Chaweng- Koh Samui, Thailand

I can't say enough about Thailand & the Thai people! There are too many places of beauty to explore & so many friendly people with a great attitude!

The city of Chaweng, on the island of Koh Samui, was fairly populated with tourists. I hadn't been exposed to that much English since I left the states! Somewhat of a western culture shock in a foreign country. Regardless, we were able to find peace & quiet on the beaches & met some great people. Ended up spending much more time there than intended, but that hospital story will have to wait.

A Buddhist shrine next to the Samui International Hospital.

I don't have a tripod, but really wanted one for a still of these orchids!

You have to love the simplicity of the outdoor baggage claim.

Main drag in the town of Chaweng.

Yes, there were jet skis at this beach, but I still learned how to relax.

You couldn't beat all the Thai food options directly on the beach. Especially with a spectacular thundercloud show in the distance.

For dirt cheap, Josh, Paul & I decided to rent a small catamaran. John, the owner, was nice enough to take us out on it. Without his help, the three of us would easily have capsized it!

The sailboats sit in front of his placed called, Tradewinds Resort. This is where we ended up eating many of our meals while also making friends with a great group of people who work here.

Looking back toward Chaweng Beach, on our way back from a small town named, Lamai.

A viewpoint just outside of Chaweng.

A photo taken from the same viewpoint looking south.

Throwing a coconut back that washed ashore. One throw was enough while waiting for a sunrise that never came. Well OK... I guess the sun rose, but the clouds at sea kept us from having a nice show. OK... I guess the sun doesn't really rise, but rather the earth... Nevermind... Personally, I like sunsets better...

Koh Nang Yuan was truly an amazing private island. Actually, there are 3 very small islands like the one you see, but all are connected by a small sand strip. I didn't take a camera on this snorking trip for fear of getting it wet. My compliments to Josh for taking a waterproof disposable camera. Yet, here is a view of what I saw from the top of this island in the picture above.

Some of the native plants on the coast.

Buddhist Shrines

Odds & Ends -Part 2

I couldn't decide what to do with these pictures, so I hope you enjoy them. Some of them are even from my most recent travels. By no means am I trying to poke fun of any culture, but thought I'd present a few more photos worth viewing. Actually, I suppose this section is primarily dedicated to translations. No matter how bad it may be, I have to remember... I can't even translate, so all the more power to those who can.

You may have to click on some of these to read them better.

I only saw one of these bathroom stalls & should add that it was wired shut. -Suncheon, S. Korea

It's not really a peppermint pizza. -Seomyeon, Busan, S. Korea





Well, here's a case where the translation did work! Budweiser is a bad beer. -Shigatse, Tibet

Pets & dangerous things, need say no more. -Shigatse, Tibet

Good thing the second sentence was written, because I was having a little trouble with the first one. -Shanghai, China

This store's name wouldn't go over too well in the states. -Fukuoka, Japan

I gave up scribbling long ago, but you never know... -Beijing, China

This was at the airport & I figured the dog was working behind the scenes. Nope, a dog made an apearance for us while waiting for our luggage. He/she sniffed each bag as they came out on the conveyer belt. I was scolded for taking a picture of the dog. This is all I have after they confiscated my luggage. Just kidding! -Chengdu, China

This was a sticker on one of my chocolates that was given to me by a student. She was pretty young & I'm sure she hadn't a clue what I'm interpreting it to mean. Regardless, it was a nice chocolate gift. -Busan, S. Korea

All kinds of peril on this hill. -Beijing, China

This gift was on Pepero Day, where many exchange chocolate sticks. The chocolate sticks, called pepero, are normally much smaller. This pepero gift from a student was huge! Not to mention, darn good too! However, of all the writing, I'd like to bring your attention to the "Happy Virus!" -Busan, S. Korea

As always, I did my part to help. -Beijing, China


A shoe store chain in Korea. -Nampo-dong, Busan, S. Korea

I don't even remember what this store was, but guessing it's a teddy bear place. -PNU, Busan, S. Korea

Same haircut as me! -Nopo-dong, Busan, S. Korea

At first I thought these were condoms in our hotel room, but I'm now led to believe it's lotion. You'll have to expand this photo to understand. -Chengdu, China

There's a popular outdoor brand of clothing that also shares the Kolon name. -Nampo-dong, Busan, S. Korea

This is at The Great Wall. -Beijing, China

Cardboard? -Saha, Busan, S. Korea

Just don't do it... Taejongdae, Busan, S. Korea

Don't do this either, please... -Nampo-dong, Busan, S. Korea

I can't get enough of the police station mascots. -Saha, Busan, S. Korea

Odd & Ends -Part 1

I didn't know what to do with these pictures, so here they are. These are all photos that were taken prior to my leave in Busan, S. Korea.

Windows of the Busan Train Station.

A painting in a restaurant called Junco.

Great to see a Henry Wienhards sign out here. This was in the restroom, so I had to sneak this photo. Pulling out your camera in the restroom isn't the smoothest idea.

Does he look different?

Little bike, big bike.

I believe this is an air conditioning company.

My stealth photo tactics produced this pimped-out taxi picture.

A pair of free gloves offered with your cereal.

One happy pig!

The police have these friendly mascots.

Vitamin C briefs to stay healthy.

The kids on the right are getting scolded & must keep their hands up until mother says otherwise.

Squid snack at home.

It seems as though each large city makes their own soju. It's a fierce competion & even North Korea has their own version. It's not an easy find, but this was a gift brought back from the border.

Trying to get creative with C1 soju.

Big smiles from Denis at a local pub.