Lazy Day at the Resort

It's the low season... so pretty much nobody around. I have the resort to myself.

Selfie

I don't think I posted a selfie all this time.... so here's one from today where I live in Jomtien.

Some Levity :)

The Love of my Life

 

Panita is the love of my life.... and we are getting married July 7th (7/7).... yes, that's less than 2 weeks away. :) 

That is not to say the wedding is on that day... wedding is somewhere in the future, no date has been set yet. But you are invited... once we know. :)

Quick Update

What have I been doing?
Running around Bangkok getting the necessary paperwork to get married, that's what. :)

On Friday, I am leaving for Jomtien. :)

New Realities in Canada

Article here. Close to one third of Ontarians live in poverty.

Engaged :)

I popped the question, she said yes. :)

Laos -> Thailand

After close to a week, I am leaving Laos tomorrow. Got my Thai visa....... and can't wait to get back to Thailand. :)

It was interesting being here for a week.... less people / tourists than Thailand, but more expensive (seems they have to import everything). Unfortunately, the infrastructure, shopping, food...etc. are nowhere near the level they are in Thailand.

I was glad to visit, but now I am glad to move on.

3 Days, 12000+ Kilometers, Slovakia to Laos

TOUCHDOWN. Just arrived to Vientiane, Laos, after a rather gruelling 12000+ kilometer journey involving 2 trains, 3 air planes, and a cab to spare.

From Slovakia to Prague, an 8 hour train ride, with the second train from Bratislava. The countryside was beautiful... but Bratislava looked really ghetto.

Waited in Prague for the plane.... then a 2 hour flight to Helsinki.

YUCK. Some of the absolutely worst travel experience at the Helsinki airport. 18 hour layover, spent the night shivering at the airport (IN JUNE, less than 10 degrees at night) which they do not bother heating.... also, no hot water in the bathrooms to warm your hands. REALLY FINLAND?? The $5 small water bottle for sale was just a cherry on the top. Helsinki never again... and I have absolutely no desire to visit other Scandinavian countries either.

PHOTO: Yah, you suck Finland.

Then 10-hour flight from Helsinki to Bangkok. Loved landing in BKK....... :) Unlike the morose European personnel, I was greeted by smiling and laughing Thais at the airport. What a contrast in people, weather...etc.

Then 1-hour flight from BKK to Vientiane, Laos. Went from Helsinki's 12 degree to Vientiane's 37... quite a difference. Absolutely loved and soaked up the heat!!! Not hot for me. LOVE IT.

Some photos from today. First impression: what an awesome city Vientiane is. I was surprised by how many green spaces there are here!!! Cheap rent too. $132 for a room for 6 days in the city center, reasonable accommodation, wifi included. :) Went walking today, great place, with friendly people who speak English everywhere. Cleaner, greener, and more spacious than Thailand. I am surprised.

The Free State

One of the best spiritual talks I ever heard (4 parts). The only 'downside' is that some of the things he says are rather advanced understanding, and thus incomprehensible to most people.

Leaving for Laos

Leaving Europe for Laos, flying tomorrow evening through Helsinki. I have never been to Laos, so it will be an interesting week there..... before obviously heading to Thailand. :)

Used to Take this Boat :)

I used to take this boat from Pattaya to Koh Larn (Coral Island). Sinking is inevitable with those things in Thailand, only a matter of time. They have no concept of retiring anything.