Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip to Thailand. I had a great time, but I decided to cut it short and head back home. The places I saw, the people I met, the food I ate (okay some of it) was all great. People asked me, “Why are you going to Thailand?” I could just say, “because I feel like it.” Now I’m sure some will ask me why did you come back early. I can only say, I felt like it, so I did.
After jet lag is over I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences in person if any of you are interested.
Time to ride!!!!!!
ride safe
UL
Bill
Yesterday was spent being lazy around Bangkok. My cousin’s friend is supposed to be in tomorrow, I think. Then he and I will get together for some food, some fun, and some stories about my cousin–I hope. 
I haven’t planned anything until after we get together so I can take it from there. I am looking forward to meeting Azman and talking with him. He has a great deal of knowledge on the background and cultures in the area and I’m sure I will have a great time .
I was just hanging around Bangkok yesterday except I was told about a park in the area where they have a kind of street fair on Sat. and Sun. Holy crap!! When they have a street fair they don’t mess around. For those in the Fargo area–think Fargo street fair and then multiply by about 100 (I swear, I’m being conservative) I don’t know how big it was. I spent a couple of hours there and I don’t know how much I saw or how much area it covered. All I know was that I only had about two to three feet of space down aisles (I guess that is what to call them) and I lost count as to how many there were. I also never made it to the end of any of them. I kept changing direction (the abstract random in me) and just went which ever way I could. I did run into the same things for sale (I hope I wasn’t just going in circles:) a lot, but there was so much to see. Some of the booths were in the streets, some in a building of some kind, I think, and some were just scattered around.
Another day to hang out. I think I’m going to be able to get to another temple today. We will see what the day brings.
Traditional Thai Food?
I had hankering for some real traditional Thai food so I went to Burger King. Here are three types of pies. I understand the Apple and the Cherry. I have no idea what a Taro with Corn pie is.
Another new fruit to try.
This is another new fruit. (name unknown) I’m sure a lot of you are wondering why I never seem to know the names of things I go to or try. To tell you the truth, names are meaningless. They are only letters and symbols that we give meaning to. I know that my small brain will forget the name or pronounciation by the time I get home, but I will never forget how I felt while experiencing them. I have a quote in my room at school (Maya Angelou, I think:) Paraphrasing, it says, people may forget what you say or do, but they will never forget how you make them feel.
This fruit has a red exterior that is kind of thorny. Once it is peeled the fruit inside is smooth and very (you thought I was going to say “sweet” didn’t you. Isn’t that what we are taught–if something is tough on the outside it is just covering up an inner sweetness it is afraid to show) ”I think I hear a philosophical thought coming on” Guess what it’s not sweet, it is bitter and tart, but I still wanted more. Now for the philosophy according to Bill: Many people and “things” in our life are painful on the outside (like this fruit, the thorns hurt), but when you get inside they are still bitter and (here is the weird part) For some reason we keep coming back for more. Maybe it is a lesson we need to learn over and over again. BOY THAT CAME OUT OF NO WHERE. I WAS JUST GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE FRUIT. I guess I was a little hard on this poor fruit. It was kind of like biting into a lemon–really tart and makes your face scrunch up, but it tastes pretty darn good.
Doughnut hole?
Another baked item from the street. They look a lot like the donut holes (I still don’t know how you eat a donut hole–another mystery of life to solve) that we get at Hornbachers (hey tell them I mentioned their story and maybe they will sponsor part of my trip:) They are very light and just a little sweet–Exactly like me, except for being “light and sweet” part.
Okay, okay I promise tomorrow no philosophy lessons. I guess being in Southeast Asia makes me feel a little like Confucius (without the knowledge). So I think I will name my philosophical meanderings as words from “Confusion”, not Confucius.
ride safe people
UL
Bill (Confusion)
Guess what? I did an earlier post without pics at an internet cafe about 6 blocks away. But wait, it gets better. I couldn’t post pics because I was using their computer. I come back and walk into my hotel and right next door is an internet cafe. It still gets better. Later this afternoon as I was coming back from getting some coke light I see one of the employees using her wi fi internet in the lobby. I asked her if I needed to pay. She said no I just needed the password. So for the first few days in Bangkok I was going to Starbucks and buying an internet card. (I can see all of you laughing your collective butts off right now, especially my students. Don’t worry, you will be old some day too. Now lets try a few pics of the temples and of course the flea market from yesterday.
