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.

Raya Beach and Coral Islnd

I went here to both islands yesterday. It was bittersweet for me because, although it was beautiful, I lost a close friend, a roommate from High School. As I was taking the boat, I got the news, so I cried a little, then had to pull myself together. The other people on the boat are there for fun, so they didn't need to see that.

I liked Raya Beach. I got a all in face mask to make it easier to snorkel . I had a little difficulty getting used to it, and trying to get good pictures. Sometimes I was shooting blind, because of the reflection on the plastic waterproof pouch, turning the camera off by mistake, but I did manage to get a few good pictures. We didn't stay there long. We went to the other side of the island so we could swim, have lunch before going to Coral island.

I could have stayed on Raya Beach. Coral Beach now has limits. No scuba, or snorkeling allowed. The coral is so fragile that if you step on one, even for seconds, you can kill it. It's a good thing they are trying to save it, but it now becomes a cash cow. You can parasail over it, scuba on the beach itself, not where the coral is (it becomes a lesson not real scuba diving), shower 40BHT, toilet 20BHT  ( REALLY???) I couldn't even sit in a chair without a cost.

My tour said all included, so mostly yes, but you need to take money if you want to rent fins, the mask like I wore, parasailing. Lunch was okay. I had spicy chowder, vegetable with pork, a sweet and sour chicken, water, and there was fruit for dessert. I got a few nice pictures, and got to see the Big Buddha of Karen back on the mainland.

What I brought back were  few shells, and a sunburn. I brought sunblock, but I didn't put it on early enough, nor had a chance to reapply it. Anyway, it looks worse than I feel. I have had much worse.

Now I just have to be careful for the next few days. They had a deal on Aloe Vera at Boots - buy 2 get one free, so I did. I keep it in the fridge so it's really nice to put on.

My hotel neighbors mentioned a restaurant on our street that they went to Sak Sa it was called, and nearly every dish was 100BHT, which is about $3. Rice is another 20BHT, and I got a Singha beer because it was cheaper than juice, and I thought it would help me sleep with my sunburn.....yep.

Next couple of days I will have to take the sun umbrella. When you want sun, it rains, when you want rain...sunny weather. The umbrella will help. I will go later to the tailor to have a couple of shirts made, and change some money.Th have a rate to $100. i'll see if I can get a better rate for $260. If not, I will change $160, because the rate will be poorer if I change only $60.  I found a nice Chinese style shirt for 700 BHT I might be able to get a cheaper price for, and it's long sleeved, something I will need for the sunburn IT will go beautifully with linen slacks I have.

Phuket City

Yesterday I went to Phuket City. I had planned a long trip, but called called in by the dentist as he was able to finish faster, and wanted to check my new teeth.

It rained  (of course), but only part of the time. I of course had to go back to the B Cat café, and play with the kitties. and got myself a nice iced caramel coffee. Most were sleeping, but I was able to pet them gently anyway. I pet a Siamese cat in Siam! I wish we had them back home.... the cafés.

I bought a beautiful indigo skirt and blouse. The skirt was too long, so I went to my tailor, and he is able to shorten it from the waist (due to the design),  for only BHT 100, (about $US 3. and some change). I will get it today, in the evening. I mostly just walked around, looking around for the hair bands I got last year, but didn't find. I'll go back next Sunday. After today (most likely), the teeth will be done, and the rest of my time here will be vacation. It's the 22 Oct. here, and I leave for BKK on the 31st. I'll have time for Coral Island and anything else I can see to do. I will also be able to snorkel as the gums have healed.

Today I am just being lazy. I had a 10:30 appt with the Dr, but he had to cancel, so I will keep the 2nd appt for 4. I may, or may not have to go back for a final check, so I won't plan on anything until I know.

Sunny right now, hot 86F so I am outside on my little porch writing this. Maybe I'll study a little Thai also.

Part of me says I should be out doing stuff, but part of me says relaxing is good on vacation too.

Pum Cooking School

Near my hotel is a cooking school. I thought about it, but wasn't able to do it last year due to dental work.

This year, when I thought I would have more surgery on my mouth, so I thought it would be now or never.

