A Brit in The Orient.

It is a fantastic specimen. In the wet season though, the roads (very few are tarmac covered or paved as our American cousins refer) turn to thick mud, then they dry out and leave massive ruts, baked hard by the sun. Hence steering a vehicle, especially in the days when this particular model would have been in daily use would result in undue pressure on the steering box, drag links and track rod ends.

The steering box has a great deal of play in it, and the track rod ends.

These can be replaced, so it is not a problem to really consider as a major detriment.

A few man hours and attention to brakes, steering, engine clean, service, interior overhaul and possible re-upholster etc, plus a little time on the body work which is absolutely fantastic as you can see.

The vehicle could be quite a nice little earner!

There are numerous antiques out in Burma which I am presently looking at as well.

Thanks Dutchy, I will take a closer look at the photograph installation, I haven't noticed anything on the page regarding re-sizing etc. Sorry about the problem, will attempt to resolve in due course.

Cheers Steve, glad you are enjoying and thank you for your concern re my daughter, she is actually doing well right now.

The driving concerns over there are out of this world. It is nothing to see live pigs for instance fastened to the back seat of a motorcycle.

Up to six on a bike, God knows how many they get on cars, buses at times. The accidents are pretty gruesome though.

Some years ago I was driving into Bangkok, about twenty miles from the city centre and a pick up overtook me, about twelve fridges cascaded down all over the road, it was ridiculous, how I missed hitting one, or another vehicle I have no idea, more good luck than management.




I have some pretty good photographs from over the years, I will stick an odd one or two on from time to time.

Krung-Threp the City of Angels, exactly where the word Bangkok comes from, I have no idea, the Thais aren't too bothered about the name though, as long as it helps their economy, 'Farangs' can call it whatever they want.

It's one of those places you either love or hate, there is no in between.

All great cities of the world have red light districts, that eventually find their way into novels or media headlines from time to time.

It might surprise you to know that the sex industry in Thailand is less per capita than the United States, the Philippines or Taiwan.

Thais are very open regarding sexuality and the numerous additives that go with it, they have no hang ups. You can visit the Pat-Pong, Soi-Cowboys and Nana. I wouldn't say the girls working these places are bubbling with happiness in their work but I have never seen or heard of them being badly treated by their employers, they all have mobile phones I notice, and would appear to enjoy the thrill of being picked, the sexuality in them can be seen in their eyes, maybe it's the actual thrill of the hunt, the bar fee being paid to The Mama-sam, or knowing they can buy that new dress or pair of shoes they have had their eyes on for some days. Less than five minutes walk from Nana you can be at the world famous Bumrungrad International Hospital specialising in medical clinics such as the heart centre, children's centre, and plastic surgery specialists, employing high class doctors from all over the world as well as extremely good if not first class Thai specialists in many fields. I had cause to visit Bumrungrad hospital to seek attention for my wife some time back,. We were absolutely amazed at the building, the service, the equipment and the medical care my wife was given at the time was second to none.

You will probably be surprised to know that Thailand is quite a large country, about the same size as France, its population count is some 65 million.

I have always found Thais to be a wonderful friendly race of people in general, and I have met people who have visited various destinations in Thailand and enjoyed wonderful vacations. There is usually a business side involved with my visits, I take interest in precious stones, various antiques and presently with vintage motor vehicles, both commercial and private.


I have witnessed many things in the mountain areas of Thailand, Burma and Laos especially, some things are better left untold, but it should be noted that one can leave the so called security of a luxury hotel in a city and within but a few hours can be living in the Stone Age, men might even trade their wives for pigs, some of these areas are totally lawless, they have no idea what a tap is, light switch, tinned, bottled or packaged food or drink. Between the Hill tribe Villages I have visited over the years and I have spent much time in the mountains, (almost three months between 1996 and 1997) I have always been treated with respect and that goes for my wife (Flobo) too who has accompanied me regularly. Yes we have faced dangers, great dangers, but these have been of our own making and choice, the paths have taken us along jungle trails and areas which are the domains of wild animals, snakes, bandits, soldiers and Karen freedom fighters, the obvious dangers of crossing rivers, climbing mountains, at times, many times, wondering what the bloody hell we were doing there.


