storiesbygary

      Bangkok City, Attractions.

The excitement I felt the morning we left for the Siem Riep Airport was well beyond belief, as this was what I had been waiting for now, over 30 years, for my return. We had heard that the airport was brand new but didn’t quite expect what we found upon arrival. It was very modern, quite beautiful, and very empty. Two airline booth open, one bathroom, on main floor, and overall, not really finished.

  Thai Pad Thai on a one-hour flight from Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand ? 🙂

      Sukhumvit International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

However, our check-in was smooth and effortless, with computerized baggage turn-in with tracking codes. Our flight on AirAsia was upgraded to Premium Plus, seats 2 c and 2 d, and on the one hour flight they served cocktails and Pad Thai which was pretty damn good.

Best transport from airport is “metered taxi”, unless you have hired a private limo service 🙂

Mercedes-Benz “E” Class and driver from Anatara Resort awaited us at the airport.

The view of Bangkok and the Bangkok River from our suite.

We arrived on time at the Bangkok International Airport, quite the monster in size and design, and moved quickly and effortlessly through customs and baggage. We then proceeded out to our awaiting driver, who was at “The Arrival Zone,” holding a sign,our names and our private Mercedes Benz E300 to transport us to our hotel, the Anantara “ANATARA,” and Riverside Hotel.

The Bangkok River at night, that’s our “Dinner Cruise” vessel all lit up.

Let me say that, especially in the big cities, arranging for a private driver or one from your hotel saves you many issues. What cab service do you take, meter or not? Do I use “Grab,” and am I getting ripped off. Renting a vehicle in a place like Bangkok, I think, would be disastrous. For not much more $$$, you get to sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.:)

 Someone failed “erector set-101” 🙂

The river and canals are still the main mode of transportation around Bangkok.

    Anantara Riverside Resort, Bangkok, Thailand

 Probably not much “relaxing” staying in Chinatown.

We debated where to stay in Bangkok, as this city is beyond mega-large, with many options depending on what you want to see and do. Many suggest staying in Chinatown as your best option because that is where the cheap food is. Others suggest staying near Khao San Road, known as “The Party Street,” with its neon lights, action bars, awesome food, and loud music, and then there are the “ladies” with “offers you just can’t refuse.”

Lunch and ice cold Singha in Icon Riverside Mall

  Checking into our suite at Anantara Riverside

Night’s were magical on the Bangkok River

I believe we made the correct decision by choosing either and going with a five-star Riverfront Hotel, the Anantara Riverside. It was perfect with our deluxe riverfront suite overlooking the activity day and night on the Bangkok River, the city across the river, and a large pier with a river shuttle service. The stunning hotel had everything, from a spa to multiple restaurants, coffee shops, a bakery, and much more.

   Entering Chinatown, Bangkok, …..Starbucks and KFC 🙂

 Also there were “Mobile Barbershops” “)

As we do in most countries we visit, we enjoy taking a tour of the city to get the “lay of the land”. This is usually done on one of the “hop on / hop off busses” available in many large cities. What was cool and exciting here in Bangkok, was they have “Hop On / Hop Off” Water Taxi’s, an awesome way to get around and see the sites. We caught the Anatara’s water shuttle across the river to the Water Taxi Terminal and boarded the “Hop on /Hop Off”. The shuttle had multiple stops at key points, like temples on the river, major shopping malls and even Chinatown.

 Street food, especially “Satay,” can be found everywhere. Remember…barbeque is good.

  Everyone eats street food, cheap, easy and fast food…..but lines are good .

That evening, we had signed up for a Night Food Tour in Chinatown with Tours By Locals, which I often use. Our guide picked us up at the hotel, and we got into the van with eight other hungry tourists. This ended up being an awesome food tour as we walked to sixteen food booths throughout Chinatown, considered to be the best Chinatown worldwide.

We were all surprised to learn that many are actually “Michelin Star Rated” restaurants, which do not get awarded to just any restaurant. The foods we tasted, hot, spicy and delicious was exceptional in all vendors food carts / booths.

 Street food on our “Tours With Chef’s”

 These are the streets or alleys you walk to find good street food.

