Same, Same only different

When we made the decision to move here to Koh Lanta Yai, we really made an effort to see all of our family and closest friends in person to let them know what we were thinking and to get some much valued opinions. Some had to be done by telephone just because of distant but mostly we saw everyone. We went to Campbell River to tell my oldest brother what we were up to. He's done his fair share of travelling, in his younger days, and now has chosen to work with young lads who have really not been given the best starts in life. My brother said to me, ' Everywhere you go it will be the same. People trying to make the best of the lives that have been handed to them. Kids go to school or not, parents work or not, the food is generally made from what is grown in the area you are in. It will be the same - just different.' Of course that is a saying you hear over and over here in Thailand - 'same, same but different'. It is very true - there are things you see that don't look quite right but you know what they mean. And then there are the things you have no clue about - driving etiquette is one that comes to mind!



 

and we're pretty sure we know what this means!

 

We all see these and know what they mean!

This is either 100% behind the military or wear a helmut 100%

The market is a fun place. We love to go and pick up our fresh fruit and vegetables. We have discovered that you cannot plan a dinner and then go and get what you want. You need to go to the market - twice a week - see what there is and then plan what you are going to have. We eat out maybe twice a week as I am quite enjoying cooking up a little somethin' somethin' here at home. Ed has put together a BBQ and he uses coal to cook our meat and fish over. We don't have an oven in the apartment but there is one in the Villa for our use. But back to the market. Imagine a Kodak shop, a couple of dress shops, souvenir shop all crammed into maybe a half block. Then add a fresh fruit market, a couple of restaurants, maybe a 7-11 still within that space! You get the idea?? Not quite the same !

Footwear.....

Bedding department...

and the crunchy bug department - maybe a little chocolate?? NOT

We also have found that fish farming is quite popular here. Tourists can go catch their own if they wish or buy from the fresh food markets. Same holds true for shrimp, prawns etc.

 

Rudimentary put very effect!

The last thing that seems same, same to me is the resemblance of Old Town Lanta to Imperial Lane. This in particular reminds me of coming down the harbour in Ucluelet and seeing all the houses still with pilings underneath them. Very reminiscent of home!


Old Town Lanta from Pier

Oh and one other thing - unfortunately - beach debris!! The baine of my existence!!!! Didn't think I'd see these for awhile. But I guess they are everywhere :(



They are at least being used to float walk ways and such.

Well it's nice to have the computer back and almost working well. Next post shouldn't be too long!  Until then remember us here in Thailand living on the edge!




Sharing in the Culture!

I think we all have these fantasies of living in a different country. Certainly there are the questions - How will I communicate? Will we be the only farang (didn't know that term until we got here!)? Are we going to stick out like Pat's chopped finger at the fireman's party? How will we make out with the food? What about accommodation? The list goes on and on. It's still going on. What's making that noise? Sounds like something eating the monkeys - oh it is the monkeys - turf wars. They're cute but I don't think I want to encounter one on the way to the mail box or the pool. Although we have jungle behind us and jungle in front of us they don't get to close. I think we smell bad.



Monkey, Monkey up the tree, I see you - do you see me?
 

So aside from celebrating my birthday for the first time in Koh Lanta, which was soooo much fun! Good people, good food and super birthday cake - thank you Darlin'! The November full moon brings the festival Loy Katong or Loi Kathong (I've seen it both ways). You either build or buy, which is what we did, a little boat made of banana leaves or a coconut shell with flowers, incense and a candle inside. Once it gets dark you light the incense and candle then set those boats afloat. You are supposed to put a piece of yourself in the boat (in my case I plucked a few of my many white hairs). "The act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot." How appropriate for us.The whole of Old Town was just a bustling. As was the rest of Thailand. This is big! Bangkok apparently had quite the fireworks display. There was a Ukee Days size parade (well maybe smaller but with more pomp, a little more colour).

This was filled with boats.

 

 

Each hotel had an entry.

It was all very pretty and colourful!!

 

The sky kept changing into all these different colours and at one point there was a rainbow over the ocean where the locals were putting their boats in. For us we went to a restaurant for Thai Tapas and for me in particular there were the most delicious ginger margaritas! Maybe too delicious! And I said I wasn't going to drink because of the drinking at my birthday the night before. Ha ha ha - what happens to people when they are in a different country?

So beautiful - later we watched a lightening storm over the islands.
 

It was so much fun - we met people from Poland, Italy, England, Thailand, France and this goes right back to one of my questions - how will we communicate. Sign language, actions, some Thai a little of this, a little of that. It's amazing actually how many foreign words I have picked up over the years. I even understood a little of the Polish as my mother used to speak it fluently as a child and then some when I was small. Funny, I didn't think I was paying attention to her. I've always thought you should at least be able to say 'please' and 'thank you' in whatever country you are in and I am glad I have paid attention. My Thai is expanding slowly - add something new at least once a week if not twice. The Thai people smile and correct me. Which is so great.