If I see a problem in our visits to these isolated parts of the world it is going back, returning to the occidental world, we feel like rocks, the senses no longer need to be alert, sleeping in a luxurious bed and having a splendid home with all modern day conveniences is not a challenge. Struggling to park a car or visit the Doctor or Dentist seems far removed from the isolation and dangerous beauty the jungles and mountains bring of their own sweet and sour accord.


For those who have read some of my previous write ups, and I am glad to say the numbers are growing, you will recall Joe! Joe The Taxi! Joe had been my friend and taxi driver in Bangkok for many, many years, it is with sad heart that I have to tell you of Joe's demise from this world twelve months ago.

I missed him not being at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok when it first opened, he loved to look at it being constructed, "Better than Heathrow I think" he would always say!

Last time we spoke he mentioned looking forward to collecting us there it opened about August/September (2006) and makes a beautiful entrance to Thailand. Joe was a character and then some more, he knew everything and everybody that mattered in Bangkok, I know he had involvement in all and everything, Joe was a 'wide-boy' he didn't care about anything beyond the next thousand baht he could earn, anytime, any-place he would be there. He made quite regular trips to Cambodia and Laos what he brought back or got involved with is any-ones guess, but although his passing was untimely, he lived life to the full.

(RIP Joe)


So with my wife and two lads (my grandson's, both into amateur boxing one to each of my two daughters, who have five sons between them: Elder daughter:- One at twenty years of age, one at 16 and one at 12. The younger daughter; One at fifteen years of age and one at 12) one sixteen years of age and the other fifteen we landed in Bangkok on the 19th December 2007.

I'd booked a suite for myself and Flobo and a room for the lads at the Landmark in Bangkok. Flash hotel on Sukhumvit, you can Google it and get a good tour or a look at their pictures etc, I like to start off with a bit of luxury for the wife especially. We mix it up as we go along so luxury is nice every now and then.

The lads, to put it mildly were totally gob smacked with Bangkok, I took them down Soi Cowboy's the first night, but I'd also booked them in for a days training at one of the Bangkok boxing camps I am familiar with, and we had to be there for 7am the following morning, so there was no way I was letting them have too late a night.

They trained well in town, they also sparred a little over the next couple of days, enjoyed a couple more nights, around Sukhumvit, Cowboy's and Patpong then we flew down to Phuket, picked up a hire vehicle at the airport (Chrysler 4WD pick up) and drove up the coast to Khao Lak, where I had booked us two poolside bungalows at Gerd & Noi's. A popular resort right on the beach.

You will no doubt be aware that Khao Lak took a real pasting with the Tsunami, most of the coastal resorts including Gerd and Noi's had been totally destroyed by the same.

I am putting a few photographs on below to show the power of The Tsunami.

As you can see the power must have been phenomenal.

Years ago I was on a Greek island and watched this fat guy load up his Vespa scooter with big Greek lady behind, child squashed between, dog at his feet (looking worried) and two live chickens in cages on the rear carrier.

I have some horrendous photographs of the deaths, carnage and mayhem the Tsunami created in its destruction of Khao Lak in particular.

I have no intention of placing any of the bad photographs on this thread, all I am showing is the power it is quite amazing.

Khaolak has advanced from an insider tip for backpackers to one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

It has a long beach front on which Gerd and Noi's has quite a prime position which assures relaxation in an uncrowded tropical environment.

The hills behind offer water falls and lush rain forest, the people are as yet unaffected by the trappings of tourism.

There is a viewpoint with a spectacular view all over Khaolak Beach which can be easily reached by car, motorcycle, taxi, bus or a good walk if you feel like exercise.

(See photograph below)

Several waterfalls, temples, rivers, lagoons and the nearby Khaosok national park invite for adventurous outdoor activities. One of the world's Top 10 dive destinations, the famous Similan Islands, are in easy reach and can be visited daily using one of the local diving schools.

The restaurants in Khaolak, serve excellent fresh seafood, traditional Thai and European dishes.

There are a few mini marts, souvenir stores and the usual bars but no signs of dancing girls, my two grandson's both heavily complained!

The bungalows, whilst simply basic, were clean and well presented.

Although we had the vehicle shops, restaurants in addition to the beach front restaurant at Gerd and Noi's were within easy walking distance.

We were quite looking forward to spending Christmas here!

Yes, it is indeed a beautiful place, but what was wrong?

Well we were there for enjoyment, looking forward to a good Christmas etc (with two teenage lads) and everybody else was there to mourn!