  On our tour, awesome spicy hot soups

   Wok fried “bugs”…Yum

 A “Tourist Specialty Only”….not mine 🙂

We choose to get off at Icon Siam Riverside Mall, to check it out and have some lunch. Let me say that this place makes “Mall of America” look like a strip mall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With every designer store imaginable, from Tiphany’s to Porsche, restaurants, bars, people actually spend days there, as it’s actually a “tourist attraction”.

  The “Pirate Cure” for eating “bugs”

 They serve the streetfood HOT !

We had lunch.

We had a casual day on Sunday because we were going to the Famous Sunday “Night Market” known as Chatuckak, Jatujak, or just “JJ.” This world-famous market features over 15,000 stalls, and attendance is over 200,000 visitors each weekend. If you can’t find a decent pair of “knock-offs,” Rayband’s here for cheap, forgetaboutit !

  Shopping Malls are enormous

The food stalls were excellent, and if you should travel to Bangkok or any Asia Country, eating street food is the way to go, cheap and fast. However, always be careful, eat only where there is a line, watch how they cook, clean, and serve with dishwater, etc. The last thing you want is to spend your vacation sitting on the can with a container of Lomotil.

Ya gotta love a shopping mall with a full bar 🙂

  And a “shopping mall:, with a Porsche Dealer in it ? 🙂

 We visited the Temple of Dawn from the river taxi.

 It was REALLY Hot! outside…I climbed…Marsha photographed from below.

The next day was Monday, and there were no street food vendors anywhere because it was the day the streets were cleaned. Let me say that’s one thing we noticed: for a big city, Bangkok was very clean. So we took the water shuttle to check out another area of the town and shop for some tailors and jewelry stores (gold is cheap here) and another mall. We grabbed a TikTok driver who drove us to a few places. although we did find some deals, we decided against purchasing, becasue you have to assume the frivers take you to their “special places” where they get kickbacks.

  Welcome to “Gary’s Gong Show” 🙂

That evening, we had the most perfect time aboard the Avatar Riverside Dinner Cruise vessel. They converted This old rice barge into a luxury dining cruise ship on the river. We started with complimentary cocktails and canapés at the dock before boarding. We were escorted to our “special captain when we boarded a table for two”. I had requested this as this was our Anniversary Cruise. Champagne and a fabulous seafood dinner.

    On our “Luxury River Dining Cruise”, Bangkok

  View from our table for two 🙂

  Menu on River Cruise

    Enter the Floating Market

Bet that is a “frequent stop” for the boats here

That’s our guide Peaches behind me

Trinkets along the river market…yup, I bought that Budda 🙂

 Ice cold beer and soda’s

A typical “boat motor” on these river boats

The next day was admittedly the best tour day in Bangkok, with a guide I hired from “Tours By Locals.” Her name was Peaches (nicknamed) Sriruanngam, and she was very highly recommended. She lived up to it. Peaches picked us up with her driver, and off we went to our first destination, the Famous Bangkok Floating Market. Let me explain: Bangkok has multiple floating markets, used by the locale forever. I floated one back in 1968, but I don’t recall which one, probably because of the Singha Beer and drugs 🙂 It’s best to use a guide and talk about which to visit.

The hanging flowers on bow of the boats was for safety and good fortune

 Get your photo with one of these babies around your neck ?

We visited a famous Floating Market close to our next destination if you think of an hour’s driving time in traffic as close. My wife Marsha enjoyed this market because they sold everything from clothes, food, and statues to pictures with their boa snake around your neck.

 Ice creme and sticky rice anyone ?

Seat back on our boat ? Guess he had a “side business” ?

Standing on the Railroad Tracks, at the Railroad Market, awaiting the train.

The boats themselves were a real trip, with car engines and 12-15 foot driveshafts attached to a propeller. They sped down these small canals, knowing how far apart they were and turning on a dime. I saw very few old styles that were paddled the last time I was there.

 ”Modern Upscale Bathrooms”

All the stores along the waterways were very organized, and the people always had a smile and a wave, thus the term,

“the Land of Smiles”.

 Marsha and Guide Peaches overlooking Floating Market

 Yup ! even a “gun range” on the river

 Bumped into an old friend from the 60’s ?

