December 2008
It was a lovely December, the weather was a little windy but mainly fine. Those evening where cool but the days just great. We also had wonderful guests including John Louisa and Oliver, Tony and Nat, Steven from Italy, Stefan, Mia, Milla and Isabel.
Tony, Nat, John, Louisa and Oliver who is a friend of "Ben"
We had a great Christmas day. Thankyou George, for the Cranberry sauce. Thank you Kees for your company. A special thanks to the Turkey that gave its life so we could enjoy lunch.
Today the 19th December Our village performed a culture show at the annual Mukdahan Fair. It was just beautiful. The team did a great job and as always everybody had a great time.
On Sunday the 8th we had our third monthly BBQ, It was a great day and evryone enjoyed the beautiful weather, drinks companionship and (I hope) the Steak.
Two of our very welcome guests, Thomas and Bow
November 2008
We had a great trip to Australia. Noi and I spent some special time with Daniel and Mia, my kids. Also visited Davids Mum in Queensland.
But its nice to be back home.
From left to right. Daniel (my son) Wilson (our friends son) Mia (my daughter) and Noi (my lovely wife)
September 2008
7/9/2008
We had a great Aussie BBQ today. The best Sirloin Steaks and lots of beer etc., I want to thank everyone for coming. We shall do it again next month.
The latest news 30/08/2008
What a great weekend here at Ban Kham Phok. It started on Saturday morning, It was a Buddha day, and our village was having a “Tam boon” (merit making day). This is a day for giving. This act needs to be explained. Merit making, or gift giving, benefits the giver. Unlike the Christian act of giving, the Thai believe that they will be the recipient of that gift in there next life or at least improve there Karma. So give something that you like now, and then you can have what you like next time round. Cool!!. This also explains why the giver will bow or say “Thank you” when they give. It is usually a Monk that is the receiver of the gift, and it’s not necessary for him to acknowledge the present.
As always, a tradition like “Tam boon” will be fun with the Thais, it’s a great excuse for a party. The
August 2008
This last weekend my friend Jordan and I visited Surin. Surin is famous for a once a year event called the “Elephant Roundup”
July 2008
It is now well and truly the rainy season. Not much to report except how beautiful everything looks, so green.
We have been planting the rice and other farming activities. Noi has a new Turnip field that is doing very well. The Australian Euchalyptus is growing like crazy. All these things can make for a very interesting holiday even if its wet. Our rainy season is not so bad, showers of a night and normally dry in the mornings. With an occasional storm in the afternoons.
This month (19th) we will celebrate Peters birthday. Peter is a regular to Thai House Resort. "Happy Birthday" Peter. We are looking forward to the visit of you and your family.
April 2008
The latest big news. Its only a few weeks to Bung Fai, if there's one event not to miss its this one. Imagine 2 ton home made rockets shaped like Catherine wheels on there side, hurling into the day sky, going, going gone. Its three days of crazy excitement like only the Thais can do. Starting in mid May. Come and see this event with David and Noi.
Noi and I are always on the lookout for something or somewhere to show our guest and friends. Yesterday we found a very unusual Temple with its own coffee shop and garden nursery. It was incredible to find this spot only 40 minutes away from the resort.
We had a very nice couple with us this March. Bertrand and Lucy visited from England. They enjoyed trying REAL Isaan food, inclucing Red Ant Eggs cooked in a Larb. Lucy had a great time foraging with Noi. Infact she went back to the forest for a second attempt. Came back with 50 or so Saccados (tree insects)
It is foraging heaven in March and April and May. Lots to find in the Forests here. Bugs, herbs, Orchids, lots and lots.
12/4/2008 Letsremember, It was a great "Songkran" Dont forget your water pistol next year.