It was a mass gathering of relatives of those who had lost their lives in The Tsunami!

Nobody was partying or having a laugh!

We may as well have been holidaying in a gigantic funeral parlour!

OK fair enough, I respect there right to mourn, but I rather think we should have been told this was the norm as it has been each Christmas since the Tsunami disaster, when we booked direct with G & N !

So I wanted to get the lads away from the sadness, and occupy them in a manner which took them away from the scenario in general.

I hired a couple of motorcycles and commenced teaching them how to ride them. That's what granddads do isn't it! Simple Honda rev and go, it was good fun, at the end of the first day they were both riding quite well.

Christmas Eve morning I hired an additional bike, they had one each, me and granny were on the other, it's good fun. The lads, really loved it, it was new to them both and we had a great couple of days!

(Mathos on a Rev and Go.)

I can't say the evenings, especially Christmas Eve and Christmas day night were anything to write about, except that is to say the total resort, town, restaurants and shops were worse than ever in their gigantic mourning session.

Boxing day was awful, we got up quite early to go out on the bikes; They were all over the place, dressed in black, carrying big wreaths of flowers to the beach, and standing there crying, sobbing etc. etc. I hadn't come or brought my wife and the lads for this.

It was awful.

OK Mathos, time to move out of here!

I'd paid to the 2nd of January for both rooms at the time of booking.

No way were they prepared to give me a refund!

So we packed up a ruck sack each, left the main luggage in our rooms, and we left on the motorcycles for Khaosak National Park !

It was getting the lads out of the area, and the motorcycle ride was great, we left the Chrysler at the resort.

We had a couple of great days at The Park and Lake, the lads enjoyed riding a bike each for the lengthy distance and we were more than glad to be away from KhaoLak to be 100% honest with you.

We took accommodation at KhoSak Tree House Resort by the national park, it was excellent.

They had one absolutely fabulous tree house (picture above) which I referred to as The Penthouse! Once the lads, (these soldiers of fortune, schoolboy champion boxers saw the real jungle, complete with a few snakes, large insects, frogs, large geckos and monkey's!


They didn't want the standard tree house at Baht 500 per night, and granny said they had to have the Penthouse, (she ruins them).

It kicked off at Baht 2500 per night, but he dropped it to Baht 1500.




Yes, so Granny and Mathos are tucked up in the bog standard Baht 500 per night, unit.

I couldn't not let you have sight of the shot of the lake as shown above.



We rode back to Khao Lak, handed in the motorcycles, packed up, emptied our rooms, and checked out! Still no refund on the remaining days paid for and we had paid premium price for the high season/pool side rooms etc. About Baht 2800 per night per room from memory!

We drove to Phuket and managed to get accommodation at Patong Beach in a couple of bungalows, it was much better indeed. No mourning!

We had Jet Ski's on the beach for the afternoon and following day, a couple of good nights in town (the lads loved that, more girls to ogle) and changed our flights to go back to Bangkok for New Years Eve, they were made up at this!

We couldn't get in at The Landmark so we managed a couple of rooms at the Amari Boulevard (across the road from Landmark on Sukhumvit ) and flew into Bangkok late afternoon on December 31st.

We had a cracking night, did a great tour of Bangkok and finished up back poolside at The Amari about 2am New Years Day with champagne and a bit of a buffet. All in all the lads were on top of the world.

We took them all over the place the remaining four days and nights that they had in Thailand. Their return flight to the UK was booked for Saturday 5th January.

I had them at a gun club shooting all sorts of mean and wonderful weapons from 45 caliber hand revolvers, through rifles, twelve bores to AK47's. They loved it.

All in all with the motorcycles, the guns and the jet ski's I would be getting a real ear bashing off their mum's!


Thursday night 3rd January we had been out until about midnight came back to the hotel and went to our respective rooms.

Granny's are just like mothers, they become instinctive!

I don't know what it is they just do! Women are like that.

"I'm going to check on the lads," she says!

"Why?" I reply.

"Just want to, won't be a minute,"

They are one floor down and she's back in a few minutes.

You guessed, they've done one!

It's what lads do, perfectly normal, dangerous at their age I know but totally understandable.

Well Granny is having kitten's and I mean going loop de loop!. I get dressed, to go and look for them!

Granny is waiting at the hotel. She phones their mobiles, both phones are in their room playing silly tunes one after the other, which doesn't help.

