Goodbye to September, 2011

Goodbye to September, 2011

The weather during this September was a little bit less than during an average September.

The beginning of the month was nice with plenty of sunshine but the second half saw plenty of rain during the afternoons and evenings, although nothing really more than strong showers, mostly no longer than an hour. There was some heavy and strong wind during the second part of the month.

I would rate this month just a tad little bit below average, just like previous editions it was a mixed bag with bits and pieces of sunshine but also enough showers, mainly during the evenings and nights.

Koh Samui got lucky compared to the rest of Thailand, especially the Northern provinces. In total around 140 people died due to storms and flooding. Samui got spared this time which is nice, especially considering that around late March and early April our island had it's share of rain and flooding.

Early September saw me conducting a PADI IDC on Koh Phangan with 3 candidates. Right now. towards the end of this month I'm in the middle of conducting a PADI IDC on Koh Samui.

There were plenty of other activities during this month, to start with my Food on Wheels series, this month cowboy style.

For the second year in a row I ran the quarter marathon of the Princess Cup on Koh Samui.

There was also a visit and review of Arirang, a Korean restaurant in Choengmon, which we visited twice this month! Go and try it out, it's really good and makes for something different.

September also sees Thaa Yai and this year I happened to be on Samui once more during this event so I could celebrate with my family.

Than there is the controversial video footage by Ja Turbo which caused some ripples in Thai society with it's sexually explicit footage.

All in all a decent month and I'm looking forward to October. Next month a trip to Bangkok is scheduled to get a new passport, possibly with another trip to Dream World which will make the children happy and another PADI IDC on Koh Samui is set to start late in the month.

Camille

Wat Pah Saeng Tam, Koh Phangan

Wat Pah Saeng Tam, Koh Phangan

During my recent visit to Koh Phangan, earlier this month, when I conducted an IDC there, I visited this Wat Pah Saeng Tam. This Wat or Temple is known for it's mediation and 40 paintings of the Lord Buddha History.

Due to meditation being in full progress when I visited, I couldn't take any pictures of the paintings, unfortunately but I managed to get some nice shots in nonetheless.

You enter the Wat coming over a bridge where you see this nice welcome sign

The temple is located between Thong Sala and Chaloklum, possibly slighter nearer to Chaloklum. There's some construction going on at the premises which looked like a big building that may house the monks or possible the people that visit for mediation purproses.

Immediately after the bridge at your right hand side, you can find these three statues, which were wrapped in pink

The Temple grounds are relatively small but it's location at the foot of the forest makes it's interesting and part of the temple is surrounded by lush jungle.

A pretty arch made out of coconut tree leaves

As with many smaller Thai Temples, the Temple grounds were very quiet and I didn't see anybody walk around, I only saw some monks and disciples meditating in the building that houses all the paintings. There's some small roads that lead up into the jungle/mountains that may be of interest and could be explored during a next visit.

Many small cave like areas are often used for setting up Buddha statues, just like this one

A scene of small statues all grouped together near the entrance

This sign was outside the Temple and made me chuckle a bit, it does get the message over though!

If you're in Koh Phangan and making a trip around in the Northern part of the island, it may be worthwhile to stop and check out this Temples. It won't take too much time to walk around but the surroundings are nice and quiet. Enjoy your stay on Koh Phangan.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th September, 2011

Today's weather;

A light cloud cover hangs over Samui and it looks like the sun may burn this partly away. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

This is how the crossing at Chaweng's lake road looks today compared to 7 years ago as shown in yesterdays picture, busier, more crowded and lots of changes (notice the sidewalk with trees in the middle of it) and a very new attempt to make something like a traffic circle

Yesterday saw a nice day around Samui with plenty of sunshine at times when the cloud cover broke open. Around 6pm there was a bit of rain for about an hour or so. Max temp reached 33C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th September, 2011

Today's weather;

There's cloud cover over Samui this morning but it's also bright outside. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Luckily our island hasn't been affected by rain, storms and flooding like other parts in Thailand, we most certainly had our share late March early April.

Lake road crossing in Chaweng April 2004, tomorrow the current view

Yesterday saw a nice day all around Samui, there was cloud cover but no rain. Max temp reached 31.7C

Camille

Controversy in Thai society because of a sexually explicit video

Controversy in Thai society because of a sexually explicit video

Recently a video on You Tube with very explicit sexual content by the overnight sensation Ja Turbo caused shock waves in Thai society and Hi-so hypocrites are now portrayed as shameless as immoral low-so entertainers. This is an interesting development in Thailand which likes to portray itself as a very traditional country with supposedly above average moral views and behavior.

