Loy Krathong (Thai Valentines Day) at Wrong Way Cafe

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.

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.

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.

All is Well

I was shocked and in disbelief at the events this week here in Thailand. I have lived here for almost 6 years and was coming here as a solier before then. I never would have thought that this would happen.

Maybe it's progress. But I somehow think it moves democracy here backwards. Now martial law is in effect though I am not experiencing any change in my life or how I have to live. It is really sad that things were allowed to go so far that it was felt that miliary intervention was required.

The prime minister was duly elected and many who said they are happy now that this occured voted for the person that was ousted. Corrucption and abuse of power, the public reasons given for the ousting militarily, are the norm here. From a director of a primary school to the head of the government.

I hope they made the right decision but they do need to take the word democracy from the form of government. If they don't trust the people to vote properly then maybe they need to educate people in politics and democracy. If things are wrong it should be brought up when it is known, not long after the fact.

I beleive it is the system needs to be changed not the person running it. But change is difficult and long help traditions die hard. Blaming the person will not change the system that allowed what he, according to the press, he was guilty of. What will happen next time somebody don't like the head of the government?

But life goes on. Outside of the circles the government doesn't affect daily life too much. But time will tell. I stilil live here and love it. It is still a great place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing vacation. And still the most dangerous place is on the roads as a driver or passenger.

My name is Darwin and this is my Theory.

Thai Cuisine Recipe - Tom Yam Goong

I love Thai cuisine. It is very spicey, complex yet simple. There is also a wide vaiety of dishes considered Thai. I love eating as well as cooking Thai food. I decided to share some Thai Cusines recipes with you. I hope you will read this and try making a few for yourself.

The first receipe I am going to share is also one of my favorites. The only problem you might have is finding all the correct ingredients in order to make it.

This dish is Prawn and Coconut Milk Soup - or - Tom Yam Goong in Thai.

Ingredients - What you need

• 2 1/2 cups thin coconut milk
• 4 slices galangal about .5 centimeters thick
• 2 stalks lemon grass, bruised and cut into two 4 CM pience
• 6-8 medium sized peeled raw prawns
• 2-6 straw mushrooms cut in half
• 2-7 small Thai chillies
• 2 kaffir lime leaves with stalk removed
• 1/2 cup thick coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon chilli paste
• 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce

Preparations:

1. turn burner on medium and place the thin coconut milk into wok. Add galangal and lemon grass. Bring to gentle boil, stir constantly.
2. Add prawns and cook until tender.
3. Add mushrooms then the think coconut cream, lime leaves, chillies and chilli paste. Cook another 4-5 minutes.
4. Turn off heat then add lime juice and fish sauce. Do not cook the fish sauce and lime juice in the soup or the flavor will change.
5. Serve hot

Eat hardily and enjoy til full. I hope you try it. The flavor is well worth the effort. Oh yeah it is usually eaten with white rice.

My name is Darwin and this is to your on stove success.

Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

I have been living in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand for almost 6 years now. That means I have been through 5 Candle Festivals. It is the most famous festival here. Every year it is a major production and the main tourist draw here during the course of a year. There is a good reason for this.

It is hard to find a hotel room during the time of The Candle Festival. Many hotels begin filling up a fews months out. The early birds get the rooms, the others have to find a room in other nearby provinces, maybe an hours drive away.

What I find most fascinating about the Candle Festival is the candle floats themself. They are large, can compare to any parade float in the USA. Also the tedious and painstaking handicraft work that goes into the creations. I can look at them and admire them, but I will leave it to others to create them. I don't think I quite have the patience.

If you get a chance to ever come here to Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand in July during the Candle Festival, by all means you should do it. But if you want to come you should make resevations by the end of March to get the good hotels and good rooms.

Welcome and hope to see your here for the festival.

More Phuket and Phi Phi!

This is an awesome view from the south end of Phi Phi Island. It takes about 40 minutes to walk up a paved path to the top. It is hot as hell walking up there so if you get to go you should maybe take some cold drinking water with you. Once you get up there it is quiet and peaceful and as you can see you get a postcard view. There is a small shop on the top to buy snacks, drinks and postcards. It was well worth the effort to enjoy the view.

