Ricardo Galbis

Marianas Islands - common wealth of USA

Remembering some great times during the late 80's in Bangkok, such as:

The 'Thermaye' was a blast!! When everywhere else was closing, the Thermaye was the place to go! Tuk-tuks all lined outside the Miami Hotel (11 Sukamvit); you entered from the kitchen door around back from an alley, through the kitchen as workers were cleaning, passed through a doorway and then opened up to (2) large lounge areas, then you buddy-up to the bar to find your bottle of Mekong (with your name on it from last night), after a few drinks you either found a stall/couch/standing-room and danced to the jukebox music. Girls would come up to you for conversation and a meet-drink: these girls were party wolves; they would come from Soi Cowboy, Nana, Patong after closing; they didn't want money, they were more interested in 'more fun!' Never saw the sunrise, but with an 6am closing, then, myself and friends would lounge around the pool at the Miami (this is the hotel the GI's used to frequent during their R&R days), and order more Mekong & coke and bet on the Muay-Thai fights on TV (Sun or Wed). Being ch-oung and stupid at the time (1980's) it was heaven within paradise. 

"Luigi!" "Theres yous are!?

Yous ah funny guy, taking my baby brother's passport!

Com hom now, the pasta is getting cold!"

In Sangklaburi, came across a 102 year old monk. he told me he didn't belong to or resided in any specific Temple in Thailand, but that he wandered from one Temple to another throughtout Thailand, and many times slept within the forest. And, he didn't need glasses; as he read a book I'd had given him. I felt so fortunate to have met such an amazing individual. Also, he had an aura (couldn't see it, but could be felt/sensed) surrounding him. This, in-its-self, was toxicating within his presences'.

Extortion; a Thai police 'mafia thing', that I think you've heard of. I could be wrong, but ask your wife if she's been asked to pay tribute to the officer who tends ('walks the beat') in her shop's area. And, if so, she said: "No"; maybe, you are an example of what he will do if she doesn't comply. Again, could be wrong, but this happens a lot in the bar areas.

There's a test (the movie - ' A Bronx's Tale'):

"Listens...when you gooz ta pik her up.

Unlock and open the car door for her,

then walks around the back,

and see if she bends over to unlock your door"

"If she does: she's-ah-keeper!,

and if she doesn't: fore-getta-ah-bout-ter!!"

Best test for true love. Really!, 'un-selfishness' is the 'one and only standard' needed for lasting relationships.

Note: "...said all in fun and with experience...all 'haters' don't needs to replies"

Phuket is one of the most beautiful place(s) in the world: the people of Phuket (Island) too.

If, you are a paranoid, skeptic, opinionated, self-absorb, cynical, self-righteous, narrow-minded, confused, and pathetic

person: "stay at home" in your 'little world'.

If not, then: "The world is your pearled oyster"

Enjoy!!

If you think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, I suggest you get out a bit more

Phuket is one of the most beautiful place(s) in the world: the people of Phuket (Island) too.

If, you are a paranoid, skeptic, opinionated, self-absorb, cynical, self-righteous, narrow-minded, confused, and pathetic

person: "stay at home" in your 'little world'.

If not, then: "The world is your pearled oyster"

Enjoy!!

Historical train to Sai-Yok (beautiful country-side and river-side views) on weekends

Wat-bahn-tum (cave w/ dragon entrance) on/in a hill-side

Hell-fire Pass (can be emotional as well as historic place)

Mae-huey-kamin waterfalls (as beautiful as Erawan falls) and has camping area

Sangklaburi town - 200km northwest of Kancha- w/ beautiful temples, lake/reservoir, Mon village, Pagoda Pass, Burmese (border) town, longest wooden bridge in SEA, sunken temple, Jimmy Hoppe (Birdland) restaurant - 'a world character', fishing, etc.

So much you can do and see in Kanchanaburi, if you are an out-going and adventurous person(s)

And mixing with the locals -Thai & Expats can be lots of fun: river-front red-light area w/party boats/barges, and River Kwai Rd. of course

Enjoy!!

The Thi Lo Su waterfall, the largest in Thailand, near Um Phang city in Tak is well worth the trip but difficult to get to. Google Thi Lo Su waterfall for more info.

Who is the manufacturer, call a dealer and ask them

To be sure

It's a Sanyo and the manual says it can be moved if the top is 45 degrees higher than the base.

Well there is your answer.

No need to post on here and have all the barstool experts giving stupid advice

I was giving advice from experience. Your going to get upset over it..your problem. (removed)

No..absolutely, do not lay it on its side! Unless, you don't care about paying extra costs to have it run proper again.

...and goes as far (North-West) past Kanchanaburi (town) to beautiful Sangklaburi: Pagoda Pass, Mun (wooden - longest in Asia) Bridge, & town, Dam, Burmese-border town, etc..

"Nothing ventured is nothing gained"

As thought provoking as I can be, or helping with considering your, and family's, destiny with life:

1) Are you happy where you are? And, does this happiness continue without ever 'testing the waters'? If, yes, stay in this happiness.

or

2) Will you feel you missed-out on something; you didn't try, before age is the significant deterrent for any change. If, yes, then you must fulfill the curiosity.

You are luckier than most, who don't even have this opportunity at all; opportunity not gained or attempted is a 'waste' of a life ventured.

Of course, coming back is always a choice you will have, if the horizon isn't what you expected.

Best wishes

P.S. I am very 'happy' in Thailand! And, truly, happiness is what you make of it.

Call this expat and permanent residence in Kancha; has the only reality office there (and a great guy): 'Irish John' & Nam: 0822929912

I loved Kanchanaburi; (moved to Phuket, a sea/beach lover) many wonderful qualities of easy/relax living with a beautiful country-side. As well as great (small number) bunch of expats. I think you already know..

Good luck, mention Ricardo says "Hello"

To IAM_ FARANG,

Your hind-sight; and advice, is correct: things are good now. And I was just thinking further down the road to when I apply for the retirement visa (5 yrs. ahead). I thought (and heard) the transition from Marriage visa w/Non-O to retirement visa would be a more simple/easier transfer. Again, if its better to wait, I will.

Thanks, Ricardo

To whom can help,

Please, can someone inform me on the procedure and requirements (in a short listing) for a Non - "O" visa.

And, mostly my concern or question is: changing from a "B" to an "O" will it affect/restrict/cause any problems with my work permit (to continue)?

Appreciatively,

Ricardo, (USA citizen) teaching in Phuket