Bangkok Week 178

November 24, 2011

Christmas is in the air. But so are reminders of the ongoing floods.

At work last Friday, we were shocked to see these men dangling outside our window, on the 38th floor.

Celebrated the weekend with a nice Indian feast at a local veg-only Indian "cafe".

Delish -- even though the menu was all in Indian and we didn't have a clue what we were ordering!

In the old part of town, sellers are still pushing their inflatable boats and rubber waders.

Buy this boat for 1500 and they'll throw in a life jacket and two oars! What a deal.

Shops (even the unlikely) starting to get decked out for Christmas.

It's my Thai Granny costume! It'll either be a hit, or a HUGE miss on Friday...

Our Christmas Tree has a serious case of 11-month bed head.

This year, we got to add all the new ornaments that Chris gave us last year.

The final set-up. The oven is the closest thing to a fireplace that we have.

The fun snowmen candles from Chris are a nice reminder of the lovely seasonal weather that we're missing right now.

Bangkok Week 177

November 17, 2011

A long Saturday trip to donate supplies to flood victims in Nakhon Pathom (west of Bangkok).

We met at 5am to haul out donation supplies from an office building -- the black and white cans are actually temporary toilets.

We had a big 10-wheel truck, into which everything went! Packages for 700 famililes, plus toilets for another ~100.

When loaded up like this, it doesn't look like much.

The sleepy BCG contingent. Ali, the organizer, is on the right.

It wasn't exactly luxury riding in the rear of the truck, but we all fit.

Dawn was breaking when we finally left downtown Bangkok.

Good Morning, Bangkok. Now, how do we get out of here?

It was extremely bumpy back there -- and as a result, difficult to take non-blurry photos.

Can you tell it's breezy? (Actually, it was also very cool out.)

No point wasting time on a good hairdo.

Is it really possible to catch some zzz's in the back of a truck? Apparently!

Nong Ken (from the other group who was there) demonstrated alternate uses for the temporary toilet seat.

We must be getting close -- time to get up and check out the view.

A pit stop before entering the flooded villages. We had to clear our donations with the soldiers and local village heads first.

While on stationary land, why not catch a few more zzz's?

They're contagious!

Heading into the flood zone... this was only the beginning.

This home and shop appeared to be open as usual.

Here's the little village town hall. Normally, I guess that's a driveway.

Given the water level (see the pickup) this man's boat seems a *tad* overkill.

This family just carried on their breakfast as if nothing was different.

Young banana trees -- almost drowned!

This family was thrilled because their cement wall actually worked! Grandma's dry inside, and the kids are just playing in the boat.

A neighborhood dog comes out to see what all the fuss is about.

At our first stop, a few logistical stumbles before we figure out the best way to unload the truck.

It's a school, attached to a temple, where about 15 families have come to stay.

The flooding already comes halfway up the ground floor!

I guess no one's staying in the downstairs of these dorms. Doesn't the water look just lovely?

Some alternative vehicles parked at the schoolside.

Ali and team demonstrate how to use this Swiss-designed water filter -- meant to make ANY water drinkable. We demonstrated using the lovely green water you just saw.

At the next stop, 3 villages had organized around the local train station -- the only dry point for miles.

We unloaded over 500 donation kits for the 500+ families in the 3 villages.

The trains were still operating as normal -- and people were taking them to go buy groceries in other (dry) towns.

On the other side of the station, it looked more like a ship yard than a car park.

I believe people normally drive to this station.

A view down the "soi".

Normally this is a car park, not a boat dock.

This handsome black dog is wondering what all the fuss is about. At least it's easier to stay cool when there's water, right?

A local convenience store and inundated payphone booths.

Hmm. Rowing past a pickup truck.

This granny was returning from doing some vegetable shopping... just like the good old days, I guess.

This woman was very determined to get where she was going. Not that store, though.

Two dogs hung out on a makeshift floating dock.

A family was still living in this house. You can gauge the water level by looking at the door in the fence.

They came out to meet us by walking on a series of elevated planks.

This guy gave up on staying dry a while ago.

Hmm. Faster -- but probably more dangerous -- than paddling a boat.

No kids playing in this playground today... even though they'd have a waterslide.

Our last stop is a dip in the water at the village's head office, to drop off the rest of the supplies.

On the ride back, everyone's pooped!

The main road connecting these western provinces to Bangkok was badly flooded... people were still scrambling. Here, they float on a giant foam block.

Only large trucks were able to pass still.

Kind of reminds you of a cottage scene, right?

Here people take refuge under the raised supports of the flyover. But... where to go next?

Notice that pickup truck?

It's like a long, peaceful canal. Most vehicles couldn't make it this far.

This factory's taking a last-ditch effort to stay dry. (Check out the floating dock.)

Back in Bangkok -- we found where all the sandbags come from!

And in other news: it's Tom from Design Squad!

Bangkok Week 176

November 10, 2011

The floods hit close-to-home (but not quite home yet). Bangkokians adapt accordingly.

This shop didn't get the memo about constructing a cement wall.

Teens lean on the new cement walls, dreamily wishing they could be on the other side.

The wall's a very classy touch to this new Japanese restaurant.

Demonstration: how to climb over the wall to get into the mini-mall.

