tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16588502282409334752024-03-18T20:03:59.744-07:00Double VisionMy experiences in Thailand and beyondNat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-82709205519733991532011-12-06T05:49:00.000-08:002011-12-06T05:49:27.207-08:00Back home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Sunday I moved back to my apartment after 43 days (and nights) of living in hotels in Bangkok and China (mainly Foshan) due to the flooding at my building and at my workplace. I wasn't exactly roughing it but it's very, very nice to be home.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">But Sunday I go back to China for a couple of weeks - still for work related to the flooding event though the water is down at home and at work.</span>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-67561705077578486692011-09-30T07:31:00.000-07:002011-09-30T07:31:37.809-07:00Friday, September 30This morning (my morning) I was thrilled to talk to two of my great friends: Orlando and Miguel. Orlando was in Philadelphia, Miguel in Campinas, Brazil and me in Bangkok. Three friends, three continents and a great "bate papo"(fun chat). I miss those guys!<br />
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Sunset from my balcony today shortly after a rainstorm:<br />
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What you can't tell from the photo is how high the water level of the river is. The is quite a bit of major flooding in the country and many of my low-lying neighbors are at least partially underwater. I'm at no risk on the 9th floor but we have had to move our cars from the underground parking area although right now it's just a precautionary measure. The Chao Phraya river that flows by my building is a tidal river and the high tides keep the water from flowing to the sea and exacerbates the flooding.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-43112799061385352852011-08-22T07:40:00.000-07:002011-08-22T07:40:58.551-07:00Sunset yesterday on the Chao Phraya River next to my building<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My building from the dock. The blue flags are in honor of the queen's birthday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice evening...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSINjeXbRCuyaUYwOSANihyphenhyphenYxuI86p_fvrCKTsh3FdvbBEk5EfIQmhUkh8pzHVbH7iQknObWo4xibrKp1n8f5TEWwETO6lypOl8gRbXotmqdvJO0Ydhi48m2_ngFaZBJqMEkmvJop1Csc/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSINjeXbRCuyaUYwOSANihyphenhyphenYxuI86p_fvrCKTsh3FdvbBEk5EfIQmhUkh8pzHVbH7iQknObWo4xibrKp1n8f5TEWwETO6lypOl8gRbXotmqdvJO0Ydhi48m2_ngFaZBJqMEkmvJop1Csc/s320/IMG_1835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-44975559039986270512011-08-20T09:13:00.000-07:002011-08-20T09:13:31.576-07:00The Queen of Thailand comes to Suan Thip<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Last Thursday the queen of Thailand came to where I live to visit a famous monk who has lives in a cottage on the property. The venerable monk is 97 years old and can't get around very easily. I was told that in his younger days he would visit the queen on her birthday (which was the previous Friday, Aug. 12). This year she came to see him. I missed the hoopla because I was at work.</span></h6><div class="mvm uiStreamAttachments clearfix" data-ft="{"type":10}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; zoom: 1;"><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix" style="zoom: 1;"><a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2136681509240&set=a.1030450454155.6269.1612176376&type=1&ref=nf&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F293244_2136681509240_1612176376_2049277_1394255_n.jpg&theater&size=540%2C720" class="uiPhotoThumb UIImageBlock_Image UIImageBlock_MED_Image" data-ft="{"type":41}" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2136681509240&set=a.1030450454155.6269.1612176376&type=1&ref=nf" rel="theater" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; float: left; margin-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;" title="Today the queen of Thailand came to where I live to visit a famous monk who has lives in a cottage on the property. The venerable monk is 97 years old and can't get around very easily. I was told that in his younger days he would visit the queen on her birthday (which was last Friday). This year she came to see him. I missed the hoopla because I was at work."><img alt="" class="img" height="121px" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293244_2136681509240_1612176376_2049277_1394255_s.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; margin-top: 3px; max-width: 121px;" width="90px" /></a><div><br />
</div><div class="UIImageBlock_Content UIImageBlock_MED_Content fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; display: table-cell; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: top; width: 10000px;"></div></div></div>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-39122774545932576122011-06-11T17:46:00.000-07:002011-06-11T17:46:05.137-07:00Headed to ChicagoI'm on my way to Chicago to attend a trade show for commercial interiors. Then Wednesday to Virginia to see family. <br />
I'm in the airport in Seoul waiting for my flight to Chicago, a long way still to go. <br />
Looking forward to seeing friends and family!Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-23507634445069767382011-05-12T06:47:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:43:14.270-07:00AnniversaryToday marks one year that I've lived in Thailand. I've had an excellent time so far.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-68184688261548659442011-05-06T07:50:00.000-07:002011-05-06T07:50:19.206-07:00Hua HinKoong and I took advantage of a rare weekend when she wasn't working and a three day weekend for both of us to boot - Labor Day in Thailand (and many other countries). We went to Hua Hin, a resort town on the coast of the Bay of Thailand about 3 hours drive South of Bangkok. We booked our room at the last minute and ended up at a staying at a Marriott Resort right on the beach. It was an older property but in good shape and beautifully landscaped. And the best feature: right on the beach!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M6awznydm-qd9At8bkZ3wXTse9yWBrFSqKVtyfppT8ovI6SKaEsOJ6ryoNjGVB4VcD-iuOwaxG_l8lrSa-OHnc4sRX1zL3hxQXUg1WxQlq9TWBfDEf1fx7gZMXIqs1lBIRqpdO7M_hE/s1600/IMG_1498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M6awznydm-qd9At8bkZ3wXTse9yWBrFSqKVtyfppT8ovI6SKaEsOJ6ryoNjGVB4VcD-iuOwaxG_l8lrSa-OHnc4sRX1zL3hxQXUg1WxQlq9TWBfDEf1fx7gZMXIqs1lBIRqpdO7M_hE/s320/IMG_1498.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-47991522229580078032011-05-05T06:44:00.000-07:002011-05-05T06:44:37.235-07:00Warden Message: Travel Alert from the State DepartmentI signed in with the U.S. Embassy when I moved here and as a result I receive these Warden Messages from the Embassy from time to time, usually related to something happening in Thailand. I received this one moments after Obama announced that Bin Laden was dead.<br />
<br />