Ja Turbo with Hi-so host Woody on the right

Dirty dancing leaves everybody in spin

"Describe the online community any way you want – powerful, fickle or suspicious – but, overnight, it has all but redeemed the most controversial Thai female teen singer of the hour and put a well-loved celebrity on a pillory of hatred and anger. Ja Turbo, whose real name is Nongpanee Mahadtai, had put on a show that made Michael Jackson’s crotch-grabbing move look like a teasing act in a parents’ day performance. The YouTube clip of her show has attracted 15 million views and counting. Naturally, she came under fire from left, right and centre. Until Woody came along, that is.

He invited “Nong Ja” to his show and asked some hard-hitting questions, some of which, critics say, were his own thinly-veiled commentaries. Woody was joined by two like-minded commentators who helped create an impression of holier-than-thou adults character assassinating a helpless teen who had been forced to be naughty and bitchy to stay competitive in a fierce nighttime entertainment business.

The rest, as they say, is history. The online world re-evaluated and then embraced her while turning against him. If the compassion showered upon Ja was amazing, the extreme hostility towards Woody was shocking. He has been cursed, scolded, scorned and virtually torn to pieces on YouTube. Tens of thousands of stinging feedbacks prompted the TV host to clarify his stand, which probably has made things worse."

The video in question by Ja Turbo

Considering what kind of reputation Thailand really has outside of Thailand, one of a sex holiday destination and the lack of control over said industry because too many people in high places make lots of money off of this industry, it's indeed questionable to say the least how the so called hi-so society of Thailand reacted to this phenomena.

Here's an interview with Nongpanee Mahadthai, aka Ja Turbo.

It will be an interesting story to follow.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th September, 2011

Today's weather;

It's still cloudy over Samui although there are small blue spots in-between the cloud layers right now. The wind has slowed a little bit and the current temp at 7am is 26C

Strong wind over Samui yesterday, here the coconut trees are bend one way along the lake road in Chaweng

Yesterday saw a very cloudy day around Samui with heavy and strong wind bursts but it stayed dry. Max temp reached 29.3C. It's been a while since the temperature dropped below 30C!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui will experience some very strong wind today but most likely no rain. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C under a clouded sky.

Today is the end of Thaa Yai, celebrated in temples around the South of Thailand.

Chaweng sky yesterday around 4pm

Yesterday Samui had a lovely day, in complete contrast to what I expected, There was some threatening and dark cloud formation early in the afternoon but than it all cleared up and we had a nice sunny afternoon. Max temp reached 31.4C

The PADI IDC on Koh Samui has kicked off, check here for an update.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th September, 2011

Today's weather;

There's a cloud cover over Samui this and it looks actually rather nice and mild right now with what looks like a potential of sunshine later today, if it wasn't for the forecast that predicts strong wind later today! Current temp at 7am is 26C

The sky this morning over the North Eastern part of the island

Yesterday saw a cloud covered sky all day long around Samui with a very threatening and dark sky around 3pm. There were tiny bits of rain at some parts of the island around that time but overall it stayed rather dry. Max temp reached 30.6C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui's sky is clouded and the prediction is that it will stay that way today and the next couple of days, with increasing strong wind. It's dry though. Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

The same road as pictured yesterday, the through way has been closed down and business has dwindled

Yesterday saw a surprisingly nice day around Samui, the cloud cover broke open and it turned out to be a nice and sunny day. During the evening a strong wind came up though which lasted pretty much through the night. Max temp reached 33C

Today I'm starting a PADI IDC on Koh Samui, so stay tuned on my dive blog for updates.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th September, 2011

Today's weather;

It's very grey around Samui this morning with plenty of clouds and some rain is expected. The current temp at 7am is 26.2C

In contrast to earlier reports, the forecast for the rest of the week is looking similar with a day or two with heavy or strong wind.

Old hands most likely remember this little road behind the Green mango in Chaweng in 2004, the connecting road between Green Mango and the land behind it, tomorrow the current look.

Yesterday was cloudy all day long around Koh Samui but it wasn't until around 7pm when a drizzle started that lasted until late into the night. Max temp reached 32.5C

Once more this year I will be starting a new PADI IDC tomorrow, this time on Koh Samui!

