Saigon - Internet Cafe

Late one evening, I went into an internet cafe to check my mail.

I was the only one in the joint, except for the lady working behind the counter.

I wasn't paying much attention to a CD playing movie soundtracks, until I heard the theme to Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo & Juliet".

The tune is kinda 'mushy', but I was in kind of a 'mushy' frame of mind that night, so I typed in Shakespeare + 'Romeo & Juliet', and ended up reading 'R&J' for the umpteenth time.

When I got to a passage I really liked, I'd do a 'copy and paste' to WORD, and sent it to the printer.

After I had done it several times, I noticed the tune would begin again, instead of playing the next theme.

I was puzzled, so I looked over, and she was holding a couple of the pages; and she flashed me a heart-stopping beautiful smile.

Just instinctively I hit my chest a couple of time with my fist and pointed at her, and mouthed the Vietnamese thank you (cam ong). The smile became even more beautiful.

I went back the following night, and she started to play it again. I don't know how to say "No Mas" in Vietnamese, but she got the hint, and stuck in another CD.

The third night was my last night in Ho Chi Minh City. While out walking the streets of the 'hood, I noticed a sidewalk stall selling flowers; I thought, what the hey, and bought a dozen.

When I walked into the cafe, and up to the counter, she of course had to no reason to suspect the flowers were for her.

And when I gave them to her, oh my goodness, the reaction was truly priceless.

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Q: What's my favorite from R&J?

A: Well that's easy, it's:

Scene II: Capulet's Orchard

JULIET appears above at a window

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
It is my lady, O, it is my love!

Dave 'My, Oh, My' Niehaus

The 'Voice of the Seattle Mariners', Dave Niehaus, on 19-Feb-08, was awarded the 'Ford C. Frick award for baseball broadcast excellence'.

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I'm glad to see MLB has finally got something right, because he will be inducted into the broadcaster's wing of the HOF in Cooperstown on April 27.

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Steve Kelley, the brilliant sportswriter for the Seattle Times 'called it' right when he wrote:

"Rarely does an entire region get to share something this profound. But this is an award all of us who have lived in the Northwest and listened to Dave can share with Niehaus.

For Mariners fans, for baseball fans, Niehaus had been our brother, our dad, our favorite uncle, our grandfather. He has been family.

His voice has wafted through summer breezes at picnics and playgrounds. It has bounced down sterile hospital halls and echoed from transistor radios since the Mariners' first game against the Angels in 1977."

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On April 27, "Get out the rye bread and mustard, Grandma! It's grand salami time!"

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Stats:

- His FIRST Mariner game call – April 6, 1977, which just happen to be, the M's very first pre-season game.

- Games: 4,816 out of 4,899

- B.A.: .983

- L.O.B.: 0

- His NEXT Mariner Game Call: Charity Game, 28-Feb, SD

GO, M's!!!

the 'Aroma of Tacoma'

First of all, I love Tacoma, Washington - 'The City of Destiny'.

I was born in Tacoma; my two brothers were born in Tacoma, my Mom graduated from Lincoln High School (class of '33), Tacoma.

I recognize many of the names on the graves at the old 'Tacoma Cemetery' on South Tacoma Ave, as 'family'.

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Downtown Tacoma has gone through a virtual renaissance in the last few years; where not only historic buildings are being renovated, but it's now being reoccupied with, PEOPLE.

I mean, you just can't get better than that!!

-----
I know the closing of the pulp mills down in the tide-flats put a lot of people out of work, and that's never a good thing.

But the last line in 'Aroma of Tacoma' is no longer true, because the infamous aromas are gone, and GONE FOREVER MORE!

(sung to the tune of "Wabash Cannonball")

"The Aroma of Tacoma takes your breath away.
You can tell it, you can smell it, when you're fourteen miles away!
From the great Olympic Mountains to the tide flats by the shore,
that aroma will be with us for now and ever more!"

Chiang Mai - catchin' a flick

DATE: 01-15-08

As far as I know, there are four ways to watch a movie in Chiang Mai: 1) download from the net 2) cable TV 3) theatres, and 4) DVD's.

CABLE TV

You can get HBO-ASIA or Starz Movies.

They both, obviously, need to tailor to the local audience, so there seems to be an abundance of low-budget, "Action-Jackson: blow 'em up, shoot 'em up, kick 'em in the cajones", genre.

If that's not to your liking, you can watch 'straight to cable/DVD' teen horror or teen comedy.

But every once in awhile, they'll show something good; however, they'll show it five times a day, for the next two-weeks.

In summary, cable movie channels in Thailand are EXACTLY the same as in the States.

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MOVIE THEATRES:

There are two major multiplexes in Chiang Mai, one with eight screens, the other with six.

They usually show two different American movies at a time, most often in English with Thai sub-titles.

- Thai movies:

The Thai people seem to like: 'Kung-Fuey-Louie' movies; unbelievably sappy 'boo-hoo-hoo' love stories; and dumb-ass comedies, often featuring one, or more, lady-boys.