I'm doing Nana, Cowboys, Patpong, Tin Can Alley, The Gardens of Babylon and any other dive I can think of!

No chance.

Three o'clock and Granny unable to stay in the rooms any longer having been wandering from one to the other for the last two and a half hours or so walks around Sukhumvit, (she's had enough of waiting) and they walk round the corner!

Now this particular are of Sukhumvit around The Amari Boulevard, is a notorious section of Bangkok. Even I am extremely careful, alert and cautious anytime I wander these particular streets.

****, can you imagine that.

The doorman at The Amari, later told me he never saw anything like it in his life. The Concierge was stunned!

He said to me when I got there:-

"Them two young lads, your sons, went in like 'Chicken from a Cobra' and your wife was close behind going to rip their ******* heads off...

Isn't life grand!

Anyhow they were safe, that is all that matters.

I laughed, I thought it quite normal, but I explained the dangers to them.

The lads told me later, that when they saw Granny, she said:-

Where the F*** have you been till this time?

They still remark on that, they never heard Granny swear in their lives before.

They didn't tell her though!

They told me.

**** I'd have gone with 'em if I'd known.

Well we took them to the airport on Saturday 5th January, school was beckoning for Monday morning the 7th they would land in Manchester UK at about 6.30 am on the 6th.

Daughters and their husbands would be waiting for them at the airport. We just wanted to know they made it home safe and sound.

They did of course, they landed in Abu Dhabi with Etihad they were well looked after too. Taken to a private lounge, and monitored, thank goodness. Put on the plane for the second and final stage of their journey.


We felt great relief to know they got home safe and sound, but in total honesty as the days wore on, we really found ourselves missing them.

It had been great fun having them, we showed them a lot they had a great deal of fun too.

I laughed again, when I checked the room bill for extras, I had paid for them:- four porno films !

Lads .............

We weren't leaving Bangkok until Monday morning when we would be making our way to Chiang Mai... Just the two of us now for the next 12 weeks or so.

Mathos said:

Yes it was funny Aidan, wasn't it!



One of those days today, and I'm running behind! Well behind with certain aspects and catching up with others.

The weather has been better which has enabled me to spend a full day working outside. Really enjoyed that too. Flobo has been fetching me a good few welcome brews and I had one of my grandsons (twelve year old) with me for a while, he was great fun.

It's half term again.

I'll try and get back on with the thread tomorrow evening, I know I have a full day working out tomorrow and the weather report is favourable for it.

Boxing club tomorrow evening 5 pm until 8 pm. By the time I have got home and eaten it is getting late, but I'll do what I can.

The shot below is of Mae Sai, the northern most point and border town in Thailand.

We stopped here for a while and had the car broken into! There was also a beautiful little place we stayed just north of Chiang Rai on the way up.
I'll get some more photographs on tomorrow, hopefully.




Flobo is anxiously awaiting the annual return of her swallows! They have been nesting for several years now in the garage roof beams and I am under instruction to leave the door open! Below you can see a couple of snaps of last years hatchlings there were two separate deliveries last year and three in 2006!

Running late again this evening, so a few photographs which I feel sure you will enjoy.

We were in the country side and there was a Hill-tribe wedding taking place locally, we spoke briefly with a group who were going to the wedding , they kindly allowed us to take a few photographs.



The colours the Hilltribe people merge together in their special clothing always looks attractive.



We thought this particular one of the youngsters in their 'Wedding Best' was a superb display.

The lady here in a small shop in Chiang Saen had her hands full looking after the premises and baby too. I thought at the time, baby was particularly beautiful.






Sometimes, you may be lucky enough to have the camera in your hands when a particular face comes into view. I happened to think the chap on the bike towing his home made trailer looked a very interesting character.









.

The lady and young girl, as on the photograph below were walking off into the hills, with a specimen collection of pampas type grass.

One more of those special scenic photographs, they live in your mind forever and it is really nice to display them like this for others to view and see the beauty of nature from a different part of the world.






This will be the final for this evening

I thought I would show you some snaps from a small place we stayed at north of Chiang Rai. We only spent a night there, but it was superb.

Especially after a couple of the flea pits we stayed overnight in during our visit to Laos.

The Due Doy Suay Resort situated between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai.














We managed to get a brilliant room including breakfast for Baht2000. It was wonderful value for money.