triangles, opium and rubies

March 29, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ 2 Comments

I am leaping ahead a little, but as it’s my blog I make the rules. Fast forward from Ko Samui to a couple of hours north of Chiang Rai. We are staying in a community owned lodge called Lanjia. It is well off the beaten track, and utterly beautiful. There are four bamboo lodges each with two double beds.

These are no ordinary double beds. For those of you who have read Heidi, cast your mind back to the moment when Heidi’s grandfather makes up her bed for the first time. For the rest of you, imagine a down mattress, a light down duvet and down pillows. Sorry geese, but your feather sacrifice was worth it I promise you.

We are about an hour from the Golden Triangle where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet, and where opium grows like nobody knows …

We have a car. We always hire a car when we travel, it’s the only way to get around and see what you want to see when you want to. You can hire a guide but we have found that with good books, good internet research and a map (or good old google maps – see my earlier post!) you can find pretty much anything you want (well apart from the Mae Chan Winery – but that is a whole other story).

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The Golden Triangle is a tourist centre, but beguiling nonetheless. I can only assume that until Laos became communist free and Burma became more democratic it must have been a no go area. It would be easy even for me to swim across the borders.

Thailand on the left, Burma the spit in the middle, Laos on the left.

Even young novice monks go on tourist trips, these three must have been about 13 years old at most.

There were Buddhas

And Hindu Gods

We left the Golden Triangle and went to visit the Opium Hall. Not what you are thinking, it is the most amazing museum set up by the Princess Mother to educate people about the perils of Opium. It is a striking building and excellent museum, with interactive displays, videos and well produced information and videos. It begins with the history of opium, the development of the East India Company and the opium trade cycles the opium wars that resulted the free use of opium and cocaine during the nineteenth century (where do you think Coca Cola gets its name?) and concludes with the herion trade and problems of addiction today. It is one of the best museums I have ever been too and if you make it up here you must visit it. There are no pictures because none are allowed, but here is a link to the tripadvisor page for more information.

We finally headed up to the Burma border at Mae Sai.

We didn’t cross over as the Volunteer has only a single exit visa and is off to Cambodia and Vietnam after we leave, but we went for a fascinating walk through the huge market that lines the street towards the border.

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Fish

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Squid kebabs. And gemstones, lots and lots of gemstones, particularly rubies, pearls, silver, gold you name it you could buy it. Not sure of the provenance mind you! Meanwhile the main road was packed with cars, songtaks and scooters heading across the border in both directions.

Love Gillie x

the big buddha and the mummified monk

March 26, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ Leave a comment

Thank God for Google maps. Usually we are good to go with a proper map before we even leave the UK but for some reason we completely forgot to order a Ko Samui or Chiang Rai/Mai map before we left so on arrival at Sea Dance we picked up a map in reception. A pirate map….. to be fair it did show the major sights one might want to see, but the routes to reach them were overlaid with “oo ah me hearties” lots of treasure chests and a goodly amount of parrots and one legged men. No I have no idea either, but either way it was up there with the chocolate fireguard.

Naively I let the Boss drive off without checking where he was heading. He has many talents and gifts, a sense of direction is not one of them. Seriously, how many people have to ask their wife where the kids’ school is? So as we approached Chaeweng I knew we were in trouble, we wanted to go north, Chaeweng was south. Also the main drag in Chaeweng is one way so when the Boss tried to turn around…. well you get the picture. At this point it was also clear that any comment about in which direction we should be heading and how to get there may have led to an expensive and messy divorce case.

So back to Google Maps. It may not be appropriate for the wife to correct the husband, but Google Maps is allowed to. As a result we did make it to the Big Buddha still married.

The Big Buddha is big. Very big and quite impressive. Although in the mid morning heat, walking up the steps to get up close and personal to the Big Buddha is also quite impressive. Not least because I had forgotten my scarf and was wearing a strappy dress so had to cover my shoulder with a thick woollen number borrowed from the temple. I was very hot and bothered. Note to self. Leave scarf in car at all times.

I was surprised how many people went into the temple in short shorts. It’s not hard to borrow a gown, they had plenty to borrow for free (in Bangkok you had to hire them). It’s common courtesy and it’s not as if there were not plenty of signs asking people not to enter inappropriately dressed.

Once you have visited the temple there is little else to detain you. There are plenty of little shops selling clothes, ice-cream and knick-knacks, not over-priced but nothing you couldn’t buy anywhere else if the desire for a tie die dress overwhelms you.

