Tuesday, January 16, 2007

A Visa and A Vista

Moon River, Phibun Mangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
December 29, 2007. I got on my Honda and began the 50 kilometer journey to the Immigation Office in Phibun Mangsahan. It was a nice day, not too hot not too cool. It is always nice to get out of the city limits and really enjoy the motorcycle feel.

The humm of the engine, the wind in my hair, the caress of the sun on my skin, all so good. What a day, oh what a feeling. Even the speeding overcrowded buses seeing how close they could come to me without actually hitting me couldn't put out the flame of excitement.
Moon River, Phibun Mangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

I arrived at the office, safe, windblown and ready for lunch. But first things first. I Explained to the officer what I needed and asked him if I should come back later as it was 11:50 already. He insisted I sit down and be taken care of at that moment. I rather enjoy doing business there because they have been one of the few places that seem to not try and make things more difficult with extraneous beaureaucratic redtape and BS then they have to. Yahoo!!!!!!
In a record government transaction time I paid my 1900 Baht and was back on my Honda heading to the river for lunch and relaxation. On the river, at the rapids, in the park. The name of the rapids is Gaeng Saphoo. It is in the Phibun Mangsahan district of Ubon Ratchathani province Thailand there runs the Moon River. At this particular spot on the river there are rapids after the waters of the monsoon season rescede. If is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax.

Moon River, Phibun Mangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

I parked my motorcycle and took a walk along the river bank, enjoying the scenery and the day. I was also in search of a Chang beer to quench my thirst. A group of school kids were practising something but not too busy to spot me and practise their English. "Hello", "What's your name?", "Where do you come from?", always amazing.

I found the cold beer and walked out in the river on now exposed rocks to feel the day, the music of the water passing the rocks, the warm sun, the cooling breeze and the cold beer. Don't get any better. I went into a trance taking in the moments and enjoying my beer. I took some photos to keep a imagery memory of the experience. My stomach brought me out of the comma and I found an inexpensive noodle shop close by.

After my noodles I enjoyed another beer then walked around through a park, a group of university students and particularly and cute co-ed (female) invited me to join them for Korean Bar-B-Que but as I was already full i graciously declined. But it did add to the day. Time to head out so wouldn't get caught in traffic.

All in all a wonderful day. Wish you could haved joined me. Oh well, maybe next time.