I am fine though, so don't worry.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">U.S. Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation. U.S.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Consulate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Media coverage of local events may cause family and friends to become</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">concerned for their loved ones traveling and residing abroad. We urge</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">U.S. citizens to keep in regular contact with family and friends. U.S.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">information on travel and security issues. U.S. citizens without</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Internet access may register directly with the appropriate U.S. Embassy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">or Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Travel information is also available at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.travel.state.gov/">www.travel.state.gov</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">1-202-501-4444. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">For information on "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Crisis," please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.travel.state.gov/">www.travel.state.gov</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">. For further information on specific countries,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information pages,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.travel.state.gov/">www.travel.state.gov</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">as well as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Affairs' page on Facebook as well.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Note: You may be receiving this message more than once.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">This email is UNCLASSIFIED</span>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-42329314748193013182011-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:002011-05-04T08:28:28.486-07:00Playing football (soccer)About two weeks ago our company had an inter-company football (soccer) game where the factory management played the head office management group. The game kicked off (literally) a few weeks of sporting events between different departments. The games also include foot-volleyball (volleyball played with the feet) and "share ball", a game I've never heard of where the women pass the ball around and shoot at a basket held by one of their teammates who is standing on a chair or ladder at one end of the field. It's like basketball with a moving basket except you can't dribble, just pass and it's played on grass.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I played football (soccer) on a reduced field with a team of eight (7 plus a goalie). I hadn't played in over 20 years but did relatively well with and against mostly younger guys except that I missed the defining penalty in the penalty shootout after regular time to break the 2x2 tie , much to my embarrassment. Fortunately the game was mostly about having fun so my teammates are still speaking to me.<br />
But boy, was I sore the next day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAdlAirD_ZkBioB_tAe-LsRjo62dlg-P9egcApQ-9v6ALXK7l-lqGQIss8_Q_cVtU7YpFtqtZ6xP6h8xg9PuVKX3_1-A7-p4gnZeT6kMgA4uV-JolwyFJ18L0pJR4pIjgj4F5popLXj0/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAdlAirD_ZkBioB_tAe-LsRjo62dlg-P9egcApQ-9v6ALXK7l-lqGQIss8_Q_cVtU7YpFtqtZ6xP6h8xg9PuVKX3_1-A7-p4gnZeT6kMgA4uV-JolwyFJ18L0pJR4pIjgj4F5popLXj0/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-909753880228122052011-04-27T08:01:00.000-07:002011-04-27T08:01:22.846-07:00Visit HomeI had a very nice visit back home in the US for about 10 days over a week ago. I had a brief but very fun stop in Chattanooga where I moved some of my "stuff" to a less expensive storage unit and more importantly got to spend some great time with friends. Unfortunately I couldn't see all my friends due to the brevity of the visit but squeezed in some memorable meals, drank some good wine and found time to enjoy one of Jenny Mac's great yoga classes at Clearspring.<br />
<br />
Then I drove to Virginia, enjoying the Spring mountain scenery on the way, to spend a week with my parents in Staunton in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was a great visit - very relaxing and enjoyable. My father is recovering from a broken knee cap and now getting around quite well. Mom is well too and as good a cook as ever. I may have gained some pounds on this trip... I was able to help a little around the house but mainly it was good just to hang out with them.<br />
<br />
It was very comfortable and familiar being back where I can speak the language, read all the signs and especially enjoy the company of long time friends and family.<br />
<br />
Then it was time to go back and 30 some hours of travel later (Staunton to Charlottesville to Atlanta to Tokyo to Bangkok) I was home halfway across the world. The coolest part of the trip was running into my good friend Nancy in the Atlanta airport. She was in my yoga teacher training class and I hadn't seen her in a good while since she doesn't live in Chattanooga. We had a good if brief visit since she had a flight to catch - coming from Buenos Aires and headed home to Florida.<br />
<br />
I am back in Thailand and enjoying it too. Although I miss all my friends and family scattered around the planet. Come visit.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-9440518199199051022011-02-21T07:22:00.000-08:002011-02-21T07:37:28.588-08:00Saturday in BKK<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;">L</span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;">ast</span></u></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"> Saturday in Bangkok, I started the day with meditation then participated in the 97th (!) birthday of the well respected monk, Phra Boonyarit, who lives in a house on the property. The celebration for me was mainly giving rice to the many monks who came to pay homage to the elder one. The rice is a symbolic offering and the ceremony took place right in front of my building.</span></u></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"> </span></u></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Phra Boonyarit</span></span></span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu820X3qkwY3EoAn6f9KkF-5K28xciMtX4iGJ7KnWc4-xW-J8qhvlKofsSNK_9iWRZv0V014BaK6RciUXejDQaMgGddbUQbot0_JeDRApqpUuuN5ZXvLP3kuZo8LoXU7gumlnTiy-ImBc/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu820X3qkwY3EoAn6f9KkF-5K28xciMtX4iGJ7KnWc4-xW-J8qhvlKofsSNK_9iWRZv0V014BaK6RciUXejDQaMgGddbUQbot0_JeDRApqpUuuN5ZXvLP3kuZo8LoXU7gumlnTiy-ImBc/s320/IMG_1346.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;">One of the monks receiving the rice</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Later that morning I attended a yoga class where, among other asanas we did at least 12 navasanas (boat pose) over the course of 120 minutes, mercifully not all at once. It's a great class taught by a Canadian named Mark at Elements Studio in downtown BKK and it's always challenging and very worthwhile. It always provides me with something to add to my home practice.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Followed that with a Thai lunch (pad thai gai), some errands and then later I met Kanyarat after she finished work and we saw the very entertaining film The King's Speech. After that dinner at an Italian restaurant and then off to Titanium where we danced to the excellent all female house band Unicorn. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Normally my Saturdays are not that packed but then again I'm never at a loss for something to do here.</span></span></span></span>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-83048223509644383682011-02-17T06:57:00.000-08:002011-02-17T06:57:21.781-08:00China<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The first part of this was written a few weeks ago in China:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Last week I went to China to visit our factory located in Nanhai, which is about 45 minutes drive from Foshan. Foshan is near the mega city of Guangzhou in Southeastern, China. It’s also not far from Hong Kong and the scenic way to come is to take the ferry from Hong Kong up the Pearl River and then a car for about an hour to reach the factory. I was coming from Bangkok though and the easiest way was to fly into Guangzhou and where a car picked me up and took me the new Intercontinental Hotel in Foshan. I have a nice room on the 31</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">st</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> floor overlooking a park with an artificial lake. But you can’t see much beyond that because of the smog, most of which I am told is generated by the huge ceramic tile industries in this area. </span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p8rA8482Pi-looyVoo65Kx_Z89zYJ0dq3zB8VWdX4HKvXOOXSwFEEuI-81RD1F5UJh5FVcul0l4IGiY3mOVpF28lQ2VupLEuWNK9xDFXAOuA7Ic3Ulfq8oMbi1DDl8-UcGem9tFShG0/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p8rA8482Pi-looyVoo65Kx_Z89zYJ0dq3zB8VWdX4HKvXOOXSwFEEuI-81RD1F5UJh5FVcul0l4IGiY3mOVpF28lQ2VupLEuWNK9xDFXAOuA7Ic3Ulfq8oMbi1DDl8-UcGem9tFShG0/s320/IMG_1135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smoggy view f/ the room</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Our factory is small by comparison to the ceramic factories. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoGPZXj3PtXeh5QWIvr8m-bFHCT0n8fJZnCS9KGSU0E0VoYZQu4DOMgN5XVoBY4_ya1nzs38r5MArTBGziXtcSYpDno_DZv46L9QsVBvtb1pcSp_sydQ2AbzUpuw3-LLOo6NplYzS3XA/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoGPZXj3PtXeh5QWIvr8m-bFHCT0n8fJZnCS9KGSU0E0VoYZQu4DOMgN5XVoBY4_ya1nzs38r5MArTBGziXtcSYpDno_DZv46L9QsVBvtb1pcSp_sydQ2AbzUpuw3-LLOo6NplYzS3XA/s320/IMG_1170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Tai Ping factory in Nanhai</td></tr>
