The Bug Wagon

Epicurean delights. Suitably named, this wagon contains insect snacks and other assorted delights. Very popular with those from northern Thailand or Isan, I noticed meal worms, frogs, crickets, grasshoppers and cockroaches. Afraid to try myself, I'm told all you taste is the oil. Snack anyone?

Chinese New Year

Today was Chinese New Year's Eve. Firecrackers awakened us all today. Thailand seems to celebrate all worldwide holidays. Any excuse to party! Chinese New Year is widely celebrated as there are many Thai-Chinese and ethnic Chinese in Thailand. According to the Bangkok Post each Thai spends 3600 baht ($110) on offerings for departed ancestors. Some of these can be quite elaborate. As you can see in the pictures that follow, food and drink predominate. Some even include alcohol.

Him Ma Pan Restaurant - Pattaya

I went to this restaurant on a recommendation from a friend. Even though I went for a late breakfast, the food was superb. The restaurant is constructed from shipping containers. Another unique aspect is organically grown veggies grown in an on-premises hydroponic garden. I had a basic eggs with hashbrowns and bacon with a great salad and homemade dressing ... All for $4

A note on the political situation in Thailand

Thailand, as you may know is in the midst of a political upheaval. We have the pro government (red shirts) and the yellow shirts (pro change who want the Prime Minister out). Does it affect me? Yes and I prudently don't want to take sides. Already tourism is affected. Flights have been cancelled. Bangkok is quiet without tourists. Where I am now in Pattaya I can see little difference. I hope it stays that way. Bangkok is unavoidable as I must go there for my flight to Vietnam on February 26th and again towards the end of March. I include a photo of various yellow shirt items ....

Pattaya Floating Market and Mimosa

Today, rather than going to the beach as usual, my friend Noom came up from Bangkok. We went to Pattaya Floating Market and Mimosa - a cross between a Thailand amusement park, bazaar and zoo.

Pictures follow....

Pattaya Floating Market

Food vendors in boats

Flowers and animals ...

Mimosa

Animals

Mimosa scenes

And the food

Pattaya at night ...

How do you describe Pattaya? Relatively close to Bangkok. Fun city. Las Vegas without the gambling. Beaches and resorts. Condos everywhere. Motorbikes everywhere. Great night life.

I went to a good seafood restaurant right on the water and enjoyed the seafood platter. Afterwards wandered around "walking street". Here are a few shots.

Pattaya ...

Well, I have been in Pattaya for 2 days now. Two days of relaxing at the beach so not much photo activity. I have included a few pictures of the area and promise more to follow.

Many here are following the ongoing situation in Bangkok. It seems to have affected somewhat the amount of tourists here. This normally is the peak of high season and it is definitely quieter. Many flights into Bangkok have already been cancelled however, most here think after the situation deteriorates the army will step in and restore order. After that everything will be back to normal - we hope.

The story behind the face ...

On this trip I have met a few Thais and had the opportunity to photograph many of them. Thais generally do not want their photo taken, I have been told but I gave experienced little of this. When travelling, I always watch people. Too many interesting stories I am sure, but you only can only imagine what they are by their faces. 

This elderly Karen woman smoking a pipe I am sure has an interesting story ...

This man selling handmade Christmas ornaments of incredible detail told me he spends 3 hours on each and 3 days on the larger size. He sells the small ones for $3 and the larger for $10. On top of this he must assemble and dismantle his display daily. On Sundays he moves the whole thing to walking street. He told me as well, he enjoys his life and considers himself blessed.

The third is the guys selling ice cream treats in a way they devised themselves. They take a coconut shell, include ice cream, coconut slices, peanuts and slivers of candied mango. Even though it takes only a couple of minutes to prepare, they spend hours working on the preparation each day.  Yes, I tried one. $3 each and delicious.

Waterfall Tour - Karen Hill Tribe - The Top of Thailand

On this the last day in Chiang Mai my friend Noom negotiated a tour of 2 waterfalls, the Karen hill tribe, the highest point in Thailand and Doi Inthanon National Park. Waterfalls were Ok, the Karen tribe were different than before and the climb to the top of Thailand was very different. The temperature on top was 15C and everyone thought it was frigid. I of course told them the usual joke that in Canada this was HOT!