The Thai movies often have English sub-titles, and on a rainy afternoon, it's a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

- American Movies:

The leading U.S. box-office grossing movies are shown here at the same time as in the States. Movies like "I Am Legend" and "National Treasure-2" are VERY POPULAR, and are routinely shown on multiple screens at a varied starting times.

Coming attractions, probably in the next two weeks: "American Gangster" and "Charlie Wilson's War".

Note: movies open here on Thursday, which is Wednesday in the States.

Prices: higher for the first three-days and the weekends: 60-130 baht ($1.82 - $3.64).

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DVD's:

I suppose if you LOOK really, really, REALLY HARD; you might, and I say might, be able to find DVD's that aren't counterfeit. But I honestly, have never see any that are legit.

The quality of the DVD's varies between what you would find at Blockbuster (good), or like your Aunt's "Trip to Cozumel" video (TERRIBLE!!!).

The selection is very extensive, and run all the way from the BIG box office hits, to Sundance Film Festival movies.

The last few DVD's I've picked up are: "Sweeney Todd", "There Will Be Blood", "Bucket List".

Note: I saw "Bucket List" when they were advertising it as: 'Limited Engagement in New York and Los Angeles: Opening Soon Nationwide'.

PRICE: 100 baht ($3.03).

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the photo: I'm just slightly out of the frame to the left. I'm wearing glasses.

Amazing THAILAND!!

Photo by: Wachara Anusat

Trip Report: Vientiane, Lao

Who in the hell would want to go to Vientiane?

To tell ya the truth, it certainly wasn't me; but now I've been there, I want to go back again, and again, and again.

I mean, go figure, right?

-------------

GETTING TO VIENTIANE:

FROM BANGKOK:

If you want to 'Experience the THRILL of Travel', or are simply a 'cheapskate', you can take a bus.

OR, you can spend a 'few measly bucks' and take the 70-minute flight.

FROM CHIANG MAI:

1. You can first go to the really cool town of Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage Site). From L.P. you can then fly to Vientiane, take de bus, or take a ferry down the Mekong.

"Life goes on day after day
Hearts torn in every way

So ferry 'cross the Mekong
'Cause this land's the place I love
And here I'll stay

People they rush everywhere
Each with their own secret care
So ferry 'cross the Mekong

And always take me there
The place I love"
- Gerry and the Pathet Lao

OR,

2. Gawdforbid, you can take the +ten-hour bus(es) to the border

OR,

3. Fly to Udon Thani in N.E. Thailand, which was my choice.

The Nok Air flight was a 50 passenger prop, which meant I flew 'low and slow', and had a terrific view of the Thai countryside (rice paddies, mountains, and more rice paddies).

From the Udon Thani airport, I took a 150-baht mini van for the one-hour ride to the 'Friendship Bridge'; a.k.a. the border.

At the Thai side of the bridge, I cleared Thai immigration (stamp-stamp), and then took a 10-baht mini van to the Lao side.

On the Lao side, I bought a Visa on Arrival for $35 US, and before reaching the 'stamp-stamp window', a taxi guy intercepted me and asked, "Where you go?”

I said, "Vegas".

He said, "Huh?"

I then said, "the Bellagio".

He said, "Huh?"

I then stopped screwing with head, and told him the name of my hotel (NOT the Bellagio).

He said, "Okay, Okay, 150-baht".

For only $4.41, I said, “DAMN RIGHT; Okay, Okay!!”

He then surprised me, by whisking me through the 'stamp stamp' thingy, and the promised thirty minute drive to Vientiane, took only twenty-five.

Good Gawd Almighty, I LOVE LAO!!!

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HOTEL:

It's an old villa they are remodeling into a small B&B hotel. The remodeling has apparently been going on for years, but 'mai pen lai', 'mai pen lai'.

The rooms were terrific: good furnishings, high ceilings, AC, nice bathroom; and NO TV or phone.

The grounds were very beautifully landscaped, with a small, 'slightly greenish' (but ok if you're a carp) swimming pool.

I decided, naw, don't think so.

Breakfast was freshly-baked baguettes, fresh fruit, and strong Lao (French style) coffee.

Q: How strong was it?

A: STRONG enough to take the 'proverbial chrome', off the 'proverbial bumper'.

It's in a residential part of town with other big old villas, a nearby university, the Cuban Embassy (VIVA FIDEL!!), and of course, MANY beautiful wats (Buddhist temples).

Note: The country is named the 'Lao Peoples Democratic Republic'; however, they teach the 'teachings of Lord Buddha' in the elementary schools.

It's about a ten-minute walk to 'downtown' Vientiane.

Oh, and it was 1,000 baht ($29.41) per night.

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'DOWNTOWN' VIENTIANE:

"When you're alone
And life is making you lonely,
You can always go downtown
When you've got worries,
All the noise and the hurry
Seems to help, I know, downtown
Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?"

***
GIRL, are you in the wrong town, or what?

Neon Signs?

I mean, forgetboutit!!

And while you're at it; forgetabout: McDonalds, and KFC, and Starbucks, >>>

Not in Lao, Petula!!

The French obviously laid out the city, because there are several wide streets called boulevards.

One of the boulevards even has, a kinda/sorta goofy looking 'Arch de Triumph' (photo).