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We make Axminster woven carpets for the hospitality industry (mostly hotels and restaurants) and public spaces like airports and theatres and high-end hand-tufted rugs for residences, boutiques, private planes, as well as public spaces and hotels. They are made with tufting guns that look like oversized drills and that shoot yarn into a canvas like substrate. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOkX2L1zpGEvi_JHDVGdcnuL5VAiBOCsVUizDuRNW4FjrHFGzz4myWPKNbYv47hxiz3ZJ3SgV8XzRFENjKAvW7lDedEIE5j4AJ4dPCn_Yd183ri6dPnhJqaKYBa0k1jA1x4q6OCDbnmQ/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOkX2L1zpGEvi_JHDVGdcnuL5VAiBOCsVUizDuRNW4FjrHFGzz4myWPKNbYv47hxiz3ZJ3SgV8XzRFENjKAvW7lDedEIE5j4AJ4dPCn_Yd183ri6dPnhJqaKYBa0k1jA1x4q6OCDbnmQ/s320/IMG_1158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWgExODDqvJNdu9V-_RW2XpEdCaMpnCM5Unrp14MVsxC-j4sTwYkDu-wf7OeHr3ruw0T-6TZEPqhOXRka5pEyvIUGk-RF1u38pDFttwoPH1UzE5B68SUyp8Kty62w8LM59fwMpVdB7o4/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWgExODDqvJNdu9V-_RW2XpEdCaMpnCM5Unrp14MVsxC-j4sTwYkDu-wf7OeHr3ruw0T-6TZEPqhOXRka5pEyvIUGk-RF1u38pDFttwoPH1UzE5B68SUyp8Kty62w8LM59fwMpVdB7o4/s320/IMG_1165.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The hand-tufted rugs can be like artwork for the floor – think of painting with yarns of wool and silk instead of paint. It’s more craft than industry. The (mostly) women who make them require 3 to 4 years of experience to be able to make the more complicated ones. Then they are hand-sheared and carved by other craftspeople and the finished rug is a thing of beauty – and usually one of a kind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXahuoTJ_ng51dyOsgcUavWvoNai34r2WV89cFpmXJkSeiz-z-JZ4dz_Ua_VjWn_h4PP4nMgisNKGLv1y6-SUUqjwYU6bc6G4acY_TVSgz9j5DXDnQFFAMMdd9hJSszeraJsHrqYWE0k/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXahuoTJ_ng51dyOsgcUavWvoNai34r2WV89cFpmXJkSeiz-z-JZ4dz_Ua_VjWn_h4PP4nMgisNKGLv1y6-SUUqjwYU6bc6G4acY_TVSgz9j5DXDnQFFAMMdd9hJSszeraJsHrqYWE0k/s320/IMG_1142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Somewhat surreally, at lest in my mind, the hotel has a Brazilian steakhouse restaurant (a chrascaria tipo rodÃzio where different types of meat are grilled over an open flame)). The chef is a mineiro (someone from the state of Minas Gerais where I grew up) and we had a good chat. He’s done a pretty good job of finding ingredients to create some of the regional specialties and his picanha, a particular Brazilian cut of beef, was most excellent. I enjoyed the taste of Brazil in China, especially since there are no Brazilian restaurants in Bangkok. I know: what about Chinese food? I can get good Chinese in Bangkok and will certainly have that opportunity here in Foshan before I leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Somewhere along the way, I suspect lunch at the company canteen although none of my lunch companions who had the same food suffered (but as was pointed out – they are Indian and “can eat anything with impunity), I picked up some intestinal plague that keep me up and miserable most of the night and following morning. My normal hardcore remedy of Imodium, even in a double dose, had no effect. Fortunately a British colleague, MJ, who lives and works here came to my rescue: </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">he sent me some Norfloxacin capsules which he swears by from his days of living in India and I have started feeling better although weak from the experience and not eating. </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I hate not eating and not even wanting to eat. I should be fully recovered by tomorrow night in time for the commemorative factory dinner, which will be held outside despite temps in the high 40s at night. Oh, the factory is not heated – neither manufacturing areas nor offices so I guess the Chinese are made of sterner stuff than me. I was cold yesterday at least until the afternoon where some of the sun’s warmth had worked its way into the buildings. A colleague from Bangkok visited some factories in Northern China last week and despite temps well below freezing they were not heated. She nearly froze. So it’s not so bad here. Anyway the dinner is to commemorate the end of the year and the start of the Chinese New Year holiday when everyone takes two weeks off and the country – or at least industry – takes a holiday. Most of the factory workers come from villages in the countryside, often many miles away and they all travel back to visit family. Sometimes they don’t come back either for social reasons or because they find something closer to home. The company provides dormitories located right next to the factory for the workforce and also provides free meals at the company canteen so in a way it’s easy to pick up and move.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Feeling much better after the medicine from MJ, I enjoyed the next day and particularly the factory's festive Chinese New Year celebration. Here are some images from the event.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT394ZIVuhoDxSUoePUJkxnxpOLcvTRzh-BNKjFnsjX8H15U8wnTaa3QJ5cVGQbObc3dqIo8-bDO44NNjT_z_Emm6zkjT3gLADjMXASTdWEeNLdvjdLeP5dcscDeQfeKkmgBupmn7cS4c/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT394ZIVuhoDxSUoePUJkxnxpOLcvTRzh-BNKjFnsjX8H15U8wnTaa3QJ5cVGQbObc3dqIo8-bDO44NNjT_z_Emm6zkjT3gLADjMXASTdWEeNLdvjdLeP5dcscDeQfeKkmgBupmn7cS4c/s320/IMG_1173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Starting the party</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOoJUu7p1lPmr6zps5vP0Rk7OeknuaDyBlJngnq5gLBmgIZwMq76bBsVPOQaQ1cYUiqi0qm7mbOGm2rjYcxP3DXWi0kXP_chP2ZocGxjp57E7geTnpZrhfjK1lxN5bFANw6AXpdQXxgY/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOoJUu7p1lPmr6zps5vP0Rk7OeknuaDyBlJngnq5gLBmgIZwMq76bBsVPOQaQ1cYUiqi0qm7mbOGm2rjYcxP3DXWi0kXP_chP2ZocGxjp57E7geTnpZrhfjK1lxN5bFANw6AXpdQXxgY/s320/IMG_1183.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the dragon (or lion?) dancers</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhuVAPUkrN9JVbayQ9MKtqKLCSpaAHsRwhoSERKRE99J5tbZcHFo_yPlBB9gfD6AoiGUr7CQFPawn_39YIKnSYzg9qtr8mnm4Alu29Xkk4p90lXQdIjZ0Av3_cJEX6U3wLPEloy5XGBI/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhuVAPUkrN9JVbayQ9MKtqKLCSpaAHsRwhoSERKRE99J5tbZcHFo_yPlBB9gfD6AoiGUr7CQFPawn_39YIKnSYzg9qtr8mnm4Alu29Xkk4p90lXQdIjZ0Av3_cJEX6U3wLPEloy5XGBI/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's the year of the rabbit. These kids were cute.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttbI5urzDdHNaQilur0sd6H_ZXSssVvh_VRM61cgIVRRLmvnfoLyRA14jAlZWdUVxg2qUCT2ZHydMJot3ViX85Z2ZweBZhNZiqSq0fhcxd6c4TZUoiLiarWfPDLZaNou1Aadl_YPjMso/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttbI5urzDdHNaQilur0sd6H_ZXSssVvh_VRM61cgIVRRLmvnfoLyRA14jAlZWdUVxg2qUCT2ZHydMJot3ViX85Z2ZweBZhNZiqSq0fhcxd6c4TZUoiLiarWfPDLZaNou1Aadl_YPjMso/s320/IMG_1193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our table: I'm about in the middle of the group. We didn't stay seated for long.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK8nj2eAU1Q0NNKOEkHfyA1hSBAHBL2dlPxM1XmJSydWD-WawbT2Qai3IXrU8fwE7uUuBG835YvMC-jxBcdsftDAs-DUvBrzD5a05dvHfKzyisk2HR3-R422e2lRS0vMSYiYQGvqzvSw/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK8nj2eAU1Q0NNKOEkHfyA1hSBAHBL2dlPxM1XmJSydWD-WawbT2Qai3IXrU8fwE7uUuBG835YvMC-jxBcdsftDAs-DUvBrzD5a05dvHfKzyisk2HR3-R422e2lRS0vMSYiYQGvqzvSw/s320/IMG_1199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the food </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1TKkdqp7UePWCHVXRAEPYbR8Xx4YPhLRyVK1j9iv35GxbaY4hZqNo9lnxXbH33Iou2AfEVAsRWvgeAp-hYpT9IlA6NLQ7JqYSeJLUANLxhI-fT-_7CbgaXc4N66cKFd2fxF8EOQ0RBs/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1TKkdqp7UePWCHVXRAEPYbR8Xx4YPhLRyVK1j9iv35GxbaY4hZqNo9lnxXbH33Iou2AfEVAsRWvgeAp-hYpT9IlA6NLQ7JqYSeJLUANLxhI-fT-_7CbgaXc4N66cKFd2fxF8EOQ0RBs/s320/IMG_1205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Awards were given and drawings for gifts went on throughout the evening.