Camille

Food on Wheels; Cowboy Chicken

Food on Wheels; Cowboy Chicken

This time my entry about my Food on Wheels series is based partly on the 'coolness' of the vendor. His preferred location seems to be near the Plai Laem market area.

Barbecued chicken in all kinds of variations are for sale, especially the liver is good!

Whenever my son sees him he calls him 'cowboy' and his trade mark hat definitely gives him a cowboy look. usually he's pretty sharp dressed in jeans, matching shirts and shoes or boots this in total contrast to your average vendor that runs around in his shorts and flip flops and most of the time a nondescript t-shirt.

Mobile barbecued chicken. including a foldable umbrella in case of rain or heavy sunshine

His assortment of barbecued chicken is well worth checking out, I particularly like his chicken livers. If you pass by the market and see him, it's worthwhile checking him out and buying a chicken leg or two!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is covered under a cloud layer but I would expect some sun possibly today. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Same location as I posted two days ago except this picture was taken yesterday

Yesterday saw a fairly nice day around Samui, it started out with cloud cover but at some stages the sun actually came through although for short moments only. Max temp reached 31.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is facing more overcast today although it may not rain today. Current temp at 7am is 26C

The forecast for the next 7 days is stormy and rain over the weekend but it should pick up for the better again come Tuesday.

The middle of the storm yesterday, strong wind as the coconut tree leafs proofs

Yesterday was a cloudy day over Samui with a big storm passing over the island between 2 and 3pm with lots of strong wind and rain. During the morning there were a few moments of sunshine. Max temp reached 31C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st September, 2011

Today's weather;

A cloudy sky looms over Samui with an occasional blue spot. I wouldn't expect too much sun today though. Current temp at 7am is 27C

The heavy floods continue all over the country. The country wide current situation and a 7 day forecast by the Thai Meteorological Department can be found here.

The small soi parallel to Soi Green Mango in Chaweng 7 years ago, the right side has changed a lot, La Taverna is still going strong

Yesterday saw a cloudy, windy but still warm and dry day around Koh Samui. Max temp reached 30.4C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th September, 2011

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy over Samui and I wouldn't be surprised if we get a mixed bag today with overcast, a few glimpses of sunshine, strong wind gusts and bits and pieces of rain at some part of the day. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Grey clouds over Chaweng yesterday afternoon

Yesterday saw a very warm day until we got ready to pick our children up from school around 4.30pm and dark, grey clouds were coming in over Samui with very strong wind and some hard but short rain showers. The rain caused some immediate flash floods, however, the rain lasted only for half an hour. Max temp reached 32.4C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui's sky is mainly blue with some thin clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Salad bay on Koh Phangan, a great view

Yesterday was a sunny and warm day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 33.5C

Camille

Princess Cup, Samui Island Marathon 2011

Princess Cup, Samui Island Marathon 2011

This morning at 5.30am saw the start of the quarter marathon, as part of the Princess Cup, Samui Island Marathon 2011. Just like last year, I participated in this event and in the quarter marathon.

Big poster in Nathon for this years event

It seemed not as busy as last year but that could be because of the flooding all around the mainland. It was still busy though and plenty of people along the road were cheering the runners.

Due to my busy schedule recently, I didn't have time to train for another half marathon, as in Phuket earlier this year, hence the quarter marathon. Up till the half mark I was doing fine but after the turn I was slowing down a bit.

Jorge and me in front of a sign with the route on it

My time was not that great, 59.15 minutes for 11,6km (slightly more than a quarter marathon) but I'm happy that I came in just under an hour. Jose, on the picture on the right, was running as well, he is participating in the September IDC on Koh Samui! Originating from Chile, he made this years event truly international besides various Asian, European and the winning Kenyan nationalities.

The start of the quarter marathon, 5.30am this morning

My next run will be in Bangkok, 8th October, a midnight run over 12km on Sukhumvit road!

Looking forward to more running this year and next year!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Back on Samui and this morning I already ran the quarter marathon as part of the Samui marathon. It's dry and a little bit of cloud formation is in the sky. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Running conditions this morning were fine, although it was rather windy at the pier. The 5.30am start was nice, finishing in the day light time and hour after the start. More on this event here.

The Samui marathon

Yesterday saw a sunny and hot day on both Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The PADI IE on Koh Phangan was very successful but it was also good to be back home again! Max temp reached 32.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has a nice blue sky but Koh Phangan is having a few clouds this morning, although the sun is breaking through and once warmed up, most likely the clouds will disappear. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Tomorrow it's time for the Samui marathon, see you at the start of the quarter marathon in Nathon or any other distance!

