Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

15 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

Cheers but there was no magic there just look and click. 

 

Which reminds me of when my girlfriend called on skype the other day and said “you look different. Tired like you been working night and day. Not same as when you come see me”

 

So I reminded her she looks the same as me when she’s not using her “magic” app to take away the lines and apply make up. 

 

Its a sh.te day here today. Been raining all day and no chance of getting out and about. At least in Thailand it’s warm rain. 

 

Back offshore next week with a a 10 hour drive to Aberdeen on Monday.  Looks like BA are starting again so hopefully last time of driving. 

 

Take care. 

 

 

I like the pics of south east Essex. So much history.

 

John Rogers is worth a look. Always in those areas.

 

There is a film called A13. Can get it on the internet.

 

 

[Kadilo]

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I like the pics of south east Essex. So much history.

 

John Rogers is worth a look. Always in those areas.

 

There is a film called A13. Can get it on the internet.

 

 

Cheers. Something to look at on a gloomy day 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 10-06-2020

 

Quite quiet in the village. Today it got a clean-up with the grass getting cut all over. Pity about the rubbish! At least now its been chopped into smaller bits. Not so noticeable.

 

Mildred cut my hair this morning. She has been cutting it since she was five years old. Only takes her 5 minutes with the cutter. Took off half my beard too.

 

Drilled a board for the seat of a swing. Didn't have any suitable rope but had a chain and some drip tape.

 

 

"Finished the swing Milly. Come try it."

 

 

"Go higher. Plenty strong enough."

 

 

 

Oh dear. Never mind. Get a few metres of rope in Ban Dung on Friday.

 

*********************************************

 

 

Milly me and Boyz went into the farm one to gather the last of the old irrigation pipes. Got a decent amount. After a bit of rain we see a couple more.

 

*********************************************

 

Pook, Mrs Owl's sister has had a pond dug. Virtually the same as the farm over the back of us. A government initiative evidently. I think the farmers pay a nominal 5k. Great deal. A good thing IMO.

 

 

Strange colour water. Reminds me of "The Blue Pool" in Dorset (I think).

 

*********************************************

 

Mrs Owl has been tending the little eucas. Some have fallen over and some are being eaten by 'kadek-kadeks' (leaf eating insects). But no dead uns as yet.

 

Pook is working her way down the main road plantation. Clearing the weeds and grass away from the first batch of eucas. The majority are over half metre high now. It doesn't take them long once the roots are established. 

 

Had a few games of chess with Milly yesterday and today. She beat me fair and square in one game today. I've been experimenting with the 'London Gambit'; and I'm still learning the pluses and pitfalls. Well! that's my excuse for being smashed.

 

The forecast is for rain at midnight tonight. The more the better.

 

Take care out there.

 

Bye y'all.

Edited June 10, 2020 by owl sees all

[ericthai]

On 11/19/2019 at 7:58 PM, Sandy Freckle said:

Can someone please translate ?

Translated: He doesn't like Issan!

[owl sees all]

29 minutes ago, ericthai said:

Translated: He doesn't like Issan!

Not everyone's cup of rosy; Isaan.

 

There is a lady from our village, whose English husband thinks anything more that a day here is a waste of his life. He likes farang company, and if they are all sitting around a bar, then so much the better.

 

I've only spoken to two farang in the last two months. Isaan is not for everyone; but for me interesting and often exciting. Never boring.

Edited June 10, 2020 by owl sees all
forgat about Fritz, who came to the farm a couple of weeks ago.

[Kadilo]

1 minute ago, owl sees all said:

Not everyone's cup of rosy; Isaan.

 

There is a lady from our village, whose English husband thinks anything more that a day here is a waste of his life. He likes farang company, and if they are all sitting around a bar, then so much the better.

 

I've only spoken to one farang in the last two months. Isaan is not for everyone; but for me interesting and often exciting. Never boring.

So how does he get round it? Leaves her there whilst he stays in Pattaya? 
 