For a capital city it's very small; and I'm guessing here, even smaller than Chiang Mai, or for that matter, Helena, Montana.

The Lao are much, much, MUCH, poorer than the Thais, and this is quite apparent because the streets aren't jammed with cars, or even motorbikes.

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The LAOTIANS:

The largest ethnic group in the 'Lao PDR'; are the Lao people, at +/- 70%.

I wouldn't know a Lao if he came up and 'bit me on the butt'; but I thought everyone, and I mean EVERYONE I had contact with, were nothin' short of WONDERFUL!!

The Laotians are quite similar to the Thais: language, food, Buddha, and of course, smiles.

BUT, the difference is Vientiane hasn't been overrun, at least not yet, with tourists.

Indeed, a nice difference.

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FRENCH RESTAURANTS:

Since this was a French colony, there are still half a dozen French restaurants in town, and all the ones I tried, were spectacular.

ONE of MEALS

Appetizer: salmon (lox) rolls, with 'creamed' roquefort cheese in the middle, with lime if you wanted, which I did.

Soup: creamed pumpkin soup, with little bowls of condiments you could add: nicely smoked ham, scallions, and mushrooms.

Main course: coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), small whole potatoes and those itsy-bitsy carrots.

With a Lao Beer, it came to <$10US

For dessert, later that night:

An almost translucent buckwheat crepe, filled with caramelized Asian bananas and cinnamon, plus Lao coffee, for <$4US.

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Footnote from wikipedia: Between 1971 and 1973 the USAF dropped more ordnance on Laos than was dropped worldwide during World War II (1939−45). In total more than 2 million tons of bombs were dropped (almost 1/2 a ton per head of population at the time), destroying the country's limited infrastructure.

I was asked by the young guy at the hotel, "Where you from?"

I proudly told him, "America".

He gave me a big smile, and a 'thumbs up'.

And when I returned the 'thumbs up' and said, "Lao Number One!!!"; the smile became VERY LARGE indeed.

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1950 - Pacific Ave - Tacoma, WA

note: Perhaps my memory is going, but I thought the RUST Building was on Pacific.

Chiang Mai - the 'lay of the land'

The city has a population of 150,000, with outlying towns taking it to over a half mil.

The city is 'flat-as-a board', but is surrounded by hills/mountains, on ALL sides.

Easily reachable, on the western edge of Chiang Mai, is the 5,482 foot, Doi Suthep.

Near the top of Doi Suthep, is one of the most famous, and beautiful, wats (Buddhist Temples) in all of Thailand; the 625-year old, Wat Phratwat Doi Suthep.

On a clear day on night, the view from the top, is nothing short of SPECTACULAR!!!

I've never counted 'em, but there is rumored to be 309 steps up to the pagodas. I suppose if you're a wus, you can take the tram.

----------
The city is 435 miles north of Bangkok, and has very good, frequent, and inexpensive air service between the two cities. If you like to 'experience' travel, or are simply 'cheap', you can take the trains or busses.

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Many cities around the world are either on a bay or a river. Since the nearest bay is +300 miles away, Chiang Mai had to settle for the Mae Ping. The Ping River, depending on the season, is often slow and somewhat muddy.

The Mae Ping flows south, where it becomes a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River, which was in it's day, the life-blood of the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya.

The Chao Phraya continues on right smack through the middle of Bangkok, and then on for another 35km before reaching the Gulf of Thailand.

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I think a beautifully written description of the Chao Phraya 'Lord of the Rivers' is in a book titled, “Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior", by Dean Barrett.

"The river rolled leisurely under a bright blue cloud-streaked sky, from its origin far above the old capital of Ayutthaya, to its inevitable merger with the Gulf of Thailand at Paknam. Its muddy brown water carries patches of green weeds, flotsam, ferries, naval craft, heavily laden rice barges, heavily laden tourist boats and fast moving vegetable boats skifully paddled by Thais every bit as colorful as their poscard counterparts."

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photo: 'Believe it, or Not!!!'; it's moi, doin' a little moonlighting.

I hump Singha Beer up, and 'Ballpark Franks' and 'Thai crackerjacks' down.

My Cousin Forrest

'62 - son of a shoemaker, becomes a shoemaker

My Dad was my HERO.

Because I wanted to be like him, I also became a construction engineer.

I know my Dad was proud of his 'shoemaker son', but he unfortunately died a few months after I got into the biz.

Not only did he inspire me to do the job I love, but he instilled the LOVE of travel, and for both, I will be forever grateful.

I honestly don't know if there is an 'after-life', but I know if he and I can 'hook-up', we’ll first talk of family, and then do a whole lotta 'shop-talk', and then we'll talk travel.

Amazing THAILAND!!

photo by: Andre Roberge(InasiaJones)

"Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior"

I JUST finished this wonderful book by Dean Barrett about a rear-echelon GI stationed in the 'Land of Smiles'.

One of the blips on the cover, I believe has it right, describing it as a Viet Nam War era, M*A*S*H. Example, the enlisted guys have nicknamed their lieutenant, 'Lieutenant Pearshape'.

