I wish to avoid pretension.
I wish to avoid writing contrivedly,
Though as these words fall to the page.
I appear to be failing miserably.
When writing this or
When writing that.
What I see is so contrived,
Because as I am sure
You all have guessed.
There are elements of which I hide.
Like Lazy Days, getting up too late
and being far too idle
Making excuses
to not see movies,
For an alternative far more primal.
... But when considered,
All in all,
At the end of the day,
Just to quote some phrases.
It's human nature that we share.
To hide some things,
and only show,
that which one chooses.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Horrible Sweaty Mess
Me after training.Today was intense.
In pain.
I really should get me one of those massages.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thats not my shirt but that's Muay Thai
Okay, I thought I would give a bit of an insight in to the Muay Thai training.
Above in the orange is 'Ajahn' - or 'Teacher'. This is the only name I know him by. Anyone who he teaches would refer to him as the same. Outside of the Muay Thai camp then it may be fine to ask his name and address him by it but whilst training then there is always a respect shown, that it seems right to adhere to.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This kind of respect for a teacher, or someone of higher cultural statue, for example a monk, is echoed across much of Thai life. Though witnessed a lot, it does appear that more and more the ever growing western influences and cultural ways are taking precedent over the Thai ways. It really does depend on the place that you are in, or the people that you are with.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ajahn's Muay Thai camp is within the village a couple of kilometers south east of Nong Khai town, or at least the part of the town that rests upon the Mekong.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have purchased a second hand mountain bike for my time in Nong Khai and so reach the camp using pedal power whenever I go. Thankfully in the day there are far less dogs willing to start chasing you when cycling.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have not committed to the training as fully as I had first considered; originally planning to commit to a month of pretty much daily training. I do not mind though. I think I would of passed out several times over if I had committed as thoroughly. In this climate, a brief walk can wipe you out so I have come to enjoy training every other day or so.
In the picture above is Kevin. Once the bartender at Gaai Bar, of Mut Mee. After reading about Muay Thai training in the Lonely Planet (other guides are available), and inquiring at Mut Mee reception I was pointed in Kevin's direction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Really sound guy from Hawaii, it was Kevin and his girlfriend Taia who introduced me to Ajahn.
----------------------------
Typical training may consist of:
Stretching.
Several minutes jumping on large tyres to warm up.
Various bag / box work:Kicks, Knees, Elbows. Combinations of these.
Some sparring in the ring with Ajahn where he is fully padded up. (as above)
- Pushups - Sit ups
Warm down
----------------------------
I become a horrible sweaty mess although this is not unusual even in winter in the UK, so I am surprised that in this heat I do not simply dwindle to nothing.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
... what I forgot to mention.
Picture the scene.
You are in bar. In fact it is more like a music venue with large stage, many tables and seats and a bar. You may as well not be able to see the bar though, as you never have to visit. Table service is prevalent in most bars in Thailand.
You've had a few drinks and are fully loosened up, enjoying your company and your surroundings. A familiar urge hits you - one that often follows excess intake of fluid. You need to pee.
'Where's the toilet you ask?' wishing you had of learned this in Thai by now but glad that you are understood and pointed in the right direction.
Off you pop. A mixture of casual walking, drunken ambling, and attempted dancing. Upon entering the bathroom you are greeted by what appear to be three attendents. Unusual to have three, you think, but consider nothing of it as they actually indicate a urinal for you to use.
How kind, they are pointing the way. Most unusual but thank you.
.... and so, upon reaching designated urinal, ready to enjoy what is usually a very solitary act of relieving oneself while in a cormfortable drunkeness, hands clasp upon your shoulders, neck, head and not only do you find that you are relieving yourself, but also receiving a massage at the same time.
Quite bizarre but really, don't knock it until you've tried it.
Admittedly I was a little freaked out when hands appeared on my shoulders but the resultant massage alleviated some of my fears and was actually pretty good. My back was clicking here and there. My neck also, as it was twisted this way and the other. Even my ears, which for some reason were sort of massaged a little then yanked downwards causing them to click quite loudly.