On Saturday outside Chatuchak Market, water was coming... but still confined to this middle lane.

You can see the water under the skytrain tracks... but the road is still passable by normal vehicles.

We were out-camera'd by the even more enthusiastic flood tourists.

Down on the street, enterprising vendors are selling life jackets and rubber boots.

On Sunday at Paragon's grocery store, extreme panic shopping and hoarding!

The Mazda dealership next to our apartment apparently doesn't plan to sell or service any cars in the near future.

In Ari, there are suddenly lots of rubber boot vendors.

The competition, directly across the sidewalk, sells more colorful options.

Stores have started to label their sandbag -- apparently those are being hoarded now, too?

This 7-11 dog can't figure out what the heck the fuss is about, or why these heavy bags are taking up his normal spot.

Do note that this photo was taken in the middle of the central business district, where there's zero threat of flooding.

Back at Chatuchak Market / Mo Chit BTS station on Tuesday: the situation has changed dramatically since Saturday.

What was once Phahonyothin Road is now Phahonyothin Canal.

Those brave commuters who still transfer here to their bus have to wade through knee-deep water, with the assistance of the army.

Only few buses still pass through these "streets" -- and wait a long time at this terminal station, to maximize their passenger loading.

Flatbed or pickup trucks with ladders in the rear are now a common site (and form of transport).

An alternative to taking the bus.

Look closely: this truck has 5 park benches and a ladder to climb on and off.

An army truck transporting civilians to... who knows where. Dedicated, but not-so-express service.

That's about it for rush hour traffic, on a "road" that's usually badly jammed. (That's a subway entrance in the background.)

Waiting for the bus? They may be waiting for a while...

This guy's wares were bobbing up and down in the styrofoam container behind him.

Not clear where this guy was trudging to.

Normally, this is one of the busiest parking lots in Bangkok -- a favorite point for park-and-ride commuters and a major van pick-up spot.

Is he waiting for his van?

I know this pick-up's not taking these people to their parked cars. So where...

Daily rush hour commutes are much less crowded these days -- also, a new trend in fashion!

Yaaay! A new 5-year multi-entry visa to Canada! Is this cause for celebration (or constipation)??

Bangkok Week 175

November 3, 2011

BCG SEA's annual get-together, this year in Bali! Also, (extreme) flood prep continues in Bangkok.

We stayed at the Westin Nusa Dua, on the eastern side of the southern tip of Bali.

It had 2 or 3 different swimming pools, and lots of palm trees. This photo is at 7am -- sun still not up yet.

Swanky water fall and water slide behind it. Would be great as a kid!

The rooms had bathtubs in the shower.

Although I was supposed to have a roommate, I got my own room at the last minute, due to many Bangkok cancellations.

The hotel was giving free massages - so immediately after we arrived, all our guys sat down for the treatment.

The resort has a large beachfront property.

But in the early morning, when the tide is low, the beach looks more like a swamp!

Probably could've walked out a good 1/2 km.

Overall, the property was large and lush -- too bad we didn't have more time to enjoy it.

It had a typical tropical resort feel -- outdoor hallways and lots of palm trees.

Two colleagues - Tak and Adrien - wonder why we're standing on the beach at the peak of the midday sun.

It was very blue -- sky and water -- but far too hot to swim at high tide.

Straight out of a travel brochure!

This family was returning from a speedboat tour.

Spent some time playing (or attempting to play) beach volleyball.

The heat sucks all energy out of you though!

For the famed performance competition, some of us were backup dancers for Tomtor's song-and-dance. Can you guess who's the original?

Scaaaary.

Only slightly less scary now.

Another one of our performances featured slightly "cooler" costumes.

Our dancers wore LED costumes on a pitch black stage. Real "wow" factor!

Back in Bangkok, I guess this family doesn't plan on using its driveway anytime soon!

With these swanky closed-foot "glass pants", we're really ready for anything now!

Even ready for an Italian runway.

This business is just next door to us. They've been "bagged up" like this for weeks!

Excessive, but meticulous, bag job.

Bangkok Week 174

October 27, 2011

A great weekend in Trad with the doggies ... and some pretty funny things are brewing in Bangkok as people wait for the water to come.

A weekend visit with my favorite mini poodle!

She's shocked by this strange human behavior.

Kisses for everyone!

Marouy, meanwhile, is very curious to see what's in the box. It must be food!

The Store (TM) got a swanky new double-door drinks fridge! How high-tech and spacious.

Warm, lazy morning kicks in already.

Never an inch doth separate the two.

He manages to insert his head under human hands at all times.

Marouy! Has no one taught you manners?

Oh my. What's gotten into the little lady?

Cold soda water and pomelo out at the store.

Enjoying the delicacy that is pomelo skin.

Top's latest side-project, in his new store. Recognize the car?

It's gonna be hott when it's done. Hopefully he can put it all back together.

Help. What's going on?

Hot afternoon downpour. Luckily, we have plenty of shelter.

I wonder if she likes being picked up, or if it's just that annoying thing that the humans do.

Short burst of energy before falling back asleep.

Lazy afternoon sitting around and playing Angry Birds. I bet Marouy would like that game.

Brotherly love?

Another round of delicious home-made dinner! Three types of curries alone.

Resigned to her fate as a cute and cuddly lap dog.

