{{ March 9th Jakarta Indonesia - Along the canal

Not far from my hotel is an ancient canal. Somewhat neglected with polluted water it provided an interesting walk...with hidden beauty.

A surprising number of butterflies...

A clean up crew...

A ferry...

Flowers and plants along the bank...

And the sellers...

And this afternoon off to Jogjakarta

{{ March 8th Jakarta Indonesia

Well after a somewhat long day travelling...flight delay...currency fiasco I finally arrived at my hotel in Jakarta. Today sightseeing. Tomorrow I fly to Jogyakarta. Jakarta is on the northwest coast of the island of Java. With around 10 million people...perhaps the largest city I have ever been too. My hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport and cost me 250,000 rupiah ($C24) but in reality $34 because of the very bad rate I received at the airport currency counter in Bangkok. The hotel...

And some of the scenes in Jakarta

Felines and Flowers...

The people I encountered were for the most part camera shy but there were a few...

And this fellow tapping into a power source not quite legal

And then a great meal on the waterfront...

{{ March 6th Bangkok Thailand

The A day in Lumphini Park, Bangkok. This was perhaps my 4th visit to this large oasis in the midst of the crowded city. Used my many, favoured by most and home to many birds, animals and plants.

😊...the birds

Eastern Jungle Crow

white Heron

😊...flowers and trees

😀...the views

😊...and the most famous residents ... Water Monitor Lizards

😊...the security guard and his pet squirrels

{{ March 3rd Pattaya

Construction of cement roadway ... Thai style...

Flowers again ....

Today is Buddha Day (Makha Bucha). Many places closed for the day so decided to go to Buddha Hill which has an enormous golden statue looking down over Pattaya and Chonburi. My friend Noom is down from Bangkok to accompany me back to Bangkok before I fly to Jakarta Indonesia. Noom, being religious relished the opportunity to visit yet another temple.

Only in Thailand. The following pic is of a skyscraper condo development now suspended in construction. The reason for suspension? It was going to exceed the height of the golden statue Buddha on Buddha Hill. I was told people who had paid upwards of 2,000,000 baht (C$78,500) were told a clause in their condo agreement stipulated their deposit was lost if a government decreed construction must be halted. In limbo for who knows how long or lost?

{{ March 1st Pattaya and Thailand

 The Thai Lottery...

TheThai Lottery is on The 1st and 16th of every month. Price starting at 100 baht and more if purchased from one of the thousands of street sellers. Top prize is 4,000,000 baht (C$79,150). 

If you are lucky enough to win a large amount you must have a Thai national cash it in as the winner must be Thai I am told. Smaller amounts may be cashed by anyone.

Monks attending a remembrance ceremony of my condo building's owners death 7 years ago. After the monks eat then invited guests may partake.

This one's for you Moon...

Faces in the crowd...yours truly with lady from Magic Show ...the look from watch salesman...lady boy after caberet show ... Navy guy

And for something completely different for here ...RAIN ... A downpour lashing about 20 minutes worth... One of only 2 times it's rained since I have been here...

And this one's for you Frank F ... Still indulging once per week...