 

[owl sees all]

3 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

So how does he get round it? Leaves her there whilst he stays in Pattaya? 
 

 

She stays with him in Pattaya most of the time. When they plan to come to the village she will arrive a week or so before. He finds the village it 'uninspiring'. But is amazed at how cheap the drink is.

 

Thinks I'm nuts.

 

He is very disciplined with the beer however. Has a daily limit; and even if he has drank the 12 bottle quota by two in the afternoon, that's it until the next day.

 

His wife tells Mrs Owl that she would like to stay in the village with him all the time.

 

 

[Kadilo]

14 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

She stays with him in Pattaya most of the time. When they plan to come to the village she will arrive a week or so before. He finds the village it 'uninspiring'. But is amazed at how cheap the drink is.

 

Thinks I'm nuts.

 

He is very disciplined with the beer however. Has a daily limit; and even if he has drank the 12 bottle quota by two in the afternoon, that's it until the next day.

 

His wife tells Mrs Owl that she would like to stay in the village with him all the time.

 

 

It’s a massive change from living in Pattaya then going back to Isaan as you say. I spent my first 15 years in Thailand pretty much in Pattaya and mainly loved it. 
When I first did the village thing I wasn’t sure how I felt tbh but at that time we were sleeping in the main family home in a spare room and it was pretty dingy and with a shared loo that you had to find with a torch in the middle of the night. 

Over time I had a small extension put on the side so now we got our own space, bedroom, bathroom. Pretty basic but it’s an escape and a god send. 

I now really enjoy staying there and over time it’s really grow on me. I love the freedom on my scooter and spend many days just going out and exploring. Love the small restaurants and the people are generally friendly enough. The only thing I really miss is long walks. Because they live in a small village it’s a bit put the way and any walking encounters many Soi and house dogs. 

We tend to go Samui once per year and I do try and go back to Pattaya. now and again. Last year we took her son and her bro kids. It was the first time they had seen a beach and they are 12/13. 

I know if suggested the same arrangement as the guy, living in Pattaya, she would go along with it but I know in her heart she would want to be at home and I’m happy doing what we do. 

12 beers a day!! That’s some allowance. American?

Edited June 10, 2020 by Kadilo

[bluesofa]

17 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

16 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Not everyone's cup of rosy; Isaan.

For me, it's not Issan, but farming and natural things. As someone brought up in a city and having a technical background, it's all alien to me.

 

Only this week we both went to the fishing farm and my wife was showing me how to spot the difference between male and female talapia. That came about directly due to Owl mentioning about the size and sexes of talapia they breed. It was a revelation, but only as a passing interest.

 

I remember years ago my wife originally giving me instructions on how to get to their fishing farm. She navigated by types of trees - 'turn right at this particular one, etc'.

Meant nothing to me. I think I could maybe tell the difference between only a weeping willow and all other trees.

Having no pubs to navigate by, I translated it into things like 'turn right at the electric pole where the three phase supply has a single phase take off'.

Yer can't beat a good bit of technology.

 

 

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

His wife tells Mrs Owl that she would like to stay in the village with him all the time.

I'd envisage either a divorce or a murder if that happened.

[owl sees all]

22 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

I know if suggested the same arrangement as the guy, living in Pattaya, she would go along with it but I know in her heart she would want to be at home and I’m happy doing what we do. 

12 beers a day!! That’s some allowance. American?

Liverpool lad. Great sense of humour. The locals were trying to get him on the Lao Khao when he was here last. He took them up on their offer one night.

 

"Never again!" He told me when I went to his house next day. "Never again!" "But," said I, "look on the upside." "What upside?" "Next time you go poo poo, have a real good look at your offering. I bet you don't see any wrigglies. Lao Knao; as good as a box of worm-tablets."

 

"Never again!" Don't think he was listening.

[HighPriority]

7 hours ago, bluesofa said:

For me, it's not Issan, but farming and natural things. As someone brought up in a city and having a technical background, it's all alien to me.