Imagine my shock when I found this guy waiting for me on the towel bar in the shower!

Hey big bro, can I save some of that iced tea?

How about some of that juicy pineapple?

A stare-down to the death.

Can you guess who came out on top?

Super-sleepy Sunday afternoon for all.

Just two lazy brothers, spending the warm afternoon as cooly as they can.

I prefer the kitchen floor tiles.

She's just like a stuffed animal... only slightly more animated.

Mom, can I help you cook? Please. Please???

Someone wasn't invited to look at photos from Chiang Rai!

Can't let her favorite toys out of sight. Someone might steal them.

Back in Bangkok, some rather desperate flood precautions have been undertaken.

At least these people thought to build some stairs, too.

It seems to be a neighborhood thing -- once one shop does it, everyone feels the need.

While most laptops are aiming for smaller and thinner, this giant mamma's going for the opposite.

Our new flood insurance!

Ultra-fashionable, as always.

The worst commute home ever -- long lines, disrupted service, packed trains -- but nothing to do with the flood situation.

My office building has outdone itself! Sandbags over 6 feet tall, three bags deep, plus a layer of tarp-covered oil drums surrounding the entire building.

Sandbag hoarding!

Even this guard looks confused as to how he ended up behind a bunker.

Shocking is an understatement.

And in the stores, the shelves have been swept clean of everything but the most expensive western foods.

Even the dairy section, which is never out of stock (it's dairy in Thailand after all) was emptied. You can identify the pricy products!

Obviously the rice is gone -- but even at the most expensive grocery chain in town?

Drinking water was here.

You can tell which products aren't used in Thailand!

Those crazy enough to hoard are crazy enough to think of their pets, too.

Okay, not *everything* is gone. These are too expensive to hoard.

Bangkok Week 173

October 20, 2011

Preliminary flood preparations, and the grand opening of the most monumental shopping mall that Bangkok's seen to date. Which will have a more lasting effect on our city?

Preliminary flood preparations underway in downtown Siam Square.

Playing his new race car game. Encourages good posture!

Now open -- Bangkok's latest and greatest shopping mall.

This one is completely themed around international travel -- feel like you're at an airport?

The mall shop directory looks familiar.

The poor women at the info booth are dressed like flight attendants (or, as they say in Thailand, air hostesses).

Express escalator service to Level 3 depart here!

Shoppers "depart" and "arrive" at every floor -- and each floor is themed to a different city.

Here's a giant 3-story Oscar. Oddly, there's no Hollywood.

The top-floor food court and restaurant level is themed to San Francisco.

The food court's great -- but perhaps the theming goes a little too far?

Delicious new veggie fare from a promising seller.

An empty threat, since pigeons generally avoid Bangkok shopping malls.

Dine at this restaurant, and eat in a street car overhanging the rest of the mall.

An ATM in San Francisco's Chinatown.

An aerial view of the express escalator that goes from G to 3.

Can you guess what city this floor is themed around?

Not clear if this shop understands the implications of its mascot.

Need to use the loo?

My long-lost bronze buddy.

Another floor has more Turkish tones.

And one floor below that is Tokyo!

Hey, I'm not the only one with such an immature sense of creativity.

More Tokyo alleys.

Pouvez-vous deviner la ville dans laquelle nous nous trouvons maintenant?

And on the ground floor is la bela Roma!

Exotic early-century travelers bid a fond farewell to shoppers as they depart.

I got one new thing out of that shopping experience: a t-shirt with a message!

Back in reality, my office building is prepping itself for the coming 40 days and 40 nights.

I think we discovered where all of Bangkok's sandbags have disappeared to.

Bangkok Week 172

October 13, 2011

What a great Birthday weekend. Thanks, everyone!

After a lovely 2-hour Thai birthday massage, all the muscles are relaxed and collapsing.

On birthday morning, a sexy new pair of PJs from Mum & Dad.

And a jaw-dropping iPad!

Welcome to Your New iPad!

It's a piano!

Later that day, having the protective film put on the screen.

My Angry Birds! In HD! Here's to the many lost hours of life to come...

Veggie cocktail wieners! Yum yum.

Hmm. Not so sure about this wiener.

Bangkok Week 171

October 6, 2011

Vegetarian week continues!

An unusually big sunset over Bangkok on Friday night.

J Week continues on the weekend with Hong Kong noodles, spring rolls and hot dogs.

Noodles in broth with "pork"!

Noodles in broth with (normally shrimp or pork) dumplings.

At Tesco Lotus, the festivities continue... with fake salmon, fake shrimp and fake eggs... mmm...

Heaps and heaps of veggie sausages and meatballs!

People probably nibble away at the cookies while puzzling the meaning of this sign.

Stopping for some steamed "pork" buns on the street.

Yum yum! Spicy pork buns!

Getting a perm, or waiting for Korean bbq?

Neither! It's vegetarian udon that he's been waiting so long for.

And just to mix things up a bit, some soba to go along with it.

Bangkok Week 170

September 29, 2011

Some bangkok holiday activities and the start of J-week!

Weekday lunch at Bangkok Bagel Bakery, a fairly authentic bagel shop that a guy from upstate New York opened 6 months ago.

Toasted sesame with garlic & dill cream cheese.

