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harsu

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Posts posted by harsu

  1. Mae Sai Immigration ladies and gentlemen were out in force at Central Plaza yesterday. They are trialing a 'remote' office set-up in Central on the ground floor on the first Saturday of each month. You can go along and do your 90 days renewals, your re-entry permits etc. I don't think -at this stage -you can do your actual annual Retirement visa -( someone tell me if I'm wrong, please!) but that may happen if the whole thing proves a success.

    It was being well- supported yesterday - and they were giving out drinks and sandwiches and leaflets. If anyone has any more information, please post.

  2. My Teak House was very good. Great Cheeseburger for Thailand and I ended up carryout their special of the day (three sausages and mashed potatoes) which was also very good.

    Their pasta arriata (? spelling) is also v. good - lots of black olives and nice dressing - a nice light luncheon.

  3. Would a tablet (touch screen) be easier for her?

    No - she tried out my brother's I pad thingy a couple of months ago - her tremor was too severe for good control. I think it's the difference between carrying out a definite manual act - pressing a key in a decisive manner on a familiar bit of equipment ie. typewriter keyboard, which seems to reduce the tremor, - and holding her hand over something which she is not au fait with, in which case it gets worse. But thanks for the suggestion, any way :) ...... and I did volunteer to act as scribe for her too.:unsure:

    I will follow up the ebay suggestion ... unless someone knows anywhere locally?

    Thanks to you both.

  4. My very elderly mother is having problems writing on her computer - something to do with her hands trembling and not using the mouse accurately. Her once beautiful copperplate handwriting now resembles a drunken spiders' attempt at a Highland reel, so letter writing to friends back in the UK is becoming a problem. She was an office manager for many years and thinks she would be able to use either a manual or an electronic typewriter more effectively as she is more famiiar with these.

    So..... has anyone seen one of these antiques anywhere in CR for sale? If you have, I would be indebted to you for the information and directions. Fingers crossed.

  5. Was introduced to ' il pirato ' on the old Chiang Mai road (about 250 m before you reach Deana Plaza) by friends on Saturday eve. Tiny little place which looks like a converted small business shop and can seat maybe 10 people at a squeeze. Not overwhelmingly high in ambience, but....! Apparently the owner - a gentleman from Verona - used to run a larger scale business near the Night Bazaar. Now provides a small menu focusing on pasta and pizza. Between us we tried 4 types of pizza - all were excellent. Paper thin crust/bases, prime cheeses and meats. I had a great 12inch pizza called 'bunga-bunga' which featured black olives, crisped courgettes etc and was the nicest pizza I've eaten here. Think he is only open in evenings.

    If you want a quick and tasty lunch in Central and haven't tried the Food plaza upstairs then we recommend you try them out. One booth called ลีนา ( Lina) does a nice chicken or beef mince dish with cherry tomatoes, rice, condiments and lemon grass clear soup for about 40 bahts, another we have tried does good beef or pork noodle soup.

    Ideal for that pre or post cinema meal.

  6. See you all tomorrow.B)

    laugh.gifwink.gif See you all ..laugh.gif

    Another very pleasant afternoon and a good turnout. Excellent apple crumble, meat loaf , kebabs and nutty and oaty bread among the many offerings to the stomach gods. The namKok was still in mighty flow and the sun shone.

  7. Hi anyone care to jot a few notes on how to start donating in Thailand, please? I've given 101 shots (that's 80 litres of prime O negative blood, don't know where it all came from 'cos me only 60kg), keen to get 'revamped'... should I just walk into local hospital (no Chumphon) or contact Red Cross?. Thanks, aarn

    Hurrah! If you phone the local regional hospital on the number I gave in the original post, and ask to be put through to their Blood bank, they will give you the information you need.

    If - however- you experience some language/communication difficulties, you can p.m me and I will pass on your name and phone number to Dr. Pichanu (Dep.Dir.)of the hospital who is trying to put together a list of Rh.Neg. donors for contact in an emergency.

    You've got an hour left today to get down to Central plaza and donate blood. Go to the second floor near the food plaza, and you'll find a very efficient and friendly set-up - complete with complementary gifts and a small tub of Svenson's icecream for every donor.

    We (3 of us) took 30 mins. to do our bit - they needed name/ address, weight and BP and age, took a little blood to test which blood group you are, and then a very brief wait for an empty recliner before donation. We all got badges and then some very nice people gave us drinks, and snacks. Excellent service - and a lot less cumbersome than many similar events in the UK. It was very busy but well organised.

    Lokk out for similar events - it was so easy.

  8. We started off with all sort's of fish (One's that got on with each other) But slowly they all cockled over. Now have just Gold fish like your lion head long/fan tail's. I got mine from the local pet shop for about 10bt each + they threw a few in for free. Small was not the word about 25mm. Now there all about 15cm or 1" to 6" that's within one year.