Barrett also writes some fine prose, as he describes the river which runs through the heart of Bangkok, or maybe it IS the heart of Bangkok, in what he titles:

"Menam Chao Phraya, Lord of the River".

"The river rolled leisurely under a bright blue cloud-streaked sky, from its origin far above the old capital of Ayutthaya, to its inevitable merger with the Gulf of Thailand at Paknam. Its muddy brown water carries patches of green weeds, flotsam, ferries, naval craft, heavily laden rice barges, heavily laden tourist boats and fast moving vegetable boats skifully paddled by Thais every bit as colorful as their poscard counterparts."

---------------------------------------------
Regarding the photo of the vendor at a floating market near Bangkok:

I find living in this wonderful, almost magical, "kinda/sorta Postcard World", that I no longer know if this is: 1) a photo of REAL Thai people, or, 2) a photo of 'her postcard counterpart'.

Either way, I LOVE the smile!!

United States (CA) - 1937

"No money, ten children. From Chickasaw, Oklahoma." - photo by Dorothea Lange

Our '55 Christmas Card, was taken at ...

'touristy' Volendam.

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After Rome it was on to The Hauge.

Most of my Dad's coworkers elected to live in 'Americanish' suburban Wassenaar; but my folks wanted to live in a more typical 50's style Dutch neighborhood, and chose nearby Schevenigen.

Schevenigen is very nice community, and worth a visit. But fifty years ago, it was truly a wonderful place for a young American kid to live because there were so many cool places to ride our bikes including a very active 'working' fishing port just two blocks away, and the dunes and North Sea another block beyond.

The opposite direction was a little shopping street, where my Mom would go in one store for milk & eggs, and another for fruit & vegetables, and the best for last, the bakery. The Dutch to this day, make wonderful pastries.

Is it worth a trip to the Netherlands for the pastries?

Well, if you throw in some chocolates, absolutely!!

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After returning to the States, a copy of this photo was on our wall, and my buddies would often ask if I REALLY wore these clothes to school?

C'mon now, how would you answer that?

-------------
Vrolijk Kerstfeest!!!

Amazing THAILAND!!

photo by Martin Hernandez

the Girls at the 'Forget Me Not' Bar

The first night on a R&R trip to Bangkok, I went to an 'Entertainment Center' next door to the JW Marriott. It was about fifty 'Mini-Me' size bars, UNDER a FREEWAY!!!

Note: We're talking about some special kind of ambiance here.

------
For no particular reason, I stopped at the third bar, and on hind sight maybe number two, or number four, would have been better; but hey, there's no way to know.

I ordered a Singha Beer and was immediately hit with: 1. 'Wat Ur name?', 3. 'Wat hotel U stay?', 5. 'U take me home?'.

I mean really 'hard-core stuff', because they skipped right over, 2. 'Where U from?', and 4. 'U buy me drink?'.

One beer, and out.

The shortest distance to the hotel was to 'run the gauntlet' through the rest of the bars.

I hadn't planned to stop for another beer, until I saw the girls at the 'Forget Me Not'. I mean without exception; the girls were 8's, 9's and several 10's. And there wasn't a 'hard-core' look with any of 'em.

Note: These bars didn't have dancers, so the girls were dressed, more or less, in normal street clothes.

------
The bartender spoke great English because she was an American Thai, going to school in Bangkok. Her uncle owned the bar, and the rule was she couldn't 'date' the customers.

She was surprised to hear I wasn't looking for a 'date', but was simply there to have a beer and hopefully find someone who could carry on more of a conversation than, 'Wat Ur name?', 'Where U from?' ....

She said, "Yeah, that does get old".

She also told me, her uncle wanted her to work with the girls, to help them with the English; i.e. to improve business.

The girls English was better than most, but frankly they were so HOT; I didn't care if they spoke Urdu.

Anyway, it got off to a rocky start because the youngest and prettiest girl in the bar, asked, "What Ur name?".

I said, "For you my 'sweet young thing', you should call me, Grandfather Jon".

The bartender was drinking a Coke at the time, and it went down the 'wrong way'.

The 'sweet young thing' unfortunately also took it the 'wrong way', and thought maybe I had said something insulting.

After the bartender recovered and explained it to her, it was all cooool.

The 'sweet young thing' became essentially a second 'Left Arm' for the duration. And I tell ya, it was GOOOOD.

The other girls in the bar picked up on the story, and they became an alternating second 'Right Arm', and that was SOOOO GOOOOD!!

It was the normal Thai bar scene; music, bar games with the girls, etc, etc, etc. I probably spent $30 the whole evening on drinks; a couple of beers for me, and a ton of 'lady drinks'.

Note: the old Cyndi Lauper song, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", HAD to have been written about the girls at the 'Forget Me Not'; I mean they were simply so much FUN to be around!!!

When I was getting ready to leave, I was debating whether to come back the next night or not; I mean I had serious doubts that it could possibly be as good.

I reluctantly decided to tell the girls I had to leave town in the morning, blah, blah, and blah.

--------
As you might have guessed, the next evening I just couldn't resist going back.

One of the girls saw me about 15 yards away, and the other dozen or so, joined her in a ROUSING CHOURUS of; "Sawadi kaaaaaa, Grandfather Jon!!".