He loves his cinnamon raisin.

7-11 is already carrying its once-a-year line of instant vegetarian meals.

Taking a long-overdue trip to the Science Center, in central Bangkok.

They have a science center, aquarium, planetarium, environmental center and more. It was pretty impressive actually.

It's completely geared toward kids, but nice to know that there's a good hangout for kids that's not a shopping mall!

Some fishy friends.

This guy looked pretty scary. Not sure what he was.

Gimme a big smooch on the lips, lady.

The (in)famous planetarium.

He's been waiting to come here since he was a kid! Verdict? "Meh."

We stayed for the show -- an explanation of constellations, and then some meteor-hits-earth video.

The fancy thing that projects all the stars on the ceiling with such precision.

Guess who's super-special now?

First meal of J week!

Second meal of J-week! Streets worth of vendors to choose from in our neighborhood.

Bangkok Week 169

September 22, 2011

A wonderful three-day weekend in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in Thailand. What a pleasant surprise the little city was!

A very neat lamp shade at a new Bangkok restaurant.

Off to Chiang Rai, on Thai Air Asia (FD).

Chiang Rai's Mae Fah Luang *International* airport has 100% more jet bridges than Khon Kaen's airport.

Our room at Le Meridien Chiang Rai -- on the top of the resort's 4 floors.

Swanky bathroom that opens into the bedroom.

And nice lounging area too.

Actually made use of this spacious balcony during our time there.

Our room had a view of the resort's sizable property, and of the Kok river on which it sits.

The resort is designed around a large artificial pond that links to the river.

A nice property with a three-tiered infinity pool on the edge of the river.

The very airy lobby with stylish design.

Downtown Chiang Rai: a chain grocery store, chain eye glasses store, really old department store and Thanachart.

The first of many vegetarian restaurants upon which we stumbled.

Now that we're fed, we're off on an adventure to find the famed white temple.

First, we track down the oldest bus in Thailand, and ride it 13km out of the city.

After getting off the bus and crossing a highway on foot, we arrive at Wat Rong Kun, aka the White Temple.

Around the perimeter of the temple, crazy sculptures that didn't *quite* fit the theme.

This sign forbids drunk people from entering the temple.

Not totally sure what's going on with these halloween-like decorations.

A small buddha image sits inside the ornate entryway to the temple.

This temple is a modern "unconventional" buddhist temple whose construction only began in 1997 (and is not yet complete).

Big fat fish swim around in the pond in front of the temple.

To enter the temple itself, you have to take a bridge that passes over a sea of hands reaching up from hell.

Here you see some of the many, many hands... and some Chinese tourists.

Not creepy at all...

... especially with the late-afternoon shadows.

Each side of the bridge is flanked by a giant Zeus-like monster. Better behave.

Crossing over the bridge, which represents the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth to the Abode of Buddha (ref: wikipedia).

The 4 o'clock sun made the white that much more overwhelming -- like sun hitting icy snow.

Some of the detailing. The black-looking color is actually clear mirror chips embedded in the carvings.

A rainbow hidden in the fountains.

A view of the rear end of the building -- not quite as ornate as the front face.

The temple's been described as a winter wonderland. That's not too far off.

Construction not yet complete!

This ornate gold building is... the toilets!

And here we are, in front of a very life-like backdrop.

The temple had two cabinets packed full of (nicely sorted and stored) lost-and-found items.

Phaholyothin Road! This is our street! It continues straight up from Bangkok, all the way through Chiang Rai to the border with Burma.

I guess we're 828 km away from our apartment (the road starts at Victory Monument, and we're about 1km above that).

On Saturday night, a family enjoys dinner outside their old traditional home. I hope they're not outside because the house can't support them all at once.

We were lucky to be directed to a HUGE walking street that happens on Saturdays.

This crate full of chirpers...

...were about to meet their demise, for a less-than-appetizing cause.

Thai-style sushi is another hot-seller.

These lanterns were put up as part of a "Celebrate Chaing Rai's special things" festival.

Glowing lanterns from below.

Mr Scarecrow wasn't enjoying the event nearly as much as we were.

Some local schoolchildren do a traditional dance. The boys were most enthusiastic.

A sea of crocheted cacti. Cute!

The main walking street goes off into the horizon... as far as the overhead lanterns hang.

Standard Thai souvenirs, but at 1/3 the price as in touristy Bangkok!

These coconut rats look creepily life-like.

Chaing Rai's famous clock tower, another piece designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, our friend who did the White Temple.

Not sure if this contraption really helps the rider, or hinders him (with added resistance).

Live music mixed in among the stalls of the walking street.

Vendors selling chocolate fondu (oh sorry, fondooz) by the stick.

An interesting snack: rice flour and sesame seed patties, barbecued and folded in half with sweet sesame paste inside.

Thai take on a familiar Japanese snack. Many fillings: red bean, chocolate, vanilla custard, fruity jams, etc.

Lots and lots of hand-made Angry Birds!

The townspeople enjoy themselves with song after song of Thai dancing. They know all the moves!

A creepy HUGE moth that looks like a terra cotta wall hanging... but is really just a creepy moth.

Exciting sunday morning breakfast buffet -- need that coffee.

One of the two giant rain trees (Albizia saman) around which the resort was designed.