Lanterns on Koh Phangan on the road between Chaloklum and Thong Sala

Yesterday saw a sunny and warm day around Samui and Koh Phangan with a max temp of 33.3C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui and Koh Phangan, where I reside for two days during the duration of a PADI IE, have near blue skies and it looks like it's going to be hot today! Current temp at 7am is 26C

The coconut trees of Koh Samui

Yesterday was a sunny and hot day on both Samui and Koh Phangan. Max temp reached 33C

Camille

Korean restaurant Arirang, Choengmon

Korean restaurant Arirang, Choengmon

After my recent visit to South Korea and the great food experiences I had there, it was time to visit a Korean restaurant on Samui.

The only one I currently know about is located in Choengmon, coming from the Boathouse direction Chaweng, it's located at a row of houses about a kilometer from the Boathouse at your left hand side and there's a yellow sign outside.

The very typical pair of scissors to cut the meat

Korean is a lot about meat and one of the most popular ways of consuming this is to order plenty of meat and put it on a hot grill, cut it in pieces once it's done and than wrap it in a piece of salad and add Kimchi as you like.

A selection of kimchi

Two of our friends joined us and although they didn't know what to expect, they really enjoyed it. My wife and me had Korean food in this style already and having been to Korea now, I knew what to expect. I'm glad out friends enjoyed it though!

Kimbap

Above is Kimbap, a kind of sushi which is available all over Korea and very popular. You can buy it in local variations of a 7-11 and comes in different tastes. This was also very nice and tasteful.

Enjoying the meal

The taste of the food was very much the same as in Korea and many local Samui Korean residents visit the restaurant which shows that they enjoy it and in my book proofs that quality food is served.

If you haven't tried Korean food yet or if you are familiar with this kind of food, I can highly recommend Arirang and the price of the food is fine, without alcohol we stuffed 4 adults and 2 children for around 1.500,-THB.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th September, 2011

Today's weather;

A blue sky is welcoming Samui this morning! Current temp at 7am is 25.6C

Later today I will take the ferry over to Koh Phangan in order to give moral support to my IDC candidates during their PADI IE.

The schoolyard at my daughters school, a football pitch is under construction

Yesterday saw a nice dry and warm day around Samui. Max temp reached 31.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is gearing up for a hot day, a near blue sky is hovering above. Current temp at 7am is 24C

Choengmon beach during sun set

Yesterday was a very hot day around Samui. Only around 11pm last night a hard storm with some heavy rain drifted by. Max temp reached 31C

Camille

Thaa Yai 2011 at Wat Plai Laem

Thaa Yai 2011 at Wat Plai Laem

It was time again for Thaa Yai this morning, the yearly event where the deceased are being remembered and whole families gather to celebrate this. In typical Thai style this is done with lots of food.

Food piled up by all local families

By now I forgot how many times I participated but the last 4 years I have documented! Food is being offered to the monks and the deceased and the deceased come back to earth for about two weeks and than they're waved back again until next year.

One of the typical Thaa Yai food platters

The event is celebrated throughout Thailand but under different names and at different times of the year. Thaa Yai is a Southern variation.

More food platters, the white flags have messages on them asking the deceased to join us and share the food

It's a big social event, as already mentioned, families meet and celebrate together and days in advance plenty of shopping and cooking in preparation for this event is done!

Part of the event to visit the urns around the Boat at the local temple and commemorate

It's a big event each year and is celebrated around the island in each temple and in two weeks time a similar event is held for closing Thaa Yai.

Acoording to my wife, the biggest event in the South is held in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th September, 2011

Today's weather;

The sun is out, bright and loud this morning over Samui and the forecast for the next week is superb! Current temp at 7am is 25C

This morning is Thaa Yai, so we were up bright and early to bring the food bought yesterday during the shopping spree to the temple. More on this later.

The Six Senses Hideaway hotel on Samui has been voted as best hotel by the renowned Conde Nast traveler magazine. It received the top spot in the Best Overseas Hotel (Asia & India Subcontinent) and the Top 100 Best in the World categories.

New day rising

Yesterday was cloudy on Samui with a few rain drops towards the end of the day around 5pm. Max temp reached 31.4C

Camille

Shopping for Thaa Yai

Shopping for Thaa Yai

Tomorrow is the yearly Thaa Yai, so there was some shopping that needed to be done. We were in Nathon anyway, to sort out my yearly visa at Immigration, so it was not too difficult to stop at the local market.

