Sunset

I flew back to Bangkok the morning of the 28th. I had prebooked a bunk on the evening train to Chiang Mai before I went to Cambodia. At the time there was only one running, as opposed to four before the flood. Leaving BKK I saw my first serious 'many water' from the carriage window. Cars and trucks were ploughing through the standing water. It took a long time to get out of town. I think because the train track was under water too. As we progressed north the engine kept breaking down. We passed very slowly over the newly rebuilt washed out section. We were six hours late getting into C.M.
I made a special trip north to see Manchester Mike and Trevor before I go to Hua Hin and home on the 7th. With the strike in England, Mike and Trevor may be delayed. I've booked a return to BKK for the 2nd. I hope I see them. I'll see you soon. Thanks for reading.
Doablah

More local action

Saturday at the beach

There is a Khmer middle class. They flock to beach on the weekend for food and drink. It's my favourite time to go and watch.

Some boats

More snorkel trip

Free beer was available if you were willing to drink it poured through a funnel into a snorkel. A shore party organised and delivered to the beach.

Another 'snorkie' trip

I spent most of the trip in Sihanoukville. I 'leelaxed' at the same beach bar, and stayed at the same hotel. I touch lightly here as many of these would be the same photos as can be found on last years trip. The ladie are cooking in the galley.

Cambodia

After 28 days it was time for a visa run. Heres the class of 2011. Thats Andy and Richard flanking me. They are both from England. Joe in the yellow shirt, and Gene are from Canada. Gene is getting a manicure at the beach and a squeese fro a Khmer sweetie.

Cha Am

We made another day trip to the next town up the coast. That trip was kind of a bust too. I couldn't find the big seafood market. These other images are at the main train station in Bangkok. Behind Mark is a portable aluminum barakade, assembled to prevent flood waters from entering the subway. Here are some boats stacked ready for use.

A visitor!

Mark Brennan came for a whirlwind trip of 9 days. We took the train to Pratchapkirikan one day. For years I've wanted to see it was very disappointed.

Loi Khrathong

Each year on the full moon in November, people make small boats of fresh flowers and candles. In Hua Hin, it' not practical to launc into the sea. It's too rough and the little boats would founder quickly. We went to the local 'faux' floating market and launched there.