There was a choice of doing an appetizer, or a better deal, 3 things. I decided on the 3, pork satay, green curry soup, and Thom Yun Goong, another soup. Faith, the teacher was vey good, made it a lot of fun. She even had a song for when you use the mortar and pestle for combining the spices. People were looking at us through the window, and a guy actually came in to tape the song. It comes with a cookbook, but I bought one, so Pum subtracted the cost of the book, because everything I would cook was in the bigger one, plus many other recipes. The directions for Massaman curry was not in that one, but I bought another, with recipes all over Asia. It also had the Penang Curry.  I ended up having to buy Chinese spoons as that is the measurement base.

There was sooo much food, that I didn't have to eat out for another 2 days. When did the portions get so big?

Of course I checked online for ingredients, like fresh galangal, and kiffer lime leaves. I have both dried, and they recommended doubling the amount of dried to fresh.

I understand you can cut up the spices and bag them for later use, for up to a week, so it's good for the work nights.

I decided to buy an induction plate which will make it cook faster, but also make more room for tenants who might want to cook at the same time.

There are other classes, so I might go back.

Delay

Sorry, I haven't written in a while. I have been getting dental work done and right now, I can only eat soup with rice. not very exciting. I had a very hard day yesterday in the chair, and have to go again today, but I will get my temporary teeth back. so I will be able to eat again. By the way, I did eat something that didn't like me. MostlyI have been fine, and I've eaten all my meals at the hotel, because they could do soup and rice. I think it was a spicy fish soup. I am usually ok with a little spice, but something was up, not much with the "Bali Belly", but more pain in my gizzard. I didn't sleep well. I didn't want to take anything in case it bunged me up. I will be better soon, I'm sure.

Now I have to wait to hear if I can afford ceramic teeth or if I have to go acrylic. It's hard to communicate when there is a 13 hour time difference, and also being  weekend. I guess I will have to let them know on Tuesday, my time....sigh......

I ended up going on the 2 day one night cruise. The $200 I spent got me transportation from my hotel and back, the trip, all meals (5), water, kayaking , clamming, a food demonstration, and instructions on how to wrap  the rice paper rolls to make spring rolls, then we had to make them. There was squid fishing too, but I didn't, only 1 pole for 8 people. I shared the boat with 7 Germans. They did speak some English, but they were young and I didn't want to intrude. I did get some help a couple of times from them. We also went to a cave (not much to write home about), but the view of Halong Bay was good. IT was mostly very hazy, as in most of it was on my trip anyway. I'm not sure how much was haze from the heat, and/or pollution. I did a little Tai Chi with a form I was not familiar with, probably a 10 step. I asked what form, and Daisy (who lead) said "the normal one". Daisy was our cruise director. She is a senior in college, with a double major of English and Russian. She finds Russian to be much harder than English. At least with English, the writing is the same. Daisy had a good handle on the English language and made some jokes. I earned a free beer because I knew the meaning of the name Ha Noi (inside the river). The Vietnamese call it Ha Noi, not Hanoi as we do in the west. I learned how to say thank you (Cam Oon), and Cheers (Mot Hi Bs Yo - which means 1,2,3 cheers!) . When I got back to the hotel, they said "Welcome home!" Very sweet. Also, the traditional noodle soup is written Pho, but pronounced Fu. I will have it here for breakfast tomorrow. I got to a lake today, it was walking distance from the hotel. Being Sunday, everyone was out. For once, I didn't have to fight traffic. The street was cordoned off so we could easily walk and enjoy the area. Lots of people selling things, like tourist stuff, something like taffy, sold between 2 large round wafers like a sandwich. People played music. You could have your face drawn. It was busy but navigable. I had sun all week. I missed going to the museums which were closed Sunday and Monday mostly. I had been looking for convertible slacks in the US for some time, but actually got 2 pair here for $34 US together. It'll be nice and light for the rest of the trip, and neat enough for Bangkok and Hong Kong for the view days I return. It's still pretty hot here, and no sea breeze like Patong City. Tonight, on TV I will be able to watch "The Ghost of Nantucket" of all things. At the Green Farm Restaurant I've been going to, one of the waitresses thought I was Julia Roberts. I'm not sure how Julia would react, but it was fun for me. This is my last night in Ha Noi. I leave the hotel at 7 AM (not my finest hour), and off to Patong via Bangkok. Internet should be more stable, and my plan is to head straight for the mall to get a Happy Tourist Sim card. The internet seems to be stronger off the phone than the hotel's, so streaming is more successful. Off to spend a little time out, for my last night, and early bedtime. I figure if I get up around 5AM ugh, I can shower, finish packing the last bit of shower stuff, head down to breakfast just before 6:30 when they start, come up and grab my luggage, and go.

