Bangkok Thailand

My second time in this city. Big and busy. Lots of moto bikes and cars fill up the streets and any other flat surface. This City has some of the best doctor's in the world so I guess if some thing is broken this is the place to be.I have heard you can get a hip replaced for about 1/3 of the cost of having in done in the States.The river run's through part of the city and is used as part of the transportation system.The people are a mix of the old country ways and the modern. Some selling there wears as they did 100s of years ago and then you have the sky train going around over head of the city center. Quite a contrast.Lots to do and see here and to much to put into words so you will have to come for a visit and see for your self. I am sure you would enjoy time spent here. Cheers

Phuket Thailand

Now in the South of Thailand and on the island of Phuket. I am staying in the South of the island in an area called Karon Beach.  There are beautiful beaches here and the water is very warm.Today the surf was up and no one was able to get into the water. I went to the neighboring town of Patong. This was made famous during the Viet Nam War by the US solders. That city sits on a horse shoe bay with a white sand beach. Yep there is a Starbucks on the water front. It is very hot during the middle of the day and you can walk to a lot of spots but can be a bit of a haul. There is no bus system so the only way to get around is by cab or what they call Tuk Tuk here. It is like a small truck with seats in the back. Today I heard from a Tuk Tuk driver that the cabs have kind of a Mafia going on. The Tuk Tuk guys can't pick you up from the airport and there are some kind of rule about them stopping for passengers along the road. But not sure how that works. I took a Tuk Tuk over and back to Patong and just hailed them on the road. Local politics who knows. Walking around some time can be risky.They have lots of motor bikes and seem to drive them not only on the roads but sidewalks,stores, and you name it. There is a four lane road near where I am staying and you would think you could walk on the shoulder of the road but nope.They park on the shoulder and even block one lane of the road.So you have to just walk in traffic Hope my insurance still works

Ubud Indonesia

Lot's to do here and this is a famous city for local dance's. They have many different type's and I went to see the performance at the Place in the center of the city This city is on rolling hills and a bit of a climb to get around but you can ride a bike here so not to bad. They have a temple area here in an area called Monkey Farm Road and they have a ton of monkeys on the grounds and even on the street near by. Those guy's will seal everything you have if not careful. I had a water bottle with me and one jumped up to grab it. They also have massage here much like to Thailand but much gentler than Thai. I choose not to do one here but you can see from the photo it is very relaxing

Bali Indonesia

Bali to the land of dreams and tranquility. I have heard over the years about this part of Indonesia and have been interested in seeing what it is all about so here I am. I stayed in a town north of the airport called Seminayk  and the next day attended a school festival on Saturday. The kids go to school six days a week and this was a special day. They are Hindu here and every six  months they wash them selfs to cleans away sins. At the school there is music and offerings to the small temples within the school grounds.They as a family unit go to the ocean on Sunday during this period and wash in the ocean.  I went to a town inland about 2 hour's by bus named Ubud and  is so very different there. Beautiful terraced rice fields. So much work to grow rice They do every thing by hand from the planting to the harvest. They have lots of ceremonies One simple ceremony each day where they place a small container with various items. Flowers, fruit and some vegetables.