Another simple pleasure was the small boat with the Thai Lady making Mango Sticky Rice ice.

   Just docked at the Royal Barges Museum

    Entering the Railway Market

 Shopping

Nothing beats a ice cold Thai Iced Coffee on a steamy hot day

After the market adventure we headed to the famous Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway which is over 100 meters long, and shops with product covering the tracks. Located near the Mae Klong Railway Station, the train makes 3-4 trips thru the market area each day. Largely made up of fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits , meats, dried fruits, and trinkets, it’s a facinating adventure.

After walking the entire railroad tracks, shopping til we dropped, luckily Peaches knew a small coffee shop beside the tracks to :drop” for a Thai Ice Coffee.

 These Royal Barges are massive, and were built by the Kings over the years

I do have to tell you, my initial research on the “train market” suggested it was just a tourist trap and not worth a visit. I will tell you, it is very exciting to witness a local market, not a “tourist market,” where locals shop every day. The excitement as the trail slowly approaches, awnings are folded up, and wares are collected is really cool. If you have the opportunity, you should check this place out.

   Regretfully, some of the boats were partially destroyed, but saved, during last war.

 I did get “rowing lessons” with an authentic “Royal Oar” 🙂

Finally, Peaches drove us to a boat launch in Bangkok that would take us to our third destination, which I had visited fifty years ago, and definitely wanted Marsha to visit. The Royal Barge Museum was just as I remembered it, and our experience there was better than my previous visit.

These Royal Barges have been used for special occasions for centuries and lately to celebrate some of the new bridges over the main river. The King ( in power) and the Royal Family would ride in them, with Monks paddling.

I was lucky enough to get the special “Paddling Lesson” correctly.

Finally, we headed to visit another waterfront temple, the Golden Reclining Buddha.

Have you heard of the “Reclining Gold Buddha?

It’s difficult to get this entire statue in one pic

Some perspective how big this thing is 🙂

Couldn’t resist getting a pic with my little buddy

They sold coins, and if you put one cash in each of the 30 kettles, you brought another year of good luck.

The day had finally come, when I got the opportunity to, Cook With Poo 🙂

The day started with an adventure in itself, finding our way to the meeting place for the van. The school suggested we take a taxi to the closest BTS or Ski Train Station From Phong and get off at exit #2. Then, walk to the “Tiffany & Co. Emporium Store. Yes….Breakfast t Tiffany’s :).

So we made it there and after a few minutes a lady with a t-tshit that said, “Cooking With Poo” appeared, and we boarded the van with six other “cooks in training”.

Our first stop was at a charming (and clean) indoor market featuring fresh meat, fish, fruit, veggies, and, importantly, Thai Spices. Both wife Marsha and I were stuffing our backpacks with hot peppers, Thai Basil, and more for the journey back home. The cooking school ladies purchased products that we would be using later in our class.

A short drive brought us to a section of Bangkok that I was aware of, and not in a positive way. The location of Poo’s Cooking School was in the “Hells Kitchen of Bangkok,” for sure. We had to walk some “interesting backstreets” until we got to the entrance to the school, in a small alleyway.

Cooking With Poo Van

However, there was on food cart that I did pass on eating anything, Scorpions, Insects, Worms, etc all nice and crispy cooked.

  Walking the alley to cooking school

  Poo teaching us how to prep and cook Thai

If you go to Bangkok to experience their delicacies, just know that they do eat bugs, but…only tourists eat scorpions. 🙂

Cooking With Poo, Real “hands-on” cooking school

So, our final day in Bangkok was an adventure in shopping, visiting the countryside, and most importantly, cooking with a “Master”,……”Poo”.

There’s a lot more to Thai Cooking than it seems

We all had a Wok station, and cooked every dish

Thai Pad Thai from scratch

   Eat what ya make, buddy 🙂

Looks like I got two thumbs up 🙂

 What you get when you “graduate” from a hard day at Thai Cooking School.

Poo pointed out and explained to us that she initially opened her classes in a tiny room on the same street. After making some money, she was able to purchase a more extensive and better-equipped place for her school. This one is air-conditioned and has monster vents over the cook stations. I joked with Poo about how her neighbors must really love the incredible smells coming out of the vents when she holds classes!