This massage seemed to refresh you and send you on your way a little more energised.
I would advise caution however, as similar to a boat, plane or train - a toilet stop during a massage can be quite a tricky experience.
You are in bar. In fact it is more like a music venue with large stage, many tables and seats and a bar. You may as well not be able to see the bar though, as you never have to visit. Table service is prevalent in most bars in Thailand.
You've had a few drinks and are fully loosened up, enjoying your company and your surroundings. A familiar urge hits you - one that often follows excess intake of fluid. You need to pee.
'Where's the toilet you ask?' wishing you had of learned this in Thai by now but glad that you are understood and pointed in the right direction.
Off you pop. A mixture of casual walking, drunken ambling, and attempted dancing. Upon entering the bathroom you are greeted by what appear to be three attendents. Unusual to have three, you think, but consider nothing of it as they actually indicate a urinal for you to use.
How kind, they are pointing the way. Most unusual but thank you.
.... and so, upon reaching designated urinal, ready to enjoy what is usually a very solitary act of relieving oneself while in a cormfortable drunkeness, hands clasp upon your shoulders, neck, head and not only do you find that you are relieving yourself, but also receiving a massage at the same time.
Quite bizarre but really, don't knock it until you've tried it.
Admittedly I was a little freaked out when hands appeared on my shoulders but the resultant massage alleviated some of my fears and was actually pretty good. My back was clicking here and there. My neck also, as it was twisted this way and the other. Even my ears, which for some reason were sort of massaged a little then yanked downwards causing them to click quite loudly.
This massage seemed to refresh you and send you on your way a little more energised.
I would advise caution however, as similar to a boat, plane or train - a toilet stop during a massage can be quite a tricky experience.
Friday, February 20, 2009
R and R - Recovery and Recooperation
The incredible heat that brings the inevitable and prolonged dehydration must be an overriding factor in today's unpleasant case of hangover.
I guess that heavy consumption of alcohol also factors in the equation but I maintain that heat and dehydation were pivotal elements.
My thanks go out though to Yaa and his friends whom I met just yesterday 19th February. For it was through Yaa inviting me to have a drink and go to a Thai bar that I enjoyed the somewhat unfamiliar feeling of a hangover.
I am currently teaching English to a guy named Toto who works at a Charity Organisation called Openmind that I had visited to inquire about work teaching English. There was no work at Openmind; in fact, like with many volunteer projects if I wanted to teach English I would of had to , hmmm, donate I guess, around about four hundred US dollars.
Erm no.
Toto contacted me a few days later though and we have arranged some private tuition to help improve pronunciation, grammar, vocubulary etc.
Teaching aside for now though; we had arranged to go for a meal with some other people that Toto work with. We had Hot Pot which was delicious. A clay pot with broth that sits atop some burning embers to continue boiling away. You then add vegetables, meat etc to the pot. You can use chopsticks to dip strips of beef in and cook just how you like. You then have dipping sauces that are spicy, sweet, sour, and bitter.
It was at the meal that Yaa had invited me for a drink afterwards and so I end up on the back of a motorbike, heading out of town, through the village where I train in Muay Thai (a little), and on to Yaa's friends shop where we drink rum and whiskey.
Six of us then go on to what Yaa had said was a Country Pub. I should perhaps say - what I had misunderstood to be a country pub. The pub itself was back in the main town and happened to have the word country in it's name. Something like 'The River Country' I think.
Despite being next to a main hotel and near to some of the guest house locations, I was the only Farang there. One farang in a sea of Thai. I mean this place was busy. It turned out that a live band was to play. They were pretty good. We got up dancing so I guess they were good, or perhaps the alcohol had reached my limbs and the part of my brain that says ' you need to dance.'
We then headed home though I somehow found some new friends who were celebrating someones birthday at one of the bars closer to my appartment and so my night was not quite ready to end. Some beer and several whiskeys later, I find myself getting to bed when the sun was coming up.
It was a very good night, though one that I doubt will be repeated any time soon. Still I managed to experience a Thai night out, at least by Nong Khai standards, and had a good old time doing so.
