Stunning views in Thailand’s low-key Krabi province
Posted October 8, 2008 , add a commentI t’s hard to fathom just how gorgeous a simple bunch of rocks can be, but the craggy limestone towers and scenic grottos of Krabi, Thailand, create a stunning backdrop for the province’s beaches and hotels.
A two- to three-hour drive from the island of Phuket, Krabi province lies mostly on the mainland of Thailand, encompassing beach areas along the coast as well as 132 islands offshore, the picturesque Phi Phi islands among them.
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Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown
Posted August 27, 2008 , add a commentIn Nestled among the newer buidings are many reminders of the ethnic distinctiveness of this vibrant part of Kuala Lumpur. Buddhist temples resplendent in the red and yellow so loved by Chinese people everywhere face trendy, very up-scale stores like “Peter Hoe’s” where everything sold is subtle and elegant, not a trace of red or yellow in sight. On the streets, traditional stands sell fried seafood, spicy tofu, bean curd,fish garnished with chilis, and, of course, noodles everywhere. At one stall Miriam, my wife, stopped to consider the purchase of a (genuine, I swear) Rolex for only $20 US. At another I considered the bright red t-shirts with a Canadian Tire logo reading “Cannabis Tire” and featuring the familiar green five-leafed plant.
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The Magic Of Phuket, Thailand
Posted , add a commentWhen I first arrived in Thailand, I did not expect to fall in love. In fact, just the opposite was true. Driving into Bangkok for a three-day stopover on the way to Phuket Island, my first impression was one of shabby buildings, unsophisticated advertising billboards, and suffocating smog. In the superficial glance I was able to give it, (and through the lens of my Western cultural viewpoint), Bangkok looked like a tawdry imitation of what I had left behind.
Now, after just two weeks spent on Phuket Island, I find that Thailand has captured my heart. I am smitten with the grace of the people, the lush, tropical beauty, and the easy-going and peaceful nature of the place. I initially wondered if the friendliness of theThai people was directed only at my tourist dollars. However, I soon met a young Canadian couple who live up north and teach English; they assured me that it is not. Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles” for very good reason.
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