   Check out those cooking vents !

Poo was very good at explaining each dish we were to prepare, and she started off by cooking the dish first. Then we doubled up at each cook station as we did the prep work, and cooked each dish. Cooking Pad Thai with a “master Thai Chef” was thrilling and a high point in my visit here.There is a reason Saiyuud Diwong (Poo) is famous for her cooking classes, and it’s not just the food, it’s the lady. She was so much fun, with so much knowledge, explaining each step of the way and why we did two elements of the meal, like beating them in a mortar and pistol :).

If the “Cooking Channel” is reading, this woman would make a great addition to your program, “Thai Cooking With Poo”!

Our Bangkok adventure ended, and after a beautiful Thai dinner, we enjoyed a good night’s sleep before heading out by air on Thai VeitJet Air to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.

Nothing quite like dinner on the Bangkok River, after one hell of a great week exploring Bangkok.

My intense emotions re-visiting Thailand after so many years have proven to be a pleasure, as I have watched the smiles, the joy, and the wonder on my wife Marsha’s face, finally visiting a place I have loved for over 50 years. I’m so happy I finally had the chance to show her and let her experience it, too, with me.

Until Chiang Mai,

Gary…The Pirate

Absolutely, Placencia, Belize, offers a picturesque setting that makes it an idyllic retirement destination. Here’s a blog exploring why this stunning locale stands out for retirees seeking tranquility, adventure, and a high quality of life.

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Paradise Found: Placencia, Belize – Your Ideal Retirement Destination

Retirement marks a new chapter in life—a time for tranquility, adventure, and embracing the beauty of the world. Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America lies a hidden gem that embodies the essence of an ideal retirement destination: Placencia, Belize. From its breathtaking natural landscapes to its welcoming community and vibrant culture, Placencia offers retirees a haven where dreams of an enriching retirement become reality.

1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Picture miles of pristine beaches adorned with palm trees swaying in the Caribbean breeze. Placencia boasts some of the most stunning coastlines in the world, making it a haven for those seeking a serene waterfront lifestyle. The crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant marine life, inviting retirees to explore snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun.

2. Relaxed Lifestyle

Life in Placencia moves at its own unhurried pace, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. The village’s laid-back vibe creates an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. Imagine savoring freshly caught seafood at beachfront restaurants, strolling along the sandy shores, or unwinding in a hammock as the sun dips below the horizon—a routine that epitomizes the tranquil lifestyle Placencia offers.

3. Affordable Living

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Placencia for retirement is its affordability. The cost of living in Belize is notably lower than in many Western countries, allowing retirees to stretch their retirement savings without compromising on quality. From reasonably priced real estate options to affordable healthcare and everyday expenses, Placencia presents an opportunity for a comfortable retirement without financial strain.

4. Engaging Community

The heartwarming hospitality of the locals adds to the allure of Placencia. The community is known for its friendliness and inclusivity, making it easy for newcomers to integrate and form meaningful connections. Retirees find themselves embraced by a supportive network, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie that enhances their retirement experience.

5. Adventure Awaits

Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down; instead, it opens doors to new adventures. Placencia offers a plethora of activities to keep retirees engaged and entertained. Whether it’s exploring the lush rainforests, embarking on a jungle trek, kayaking through mangrove forests, or visiting ancient Mayan ruins, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences to embark upon.

6. Stable Climate

Blessed with a tropical climate, Placencia enjoys warm temperatures year-round. Retirees can bid farewell to harsh winters and revel in the consistent sunshine that graces this tropical paradise. The temperate climate provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying outdoor activities and basking in the natural beauty that surrounds the region.

In Conclusion

Placencia, Belize, emerges as the quintessential retirement destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of natural splendor, community warmth, affordability, and adventure. With its breathtaking scenery, relaxed pace of life, and welcoming atmosphere, Placencia beckons retirees to embrace a fulfilling and enriching retirement experience. It’s not just a place; it’s a lifestyle—one that invites you to savor every moment and create cherished memories in a paradise found.

Eight years ago, I made the decision to “retire / re-locate” to Placencia Belize. I bought a beachfront property in Maya Beach, built a beautiful home, a boat, and enjoy “the good life”.