So we headed on to Wat Khunarum. This temple is particularly famous for its mummified monk. Somehow I couldn’t bring myself to take a photograph of him so if you would like to see him, have a look and read his story here. If you are interested in the possibilities of deep meditation, particularly the concept of meditation at death and beyond then google “tukdam” .

Before you leave go to the gong to the left of the monk. If you can make it sing it is supposed to bring you good luck. It is a little like making a singing bowl sing, it is all in the angle and the pressure. There is a bucket of water. I found a wet hand and a little earth on your palm hit the spot.

Should you wish, there is, as in almost all temples, a monk who will bless you. It is a rather lovely and peaceful place. Not a lot to see, but a lot to feel.

Love Gillie

a train, a parade and a ferry

March 25, 2017March 25, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ 1 Comment

From markets to sleeper trains. On the Sunday evening we headed back to Hualumphong to wait for our sleeper. Despite all the street food we had eaten at JJ we were all still ravenous so we took it in turns to look for a bite to eat that looked a little more appetising than that on offer at the station food court.

The Boss and I found a lovely street cafe, a few chairs and a small stall. A selection of pork, rice, half a hard-boiled egg and endless iced tea. The girls went in the other direction and found an apparently excellent noodle bar. All in all the food choices around the market are not great. There are several stalls selling fruit bags, banana rice and waffles and we later found a small noodle bar by the station itself but that was about it. To be fair it was a Sunday and we were in the middle of the business district and there did seem to be more on offer when we were there on Thursday but if you have time to kill and an appetite, eat before you arrive.

On the subject of food. We were in first class, which costs only a little more than second but sells out very fast. Tickets go on sale 3 months before departure so if you know your itinerary, book asap. In first they offer you food. Don’t bother. We got caught out by a steward offering us glasses of orange juice before we departed. How lovely we thought – how pricey we thought when we were offered the bill. We made the mistake of ordering breakfast and went for the sandwiches. The Thais like sugar. I have never tasted sweet mayonnaise before. Suffice to say one mouthful was enough. Apparently the fruit juice that came with it was even sweeter.

Fortunately we had stocked up beforehand with fruit bags, banana rice, seaweed (me only!) cremos (the girls – exactly like oreos but half the price), dried fruit and nuts. I suggest you do the same. There is a small store in the station and two 7/11 stores about 5 minutes walk away via the metro subway.

We had a connecting cabin with the girls – who insisted it was kept closed! The steward came to make up the beds around 8.30. They were excellent, larger and more comfortable than the Highland sleeper and the top bunk has a barrier put up so no falling off in the night.

A word about the air con. It is wonderful – but VERY powerful (apparently the top bunk is warmer – I’m having that one next time). We never found the controls so I had rather an icy night, however the girls worked out they were controlled manually on each air vent. Failing that bag the top bunk and let the cold air sink to the person in the bunk below!

We were woken with the aforementioned breakfast and a welcome cup of tea at 6am and pulled into Surat Thani at about 7am. Pretty much on time.

All very efficient, our ferry vouchers were exchanged for tickets. The Boss and the chap in charge of the buses to the ferry waxed lyrical over Phuket and Ko Samui 30 years ago and I went to investigate the parade.

This was one of the smartest parades I had seen for a long time, albeit with a rather incongruous bride like young woman at the front. Apparently it was National Health Day and health workers across Thailand were parading and being appreciated. Perhaps something the NHS should think about, it needs some love.

The bus ride from Surat Thani to the ferry is a lot longer than any of us expected – at least an hour, an hour and 15 minutes. But the bus is air conditioned – even if some of the signs are redundant. There are no seat belts!

We took the catamaran to Ko Samui, which is a lot faster than the regular ferry. If you manage to blag a seat on the top deck (where the views are amazing) do take lots of sun cream in your hand luggage, all cases (though not back packs) are put in the hold. Failing that there is a very pleasant air-conditioned room downstairs.

On arrival it is mayhem. We had a hire car ordered so it was a bit easier for us. There are hotel pick ups, taxi touts, everyone!

On the car hire front we were recommended to take photographs of all the scratches and dents on the car even if they had been written down. Just in case!

Then off to Sea Dance.

The roads are good until you turn off the main drag. Turnings can be very small and what you think is a dirt track may well be your road so keep your eyes open.