---

I love this beach. It is Karon Beach on Phuket Island. If you want to just relax and enjoy the water and the weather it is perfect. You can walk out quite a ways in the water. The sand is clean and white. It squeaks when you walk on it. There is cheap Thai food nearby and western food not too far away. I stayed in a hotel just across the road. A bungalow style room for around $20 US a night. A great vacation R&R site. I don't know how it looks now or even if the hotel survived the tsunami. I hope to return soon to find out. I recommend this beach if you get a chance to go to Phuket, Thailand.

One life, live it, enjoy it, experience it. Darwin.

Back to Phuket

I had the great fortune of spending some time in Phuket, Thailand, before the tsunami. It was a very strange feeling seeing pictures of the tsunami with waves coming in over places I was standing and playing.

I also took at day trip to Phi Phi Island while I was visiting Phuket. Phi Phi is very small. One side was the harbor and the other side a lagoon. I knew it was small but when I got off the boat I was looking for a restroom and found the other side in one minute.

Both islands are nice. I am still trying to imagine the devastation the big waves caused. At Phi Phi I am sure the wave would have crossed the entire island. While on Phi Phi I climbed to the top. You can see the entire island. It's a hot long climb but what a panoramic view. Definitely postcard material. I have tried to envision what it would have been like to be up there when that wave hit.

If you haven't been to Phuket you should try to go. It is a pleasant resort. Many hotels are actually affordable. What costs in Phuket is the food. I tried to follow the Thai people to eat where they eat. Those places are closely guarded secrets.

Patong Beach is not my favorite. It is almost like being in Europe. But it is not maintained very well. Patong Beach, though, is where most of the shops and restaurants are. I prefer Karon Beach. Is is white sand and more like I was used to in Hawaii. The sand actually squeaks when you are walking. I got to stay right across the road from the beach for less than $20 US a night. Awesome. A similar bungalow in Hawaii would easily cost $200 per night. A good thing about living here in Thailand is that true vacations are actually affordable.

There are many things to see and do in Phuket. It is worth a trip. The water in the Andaman Sea is fairly clean and clear. Snorkeling and scuba are very poplular. Some famous movie islands are in the area too. James Bond Island, famous for 'The Man with the Golden Gun' and a Phi Phi island made famous in the movie, 'The Beach'. Also the place for Survivor Thailand is down there too.

I need to go back to Phuket and see how the tsunami changed things. I don't think I would worry too much about a recurrence. I lived in California a long time and I didn't spend my days worrying about earthquakes. You must go if you get the chance.

good luck and happy travels

Darwin

Siam Summer

Ah summer in Siam (Thailand). School is out, the hot season is coming and it's time to do something. I love riding my motorcycle but in town the song, Lunatic Fringe" comes to mind. So to really enjoy must get out of the city limits. Just have to watch out for drivers coming head-on on my side of the road. One of the wonderful things about living in Thailand is that travel here is cheap. If I was still on Oahu and wanted to rent a bungalow on the beach for a week I would have to take out a loan. But here it's different.

Koh Samui, or Samui Island in Surat Thani province is a nice place to spend a week or so. The beaches are nice and not too crowded. Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand and there is an island nearby that is famous for Full Moon Party. The biggest expense going to Samui is travel, if you fly. One airline in and the airport belongs to them. You can take a train or bus but then have several legs of travel to arrive there.

I like Lamai Beach. It is less commercial then Sawang Beach. Sawang beach is more like Waikiki, many tourists and all the western restaurants. But on Lamai I had a bungalow for $20 a night and it was only 30 meters from the beach. It had air, hot water, and cable TV. A great deal. Lamai is a wide beach and sandy. Not a rock beach. You don't have to pay to sit in the chairs and use the tables. The food around is diverse. You can get western food, seafood buffets and, of course, great Thai food.

At night you can walk down the road and get a cold beer, listen to music and socialize. The area does close down soon after midnight but you are ready to get some rest so can have a nice, calm, tranquil walk on the beach in the morning.

I am thinking about going down there again. It's very nice and relaxing. I highly recommend it to anyone planning to come to Thailand. It's quite a bit cheaper than Phuket but it's not on the Andaman Sea too.

The Siam summer will be over all too soon, but this year I am hoping things work out and I won't have to go back to teaching English. Will have to find another way to keep my visa to live here but that's ok. Enjoy and if you are living in a cold climate you should consider coming here to thaw out. Take care.

Darwin
P.S.
If you have any questions about Thailand or any of my posts you can send me an email at dndent@gmail.com but please introduce yourself and tell me you got my email from there. Thanks.

