So here we are, back in China for another three months! Who would have thought!! I was invited to leave my cushy Thailand retirement and go back to the classroom for a bit and accepted the invitation. Meanwhile, I am continuing to write for International Living Magazine and carry on my other responsibilities with them. Read More
An Airport in Paradise
Flying to and from the tropical island of Koh Samui off the coast of southern Thailand is a treat. The airport located here must be one of the most beautiful in the world. Somehow it manages to contain all the necessities of a major international airport…shops, security, waiting rooms, etc….but does all of this in an outdoor setting. There is very little that is located behind closed doors or walls, except for the gift shop.
It was built, and is owned and operated, by Bangkok Airways. There are only a few airlines that fly direct to Samui; Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Silk Air. Hence, flying to this island paradise from most places in the country is much pricier than flights to other destinations.
There are several options available to get into the nearest town (Chaweng). A taxi will set you back a little less than $15 which is a total rip-off compared to most other locations in Thailand. Here in Chiang Mai, we would pay less than a third of that for the same distance. However, for most tourists, this would seem like a deal!
There are also minivans available for about $4 per person. You will just have to wait until they have at least six people unless you arrive with a group. And, of course, all the major car rental companies are available.
Although there are more than two million passengers per year moving through this little airport, it seemed pretty laid back. I’m sure it picks up during the busy holiday seasons, such as the Chinese New Year and Christmas holidays (can I mention that C word any more?).
I loved the outdoor seating and the open-air waiting rooms. To top it off , there was a “Courtesy Corner” where free coffee, juices, sandwiches and local snacks were available while you waited.
It was definitely one of the coolest airports I have seen, and one of the most beautiful.
Long Live the King
The King is a big deal in Thailand and his birthday is a testament to how much he is revered by the Thai people. Here in Chiang Mai, there are usually two celebrations; one that is organized to bring the local international community together and another one that is organized by the city powers-that-be. As part of the organizing committee this year, I helped with the prior one. Because of all my other obligations, I didn’t do a lot but it was interesting meeting with the local big whigs and realizing that it doesn’t really matter where you live…politics, power and face are always part of the process. And I will stop there!
The King has reigned since 1946, making him the world’s longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, serving for 69 years. His December 5 birthday is also known as Father’s Day throughout Thailand.
He was actually born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States in 1927 while his father was enrolled in the public health program at Harvard University, which explains his being the only monarch to be born in the US. He had a life-long enthusiasm for photography and jazz. He was given his first camera in 1934 and started playing the saxophone in 1942. Aside from being an accomplished musician, he has also composed several popular jazz pieces.
Our parade had about 1700 participants, including a few hundred that we had to feed and water at the beginning of the parade as part of the agreements we made with them to participate. This included a few hundred soldiers, policemen and hill tribe families in their colorful attire. Add in a couple of marching bands, several schools and universities, assorted expats, a few floats and a bunch of dignitaries and it becomes a big production!
Many countries were represented and most dug up some colorful traditional outfits. We Canadians, Americans and Australians were scratching our heads trying to think what our traditional outfits are!
The procession started outside of town at a large local market and followed a route into town to end at the Three Kings Monument in the center of the old city. The whole walk took about an hour and a half to complete. We had organized water handouts along the way since the temperature was in the 30s, about the same as last years event.
Anyway, a good time was had by all. The festivities didn’t end until 10pm but by the 4pm end of the parade, we were festivaled out. We had been doing stuff since 10 in the morning and had had enough for the day!
