Camille's Samui Info blog: October 2014

Friday, 31 October 2014

Goodbye to October 2014

Unfortunately the October 2014 version around Koh Samui was not one to fondly remember for it's good weather. Especially the first half of this month saw lots of strong wind and heavy rain at times. At moments I thought that the rainy season or monsoon had hit the island already.

The second half of this month saw improvements though, although there were still plenty of showers, now we had also could enjoy blue skies and sunny moments at times again.

A mediocre October in my book though!

Chinese Temple in Maenam during the weekly Maenam walking street

It was a busy month for me though, I completed a PADI IDC on the island and assisted with Shark Guardian presentations for two International schools on Samui.

The yearly Chak Phra event took place in Nathon, I organized two presentations to increase box jelly fish awareness for hotel staff on the island and there was the royally endorsed Tod Katin ceremony in Wat Bo Phuttaraksam. All great events and I am very pleased that I could visit and be part of these events.

My blog had also it's 2 millionth view, a great achievement indeed!

Now it's on to a new month and I will start the month with a 'first', a weekend visit to Chiang Mai, a city I never been to before in the North of Thailand.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31st October, 2014

Today's weather;

This morning we can see another hazy blue sky with clouds hovering over the ocean around Koh Samui's shore line. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Buddha statue at Wat Bo Phuttaram in Bophud

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny and dry day mixed with some cloudy skies. Max temp reached 30.7C

The forecast remains the same with a mixed bag of blue and cloudy skies and occasionally a shower.

Camille

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th October, 2014

Today's weather;

There's a blue sky over Koh Samui but it's hazy and some big clouds hang around for good measure. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C

A Songthaew taxi in Choengmon, which literally means 'two rows', referring to the two seating benches in the back of the pick up. They run all over the island and in the daytime they have fixed routes, if you see one approaching, you just need to flag them down and get off once you reach your point of destination

Yesterday saw a dry day with a shower during the night time. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast hasn't changed much, a mixed bag of blue and cloudy skies for the next seven days.

Camille

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a mixed bag this morning with a few blue spots and lots of heavy clouds over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

During the recent Tod Katin ceremony at Wat Bo Phuttaram, there was lots of free food but also these herbal juices. They were delicious!

Yesterday saw a fair amount of sunshine although there were also showers all over the island. Last night there were showers again and around 1am I woke up from an enormous thunder. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast is looking good, it should be blue skies with no rain, but that's not working out right now, so expect sunny and rainy moments in a daily mix. The monsoon seems to be at our doorstep!

Camille

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's sunny but hazy with some cloud formations in the sky as well this morning around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is a nice, cool 24.6C

A traditional Thai style house next to Wat Bophud

Yesterday saw a nice though cloudy and dry day around the island with some rain during the night. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast predicts mostly sunny skies with clouds over the weekend and it should stay dry.

Camille

Monday, 27 October 2014

Manora dance at Wat Bo Phuttaram in Bophud

During the recent 'Tod Katin' ceremony at Wat Bo Phuttaram, one of the events taking place was a rather rare and exclusive Southern Thai dance which goes by the name of 'Manora' or มโนราห์.

In 15 years time living on Koh Samui, it was the first time I witnessed a Manora dance.

The Manora dance invocation by the music ensemble

The dance starts with a rather lengthy invocation, accompanied by music. The musical ensemble consists of a pair of hand cymbals, a pair of small knobbed gongs, a pair of wooden sticks, a barrel-shaped gendang, a reed instrument and a vase-shaped single headed drum.

The whole performance, a dance drama, follows a strict pattern, the music, the invocation, the customs and the moves follow a strict pattern, is my understanding. Looking at pictures from other performances, the clothes are looking all the same indeed.

As already mentioned, the dance is exclusive to Southern Thailand and a few Northern Malaysian states and is also known as Nora (โนรา) or Lakon Chatri (ละครชาตรี).

The basic features of the performance include a lengthy invocation, a dance by the main character, and a play or skit. The invocation is enacted by slow rhythmic movements of legs, arms and fingers. The dramatic repertoire of Manora performance is based on Thai legends of Manohara, derived from Buddhist Jataka tales, many of which already accultured into Malay society centuries ago

The costumes are very colorful and beautiful and the performance I witnessed was done by a Bang Po family, apparently the only Samui based troupe that can perform this dance.