I Miss My Uniform (Sometimes)

I joined the Army for many reasons, see the world, travel, adventure, be all that I can be. But one reason I chose the Army was for the uniforms. Uniforms were cool. They looked good, they are functional, they identify you as part of a team, and when I was younger, the girls loved them. Now I don't wear a uniform as such. I wear shorts and sandals because it's so hot here so I guess that is my uniform.

When I used to come to Thailand as part of my duty. I go to travel Thailand and stay in Thailand hotels. I used to worry I would lose my uniforms staying in Thailand hotels because they were very popular with the Thai people. The Thai soldiers would often come to my hotel in Thailand and want to trade or me just give them my uniform. But mine was always too big. They wanted boots but I wear size 12 and they wanted size 8. I thought they just love the uniforms but later I found out traveling around Thailand you can find Americna military uniforms on sale most anywhere. Many still had on the name tags of its former owner.

So alas those days are gone now so I make new adventures. My uniform has changed but I think we all wear a type of uniform no matter what. Aloha and mahalo.

Tip of The Day

Knowledge is Power and Knowledge is money. Use this to your advantage and benefit. Make money with your knowledge and make your knowledge sell. Maybe you don't know it but inside your head is knowledge that other people want and need too and woudl pay money for you to share it with them. But how, you ask? You can Make Your Knowledge Sell with Ken Evoy's "Make Your Knowledge Sell"( MYKS!) . This e-book gives you A-Z of how to use to web to publish and sell your knowledge.

Ken Envoy has offered his knowlegde for our benefit in a previous e-book, "Make Your Site Sell", ( MYSS!). This was and is by far the Best book about selling on the internet. The infornation in this book is invaluable at any price but at under $30 it's a steal. A small investment in your future. I didn't think Ken and SiteSell could do it again but they have.

Because you have taken the time to visit my blog and maybe this isn't exactly what you expected today I will make a money saving suggestion to you. First go and invest in ( MYSS!), then as an valued customer and owner of ( MYSS!) you will get 10% off ( MYKS!). Any better deal than that and you would have to be paying them to make the e-books yours.

Darwin

Finally Found it

As I have told you in the past I have been searching for a business I can do internationally and be mobile while doing it. I business can make enough to have a good life and do some other good things for people in my life. I have no desire to teach spoiled rich kids for the rest of my life. I love kids but I wasn't meant to be their teacher. They say you shoud do the thing you do the best. Kids love playing and having fun with me and me too but in a discipline situation in a classroom we don't get alone at all. I was in special operations which is unconventional and does things outside of the box but we still had to be disciplined and responsible. So I am highly motivated to find this good business. I grabbed some big hyped big promise programs but if anybody is getting rich its only the seller. You know what I mean. Talking a good talk but not producing. I got a bit skeptical and was almost ready to give up but as I said I am motivated. I want a business, can work at home, using internet, using websites and marketing and working with a good team but also working alone. Alas, I have found it. A company that gives you not just a website but a business, has support, has tutorials, has a track record, is transparent, they over deliver instead of making empty promises. They give instructions but are more like guidelines thus allowing you to be yourseld and actually encourage it but discourages the used car sales and furniture sales techniquess. They give hope but are realistic. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Any business of value is going to take an investment of time and money. but if you have the motivation and the brain you can succeed and excell. I have found for me and if you are interested please take a few minutes and go on a quick tour here

QuickTourHere!

. No matter what your situation or need, they have a solution for you. If you have a brick and mortar business, you can advertise your business on a website and get more customers. If you want to advertise or market as your business, they have a solution for that too. Thank you for takeing the time to visit. If you see something good if not for you than maybe you can send a friend here. Thanks.

After you take your time to look at the site come back here and you get a free spam check. Help you ISP keep the spam mail out of your inbox. SpamCheck!

As an addes bonus for using your valuable time as a show of appreciation you can choose also between a free book you can download and read FreeBook!

or you can choose to join a monthly sweepstakes that gives away a website for free just go to

Sweepstakes! Enjoy.