I had my first Thai massage. Thought I would start with just a back, oil massage to get into the whole thing and it was nice, really really nice- but suddenly the massage women put her hands on one side of my back and the next thing I knew I was being contorted into all kinds of different positions. She had her legs pulling my arms one way and her hands/arms pulling my legs another. Thank goodness for Yoga!! You need to be bendy. I was in bow position, a semi plank using her to rest my shoulder on. She actually walked up my back on her knees and when she got hold of my poor bursitis infected left hip well - that will never do! Some one else was called over, much discussion took place between them. "How long did I have the pain" - me "too long!" Must get rid of the pain - yikes! This is bursitis. I've been told that I will be living with pain for the rest of my life! No more cortisone shots for me - been to that well too many times. The work began with many 'sorry, sorry Madame", and I've got to say I felt so good afterwards - and yes I am going back. They have some treatment for the hip pain. We will see! Sigh wouldn't it be wonderful! Pain free...........

Thank you again to all of you for the many, many birthday wishes - I felt/feel truly blessed and loved.



Cheers!



Bugs and Bikinis!

It's not often you expect to hear those two words in one sentence, but let me tell you, here in Thailand they actually do go hand in hand! After only two weeks, I do not blink an eye when a Gecko goes running across the roof or wall. Mind you I like them and they do make cute noises. Ants that's another biggy - they march in a line and mores the pity to you (meaning a bug) if you are in their way. Watched them take care of a poor dead Gecko - Ed came along and sprayed the sh*t out of them! He really likes this stuff called Baygon. It makes lots of things Be-gone! We have also gotten used to shooing flies off the produce and meat in the markets, after all you can wash everything once you get home and then it gets cooked so we're going with anything they may leave behind will either get washed away or cooked (possibly additional protein). Never thought I would hear myself say that!

Love the spots on this one!

This one actually enjoyed being on it's back, not to keen when I flipped it over.

 

Large moth - about four inches across.

The other bugs I like are the ones that are really good at camouflage. They catch me every time! Think it's a leaf and try to brush it away and then fuff - it flies into your face. Or you almost step on them. That would just be sad - poor thing just doing it's job and squish. There are any amount of new bugs and we generally see something different every day! Like yesterday morning for instance. Having coffee in our sitting room and Ed kept looking at something on the floor. Finally he went over and it turned out to be a snake! Now that was  just too much excitement for us. The thing (14" long), green and yellow checkered pattern just did not want to go into the dust bin.  I was jumping from chair to chair to get the window open, Ed was trying so hard to sweep it up (quick little bugger!) without hurting it. Finally Ed got a good grip between the dust bin and the broom and it got flung out the window. Interesting factoid about golden tree snakes, they can climb up walls (and trees) then they flatten themselves out and create a hollow in their underbellies. Then they 'fly' after prey on the ground. Now really - how do you deal with something like that! They will bite, and they will grow to about 4.5', but the venom will not kill a human. Also good to know! They will kill small rodents and lizards. We haven't quite figured out what the rodents here are and are not sure we want to either.

 

Which brings me to the bikini. The connection is that you are forever knocking little flies and mosquitos off of your arms and legs. A bikini was not something I was thinking about as I am about to turn 58 and never thought the word bikini would enter my vocabulary after about the age of 28. So there's been a 30 year hiatus from wearing one. But again here in Thailand it just makes sense! Put on the bikini, drop a dress over your head and, as our Natalie would say, voila! you are ready to swim anytime, anywhere. Don't even need a towel really. Just fling the dress on the beach or poolside, jump in, swim and then drop the dress over the head again. Bikini dries in no time. You see a lot of people here with wet bottoms and no one gives it a thought other then ' hey maybe I should go for a swim'. And so you do!

 

Time of day doesn't much matter either!

Boom! You're in another Country.

It actually didn't happen that fast. According to Ed (who was obviously bored) we spent 19 hours in the air. Nine hours hanging around airports. Had three ferry rides (this includes Vancouver Island to Richmond). We crossed the International Date Line so basically lost October 14th.

This just struck me as funny - I don't know what Vin-Vin means

We flew Philippine Air

After we waited for 5 fours of which we tried to sleep on some really uncomfortable chairs in Manila I did manage to find some fine Tequila in the duty free. One bottle each and then we hit the skys for Bangkok! This was a little more realistic - 3.5 hour flight. Plane was smaller, seats less spacious but okay just the same. Just look at these Welcome Figures. There were four altogether. Pretty impressive. We also found out when we moved over to Bangkok air that we were overweight. So out comes what will be a series of money to get ourselves settled in our new home.

Bangkok Airport is also very impressive from the outside. Ed wondered if these open like BC Place. I had my doubts but they did look pretty cool.

And so after just a quick one and a half hour flight we touch down in Krabi and meet Stefano. The project manager for Chandini Estates. He has brought our car and will drive us to Koh Lanta Yai (big). Yee ha - air conditioning and soft seats!




One of two ferry rides to get to the island. And yes it does look a little sketchy. I think that every time we go on it. Take off the seat belt and get ready to bail if we need too. Funny thing though, no one turns off their cars. Better to sit in air conditioning then to swelter in the heat!!

 So we cross the first ferry, about 15 minutes, drive across Koh Lanta Nai (small) only to catch the next ferry (also sketchy). They are working on a bridge between the two islands Figure it will be ready in about 10 years!