 

Owl’s swing construction and ladder work not technical enough for ya ? ????
 

My wife owns a couple of blocks in her village so I have no doubt that’s where we’ll end up.

Im not really sure how I’ll go... I’m more of a coastal person by nature.

 

I think for me the biggest hurdle will be transport and lack of independence.

When we visit Thailand its planes, trains, minibuses, lots of waiting around. I’m more a grab my keys and go type.

 

At this point in time she’s not conducive to my riding a motorbike.

Edited June 10, 2020 by HighPriority

[GarryP]

16 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Not everyone's cup of rosy; Isaan.

 

There is a lady from our village, whose English husband thinks anything more that a day here is a waste of his life. He likes farang company, and if they are all sitting around a bar, then so much the better.

 

I've only spoken to two farang in the last two months. Isaan is not for everyone; but for me interesting and often exciting. Never boring.

When I move there in the not too distant future, I will have the added advantage of being able to understand what everyone is saying as I understand the local language, although I only speak central Thai. I am actually starting to look forward to it, but I know it won't be a walk in the park having lived in Bangkok for 38 years.  I don't have a farm though just the small plot of land on which we will build our house. So I'll have to find other stuff to do to keep me busy.  Maybe Owl can hire me as a day labourer. ???? 

[owl sees all]

52 minutes ago, GarryP said:

When I move there in the not too distant future, I will have the added advantage of being able to understand what everyone is saying as I understand the local language, although I only speak central Thai. I am actually starting to look forward to it, but I know it won't be a walk in the park having lived in Bangkok for 38 years.  I don't have a farm though just the small plot of land on which we will build our house. So I'll have to find other stuff to do to keep me busy.  Maybe Owl can hire me as a day labourer. ???? 

Well Garry!

 

The sooner the better, for you and the thread. Pic as well please.

 

I don't speak more than 30/40 words of the Isaan lingo. That's more than enough. Although I can understand numbers. Sam sib sam, ye sib edd etc.

 

If they (the locals) know you can understand them, it could restrict their gossiping when you are close.

 

 

[HighPriority]

Yes Garry, sound advice there to hold your tongue, play dumb and see/hear what’s really being said ????????

[sotonowl]

Hear all, see all and say nowt, and if thy ever does owt for nowt, mek sure tha does it for thisen. 

 

Doesn't just apply in Isaan.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 13-06-2020

 

Rain, rain where are you?

 

True engineers showed yesterday to put in a new internet line for someone down the village. Everything went ticky-boo. He didn't ask about the trees and simply threw the cable over the top. I will say; they do need a trim. Come the dry season, I'll get to it.

 

 

 

 

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Finally got Neil's bike fixed. New tyres, brakes, pedals and chain.

 

 

Cheer up Neil. You can ride it away. Nothing to pay. Bring it back if it breaks down!

 

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Mrs Owl's sister, Pook, has been working for a few days.

 

The eucas by the big road have had a space around them cleared. 

 

 

 

Can hardly see the fledgling eucas for the other stuff.

 

Can imaging my disappointment when she said the cable ties had been just left behind. Today me, Mildred and Boyz, went on a cable tie ramble. I told the girls; one tie one baht. And any other rubbish would be a bonus.

 

 

 

 

Well, once the rate of pay had been sorted, there was no stopping them. I think some of the plastic was torn in half.

 

Money well spent! Fifty baht each.

 

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The tallest euca on the big road is best part of a metre now. They grow sooo,,, fast once they get their roots established.

 

 

Pook is doing more work for us. Checking the farms for eucas that have fallen over or not doing too good,

 

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Mildred and Boyz were looking for snails again today; and yesterday. And seeing as they are already wet, why not have a water fight?!

 

 

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The avocado is shooting up. Just one at the mo, but its neighbor is showing promise. Be picking our own avocadoes soon!

