Days 5 - 7, Feb. 26 - 28
Sunday I waited for a grocery delivery between 12 and 2 pm that never came. That basically killed the day, so it was my second day of rest in a row. I studied about taxis to see what I could improve.
Monday was "buy phone" day. I had the front desk order me a cab and only took it as far as the nearest BTS (skytrain) station. It only cost 90 baht, compared to 165, yesterday. Still some work to do here.
I took the skytrain to MBK, a very modern mall. It is the size of one of our malls, but 7 stories tall. It has over 2000 stores in it, many kiosks, about 8 feet by 6 feet big. the top floor has two theater complexes, a bowling alley, and a couple dozen more stores.
I got a phone like my previous trac phone, it doesn't have android. Calling the U.S. is 1 - 3 Baht per minute, but texts are 10 baht each to the U.S.. (1 baht = 3 cents)
I did some exploring and then came how. I flagged down my first taxi and got home from the nearsest skytrain station for only 39 baht. I was happy, I gave him 45, for a tip of 6 (about 20 cents). This was much improved over yesterday's 500 baht ride home. I learned that taxi drivers prefer small, short trips. They get 35 baht for someone getting into the car.
Monday, I was expecting a grocery delivery, trying to get this right. However, it wasn't until 6 p.m. I made an appointment to play a wargame tomorrow. I decided to go for a walk and explore the area. I ended up walking all the way to the skytrain, about 1 mile. I will have to take pictures next time. Lots of fascinating things to see. Although I had about 4 hours to kill, I stayed in the area because I had not brought my passport. Being this far back after only 3 days of exercise and 2 days rest is a good sign. Also, now I don't have to worry about how to call a taxi to pick me up at my hotel.
Namaste from (halfway to) Nepal
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Thai Money
The Thai Baht is worth about 1/35th of a dollar. At the money changers you get about 35 TB for every dollar. So, it is worth about 3 cents. It can be further divided into 100 Lakh per Baht. But, in practice, no one does this.
There are 3 bills and 3 coins in circulation. As you can see, both the coins and the bills get larger as they increase in value. The coins fro bottom to top are 1, 5, and 10 Baht. The bills from right to left are 20, 100, and 1000 Baht.
Bangkok is an international city and there are money changers, everywhere. You have to present your passport when you change your money. I guess it helps with crime.
There are 3 bills and 3 coins in circulation. As you can see, both the coins and the bills get larger as they increase in value. The coins fro bottom to top are 1, 5, and 10 Baht. The bills from right to left are 20, 100, and 1000 Baht.
Bangkok is an international city and there are money changers, everywhere. You have to present your passport when you change your money. I guess it helps with crime.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
(Day 3, Fri., Feb. 24)
Since I had done so much running around the airports the last 2 days, I decided to hit the ground running and go for a walkabout today to take advantage of my increased energy level. I took a taxi to a nearby BTS (skytrain) station and road the skytrain all over so I would get used to it and make all my mistakes today while I am not doing anything else. So, I was out for about 8 hours. Between all the walking and the heat, I was exhausted. I took a Tuk Tuk home even though they are expensive as they cater to tourists ($4.50 for the cab ride, but $14.50 for the Tuk Tuk ride). I'll write a post later about the transportation options here.
While I was out I took note of a lot of places. I got a guava iced coffee for TB40, about $1.15. At 24 ounces it was the size of a large Starbucks drink. While out, I ate a Subway 6" tuna sandwich. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. But, by the time I got back to my hotel, I was hot, exhausted, dehydrated, and ready to come home.
However, after drinking a bunch of water, taking a shower, and getting my room cool, I was gung ho, again. The key fob to my room also turns the electricity on in the room, so no AC while we are out of the room.