Siam Coffee

Ah the smell of coffee brewing. It's one of the best aromas in the world. I love walking into a Starbucks and smelling the different coffees. Don't you love that smell too. Don't it make you want a nice cup of exquisite coffee in your home. I am a Coffee Lover from way back. As long as I can remember I have been enjoying a good cup of coffee, anytime day or night. When I first came here to Thailand it was hard to find coffee. I had to go to 7 Eleven and make a cup of Nescafe. It was OK but the cups were small so I had to make many trips. Then on one of my trips to Thailand when I was still in the Army I was amazed to see a Starbucks, and very happy too. Starbucks is expensive but is great. I lived in the Seattle/Tacoma area for 4 years so I was very well acquainted with Starbucks and several other coffee shops. I got used to latte's and such. I was addicted to Egg Nog Latte's during the holidays. Now, I am happy to report, there are many coffee shops around Thailand. Not just starbucks but also Black Canyon, Blue Mountain and many little stands like were prevalent in Washington. As coffee has caught on here many Thai's are drinking it but what is also popular here is ice coffee and ice coffee drinks. Happy Coffee drinking.

P.S. Don't forget Valentine's Day, it's coming soon

Yo Pittsburg Steelers

Congratulations to the Pittsburg Steelers. It was a Great Superbowl. They desrved the Victory. Big Ben didn't look like a second year player. He is definitely a leader. I like the Seattle Seahawks but today was game day and they were all nerves or something. They most definitely had their chances and it's hard to overcome making mistakes at critical times. It took a lot to get there but today was the Steelers day. Good to see the Rolling Stones still rocking. Mahalo Seahawks, Steelers, Detroit, ESPN and the NFL. Aloha for now.

Super Sunday

Super Sunday will be here soon, oh yeah, I am in Thailand so it's actually Super Monday Morning. No pizza and beer here during the game. It's coffee and pastried. The Superbowl comes on here live, direct from Detroit, Michigan about 6am in the morning. But at least I get to watch it. I would like to say my congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks. Finally they are in the Superbowl. They have had some good and exciting teams but have always been the bridesmaid and never the bride. I was happy when they went to the NFC. They used to give the Raiders headaches. I was stationed in Olympia, Washingtong at Fort Lewis for 4 years and got to go seem some games at the now destroyed Kingdome. I also saw Nolan Ryan pitch his last game there when he was with the Texas Rangers and was playing the Seattle Mariners. The Superbowl should be exciting. Both teams have good offenses. I am rooting for the Seattle Seahawks because it is their first and took a long time to get there. The Pittsburg Steelers are an excellent team too. Big Ben is going to keep them in contention a long time. I don't know if it's another dynasty for the Pittsburg Steelers but Ben has a lot of years to go and Coach Cower is still young and has been able to stay in one place for a long time. I have a lot of faith it will be another exciting offensive game and not a one sided blowout. If you are a fan of either Seattle Seahawks or Pittsburg Steelers I hope your team wins.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is fast approaching again. Here in Thailand they recognize Valentine's Day but it is more like how we did in elementary school. Everybody is your Valentine and everybody wants a gift from you. Their special day here is Loy Khrathong Day. It is in November during the full moon. During this day couples float "Loy" a Khratnong together. A Khrathong is lotus flowers and candles on a platform that will float. They float them together and if they stay together in the water, so will the couple. I have a special someone that I have had the fortune of being with for 5 years and we have had 5 Valentine Days together. We have survived the cultural and language challenges together and we are still going stong. We have been together since the first day I came to live in Thailand. We have had our ups and downs but I have most definitely found my soulmate. We have our love, romance, and companionship. We originally met via the internet so anything is possible and does happen all the time.

Don't fret if you are alone during Valentine's Day, There are things you can do to find your soulmate. In today's world we are all very busy and maybe dont't have time to search for someone to share our lives, our love, our experiences and our thoughts. But there are other people the same as you needing someone too. You just need to have a way to find each other when you are separated by time and space. If you have someone please remember them on Valentine's Day, with gifts, flowers, and special day or evening or just a hug, kiss and a sincere, "I love you". And hopefully in return you will hear the word, "ditto". Good Luck in Life and Love.

Finding People and Information

Was High School and/or College the Best Days of Your Life? Do you pick up your yearbook and get that good feeling when reliving those days. Do you remember the good times you had and wonder what happened to your friends from those days? We get on with our lives, our jobs, our families and lose track of people we shared part of our life with. Are you like me, you never was able to make it to Class Reunions? How are they doing? Do they have families? Are they married? Are they successul? Where do they live? What happened to you "best friend"? What happened to your first love? What happened to the quarterback of the football team? You don't really have to keep wondering you can find out. With todays technology you can find people from your past and quit imagining. If you have lived abroad or out of the area you can get back in touch. It's easier than you think. Just check out Classmates.com and go for it.



