Taipei

In the beginning of December, we went on a city trip to Taipei, capital of Taiwan. We met up with Charlene, a flat mate of Nirmala while we were studying in London in 2000, almost 10 years ago. We had not seen her since then! Taipei is now most famous for Taipei 101, up til recently the tallest tower in the world, but has a lot more to offer. We managed to take in quite a few sights and some electronics shops during the long weekend.

Hua Hin

We recently returned to Hua Hin for the weekend. Hua Hin is a coastal town (see earlier posts). It is seen as more "high-end" than, say, Pattaya. The entertainment is generally more family-oriented and there is less mass tourism. It is also a preferred place for the Thai Royal family to retreat, they have a Royal Palace next to the beach, named "Klai Kangwon" ("Far From Worries"), reminiscent of palace names such as "Sanssouci" in Europe. After a lunch on the beach in Belgian-owned restaurant "Brasserie de Paris", we went back inland into the hills around Hua Hin. We stayed at a resort with an enormous infinity pool in very pleasant surroundings. During dinner, we noticed a small frog sitting in the plant pot on our table (pictured)!

Koh Samet

For Nirmala's parents' and sister's last weekend in Thailand, we decided to go to Koh Samet, an island close to Bangkok. This was also the first time that we went there. After a 2-hour ride and a 15-minute speedboat transfer, we were in the hotel on the beach. We should have come sooner: the island is a beautiful retreat from the city. The time was spent relaxing on the beach, in the sea and enjoying food including some fine Thai crab dishes on the way back to Bangkok.

Loy Krathong 2009 - Floating Market

We celebrated the Thai Loy Krathong festival (see last year's post for explanation on Loy Krathong) with Nirmala's parents at a Thai restaurant on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. We had great views on the traditional fireworks, organized by the hotels on the river. We also floated the traditional "krathongs" on the river to send off the bad thoughts of the year. Last weekend, we had a very touristic day, with a visit to one of the famous floating markets. From a traditional weekend market, this has now developed into a full-time major tourist attraction. After a tour on the canals, you reach the floating market where people still buy fruit and vegetables but also lots of souvenirs and other gadgets. We even met a Thai Belgian, speaking fluent Dutch with an Antwerp accent. On the way to the floating market we stopped at the compulsory orchid farm, coconut sugar factory and on the way back at a Thai cultural show.

Nirmala's parents visiting - Bangkok & Khao Yai

Nirmala's parents have arrived in Thailand at the end of October and have already been traveling around extensively. We joined them for a weekend visit of Bangkok (Wat Po with a famous statue of the Reclining Buddha) and the Royal Palace. During another weekend, we went to Khao Yai. Here are some atmosphere pictures. Next post: Loy Krathong 2009!

Sunset camel rides a favorite for Alice Springs tourists

My Sydney home at Divya and Danny's house

Colorful natives of Australia

The emu national animal of Australia