I found out I can order groceries online from Tescos (British Walmart). Since this hotel is isolated, I ordered a bunch of fruit and veggies and some bread. It only costs TB60, about $1.75 (TB35 per $) for delivery. The extremely low labor prices allow for some contradictions here. On the other hand, imports are expensive. So, while delivery is extremely cheap, cheese (all is imported) is about $3.50 per pound. I won't be eating cheese, although yogurt is about 30% cheaper here.
I really like the BTS Skytrain. My plan is now to get an apartment within a quarter mile of it. I spent a couple of hours looking for one online and found 3 nice candidates in my price range (I want to spend less than $200) and my requirements (AC, Elevator, Internet, Furnished, Laundry). And, I have only examined apartments near 3 of the about 30 stations.
Once I move to such a place my mobility will greatly increase and I will feel less isolated. It is probably best to go overseas with a group or having someone waiting for you to explain things. So far, it is just God and me and he is doing all the heavy lifting while I just try to survive. I left my big stash of money in my room, not hidden. It was still there when I returned.
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(Day 4, Sat., Feb. 25)
Today is rest day. I am unpacking, cleaning my room, and getting my 2 computers, 2 tablets, battery pack, and 3 phones all charged. It turns out that all my chargers are 100V- 240V chargers, so they will all work here without frying my devices. God was watching over me before I even started here.
I am listening to my Christian music (best Christian playlist in the world!) while I clean and organize; and, studying my Bible during breaks, so I will be gung ho tomorrow.
Namaste from (halfway to) Nepal
Since I had done so much running around the airports the last 2 days, I decided to hit the ground running and go for a walkabout today to take advantage of my increased energy level. I took a taxi to a nearby BTS (skytrain) station and road the skytrain all over so I would get used to it and make all my mistakes today while I am not doing anything else. So, I was out for about 8 hours. Between all the walking and the heat, I was exhausted. I took a Tuk Tuk home even though they are expensive as they cater to tourists ($4.50 for the cab ride, but $14.50 for the Tuk Tuk ride). I'll write a post later about the transportation options here.
While I was out I took note of a lot of places. I got a guava iced coffee for TB40, about $1.15. At 24 ounces it was the size of a large Starbucks drink. While out, I ate a Subway 6" tuna sandwich. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. But, by the time I got back to my hotel, I was hot, exhausted, dehydrated, and ready to come home.
However, after drinking a bunch of water, taking a shower, and getting my room cool, I was gung ho, again. The key fob to my room also turns the electricity on in the room, so no AC while we are out of the room.
I found out I can order groceries online from Tescos (British Walmart). Since this hotel is isolated, I ordered a bunch of fruit and veggies and some bread. It only costs TB60, about $1.75 (TB35 per $) for delivery. The extremely low labor prices allow for some contradictions here. On the other hand, imports are expensive. So, while delivery is extremely cheap, cheese (all is imported) is about $3.50 per pound. I won't be eating cheese, although yogurt is about 30% cheaper here.
I really like the BTS Skytrain. My plan is now to get an apartment within a quarter mile of it. I spent a couple of hours looking for one online and found 3 nice candidates in my price range (I want to spend less than $200) and my requirements (AC, Elevator, Internet, Furnished, Laundry). And, I have only examined apartments near 3 of the about 30 stations.
Once I move to such a place my mobility will greatly increase and I will feel less isolated. It is probably best to go overseas with a group or having someone waiting for you to explain things. So far, it is just God and me and he is doing all the heavy lifting while I just try to survive. I left my big stash of money in my room, not hidden. It was still there when I returned.
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(Day 4, Sat., Feb. 25)
Today is rest day. I am unpacking, cleaning my room, and getting my 2 computers, 2 tablets, battery pack, and 3 phones all charged. It turns out that all my chargers are 100V- 240V chargers, so they will all work here without frying my devices. God was watching over me before I even started here.
I am listening to my Christian music (best Christian playlist in the world!) while I clean and organize; and, studying my Bible during breaks, so I will be gung ho tomorrow.