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmtqbd5s66XNX-_d9Q55WGqQG_4VZGm6iv80QmkKvAdJ4zLJGnlS7OVC_5OG9bwcDUCxAKN35q62nrrCeWjH1htAAiNvJpDjkZ0VWVJVG-tetQU1-j5uWSg-ww5FfkWDYby03GPg4YTM/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmtqbd5s66XNX-_d9Q55WGqQG_4VZGm6iv80QmkKvAdJ4zLJGnlS7OVC_5OG9bwcDUCxAKN35q62nrrCeWjH1htAAiNvJpDjkZ0VWVJVG-tetQU1-j5uWSg-ww5FfkWDYby03GPg4YTM/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were dancing girls (and guys too but mostly girls)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHqBEVOY9LFLOz5ETb9YFJlTitWzBblUVzDSLTny98Dk9DszqUIlbkXzubfQvmHa9y7a5j3xaHOZdSglbvzNr38_NVqo946Yp_DuKTHVVY0mjNMztz22zVTs_5ZaCZpK_2MebG8GSZS8/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHqBEVOY9LFLOz5ETb9YFJlTitWzBblUVzDSLTny98Dk9DszqUIlbkXzubfQvmHa9y7a5j3xaHOZdSglbvzNr38_NVqo946Yp_DuKTHVVY0mjNMztz22zVTs_5ZaCZpK_2MebG8GSZS8/s320/IMG_1236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More dancing: most of the performers, except the kids, work at the factory. There was singing and a comedy skit too. The MC (not pictured) had an amazing voice although I had no idea what he was saying.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxIx-cp0YGIir3YfhyphenhyphenOzvT2A79YC4N2q0mwbXJMpUndyJm6h3hc23cNVLP3kIx4DXlTm7JTIYOBldNtV51nZl8xsvd51SgV_zuP3YrSVFsTqOKyus7xI6D_4bz4RFxeMx8PKvVf2sfNY/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxIx-cp0YGIir3YfhyphenhyphenOzvT2A79YC4N2q0mwbXJMpUndyJm6h3hc23cNVLP3kIx4DXlTm7JTIYOBldNtV51nZl8xsvd51SgV_zuP3YrSVFsTqOKyus7xI6D_4bz4RFxeMx8PKvVf2sfNY/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Balloons, bubbles and an almost full moon</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br />
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</span></span></div>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-1700379867743110372011-01-20T17:59:00.000-08:002011-01-20T17:59:29.323-08:00Locked door<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQbZwyOmoMq7H6MLheflF7UOgy7BSZnt-MJ1tdXEF4BOL1nKBBbCXr42MFYPAlx6t4oKwEaEhUydloOD_ocEmzDKVCuCSktTI_Bj6k98z9AQRDyDZS3_j_gmVQEWHCPKurw4CQasMF4U/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQbZwyOmoMq7H6MLheflF7UOgy7BSZnt-MJ1tdXEF4BOL1nKBBbCXr42MFYPAlx6t4oKwEaEhUydloOD_ocEmzDKVCuCSktTI_Bj6k98z9AQRDyDZS3_j_gmVQEWHCPKurw4CQasMF4U/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Last Saturday as I was leaving the bedroom I shut the door behind me. When I tried to go back in I found that at some point the push button lock had been pushed and I was locked out. Both landline and cell phone were in there along with my wallet, car and house keys. And since it was early morning there was no one about to whom I could have asked for help even if I spoke enough Thai to do that. So I tried unsuccessfully to pick the lock - fortunately I had access to my toolbox. If you watched enough thrillers you know how easy it is: you just stick in a long narrow pointed object (assuming you have one – and I tried several) jiggle it around a little and presto – the door pops open. Well I must not know the right jiggle or have the right tool because it didn’t open. And the door was too tight with the frame to use the credit card trick so finally I chiseled out some to the wood with a hammer and screwdriver and was able to pry it open with the screwdriver. I didn't panic at any point although I did give the door a couple of good kicks. It didn't give. Anyway I got in and made it to yoga on time but the door doesn't look too great. It was funny in retrospect. And by the way, there are no keys that I know of or could find for any of those internal apartment doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-22453150881077109742010-12-27T06:39:00.000-08:002010-12-27T06:39:37.880-08:00Two TreatsI had two treats today:<br />
1. My staff - the ones who are not on vacation - treated me to lunch today at a nearby restaurant that I hadn't been to before. I didn't realize they were treating until the bill came and they wouldn't take my money. That was very nice on their part. I had pad thai with shrimp which I can order on my own but learned from them how to order some other dishes if I'm on my own. The menu is of course entirely in Thai (and no pictures!).<br />
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Last Friday I had treated all of them to lunch at a nearby favorite place that specializes in guay tiaw phet or noodles with duck.<br />
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2. I saw an elephant on a busy street in my neighborhood as I was driving home from work. This has happened only once before and no matter how often it happens will always be a treat.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-86191647208298939882010-12-18T08:37:00.000-08:002010-12-21T01:15:02.785-08:00KanchanaburiLast weekend I went to Kanchanaburi which is a town about two hours west of Bangkok near the Burmese border.<br />
If you're interested in knowing more about Kanchanaburi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchanaburi<br />
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I went with my friend Julie who has taken in four teenagers whose American father can't care for to visit their Thai mother who lives near Kanchanaburi. Saturday night the kid's mother, Deng, cooked us a wonderful dinner with about 7 dishes besides the rice. If I had been less hungry I would have taken a picture of it. Instead I ate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCB4pnChMl4fpDOfrM9-igVvBHjVsspkp90D5hE1lX84UTyvvCBfAT4ym7IFbABqre8i5i17rEZwBoIhGyNCQfh1g3qGooQumG3vWeiudRGAGYwo-a2rQQfjgb2NS-CxYLo8NdpCz0u0/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCB4pnChMl4fpDOfrM9-igVvBHjVsspkp90D5hE1lX84UTyvvCBfAT4ym7IFbABqre8i5i17rEZwBoIhGyNCQfh1g3qGooQumG3vWeiudRGAGYwo-a2rQQfjgb2NS-CxYLo8NdpCz0u0/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of the extended Thai family we had dinner with on Saturday. Deng is in front on the left with her hand on the head of her eldest son Patrick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stayed at a guesthouse, which is like an inn, smaller than a hotel although this one was fairly large. My room was about $17 per night. The room was nothing fancy but clean and spacious except for the bathroom which was clean but small. The food there was good too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH63qeMLRUiZobpwF9i28EjGAttQ1Jh2moW7RLzsXJta8TQRarsL8SUjivffTLENIoLyrujt3Kn_mnQHa4VW2c4HSXitUlEljQTVbvXnSKx9nKn9D89N1F5fE-Qai7j02TE5ID5UV5-1g/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH63qeMLRUiZobpwF9i28EjGAttQ1Jh2moW7RLzsXJta8TQRarsL8SUjivffTLENIoLyrujt3Kn_mnQHa4VW2c4HSXitUlEljQTVbvXnSKx9nKn9D89N1F5fE-Qai7j02TE5ID5UV5-1g/s320/IMG_0890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The guesthouse from the pool area</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKSZLe4v3xYIc2gvvK17kQnar5tOaZvlLIq3e1SVguHjysZo6zd1edLJplKHH1O13duMDBHa5N9t9cmaWd54jpTemdaNEhgUTstghgbG4CaObePVGiomreB4vyXSKXHh5ejVEIBmvArc/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKSZLe4v3xYIc2gvvK17kQnar5tOaZvlLIq3e1SVguHjysZo6zd1edLJplKHH1O13duMDBHa5N9t9cmaWd54jpTemdaNEhgUTstghgbG4CaObePVGiomreB4vyXSKXHh5ejVEIBmvArc/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guesthouse grounds</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5IJByC8jVEl28m_P2P-LyoAUW-NPnicD1-XWLXMA2DY1VzZXVDOxp97DF6LZ1UsUNG59mV0uzH79KIOmRlwOqguNqxzrvgoh9AVCHfq95CMJy0vwLMY5ryiOQek-hCvhag94QjX6RLE/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5IJByC8jVEl28m_P2P-LyoAUW-NPnicD1-XWLXMA2DY1VzZXVDOxp97DF6LZ1UsUNG59mV0uzH79KIOmRlwOqguNqxzrvgoh9AVCHfq95CMJy0vwLMY5ryiOQek-hCvhag94QjX6RLE/s320/IMG_0885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">River Kwae f/ the guesthouse, early morning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuMgw5NWJZ1FcSjOJeCrM-t5bpK_Nsu_89nPGIL0Vh9l__HiH0veNSLMyRZj1s-6FoHpZ0mGOrAeiniunXGAXWUxBIdvqPLGqOe0fjykTpiM3RJkHOGhILYgve9NCjzn41_w43aBjxAE/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuMgw5NWJZ1FcSjOJeCrM-t5bpK_Nsu_89nPGIL0Vh9l__HiH0veNSLMyRZj1s-6FoHpZ0mGOrAeiniunXGAXWUxBIdvqPLGqOe0fjykTpiM3RJkHOGhILYgve9NCjzn41_w43aBjxAE/s320/IMG_0865.