Goodbye to September 2020

Today is the last day of this month and it's time to say goodbye to September 2020. This month will be remembered by it's rainy character. Much more than a typical September should have, in my opinion.

Looking back at the last four years, only 2018 was the nice and sunny September I expect. 2019, 2017 and 2016 all have been fairly wet.

Currently it's partially clouded with a 32C temperature at 11.30am. Most of this month we had cloudy to partially cloudy weather. Plenty of showers and even a day or two with light stormy weather.

Goodbye to September 2020

Empty shops in the residential Plai Laem area. This used to be small shops where could make a living. Barbers, tattoo artist, food sellers. All kind of small businesses that are gone now. No customers means no income and no money to pay rent. Too many people have left the island for the mainland, back home where there's no rent due.

October can be an interesting month. In the worst case scenario, we have an early start of the rainy season with plenty of rain. In the best case scenario, we may have plenty of sunny days. Most of the times the answer and reality are somewhere in the middle. Interestingly, with extremes at both sides of this weather spectrum.

Next month has a running event scheduled on 18th October. A 5k and 15k trail are set to start and finish at the Hin Lad waterfall in Nathon. The race has been postponed from late March, earlier this year. No more space is available, This race has been sold out for quite a while now. Lookin g forward to racing again, despite that it's a trail run, not my most favored running activity!

Goodbye to September 2020

About two weeks ago, I posted about some of our neighbors leaving for the mainland. This was accompanied with a picture of their rental land in this post. The picture above shows their land right now. They took literally everything from the rented land plot. All the walls, roof and anything that isn't bolted to the ground. Can't blame them, they probably se the stones and roof to build their home again on the mainland. If they leave it behind, it all belongs to the landlord. Strange times indeed.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. It's getting harder each week! Please do help if you can afford to do so!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 21^st September – 27^th September 2020

Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 21st September – 27th September 2020. 

It's partially cloudy outside with a current temperature of 31C. A nice and lazy Sunday! It's just 10am.

The long distance run is in the sack. This morning I ran a 10 mile or 16km simulated race. Firstly, here was a strong headwind on the way out. Secondly, I had no power. I still ran with a fairly good pace, however not what I planned for. Only three more weeks before my first post Covid race. A 15km trail run in Nathon. With start and finish at Hin Lad waterfall.

Last week we had a few days of rain towards the end of this week around the Plai Laem area. The wind picked up a bit again by the end of the week but we had partially cloudy skies. The maximum temperature hit 33C. The minimum temperature was mostly between 23C and 24C with one short period of 22C.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 21st September – 27th September 2020

After the posts of 7-11 and Family Market shops closing down. Today a different story. A brand new Big C Mini outlet is about to open near our house. There has been a steady stream of similar outlets throughout this part and other parts of the island. They are less affected by the Covid malaise, since they are manily build and opened in residential areas. They are a lot less dependent on tourists. They also have a more extensive stock to offer compared to your average 7-11 or Family Market. Interesting to see.

For next week, plenty of tropical showers are predicted. Especially next weekend can be a very wet one. The wind is also picking up a bit. Tuesday may be a bit rough. Stay safe everybody and have a great Sunday!

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. It's getting harder each week! Please do help if you can afford to!

Camille

The Art Club, vegan restaurant in Nathon

Last week I was invited to The Art Club, vegan restaurant in Nathon. First of all, trying out some food. Secondly, I'm interested in the vegan life style. 

The Art Club is a restaurant, bar and cafe. A space for people to get restoration, meet new and old friends and to feel inspired and open minded about what food and nourishment is to them. That should and can be you!

The Art Club has mainly plant based food. Which is good and healthy! Noteworthy, it's also yummy. At least here at the Art Club. 

On a regular there will be art exhibitions as well. You can find more info on their Facebook page here.

The Art Club, vegan restaurant in Nathon

So, what does vegan actually mean? Just in case you don't know! You will be able to find a few definitions on your friend Google. However, it kind of boils down to this; Vegans are individuals who avoid animal products for ethical, health or environmental reasons. Or a combination of the three. Instead, they eat various plant foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and products made from these foods.

My Thai wife and our kids are not really that interested to give up their meat. On the other side, you don't have to be a vegan or vegetarian, in order to enjoy vegan food. 
Occasionally I do cook vegan or vegetarian at home. I do enjoy vegan food, although I'm more a flexitarian than a vegan or vegetarian.

The Interior at the Art Club in Nathon

Co owner and chef Ollie is from the UK. He has been a vegetarian all of his life. Although, he jumped off the wagon for a few years and ate meat. However, after that he became a vegan. He is married to Khun Rapheephan. Some of you might know her as she's one of the few gynecologists on the island. Our two youngest children where born under her care. She is the other co owner.