    Bob Bob!!! Mine are all called Dolphin. But then again I do feed them well.

    :) Have you fed them live termites? Mine love them.

  9. No, it's a water pump with a small "scotchbrite" type filter that I clean every day.

    The water sample would have been a good idea, but I've already changed the water and all seems fine now - I hope!

    As you have a power supply stick in a bubble one as well can't do any damage and the full monty only cost's a few hundred bt. Hope all go's well. There is another option Gold fish now they never die.

    I don't think I've seen goldfish here. What are they called in Thai?

    Goldfish are called ปลา ทอง (blah tohng ) = fish gold!

    We currently have 8 in an outdoor raised brick pond. The pond has two levels, the first is only about 60cm deep, then it drops down another 40cm to help with maintaining water temp.

    When we bought them they were approx. 5cm long, now - 18months later - they are all about 18cm long, including their long tails. They are 'reject' lion head and fancy tailed ones, so won't grow as big as normal ones. We have lost a couple to the local Coucal bird and nearly another when I took off one of the filters and left the pump running- came back to find one goldfish sucked tight against the pipe. Despite bruising and scale loss , he survived. The other near disaster was when we thought we'd be clever and introduce a few louches to eat the algae. Day one - lovely, they were rasping away, keeping us amused by clinging onto the vase for the fountain to enjoy the gush of water. Day two - what was that hanging onto the side of that goldfish? A blooming louch! Apparently they shouldn't be put in with slow moving fish like goldfish as they like to latch onto other fish and eat their mucous coating. They can erode right through into the fish body. Needless to say they were found an alternative home, and we learnt to research things a bit more thoroughly.

    We have found them to be interesting and stunning to watch , and as long as their water is kept clean, very easy to care for. They are all called Bob.

  10. I tried to give blood for this man, but unfortunately was not allowed too as I have recently had a vaccination.

    Hope he gets what he needs soon, best wishes.....

    At the risk of sounding boring, I'll add my plea for any of you to come forward to help.

    If you don't know what blood group you are, then why not combine a bit of shopping /visit to the cinema with giving a blood donation - at Central Plaza on the 9th September (I think it was between 10 and 3pm!!) there will be your opportunity to find out.

    Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) before and after, eat normally that day, and remember you won't be able to give blood if you have previously had chemotherapy, are on antibiotics/antivirals, have recently had a vaccination, and have or had certain diseases such as hepatitis, or are HIV +ve etc. and if you have to take one of the (very)limited range of medications that prevent you giving blood. Most of us under the age of 60 would be able to give blood.

  11. See you all tomorrow. We will see if our weather lucky streak continues. Lots of cover nonetheless.B)

    We can always play a very fast game of Pooh sticks on the NamKok - it's some flow at the moment.

  12. Please don't... not unless you do so with full compliance and authorisation from the Thai authorities.

    No matter how well-intentioned the motive behind importing non- certified and authorised stock/ seed and related plant material is - you also have the potential to bring in viruses, fungi and other disease causing organisms. You also - though I've no doubt this is not the case with the advacado plant! - have the risk of introducing a plant species which , when it gets into this new environment will a, not thrive,( or , even worse), b, thrive so well that it becomes a pest as it is not controlled by local bugs and diseases. ...Mimosa pigra and pudica, giant Hogweed, Japanese Knot weed all spring to mind.

    The Thai government has importation regulations in place. I'm sure someone on here will add the exact details.:rolleyes:

  13. I'm sure you've all seen the signs around town announcing the opening of a new coffee shop and spa by the NamKok. ... just along the road from the RimKok Hotel and the Imperial Riverside resort. Beautiful wooden construction in a colonial/tropical style - high ceilings, white wood, small conservatory, pretty 'English' garden with delphiniums and borders overlooking the river. Very nice owner(s)- Thai with Swiss husband. She cooks all the cakes/pastries herself - and they are scrumptious. Big portion sizes - took three of us to eat a slice of the Banoffee pie.

    Tried it out last week. Between us we tried an Americano, Caramel latte, and a white chocolate frappe -which had nice lumps of choc. in it. All v.v. good.

    There's a spa building attached - a friend tried it and recommends it too. Prices are a little higher than Wawee or Doi Chang, but it's now no. 1 for us. Relaxing.

    I think it's open till 7pm at night.

  14. Even for farang?

    What were the movies?

    There was a group of us (13) that went. Saw Captain America. Surprisingly good.B)

    Yes, even for farang. Also an over 60 discount if you do not go on Wednesday.

    Only bad thing is the English language ones are generally the 3D and premium. Only one non 3D english that I have been able to watch,.:P

    We were terribly bad/sad and went back again yesterday to see the new planet of the apes film - enjoyed it - ties up the other threads of the series very well. Not in 3D, cost 180B each..which compared to UK prices is pretty reasonable.