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A picture of me on the bridge over the river Kwae, which was built by Australian, British and SE Asian prisoners of war under the Japanese during WW II.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD2X_CUhS222GsaTS9QWrY2agXqaRQ3WqL6zeXXKW-G9IJC_0N1rn5rxynAodMEQipAuJnfFfjLomERvztaWEp6a3sV8krFNcxdOrcSGgAXOYlhnLkZNnDb6JR2baPwKS0qGtijReGLk/s1600/IMG_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD2X_CUhS222GsaTS9QWrY2agXqaRQ3WqL6zeXXKW-G9IJC_0N1rn5rxynAodMEQipAuJnfFfjLomERvztaWEp6a3sV8krFNcxdOrcSGgAXOYlhnLkZNnDb6JR2baPwKS0qGtijReGLk/s320/IMG_0870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Julie on the river Kwae bridge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlRsbTlweMKd3x3ieXfQcQ2QSqgqmniJnslyJ1NTK6elz0RNU1ceczajl0Ene9Rgsl0IE3i4ywNgQOZ19GAaCYkdLnPnHQygIg2eGokb5cMk2N_JefNwFhA1T5Cz8V4HAmfPWjePDo4/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlRsbTlweMKd3x3ieXfQcQ2QSqgqmniJnslyJ1NTK6elz0RNU1ceczajl0Ene9Rgsl0IE3i4ywNgQOZ19GAaCYkdLnPnHQygIg2eGokb5cMk2N_JefNwFhA1T5Cz8V4HAmfPWjePDo4/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One view from the river Kwae bridge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObOkvqQxQTnfKGhVbhaAa0U6Rg-r9L_KtZuMNwf6PcpzgRuQWpW-NpVmVkjCCcyyu5rI4SZylhRT-cyAKLtQQ1OdbfcQNUjvRoyWt7eDVs4vabSnRigXg6XzRLF5jex27Zqe13fDbLvA/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObOkvqQxQTnfKGhVbhaAa0U6Rg-r9L_KtZuMNwf6PcpzgRuQWpW-NpVmVkjCCcyyu5rI4SZylhRT-cyAKLtQQ1OdbfcQNUjvRoyWt7eDVs4vabSnRigXg6XzRLF5jex27Zqe13fDbLvA/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Train a comin' on the Kwae bridge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I acquired a hunk of jade:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbIq1H8UkzBFlUf_IzoBdsVU0nAx5RgGaQdL3TQejcPhpB2PqbBcfpUNO3oYczO6bc65VlkTFYHLUQWLCekt8ukmG5VVloTxNQ62Znow2LFIJrAilpYIKbp7lpl-5Rl6VPgAU3zPtW_A/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbIq1H8UkzBFlUf_IzoBdsVU0nAx5RgGaQdL3TQejcPhpB2PqbBcfpUNO3oYczO6bc65VlkTFYHLUQWLCekt8ukmG5VVloTxNQ62Znow2LFIJrAilpYIKbp7lpl-5Rl6VPgAU3zPtW_A/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunday we drove a few mile north to the Sai Yok National Park. It was nice to see mountains again. It was nice to be in the mountains, even if briefly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbWeXc9mCxLfu1nQrTj_5wkJtjj-Uins5RIb7LyCgtE2587tNjoLP75JsY67f2O9WkEN1PKL2yc7FezhszhyJtIw_-uq_Fuh4LJkoyNN0ZTwapuKZnmUl-mu41nz2NVummf-r1tCyP94/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbWeXc9mCxLfu1nQrTj_5wkJtjj-Uins5RIb7LyCgtE2587tNjoLP75JsY67f2O9WkEN1PKL2yc7FezhszhyJtIw_-uq_Fuh4LJkoyNN0ZTwapuKZnmUl-mu41nz2NVummf-r1tCyP94/s320/IMG_0895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice to see mountains</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTmDtwwRbzhDqt1AQ9pa0Jp7wjjfG5Je8VlWqOb6couSiznlL3yQL13pzATtOQpRHWJ85fgQoRrNv-6iLcrLSq2P5HVTTxId2qn_U1m2i3qMd6F2478kIaZYp0lK4bc3UHKldTUQK0Wc/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTmDtwwRbzhDqt1AQ9pa0Jp7wjjfG5Je8VlWqOb6couSiznlL3yQL13pzATtOQpRHWJ85fgQoRrNv-6iLcrLSq2P5HVTTxId2qn_U1m2i3qMd6F2478kIaZYp0lK4bc3UHKldTUQK0Wc/s320/IMG_0899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Structures on the river at Sai Yok park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBIGxOZWvWev5gIcbgHC5YzlRVQZ_kvzIIODBqtmD8ua9B0YMuby2JpbDcdn8goWfwRLFpFZ0sA6W2YsKB6CDM3QBcBevQNh1iSeXs4KXIkwv7ux7Culs-skJcfDnB91wi8hLZCO1UFs/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBIGxOZWvWev5gIcbgHC5YzlRVQZ_kvzIIODBqtmD8ua9B0YMuby2JpbDcdn8goWfwRLFpFZ0sA6W2YsKB6CDM3QBcBevQNh1iSeXs4KXIkwv7ux7Culs-skJcfDnB91wi8hLZCO1UFs/s320/IMG_0900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the river</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotl3Qa923zyzoqsMNmbFoSM_rp3tvqnUV2JVd1DH9QsTs0wcHZb2J7seb9gAn-7jetoIp0pFw7gMOl3rmmalKrA2rSV8wiBEWHGI2gu9U6riRkDI0U9M5hRDS8KKKatTNzhwpzbUHC10/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotl3Qa923zyzoqsMNmbFoSM_rp3tvqnUV2JVd1DH9QsTs0wcHZb2J7seb9gAn-7jetoIp0pFw7gMOl3rmmalKrA2rSV8wiBEWHGI2gu9U6riRkDI0U9M5hRDS8KKKatTNzhwpzbUHC10/s320/IMG_0901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took a boat like this one on the Kwae Noi river in the park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2DXCIAPYUbwPQU3U-yy8BML4lS87fjHq2Ug1_gC7w3Rwlfm_FUQlJ95xlozphEVxcVKRGAjeCkAkLStU0utUr1RVuyf0P7sc455ElHoAkYFnrQtLJPeuVPMdv5tsEhmNH-0U3s7OYUQ/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2DXCIAPYUbwPQU3U-yy8BML4lS87fjHq2Ug1_gC7w3Rwlfm_FUQlJ95xlozphEVxcVKRGAjeCkAkLStU0utUr1RVuyf0P7sc455ElHoAkYFnrQtLJPeuVPMdv5tsEhmNH-0U3s7OYUQ/s320/IMG_0904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the boat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYMXdq1HKJFfGAwLZdEnTfJwQXU-tnm4QS72SSvYYhxBJoQVzcsRvy5mQIGmERf9X4wJZmeivuPPiiR4xlvAJlGluA4k1arX_cMeIau8-Op_Op9Wp7BZJUOm5EpYbXn53SBYz3ukuC1I/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYMXdq1HKJFfGAwLZdEnTfJwQXU-tnm4QS72SSvYYhxBJoQVzcsRvy5mQIGmERf9X4wJZmeivuPPiiR4xlvAJlGluA4k1arX_cMeIau8-Op_Op9Wp7BZJUOm5EpYbXn53SBYz3ukuC1I/s320/IMG_0915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the falls on the river</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvUuFZgFgYDCIcdCPIR4izoGBCvVRAZjcY8Qxno-OFjMvEdYSTtofafcEezNT9vnQaNpU7NmSCJDDw6L7HSNX1COu6neVWVAfmpUWefaNcmRaabmKLl26Nw-dedt21jqZCe6DBRYZoNc/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvUuFZgFgYDCIcdCPIR4izoGBCvVRAZjcY8Qxno-OFjMvEdYSTtofafcEezNT9vnQaNpU7NmSCJDDw6L7HSNX1COu6neVWVAfmpUWefaNcmRaabmKLl26Nw-dedt21jqZCe6DBRYZoNc/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can rent these floating cabanas to stay in</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYSgkKXUFy-SfzWIUMmPz6guUlcWRhCqQbmAJMiO1EfHxp33ENi06LFUYCFSUBoOKnsHJyU-ylW3cFwk_G3ZvBtihZIAO4Q5Y5ygUQTm15mCV_DFHd7F1yoYU81jc6a7reIV513JXxlw/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYSgkKXUFy-SfzWIUMmPz6guUlcWRhCqQbmAJMiO1EfHxp33ENi06LFUYCFSUBoOKnsHJyU-ylW3cFwk_G3ZvBtihZIAO4Q5Y5ygUQTm15mCV_DFHd7F1yoYU81jc6a7reIV513JXxlw/s320/IMG_0931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of them looked very nice</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeQxTRqXHR-Q344vifohLbGsI61rO84-8uNWAR_KCTUu68-55DfDQ6gScQWNFXA8bQyTHJad0QoPhTu9LkbBNm4OmnUwxQ82cLLR9vQzeMtz3igUcWpdmv721lUbhgFc8Fgcmsd20BAk/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeQxTRqXHR-Q344vifohLbGsI61rO84-8uNWAR_KCTUu68-55DfDQ6gScQWNFXA8bQyTHJad0QoPhTu9LkbBNm4OmnUwxQ82cLLR9vQzeMtz3igUcWpdmv721lUbhgFc8Fgcmsd20BAk/s320/IMG_0946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another waterfall</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat4RDZJJlwFZZdFbEhU4ZV8oDZ5lVhow2aStrbxnSg8RzcYBqKwd1B8BmxAcutSRR7-07m87vOEJWqf0MXPECpxDPjir4L7-hEMwAjHpZ24XOwJYpnR-LUgVjDRwR9P8r_TkzcfhPvG0/s1600/IMG_0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat4RDZJJlwFZZdFbEhU4ZV8oDZ5lVhow2aStrbxnSg8RzcYBqKwd1B8BmxAcutSRR7-07m87vOEJWqf0MXPECpxDPjir4L7-hEMwAjHpZ24XOwJYpnR-LUgVjDRwR9P8r_TkzcfhPvG0/s320/IMG_0952.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Teak forest - teak trees are protected</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xQHHeISoy2K3YbLuk6YPXBQxHwvz_4glDYgYX-uXrwqakSHoK_yFEdeRVPqc7lqsGM1z83-jMqcl5CvlyUxYoa2_JkR5NBVtFpBfiIinE6IzGiugpCoz8QuP-O1mwqloyoxoiDeCK_M/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xQHHeISoy2K3YbLuk6YPXBQxHwvz_4glDYgYX-uXrwqakSHoK_yFEdeRVPqc7lqsGM1z83-jMqcl5CvlyUxYoa2_JkR5NBVtFpBfiIinE6IzGiugpCoz8QuP-O1mwqloyoxoiDeCK_M/s320/IMG_0954.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6932oWvf3Q_YNMZNSLqy-WmHUw6PgVkUNcLn-_KwSOm369Zy6xQ5vPYbwvjSUfrB10f7rwUvGYTrDp0_C5s6FL_F-UxDISug_Y5b4MI4tgJS9fWkofxRHNYXbA7olI3UnVpCASPYEVCU/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6932oWvf3Q_YNMZNSLqy-WmHUw6PgVkUNcLn-_KwSOm369Zy6xQ5vPYbwvjSUfrB10f7rwUvGYTrDp0_C5s6FL_F-UxDISug_Y5b4MI4tgJS9fWkofxRHNYXbA7olI3UnVpCASPYEVCU/s320/IMG_0963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went to the Hellfire Pass Museum, a memorial to the POWs and SE Asians who were forced to build the railroad for the Japanese between Bangkok and Rangoon. The conditions for the POWs were horrible and 45% of them died. It was a very sad place albeit beautiful.