Satun, On the Planet Earth

I'm hanging out here in Satun, on the border of Malaysia, until tomorrow. Here are some hi-lights from the last couple of days...

I left my Hotel after several relaxing days in Songkhla. 79.3 kg (Now I only look 2 months pregnant.)

Major Chit took me to a beautiful resort just outside Satun. This place is famous for it's birds. My Mom was asking why I go to places with so many birds and not include photos in my Blog. See all these birds? That's why. It's a skill I haven't quite mastered.

Early Sunday morning, we visited a famous market that is right on the border between Malaysia and Thailand. It stretches 2km along this stretch of highway.

This is actually Malaysia. You can see the same kinds of Mountainous features in the background as you find in Krabi or Phattalung.

There are a majority of Moslem people here in the border towns. Malaysia is a predominantly Moslem Country.

Then we had a wonderful Thai meal. Chit just assumed we have this creature in Canada. It did look very familiar to me but then I realized it looks just like the monsters from the Movie; 'Alien' ("In outer space they can't hear you scream".)

Here's what it looks like from underneath. (I have alerted NASA.)

It's actually a Horseshoe Crab. What you see here is the Crab pulled open to expose the eggs, which you eat with the Thai salad that is packed between the layers of the shell. Sort of tastes like chewy walnuts. I kept smiling and saying 'aroi, aroi' so they just kept giving me more. The things I do for my Country...

Today was a struggle at first. I headed out at 8am to find a travel agent to arrange a tour of the Islands. But almost no one speaks English here. Finally, this beautiful woman saved my life. She is Prapapan and she arranged all my tickets as well as giving me some great tips on how to get the most out of my journey. It's probably impolite, but I ask many Thais their age. I was wrong by ten years with Prapapan. Kopt khun krup for all your help! Next stop: Koh Turutao.

Sawadee Ice

My travelling buddy from last year; Dennis; sent me some photos of himself at work in Northern Alberta.

He's working as a framing Carpenter for a few months. And by the look of things, he seems to be having the time of his life.

I just want you to know it's not all fun and games for me Dennis...well maybe it is...

The one thing Dennis and I do have in common these days though, is that we're both getting in shape. I've lost another 2 kilograms in the last week or so.

You're looking good too Dennis. Remember, what does not kill us will make us lose weight. See you in the warmer climates soon. Sawadee kee-kee-krupppp.

Chumphun

Chumphun, Thailand, January 26, 2006

Ted and I have been weighing ourselves once a week and we have a bet on to see who reaches his target first. Just so you know Ted, I'm now this weight. Even in Imperial it's not too bad.

'Chumphun' means: "Meeting Place" in Thai, just as "Toronto" Canada is the native term for the same word. Chumphun is a very busy little town that is used as the port of entry for some of the most popular Islands in Thailand; like Koh Tao and Koh Samui. I love this place. I got a room for 150 baht, a wonderful mussel omelet for 20baht (70 cents) and a two hour Thai massage for 200 baht (six dollars).
Then just when I thought I would relax here for a couple of days, I met a retired Dutchman who insisted I check out a beach sixteen km away. So the next thing I knew, I was heading by motorcycle to a secluded beach. I got a bungalow for 300 baht.

Here's the view from my front door.

this is my backyard.

I sat on the beach for a while and went for a swim.

Then I walked up the coast to a little fishing village where I had a seafood dinner from the local market for seventy cents.

In brief; this was Day One...

This was Day Two...
Awwww? Ahhhhhhhhh...

Weight*Wait*Weight

My weight has fluctuated a lot since I arrived in Thailand. I've been trying to get to the bottom of it but I just can't make sense of it.

I was startled to find that my weight had gone up significantly while I was travelling.

Dennis told me it's because I'm carrying a lot of baggage but I have tried to explain to him that my psychological state has nothing to do with my physical weight. He just doesn't seem to get it.

Here's what it is now. It seems to have stabilized now that I'm resting in Bangkok for a few days. I'll keep you posted as I search for clues to this strange phenomenon.

And speaking of clues, here's something I found the other day on a weigh scale that I thought Meg and Diana might find interesting.

The inscription reads "For Weight C (See)Eck"; 'Eck' being a name for the cosmic life force. Maybe my fluctuations are spiritually based after all.