The restaurant is located behind her Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinic. This is near the Nathon government hospital. Currently the restaurant is located behind the clinic.

The Art Club, vegan restaurant in Nathon

Let's talk about the food. The current menu has a nice variety of options. The menu changes occasionally. Once the current 'under construction' front part of the restaurant at the road is completed, there will be a new menu once more. This should include more options. The new room will also be air conditioned. 

Since I love spinach, I could make my choice easily. Spinach quesadilla with vegan feta cheese. My drink was the 'Gemini'. A smoothie with frozen fruit, mango, turmeric, passion fruit and banana.

The quesadilla was near perfect for me. Good texture and great taste. The presentation and service were also very good. The Gemini drink was great. Super healthy and a perfect combination. Well worth trying out and it makes me curious to check out more of their menu.

The current menu at the Art Club in Nathon

Don't be shy and go and visit. The menu is varied and not expensive. All the cheeses and meats are vegan. This means that they are plant based. It's very interesting how Ollie manages to get the tastes right, although he uses plants, bans and/or legumes as meat substitutes.

Ollie, Joel and myself in the kitchen. The masters at work!

I can highly recommend the Art Cafe. As already mentioned, you don't need to be a vegan in order to enjoy vegan food. Go and find out for yourself. 

It's good to see that the Art Club is busy and doing well in these hard times. Go and support them and enjoy their lovely food.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 14^th September – 20^th September 2020

Another Sunday morning and here it is, the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 14th September – 20th September 2020.

The long slow distance, Sunday morning run has been completed. Long it was indeed. To be precise, 26.7km. It was good though, nice and cool and without too much effort. Well on track for my up and coming local Koh Samui trail runs. 18th October a 15k trail in Nathon. Come 15th November, the Monkey trail. For me the 26k challenge is on. Start and finish at Teeparat Pittaya school in Bophud. The school our two eldest children attend to.

However, on to the weather. It's almost 9.45am and it's cloudy. The current temperature is 29C Nice and cool. Just the way I like it!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 14^th September – 20^th September 2020

Another Family Market that closed down last week on Koh Samui. This one is located at the Samui airport arrivals terminal. During my early morning run, I passed through Chaweng beach road. A few 7-11 and Family Markets outlets are closed down here as well.

Last week saw lots of rain and cool weather. Plenty of showers and a few thunderstorms in the beginning of the week. Real storm like winds at the end of the week. Throw in a few power cuts and you get the picture. The average maximum temperature barely reached 30C. A few times it did go up to 32 and 33C though.

On the other hand, the minimum temperature dropped down to 21C at the end of the week. The many showers are taking their toll.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 14^th September – 20^th September 2020

Everey week, people keep leaving the island in order to go home. No rent needs to be paid there. Last week, one of our neighbors left. This is what remains of their house. Only the walls are left standing. Everything else has been packed up. This doesn't look like they're planning or are expecting to come back anytime soon. Covid19 is taking a heavy toll on tourist destinations like Koh Samui. The current government is not doing much to help the millions of unemployed Thais. The long weekends are not the solution. Domestic travel doesn't bring in any hard needed foreign currency and it stops the economy for 3-4 days. On top of that, it's only something the middle class Thais and higher up Thais can afford.

The forecast for next week is looking fairly good. The strong wind is pretty much gone. A few showers can be expected and some mid week sunny skies. Towards next weekend a bit of wind might pick up again, accompanied by some showers.

Lovely weather in my book! Also fairly typical for September, You wish you were here!

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. Another donation has been received and thanks for that! You know who your are.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7^th September – 13^th September 2020

Sunday morning and we run again with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7th September – 13th September 2020.

Talking about running, the lsd (long slow distance) run is in the can this morning. 23.6km in 2 hours and 12 minutes or a 5'36 pace. Nice running this morning, starting at 5am in the dark.

Right now it's almost 11.15am and we have a cloudy sky with a few blue patches. Current temperature is 31C. I don't really expect any rain today. On the other hand, most likely it remains cloudy.

Covid is still causing havoc on the island and in Thailand in general. Firstly, there are 3 confirmed covid cases. After 100 days going without covid, it seems to be back. One dj in Bangkok was caught in prison with symptoms. Secondly, a professional Uzbek national team football player for the Buriram team has tested positive. Thirdly, a Korean man returning from Bangkok tested positive in Seoul. Currently they're trying to find out the source of the infections.

Secondly, many of the foreigners residing in Thailand are starting to panic. They will have to leave the Kingdom on 27th September if they don't have the correct visa. This date the amnesty expires.Many friends who are not married, but have Thai partners, may face an unwanted exit. It's possible to change certain visas, but it's all expensive and not necessarily easy to sort out.