Buying candles and flowers outside of a temple. They are kind of offerings and prayer wishes. I think kind of like lighting candles at the catholic church.
A monk in a temple talking to school children. Catch the microphone. Can you same Jim Bakker:)
A dragon eating a dragon. This is outside of many of the temples.
This is a sign right before going on the grounds of a very old temple (about 700 years) This was the only way to keep all the women that are chasing me away from me:) Yeah right.
One of the few temples (this is the one for no ladies) that had elephants all around.
An archeological (sp) of an ancient temple
Me at the flea market in Chaing Mai.
Hello “younger brother” this is a pic I knew you would appreciate.
Time for me to go folks. Some of you may actually getting up for work right now. It’s about 5:30 am your time.
Now that I know where the “free wi fi” is I can send pics.
ride safe
UL
Bill
Sorry, but no pics today. I made it back to Bangkok from Chiang Mai. I left last night at about 4:30 pm and got in this morning at 9:40 am. The ticket said I would be in at 6:40 am. I was told we arrived later because the train was older and could not travel as fast. Sounds a lot like me nowadays
I saw about a gazillion temples yesterday before I went to the train station aaaaaannnnnnnnddddddd I found something that many of you will have a hard time believing because I stay away from them so much. Drumroll please!—————————————————————————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-Yes. I found a rummage sale. It was just like our rummage sales or group sales back home. There was old stuff, new stuff, expensive stuff, cheap stuff–a little bit of everything. A couple of very “unique” items I don’t plan to discuss here. Feel free to ask me about them when I get back.
I will be in Bangkok for a few more days and then meet my cousin’s friend Azman. We have a lot to discuss. I do plan on him telling me a few “stories” Steven
After Bangkok, we will see. I don’t think I will go to Phuket. It is pretty far away. There is a place about and hour and a half away that has a few beautiful beaches. I will let you know. Take care everyone.
ride safe
UL
Bill
As the title says: I can’t sleep and it is 6:00 am so I thought I’d just add some random pics from the last few days. I hope all of you are doing well. Brianna, I forgot to wish you the best in your plays. I can’t wait to get home to see you on stage again. You are awesome. Also, a big shout out to Tucker and his awards from the 48 hour film fest. I sure wish I knew where the he– these two got their talent from and why can’t they share some of it with their dear old dad I love you two and I’ll see you soon.
Okay, enough mushy stuff. Here are some pics.
Sexist comment: Hey ladies, they have a whole island just to shop.
shrine in downtown Bangkok
You can see that some of the offerings to Buddha (I think) range from fruit to soft drinks.
fork and spoon at meals--no chopsticks
This is how my napkin, fork and spoon has been presented at my meals in restaurants. I have seen no one using chopsticks everywhere I have eaten. They use either their hands or a fork and spoon.
my fridge in Chiang Mai. Lai Thai Guest House
Steven, if you look closely you’ll see they have a Heineken in there. They must have thought we were traveling together again.
picture Temple ruins and water spouts outside my hotel
toilet in my room. I don't think I need to explain the water hose to all of you--enough said.
Head cook at Thailand's Buffalo Wild Wings
Time to feed the fish. Is that me or not. (I am certified-ask Pat Healey) You get to decide.
Man, I didn't know they had snow this time of year. Who is my travel agent.
The things I put up with.
I don’t know why these three ladies wanted to have their picture taken with me. They kept asking over and over and over. So I thought who am I to say no and ruin their day. Maybe I shouldn’t have told them I know Bruce Willis, or did I say I am Bruce Willis. (Oooopppss. I can’t help it I’m a giver
One mode of transportation in Chiang Mai
This is kind of like a pickup with the back covered. Everywhere I went on this it was 40 baht. It didn’t matter if I went 5 minutes or 20 the price was always 40 baht.
Okay, now I’m going to the pool for a swim. I have to do my 100 laps per day as is my custom. Would you believe 50 laps? Would you believe 2 laps? Would you believe I climb into the pull put my head under and hold my breath for 10 seconds and then come up and breath heavily?
Have a great one.
ride safe
UL
I am also adding this post today because tomorrow I get the joy of the million hour train ride back to Bangkok so I may not be up to a post. Today I went to a village of people called the Long Necks. I don’t know the whole story (check it out on the internet people–do I have to do all the work for you:) but this is a village of Long Necks (I think it is just the women–I know all the women are saying “Of course) who put these “bracelets” around their necks starting at the age of five to lengthen their necks. They live and work in the village. Here are a few pics.
buffalo stomach--I forgot to share a few "treats" from the market this morning before I left.
