Well blogging buddies, just an update on my situation here in Bangkok.Yesterday was day one of 'Shut down Bangkok' and I can report things were quiet.There are demonstrators at a numher of intersections in town blocking roads so traffic miseries, beyond the usual ones abound, but here the day was quiet and spent in silent reflection by the lovely pool on the 7th floor.I received an update from the Canadian Embassy,telling me they had relocated consular services due to the blockade but were still monitoring.I also met Prapan, my landlord, last evening and we had a good chat about the situation and possibilities. I am heading out today to see some sights, ever vigilant as always, Prapan has circled the demonstration areas on my map so I will be able to stay clear.All is good here ... read more

Hello again blogging buddies, I am back with photos, hopefully.This is no small achievement and would not be possible without some inter continental assistance from my tech savvy partner Nicole.What we arr attrmpting involves writing thr blog on one side of the globe then saving it to the Web site.Meanwhile selected photos arr rmailed with captions on and arr sttached to thr reopened blog in Ottawa! I know it sounds craxy but if it works then it works!!... read more

Good day blogging buddies, I actually started this posting last night but hit an incorrect button somewhere and whoosh it was gone forever.I have a new tablet, a wonderful device and certainly easier to carry around the globe but I have dyslexic fingers.I titled this post jet lagged to highlight to you all just how screwed up the body can get when it is transported to a place the inverse of its normal rythm.Today is the first morning I have been up at a reasonable hour,05:30 and not 3am or 2pm! Normally I am a pretty sound sleeper, notwithstanding sleep apnea, but to find myself wide awake at 3am was harsh.When I finally got to sleep it was closer to 7am snd I slept till 1pm.I awoke to a warm apartment and a hot day outside,+32.As ... read more

Well my friends it is close to the end of this trip and I thought I would wrap it up with another blog about some of the other days and pictures I have had and taken in the last week or so.It is amazing the time has gone by so quickly, as everyone says I am sure.First let me tell you about the city concert.There was an arts festival here last weekend with bands playing in the parks and some exhibitions and childrens activities.One of the more interesting events was a concert last sunday night beginning at 9.This was the day Michael and I had been to the wine valley so when we got back to town and he picked up his wife and sister in law I was dropped off at my apt.I wanted to ... read more

Hi again,the sun is shining but I am feeling guilty for not writing for a few days, so thought I would spend some time and a bottle of Chardonnay with you while I continue to write about some of my other days of the last week. I had not been on a formal or informal tour of Valpo since arriving many weeks ago.One of my usual routines in a place is to take a bus tour or some other orientation to get to know the place where I am staying.Since there are no bus tours I looked elsewhere and came across Michael the Pirate. Yes yes I know stay away from pirates, I have already been warned, but Michael came well recommended by by British ex neighbours in the apartment and is also mentioned in the ... read more