Jade market and Victoria Peak

I went looking for a little Buddha, but couldn't find one I liked. Mostly they were too big, as I guess you lose detail if it's too small, too hard to carve a small one. The 1st booth, the woman was very hight a pressure sales, kept grabbing my hand. I finally got away, and many were trying to get me to buy something, but not as hard as that 1st woman. I did get a purple jade necklace, and a little jade, nothing of significance. I walked around the area a little, then went back to the hotel. I tried to buy the gold necklace I looked at, but they were so busy that I left. I went to the restaurant I'd been to before, also looked at antique filagree bracelets, but I couldn't touch them financially...maybe in China proper. I have found some on Ebay as well.

It was m last day in Hong Kong, and I wanted to go up Victoria Peak. The weather wasn't really that good, kind of foggy again, but I went anyway because it would be my only change that trip. It was a little cool, and wished I had brought a jacket, but managed ok anyway. The area was so much more developed, the the trip was long, and ,of course, winding around getting partly up the Peak.  I went up to the part where you'd catch the tram up to the top. It was windy and cold, so I took some pictures, and got a few good ones, with all the lights. Someone was there who could take your picture,  against the natural backdrop of the skyline. It cost $100HK, which was about maybe $1.25. so O went and did it. Now I have a nice picture of me., not so easy to get. By the time I went back to the jeweler's they were closed, so I git a snack and went back fr the night.

Hong Kong

It's easier getting around Kowloon, but more difficult on Hong Kong itself, because there are so many walkways to cross the street, which is great, but you don't always know how to get to the walkways.

Getting money was a challenge. I have a Bank of America card. I went to the Bank of America Tower, only to find out Bank of America left about 10 years ago. I had tried going to different banks, but they only change for customers, and the money changers only want cash! Anyway, someone was kind enough to call the hotline for me, and I found I cold get cash out of the Chinese Construction Bank. Because I had not used this card, it got blocked, but I used the app to verify it's me,  so I was finally able to get the money. I had been worried I would have been able to get to the airport to leave.

I took the Star Ferry. It doesn't go far, but it's dirt cheap $2.5 HK, which, at this writing, is about 32 cents. The reason to take it is to get to Hong Kong, and the views are spectacular.

I had dinner last night, a delicious chicken curry with rice dish. I had been so busy trying to get the money out that it's all I had to eat, and I splurged for a Starbucks coffee.  At dinner I must have been eating a little fast (I wasn't  shoveling it in) that a Chinese man came over and said "Eat more slowly, enjoy your life." He said it very nicely.

I'm off to Mongkuk today, which is in another part of Hong Kong, about an hour from here on the bus. This part is Chinatown - yes, there is a Chinatown within China. I am hoping to find semi precious beads to make jewelry with. I should get to see a nice junk of Hong Kong I've never seen. If it works out, I may go up to Victoria Peak to get a great view of the harbor. I have kept some money aside to be sure I can get back to the airport.

I am also hoping to take a ride on the antique junk in the 2 hour ride in the harbor. It has red sails that are lit up at night.

I've been in Bangkok for 3 1/2 days now. It's been a mixed bag. I called my friend I haven't seen in 42 years. We had planned to meet. He  informed me he was busy to a project that wasn't done He was busy....BUSY??? He couldn't find 1 block of time to see me?? Very disappointed. I let him know that so when his computer gets fixed, he'll see my thoughts.

I've been to the Grand Palace, and Wat Po. I went twice to Wat Po because I was trying to get a better picture of Buddha's feet because of the natural light. They are having a special festival due to bing the 230th anniversary. I got a head and neck (included arms and hands). I thought I was going to die it was so painful, but after, a felt like a million bucks. I was able to buy food there - gyoza and lemongrass tea.

I found it really easy to get lost, especially after dark.  Frustrating.

I tried to go to Wat Arun, and even got on the boat, only to find they were closed for the day due to the king's visit for a ceremony. 