I totally forgot (how did I do that) to share some of the treats from the market. Of course there are a few pics of me eating a few interesting items. Let’s see–giant ants, some kind of cricket, but not a cricket, and this stuff the woman promised me was honey. It looked like part of a honeycomb, but I think it was part of a wasps nest–I ate them all, but that last one was wicked no matter what she said it was. I hope you read this way before you eat breakfast or lunch
Not sure what insect, but yep, I ate em.
A weaver at the long necks village.
Long Neck and child
I don't know if this is a chiropractor's dream or nightmare. I assume her back is kept pretty straight.
The village of the long necks behind me.
Me getting in the flow of things.
I sure there are quite a few of you back home that would love to get your hands around my neck. I think I’m taking this back home with me for protection. Mr. T (I know he’s outdated) has nothing on the gold around this boys neck. (Actually, I think it’s brass)
Thailand Sports Bar
On our way back from the Long Necks my taxi driver (he is awesome) took me to a restaurant that must be some kind of Sports Bar since it has a TV. But nothing was on so I’m not sure. I asked a guy if he thought Brett Favre would sign with the Vikings and he looked at me like I was crazy. Hey, Joe Montana went to the Chiefs, Willie Mays went to the Mets. I don’t know why he gave me that look. So much for sports conversation.
Again the food was great. I must show you the Talapia I ordered. It didn’t exactly come out to me as I remembered it served in the US.
Interesting choice Bill
My taxi driver and I kicked that fish's butt.
No Steven, I did not eat the head.
So there Mr. Talapia.
Okay folks that’s it for today’s pics and tidbits. I’m heading to the pool now (man roughing it in Thailand is tough–I think in an earlier post you saw the hotel and pool) to take a swim, then a little relaxation before supper and a short night. I’ve got to get a good night’s sleep so I’m ready to get on the sleeper train (something seems wrong with that whole sentence) and head back to Bangkok.
My next post may not be for a couple of days, but c’mon I spoiled all of you with the ones I did today.
It is 3:32 am USA time and I’m sure you are all snug in your beds. I just returned from a trip to the “long necks” village and a monkey place. Same taxi driver. It is good to get to know one and use him. It makes things much easier. I will tell more of this in my next writing.
A beautifully ornate dragon at the entrance to the temple.
I'm pretty sure this is a jade buddha. The picture does not do it justice.
I found my twin and had to get a picture. I'm not sure if it is an optical illusion or if that "toothpaste" is whitening my teeth :)
This is the staircase leading to the Temple. It starts with an ornate dragons head and the body goes all the way up the stairs.
A piece of string given to me by a monk in the temple.
Now this string is very important. I think I got married while in the temple and this symbolizes “tying the knot”. I don’t know if I married the woman bowing to another monk next to me, the man on my right, or the monk himself. All I know is that he said a few words and I was supposed to lower to the ground and do three quick bows, then he tied the string to my wrist. If I did get married I hope it isn’t legal in the US, especially if I married the monk.:)
I probably shouldn’t joke, but what can I say. Actually, it was a very nice, short ceremony, where the monk wished me good luck and a wonderful life. I guess the string represents the circle of all that is good. (I don’t know if that is what it truly represents, but since I don’t know for sure that is what I’m going with.) Oops, I ended a sentence with a preposition. All you teachers out there just ignore it.
I'm pretty sure this is Thailand's version of Buffalo Wild Wings
This is a restaurant my taxi driver took me too after the temple. The heck with truck drivers. Taxi guys know where to eat. I will tell you what I think I ate. Barbecued chicken legs and thighs (better sauce than BWW). My taxi driver said more chicken, but the things on a stick turned out to be chicken hearts. Funny, they tasted just like chicken (God are my jokes going to get any better–sorry, I’m afraid not.) He knew a good place to eat, but he needs to work on his English so we can communicate better. Orrrrrr, maybe he knew and was just messing with me. I had some kind of papaya salad with some kind of stringy things (sorry to get so technical) and some nuts and tomatoes. It was kind of spicy (okay, it made my eyes water) but it was good. Then, she made enough fried rice to feed an army, but I ate it all. (So much for hoping to lose weight on the trip)
Barbequed chicken. The dark ones on the stick are the chicken hearts.
Cooked and uncooked stuff
I forgot about visiting a jade carving shop. It was amazing. I thought jade only came in green, but they showed me about 12 different colors of jade.