    We've also seen two trailers for the Cowboys and Aliens film - one was in Thai, the other in English, so I don't know what language the actual film is going to be in.

  15. Cineplex appears to be learning. The Movie Thor is Englsh with Thai subtitles. But being a 3 D movie the ticket prices are higher at about 200 per person.

    Now a few more Thai Movies are being shown with English Subtitles. 2 are Thai Movies with English subtitles. But 2 other Hollywood films are still Thai soundtrack only.

    Strange how many movies start or end and McDonalds and other fast foods in Central are already closed.

    Tried out the cineplex at Central this week- pleasantly surprized, Comfortable seats and very nice cheese popcorn. Both films we saw were in English with Thai subtitles, good quality soundtrack. Only one thing to be aware of - if you are reserving seats on-line, please note that though the web-site says you can pick up your tickets up to 30 minutes before the film starts, in fact your pre-booking lapses if you don't pick them up 45 minutes before the film starts. Not a problem for us today as it was mid-afternoon and quiet, but could be a bit of a problem at busier times and if you are travelling some distance to CR. This cancellation obviously doesn't apply if you pre-pay as well.

    Also note that Wednesday is discount price day.

  16. Thank you for heartening response. Feeling better this morning. I guess it came to a head when the damp attracted the toads. The kitchen is an outdoor Thai one and the cupboard doors wouldn't close (too waterlogged so the wood swelled) and the toads moved in permanently. Hot on their heels came a 5 foot green and yellow snake, keen to help with the housekeeping. It all got a bit much, on top of the continuous problems with the TV and the internet. I will sit down calmly today and think. I DO appreciate your kind advice. Thank you very much.

    The only comforting thing I can add, is that the snake was probably a golden tree snake and, therefore,non- poisonous. My penny's worth: there are many very nice areas in CR, set yourself a time limit for how long you are willing to tolerate the conditions/ lack of repair of same, and if not sorted by that date, move. CR forum posters will help with suggestions of where is nice, what they know is available etc.

    While life is not meant to be totally problem free, having to put up with miserable living conditions - when you have the freedom and resources to alter this - is a shame. Don't let it spoil your stay here.

    P.S Nice to hear another female voice on the forum.

  17. Try a couple of sheep.

    Never seen sheep in Thailand at least not where I live.

    Rule 1 for Thai wildlife....if it is de.licious it has been eaten allready.

    I think goats survive here better than sheep and coud be suitible too.

    Goats are great in some respects but they will mow off your shrubs and flowers. They will also strip the trees as high as they can reach when standing up on their hind legs. They aren't picky eaters.

    Not picky - but just don't let them try rich tea biscuits. Being mugged by a herd of British Alpines everytime they hear (or think they hear) the rustle of biscuit paper can be tiring, especially when you're trying to do some field work. Ours would trample each other in the rush for these, pea pods and rosebay willow herb as well. Goat milk is great too, can be frozen (doesn't seperate on thawing) and makes delicious yogurt etc. Lovely animals.

  18. I was deeply disappointed at todays' PotLuck. Despite strenuous efforts I was unable to sample more than a quarter of what was on offer. Too much good food. I started from the right hand side of the groaning table (well, it would have groaned if it hadn't been made of concrete), but only got 2 feet along before my plate was overflowing. This is unfair.

    Lots of chatter, a brief foray into the art of bocci/boule/petanque, new faces - all made for a nice relaxing afternoon.

  19. ditto fredob43's post, my dad grew up with geese on a farm and said they can be quite vicious although they are great guards.

    Maybe you'd be better off with a couple of ducks.

    We kept geese on our croft (small farm) in UK. for a few years.

    The negative side :Loud, noisy, belligerent, very good warning system of unusual activity in the vicinity- but not necessarily what you or your neighbours want to hear in the early hours of the morning. They can take a dislike to a family member and chase them or even try to attack them. They do eat grass, they also need a commercial or home made more varied diet to compensate for the lack of variety if they only have access to grass. They pass copious amounts of poo - which is a good fertiliser but not pleasant if you have to walk through it in your one rai of land. They really need to have access to water to bathe and swim in daily to maintain feather quality and for their well-being. If you can only offer them a small pond- be aware of how quickly the water becomes fouled- geese don't come out to poo, and they make a lot of mud, especially in rainy weather when they dabble with their beaks through the grass looking for worms and other invertebrates. The pair of geese (which you might choose) will not necessarily fall in love with each other and be happy to make babies for you. They can squabble quite ferociously with each other.

    The positive side: if you find the right ones, they will be friendly, noisy beautiful birds who produce delicious eggs. But not pets. They also live a long time.