One friend on Phuket 

had to throw in the towel and he's returning to Europe. leaving his Thai wife here. He will try to find work back in his home country until he can return, providing the borders are open.

It's tough out here, still every day families return to the mainland. This morning, during my long run, I saw two pick up trucks, packed to the rafters with all the respective families belongings. The motorbike, fridge, tv set and plenty of other bits and pieces from their household was crammed in the back. 

Sadly, there's no end in sight when this will finish. The Thai borders will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, let's go back to the weather. Last week's maximum temperature reached 35C. It was hot a few times! However, Thursday afternoon and Saturday evening saw some hard, tropical showers. The minimum temperature didn't drop below 24C at night. A fairly steady and enjoyable September week.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7^th September – 13^th September 2020

Another Family Market bites the dust. This outlet, in Choengmon has closed it's doors earlier this week. It's near the 'Melia' resort, the former Imperial Boathouse. Many 7-11 and Family outlets close overnight and don't have their big outdoor lights on. All because they try to reduce costs. Many resorts staff have been cut down to around 50%. Including salary cuts up to 50%, including the general managers. Or in some cases, actually letting go of the general managers. Chaweng is like a ghost town. Half of Chaweng's shops, bars, restaurants seem to have closed and are up for rent or sale. There's talk of closing down Central Festival shopping mall for 3 months. Big chain restaurant 'Wine connection' has closed it's doors a few months ago already.

The forecast for next week looks interesting. Shower alert all week long. From mid week on, expect stronger wind. Friday should see the 'worst'. Possibly hard rain and a fairly strong wind.

Expect the usual suspect locations to have flash floods later this week again.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. A donation has been received and thanks for that! You know who your are.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31^st August – 6^th September 2020

Good morning and welcome to the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31st August – 6th September 2020.

My morning run wasn't this long this morning. The training schedule subscribed a 10km race simulation. That went well in 46 minutes and 45 seconds with a total of 10.14km or a 4'36 pace. Am happy with that. In a real race I will most likely run a little bit faster. The adrenaline will be pumping on race day! This run brought me exactly to the middle of my 12 week training program.

It's almost 11am and partially sunny. The current temperature is 31C. I expect the temperature to rise a little bit more today.

Firstly, maximum temperatures reached 35C on Monday. The rest of the 34 and 33C were hit a few times though. Secondly, the minim temperature didn't drop below 24C. A few nights 25C was the minimum.

There were also a few days and/or nights with a short tropical shower. A fairly typical start of September on Koh Samui.

Covid is still wreaking havoc on the island. Still many families are leaving the island each day, to go back home on the main land.

Do you remember the pictures of closed down 7-11's and Family Marts? Well, some 7-11's and Family Marts are not open 24 hours per day. The close late in the evening and open early again. The lack of tourists is felt severely on the island. The same goes for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. We are now in a long weekend, with Friday and Monday being compensation days for Songkran. However, besides the long weekends. it's fairly quiet!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31^st August – 6^th September 2020

Last week Thaa yai was celebrated around Koh Samui. As usual, at our local Wat Plai Leam temple, it was busy. Lots of food was being prepared. Consequently given to the monks and shared and eaten among the various families. Each with their own foods and groups.

Last but least, the forecast for next week predicts mostly partially clouded skies. The beginning of the week may see a tropical shower. However, towards the weekend, there should be more showers coming our way.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. A donation has been received and thanks for that! You know who your are.

Camille

Welcome to September 2020

It's the first day of this new month, hence we say welcome to September 2020.

The weather during this month can be a bit of hit and miss. Ideally it's nice and sunny. On the other hand, September tends to have quite a few rain days as well. The first week of this month is a perfect sample. Up to the weekend it should be partially cloudy with an occasional tropical shower. Over the weekend we might get a few heavier showers. The sun may come out after this first September weekend.

Due to Covid19, there are still no big or major events scheduled on Koh Samui. The international borders are to remain closed for the foreseeable future. It's time to win in the lottery in order to survive! The island is unrecognizably quiet!

Welcome to September 2020

The most famous mummified monk on the island. This monk resides in Wat Kunaram between Hua Thanon and Baan Namuang. The other mummified monk can be found in the Baan Taling Ngaam temple. This is a lot more off the beaten track. Both are interesting though and well worth checking out the history behind this mummification process. Which both monks voluntarily chose for back in their days. At the moment you pretty much have both temples for your own!

Where ever you are, stay safe. I'm looking forward seeing you again in Thailand and more specifically on Koh Samui!

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options.

Camille