There lots of different local sweets that are only made for this yearly Southern event. The local markets have all these goods on display and for sale.

It's interesting to see how various sweets and foods just show up once a year but how you somehow become familiar with them nonetheless.

This was a new variation

Of course the flowers can't be forgotten

Tomorrow it will be a very early rise so we can be at Wat Plai Laem around 6am. See you there? If you want to experience some local folklore, that's the place to be!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Back on Koh Samui which is great but the weather is not that great this morning. A cloudy sky and strong winds prevail. Current temp is 26.7C at 7am.

By tomorrow the weather should be back to 'normal' and the strong winds should have gone away.

A cloudy sky in Plai Laem this morning

Yesterday saw a cloud covered day but not as bad as predicted, yes, there was a strong wind and around 3.30pm there was some rain whilst I was waiting for the ferry to Samui as well but in general it was nicer than I thought it would be. Max temp reached 30.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have heavy cloud cover and there's some strong wind today. Chances of rain are very high for today and tomorrow. By Tuesday the weather should be fine again. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Later today I'll be on my way back to Samui again!

Clouds, wind, waves and rain where yesterdays scene at Haad Chao Phao on Koh Phangan

Yesterday saw cloud cover all day long around both islands and we only had some (very hard) rain around 1pm. Max temp reached 30.1C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Some serious cloud formations are building up over Samui and Koh Phangan and it looks like they will be there for the next 3 days with some very strong wind gusts on top of that. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

After almost 12 years I'm still enjoying living under a coconut tree

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy day over both Samui and Koh Phangan with an occasional sunny moment when the cloud cover broke open. Max temp reached 31.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th September, 2011

Today's weather;

A fairly sunny sky with some clouds in it is hovering over Samui and Koh Phangan. Current temp is 26.6C

Looking for nice and empty beaches, Koh Phangan may just have it; Haad Yao two days ago

Samui and Koh Phangan saw yesterday not as much wind as I expected although it was fairly cloudy all day long with occasional bursts of sunshine to heat things up a bit. A nice and very agreeable day with a max temp of 31.3C

During my current stay I already went twice to Caffe' Della Mocca restaurant in Chaloklom and it was fabulous, can't wait to go back again!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th September, 2011

Today's weather;

This morning sees heavier cloud cover over Samui and Koh Phangan and there's some more wind. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

The forecast predicts more wind and rain over the weekend which seems to ease up again bu Tuesday.

The current PADI IDC on Koh Phangan is in full swing!

Haad Yao on Koh Phangang yesterday afternoon

Yesterday saw a lovely and sunny day all around Samui and Koh Phangang with a max temp of 34C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th September, 2011

Today's weather;

The sky over Samui and Koh Phangan is laced with a thin cloud cover, just like previous days and most likely these clouds will evaporate once the sun starts to warm up. Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

A new Temple is being build near Haad Chao Phao on Koh Phangan

Yesterday saw a dry and sunny day over both Samui and Koh Phangan with a max temp of 33C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th September, 2011

Today's weather;

A thin cloud layer is hovering over Samui and Koh Phangan this morning but I would expect the sun to burn this away pretty soon. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Dramatic views of Koh Phangan's coast line near Haad Yao

Yesterday saw beautiful sunny, warm and dry days on Samui and Koh Phangan. During the late evening there was some thunder, lightning and rain on some parts of Samui with a bit of rain but Plai Laem where I live and on Phangan, where i stay right now, it was dry. Max temp reached 33.2C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui and Koh Phangang have thin cloud layers which should be burned away once the sun starts to heat up. Current temp at 7am is 26C

The PADI IDC on Koh Phangan is well on it's way by now!

Another beautiful sunset yesterday on Koh Phangan

Yesterday saw a lovely and warm day on both Samui and Koh Phangan. Around 8.30pm Samui had some serious rain though and Phangan only had some rain around 4.30am. Max temp reached 33.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th September, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Phangan and Samui have a light cloud cover, most likely to be dispersed by the sun soon and it's slightly windy. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Sunset yesterday on Koh Phangan

Yesterday saw a beautiful morning on both Samui and Koh Phangan but around 2.30pm a dark storm passed by which lasted about an hour. Strong wind and tiny bits of rain. Afterwards everything cleared up again and there's was a nice star studded sky last night. Max temp reached 33.5C

Camille