If you live in the USA, UK, or Canada now there is a way to find people and information. If you are an employer, a landlord, a private investigator you can all get the information you need on the people you want it for on People Search. You can find information about driving records, military service, court and legal matters. Do you want to know who is working for you? Do you want to know who you are going into business with? Do you want to know who is marrying your daughter? Don't keep yourself in the dark, find what you need and find it quickly. In todays high tech fast moving world, identify theft is rampant. So protect yourself, your family, your business your affairs. We are all busy in our lives and don't always have time to do the things we need to do but fortunately there are others who can do it for us. So do yourself a favor and check out people search for your peace of mind. Click Here!

Internet Shopping and E-Malls

Since the creation of the internet and WWW, life has gotten so much easier. It's always nice to be face-to-face with people but it's also very nice to do most everything I need to do at home, at my convenience, when I want and where I want. I don't have to worry about the price of gas or parking. I don't have to fight the traffic or the crowds. You can do most anything you want or need to do on the internet. And mostly is reliable and safe. Have you ever gone shopping for somehting and you just want to look and take your time, but the sales associate is standing there beside you? Seems they are pressuring you to take some action or leave. This is true whether it's a car you are buying or just a shirt. But sitting at home in my shorts and sandals, I can do things in my time. On internet now you can go shopping, buy many things at E-Malls or just websites. YOu can buy a car, get insurance for your car and financing. YOu canhouse buy a house, you can get a mortgage, you can get homeowners insurance and do all you need to close the deal. You can find a job, you can start an internet business. You can work from home. You can get cable or internet connections. YOu can get yourself a website, or a domain and get your domain registry, you can find a web host. You can find a soulmate too. Send flowers to your love or cards for all special occasions. When you want to travel you can make hotel reservations, get airline tickets, train tickets, cruise packages, all online quickly and easily. You can still do all outside, drive, park, fight traffic, say you are just looking 100 times, buy gas, get there and find out that the last one was just sold. But whatever you do just keep an open mind and give Internet Shopping and E-Malls a chance. Please feel free to check out my whole blog. Thank you for reading my words and visiting me here in Thailand. Using the internet for work, business, shopping gives me the same opportunities and chances as anybody anywehere. Thanks again. Darwin

Insurance, GREAT to Have When You Need It

During my life in the US Army I always had free medical and dental. When I retired from the Army I didn't really think about it too much. Most of my medical while I was a soldier were physical exams. I have been fortunate to have good health. Insurance. I didn't ask for it but while I was working at Burapha University in Bangsaen, Chonburi, Thailand I had to sign up for and pay for medical insurance. It wasn't much, I think is 3% of a monthly salary. I did complain from time to time about paying for something I didn't neeed. I could buy a good meal or a few cold beers with that money.

Well I was lucky again that I has that insurance. In July 2005, I suddenly contracted an invasion infection and required surgery and a long hospital stay of 39 days in a private room. The nurses and doctors took good care of me in Somdet Hospital in Sriracha, but I was never so happy to leave a room in all my life. I hope none of you have to stay in a hospital that long.

Well back to the insurance. For that long stay it paid for most of it, including pharmaceuticals. All I had to pay was 20,000 Thai Baht, or about $500. So looking back that insurance was an excellent investment and I was lucky I had it. I am healthy again and hope I never need to use that insurance again. But I will never complain again about paying for insurance whether its, medical, health, auto, life, homeowners or whatever. Its worth it.

Take care and enjoy good health.

Beer and Wildlife

Some of the good things in Thailand are the beer and the wildlife (or the nightlife). If you want to just be yourself and be accepted, this is the place to be. It seems Thai people have a short memory about people doing crazy and stupid things. Thai people love to socialize, party, and eat that good Thai food. Thailand is also known for its Wildlife Night Life, mostly in Bangkok and Pattaya. Always easy to find a place with ice cold beer and Lovely Thai girls. And here the beer is literally ice cold. When ordering a beer they are usually in a pitcher or large bottle and you will always be asked if you want ice in your beer.

There is Thai beer which is good. Chang Beer, Leo Beer and Singha beer. Besides the Thai beer the other popular beers are Heineken, Kloster, and Carlsberg. Other than Heineken, these beers are not household brands in USA. American beer is hard to find here and when you do find it, it is very expensive. Can also get a Corona and San Miguel here.