I could have dropped a ton of cash at this place, but I didn’t. Sorry, Brianna, mom, Denise or any of you hoping for some cool stuff. Not at this place.
As I said, I also went to the Chaing Mai Zoo Aquarium, but I can show pics back home if you want.
rrrrrride safe
UL
Bill
I still can’t seem to get the hang of all this, but I think most of you get the picture (okay, bad pun) Let’s try some more pics.
My taxi driver for the day. Sorry, I couldn't tell you his name, but he is a great guy. He does need to learn the difference between eating chicken and chicken hearts. I'll tell you later.
This is a couple of the shops in the village. Most of these places seem to have shops lined up with stuff to sell (probably like America-they are made in China :)
My hotel in this village. A little different from my place in downtown Chang Mai. (Okay mom, I'm just kidding--I didn't stay there, I went back to my hotel at the end of the day)
Large bamboo growing in the jungle by the village. I have been told by the locals that some of them eat the bamboo. I may have to try that. If so you guys better watch out at the Fargo street fair this year. I may be buying all those little bamboo plants and having you over for dinner.
just one pic of the many beautiful gardens in this village. Mom you would love to see all of these plants. They are gorgeous. You can see a small hut in the background. No I won't say this is where I stayed. That joke is already stale.
Just like at our fairs you can dress in their local attire and have your picture taken. I was going to do it, but I don't think I look good in beaded dresses, no matter how ornate and beautiful they are. Brianna, you and (ahem, a few other women I know would have looked great in them--enough said)
Getting ready to shoot a crossbow. Trust me no animals have anything to fear from me with a crossbow in my hands. I only missed (by this much--Maxwell Smart expression for you oldies out their) 6 times. Rob, Tim, and Mark, I know you are embarrassed for me.
Monkey in a jar. How long it has been there and why I did not ask. I just felt it was a good idea to leave this room. It had a few other interesting things in it.
An adorable little girl on the street eating a treat. Not sure what it was, but I was told it was some kind of sweet treat. Kids are kids everywhere. Susannah and Sylvia, I'm sure you would be right there with her:)
Two pics of getting a soft drink to go. Not in a "to go" cup, but in a "to go bag" It was pretty great to hold your drink like a bag. I'm thinking the Redhawks may want to try this idea.
Enough for today. I will put up pictures of the temple later tonight or tomorrow. Probably no pics of the zoo aquarium. It was cool, but we see these in America.
It is about 5:40 am. I’m getting a little better at sleeping later. Here are some pics from yesterday. I will try to put some simple explanations for each.
This is a temple across from the street of my hotel. My driver said it is between 500 -700 years old. It seems all the temples here are bout that age. If their age of temples is like their time for a train I now estimate all temples to be at least 1400 years old :)
Almost all the furniture in my hotel is hand carved. This is just part of my headboard.
It is 9:20pm and I’m beat, but I will write a little before bed. I will write more after I get up tomorrow morning. Again I had breakfast at 7-11. I think they are the everything for cheap store all over the word. I found them in Japan and I think most if not all of the countries in SE Asia last year. Also, when I was in Japan it was the place to go to get food and drinks for a reasonable price even though they were only a couple of blocks from the beach. I can have a breakfast of sweetbread, some times with hot dogs inside, sometimes pork, sometimes something I don’t want to know about.
I was picked up by my taxi driver and he took me to a beautiful village, a temple, and the zoo aquarium. Romo, I figured I should hit it in your honor. I also walked around the zoo, but the aquarium was cool as the fish swam all around us and even overhead. Rob, the road we rode on to get to these places makes Ky’s roads look like a straight runway. I know it is hard to believe, but I swear. Also, the drop offs on the sides were much much much steeper than KY. Can’t wait to ride with you buddy.
The village was beautiful. So was the temple, and the aquarium was pretty cool. I will put up pictures tomorrow, but they take a while to load and I’m beat. Only getting a few hours sleep last night because I had to write at 3:00 am for my “faithful” readers is taking it’s toll. I may actually sleep through the night tonight. I am going to try to put up one picture. I don’t want you to “judge me”. The toothpaste is not what it looks like although I do close my eyes before brushing.
I swear this is not what it looks like. It is an herbal toothpaste the locals swear by. It doesn't taste half bad.
I am sending a pic to show this really is a toothpaste.
This is the herbal toothpaste.
Time to brush my teeth
and go to bed.
rrrride safe
Bil
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