Sun set on the Adaman Sea!

So here we are - actually we are back up in Krabi town visiting the local immigration office and transportation office, finding out exactly what we will need to get Thai drivers licences issued. Had to stop for some food and beverage before tackling this! We spent 4.5 hours between the offices only to be told to go back make copies, get a letter from Lory saying yes we can live in the house, a medical certificate and then come back and we'll see!!

As you can see - no licence did not deter Ed, and he did a fine job driving us back to the island. Just a little strange sitting to his left. He still can't hear me.....Ah well life just goes on doesn't it??

So just a couple of points:

1) We have mostly figured out the Bum Gun and I always have tissue with me in case there are no pat pats in the toilet.
2) Gecko's are great. They just run around the house eating insects, plus they make cute noises.
3) I will not leave doors open. We had a small cobra in the garage and I don't want them getting in the house!
4) We are loving the food
5) We love swimming a couple times of day and it doesn't matter what I wear - it's just to hot!!

Reality sets in - yikes!!

After arriving home last night from two weeks of visiting friends, a football game (pathetic!), a couple of card classes and of course hunting (Ed was skunked - I got a couple of grouse) I came to the jolting revelation that 'holy crappola' we are leaving for Thailand in just seven (7) days!!

This really blew my mind!

This idea started in May and suddenly there is nothing that has to happen first. We went on a short jaunt to Kelowna (where all of this craziness began) and then into the states camping. I volunteered down at Fort Rodd Hill and Fitzgaard Light House National Historic Site for the month of July.

My Home away from home!

A little Pomp and Circumstance!

The weather was incredible during
July! And I had lots of visitors
this year.

National Historic Site getting all 'gussied up"

                                                    We went to Amanda W's wedding in August.

The Beautiful Bride - Miss Amanda

We were styling that night!

We Danced the night away!










We had Ed's birthday, then went to see Kelly and Jens on Quadra Island. Never been there so that was fun!! Good times my friend!

A view of Campbell River from the other side.

The view from our deck.

        Visited with Bob and Pat in Coquitlam and went to a bad football game. So good to see the                                                                       Vancouver football folks!

Then there was hunting.

The Hunter.

Two Pot Lake.

Camp Cook!

On the way home!

We now appear to be running out of time!

For those of you new to this bit of news, a brief backgrounder (yikes - Parks Canada lingo is coming out of me!). Ed and I were asked to look after our friend`s (Norm and Lory) house in Thailand! Lory works for International Teaching and accepted a five year contract in Atyrau, Khazikstan. They had just completed their retirement home on Koh Lanta, but decided to take one more assignment. After the offer was made to us, we thought and pondered on it. Thailand is along way from Ucluelet and our grandchildren - but it is on the ocean, does having diving, kayaking, scuba diving, stand up paddle boarding, some incredible food - with no dairy and a National Marine Park! Average temperate is 24 C and there are only three seasons - cool (starts now), humid (starts in March) and monsoon ( June to September). We should only be there for half of that. I hear it is warm rain though.
                                 
                                       How great is that! Housing and a vehicle will be supplied.
                                          How blessed we feel to be given such an opportunity.
                                                                Thank you Norm and Lory!

Apartment is under the pool! At the bottom with all the glass.

Living - sitting area.

Dining area.

The lap pool - looking at the Adaman Sea.

                                              So we agreed to one year to see how we do..

                                                        So off we go - hey-diddle-doe!

Oh and by the way, our apartment has two bedrooms, two baths and at certain times of the year
                                           we have access to the guest house. Just sayin........

So the whole retirement thing went really well. My cheques started arriving the next month right on time. Ed and I spent six week travelling in south-western United States.Washington State, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. Farthest south was Scottsdale, AZ and the farthest east was Taos, NM. Met new friends, visited with old friends. Lots of good food, sunshine and interesting places.

Donkey riding anyone??

The red rock formations are incredible!

I was given a couple of shooter glasses from a good buddy at Parks Canada - thank you Jordan! - We made sure that they were well used on the trip. Tequila is soooo cheep in the states!

Oh dear another dead solider!

The first shot of the trip

We were able to visit with friends in Scottsdale - a beautiful home, great hiking near by and a pool! Our friend Ed makes the best margaritas that I have ever had! We spent 4 nights with them in Scottsdale and then stayed at their condo in Park City, Utah when we were unable to get into the northern part of Colorado because of snow.We were right by the luge run from the Olympics in Salt Lake City. Beautiful, beautiful place. It was such a treat as we had been camping for the most part. So to be able to stay in their two great homes was much appreciated. And then it was back to Canada and to Peter and Annie's in Wyndale, Peter and I worked together at Parks Canada. Always so much fun to visit with them!

Peter is not a mushy kind of guy!

On to Kelowna to see family and more friends and then finally back home. The grandkids were so excited to have us back. It was so great to be back if only for a short time.

This brings us up to June of 2013 when I went to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgaard Lighthouse National Historic Sites to volunteer for a month as Camp Host for the, new to Parks Canada, oTENTic program. That is for another blog. Until then remember - if you're not living on the Edge you are just taking up space!