This performance was a complete surprise by me, I had no idea it was scheduled and I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to be able to see another performance.

It's part of a long Southern Thai tradition and rare indeed, I hope to see it again a lot faster than having to wait another 15 years!

If you have the opportunity to witness this approximate 2000 year old dance drama whilst in Southern Thailand, make sure to make time for such an event to witness it. Well worth in my opinion and a rare insight in old Southern Thai dance drama tradition. I'm glad I could witness this at last!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's heavy and thick cloud layers this morning all around Koh Samui and I wonder if it will stay dry. Current temp at 7am is 25.8C

The sky over Wat Bo Phuttaram in Bophud yesterday morning, during the Tod Katin ceremony

Yesterday saw rain during the very early and early morning after which is remained dry for the rest of the day with sunny breaks. Max temp reached 30.5C

There may be some rain this morning but the forecast predicts a couple of sunny days ahead after today.

Camille

Sunday, 26 October 2014

Tod Katin or Royally endorsed money offering at Wat Bo Phuttaram

This morning was an early morning, first I had a 14km run and by 7am we were expected at Bophud Temple or Wat Bo Phuttaram in Bophud for a Royally endorsed 'Tod Katin' or ทอดกฐินพระราชทาน พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว and as part of the ceremony, our eldest daughter would participate in a classic Thai dance.

Posing in front of the car in front of the procession with holey relics

The 'Tod Katin' event take place on a regular base around he country. It's a ceremony during which money is handed over to a certain temple, so they an build something new or fix something broken or just maintain the Temple in question. The money in question is donated by local people and many times you can see small money trees in shops or restaurants and the like.

Money flower

The Royally sponsored events, like this one today, are a lot more rare. The idea and principle are still the same though and today it was thought to have at least generated one million Thai Baht.

A more classic money tree

The way part of the money is collected is a rather unique Thai way; so called 'money trees' are being delivered to the Temple and since this was such a big event, some of the money trees actually had taken on different shapes, of which some samples can be seen here and on my Koh Samui Info Blog Facebook page.

Posing in front of the money trees

There was a fairly long procession between Bophud school and the Bophud temple and some of the traffic today got held up this morning, between the school and the temple between 8.30 and 9am.

Island officials including the vice mayor

It was an interesting event to witness though and once back in the Temple, there were free drinks, ranging from water and Thai tea variations to herbal juices.

Have money will travel

Don't forget that we're in Thailand and a free meal was also provided, with a dozen or so different options available, ranging from Khanom Chin to Pad Thai, among others.

On the go

All money trees are being hand carried from the school to the temple and was the procession had arrived, all money trees where diverted to a part of the temple where all moneys were being harvested off the trees and counted, to go into a bank account tomorrow.

Blocking the road

It was great to being able to take plenty of pictures and in a rather unusual move, I have posted a lot more pictures of this event than I usually do. So scroll along down the page and enjoy the pictures.

At the entrance to the Temple, two women at each side of the entrance were throwing flowers on the procession participants

A 'Por' or 'older monk' handing out Buddhist amulets which caught a lot of attention and many people went up to him to get an amulet

The money is gathered at the temple and ready to be 'harvested' and counted

More counting and taking the money forest down

The harvest has been collected

Sure hope you enjoyed these very typical Thai pictures. Tomorrow I will write a follow up about the Manora dance drama that originates from Southern Thailand and has very specific clothing and dance passes and rituals.

Camille

Poppy Appeal - Samui Archipelago 2014

Dear Blog readers,

2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, a conflict in which hundreds of thousands of British and Commonwealth forces and civilians lost their lives.

The British Ex Servicemen community are this week distributing Poppy Appeal boxes around the Samui archipelago at various locations (list at the foot of this message)

Remembrancetide this year commences on Sunday 26th October until Sunday 9th November. The Poppy Appeal boxes will remain in place until the 11th November 2014.

A Remembrance Service will be held on the 9th November (Remembrance Sunday), details to be published nearer the time.