More views of the resort. Our room's one of the ones in the background, on the top floor.

They have a pretty sizable, green property. I guess the rain serves them well.

A view upriver from the hotel, with mountains in the background. The river flowed surprisingly quickly.

A shot of the poolside, artificial pond, and the other giant rain tree around which the resort was designed.

Design not too shabby.

The three-tiered infinity pool. We'd return later.

Now we're at the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture park, which was originally founded in the 70s as the office of the Thai Hill Crafts Foundation.

Lots of welcoming creatures all over the large property.

Before we even arrived at the first pavilion, we were greeted by a friendly duck couple.

Elephants line the entrance to the Golden Pavilion, a building the people of Chiang Rai built and presented as a gift to the Princess Mother to celebrate her 84th birthday.

It looks like they didn't originally use any nails or screws -- only wooden pegs and clever joints to hold the large structure together.

Inside (where no photos were allowed) there were ornate candelabras from provinces throughout Thailand.

A shot of the entire Golden Pavilion. The architecture was especially stunning from the inside: one giant, open room.

Some (creepy) totem poles carved out of teak.

Another pavilion...

... that housed a *really* long table!

Detailed woodwork on one of the pieces inside the pavilion.

Blending in with the locals?

Little mounds of freshly swept grass were scattered across the lawns.

A famous statue of the Princess Mother (who founded this park).

The entire property was like a well-groomed jungle.

Some of the trees looked like they were straight out of an oil painting!

Some neat leaves.

Another mothy friend.

Two jungle spirit houses, now one with nature.

A creepy pattern of bite marks. Who made these??

A giant teak tree root!

The frame of a traditional Lanna-style pavilion roof.

More really ornate columns (I guess they're not called totem poles in Thailand).

Another large pavilion, this one used for events.

Isn't the interior woodwork mesmerizing?

There's a large pond on the property of this park, and more mountains in the background.

A cute teak staircase.

The next big pavilion is dedicated to teak wood, carvings, and traditional everyday products.

Here, a display comparing all the different types of wood traditionally used in Thailand (not just teak).

Inspecting the age of this former teak tree.

One of the many rooms comprising the pavilion.

A golden wall decoration.

As you can see from the placard, it's a teak hand-cranked water lifting contraption.

And in the background, a spoon made specially for papa bear.

A coin-separating tray that seems clever, but all the slots look the same size to me!

An ornate bed headboard and footboard, plus some other furniture and a doorway carving.

This is a coffin that was donated to the museum after used in the funeral! What devotion by the family.

This is a very clever wash board -- the user sat on the mouse's back.

A contraption for writing scripture, which seems way more complex than it needed to be.

Some old teak instruments. Think they still work?

"Please take your seat." Okay!

Another ornately carved log...

...that's definitely not PG-13 if you look closely.

An army of elephants in the garden.

More giant teek roots. Again, kind of creepy!

Another Thai "totem pole".

One of the giant pavilions, as reflected across the pond.

Some bananas or 30?

Really quite a giant bunch of bamboo!

A little teak farm behind the museum.

And our friends the ducks again, haven't gone far since we passed them the first time.

They're curious to check out this stranger from the south!

Not interested in this person, though. She shows too much interest in them. They gotta act cool.

And off they go. Do they realize they can swim faster?

Wait, false alarm. Time to head back.

Back in town, we begin our temple tour.

This first temple is famous for its fat, happy Buddha.

Otherwise, it was just another temple in the middle of town.

A view of one of the town's central wet markets... covered, unfortunately for the photo.

Ahh... could buying limes be made any more difficult?

Ditto that for garlic.

And dried chilis, for that matter.

Cigars, anyone?

Another temple: Wat Phra Kaew, the original home to the emerald buddha (which is now housed at the Grand Palace in Bangkok).

This was probably the largest temple property in the city itself. Since the emerald buddha was moved to Bangkok, this temple was given a replacement.

Very ornate, and typical Lanna style.

Inside the first, ornate building are several buddha images, but not the replica emerald buddha.

There was a nice temple museum on the site.

Inside were lots of artifacts -- too plentiful to be on display elsewhere in the temple.

This buddha is made of Canadian jade.

Not sure what you call these long, kite-like hangings, but they're popular throughout northern Thailand.

The temple seems to raise turtles in a pond at the back.

This building in the rear is the one that houses the famed emerald buddha (replica).

Said emerald buddha (replica). You can get much closer to this one than you can to the one in Bangkok!

Enthusiastically gonging the gong.

Hmm. Do you think this place serves vegetarian food?

It was like eating lunch in someone's living room. Wait, it was someone's living room.

The shop owner did made-to-order, 100% vegetarian, dishes. Here, the stir-fried wide noodles.

And stir-fried basil with "beef" on rice. This dish was really good!

A peek into yet another temple, as we walk by.

Note the details of the monkeys supporting the elephant, who's supporting some other large two-footed creature.

A mosque peeks out from behind some shophouses. Let's go find it.

And here it is: Darun Aman Mosque, the largest Mosque in Chiang Rai.

Here's a colorful steamed bun shop, with lots of interesting fillings (pumpkin, sesame, corn and coconut, etc.)

The famous clock tower during the day (complete with touristy tuk tuk).