 

 

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Bought 4 metres of 250kg rated rope in Ban Dung yesterday (40 baht). Threaded it into a plastic drip tape sleeve, tied it to the chain, and it was fully operational.

 

 

That swing will be good for a few years. Have to coat the wooden seat with some creepy-crawly killer though.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Friday, yesterday, so time to change Mildred's homework. Had a quick look through the work for next week. Couldn't even understand what she has to do in the maths section. Perhaps things have moved on since I was teaching students 40 years ago?

 

Went into seven/eleven for my buns. No-one on the door, so I just just gave myself a squirt of sanitizer and went off to the cake department. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a lady mumbling something and pointing at me. A member of staff promptly came to me and said "mask; must have." I was very apologetic and went to the pick-up to get one. I was back in about 15/20 seconds. Joined the queue. Lady stared at me for ages. I must say this is not the 7/11 that I usually go to. Also noticed a 'mini' Big C, just along from a 7/ll and a Tescos; all within 100 metres..

 

Mrs Owl just came in and informed me that there is a big storm over Phen way. Keep our fingers crossed that it's coming out way.

 

Ran the water pump for two hours a couple of days ago. Less than a metre to fill it completely now.

 

Mrs Owl has kept a big frog in the kitchen for three days now. Now, I'm thinking; how can it escape without me getting blamed!? I'll keep options open, but I think just put it outside and accidentally knock the lid of the pot off. 

 

Went to have a butchers at some kittens Thursday. Belong to 'Um'. Mrs Owl's ex-SinL (sort of). She is Burmese and does not have any paperwork for Thailand. We try to help her out at times. Anyway, the kittens are absolutely delightful. I'll put a pic in next post. Charkie's babies are very small, especially the three colour one. Don't like to handle them too much, too soon; cats can be strange. We have got into the routine of putting a fan to cool the kitten box. Very warm last few of days.

 

Saw a koi in the pond that I hadn't seen for three months. So pleased to have got a glimpse.

 

Found a great shop in Bandung yesterday. Three new T-shirts for 100 baht. I sorted out three XXLs (the biggest they had). Got home and found they were all too tight. Milly grabbed the bright pink one for a night-dress. Mrs took the other two.

 

Take care out there.

 

Bye y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 14-06-2020

 

Bit of a commotion outside a while ago. Some of the village children were pulling the fruit tree branches down and getting the fruit.

 

 

Mrs Owl sorted them out, saying they were not ripe yet. Come back in a week. Although I was unsure of what she actually said but something along those lines.

 

This year, this particular tree has given a monster harvest. People do stop and look.

 

 

Now I've got to put a net up at the front to protect the fruit.

 

The Mrs caught me with the frog. Not an easy dilemma to escape from. I said I felt sorry for it. "Ding dong farang. Grandmother food." " Can't we swap the frog for some snails teerak?" "You want Grandmother upset?"

 

More to follow.

 

Bye y'all.

[Andrew Dwyer]

11 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 14-06-2020

 

Bit of a commotion outside a while ago. Some of the village children were pulling the fruit tree branches down and getting the fruit.

 

 

Mrs Owl sorted them out, saying they were not ripe yet. Come back in a week. Although I was unsure of what she actually said but something along those lines.

 

This year, this particular tree has given a monster harvest. People do stop and look.

 

 

Now I've got to put a net up at the front to protect the fruit.

 

The Mrs caught me with the frog. Not an easy dilemma to escape from. I said I felt sorry for it. "Ding dong farang. Grandmother food." " Can't we swap the frog for some snails teerak?" "You want Grandmother upset?"

 

More to follow.

 

Bye y'all.

Is that Lamyai ?

If so I would probably be giving the kids a leg up ????

[owl sees all]

4 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Is that Lamyai ?

If so I would probably be giving the kids a leg up ????

Yes! Lamyai. Very nice to eat.

 

Not sure about you helping the kids. Might get a whack from Mrs Owl.

[Odysseus123]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

More to follow.

 

Hi Owl.