My trip so far has had a certain amount of Rest and Relaxation but today was certainly more Recovery and Recooperation.
I guess that heavy consumption of alcohol also factors in the equation but I maintain that heat and dehydation were pivotal elements.
My thanks go out though to Yaa and his friends whom I met just yesterday 19th February. For it was through Yaa inviting me to have a drink and go to a Thai bar that I enjoyed the somewhat unfamiliar feeling of a hangover.
I am currently teaching English to a guy named Toto who works at a Charity Organisation called Openmind that I had visited to inquire about work teaching English. There was no work at Openmind; in fact, like with many volunteer projects if I wanted to teach English I would of had to , hmmm, donate I guess, around about four hundred US dollars.
Erm no.
Toto contacted me a few days later though and we have arranged some private tuition to help improve pronunciation, grammar, vocubulary etc.
Teaching aside for now though; we had arranged to go for a meal with some other people that Toto work with. We had Hot Pot which was delicious. A clay pot with broth that sits atop some burning embers to continue boiling away. You then add vegetables, meat etc to the pot. You can use chopsticks to dip strips of beef in and cook just how you like. You then have dipping sauces that are spicy, sweet, sour, and bitter.
It was at the meal that Yaa had invited me for a drink afterwards and so I end up on the back of a motorbike, heading out of town, through the village where I train in Muay Thai (a little), and on to Yaa's friends shop where we drink rum and whiskey.
Six of us then go on to what Yaa had said was a Country Pub. I should perhaps say - what I had misunderstood to be a country pub. The pub itself was back in the main town and happened to have the word country in it's name. Something like 'The River Country' I think.
Despite being next to a main hotel and near to some of the guest house locations, I was the only Farang there. One farang in a sea of Thai. I mean this place was busy. It turned out that a live band was to play. They were pretty good. We got up dancing so I guess they were good, or perhaps the alcohol had reached my limbs and the part of my brain that says ' you need to dance.'
We then headed home though I somehow found some new friends who were celebrating someones birthday at one of the bars closer to my appartment and so my night was not quite ready to end. Some beer and several whiskeys later, I find myself getting to bed when the sun was coming up.
It was a very good night, though one that I doubt will be repeated any time soon. Still I managed to experience a Thai night out, at least by Nong Khai standards, and had a good old time doing so.
My trip so far has had a certain amount of Rest and Relaxation but today was certainly more Recovery and Recooperation.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Acclimatising - Pitching in and Settling Down
From one place to another.
From the present to the past.
Back to Koh Muk to continue at last.
Beauty of the Human Spirit
I believe I had left the journey around December 8th, upon reaching 'Emerald Creek' on the island of Koh Muk, off the coast of Trang, Southern Thailand. This is where we would spend four weeks, acclimatising to our new surroundings.
We had expected that Koh Muk was off the main traveller circuit as we had not previously heard of it, but later on in our travels a Scottish fella by the name of John would claim how surprised he was that we had managed to get their, as in traveller terms, it was very remote.
How true this was, I am unsure. I certainly know that it was not a haven for backpackers and this was perhaps the main reason we liked it so much. I do not want this to come across as an anti-backpacker, anti-traveller, anti-tourist post. In fact I have just deleted and re-written this a couple of times. I fall quite neatly into any of the above categories. I may as well have several labels hanging off me: Tourist, Traveller, Backpacker, Farang. Like anything though it is so easy to associate what you see with the worst case scenario. Us brits have made quite a name for ourselves across the globe with our heavy drinking - There's a label we carry.
I am very much of the mind set that generalisation is a bad thing and yet still an inevitability and so despite my best efforts, I find myself liking the idea that a place is free from your stereotypical backpackers, the majority of which are the nicest people you are ever likely to meet.
Right, I trust that those still reading are suitably baffled and confused by what most likely appeared as gibberish. We can now continue.
Koh Muk. A beautiful island off the coast of Trang, Southern Thailand. Book through a travel agent and you may find this lovely place and no doubt stay at either the somewhat high priced Siwali Resort, or the not so high priced Charlie Beach Resort. Stumble across it on your own, however, and discover something more beautiful then any resort can conjure. At least this is what happened for us.