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUjr6kDlAJnQQABS5bxEdkZ0rP3GRMmjXbMzn26raiJ9-joV1f_AWw08n69QzrJ8eZF-RjohUFribDbpHuj7giyaPkY-SNkZRMVKqtd7TpiHLKXh85hwWLQII2Q7moHla91gJtZQIC2A/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUjr6kDlAJnQQABS5bxEdkZ0rP3GRMmjXbMzn26raiJ9-joV1f_AWw08n69QzrJ8eZF-RjohUFribDbpHuj7giyaPkY-SNkZRMVKqtd7TpiHLKXh85hwWLQII2Q7moHla91gJtZQIC2A/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hellfire Pass view</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVYvPrKFRFtfqtYnJtzPm8CX4hfW6zhOOmWFn5taJSmpYIl0sZzkp0oEhgMNDsBt7tzuAj8chZZLN3jlNS_eqeN9UDfdXFEGJWPqfeLqGM84682ae5DzEmaS0UUCqNqEL1T3eFONzl7k/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVYvPrKFRFtfqtYnJtzPm8CX4hfW6zhOOmWFn5taJSmpYIl0sZzkp0oEhgMNDsBt7tzuAj8chZZLN3jlNS_eqeN9UDfdXFEGJWPqfeLqGM84682ae5DzEmaS0UUCqNqEL1T3eFONzl7k/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hellfire Pass memorial</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AqQtGtl8qHLLXBQOdHmOe-PCkMcOeghX7j4_IEWBUFm4TjAclqHcoUSGnhg5OkI_y9zJ1ozg3yZjWWPAkexarbeXzjwHDgJk4Wd7NH74bITQa91h3g0aFVMD9uSH5KhTcvCFzQuL0A/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AqQtGtl8qHLLXBQOdHmOe-PCkMcOeghX7j4_IEWBUFm4TjAclqHcoUSGnhg5OkI_y9zJ1ozg3yZjWWPAkexarbeXzjwHDgJk4Wd7NH74bITQa91h3g0aFVMD9uSH5KhTcvCFzQuL0A/s320/IMG_0968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another view</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ytXE-RzMB0uO7Sa9DPEdVB9RoZjYqJlMgTa2ORWOw6ZIBCTgXnXxXlOatoznOdITq0BH0b9RFK_nd00EJ4Tly825IJDY4FKpgXtsSlGKOwN1C8sth_eWHmuHSQCf8INeJBIXWbKO0mI/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ytXE-RzMB0uO7Sa9DPEdVB9RoZjYqJlMgTa2ORWOw6ZIBCTgXnXxXlOatoznOdITq0BH0b9RFK_nd00EJ4Tly825IJDY4FKpgXtsSlGKOwN1C8sth_eWHmuHSQCf8INeJBIXWbKO0mI/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBILYKwC6dNGIOBT_YY5bM3-o34OKCc85I5miEjzsDEghwh5QlJB1-X484h58pNlgpAbbzqWf7B6vbgW4RLdYWbhB87jN0gNBK2Q19yKJZaE9XbgMlOQaKeu6HppYz5L4Zx_9eojkCx_I/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBILYKwC6dNGIOBT_YY5bM3-o34OKCc85I5miEjzsDEghwh5QlJB1-X484h58pNlgpAbbzqWf7B6vbgW4RLdYWbhB87jN0gNBK2Q19yKJZaE9XbgMlOQaKeu6HppYz5L4Zx_9eojkCx_I/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another view from Hellfire Pass</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More info on Hellfire Pass at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellfire_Pass</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZV_E5irA63Hr9AAGfKiU2lPKhcbEWqWoiaoyQknsq92aAmFJWvSSmLT3GKJVaWmTo1kkA7NFv1FZ-XQ7BaoozRruA8L9AT6dAUOy-EM7cB5UTOyS7hrEuxPr9AltrooC7W9Zj1-62C8/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZV_E5irA63Hr9AAGfKiU2lPKhcbEWqWoiaoyQknsq92aAmFJWvSSmLT3GKJVaWmTo1kkA7NFv1FZ-XQ7BaoozRruA8L9AT6dAUOy-EM7cB5UTOyS7hrEuxPr9AltrooC7W9Zj1-62C8/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting the maximum from your vehicle</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsf8WUfFmE_JBMFfBCHeH_Xc8ufEBeD3mMC81g72Yk9i7SQSSTx8k5NM6E7df99-ZGsX1CA3UYOa1PT78tzsl0vraHSgso8JIEyMDry7RpQWnKFc_jAAQM1-eghctE0wPk0mDOZNs0HQ/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsf8WUfFmE_JBMFfBCHeH_Xc8ufEBeD3mMC81g72Yk9i7SQSSTx8k5NM6E7df99-ZGsX1CA3UYOa1PT78tzsl0vraHSgso8JIEyMDry7RpQWnKFc_jAAQM1-eghctE0wPk0mDOZNs0HQ/s320/IMG_0981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deng's cats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-24591824158598635422010-12-14T07:04:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:04:31.133-08:00Go Thailand!Last week I was surprised to find a Christmas tree in the lobby of my building. Today I came home to Christmas carols in the lobby. Until today I had never heard any music in the building lobby. Go figure!Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-71300578388810028392010-12-07T17:51:00.000-08:002010-12-07T17:51:51.454-08:00Christmas tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUiotmBxXA_e2IU8tPtR6_cjL4kYr2GokFc8ldCfJm9M2kCUEjq80oqSPBi4pRTcmFim1YhXJ7ywh_ORaBLJ2UytnMWvAxSazWe67UU5XxrdVdEDFFWbO9lgJjcfJV4YkyBMO3EOQihA/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUiotmBxXA_e2IU8tPtR6_cjL4kYr2GokFc8ldCfJm9M2kCUEjq80oqSPBi4pRTcmFim1YhXJ7ywh_ORaBLJ2UytnMWvAxSazWe67UU5XxrdVdEDFFWbO9lgJjcfJV4YkyBMO3EOQihA/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I arrived home from work yesterday evening to find a Christmas tree in the lobby of my apartment building. Complete with presents. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised but I really wasn't expecting it.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-32261633387651178482010-12-02T19:03:00.000-08:002010-12-02T19:03:20.116-08:00Singing for the KingIf someone had told me a year ago today that on December 3, 2010 I would be standing on a soccer field at a carpet mill in Thailand singing songs (well mostly listening and trying to be present) in honor of the Thai King's birthday I would have told them they were crazy. But there I was standing in a line with the factory management team in front of many of the first shift factory and office workers looking at a picture of the king on a raised platform while everyone sang songs, listened to some mercifully short speeches (both songs and speeches in Thai of course) and posed for group photos. After about 35 minutes we were back to work except for the volunteers who went to pick up litter from the road that runs in front of the factory.<br />
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And the good news is that we have Monday off to commemorate his birthday, which actually falls on Sunday. His birthday is also Father's day in Thailand so happy father's day to all the dads out there.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-88226632989749320432010-11-25T14:57:00.000-08:002010-11-25T14:57:13.449-08:00ThanksgivingGetting to spend Thanksgiving with family in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Something to really be thankful for.<br />
Happy Thanksgiving to all!Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-71112325783425620622010-11-20T15:50:00.000-08:002010-11-20T15:50:34.847-08:00Back home (for a few days) I am headed to New York City for a couple of days of meetings then flying to Virginia where I will spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my folks. I very excited about getting to see my parents as well as being back in the States. I'm even looking forward to the meetings!<br />
I'm posting this from the airport in Seoul, Korea and wishing I could say I'm halfway there. Alas I still have about 14 hours of flying time to get to New York, after leaving Bangkok circa 1 AM BKK time, early Sunday. The flight here was about 5 hours of flying time but that doesn't include the sitting around in an airport time. The funny thing is that my flight is scheduled to leave Seoul at 11 AM on Sunday morning and I get into JFK at 10:40 AM Sunday morning. Could be some serious jet lag ahead! But I don't even care, just glad to be going. (Check with me again when I'm nodding off in a meeting.)Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-90935392243863634102010-10-27T08:07:00.001-07:002010-10-27T08:07:37.908-07:00Energy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I donated blood at work today. I didn't even feel light-headed afterwards but my staff kept brining me snacks so i would keep my energy up. They brought me papaya, taro chips and an unidentified snack wrapped in a leaf (not the leaf wrapped snack I'm familiar with). I ate them all too. Felt energetic!