Signs & Symptoms - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Your mother never looked so fierce.

It is actually the name of a mythical creature seen on the grounds of Wat Pratat Doi Suthep, a temple on top of Doi Suthep, a mountain just behind Chiang Mai city.
Chiang Mai is over 700 years old and this temple is said to have been founded in 1383. Most of the present buildings are probably somewhat newer than that and have been modified and renovated over the years as the temple has also been damaged by earthquakes.

As a door guard, the Mom (pronounced "mawm"), may just be saying, "Take your shoes off before you enter!" As is customary for all Thai homes and temples.

This and that - My uncle the volunteer

This link may not last forever. But I thought I'll put it here anyway. My uncle's the guy who appears in the second half of the video clip. The 'fountain' guy. Not sure he considers himself a 'senior citizen' though...

We are proud of him :)

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/video

Go to "18 Dec" and to the video footage for "Senior citizens volunteer themselves as
airport info ambassadors".

Toilet tidbits - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Not at all subtle. Leaves one in no doubt what one's supposed to do here. Apart from the obvious symbol, in Thai it says " Male urination".

None of the euphemistic "washroom" or "bathroom" or "bilik air" or "xi shou jian". The universally reocognised "Man & Woman" sign for toilets is a tad oblique.

This was seen in one of the large petrol stations found along major highways all over Thailand. The toilets in these petrol stations are generally clean (unlike a lot of Asia), if not a bit wet for "Western" standards. These 'super petrol stations' usually have a decent coffee shop, often a restaurant and a convenience/grocery store. This particular one had a clothes boutique, a little garden and a broad-band internet cafe as well!

Signs & Symptoms - Chiang Mai, Thailand

When you don't know what to call it, better than making something up.

Seen in the Wualai Night Market in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. What it is is actually one of my favourite drinks. Pennywort juice. I know, I'm wierd. The juice is green, like wheat-grass but doesn't have the 'green grass' taste. But my brother-in-law still calls it "lawn juice". Also available in selected Vietnamese Restaurants. Called 'Rau ma' in Vietnamese.

And 'a kind of creeping herb' is actually an accurate description.

Back from Thailand

Attended my sister's wedding in Thailand recently. Was fun. Fun meeting up with relatives from all sides. Will post some pictures soon