About 15 feet away, the DJ started playing the oldie and moldie 'Macarena', and the girls, of course being Thai bargirls, started to dance.

Anyway, they were surprised; surprised I say, when I started dancing with what; 12-14 girls?

It was great fun, and THEN, they started improvising by adding some rather 'lewd' moves.

When I started copying their 'lewd' moves, the smiles became even BIGGER, and SWEETER!!

And jeez, it was even better than the first night; and I'm not sure how I was able to do it, but I resisted the temptation to do 'take-out', but I did, and I'm glad I did.

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I'll NEVER, EVER, forget the girls at the, 'Forget Me Not'.

Private George H. Ruth - May 28, 1924

The back of this photo ...

has in My Dad’s writing, "Rome - New Years' Eve - '54"

I know how my Mom could cook, so this had to be 'only one of many' tables laid out in preparation for the party.

Prior to Rome, if any us had broken a glass, plate, or whatever; it wouldn't of been a good thing, right?

Well when this happened during 1953, it was met with a 'no problem'.

I was SO CONFUSED!!

Well it turns out, my Mom had heard of an Italian tradition, possibly no longer followed; where the broken glass would be saved during the year, and be discarded at the sound of the New Year church bells. This of course would signify out with the old, in with the new, with hopes for even a better New Year.

And when I'm talking about discarding, I'm not talking about discarding into a dumpster, but 'out the window'/ 'off the balcony'!!

By this time, I was already (still am for that matter) in love with the Italians, but to see glass being thrown out of four and five story windows to the streets below. WOW!!!

note: a few hours later, the streets were all clean, and you would never have known it had happened. That is, if you hadn’t seen it, or for that matter, heard it.

United States (CA) - 1939

migrant farm family - photo by Dorothea Lange

3 - 'twelve-weeks post-op'

At 'twelve-weeks post-op', I was walking 2-3 miles a day, WITHOUT crutches.

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One of my concerns was how I would deal with the notoriously poor quality, and dangerous, Chiang Mai sidewalks**. I mean without a crutch, and I tripped up, it could be bad, right?

Well, that's what I thinking, so I practiced parachute landings; i.e. 'land and roll'.

And it worked great, as long as I remembered, "the RIGHT HIP, Dummy!!"

'9 out 10', isn't necessarily a good thing.

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** definition: 'Chiang Mai handicap sidewalks' - If you walk the Chiang Mai sidewalks long enough, you WILL BE 'handicapped'

2 - 'nine weeks post-op'

At 'nine-weeks post-op', I was walking +0.5 miles everyday, with the aid of a single-crutch.

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"The Long Arm of the Crutch"

The primary means of transportation I use in Chiang Mai is called a 'red-songtaew'.

definition: a songtaew is an Isuzu pickup with two bench seats in the back, which will pick-up and drop-off passengers anywhere in Chiang Mai. It's essentially a communal taxi. It's painted red, thus the name, 'red-songt...'.

The problem I have with taking the songtaews, is I need to cross a VERY BUSY street. It's diffficult enough with 'two-functioning legs', but with only one, ...

The Thai people, and I luv 'em, have zero, I mean ZERO, understanding of what we would consider, normal "Rules of the Road".

And Safety? fagetboutit!!

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For pure survival sake, I had to develop a technique.

The TECHNIQUE:

I leapt off the curb, and then because it hurts a little to 'leap', I gimped the rest of the way to the middle of the road.

I then stopped, and GLOWERED at the drivers like a 'crazy-little-old-woman', and THEN I'd pointed my crutch at the driver.

Since I am 6'-6", I call my technique, "The LONG ARM of the CRUTCH".

Note: I haven't had anyone 'Throw it into Reverse', YET, but I'm still very hopeful.

------------

I'm now 'crutch free'; however since I KNOW the drivers will NOT IMPROVE, I'm continuing to carry my crutch.

And for a little extra effect, I carry it like a proud, yet a little crazy, Samurai !!!!

arigatou goizamasu,
Number 8

1 - Health Care & Medical Insurance in Thailand

I often get asked why I decided to live in Thailand instead of returning to the U.S.

There are multiple reasons of course, not the least of which is economics, 'MY ECONOMICS'.

I simply could not risk going without medical insurance, and I could not afford to self-insure.

In Thailand, I can afford very GOOD medical insurance.

-------
In early September, I came down with dengue fever which morphed into vertigo resulting in a fall which broke my femur, which resulted in a full hip replacement surgery.

Sucks, huh?

------
Well that was the BAD NEWS, the GOOD NEWS is it happened while living in Thailand.

HIP REPLACEMENT:

Three weeks in the hospital
2.5 hour surgery with a U.S. board certified doc
Top notch nursing care and physical therapy

The hospital was Bumrungrad in Bangkok which has a Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCI). It serves over 400,000 international patients annually.

http://www.bumrungrad.com/

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

I pay $130-$140 USD per month, which covered 100% of the costs: hospital, surgery, meds, PT, etc, etc, etc.

Amazing THAILAND!!

photo by Kedar Misani

Michelle for First Lady!!