</span></span>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-57862418771315488212010-10-25T07:01:00.000-07:002010-10-25T07:01:24.649-07:00Yesterday was a brilliantly sunny day in Bangkok and I played tourist. My tutor and friend Goong showed me the Wat Phra Kaew (the temple of the emerald Buddha), the Grand Palace, the Wat Pho and the Dusit Palace complex. Here are some photos from the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaUALM5XmBJAkPvTh1BVLhvWQc6eIWu3xzCRKSV_hYggYAK8b4E6rqQ2Usy94ZlCXf3rm31m0fI3ijP6E4IZpjCFzTtOdKWOYGj1b6PqyfEPWoxIi4TZ3nURVeIVGkoTMoNntlGLHOPY/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaUALM5XmBJAkPvTh1BVLhvWQc6eIWu3xzCRKSV_hYggYAK8b4E6rqQ2Usy94ZlCXf3rm31m0fI3ijP6E4IZpjCFzTtOdKWOYGj1b6PqyfEPWoxIi4TZ3nURVeIVGkoTMoNntlGLHOPY/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBmg5-RxHy1lG3Qguxfk-gNkn3jvSA7fiqpttP5jQ_RzfEGbUhFJASxIOqmbR1PnZsLmu_RDxtELbptpWH0-2n20VysjA3tpPv9d56huMDQPn5RvJENE3XDH5ikGEI6Ln1IE2J5u9-8w/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBmg5-RxHy1lG3Qguxfk-gNkn3jvSA7fiqpttP5jQ_RzfEGbUhFJASxIOqmbR1PnZsLmu_RDxtELbptpWH0-2n20VysjA3tpPv9d56huMDQPn5RvJENE3XDH5ikGEI6Ln1IE2J5u9-8w/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHywa_9OEvsC6_qgmg_356jP7GGzm4skzdQuTCDSiZjnQtJbqOah72wr9ZIh264RO_z8sx5FpS4yldpH3_XUJpNZAxGdC1cERH0Gwed9IUDouI28t3fHpQIxnrcYbIfh0Jdx0Nnlgbow/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHywa_9OEvsC6_qgmg_356jP7GGzm4skzdQuTCDSiZjnQtJbqOah72wr9ZIh264RO_z8sx5FpS4yldpH3_XUJpNZAxGdC1cERH0Gwed9IUDouI28t3fHpQIxnrcYbIfh0Jdx0Nnlgbow/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew architectural detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAZJmPvvBCLSy3kLHM2_GIpskHUhrbVfytseybDOKCZYODAeOswtc9jNlUS6bPSyjVDnL5Bxa25RN7C30oZ5Y6LtMeiGTEwN1FeIaS2gDLDV0Oz-NpaQAd6Cuve9zioru_LnfZkx-JmY/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAZJmPvvBCLSy3kLHM2_GIpskHUhrbVfytseybDOKCZYODAeOswtc9jNlUS6bPSyjVDnL5Bxa25RN7C30oZ5Y6LtMeiGTEwN1FeIaS2gDLDV0Oz-NpaQAd6Cuve9zioru_LnfZkx-JmY/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD4yvP5tDvrfkR_crqKeyga_GJjXJnsuOc8XHFxmcdGPvHo_M_Vx4exgSTMO8D4cj0lxhCb6sEnu4I2qo-MY7zqnAvdmQSKU4XVa8BmyE9eR8iyIpN4M0Md_EmqFvphTbNzhyphenhyphennkLdpKU/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD4yvP5tDvrfkR_crqKeyga_GJjXJnsuOc8XHFxmcdGPvHo_M_Vx4exgSTMO8D4cj0lxhCb6sEnu4I2qo-MY7zqnAvdmQSKU4XVa8BmyE9eR8iyIpN4M0Md_EmqFvphTbNzhyphenhyphennkLdpKU/s320/IMG_0750.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garuda on Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C7ktm1w2tIGx6A-CAhtmmPn2clX_CajrzrpOpsU2ex7kPv0DjEJa8y2ATA_O4DkrIwQH3fJEHLENdJDPLhRt33waS4l_6Sz5j0vuTaz6JpeTC-IyVPGeBctO6CveFbIJw1jjF3nPMjs/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C7ktm1w2tIGx6A-CAhtmmPn2clX_CajrzrpOpsU2ex7kPv0DjEJa8y2ATA_O4DkrIwQH3fJEHLENdJDPLhRt33waS4l_6Sz5j0vuTaz6JpeTC-IyVPGeBctO6CveFbIJw1jjF3nPMjs/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCOU6c-Cat3dbq4xwNc5GVfhkALkgwErKcw-Kc3YSLSMDHd8mGcHB-sa2tIlNqAXbe94elKUgiC7sg0Vldz1DwZ2QGgdQ9o8QQ2FSv43fQUNoSENmEKGlg78abctV-4NJyiBSQY8fMOY/s1600/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCOU6c-Cat3dbq4xwNc5GVfhkALkgwErKcw-Kc3YSLSMDHd8mGcHB-sa2tIlNqAXbe94elKUgiC7sg0Vldz1DwZ2QGgdQ9o8QQ2FSv43fQUNoSENmEKGlg78abctV-4NJyiBSQY8fMOY/s320/IMG_0759.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswSWSBLcpN6PXUBzR1UxiXKj5vozHAUaZpKVk3gm1QFq_1C3W5pGDZS0FXxsrfYoTo_4tgQIWg-SvKGQReaieqdxZ38s7zTwvee9cs8kAJF0JcAblxgOBhCyu8XKVOnsfs2pqPRz1Jw4/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswSWSBLcpN6PXUBzR1UxiXKj5vozHAUaZpKVk3gm1QFq_1C3W5pGDZS0FXxsrfYoTo_4tgQIWg-SvKGQReaieqdxZ38s7zTwvee9cs8kAJF0JcAblxgOBhCyu8XKVOnsfs2pqPRz1Jw4/s320/IMG_0762.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF4_HpsP4Wuxeh2rCL4UbMe8U5aOu7smE3sq-Qk59hN7Pv78slet7qmUoK1SffafhHxAryOWMoavID6b8PntUEsnFESU8VX5cSFA5f8UHprCsWC5VSMMDU10KdbTuhjndmtB__wf7t4c/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF4_HpsP4Wuxeh2rCL4UbMe8U5aOu7smE3sq-Qk59hN7Pv78slet7qmUoK1SffafhHxAryOWMoavID6b8PntUEsnFESU8VX5cSFA5f8UHprCsWC5VSMMDU10KdbTuhjndmtB__wf7t4c/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsPZD0MWQfVnYf_W5_30VQnSx-rvnb0Jea8tOMOMot80s1Qf3jtIrPPy10o8XN0XMCXoXzQDQQL5RB4meC8FfkyjpzyOvHXHzGrY-JnQm9IYco05y-IdVU4RUGtFNkr59SEe9wGgsYhg/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsPZD0MWQfVnYf_W5_30VQnSx-rvnb0Jea8tOMOMot80s1Qf3jtIrPPy10o8XN0XMCXoXzQDQQL5RB4meC8FfkyjpzyOvHXHzGrY-JnQm9IYco05y-IdVU4RUGtFNkr59SEe9wGgsYhg/s320/IMG_0765.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7fslhyphenhyphenxrdhzSQIZObnOGBWcfNmkMF3uqHW3zSH63HgrXGEmjL3U7IeS9L0Ky2WHw6870qb5z5sQkuGIT9a3hl8fKV2zmIK_ghOvlyO5wgZ3OevmMi4qNzwE9yJpLKpeDFsbJd3bMWCU/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7fslhyphenhyphenxrdhzSQIZObnOGBWcfNmkMF3uqHW3zSH63HgrXGEmjL3U7IeS9L0Ky2WHw6870qb5z5sQkuGIT9a3hl8fKV2zmIK_ghOvlyO5wgZ3OevmMi4qNzwE9yJpLKpeDFsbJd3bMWCU/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanuman, detail of a mural of the spectacular Ramayana at the Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxqbO9oy4fCmWLrxaka5fl_2eEUK_xe5XTSL-4Q6fWfI4g_ssMLcycHlKMxO3GL9glyJ0PklEwdG9NHFCuzvRSWRltJqs0sx0cXs5jrD4-_rzH8tnWzzzaNbmbZbi-6tsxxPHlbUrUTc/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxqbO9oy4fCmWLrxaka5fl_2eEUK_xe5XTSL-4Q6fWfI4g_ssMLcycHlKMxO3GL9glyJ0PklEwdG9NHFCuzvRSWRltJqs0sx0cXs5jrD4-_rzH8tnWzzzaNbmbZbi-6tsxxPHlbUrUTc/s320/IMG_0777.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXsrkhjagBoNj0_Bkh6RcrjrcTyzWbXMNUtZQNrRg1JU_BAkLMM9l9lkKyNTJ3sHTu4YF5_TFsVYsWQii1bDxyB5nc39psR39HZvgzxyYaZ3AjcQJsXu0rvlk8dJ89t6XOAwr_7FvhDc/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXsrkhjagBoNj0_Bkh6RcrjrcTyzWbXMNUtZQNrRg1JU_BAkLMM9l9lkKyNTJ3sHTu4YF5_TFsVYsWQii1bDxyB5nc39psR39HZvgzxyYaZ3AjcQJsXu0rvlk8dJ89t6XOAwr_7FvhDc/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil50XV0nzaZnDcn7TxiQyZhqZr9bOEUfv81faWZgZBD8_GRfNTsrvjJlCP8eKFXB9-9mFy8yHAEvF6kTEJ9WCE163ZytWaayhWscTplSTZnrLGw41uy48iFgUEbiguw-3mRzPHkTS38rE/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil50XV0nzaZnDcn7TxiQyZhqZr9bOEUfv81faWZgZBD8_GRfNTsrvjJlCP8eKFXB9-9mFy8yHAEvF6kTEJ9WCE163ZytWaayhWscTplSTZnrLGw41uy48iFgUEbiguw-3mRzPHkTS38rE/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgfBzCUmcm-oP28_a8GZvnhfn4fd_UhMAcORsBKBV3mAQuq-ZTnPC2QvBd4cKGxC_3U2VRBlREGDUmmMvaN9FDOvvP9vr0uoR_r9VqjNaJLxa8UfcH76BLzp3Yx97J-RIrTwD8-SVcZQ/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgfBzCUmcm-oP28_a8GZvnhfn4fd_UhMAcORsBKBV3mAQuq-ZTnPC2QvBd4cKGxC_3U2VRBlREGDUmmMvaN9FDOvvP9vr0uoR_r9VqjNaJLxa8UfcH76BLzp3Yx97J-RIrTwD8-SVcZQ/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Phra Kaew architectural detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-fYid5ayE52BR6ihHVS2JRyHndO0C-IILHjDzsR7xe7W28G9UICeeXp3idxJblSw0HJKwIwGgLpv-3a3GJabDTx_K3IrViaN_kDU4vjDGYrQygCvdNxx4T4prjaGYmSnr4gog98tFTE/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-fYid5ayE52BR6ihHVS2JRyHndO0C-IILHjDzsR7xe7W28G9UICeeXp3idxJblSw0HJKwIwGgLpv-3a3GJabDTx_K3IrViaN_kDU4vjDGYrQygCvdNxx4T4prjaGYmSnr4gog98tFTE/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKdONPXkcd4X2PaZmKqWWlOxWSO52fsIC8a6IOis1PxthIEm1gDysYmQOJG7CBvhcAjkF_dHZSOd8uwHmlziQZ72szR3jthnhAzOD3Mx4nZ60rbDwgV_wVvZN9BTF8KnWGfePHvAnCno/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKdONPXkcd4X2PaZmKqWWlOxWSO52fsIC8a6IOis1PxthIEm1gDysYmQOJG7CBvhcAjkF_dHZSOd8uwHmlziQZ72szR3jthnhAzOD3Mx4nZ60rbDwgV_wVvZN9BTF8KnWGfePHvAnCno/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eQO3PhZcvDcRVG8IyRAK97afDpN8KzCAyisq15UzZ4KZQm85R6GJstxTQKzzTbf-wtiPiAohScIJk8Bcfk-bxGLSyz9c1dJVgliRojWkJ1MIrIpMcq2bKT0FRaBD3km82egk-jRwUng/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eQO3PhZcvDcRVG8IyRAK97afDpN8KzCAyisq15UzZ4KZQm85R6GJstxTQKzzTbf-wtiPiAohScIJk8Bcfk-bxGLSyz9c1dJVgliRojWkJ1MIrIpMcq2bKT0FRaBD3km82egk-jRwUng/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oMyBYHBqfLgyocGVaXbjFLZYY03Gpv050VGzOTKRnW8eHuthFUXJkG7RDve-eM4LD3S-PBjcDF-BojjUIs2WYsEocGW87WJEXFgAfVASs_4cEpXN_SsNLXWgGRTJScA_Uk8lkMqpLhE/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oMyBYHBqfLgyocGVaXbjFLZYY03Gpv050VGzOTKRnW8eHuthFUXJkG7RDve-eM4LD3S-PBjcDF-BojjUIs2WYsEocGW87WJEXFgAfVASs_4cEpXN_SsNLXWgGRTJScA_Uk8lkMqpLhE/s320/IMG_0813.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj4ob-AJo5dU4pxgtXLFuHLqE4MBnnResjRx0bybPgd3cWj8wt1L4UtRusXvImtYRA73pUOUDR63MilBICG2BUXaIepWRSfu0p9umv3TgpBjR4yqE2cvUnSUKvf9j5UCPoIjtlj9UTq8/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj4ob-AJo5dU4pxgtXLFuHLqE4MBnnResjRx0bybPgd3cWj8wt1L4UtRusXvImtYRA73pUOUDR63MilBICG2BUXaIepWRSfu0p9umv3TgpBjR4yqE2cvUnSUKvf9j5UCPoIjtlj9UTq8/s320/IMG_0814.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RW9MxtE65rHxOWbNHC_Ll2cptVtZy3scqTAWbrHKPBlwoLI4nhimZswO86seMmg4Z_gZuxfb3baV6_uC_IcfDqnBxNec8eLInqKfE8Ak4cQWC2EgxvIo18WPN6spaTH0tYdsU8pp7tQ/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RW9MxtE65rHxOWbNHC_Ll2cptVtZy3scqTAWbrHKPBlwoLI4nhimZswO86seMmg4Z_gZuxfb3baV6_uC_IcfDqnBxNec8eLInqKfE8Ak4cQWC2EgxvIo18WPN6spaTH0tYdsU8pp7tQ/s320/IMG_0823.