News from Home

While we are away, people keep us informed about what’s happening at “home” and let us know when there is something we are missing. Here is one example provided by our brother-in-law, Paul:

"We're so sorry for you to hear about the hot and sunny weather that continues in Thailand. Hopefully you'll get a break from that pattern soon. The winter weather in South Western Ontario has been wonderful. We have had an abundance of snow and we seem to get more every day. We've had so much snow we're running out of places to put it. Road and weather conditions can change every hour and that keeps travel conditions very interesting. At night we're experiencing freezing fog and hoar frost which adds to the excitement of driving. It is also one of the coldest winters on record and we've had constant cold weather alerts from the Health departments. Weather stations have added “Polar Vortex" to their vocabulary. We had a pipe burst in our basement in early January, so now we get up in the middle of the night to flush the toilets and run the water taps. It's so invigorating to get outside and hear the snow squeak when you walk. I'm having lots of fun using my snow blower and we're getting lots of exercise shovelling snow. The cats are loving the fireplace running extended hours. It's unfortunate and sad that you're missing out on all this great winter weather!"

Melaka, Malaysia

When you arrive by air in Thailand, you are granted a 30 day visa at no charge. Since we were staying for 4 months (actually 125 days), we purchased two 60 day visas before we left Canada. The first visa was activated on arrival, but to activate the second, we had to leave the country and then re enter. To accommodate the visa limit and our departure date, our decision was to leave Thailand Jan 26 and return until Feb 3: this gave us two 59 day blocks in Thailand.

Where to go? Our answer was Melaka, Malaysia. We had never been to Melaka. It is easily accessible via Air Asia through Kuala Lumpur, and the town itself is interesting. In 2008 it was designated a WorldHeritage Site because of its multicultural history and significance as a major trading port from the 15^th to 18^th century.

Trishaw, ready for hire

Trishaws, like fireflies at night

It was a good choice and worth the visit. The historic centre is small, easy to walk, and filled with museums, churches and temples as well as a thriving China town. Chinese New Year was Jan 31 – year of the horse – so we were there for the festivities and decorations and the streets were filled with families enjoying the holiday.

Entrance to Jonkers St, China Town Melaka

Small Chinese Temple

Huge Joss (incense) sticks decorate a temple entrance

Airport Pickup/Drop Off

Our airport taxi driver of choice is Preecha. He met us at the airport and also transported all of our other guests to and from BKK. He is careful, punctual and talkative. On Feb 5, Larry and Mary Beth left for the airport with Preecha. The last trip he will do for us until March when others arrive.

Bangkok Hospital

Both Butch and Larry made a trip to the Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin. Butch had a skin rash and Larry had food poisoning. Both were very impressed – and both recovered!

Bangkok Hospital is a private hospital network with many locations in Thailand. Initially started in Bangkok in 1972, the hospital is one of the largest privately owned hospitals in Southeast Asia, and has grown to one of the most advanced hospitals in the world.

The one in Hua Hin opened in 2012. Service is excellent, staff are well trained, and English speaking doctors are available. As stated on their website, the hospital is “your trusted partner in health care.” They market their services within the country and internationally. As you can see below, they take every opportunity to promote their brand and services.