The generous support of the resident community for the Poppy Appeal each year is very much appreciated;

"Lest We Forget"

Samui Poppy Appeal Location List 2014

Lamai:

- Red Fox

- Outback

- Woodies Bar

- Bakery

- Tonees Bar

- Phoenix Bar

Chaweng:

- Tropical Murphys

- Islander

- Irish Times

- Spirit House

- Red Brick café

Bang Rak / Choeng Mon:

- M&Ms

- Premier Bar

- The Hut

- Shakespeares

- The Office

- Relax

- International School of Samui

Bophut / Maenam:

- Billabong

- Angela’s Bakery

- Jordans

Nathon and Other Areas:

- Luckys Restaurant, Nathon

- Max Murphys, Nathon

- Cassidys, Tong Krut.

Koh Phangan:

- Harp Bar

- Sail Rock Divers

- Flag Bar

- Masons Arms

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a mixed bag this morning over Koh Samui, heavy clouds with an occasional blue spot and very humid with rain in the air. Current temp at 7am is around 26C

Inside the Bot at Wat Bophud, getting ready for a 'Tod Katin' or a handing over of donated money ceremony, In this case close to a million Thai Baht. In the middle of the picture you can see some 'money trees', loaded with Thai Baht/ This picture was taken yesterday afternoon, today more money trees will be on display

Yesterday was a fairly nice day but around noon there was a very heavy but short downpour in our area in Plai Laem. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast predicts more rain this morning, followed by dry and fairly sunny days for this week.

Camille

Saturday, 25 October 2014

Food on Wheels; Surat Thani school knowledge tests

Earlier this month our two oldest children had some form of knowledge competition in the city of Surat Thani on the mainland with their school and all other schools in the province.

Man tod or deepfried potato balls and khanom dchaak, sticky rice with coconut

Topics were varied and our daughter competed in 'science' and she came in 4th place in her category with her schoolmates and our son was competing in 'computer graphic' and came in third in his category with his schoolmates.

The classic; Fruit

The vent was held at various schools throughout the city and it was busy at all schools involved, with provincial schools attending from all over the province of Surat Thani.

BBQ Sausage

The two schools that we visited, had food options in copious amounts, as typical in Thailand, especially with such a big gathering of people in one location and all schools had plenty of 'Food on Wheels' options.

The Mix; Drinks and junk food

The assortment was varied, as you can expect at busy events, but also typical, most of it is not of great quality or health value. Lots of fast food and lots of deep fried and lots of sugar. msg and you name it!

Another classic; Deep fried junk food

The classic fruit cart is probably the healthiest option, as long as you can stay away from the sugar with chili in it! How much I love the food on wheels culture, for health reasons I don't participate in or rather buy many of the offered options and choices.

Drinks in all kinds of variation

It's great to see every time though and the variety on offer keeps it interesting. Your average European health official would have a sheer heart attack, just looking at the carts and the displays, let alone checking and controlling the quality of the food on offer!

Fair enough, in the days I ate lots of the displayed food and also my children, so far never got sick from eating food on offer from these carts.

So, enjoy and dig in or just take pictures like me!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's blue over Koh Samui but there are also some clouds looming over the ocean and land. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Road in Choengmon

Yesterday saw a very sunny day around our part of the island, although we had a strong shower in the early evening. max temp reached 30.7C

The forecast is looking good for the next seven days with a mix of cloudy and sunny parts of the days ahead.

Camille

Friday, 24 October 2014

2 million page views

Just reached the memorable moment that my Samui info and weather blog has received 2 million page views!

Thanks for checking in viewing my pages!

Looking forward to the next million!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th October, 2014

Today's weather;

This morning is a lot nicer compared to yesterday with an almost clear blue sky over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Hainan style house in Hua Thanon

Yesterday did not stay dry at all, we had lots of rain during the morning and a cloudy day with no sunshine at all. Max temp reached 27C

The forecast remains the same, a mixed bag of cloudy and sunnier days with occasionally some rain. It's not rainy season yet but it sure is on it's way!