If you come here to visit and like your beer, just be advised now that you can only buy in stores and some restaurant/pubs 11am to 2pm and 5pm to midnight. This is in an effort to curb consumption. But beer lovers are beer lovers and if want a cold beer will just plan ahead and keep a few extras in the fridge. Cheers,

My House is My Castle, No Matter Where it Is

When living abroad many things are the same and many things are different. We get used to our way of life and sometimes it is hard to accept change. I love my homeland, USA. I also love it here in Thailand. In America I think we are open to different people and cultures because America is about people from many places finding a good, comfortable place to live.

Here in Thailand life is much different. Many people prefer to wash clothes by hand. A large percentage of people eat outside of their house all the time. Cooking at home is a minority. So many places to live do not have cooking facilities. Washing dishes when you do eat at home is different too. Sometimes just use a large tub. The shower is, many times, just a shower head in the bathroom so the floor is often wet. Many toilets are 'squatters' instead of sit down toilets. But this is changing.When only have a squatter you don't read the newspaper in the bathroom. Some houses don't have a shower or bath just a large dip tank, used to pick up water in a container and pour it on your body.

Many people live in rooms that resemble studio apartments. But houses here are relatively cheap to rent. Can rent a 2-3 bedroom, 2 bath house for around $100-$250 price range. This is great. If you want to buy a house it is also relatively cheap. The government helps people. But the newer houses are built very close together in large developments. But all in all life is good. So no matter where you live make it your home. And remember life is too short to procrastinate. More later, to be continued. Aloha, Sawasdee.

Buying a Car in Thailand

Buying a car in Thailand is an adventure. It is nothing like what I have experienced in the USA. If you are trying to buy a new car here in Thailand it's just black and white. No haggling, no hassels, no bargaining. You go to the car dealer and see what they have in stock on the lot and in the showroom. Those are the cars you can buy. The selection of colors and options are limited and if you want something special you have to keep going back until you find it. Or you can request the dealer to find or order what you want, if the dealer decides to do it for you it might take 6 months to get the car. Most dealers have a sheet with the purchase options. Down payment, monthly payment. length of loan. That is how it is. No negotiating and no bargaining. If you are a foreigner it's almost impossible to get a loan in your name. You must find some Thai people to sign to loan for you and guarantee it too. If you pay cash or have a down payment over 50% of the purchase price you might be able to get it in your name.

Used cars are not easy to buy here. At least no good ones. There is really no warranty on used cars and when you look at them on the lot they usually aren't even cleaned up. However used cars don't depreciate much so they are relatively expensive. If you live in Thailand or plan to live here it's best to think about a new car if you plan to drive. If you come to visit its best to take public transportation. Renting a car with or without a driver is an option too.

As for me I just drive a motorcycle. A very challenging experience. Driving here is always exciting.

Thank God for Telephones and Internet

When I first came to Thailand 11 years ago, there were few mobile phones and internet was hard to find. We would rent mobile phones but the service was poor. Many people here didn't even have land line phones in their homes much less mobile phones. Internet was hard to find and slow and expensive to use. When using telephones I had to find the special spot and stay there while using the phone. If I moved it would lose the signal. When using the internet often websites and emails would freeze halfway through and then I would lose all. But Thaialnd has come a long way since then. Mobile phone service is everywhere with all the extras, such as mms. Can even access the internet via the mobile phones. Internet now is high speed and everywhere. Now it is almost cheaper to get your own website and make your own homepage.

For me living abroad in Thailand internet and mobile phones help me keep in touch with friends and family back in the states. Don't have to wait for letters to get here from USA after 6 weeks. Email and chat gives us instant connection and helps us keep in touch. Pictures are still fresh now can almost see as soon as its taken. So thank god for internet and mobile phones it makes this big world so much small. Aloha