Namaste from (halfway to) Nepal
Thursday, February 23, 2017
(Days 1 and 2, Wed. and Thur., Feb. 22 and 23, 2017)
This is my last day in America for who knows how long, if not forever. This definitely takes getting used to. Will I ever drive again? Many questions pop into mind. It hits home when you land and see the immigration officials. I am definitely a foreigner, now.
I had gotten reports that LAX was an unfriendly place that was difficult to navigate. I found it just the opposite. It is certainly big. However, the airport staff, the airline staff, and the TSA were all very nice and helpful toward me. God is definitely greasing the way for me. I even made money there. EVA Air said I couldn't have both my seats and take 4 luggage. However, I just had to pay for my 3rd suitcase and the 4th one they said would be carry-on luggage that they checked, anyway. They said I would get a refund for my seat.
My flight from LAX to Taipei was very nice. EVA Air is now my favorite airline. It is a Taiwanese airline run by their "Bill Gates." His main business is Evergreen Shipping. The plane was only 60% full. I had a 3 seat row all to myself. In fact, the only people that didn't were couples, families, and groups that were traveling together. The service was impeccable. The meals were huge and delicious. Their video screen was amazing. I watched movies and television shows, played games, and watched the progress of the plane. We had a strong headwind (135 mph) the whole way and the plain shook the whole flight, just like a train does. It was very relaxing. The 14.5 hour trip was a lot of fun.
The flight from Taipei was booked solid and on an older plane. But, it was only a quick 4 hour trip. By the time we ate, filled out our immigration forms, and made a couple of bathroom breaks, the trip was over, although I did fall asleep for a half our or so.
A car was waiting for me and we drove to the hotel. It is more spartan than the pictures. But, it is very comfortable and cool. Since the high in Bangkok is usually around 90+ and the low is around 80, Aircon is a must.
I was too busy traveling and it was too hectic to take pictures. I will take pictures today while I explore and learn how to post them tomorrow. It looks like Blooger.com allows 1 GB of pictures, so I won't have to worry about where to store my pictures for awhile.
Namaste from (halfway to) Nepal.
This is my last day in America for who knows how long, if not forever. This definitely takes getting used to. Will I ever drive again? Many questions pop into mind. It hits home when you land and see the immigration officials. I am definitely a foreigner, now.
I had gotten reports that LAX was an unfriendly place that was difficult to navigate. I found it just the opposite. It is certainly big. However, the airport staff, the airline staff, and the TSA were all very nice and helpful toward me. God is definitely greasing the way for me. I even made money there. EVA Air said I couldn't have both my seats and take 4 luggage. However, I just had to pay for my 3rd suitcase and the 4th one they said would be carry-on luggage that they checked, anyway. They said I would get a refund for my seat.
My flight from LAX to Taipei was very nice. EVA Air is now my favorite airline. It is a Taiwanese airline run by their "Bill Gates." His main business is Evergreen Shipping. The plane was only 60% full. I had a 3 seat row all to myself. In fact, the only people that didn't were couples, families, and groups that were traveling together. The service was impeccable. The meals were huge and delicious. Their video screen was amazing. I watched movies and television shows, played games, and watched the progress of the plane. We had a strong headwind (135 mph) the whole way and the plain shook the whole flight, just like a train does. It was very relaxing. The 14.5 hour trip was a lot of fun.
The flight from Taipei was booked solid and on an older plane. But, it was only a quick 4 hour trip. By the time we ate, filled out our immigration forms, and made a couple of bathroom breaks, the trip was over, although I did fall asleep for a half our or so.
A car was waiting for me and we drove to the hotel. It is more spartan than the pictures. But, it is very comfortable and cool. Since the high in Bangkok is usually around 90+ and the low is around 80, Aircon is a must.
I was too busy traveling and it was too hectic to take pictures. I will take pictures today while I explore and learn how to post them tomorrow. It looks like Blooger.com allows 1 GB of pictures, so I won't have to worry about where to store my pictures for awhile.
Namaste from (halfway to) Nepal.
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