The oasis that awaited was stunning. We had a two roomed hut with private pool.

The main pool was pretty stunning too.

The food outstanding (more about our cookery lesson later). We were hungry. Margarita and lunch.

This is breakfast. I usually start with yoghurt and fruit salad.

The Boss prefers honey on his. My favourite juices are watermelon or carrot but there are all the usual suspects. I usually follow with dim sum and banana pancakes, I know, but it’s my breakfast and I like it. However if you feel the urge, there is pad Thai, Tom Gha, bacon, sausages, eggs cooked to order…

And endless pastries, croissants, toast and home-made preserves all in an airy dining room with a stunning view.

But most important the staff, they are out of this world, nothing is too much and they are friendly and helpful and just gorgeous. Faith is a star and can organise anything, I am sure she could arrange for Pink Floyd to play at dinner if we asked nicely enough!

Love Gillie

in which we shop till we drop and buy almost nothing

March 23, 2017March 23, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ Leave a comment

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If I could say only one word about shopping in Bangkok it would have to be JJ (Chattachuk) market. The Volunteer has waxed lyrical about Monday markets, floating markets and night markets. But the one that comes up time and time again is JJ Market. It is the largest market in Thailand and covers over 27 acres. Believe me that is one heck of a market.

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It sells everything, and I do mean everything. It has its dark side and on the advice of the volunteer we did not go into the pet section. Even walking past the apparently mild outside my heart and stomach were sick to see huge fish in tiny bags and turtles and mice piled high in boxes.

There were also some seriously scary mannequins.

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However, the rest of the market was fascinating. It is divided into sections so in theory you can find what you want. But over 27 acres of “sections” still makes it extremely easy to get lost, several times! With the help of the volunteer and a couple of online language apps I have learned some basic Thai and “mai ao kaa” is a polite and handy way to ensure you don’t get hassled (literally “I don’t take”)

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The Boss and I had foot and shoulder massage. Now I like a hard and brutal massage, I can’t be doing with namby pamby gentle wafting of the hands. I have had some deep and hard massages in my time, but boy did this little Thai lady get deep and strong on my poor western muscles. Great but not for the fainthearted or those with low pain thresholds.

My favourite section, was the food one! We had some sumptuous spring rolls from the stall that the Volunteer recommended.

But every stall was piled high.

There is little you cannot buy and the Volunteer arrived with a shopping list, memory bank, charging cable, t-shirts and flip flops. But whether you wanted a new teak sofa, a beach dress, more craft items than Hobbycraft has even dreamed of, or a working antique telephone I found them all at JJ.

It’s easy to get to by BTS (Mo Chit and follow the crowds) or metro (Chattachuk Park). I don’t recommend taxi or tuk tuk. The traffic makes rush hour in Naples look like a country lane. Go early whilst it is relatively (and I use the term carefully!) quiet but more importantly not so hot. Midday at JJ is crowded and very hot. There are plenty of places to sit and eat snacks and lots of “refreshment stations” but precious few where you can sit down and just have a drink. There is one lovely exception. Head to section 7 (the 7 sign at the end of the long street closest to the stations) facing the 7 sign turn left and you will see a little rest area just at the entrance to the home decor and art section. We left my husband there whilst we went for a wander and came back an hour or so later to find him deep in conversations with his new friend Saul from Singapore whose wife was also shopping. This was his third visit during this trip!

Enjoy!

Love Gillie x

boats, temples and cocktails

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ Leave a comment

The plan was to get up early and head off to JJ Market. The Boss and I woke at 8am but still rather jet lagged decided to have a little more snooze. The girls had been out for cocktails – we discovered the note when we got up. Which was a long time before they got up! Poor old PT Volunteer has hardly touched any alcohol for six months. She was a little the worse for wear!

Eventually we made it to the pier to get the hop on off ferry down the river. PT Volunteer was not keen on the boat plan and got little sympathy from her sister (something to do with an incident whilst interailing and “just deserts”!).

First stop was Wat Arun. Golden Buddhas and exquisite mosaics.

We were stopped by two young students who asked if we would take a short survey for a school project. When asked how we would sum up Thailand in one word we both answered in unison “friendly” which just about says it all. I have traveled a lot, both back packing, luxury and everything in between and I am hard pressed to think of a single country which exudes welcome and friendliness so much.