Don't get me wrong, I like Barack too; but Michelle, WOW!!!!

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Amazing PACIFIC NORTHWEST!!

This is a view of the Columbia River and Washington State on the far bank.

The dome shape building is called 'Crown Point Vista House'.

How to get there: Vista House is on the historic Columbia River Highway, and is a relatively short drive from Portland International Airport (PDX).

However, I think it's best if you can allow enough time( a day??)to see both sides of the Gorge.

http://www.vistahouse.com/

Buddha Dawgs

I'm crazy about the Thai people for many reasons; not the least of which, is their often devout following of Lord Buddha's teachings.

Bangkok, like all big cities, has got its share of street dogs (soi dogs), but the dogs here are so incredibly mellow.

I originally thought it might be a result of the stiffing heat; but then I realized that didn't make ANY SENSE because they act much different than say the Manila or the Jakarta dogs. I now believe it's tied directly to how they are treated by the people; i.e. the 'Buddha thing'.

My fav flea-riddin' mutt hangs near a Starbucks, and since I'm a 'Seattle guy', I often hang near a Starbucks. I figure our meeting, had to be 'fate'.

Anywhooo, MY dog has a wonderful goofy-ass 'dawg-grin' he lays on me every time he sees me. If he could talk, I think he'd say, "Sawadee krup Dude, how ya doin'?"

He VERY PATIENTLY waits for pieces of my almond croissant, and it's quite easy to see behind the smile, in the eyes, 'khup khun krup'.

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Notes:
1. The almond croissant is his preferance, not mine.

2. sawadee krup is hello; in this case, YO

3. khup khun krup is thanks

Amazing THAILAND!!

blog'52 - It was back to the Pacific Northwest

After several years in Brazil, we returned to Tacoma, and of course would use this opportunity to visit with my Grandparents.

By this time I was truly bilingual, and would switch between English and Portuguese with ease, often in mid-sentence. I would speak to my family in English, but for some goofy-four-year-old-kid reasoning, I would speak to my Grandma ONLY in Portuguese, and it drove her CRAZY!!

She would scold my folks, "Oh you took little Jonnie away, and now look!!"

Apparently I would laugh with delight when this happened, and my dumb trick ended as soon as they figured out what I was doing and stopped reacting/over-reacting.

Over the next few years before I lost my second language, I would make my Grandma laugh by answering her in Portuguese.

I was extraordinarily blessed to have had such a wonderful Grandma!!

Amazing THAILAND!!

photo by Mehmet Canaydin

Chiang Mai - a VERY BRIEF history

1. In 1296, King Mengrai founded Chiang Mai (new city), as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

(2008-1296) eight take away six is two, zero take away nine is …)

Holy Cow, the city is 712 years old!!

I'm very surprised, because I don't think it looks a day over 680, 695 tops.

2. King Mengrai had his people construct a wide moat and high wall, approximately a mile square, to protect his city.

Well, guess what? It didn’t work, because the city was frequently overrun and occupied by either the Burmese, or the Thais from their capital, Ayutthaya.

3. In 1774, Chiang Mai formally become part of Siam, and rose in economic and cultural terms to become the most important city in the North, and second only to the new capital city, Bangkok.

4. In 1949, Siam became known as it is today, the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Is there any sign of the Lanna Kingdom remaining in Chiang Mai?

1. The people of Chiang Mai are very much Thai, and speak Thai; but they also speak Kham Muang, also known as Northern Thai or Lanna.

2. Northern Thailand has a unique style of food, quite different than other regions in Thailand.

3. There's also a beautiful style of architecture and furnishings, known as 'Lanna'.

4. Chiang Mai is a relatively small city, but it has over 300 wats (Buddhist temples), many dating back to the reign of King Mengrai.

5. The moat and the gates to the city are the most significant landmark in Chiang Mai; and at night when the gates and the fountains are beautifully lit up, I'm sure King Mengrai would have been very proud of his city.

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A very tall falang (foreigner) moved to the city in August, 2005 – me.

I try to 'live green', so my impact on Chiang Mai, has been: zero, zilch, nil, nada.

However, Chiang Mai, the 'Rose of the North', the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, has changed my life in innumerable ways; unquestionably, all of them for the good.

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photo: the 'Three Kings Monument' is in the heart of Chiang Mai: (King Mengrai of Lanna, King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai, and King Ngammuang of Phayao).

Amazing THAILAND!!

photo by Marcus Braun

Albert Einstein: "Believe it, or Not!"

Few people remember that the Nobel Prize winner married his cousin, Elsa Lowenthal, after his first marriage dissolved in 1919.

He stated that he was attracted to Elsa because she was well endowed, and he felt the attraction is even stronger if there is a DNA connection.

This came to be known as Einstein's, ...

"Theory of Relative Titty"

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"Believe it, or Not!"

Amazing THAILAND!!

photo by: Mario Saraceni

Madinat Yanbu Al Sinaiyah, K.S.A.

I've worked on various mega-projects all over the world, some good, some not so good, and some downright TERRIBLE!!

I really enjoyed the three-years ('82-'85) I spent at Yanbu, but I'd rather be here, than there.

