Maybe you know or don't know but Loy Krathong Day is like Thai Valentines Day. And the same is Valentines Day it is not a day off holiday. Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon here in Thailand.
Loy means to float. Two lovers set their Krathongs afloat together. If they remain in contact as they float off it means the lovers will remain together. If they separate then the lovers are destined to separate as well.
This time around my friend Richard who is a fellow American expat was offering free smoked ribs at his restaurant and pub here in Ubon, Wrong Way Cafe. It is a nice comfortable cozy place downtown in Ubon. He and his wife Ting offer hot steaks and pizza and cold beer.
So I just went there to Wrong Way Cafe and enjoyed the food and the company. It was a nice night and I didn't have to fight the crowds around the bodies of water to set the coconut leaves and candles afloat. It is the thought that counts and love was given. So happy Loy Krathong Day.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Mukdahan, Savanakhet, Visa Run
I have lived in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand for 6 years. Well except for a year I spend in Bangsaen, Chonburi. I have had non-immigrant visas in all that time. But now for the first time I had to go on a "visa run'. If you don't know that means I had to leave Thailand to get a visa so I could continue living here in Thailand. Even though I am now considered a tourist.
I got on a bus to Mukdahan here in Ubon at about 5:15 AM. It takes about 3 hours. I arrived in plenty of time to catch a sam lor or 3 wheeler to the river port. Thai Immigration processed me through easily and paid my 50 Baht for the ferry ride across the Khong River to Savanakhet, Laos. The ferry left promptly and 9AM and it took about 15 minutes.
On the eastern shore I disembarked and took about 30 minutes to get my Laotian "visa on arrival". The was a 1700 Baht investment. When finished there it was off to the Thai consulate. I didn't know exactly where it is so I paid 50 Baht to a driver to take me there. The ride was 5 minutes as it is less than a kilometer from the port.
The paperwork at the consulate was quick and painless. After paying the 1000 Baht it was off to see the city. Savanakhet is mid size and rather quiet and peaceful. It was how I imagine Thailand was 30 years ago. I had a good lunch and drank a few Beer Lao while waiting for 3pm to pick up my passport. I met an American Expat named Hank who was retreating from Thailand to Laos because of the changes about visas.
At 3:00 exactly the consulate opened its doors distributing passports. Five minutes later I was back at the port un-doing all I did that morning and waiting til 4pm for the ferry to return me to Mukdahan. That was much the same as the morning.
I spent the night in Mukdahan at KiengPiman Hotel. Nice and clean with air and hot water only 500 Baht. After a few beers at Ban Cafe, a drinking establishment owned and operated by an American, I enjoyed a steak next door and then off to karaoke and disco with my new friends Tim and Milk.
An express ride back to Ubon and my visa run adventure was complete. I rather enjoyed it. I think next time I will spend a night or two in Savanakhet. It was a good experience to Mukdahan, Savanakhet and back to Ubon. Thailand and Laos in 24 hours.
I got on a bus to Mukdahan here in Ubon at about 5:15 AM. It takes about 3 hours. I arrived in plenty of time to catch a sam lor or 3 wheeler to the river port. Thai Immigration processed me through easily and paid my 50 Baht for the ferry ride across the Khong River to Savanakhet, Laos. The ferry left promptly and 9AM and it took about 15 minutes.
On the eastern shore I disembarked and took about 30 minutes to get my Laotian "visa on arrival". The was a 1700 Baht investment. When finished there it was off to the Thai consulate. I didn't know exactly where it is so I paid 50 Baht to a driver to take me there. The ride was 5 minutes as it is less than a kilometer from the port.
The paperwork at the consulate was quick and painless. After paying the 1000 Baht it was off to see the city. Savanakhet is mid size and rather quiet and peaceful. It was how I imagine Thailand was 30 years ago. I had a good lunch and drank a few Beer Lao while waiting for 3pm to pick up my passport. I met an American Expat named Hank who was retreating from Thailand to Laos because of the changes about visas.
At 3:00 exactly the consulate opened its doors distributing passports. Five minutes later I was back at the port un-doing all I did that morning and waiting til 4pm for the ferry to return me to Mukdahan. That was much the same as the morning.
I spent the night in Mukdahan at KiengPiman Hotel. Nice and clean with air and hot water only 500 Baht. After a few beers at Ban Cafe, a drinking establishment owned and operated by an American, I enjoyed a steak next door and then off to karaoke and disco with my new friends Tim and Milk.
An express ride back to Ubon and my visa run adventure was complete. I rather enjoyed it. I think next time I will spend a night or two in Savanakhet. It was a good experience to Mukdahan, Savanakhet and back to Ubon. Thailand and Laos in 24 hours.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Suvarnabhumi Airport, My First Experience
Not long ago I had my first experience visiting the new Bangkok International Airport, the name is which is Suvanrnabhumi Airport. I had to go to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to get some new visa pages added to my passport. I was excited but a bit sad too. I have been coming to Thailand since 1994 and Don Muang Airport was always a big part of the Thailand experience.
Now a new chapter opens in the story of Thailand. Becoming modern and keeping up with the other nations involved in technological upgrading. I had seen pictures of it but this was the first time I laid my eyes on it. It does look sweet.
It took a long time to actually get this place open and operational. The excitement was prolonged. Thai Airways flight TG021 Ubon To Bangkok. I got off and was happy. The terminal very cool and hi-tech moving sidewalks moved us along. I couldn't find an exit sign. I don't know why. I finally got out and was on the second floor. I had to go back inside to get to the ground level.
Ground transpotation was expensive compared to Don Muang but the taxi got me to where I needed to be in record time. Going back the taxi was twice as much. I have since learned that the city buses are now running from outside exit 8. I will let you know after I use it this month. There are growing pains. In the passenger area of domestic there is only a food court in which to by food. So be sure to eat before checking in. If you are planning to read a book take a flashlight as the lighting is rather sparse. I am sure, though, that changes are coming soon.
The first time made me feel that I had actually left Thailand. But I am sure as time goes by I will get used to Suvarnabhumi Airport the same as I felt at home in Don Muang Airport. I hope if and when you visit your experience will be good.
Now a new chapter opens in the story of Thailand. Becoming modern and keeping up with the other nations involved in technological upgrading. I had seen pictures of it but this was the first time I laid my eyes on it. It does look sweet.
It took a long time to actually get this place open and operational. The excitement was prolonged. Thai Airways flight TG021 Ubon To Bangkok. I got off and was happy. The terminal very cool and hi-tech moving sidewalks moved us along. I couldn't find an exit sign. I don't know why. I finally got out and was on the second floor. I had to go back inside to get to the ground level.
Ground transpotation was expensive compared to Don Muang but the taxi got me to where I needed to be in record time. Going back the taxi was twice as much. I have since learned that the city buses are now running from outside exit 8. I will let you know after I use it this month. There are growing pains. In the passenger area of domestic there is only a food court in which to by food. So be sure to eat before checking in. If you are planning to read a book take a flashlight as the lighting is rather sparse. I am sure, though, that changes are coming soon.
The first time made me feel that I had actually left Thailand. But I am sure as time goes by I will get used to Suvarnabhumi Airport the same as I felt at home in Don Muang Airport. I hope if and when you visit your experience will be good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