 

Are you getting much in the way of rain-has the drought finally broken?

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Odysseus123 said:

Hi Owl.

 

Are you getting much in the way of rain-has the drought finally broken?

It's on its way; that's for sure.

 

Last night we had rain for a couple of hours. Seemed like a lot but when we got to the farm the buckets, that collect rainwater from the house roof, were only half full.

 

On the whole we are 20 inches down on what we should be. But you never know. Could have a wet second half.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 17-06-2020

 

Been a wet couple of days. This year has been unusual as most rain has fell at night, but this week it's the opposite. That meant that some jobs never got done. I did manage to get on with the never ending job of road maintenance; in between showers. I'm running out of red stone, and thinking that a pick-up load of building aggregate might be the way forward.

 

 

The road is 11 years old and is doing OK. Well used by everyone. Certainly the pig farm over the back make use of it taking their piggies to and fro.

 

 

 

If it rains hard while we are there is does mean rest-time.

 

 

Had our usual guy cutting the grass around the farm last three days. Pay him 350 baht a day but he uses his own cutter, We pay for the benzine however.

 

The grass along by the big road has had its trim. There is a row of eucas all the way along. Not a good enough pic to see them. But they are there.

 

 

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

 

Had a problem with the pick-up today. Right out of the blue the battery decided that it was not strong enough to spin the engine. Put it on charge for 30 minutes and all seemed OK. When I got back from the farm I had a more detailed look. The local guy who had fixed the vehicle last month had not fitted the battery clamp on well enough and the battery had moved out of its housing, and been rubbing up against the nearest pulley, causong a hole. Now only running on 5 cells. I'm going to Ban Dung on Friday and it's another unexpected expense. Dear me! I'm hoping the footy is kind to me over the next few days. First match of my acc' is Villa v Sheff Utd; tonight. Got the match down for a draw.

 

Mrs Owl hasn't again mentioned about putting a net over the lamyai. She has either forgotten or decided that she spoke in angry, and over-reacted to the village kids scrumping. Just keep my head down on that one.

 

I am fed up with my camera. It eats batteries like Mrs Owl eats somtam, and is too bulky for casual snapping. Maybe I'll have to invest in a pack of lithium batteries. The Minolta Dimage, that I'm using. was a great camera in it's day (20 odd years ago) but Milly seems to take pics, just as good with her mobile. The Minolta has x 40 zoom and has an SLR mode, and is comfortable to use, but..... need one that will fit into my short's pocket. Had a Vivitar some years ago that ticked all the boxes. Took great pics. Unfortunately I dropped it in a temple in Laos. Never the same again again. After that I used a medium sized Samsung (which was also dropped; but not by me). Contacted Samsung to try to find a Thai dealer to repair it earlier this month. Without doubt the worst www site I've ever been on. Spent 40 minutes following the instructions and directions (in English). Just going round in circles. Gave up. 

 

The Mrs asked me if I had any prints of the house and Mildred. The school had asked for a ton of info and accompanying pics. Seemed very intrusive to me, but maybe that's how it's done here. I'd like Mildred not to return to school until her year 6 starts next March. Want to home teach her. Her school has lost all the Filipino teachers and one guy from OZ. I think the school has over-spent on the new block and is looking to cut the teacher's bill. Anyway I'd be happy for her to take a complete year out.

 

Went to the farm today, and there were loads of lads with their m/cs congregating just outside the village. They have nowhere significant to go and nothing to do. Why are they not helping on their families' farms? Perhaps I've got it wrong. Maybe talking about world events or something similar. Has something changed that I'm not aware of?

 

Take care out there.

 

Bye y'all.

 

It will soon stop teerak.

 

Edited June 17, 2020 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

I had to laugh @ your pig pic mate, my wife and I came home this arvo to find the Neighbour’s piglets having an afternoon snack at out place... they bolted back home when they saw us ! Gave us a laugh ????