    If you want to keep waterfowl, and you can provide the space then my recommendation would be to go for the ubiquitous Muscovy duck (a tree roosting duck- or maybe goose!-) from South America. Brilliant mothers- it's not unusual for the duck to successfully rear 20-24 ducklings in the UK. They will also warn of intruders, but are much more family friendly and can be great characters. They do lots of hissing and tail wafting, neck bobbing to establish flock position. Very hardy, don't tend to wander and really don't do much more than a very low level fly past if they are being extremely energetic. We kept them for about 15 years, until fox predation just got past the point of it being enjoyable any more. Treat them nicely, don't chase them and they'll come and take food from your hand , and leave the babies with you while they go off and have a bath.

    You do have to watch where they lay their eggs though - being originally a tree- nesting duck, it wasn't unusual for them to lay their eggs up on the steading wall shelving (about 7ft up) and then when the eggs hatched, the ducklings would have to jump - we used to put straw bales under where we hoped they'd leap off. And they still will make a lot of poo and mess - they won't go with a pristine garden. They also need more than grass to eat to keep them healthy.

  20. Hi anyone care to jot a few notes on how to start donating in Thailand, please? I've given 101 shots (that's 80 litres of prime O negative blood, don't know where it all came from 'cos me only 60kg), keen to get 'revamped'... should I just walk into local hospital (no Chumphon) or contact Red Cross?. Thanks, aarn

    Hurrah! If you phone the local regional hospital on the number I gave in the original post, and ask to be put through to their Blood bank, they will give you the information you need.

    If - however- you experience some language/communication difficulties, you can p.m me and I will pass on your name and phone number to Dr. Pichanu (Dep.Dir.)of the hospital who is trying to put together a list of Rh.Neg. donors for contact in an emergency.

  21. Brilliant Anna. ;)

    Enjoy your youth; your enthusiasm for life and never ever Join the Chiang Rai Womens institute.

    And don't ask me about the CR womens institute, its more a state of mind than a reality :D

    Yes, a thousand men can post a gripe on here and get all kinds of advice and moral support but if a woman does it and there are replies, we have to mark it as inconsequential whinings of a female, not old enough to know better. I know enough guys in this town who still work, most of them ridiculous hours, still gripe about it and who still acknowledge that what they are doing is better than not doing anything. Of course, when the topic comes up, there are suggestion and offers of opinions and alternatives by the listeners. And by and by, some of them change jobs occasionally. They all know what they want but nobody is going to give them what it takes to get there. And as in my case, I have finally gotten to that end goal many times, only to discover that there are still a lot of things out there I want to try.

    I think it is obvious that Anna is WAY ahead of some, regardless of her age. She actually knows what it is like to devote some of her time and resources to helping others. She can identify places to make a positive difference in someone else's life and then she acts on that information. Let us hope that indeed, she never does, at any age, decide it is better to become a member of the bitter Chiang Rai Women's Institute. She is a bright star on the little planet. Wish there were more like her.

    Many, many years ago (before I became a bitter and twisted person under my own steam and without undue influence from others), I was invited to go along to a WRI meeting in Boyndlie, Aberdeenshire by my nearest neighbour. A lovely 'old fashioned' farmers' wifie, I suspected it might not be for me, but I was new to the area and meeting people is often a good thing to do. .

    After sitting through some prayers and then earnest discussions amongst the very nice ladies about the up-coming Trade stand competition at the Turriff show and who was going to knit the hat, make the rowies and design the card for that years' theme display, I decided it wasn't my cup of tea. We were then entertained ( without benefit of a fortifying alcoholic beverage) by a visiting group from another WRI group. Half way through the warbling my neighbour leaned over to me and asked me if I was 'enjoying the show, the 'old fat wifies are nae bad, ya ken'. Oh, I thought, that's a bit below the belt, they're really not that overweight, and maybe the niceness is just for show after all.

    No, Kath. turned out to be one of the best and sincerest neighbours anyone could have wished for, and - about a week later, out driving in the car and a bit more used to the Buchan claik, the Doric, where the 'wh' are pronouned as 'f's, I saw the signpost to 'Old What' village.

  22. Thank s everyone,this is first class information.

    Also many Thanks to Harsu ,about the information on the zoo,we will certainly go there

    Best Wishes & Thanks

    Wiley Coyote

    If they like the zoo they might like to go up to the captive breeding bird park - part of the National Wildlife/Park system - up on Doi Tung. Lots more birds, fab. green and Indian peacocks, Siamese firebacks, parakeets etc. Come off the superhighway going towards Mae Sai, and head on up towards the Royal Villa, but where you would normally turn up to the left to the garden and villa where the road divides, carry straight on past the little reservoir, a couple of small settlements. gardening ventures and the park signs , and park entrance- is on your left shortly afterwards. Free entrance again, opens about 8 till5pm. No cafe, but lots of shady areas and seating. Toilets.

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