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Oh, before I forget; a special thanks to my Yanbu bud, 'Khun Johnnie K.' for the nice props.

much appreciated

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"By any measure, the creation of a major city in the vast emptiness of the Arabian desert merits the title “Project of the Millennium.” Envisaged more than 30 years ago by H.M. King Faisal as the path to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on crude oil exports, upgrade its precious natural resources, diversify the national economy, and ultimately, raise the standard of living of the entire Saudi population, the groundwork for this extraordinary undertaking was laid when Parsons was commissioned to develop the Master Plan for a new city to be constructed on the Red Sea coast. The city would be called Madinat Yanbu Al-Siniayah."

http://www.parsons.com/about/press_rm/potm/01-2002/index.html

Amazing Thailand!!

Bangkok's "Seafood Restauant & Market"

At +1,500 seats, it's about as 'intimate' as a 'high school basketball playoff game'; i.e. NOT 'intimate'.

But with that said, it's probably as much fun as a 'high school basketball playoff game'; and the food, OH MAN, it's soooooo good!!

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How it works:

1. After you are seated, you take a look at the 'preparation styles list' on your table, and then go pick up a shopping cart.

Note: Preparation styles: As Bubba Gump would say:

"Anyway, like I was sayin', shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That - that's about it."

2. You then go to the 50-METER long counter, and pick out what you want: Shrimp, Swordfish, Alaska King Crab, Phuket Lobster, Halibut, >>>>>>>>>>

3. You throw it in the cart, and take it back to your table. A waiter will come by ask you how you want it prepared, what you want for side dishes and drinks, etc, etc.

4. You pay 'market price' by kilo for the seafood, and 'cooking charges' at the end of the meal.

As you can guess, it's quite noisy and hectic, but I have NEVER been disappointed with a meal.

http://www.seafood.co.th/

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Side-story:

I don't remember exactly when it was, maybe early 90's, I went to the Market one night for dinner.

As usual, there were a couple of 'drop-dead gorgeous' Thai hostesses at the door, dressed in traditional Thai costume.

They greeted me with big smiles and wai's (traditional Thai greeting: palms together, slight bow).

I smiled and wai'd em back, and since there were no other customers nearby, I pointed to a small sign with the restaurants motto, "IF IT SWIMS WE HAVE IT", and asked, with a very straight-face:

"Do you have mermaid?"

I KNEW it would be met with blank stares, so I repeated 'MER-MAID’, and 'Pulled a Marcel' (Marceau), and pantomimed a 'breast-stroke'.

Still nothing, so I said, "You know, the movie, 'The Little Mermaid'!!".

It took less than two-seconds for one of 'em, and less than three seconds for the other, to 'GET IT'.

They both laughed like crazy, and cracked me up by saying, "Sorry Sir, we no have mermaid tonight." - laugh, laugh, laugh

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Good Gawd Almighty – I LOVE THAILAND!!!

Mabuhay, Manila!!

Manila is NOT one of the 'Most Beautiful Cities in the World' because it's crowded, dirty, smelly, etc, etc, etc.

But, Good Gawd Almighty, I love this town.

To me it's always, "all about the people", and ah Manila, it's wonderful!!

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A while back, I took a cab from the airport to Makati, which is the commercial / hotel / entertainment heart of the city.

When I got into the cab, the young Filipino driver was playing the theme to the old TV show 'Miami Vice', set fairly high, maybe a 4.

He said, "Sorry Sir, I turn down."

I always thought there are similarities between Miami and Manila, and the tune could have easily have been called 'Manila Vice', so I asked him to 'pump it up', maybe to an 8 or 9.

He said, "Sir, did you say UP?"

I said, "o'o, salamat."

He said, "Yes Sir, Thank You Sir."

And oh, it just felt 'so right'.

The traffic into the city was terrible as always, but the laughs and beautiful smiles from the young Filipinas in the jeepneys when they first saw the literally "vibratin' Toyota" was wonderful indeed.

BUT THEN, to see them get into the beat and start dancin', made it the BEST $7 taxi ride of my life.

"SHORPY: The 100-year old photo blog"

If you are interested in U.S. History, or wonderful vintage photographs, or if you are like me and like both; I think you might like:

"SHORPY: The 100-year old photo blog"

http://www.shorpy.com

All the photos aren't 100-years old, but I believe they all tell a unique story about America, the majority being positive.

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The photo here is called: 'Living Large - 1908'

My oldest, knuckle-head, son sent it to me in an e-mail with NO Text, and a one-word Subject:

'FAMILY???'

YES, we ALL TALL, but NOT that DAMN BIG!!!

I believe the literal translation of …

the Thai word 'sanuk' is 'fun', but I KNOW it can mean much more than that.

A Thai friend told me, possibly simply to make a point, "Some Thai people believe that if something doesn't involve at least a nitnoy (tiny) bit of sanuk, then it might not be worth doing at all".

Example of Thai 'sanuk':

On a extremely hot day, even for Chiang Mai, I stopped at a 7/11 and bought a bottle of mineral water; and as it turned out, even for Chiang Mai, it was extremely cold.