Camille

Thursday, 23 October 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's mostly cloudy this morning over Koh Samui with little to no sunshine in sight at the moment, although it looks like it will stay dry. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

High water levels at the Hin Lad Waterfall near Wat Saunthamma in Nathon

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day and it was hot again with a max temp of 32C

The forecast looks good with a mixed bag of some cloudy and some sunnier days and occasionally maybe a shower.

Camille

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Samui Cross Country bicycle event in Maenam, 25th January 2015

Early next year, Sunday 25th January 2015, there will be the first Samui Cross Country event at the Maenam track.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd October, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a bit hazy this early in the morning but there are plenty of blue spots in the sky over Koh Samui, just waiting to break through in full glory once the sun heats up. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C

Beach view from Rocky's boutique resort in Lamai

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy morning with more sunshine during the afternoon. Max temp reached 30.7C

The forecast shows a bit of clouds and sunny skies for the next 7 days with possibly some rain come Saturday.

Camille

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Box jelly fish awareness presentations for hotel staff around Koh Samui

After the recent and tragic death of a 5 year old French boy on Koh Phangang, after a box jelly fish sting, the THA (Thai Hotel Association) Samui chapter took swift action and organized an awareness day for their hotel staff.

Box jelly fish sign in Thai

Due to my early experiences with box jelly fish on Chaweng Beach, dating back to 2003 and consequent write ups on my dive blog and this blog, I was in charge of organizing this day, where we had two presentations at two different locations.

Box jelly fish presentation, Four Seasons, Koh Samui

The presentation in full swing at the Four Seasons Resort

The first presentation took place in the morning at the Four Seasons Resort and the second presentation took place in Rocky Boutique Resort.

With the help of Andrew Jones, who runs this excellent blog about box jelly fish, it was possibly to get Dr. Lakkana Thaikreua and Dr. Hataya Kanjanasombut to the presentations.

Box jelly fish presentation, CPR, Four Seasons, Koh Samui

Basic CPR training at the Four Seasons resort

Dr. Lakkana is part of the Thai box jelly fish work group and I have met her during one of her early visist in this capacity on Koh Samui, already 4 years ago. She's one of the few Thai experts in the field of box jelly fish research. She was accompanied by Dr. Hataya.

Their trip also includes visits and discussions with the various hospitals around the island, which they are doing today. Their trip was subsidized by the BOE or Bureau of Epidemiology.

Attendees at Four Seasons Resort

The interest from the hotels round the island was overwhelming and we had full venues for both presentations, with a total over 80 attendees. Due to the success and demand, possibly more presentations may be in the making.

Box jelly fish presentation, Rocky's, Koh Samui

The presentation under way at Rocky's Resort

The fact that Dr. Lakkana could hold the presentations in the Thai language was a big bonus and most certainly helped in keeping the attention of the attendees. Most attendees had no previous knowledge of box jelly fish and yesterday's presentations helped tremendously with an awareness factor about the box jelly fish around Samui waters and also gave plenty of tips in respect to prevention and how to handle and deal with actual encounters.

Box jelly fish presentation, CPR, Rocky's, Koh Samui

Basic CPR training at Rocky's

Part of the training included basic CPR training. For this training the Bangkok-Samui hospital had two nurses available at each presentation who helped out with the training, which again proofed to be very useful since it was all done in Thai.

With thanks to 'Easy Divers', 'The Dive Academy' and 'Hoboya' dive centers for lending their CPR mannequins for this event.

Group picture of attendees at Rocky's

It's a good start to show that the hotels around Koh Samui are aware of the problem and are pro actively dealing with the problem, which in other parts of Thailand has been welcomed with very positive feedback from tourists.

Dr. Lakkana left and Dr. Hataya on the right

Connections have been made and hopefully this is a start in dealing with a problem that nobody wished they had to deal with, but with an open, head on attitude, as displayed by the hotels yesterday, awareness can be spread and the easy ways of preventing and dealing with the box jelly fish are slowly spreading around the island.

Big thanks to the General Managers of the Four Seasons Resort and Rocky Boutique Resort for offering their meeting rooms, it's much appreciated and thanks to the Samui chapter of the Thai Hotel Association for making this possible.

Ways to help you prevent box jelly fish injuries is with these stinger suits for young and old

Camille