Introduction to Ubon Ratchathani and the Candle Festival

Hello again from Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. This is the heart of Isan or Esan, however you choose to spell it. Isan is the Northeastern region of Thailand. Here in Ubon Ratchathani there is the most famous Candle Festival in Thailand. It is held here every year in July. During that time it is hard to find a hotel room. Many visitors and tourists must go to neighboring provinces to get lodging. What is a Candle Festival? Well originally it was just Buddhist monks in certain temples building large candles, now it has expanded and many institutions also participate. The large wax candles are mounted on trailers or vehicles, much like the floats in the Rose Parade New Years Day in Los Angeles. There is a big parade of all the candles, and four days or more of festivities at Tung Sri Muang, the local park. There is lots of good Thai Isan food, cold beer, Thai handicrafts for sale, games to play and of course many lovely Thai girls. If you have a chance to come visit Ubon Ratchathani for the Candle Festival you definitely should come. Other places of interest in Ubon are Phra Taem, an archeological site, Khong Jiam, where the Mekong and Moon Rivers meet and it is called The Two-Colored rivers. There are many nice places here and good people. Welcome to Ubon, I am proud to call it home now. p.s. In Ubon at Khong Jiam is where you can first see the sun come up in Thailand.

He May Be A Jerk, But He "Is" Rich

I "retired" from the US Army back in 1999. Since then I have been happily "retired", first working in outside sales in California for a year. Then I came to Thailand and I have been teaching since then. So even though I am "retired" I am not really retired. Teaching Thai university students was fun, challenging and often exciting. The students have been great but the older Thai teachers and faculty remind me of old school teachers back in USA long ago in movies. Teaching 95% 18-22 year old girls was nice. Kept me young at heart. I love Thailand but it's best experienced not working. Is the best place to retire for real. I have been searching for ways to truly retire and I truly believe I have finally found it. I have investigated and researched many unconventional businesses and ways of making money. None really seemed to work. I ended up spending more than I made and did my part to make the other guy rich.

I found this program that is excellent. It is simple and in laymans talk. I can understand it. It's not really a get rich quick program but you can earn a good living. The author is a bit obnoxious but he has a system that works. But having been a soldier I know that all successes are a team effort. His program works but need a few supporting things to make it complete. He has a proven track record earning lots of money. Currently, especially with the cost of gas and everything that is going on globally, wouldn't it be nice just to work at home and make enough to have a good living, put your kids through college, have a secure future and maybe even get rich? I live here in Thailand and I want to spend my time at the beach enjoying the Thai people, Thai weather and Thai food. The Rich Jerk, in his program makes everything understandable and uses the concept that, repition is the mother of skill. The more you practice, the luckier you will get. And when you get lucky enough you can put your earnings on auto-pilot and enjoy the one life you have to live. Don't cost you anything to check him out. And if you decide to give his program a try it somes with a guarantee. His offers come and go because he is successful and made him lazy. He only works when he wants to. Thanks for taking the time to read my words. Take care and good luck. or as they say in Thailand, "choke dee na".

Teachers Day in Thailand

Today, January 16, is Teacher's Day in Thailand. That means that we Expat English Teachers have the day off today. However there is a catch, if you teach at a university you might have the day off but you are expected to "make up" the class time at the end of the term. Many of the Thai teachers have to put on their government uniforms, which look similar to military uniforms and go participate in ceremonies. Here in Thailand, if Expats want to live here, they must work for convenience, to get Thailand Visa and Work Permit. The work as an English Teacher is not to difficult and if teaching English Majors at a university approximately 85% of your students are Thai Girls. Many times it is easy to find job teaching English but there are communication problem and the faculty sometimes wants you to be slave labor. But if you want to Live and Work in Thailand, it is the easiest way. Jobs teaching English are plentiful and as long as you have at least a Bachelor Degree you can teach most anywhere. The pay is usually enough to live on in Thailand, but you won't get rich. I am still teaching English, but am also beginning a Business in Thailand too. You can have Online or Internet Businesses here in Thaland too. If you are Successful you can Live Better in Thailand for less money. HAPPPY TEACHERS DAY.

A Sunday afternoon in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

 

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have been my favorite football team as long as I can remember. My first recollection is of Lamonica as quaterback and George Blanda was still on the team over 40 years old. The most exciting time was, of course, when John Madden was coach and Kenny Stabler was the QB. Since then its been up and down but I have stuck by them. This season 2 or 3 teams have more wins then the Raiders have had in the past 3 seasons but I am hoping for a return to glory. 'Just Win, Baby' and 'Committment to Excellence'. Even though I live in Thailand they have American Football on cable so I get to see them play sometimes. Though the regular games are at 1am and 4am on Monday mornings. Sunday and Monday night football was on 8am and the games were rebroadcast several times. I will keep hoping. Go Raiders.

My favorite team win or lose

 

MSG Dennis, me when i was still a soldier in Hawaii

 

Looking out over Pattaya, Thailand