Return to Bangkok

Posted March 24, 2019 by Jan

 

Hello,

My friend Howie S. sent this letter and photographs to me and to all his friends after he paid a brief, but fulfilling visit to Bangkok

Jan

…………………………………………………………………..

Bangkok

Thailand

March 24, 2019

Dear Friends,

After I left Bangkok in July 1999, I vowed I would never return. 

Bangkok was one of the most frightening places I had ever visited, so much so, that my traveling companion Howard, who is visually challenged, held on to my arm so tightly that my circulation almost stopped. 

Everywhere we went people were intercepting us, pointing to the direction we were going and telling us not to go there: it was too dangerous. 

So why did I wind up going to Bangkok again? 

Market, Kampong Thom, Cambodia

Posted January 28, 2019 by Jan
Cambodia

Kampong Thom

Cambodia

January 27, 2019

Hello from Central Cambodia,

Kampong Thom may be a small city.  But it’s also a city of lively contrasts.

A constant flow of determined traffic crosses the steel arch bridge that spans the Steung Saen River.  In the shadow of the bridge, a lone fisherman silently casts his net from a tiny wooden boat.

The traffic across the bridge is brisk.  Vehicles vary in size and speed.   Yet without the assistance of traffic lights at the four-way intersections, the trucks, buses, cars, vans, and motorbikes sort themselves out, effortlessly, courteously and safely.

Kampong Thom Temples

Posted January 27, 2019 by Jan
Cambodia

 

Kampong Thom (pop 32,000)

Kampong Thom Province

Cambodia

January 27, 2019

Hello from Central Cambodia,

I visited two Buddhist sites here in Kampong Thom.

Phnom Santuk is a cultural and natural site located in Ko Koh village, Ko Koh commune, Santuk district, about 17 kilometers south of the Kampong Thom provincial town.  

The ancient carvings and the modern pagoda are located on the top of the mountain.  (I learned in my research that the Khmer word “phnom” means “mountain.”)

Shall I climb the 800+ steps to the summit?  Or just take a taxi.

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