Emerald Creek was fairly central to the island, at least to the developed part of the island. From what I could tell, most of the island is still undeveloped. The modest place consisted of three bungalows available to rent. There was also a shop and a kitchen area where you could order food, which could then be eaten under shelter but in open air across from the shop.
The bungalows are lovely, though this is dependent on peoples standards as we witnessed a couple decide not to stay. The reasons for which I will never be able to guess (perhaps it was the presence of tents in their front garden.) The bungalows were in a garden setting with various different fruit trees and plants.
Utit from what we could tell was the owner. We did not ask too many questions about the hierachy or how the place ran but it was certainly Utit who appeared to run the place. He, his wife and son, would stay in the small house attached to the shop. Mou was his wife and Nim was his son, whom I believe was reaching two years of age. There was also Jeaw, who would normally cook any meals that were ordered and Pong who stayed in a room attached to the dining shelter, seperate to the house. It was never fully established how Jeaw and Pong were related to the family but you could see that they were family, even if not directly.
The place itself was not what made our experience of Koh Muk so memorable. There are many beautiful islands. We in fact never went to see the main attraction of the island, 'Emerald Cave'. It was the above mentioned people who made the beginning four weeks of our journey so special. I in fact describe these times and experiences with reluctance as I don't want to diminish the generosity we received by turning it into an advertisement or open invitation.
I could only really describe it as being accepted into their lives for four weeks. We were not charged to pitch our tents, which was tremendous generosity itself, but once we had stayed a while, we were also invited to eat with the family rather than order our meals.
We would help where we could, though our work tidying the garden and helping to collect good soil for the plants was nothing in comparison to the kindness we received. We would of liked to of done more but it seemed Utit's nature was to give openly and not think one moment about receiving.
Utit would work long hours at Siwalli resort in order to support his family. He would also help run the shop with the rest of his family. His father, a good old age, would work extremely hard in the garden and around their land. Mou would manage the shop with Jeaw and also look after Nim. We were also fortunate enough to meet their daughter Yok and Mou's sister Pakpaw, with whom we stayed a day in Krabi.
Despite the necessity of everyday life : work, family, more work etc. To their eyes we did not carry the labels of Farang with money. They gave openly of themselves, their home and food. It is people like this who remind us that the world is beautiful in many ways and I will always be grateful for their kindness and acceptance.
Not only did we acclimatise to the heat and humidity, but the the kindness of Thai people. Land of smiles - Thailand truly is, though I always consider that an experience like this is never linked to just one place. The human spirit can be found the world over and it is rare that you even have to look. It can be stumbled across quite unknowingly.
From the present to the past.
Back to Koh Muk to continue at last.
Beauty of the Human Spirit
I believe I had left the journey around December 8th, upon reaching 'Emerald Creek' on the island of Koh Muk, off the coast of Trang, Southern Thailand. This is where we would spend four weeks, acclimatising to our new surroundings.
We had expected that Koh Muk was off the main traveller circuit as we had not previously heard of it, but later on in our travels a Scottish fella by the name of John would claim how surprised he was that we had managed to get their, as in traveller terms, it was very remote.
How true this was, I am unsure. I certainly know that it was not a haven for backpackers and this was perhaps the main reason we liked it so much. I do not want this to come across as an anti-backpacker, anti-traveller, anti-tourist post. In fact I have just deleted and re-written this a couple of times. I fall quite neatly into any of the above categories. I may as well have several labels hanging off me: Tourist, Traveller, Backpacker, Farang. Like anything though it is so easy to associate what you see with the worst case scenario. Us brits have made quite a name for ourselves across the globe with our heavy drinking - There's a label we carry.
I am very much of the mind set that generalisation is a bad thing and yet still an inevitability and so despite my best efforts, I find myself liking the idea that a place is free from your stereotypical backpackers, the majority of which are the nicest people you are ever likely to meet.