We crossed over to the other side of the river with a view to visiting the Grand Palace but we had left it rather late and instead decided to take a long tail boat through the canals of Old Bangkok. Hearing the news that she had another hour in a boat the PT volunteer began to pale visibly. Again her sister failed to weep with sympathy.

It was a fascinating water stroll through the back streets of Bangkok.

Quick dash back to our apartment to change and a tuk tuk over to the other side of town for dinner with the PT Volunteer’s partner’s family who are also over visiting and two other volunteers who were over from Isaan en route to their own holidays. Never has so much noise been made and so much food been eaten by only nine people. We still managed to make room for a couple of cocktails at Cloud 47.

Tomorrow we WILL be up early for JJ!

Love Gillie x

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in which the geographer gets lost

March 18, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ Leave a comment

I learned a new trick this week – how to get the seats with extra legroom when flying cattle.

Emirates, and I presume most other airlines, keep back the bulkhead and emergency exit seats when booking online. However, if you arrive early at baggage drop and ask if you can be moved – hey presto! So from Newcastle to Dubai we had bulkhead seats and from Dubai to Bangkok we faced the emergency exit and could stretch our legs practically into the next cabin. Thank me later.

So we arrived, tired bu in one piece. We found our hotel. Which is more than the PT volunteer, Geography student daughter did. Our hotel is at 73 Sukhumvit 13. The Geographer took the skyrail to the bottom of Sukhumvit 13 and rang us to ask where we were (more about the phone later). At that point the Boss and I had left sleeping daughter at the hotel and were having a cold drink in a bar opposite a building site on what I later learned was Sukhumvit 11. I described the building site but we decided our cranes were not the same ones (it later transpired they were). So I gave the Geographer our hotel adress (again) and she decided to get a taxi. An hour or so later she rang again, describing her surroundings it did not sound as if she was anywhere near us. “Where did you get the taxi to take you?” I asked. “13 Sukhumvit 73” she replied. This, I remind you is the girl who is going to read Geography next year!

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She made it at last and yesterday she took us out to visit her school and meet her colleagues. The train was interesting. We were a feature of interest. Some Europeans do take the train to visit Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand,. But very few venture further to Tha Rua!

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We were taken out to lunch by Bea’s colleagues to a wonderful fish restaurant.

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I don’t think I have eaten so well and so much in a long time (though we managed another massive meal that evening at a streetfood cafe!). And then a quick visit to her school and new home.

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It was lovely to see both how happy she was and how much her colleague and pupils loved her.

Oh and the phone? I got a mysterious call on Thursday afternoon from an unknown Thai number. It took several attempts for a connection to be made – it was the Geographer. She had left her English phone at Tha Rua station and was using her Thai phone! Fortunately her fellow volunteer picked it up later in the day and it will make its way back to its owner this evening. For how long however remains to be seen!

Love Gillie x

packing light

March 14, 2017 ~ Gillie ~ 1 Comment

“Is 11 dresses too many?” Eighteen year old daughter packing for a fortnight in Thailand. I’m going for three weeks and only have two dresses! Extreme measures needed to be taken. “But they’re so pretty …” Reader, I took her in hand and culled about 70% of her proposed packing. Heaven knows how she is going to cope traveling through California in the summer with only a backpack!

When I accompanied the Boss on his lecture tour of Australia three years ago I managed to curtail my packing to this. This time we are going to Thailand for three weeks, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. I reckon I have managed a reasonably decent pack. Here is the suitcase with just the clothes in it.

1 pair of cargo trousers that convert to bermuda shorts
1 pair of loose palazzoish trousers
1 pair 3/4 length leggings
1 jersey maxi skirt
1 jersey maxi sundress
1 short sleeved dress
4 tee shirts
1 light long sleeved top
1 long light scarf
1 pair birkenstocks
1 pair vivo barefoot shoes
1 pair flat comfy but smart sandals
Swimsuit and Turkish lightweight towel

Once again I have stuck to my blue and white theme (the same one I used in Australia but different clothes!)

I was feeling remarkably proud of myself until I then had to put in all the other bits and bobs, portable bbq and bamboo cutlery, knitting (well of course!) and then all the requests from the daughter in Thailand. Custard powder was non-negotiable. At least most of this I can leave behind with her. Which is essential as I am planning on a little silk shopping!

It is always easier to pack light for a trip to a hot climate, but I reckon, that had I wanted to go hand luggage only and didn’t have to take half of Sainbury’s with me I could have managed it with ease.

Love Gillie x