And the more underwhelming clock tower up the street, which hasn't won any accolades itself.

Another shop really likes to advertise its vegetarian cuisine.

After an exhausting day on the town, can't help but collapsing into a nap once returning.

Down at the pool for a late-afternoon swim.

Luckily, pool water's never too cool in Thailand.

Nice design and nice view for this pool.

The deck faces the river.

Not a shabby place to relax and read.

Writing some postcards, before I get too lazy about it.

Sunset over Chiang Rai (whose average elevation is 580m, apparently).

Tonight for dinner, a relaxing meal on the balcony. Not quite room service.

Dishes made freshly for us by our vegetarian lady earlier that afternoon. Too bad we didn't have a microwave in our room.

On Monday morning, another shot of one of the rain trees. Hopefully that tall foreigner gives you a sense of just how large the tree really is!

If only it were a little thicker, it'd make a perfect battle shield.

It was drizzling all morning.

Waiting out the downpour on the balcony, and following the Emmys online.

Beached whale! Getting in some laps before checking out.

Giving the rusty stroke its annual tune up.

And we're off to check out the temples that we haven't seen yet.

Here's Wat Jet Yod, famous for its seven-spired chedi.

It also has a rather large buddha.

This temple dog couldn't contain himself; the itchy back just got the better of him.

Ornate door at the entrance to the temple.

Have to say, the seven-spired chedi (the namesake of the temple) was a bit underwhelming.

And Wat Phra Singh. Can you read the text below?

This chedi is far more impressive than the one at the previous temple.

The entryway to the temple is very minimalist -- the Nagas have been replaced by a lotus-like spiral.

Dew on an assortment of lily pads.

Chiang Rai's train library! Every city worth its name has a train library.

Unfortunately, this one is closed on Mondays.

Lunch at yet another vegetarian restaurant. Starting to wonder if it's some kind of cult or something.

They still use pedicabs in Chiang Rai... but the drivers of most look to be as old as the tradition!

This street, just outside the town center, is lined with beautiful old trees that shade the sidewalks nicely from the sun.

Here's the subtle entrance to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, which sits on the top of a hill. You have to work to visit this temple.

The entrance is in need of a small touch-up.

But it's always protected by a family of hens and roosters.

The temple itself looks, well, just like all the others!

But this one has some handsome dogs guarding it. (Actually, she's a handsome female.)

The dogs know where it's coolest, even if it's with the buddha.

The temple did afford a nice view. (That's not a painting on the back wall of the hut!)

Between us and that mountain is... a golf course.

Giant lotuses hold reminders of that morning's rainstorm.

The site is also home to the City Pillar, which is home to the city spirit deity.

This site is also the belly button of the city.

Here's Overbrook Hospital, founded in 1903 by a missionary in Chiang Rai.

We found a nice little ice cream shop, with home made Thai-style ice cream and coffee.

We both tried the young coconut flavor, and used the break to see what we had left to see before departing.

Completing our unintentional tour of places of worship, here's a church.

The Chiang Rai First Church was built in 1914. Was it the first?

Hmm. Can we really buy our Christmas tickets here?

While killing time before our flight, we stop to put up our tired feet for half an hour.

Last dinner in Chiang Rai, back at the first vegetarian restaurant we found. (They'd managed to completely re-arrange their shop between our two visits.)

Back at the airport, this cut-out has some serious proportion issues.

The airport is still waiting for its first international departure... but when it happens, they'll be ready!

While waiting for our flight, testing out the new Ford Fiesta. Not bad.

Thai Airways' flight to Bangkok departs from the LH door. Air Asia's flight to Bangkok departs on the right. And ladies and gentlemen, that's it for the airport.

Bangkok Week 168

September 15, 2011

What an eventful Bangkok weekend!

Krispy Kreme opened in Bangkok one year ago this month. There's still a queue.

Zen and Central World are not making quite as much progress as Krispy Kreme.

Spotted in the Paragon food court: "KNOCKING ON THE AQUARIUM IS A CONSIDERABLE DISTURBANCE FOR RESIDENT FISH"

A giant Comic-Con fair in Bangkok -- a scene straight out of Big Bang Theory!

Everyone's taking photos of everyone else.

There's a Japanese Manga spin on most of these costumes.

Ahh! Overwhelming.

Even in the mall.

Uniqlo Bangkok! Opened on September 9th... to a huge queue, in true Bangkok fashion.

It keeps going...

... and going ...

...and going...

... aha! In a different section of the mall altogether.

Colorful Bangkok jam!

Bangkok Week 167

September 8, 2011

Low-key weekend in Bangkok.

Friday night dinner at Govinda, a famous vegetarian Italian place.

A cute atmosphere and fairly authentic, homestyle Italian food.

Spinach gnocchi with zucchini.

Freshly baked lasagne. Hot hot hot!

The mascot of Ayuttaya's campaign for Expo2020. Not quite himself yet.

Ahh, that's better. Hello, anyone in there?

Ayuttaya 2020! Where everyone is chubby and has goofy smiles.

Bangkok Week 166

September 1, 2011

Back in Trad for the weekend, for the annual memorial service to the grandparents. This year, it was held at home. What a fun village gathering!

The sleepy mop doesn't realize what a busy day she has ahead of her.