To really enjoy my 'thirst quencher', I went next door, and sat on a short perimeter wall of a truly beautiful wat (Buddhist temple).

It wasn't a ceremony, but a rather mundane task of 'mowing the lawn' by three young novices monks, which caught my eye.

Actually, come to think of it, it wasn't even the sight of them 'mowing' the rather large lawn with rather small 'weed-whackers'; but it was the obvious presence of 'sanuk'.

I'm guessing they were 10-12 years old, and because they were so young I wasn't surprised, despite their saffron robes; to see them start 'role-playing' Ninja-warriors. I mean, boys being boys, and each with a 'weed-whacker', how could they not?

What I was surprised about was to see a monk, stealthily SNEAK up behind them, and CATCH them 'red-handed', screwing around.

Believe me when I say, I wasn't half as surprise as the novices!!

They listened intently to the lecture, wai'ng (the Thai bow of respect) the whole time.

They of course, began some 'serious' whacking of the weeds, as soon the lecture was over.

I knew I had witnessed another example; actually TWO examples, of SANUK.

My buffalo is named William

I've always had a, life-long, un-fulfilled, passion for farming.

It's no longer un-fulfilled.

I recently leased a lot near my apartment; and will be growing 'Jasmine Rice'.

In addition to "tot'n that barge, and lift'n that bale", William will be work'n the birthday party circuit (kiddie rides).

The 'Thai Smile'

I see literally dozens of smiles like in the photo, each and every day.

They aren't all as lovely as this hotel employee, but they all seem to resonate from deep in their Thai soul; from the old lady at the market selling lottery tickets, to the school kids piling into the back of the bus.

Some Thai people seem not to know how falangs (foreigners) will react to their smiles.

I have found, if I without hesitation, return their smile; the 'bounce back smile' will not only 'light up the room', but will light up my heart.

khun jon

Chaing Mai,

Thailand; a.k.a. "The Land of Smiles"

'51 - The back of this photo ...

has in my Mom's writing:

"Our Mountain Perch - Home Sweet Home"

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The reason we went to Brazil, was because my Dad was a construction engineer. The project was a dam, somewhere in the hills above Rio.

As you can see, our company supplied housing wasn’t exactly palatial, but based on the family stories, we had a wonderful time. My parents loved the Brazilians and their enjoyment of life: music, dance, food, …

I understand the conditions at the camp were pretty basic, but the 'grown-ups' spare time was filled with pot-luck dinners, bridge games, dances, etc. As far as the kids, well 'kids are kids', so we had no trouble finding fun things to do.

I’m not sure how often it happened, but I know we’d drive into 'town' to shop and eat, and do all the touristy things: Ipanema, Corcovado & Pao de Acurcar, and Carnaval.

I'm not sure when, but I know someday I’ll be going back 'home', and I hope it’s during Carnaval.

Descent into SEATAC

It seems like whenever I go to Seattle, it's at the tail end of a series of flights, often involving a redeye.

I'm of course happy to get off the lousy plane, but I'm even 'more happy' to be home, to 'my hometown', Seattle.

Of course at +30,000 feet, the sky is an incredible, almost 'take your breath away' blue; and I know this is incredibly lame, but I couldn't help get this tune out of my head:

"The bluest sky you've ever seen, in Seattle.
And the hills the greenest green, in Seattle.
Like a beautiful child
Growing up, free and wild.
Full of hopes and full of fears,
Full of laughter, full of tears,
Full of dreams to last a year
In Seattle."

BUT THEN, we began the descent into the clouds, and the ground finally became visible at about five-hundred feet, and the rain of course was streaking off the window like a 'whacked-out 150-mile per hour car wash'!!

There were a few grumblings (grumble, grumble, grumble) from some of the passengers; but hey I didn't care because this wasn't an ordinary rain, this was 'Seattle Rain', and I was home, and if felt good, very very good.

'49 - Front Row (Left)

This was taken on the day we (my Mom, five-year and ten-year old brothers, and I) departed Tacoma, Washington, to meet my Dad who was already in Rio de Janeiro.

It was my Mom's FIRST flight, and for her to take two bratty-kids, and one very sweet baby, on a trip like this by HERSELF, speaks volumes about the fortitude of my Mother.

I of course don't remember the flights, but I heard the story enough times to know the route went roughly: Seattle, Denver, Chicago, New York, Miami, Havana, Caracas, Recifie, and finally Rio.

I also know the story had us laying over in Havana for a full day because of a hurricane.

My Mom said she was met with a kiss from my Dad, and the question, "How was the trip?".

Her answer was apparently, "Here, YOU take THEM!!".

She then proceeded to walk into the terminal, leaving my Dad trying to hold me, and keep an eye on two 'very happy to be finally off the plane' little boys.

They both laughed at my Mom's telling of the story, but I knew from my Dad's discomfort, there had to modicum of truth to the story.

Years and years later as age caught up to her, I could always make her 'feel good', by asking her to tell me the story of our trip to Brazil.

She always told it like it was the very first time, and as the years went on, the bratty kids were no longer so bratty, and the sweet baby, although hard to believe, became even sweeter.