The Journey(s) of Ian

My plans were (though they have changed several times this year) were to by now to be in central Thailand, exploring the small and quiet provinces which lie between the bustle of Bangkok and the provincial grandeur of the northern Thai city of Chang Mai, however ... in 2011 (2554 in the Buddhist Era) Thailand has been afflicted with severe floods, first in the south of the country, now in the north. Thus, I am still in the resort city of Pattaya. Not a hardship, but it can be a little wearying for a travelling man. As at the 28th of October there is no major sign of distress in Pattaya, however, there is little if any bottled water to be purchased in the city. Road transport is being hampered by the floods. Also, there has been an influx of (wealthier) Thais into the city, comfortables refugees from Bangkok. Apart from this, things go on as before in the City on the Bay. My plan now is to remain here until the end of November, and to then reassess. If I can I will travel north for ...

Thailand, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Me—early October. Sad to say, Thailand is suffering the worst floods in 50 years. Maybe 1/5 of the country is affected, largely the areas to the north of the capital Bangkok, along the Chao Phraya River. For me, having returned to Thailand from Cambodia, no great problem. Staying in Pattaya, where now, there is no flooding. Best wishes for the future.

  I have not posted a blog for a few months. A few reasons, busy with touring, but really my interest in blogging comes and goes. Anyway, it is a useful tool for me to keep track of what I am doing. So, here goes.   I have been to Pattaya, Surin, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Korat, and Ayutthaya in the past three months. I like cruising into a small town, one which rarely sees a farang, and settling down, even if only for a few days. Wander around, take pics, waymark, create or update the wikipedia entry, hang out. Find what is interesting or unique in the place.   Ayutthaya was the most interesting spot. I visited here in 2007, but only for a day—a trip on the river there and back. Ayutthaya is an 'ancient' capital of Thailand. For around three centuries (1351-1767) it was the capital of a Siamese kingdom. The city region itself is a large island, created by narrow rivers. It is also in the centre of a rich agricultural region, and the rivers brought in river trade...

This is a very short post to inform the few, who read this blog of my status. Yes, I am back in Asia. At the moment in Surin in eastern Thailand. This follows a month in Cambodia doing good work :). I will update over the next week with at least one instalment of my adventures in Cambo, and then add additional info on my insights and such in other areas of SE Asia. All the best.