Mr. Lazy can muster enough energy for an enthusiastic greeting.

The ground floor of the house has been completely cleared for the monks.

Lots of salted fried fish queue up for their role in the ceremony.

Radioactive pickled limes... a special side-dish, apparently.

Some of the first people to arrive help by unpacking the dishes and preparing the easy food.

The world's largest rice cooker! She needs to use an entire plate to scoop out the rice!

Suddenly the mop awakens and is quite eager to say hello!

Quick tick check on Mr. Sleepy. He's not bothered.

The ordeal progresses in the kitchen. At least 10 identical sets of trays (one each for mains and desserts) were prepared.

The local grannies chat while waiting for the monks to arrive.

Only a fraction of the total spoons used.

Top's new store! It dwarfs THE store.

The kid who came spent most of his time with the dogs.

Resting before the commotion starts.

Preparations continue in the kitchen.

Outside the kitchen, a pineapple-chopping operation.

Each tray has its own new bottle of fish sauce.

The dessert trays -- stil missing one plate to be added later.

Still dishing out more food for the trays.

Operation almost complete! No room left to walk.

The offering for the grandparents.

The grandpas wait for the monks to arrive.

People are sitting and waiting outside the house, too.

The finished product. Enough food to feed a village! Lucky...

Back in the kitchen, the ladies start eating the leftovers while waiting for the monks to arrive.

To sit in this circle of grannies, you need a lace shirt!

The finished dessert trays, clockwise from top:

Raw/ boiled vegetables, intended to be eaten with spicy dip. Lots of leftovers didn't make it onto the trays!

Not sure if there will be enough food...

Some of the sweets.

Now that the monks arrive, the entire temple is at the house.

People pile into the living room. But many remain in the kitchen or outside in the front.

The overflow room.

After the chanting, the monks are given lunch first.

Now, people sit around waiting for the monks to eat. They have to finish by noon.

Just enjoying all the company.

At last, it's time for all the guests to eat. It's a real feast!

Now, it's the monks who are watching. Awkward?

The kitchen ladies are still in exactly the same spot.

Afterward, it's a lengthy clean-up process. Here, packing up the leftovers!

A 10-person dish washing operation. At least Top's new store is going to good use!

Back inside, we throw coins at the guests, who try to catch them for good luck.

The mop outside was yapping the entire time the monks were chanting!

Taking advantage of the mid-day sun, drying the dishes in the open air. Unfortunately, rain was in the forecast.

A mini-washing operation.

And the drying-and-packing operation, under the shelter of a roof.

After the ceremony at home, we go to a canal to release some fish and turtles for good luck.

I hope they like their new environment!

I think the turtles were in shock. I'd be!

Belated Mother's Day present: lacquered bamboo bowls.

Completely exhausted after the morning's to-do.

Top even has logos for his customers' cars. Good advertising!

Meticulous skill required to apply successfully.

Back inside, the two young ones burn off some evening energy.

Action shot! Look how she blends in with the bed.

Marouy's captured his prey!

And now he's got her pinned up against a dummy.

Anyone know what kind of flower this is???

Morning massage.

Time flies when you're having fun?

Bangkok Week 165

August 25, 2011

Bangkarta.

Indian tempura. Was excited for the okra... until I had the unfortunate realization that they're entire chili peppers!

A big celebratory dinner...

... for the newly-licensed driver!

Enough pizza to feed a whole DMV.

Overly ornate room at the Kempinski Jakarta.

Feels like an over-the-top living room?

With a perfect view of the largest shopping mall in Jakarta (and 10th largest building in the world).

Bangkok Week 164

August 18, 2011

An exciting 3-day weekend! Shangri-La Bangkok, the new BTS extension, and a trip back to my favorite trafficland. Okay, that last one wasn't over the weekend.

Needed to take photos around the office for my visa renewal. Here, my mailbox is proof of my employment.

A local mosque just outside the Shangri-La Bangkok, where we spent a night.

Approaching by foot gives a daunting impression!

The most basic room -- but what can you expect for free?

Thinking if we can move in permanently.

The view from our window -- of an old part of town with which we're not familiar. That's a famous church, apparently.

We did have a partial view of the river. Did you know it was so chocolately?

I could've sat there for hours watching the boats go by.

In the room, "exotic" Thai fruit... more nicely presented than those that we eat on a daily basis.

Happy. Can you tell we're using the DSLR?

Orchids in the lobby.

Believe it or not, this is a temple!

Tuk tuk? A hot spot to pick up tourists with big pockets.

The entrance to that temple a bit further on looks a little more traditional.

Some old city buildings, and the balconies of the hulking State Tower looming the background.

Local street dog hamming up the sad puppydog eyes.

Old orange building, slightly newer orange bus.

Assumption Cathedral is an old catholic church built by a French missionary in 1809.

There were some interesting wall sculptures framing the church's property.

The church was reconstructed in 1909, and repaired again after being damaged in WWII.

Pope John Paul II visited this church in May 1984.

I was using the macro lens, so only the iPhone could fit the whole church in the frame!

I'm running out of facts about this church now.

Looked nice inside, but we didn't go in. The 5:15 mass had already begun.

Another shot of the hulking state tower. It's apparently the biggest building in Southeast Asia (by useable floor space).