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVuBhGIHkDB5gwJOF93V5YXhGRRQ0BfSqwOJ2oEwlOofbPfOxsu0b9466XdlpJKH2dxkXGxOno9UjxPGyqS9sBSJXw372jO9Ak1eJ7ZUjjO2Dltcjx2XLnblpqseTxRuiFbaLeSCH7go/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVuBhGIHkDB5gwJOF93V5YXhGRRQ0BfSqwOJ2oEwlOofbPfOxsu0b9466XdlpJKH2dxkXGxOno9UjxPGyqS9sBSJXw372jO9Ak1eJ7ZUjjO2Dltcjx2XLnblpqseTxRuiFbaLeSCH7go/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_BLS2NSusB7K-1EHdZR8WAw2Fze_rXvYRjTTyNNR6uSNp7yve0-cDNFKaCGXSeHPNTcdefOH1rA9B_ZVy736G4I_PC0trj0Ze03YTQBnyubjJ01twtG4Wj1ZzH2XcWewicHBd5wkQDE/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_BLS2NSusB7K-1EHdZR8WAw2Fze_rXvYRjTTyNNR6uSNp7yve0-cDNFKaCGXSeHPNTcdefOH1rA9B_ZVy736G4I_PC0trj0Ze03YTQBnyubjJ01twtG4Wj1ZzH2XcWewicHBd5wkQDE/s320/IMG_0829.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> One of several Marco Polo statues at Wat Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc-5BFnU8DBpN_VjKwunqshgZF09FwblHsqJ0G_GF2fbWxR8HNwnZLfN2arTP_wua_CzY6Ivtvu5fWolO7V5Bi_9k0DWpDL9q22eYdrwhSd7Rt8t7923DCUiHxJKYv3a78SA3CJDDe-U/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc-5BFnU8DBpN_VjKwunqshgZF09FwblHsqJ0G_GF2fbWxR8HNwnZLfN2arTP_wua_CzY6Ivtvu5fWolO7V5Bi_9k0DWpDL9q22eYdrwhSd7Rt8t7923DCUiHxJKYv3a78SA3CJDDe-U/s320/IMG_0832.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wat Pho</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZSRK3hYVHyFIMQjW5TUuf5nyJkN_OwKMrfoUCwsMk_CYVFKhDmUsvdw8NzpFPonukBiBNv1syC1D3YdtCVlU9t14A-XytV58lYhNhaAvGowI13WUkE4siWm2lTKxRhJOP1OsxPa4Yg0/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZSRK3hYVHyFIMQjW5TUuf5nyJkN_OwKMrfoUCwsMk_CYVFKhDmUsvdw8NzpFPonukBiBNv1syC1D3YdtCVlU9t14A-XytV58lYhNhaAvGowI13WUkE4siWm2lTKxRhJOP1OsxPa4Yg0/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wat Pho architectural detail</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkZYX3RTNlJfCmHxjkryQ1C3AJLyV3czeM8nAAl5dTJJNCAHxs7pQk3K1CCWLYQSEnKHzTi0MXQVUC_S6lIzKWAzJp2GaiN2yu04cGVgM1KyVpv_EtB6SPeXvkJkEM63hKvy9PQtbYm4/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkZYX3RTNlJfCmHxjkryQ1C3AJLyV3czeM8nAAl5dTJJNCAHxs7pQk3K1CCWLYQSEnKHzTi0MXQVUC_S6lIzKWAzJp2GaiN2yu04cGVgM1KyVpv_EtB6SPeXvkJkEM63hKvy9PQtbYm4/s320/IMG_0837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vimanmek Mansion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRWIuc6co9Nd8fnVOXE2__I46IF6hnbroI87L3YMaxrq8_-zIbp_3JKHrdtX4vP93Bcgx6ZPvJ1jn5wT7Fe3YaZKwrAMFBKF5PZrDHBGlwv764Br353nFHZAFBcOOM00O5t8RKLd-CkY/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRWIuc6co9Nd8fnVOXE2__I46IF6hnbroI87L3YMaxrq8_-zIbp_3JKHrdtX4vP93Bcgx6ZPvJ1jn5wT7Fe3YaZKwrAMFBKF5PZrDHBGlwv764Br353nFHZAFBcOOM00O5t8RKLd-CkY/s320/IMG_0841.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vimanmek Mansion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-80021231224667194752010-10-25T03:52:00.000-07:002010-10-25T03:52:59.526-07:00The River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM94iz0bzCxMKf2ZTD2Gye1Oqu0NgN0jcpAjRZN74rNZuryNxuLbC7fAQOlzyCseryT3xNRP3gNZhB3SUZQXfPt_H2V6JZwI6OOkGR5Qc2_Z1HjmDSvZhxCPrsunhN8rnMXogK8JwMe60/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM94iz0bzCxMKf2ZTD2Gye1Oqu0NgN0jcpAjRZN74rNZuryNxuLbC7fAQOlzyCseryT3xNRP3gNZhB3SUZQXfPt_H2V6JZwI6OOkGR5Qc2_Z1HjmDSvZhxCPrsunhN8rnMXogK8JwMe60/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As I've mentioned before in this blog I live next to the Chao Phraya river in Thailand. It is the rainy season and has been raining almost every day since mid-June. It rarely rains all day, usually just brief bursts of intense rain for maybe 20 or 30 minutes. Then sometimes it will drizzle for longer periods of time. I don't mind the rain at all - it usually cools things off and cleans the air and I like sitting on my balcony and watching a storm blow through.<br />
The rainy season is almost over - the end of October signals the end of the wet season and that's close. However for the past month I've watched the river gradually and steadily rise until now it's well over it's normal banks and is flooding several streets in my neighborhood. It's problematic because of the especially high tides (called king tides) this time of year which slow the water flow to the ocean. And this after months of rain so there's no other place for the water to go. In some provinces to the North there's major flooding as in three to four feet deep in places where it's normally dry. It's not nearly as bad as Pakistan but for me it's a lot closer to home. One of my co-workers spent a day last week moving all his furniture to the second floor, just to be safe. Of course I am dry on the 9th floor of my apartment building although we all moved our cars from the underground parking garage. And there are sandbags lining places in the drive leading up to the building.<br />
Sitting on my balcony I can see that some of my neighbor's are not as lucky as I am. There's a small house almost directly below which sits on stilts as many of the houses do around here. For one thing it's cooler if the air can circulate under the house but the main reason is for times like these of high water. The water level is almost up to the first floor and the raised walkway that is used to access the house is under water although I can see that it's at ankle level. They have their wash drying on lines extending over the railings of the walkway. It is almost surreal to see clothes drying over water. I feel somewhat helpless - as close as it is visually I can't see how I would get there or what I could do if I did. I hope the water starts receding soon but I hear we're in for a couple of more days at least before that starts to happen.<br />
I'm happy to say that my housekeeper, Khun Malee, who lives right on the river, right across from me is fine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGoT3HkyK0g-VKrXr9LpB3SYMc9GhDyDlvhMYk6CYnluAzJF4rxUTRHG8PIyabTdfKNy0oA8lvw3s0gJuwmrNRKFC-n0QDrCivOFv_81aeYumz650XSvzCfh1mEHjTMg2cXcx1sLwVBk/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGoT3HkyK0g-VKrXr9LpB3SYMc9GhDyDlvhMYk6CYnluAzJF4rxUTRHG8PIyabTdfKNy0oA8lvw3s0gJuwmrNRKFC-n0QDrCivOFv_81aeYumz650XSvzCfh1mEHjTMg2cXcx1sLwVBk/s320/IMG_0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of some houses across the river with some clumps of water hyacinths floating by. The water level is high </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwszURotraOzx0579E9T6_Bpa47TP9mDvbt65TWZ3iP2i5HpXmPZQy8031jG1Htm0-V3nbMxMjvuYo0rgsNsmfVgKIjplgdrRjdj7YMjaX17aFrSpzCfsjhN0cv-8r2aTCvTU7Vuuvd4/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwszURotraOzx0579E9T6_Bpa47TP9mDvbt65TWZ3iP2i5HpXmPZQy8031jG1Htm0-V3nbMxMjvuYo0rgsNsmfVgKIjplgdrRjdj7YMjaX17aFrSpzCfsjhN0cv-8r2aTCvTU7Vuuvd4/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>If you look closely you can see the clothes hanging in the upper left quadrant of the image. The round leaves in the water are lotuses.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-85414578853302652012010-09-22T07:45:00.000-07:002010-09-22T07:52:17.609-07:00Elephant!I saw an elephant today on my way home from work. I do live in Thailand so there are elephants here however... this one was in front of a small shop on a busy neighborhood street near my apartment. The elephant did have a handler. This was not a tourist attraction and I have no idea why the elephant was there but it was very cool to see such a majestic animal so unexpectedly.Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658850228240933475.post-49177397612042539342010-09-05T18:21:00.000-07:002010-09-05T18:21:01.387-07:00Thai time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Traditionally the Thais divide the day into four parts and the way they tell time relates to that. Back when there were few clocks and means to tell time the monasteries rang gongs or beat drums to indicate the time of day. They used a gong during the daylight hours and a drum in the evening and the people making the security rounds after midnight beat some type of metal plates that were supposedly quieter. So the daylight hours are reported as moong (from the sound of a gong) - so you have one moong, two moong, etc. Then starting at seven PM you have one tum (sound of the drum), two tum, etc. Then after midnight you have dtii one, dtii two (dtii being the sound of the metal plate supposedly). Noon, midnight and the six o'clock hours divide up the day and were rendered by many rapid beatings of drum or gong depending on the time of day. It's complicated but makes sense once you understand the reasoning behind it. That's some of what I learned in my Thai lesson today. Kind of cool actually.</span>Nat's bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09258820071337439850noreply@blogger.com0