I have had disappointments here, but also gifts of good things too. Lots of people helping me find my was, a great massage.

I've found cheap food, but good. Found some nice gifts. It's a bit cheaper here than Phuket.

It is also very large. I got upset because it was hard getting around somewhat, but I had to have an attitude adjustment. I haven't been in Bangkok in 42 years, I was in a different area,  and I had help getting around. I've just been here 3 1/2 days, so I have to take all into consideration.

I got to the weekend market, much changed from when I was there last - new location, mostly inside, much more geared to the "farang" (foreigner), though there were antiques there, plates and other kitchen stuff, food (of course). I got some gifts. I went as much for the experience as finding stuff. Not much haggling leeway. Some prices were more than town.

Tomorrow I try again for Wat Arun, and Sukhumvit Rd. nearer to where I was before. Looking to find a gold  Buddha pendant.

Looks like Phuket wants to keep me longer. My original flight to Bangkok (12pm) was cancelled. I was able to rebook to 12:55, but the projected take off time is 13:40. Hot here, in my new suit, but I do have access to a fan anyway. Very hazy today.

Bangkok will be hotter still, but then, when I get to Hong Kong, it will be  little cooler, and Boston will likely be in the 50s  so says the weather channel.  I'm not looking forward the the big change in temperature. I don't like winter. Yes, it's pretty, and nice to sit by the fire, but I wouldn't want to go out. It's all the ice, and cold snow. I don't do winter sports, and if it isn't clear, I wouldn't feel like going out at all. It should be interesting with the bus.

Another gate change announcement. They haven't announced us yet. The plane isn't even here yet. Oh well, maybe I'll see a Bangkok sunset. Sun sets round 6, and the flight is a couple of hours. We probably won't get any refreshment, as it's a low cost airline.

Rawai Beach

Yesterday, I went with my hotel neighbors, Peter and Hazel to Rawai Beach. They had been there before, so we all went. It was cheap to get there - 30BHT the same as any local bus. We got to our stop, and looked around the shops, looking for pearls, cheap The quality was not the best. None were cultured, so I bought a few things. We had lunch there. We looked at all the fish and crustaceans, at the venders' booths, then to the restaurants to have them cook it. It was more expensive than the meals I have had here, but the $11.38 for the freshest fish possible was well worth the price .

There wasn't much in the way of the beach where WE were, but I did get some nice pictures anyway.

It took quite a while to get back, between rush out (at 3?) and roadworks. The driver took a couple of detours to get back but it took about an hour, (twice the outbound time), and we were able to catch the 4:30 bus from Phuket City back to Patong.

Night before last, I went to a pajama party. It was a staff party, but I was invited too (see, being alone can sometimes open doors). Of course I did not understand a word, but they had wonderful food, karaoke, some jokes, and a raffle. Even without language knowledge, I had a good time. I actually sat with the owners of this property They were very gracious. I have no pjs, but I had elephant pants I will lounge around the house in, and a tank top. I thought they were very kind to invite me. It's nice to see the culture from the inside. I was the only farang (foreigner) there.

Pum's again

I went back to the cooking school to eat some satay, and had a lemongrass drink (very refreshing).  Pum continued to educate me. She wants to make me Thai, so she introduced a dish for special occasions, called Mueng Pla Too. It's sardines (the big fish, not the salty ones), Chinese cabbage, rice noodle angel hair, a sauce with garlic, cilantro, You eat it with your hand. 

You start with the cabbage, put a lettuce leaf on, pile on the fish, sauce, and noodles, and then eat. It was really good, and I was touched that she was willing to share with me. 

I've had some nice chats about politics (theirs) and other stuff. It's nice to chat with a local while you are traveling along. It can get really lonely sometimes. 

She knows I am looking to retire here, and suggested the area where she lived, and Kathu, about 7 miles from Patong, so it's cheaper than Patong or Phuket City, near the grocery. There are busses that stop on the way to, and from Patong and Phuket. Also not much chance of flooding, nor tsunamis. It's definitely a thought.