More buildings on the church property. Looks vaguely European.

A church cat. The Christian equivalent of all of Thailand's temple dogs?

The decorations on this temple look like place settings to me. I swear those are plates or bowls...

More traditional vs. European architecture in this interesting 'hood.

And two different versions of grandeur.

I wonder where they got their logo...

We tracked down a slightly odd vegan cafe, which had published a book of vegetarian eateries throughout Bangkok.

A bacon burger!

Fries-and-tofu scramble?

Vans at a department store -- perfect pairing for students at Sittha's high school! (http://bit.ly/rih7Hn)

At that same department store, you could also buy some more basic earthly essentials.

Moon-lit nighttime stroll by the poolside.

A nicely-lit hotel shuttle-boat whizzes by (probably more slowly than the camera makes it seem).

That hotel on the left is also part of Shangri-La! It's their more exclusive wing.

At 11:30pm, after our bathroom sprung a leak, we were moved to a posher room with a balcony!

The 4-car BTS train speeds by in the night.

The next morning, breakfast diners enjoy their coffees overlooking the chocolate river.

Would you like a longtail boat with your hot chocolate, sir?

We had a river view for our breakfast, too!

A hip new condo, aptly called The River, is one of the hotter properties in town.

The river is a barge expressway all day. I still wonder what kind of engine they have in these cute little tug boats!

They forgot to load this barge?

A quick dip in the pool before checking out.

They make up beach chairs and put up umbrellas for you.

To swim with the hair up, or the hair down. That is the question.

Hair down wins!

You almost forget that you're right in the middle of Bangkok.

Classy lunch on our way back to the BTS.

The next day -- riding the Sukhumvit line extension! 5 new stations beyond On Nut (the former terminal) are now in service.

Excited? Just a little.

The line now goes so far that you pass areas of Bangkok that have not yet seen the development boom.

Four new stations on the way to the end: Bang Chak, Punnawithi, Udom Suk and Bang Na. All have TVs and fully-enclosed roofs.

You pass through the middle of a convoluted set of flyovers and highways.

And finally get to Bearing. Bear-what?

This is pretty much all that's out there. But you can imagine how different it will look in 10 years!

Lots of people wait at the base of the station, to continue their journey by more traditional means of transportation.

Umm.... where are we exactly?

Hey, we found the edge of Bangkok! And that's about all we found...

And the end of the now 46.5 km route.

On my way to work one morning, I passed a tuk tuk full of jackfruit, who were also apparently on their way to work.

And on a rainy Tuesday night, we passed the king of all snails in our driveway!

You don't see snails like this in New Jersey!

Back in my fave city of Jakarta on Independence Day. I thought the traffic would've been better than usual on the big holiday -- but boy was I wrong!

Bangkok Week 163

August 11, 2011

Another full week in Bangkok. Whoo!

If I hadn't just bought new running shoes in Toronto, I would get this pair in an instant.

Saturday mall-hopping.

Just another Paragon shopper...?

It's really not clear who these people are or where they came from. Even the shop workers (in the background) are intrigued.

Finally! I found a Croc that fits!

A happy-go-lucky bus headed to Hualampong.

This is hands-down the best dessert I've had in years. (Called Shibua Honey Toast -- all the rage in Bangkok.)

Bangkok Week 162

August 4, 2011

What? Back in Jakarta? How did that happen?

Can you guess where this is?

It's the waiting room of Bumrungrad Hospital -- where I went for my work permit medical certificate. Food for all.

Saturday night showing of Harry Potter 7 part 2. And free popcorn to boot.

Colorful, exotic vegetables at a special weekend market.

Back at home at Mandarin Oriental Jakarta. Two dessert plates in the room -- one a Ramadan special.

Steamy coffee!

Bangkok Week 161

July 28, 2011

Beautiful views, good foods.

Two street dog brothers don't know how to react to the offer of free breakfast.

Special Friday night dinner at what's considered Bangkok's best Indian -- with a top-notch view, too.

It's on the top floor of a hotel -- and they serve water out of 5-lb goblets!

The dishes are fairly unique; but it's worth going just for the naan!

And a complimentary dessert served in Dumbledore's Pensieve.

Beautiful view over Bangkok on a clear Friday night.

I can see the appeal of a high-rise condo.

Whoever sold this lady these pants should be fined for enabling a public offense.

The renovated shophouses in Ari look pretty nice -- can't wait till the shops are all open.

The centerpiece of a table at a cafe.

Bangkok Week 160

July 21, 2011

A busy week in Bangkok -- so not so many photos!

Egg tarts from Bangkok's famous dessert chain -- Kanom.

Salad-on-pizza. I recall having something like this in Tokyo.

Hmm. Too many pizzas for two?

Bangkok Week 159

July 14, 2011

A Bangkok weekend, and a Kalimantan week.

The fancy screw drivers required to take apart a Macbook!

Surgically dissecting the computer to replace the hard drive.

A small exhibit at Paragon.

View from the hotel in Balikpapan -- right on the sea.

Ships waiting just off shore.

A view of the city of Samarinda from a bridge.

And flying back to Jakarta from Balikpapan -- you can exit straight from Garuda's lounge onto the tarmac!

Self-serve boarding. Young fleet!