Trip to Thailand’s Best Islands

Have these islands in mind. **Update** (ps. If you have anything to add, pls comment).

I’ll be there for the holidays.

Koh Samui
Koh Samui

Koh Samui

Apparently one of the better islands for an ‘all-round’ experience.

“Back in the days when backpackers to Southeast Asia were first discovering Ko Samui in the 1970s, a basic thatched hut with running water and electricity was considered luxury. Now Ko Samui is home to some of Thailand’s best luxury resorts and in the popularity stakes is surpassed only by Phuket.

With an international airport, a mass of ferry connections and close to 500 hotels and guesthouses, this is not somewhere to come to glimpse a corner of the Thai kingdom untouched by tourism development. One good thing about tourism development on the island is the written law that no building may be taller than the nearest coconut palm; this means that, unlike Phuket, tall apartment blocks and hotels do not ruin the skyline. The highest building is about four storeys high, and bungalow-type accommodation is still the style that is most abundant.” – Travelfish

Koh Lanta - Thailand
Koh Lanta – Thailand

I want to do some diving. I’ve got my PADI Open Water License, which allows me to dive to 20m if I remember right.

It’s pretty close to Koh Tao, which has some of the more popular diving in the area and likes to compare itself to Cairns in terms of licenses issued.

Should be fun way to spend the days.

Nights

Nights? Maybe bars or other entertainments. There’s not going to be a shortage of this on Samui. You’ve got various grades of beach to apply to your level late night requirements. I can’t say how I’ll feel when I arrive, but I generally like to be out of the way so I can sleep at night.

I’d like somewhere calm where I can relax and nurse a hangover, and maybe knock out a blog or two. Enjoy a decent meal and be close to the beach.

Continue reading “Trip to Thailand’s Best Islands”

Chinese Cyclist vs Innocent Laowai (me)

Violent Chinese
Un-pleasant goat

I have a little story.

Today. Mid-day, walking back from Morning shift at work:

Busy pavement in the center Kunshan, man approaches me on his pushbike.

It’s usual to get bikes on the pavement in China, this guy was right in the middle of the pavement, not at the side, like you should be.

Also, he was heading in the wrong direction, even though there is no direction for pedestrians.

Bloke proceeds to head RIGHT toward me and I mean RIGHT at me. He hits me, and I push him out of the way, in the shoulder to avoid the full force of the blow.  Continue reading “Chinese Cyclist vs Innocent Laowai (me)”

Spies paid to play online games

Warcraft Char
Target Rich!

Tail chases dog! – Shocker!

Not when it involves ‘our’ intelligence and the ‘threat’ that they manifested in the first place ie. Muslim fundamentalist terrorism.

This time, they’re chasing the elusive enemy amongst the dwarfs, elves and gnomes of Gnomeregan on the World of Warcraft gaming platform.  Continue reading “Spies paid to play online games”

Taicang 3 & 3 Christmas Performance

I’ve realised how these kids like to perform.

There always seems to be some performance they’re training up for.

This one is no exception. We’re getting ready for Christmas. Not a big thing in China. Still worth a performance.
The stress levels involved in getting them to do things seems high. Continue reading “Taicang 3 & 3 Christmas Performance”