Right, I trust that those still reading are suitably baffled and confused by what most likely appeared as gibberish. We can now continue.
Koh Muk. A beautiful island off the coast of Trang, Southern Thailand. Book through a travel agent and you may find this lovely place and no doubt stay at either the somewhat high priced Siwali Resort, or the not so high priced Charlie Beach Resort. Stumble across it on your own, however, and discover something more beautiful then any resort can conjure. At least this is what happened for us.
Emerald Creek was fairly central to the island, at least to the developed part of the island. From what I could tell, most of the island is still undeveloped. The modest place consisted of three bungalows available to rent. There was also a shop and a kitchen area where you could order food, which could then be eaten under shelter but in open air across from the shop.
The bungalows are lovely, though this is dependent on peoples standards as we witnessed a couple decide not to stay. The reasons for which I will never be able to guess (perhaps it was the presence of tents in their front garden.) The bungalows were in a garden setting with various different fruit trees and plants.
Utit from what we could tell was the owner. We did not ask too many questions about the hierachy or how the place ran but it was certainly Utit who appeared to run the place. He, his wife and son, would stay in the small house attached to the shop. Mou was his wife and Nim was his son, whom I believe was reaching two years of age. There was also Jeaw, who would normally cook any meals that were ordered and Pong who stayed in a room attached to the dining shelter, seperate to the house. It was never fully established how Jeaw and Pong were related to the family but you could see that they were family, even if not directly.
The place itself was not what made our experience of Koh Muk so memorable. There are many beautiful islands. We in fact never went to see the main attraction of the island, 'Emerald Cave'. It was the above mentioned people who made the beginning four weeks of our journey so special. I in fact describe these times and experiences with reluctance as I don't want to diminish the generosity we received by turning it into an advertisement or open invitation.
I could only really describe it as being accepted into their lives for four weeks. We were not charged to pitch our tents, which was tremendous generosity itself, but once we had stayed a while, we were also invited to eat with the family rather than order our meals.
We would help where we could, though our work tidying the garden and helping to collect good soil for the plants was nothing in comparison to the kindness we received. We would of liked to of done more but it seemed Utit's nature was to give openly and not think one moment about receiving.
Utit would work long hours at Siwalli resort in order to support his family. He would also help run the shop with the rest of his family. His father, a good old age, would work extremely hard in the garden and around their land. Mou would manage the shop with Jeaw and also look after Nim. We were also fortunate enough to meet their daughter Yok and Mou's sister Pakpaw, with whom we stayed a day in Krabi.
Despite the necessity of everyday life : work, family, more work etc. To their eyes we did not carry the labels of Farang with money. They gave openly of themselves, their home and food. It is people like this who remind us that the world is beautiful in many ways and I will always be grateful for their kindness and acceptance.
Not only did we acclimatise to the heat and humidity, but the the kindness of Thai people. Land of smiles - Thailand truly is, though I always consider that an experience like this is never linked to just one place. The human spirit can be found the world over and it is rare that you even have to look. It can be stumbled across quite unknowingly.
Comment for Comments
Hello to you wonderful people who have chosen to follow my Blog.
I would just like to say that I have only very recently noted the various comments on some of the posts.
I apologise for not acknowledging these sooner but am grateful for your comments and invite you to continue to comment whenever you feel the need.
They are very much appreciated even if I do not notice them straight away.
For those that exist and for any future comments. I thank you all.
I would just like to say that I have only very recently noted the various comments on some of the posts.
I apologise for not acknowledging these sooner but am grateful for your comments and invite you to continue to comment whenever you feel the need.
They are very much appreciated even if I do not notice them straight away.
For those that exist and for any future comments. I thank you all.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Catch 22 and Smelly Gamers
I am going to be brief for now as the odour from these youngsters playing online games is becoming too much for me to endure.
Sorry to the online gaming community that do not smell. It is not a generalisation just a truth at this time. This odour coupled with a bad internet connection is not making this bout of blogging / checking e mail the most enjoyable.
Not just smelly. Loud too. Yeesh. Get away from my chair.