I wish they had bought back our rubbish bin lid though... (we had a “bullet bin” in the kitchen and a couple of months ago the lid vanished one night, we suspect that a piglet ran back home with it stuck on its head ????)

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the rain ????????
And Millys probably got a better camera on her Mobi than any camera you’ve ever owned, ask her about filters to make you even more hansum ???? I’m not sure about filters to make Mrs Owl more agreeable though... live in hope... ????????????

[owl sees all]

40 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

I had to laugh @ your pig pic mate, my wife and I came home this arvo to find the Neighbour’s piglets having an afternoon snack at out place... they bolted back home when they saw us ! Gave us a laugh ????

I wish they had bought back our rubbish bin lid though... (we had a “bullet bin” in the kitchen and a couple of months ago the lid vanished one night, we suspect that a piglet ran back home with it stuck on its head ????)

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the rain ????????
And Millys probably got a better camera on her Mobi than any camera you’ve ever owned, ask her about filters to make you even more hansum ???? I’m not sure about filters to make Mrs Owl more agreeable though... live in hope... ????????????

Very kind words HP. Much appreciated.

 

When I first came to the area where I'm now, a farang from Essex (Mark), had invested quite a lot of dosh in a pig farm over the back of us. We called it the London Farm; don't know why. One day a pig, at the farm, had a litter, and one poor little sod, had a deformed face. You should have seen it. I kid you not, something like 200 people came to the farm after word got around. On the third day after birth, a pick-up will balloons showed. The one where you threw darts to burst a balloon and win a teddy.

 

Unfortunately the baby pig died; probably with breathing difficulties, due to the deformation. But not before many Thais gleaned the lottery numbers from the piglet.

 

Can be a strange place; Isaan.

 

 

Edited June 17, 2020 by owl sees all

[sotonowl]

How appropriate you mention pigs and Sheffield United in the same post, that's our nick name for them. You think they'll draw yet call yourself an Owl? C'mon Villa.????

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, sotonowl said:

How appropriate you mention pigs and Sheffield United in the same post, that's our nick name for them. You think they'll draw yet call yourself an Owl? C'mon Villa.????

I'm a real footy trivia person sotonowl. I didn't know that Owls called the Blades pigs. You live and learn. 

Could you explain why?

 

0-0

 

Acc' lives on

[Sailboat]

I tried to give a monk some money, he had just come out of the grocery store. He wouldn't accept my money and I was told by a shop owner monks don't touch money. I told the shop owner I would be very happy if he became a monk. 

[champers]

12 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I'm a real footy trivia person sotonowl. I didn't know that Owls called the Blades pigs. You live and learn. 

Could you explain why?

 

0-0

 

Acc' lives on

Normally I am a silent observer on this thread but having lived and worked in Sheffield for many years I can tell you that both sets of fans call each other pigs. I know not the reason why either but it is said that some Wednesdayites won't ever eat streaky bacon as it is red and white striped.

[sotonowl]

19 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I'm a real footy trivia person sotonowl. I didn't know that Owls called the Blades pigs. You live and learn. 

Could you explain why?

 

0-0

 

Acc' lives on

Certainly mate. It's all to do with the red and white stripes looking like streaky bacon. My cousin George (RIP) wouldn't eat bacon on a Sunday morning if Wednesday had lost and the unmentionables had won. Over the last 20 or so years they've reciprocated and call us the pigs as well. This was really to be expected as they usually copy us. For instance, did you know they also nicked our nickname when we discarded it for the Owls? Bramall Lane as well, we played there prior to the unmentionables being formed that was the football and cricket teams I mean.

But all this taking court action didn't come from us or the shoes off in the car park protests, that was all their own doing. LOL.????

[Andrew Dwyer]

Those shoes off in the car park protests were pretty strong stuff and I think they took it too far, just undoing the laces would have been sufficient ????.

 

Sean Bean regrets his inclusion in those protests and says it affected his film career .

 

 

“ ever since those protests I have only been offered scripts where I die in the first act “.                     Sean Bean.