Robin

Blockage on the input to the gauge from the main pipe? is the gauge working? try air pressure to the input of the gauge; even blowing hard might get some movement of the pointer. Water flowing out of 3m high pipe will only need about 2 psi. I would expect to see a jet of water really blasting out of the pipe. Something blocking the input to the pump, or stopping to rotating.

"and will have to complete a health declaration form, to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as yellow fever." Just how do these idiots dream up these restrictions? Yellow Fever? has this ever been required for LOS? surely Africa only. How many 'normal' tourists will have ever thought of Yellow Fever Vaccinations?

There are companies that offer face to face flight bookings and ticket purchase. Flight Bookers used to be one. or you might find a travel agent. Most likely you will pay more as on-line booking has less overheads. "Time Out" magazine used to be the place to look for cheap icket and trrael agents. I suspect that now most people use Expedia or Kayak, where the best deals are to be found. Like most things, you get what you pay for.

Soil quality is most important. Most hai soild that I have seen have been heavy clay, difficult to work and not good for veg. consider mixing your own soil as soil bought from 'garden centres' can be variable quality. Clay need plenty of humus, rotten manure ( ox, buffalo, pig,) or ground up coconut fibre, from your garden centre, and sand to improve drainage. Sand from local river bed with small stones, <6mm, is ideal, and sieve o remove large stones. Possibly some lime, (eggshells?) if th soil is acid. Gren veg will need plenty of fertilizer with high nitrogen content. Plot needs to be in the sun, but with scope to shade the bed to protect newly planted seedlings. Slug killing pellets are essential to protect your plants. Decide if you want to be totally organic or use chemicals. difficult to avoid pests in a concentrated small bed.

I would try to get an extension before you leave, based on not having time when you return. Go ask Immigration and see if they will allow this. i did this once, years ago, and I/O (the old soi Suan Plu office) helped with application. I had to write a letter to I/O giving reasons why I wanted an early extension. I think it is always easier to extend a valid Visa that to start again. You never know how the rules have been changed.