Anyway. I am currently in Nong Khai. I have been struggling to find a nice environment for me to sit at a length of time to bring my Blog up to date and so I'm just going to tell it like it is right now.
I decided to stop here in order to study Muay Thai. Tom and Tim have continued into Laos, as was our original plan. We shall no doubt meet up again a bit later on down the road but there is nothing set in stone.
I hope to catch up with them in Siem Reap, Cambodia so that the three of us can go to Ankor Wat. We had spoke of hiring motor bikes and seeing as much of the massive ancient site of ruins as we could in one day and so we shall hopefully still make this a reality.
For now though I am still surrounded by noisy smelly youngsters whose eyes are either fixed on computer screens or whom are running about behind me creating unnecessary commotion. What's with all the commotion.
Today I am a grumpy old Farang.
I am in a Catch 22. I stayed in order to study Muay Thai and that was fine and I really have enjoyed what training I have done. Each person I met though said it would be easy for me to find teaching work here.
I think that would be true if there were not just a month of school term left. Each school I have visited has seemed keen but once the academic term starts up again. I don't imagine at the end of term with no funds left any department would be hiring, let alone hiring a Farang. It would also mean arranging my 3 month Thai work Visa, which again, I imagine any school wanting to hire would do so at the beginning of term to not only have the funds to pay but also have a greater chance of longer commitment to work.
So - Heres my situation. I have paid for a months accomodation, which is fine as it means that I have got it at a better price than when the three of us were paying day by day. I am, however, now somewhat resigned to staying in Nong Khai. I need the work in order to justify paying for training but despite people helping me find work, not enough opportunities have yet arisen.
Nong Khai is a nice enough place, but if the training in Muay Thai does not seem viable due to cost restrictions then I think I would rather move on. Then with food, travel, accomodation costs rising a bit - I may as well stay. ... but with no job, meaning no training, then .... well you get my point.
Catch 22 and smelly gamers.
Sorry to the online gaming community that do not smell. It is not a generalisation just a truth at this time. This odour coupled with a bad internet connection is not making this bout of blogging / checking e mail the most enjoyable.
Not just smelly. Loud too. Yeesh. Get away from my chair.
Anyway. I am currently in Nong Khai. I have been struggling to find a nice environment for me to sit at a length of time to bring my Blog up to date and so I'm just going to tell it like it is right now.
I decided to stop here in order to study Muay Thai. Tom and Tim have continued into Laos, as was our original plan. We shall no doubt meet up again a bit later on down the road but there is nothing set in stone.
I hope to catch up with them in Siem Reap, Cambodia so that the three of us can go to Ankor Wat. We had spoke of hiring motor bikes and seeing as much of the massive ancient site of ruins as we could in one day and so we shall hopefully still make this a reality.
For now though I am still surrounded by noisy smelly youngsters whose eyes are either fixed on computer screens or whom are running about behind me creating unnecessary commotion. What's with all the commotion.
Today I am a grumpy old Farang.
I am in a Catch 22. I stayed in order to study Muay Thai and that was fine and I really have enjoyed what training I have done. Each person I met though said it would be easy for me to find teaching work here.
I think that would be true if there were not just a month of school term left. Each school I have visited has seemed keen but once the academic term starts up again. I don't imagine at the end of term with no funds left any department would be hiring, let alone hiring a Farang. It would also mean arranging my 3 month Thai work Visa, which again, I imagine any school wanting to hire would do so at the beginning of term to not only have the funds to pay but also have a greater chance of longer commitment to work.
So - Heres my situation. I have paid for a months accomodation, which is fine as it means that I have got it at a better price than when the three of us were paying day by day. I am, however, now somewhat resigned to staying in Nong Khai. I need the work in order to justify paying for training but despite people helping me find work, not enough opportunities have yet arisen.
Nong Khai is a nice enough place, but if the training in Muay Thai does not seem viable due to cost restrictions then I think I would rather move on. Then with food, travel, accomodation costs rising a bit - I may as well stay. ... but with no job, meaning no training, then .... well you get my point.
Catch 22 and smelly gamers.
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