4XuQIqO12xE/s400/20+.The++Dvaravati+House+Interior+aJPG.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Dusit Maha Prasat Palace<br />
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This is a re-creation of the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace forming part of the grand Palace complex in Bangkok.<br />
Built in 1806 during the reign of King Rama I, as Audience Hall, renovations carried out during the reign of King Rama III completely changed the original design. The Palace here in Muang Boran was built according to a number of original architectural drawings and old photographs. <br />
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Seen across the lake, the Palace is an inspiring sight and a fitting end to an interesting museum........ <br />
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</div>NIGEL'S WORLDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06364500549249821555noreply@blogger.com0