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! I'm a MILLIONAIRE! I'm here now. It's not hard to be a millionaire. I just changed money, and $100 US is 23M! It's hard to wrap my mind around that. Too bad they can get rid of a few zeros.

The part of Hanoi that I'm in (the old part of town) is very loud and busy. You have to share the street with vehicles because people park their vehicles on the sidewalk.

I have a very nice room, big, and at the back to avoid noise. They have breakfast included, that closes at 9:30 AM. I got in just at the end, so I didn't get a lot, but enough to get by on, mostly fruit, and some things that I had no idea what they were. I did see that they can make omelets, so that might be  tomorrow's breakfast.

Internet is dodgy. Took me forever to be able to get in here, and post. I don't know if this will save, but I will keep this page up until I am sure it has.

People are friendly here. It's a balmy 87 degree F, and sunny.

I'm trying to figure out when to do the Holong Bay tour. One can do a 1-3 days. I was thinking of the 2 day as I'm told it takes a long time to get there. It's be nice to spend the night on the boat, to see what kind of wildlife they might have. I'm trying to figure out what the difference between the 2 and 3 days is. Is it more time to cruise the area? Can you go further away to see more? How much more expensive would that be? What is the difference in the rooms? There are 3 classes of rooms.

I slept a lot yesterday. Does that meanI should sleep on a hard bed? If so I would need a new firm mattress. My bed in Thailand is hard too, so I will pay attention to my sleep patterns. Maybe it was the change of everything. I haven't been in Asia long so that might be it too.

Silly me, I miscalculated the international dateline, so I ended up staying overnight to catch my flight to Vietnam tomorrow. Hong Kong really wants to keep me. Last year, I missed my flight, because the flight was way far away, having to take a bus, so I had to stay over then. Does it mean I want to be here? Hong Kong is wonderful, but very expensive, so my standard of living would go down.

On the plane last night, it was mostly uneventful, except they asked of there were medical people on board, but nothing really after that. So no emergency landing.

I watched several films - Chappaquiddick, Murder on the Orient Express, the Shape of Water, Moana, and another film with Siorse (last name I can't remember. That one was sad.

I'm starting  a blog of my travels this year, to Hanoi, Vietnam, Phuket, (Patong City) Thailand, Bangkok Thailand and Hong Kong. I leave a dreary rainy cold day (for Sept/Oct).  to warmer, more tropical climate, which I much prefer.

I find it's always mixed emotions when I travel at this magnitude. It's hard to leave my son, get out of the work mode. There are always so many things to think of before the trip, all details about paying bills, this year, an absentee ballot, stopping the newspaper,  etc. It can be a little sad sometimes. Having said that, once all is in place, I can relax, get excited about travel, and look forward to the new experiences.

Part of this trip is to finish some dental work I started last year in beautiful Thailand. As my friend said," Once you feel better, you get to be in Thailand.

As I realize I'm not getting younger, I'm trying to do more of what I want. Travel is a biggie, and I know sometime I will have to stop, so I am trying to do and see more as I can before I have to stop.

The purpose of this is to keep a record, with pictures of my travels for possible future generations, and those who might like to get to know me better, and for friends and family to keep up with what I am doing, and that they can see I'm safe.

Didn't sleep well last night, looking forward to a 15 1/2 flight around the Arctic Circle to cut the travel time, and an 8 hour layover until my 2 hour flight to Vietnam.

I'll keep you posted.