You can to, if Belize is right for you.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions, or my wife / Realtor…

Marsha@kellerwilliamsbelize.com., for Real Estate questions.

Till next time…

“Live every day

“Returning to my re-curing nightmare”, PTSD Maker.

Like I stated in my first blog about this trip to Asia, it was not in the plans originally, which was just going to Thailand. I had visited Thailand four times in the 60″s, and fell in love with the people, food, culture and history. Ever since I met my wife Marsha I have wanted to take her there, and we finally decided after South America, that it was time.

The Johan Luxury Riverboat

As the plans developed we had discussions with our good friends John and Shannon, about meeting in Vietnam and taking a Luxury Riverboat Cruise down the Mekong River, from Ho Chi Minh City, to Cambodia. The Cruisline we chose, Rainforest Cruises to plan it, was the same as we used for our Amazon River Cruise last year.

We booked it !

John and me relaxing in the Renaissance Riverside’s rooftop pool with Shannon

We also planned to vacation an additional week with John and Shannon in Siem Reap, Cambodia after the cruise, but more about that in the next blog post.

View from our suite at the Renaissance Riverside.

Marsha and I made flight reservations on VietJetAir from Bali direct to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, arriving on October 18th, for three nights before boarding the cruise on the 22nd. John and Shannon would meet us at the hotel on the 21st.

Did we have n awesome relaxing vacation ? Yup ! Marsha sure enjoyed those Thai Coffee’s 🙂

The Ho Chi Minh National War Museum……Not really on my “To Do/See” list.

We decided to stay at the Renaissance Riverside Resort, which was actually where all of us on the cruise would be picked up and brought to the cruise ship. This is also one of the best Luxury Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, directly on the Saigon River and we booked a “Deluxe Riverview Suite”.

Street Food was everywhere in Vietnam

Getting “mounted up” for our XO Food Tour.

“Chowing down” with the XO Girls at one of the 16 food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City.

Our XO Food Tour Group 🙂

The girls cooking us some Satay Chicken

Yummy Crab with red hot peppers 🙂

So this begged the question, what would we do in Ho Chi Minh City for two days before our friends showed up, and what would we do for the day and night with them before the cruise ? I say this because if you research top things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, were…”Visit the Landmine Museum”, “Exploring the underground tunnels” used during the war, visit the “Vietnam War Museum, and other such “adventures”.

Getting serious with chopsticks

As I had already “experienced” the above in “first person”, as well as nightmares, we decided they would not be in our itinerary. Instead we decided to concentrate on doing a “food tour” , and after some research, decided on one called “XO Tours” on our free day, the day after our arrival.

I would have to say, tis was one of my favourite tours on our trip 🙂

Now you have to understand that this “tour” was on motor scooters, driven by girls, at night, on the busy streets of Saigon, in Chinatown! On top of that, we would each be on the back of a scooter, and Marsha has never been on the back of a scooter, in such an environment. I was amazed and thrilled that she agreed.

OMG these oysters were the bomb !

We were picked up by our drivers/tour operators at our hotel, and driven to our first meeting place to start the tour. We learned that XO Tours has over eighty young ladies and their scooters, operating this tour service. I learned from my driver that she is a school teacher, teaching English in grade school.

Before we started the street food tour, they gave us a fresh market tour.

All in all we visited 16 roadside street stalls in Chinatown, experiencing awesome street foods. They had two young men also riding scooters, one who was security for the group, the other who always went to the next place to secure seating for the group of us 8 tourists. As you probably have guessed, Chinatown and nighttime beg the obvious of “security”, which we never needed, but liked having it.

Fresh Durian fruit, delicious one the inside, pretty stanky on the outside !

All the “scooter girls” were entertaining on and off the scooters, and very informative. They were also “hams for photo’s”.

The cool thing about the tour, is the girls ate right along with us.

They actually assisted in cooking and preparing our street foods, like “stataying” our beef over hot pots, and pealing jumbo shrimp.

And I have to say, they all drove carefully showing much experience, except my driver, she was a wildcat on a scooter ! 🙂

We did take a break to see some new Condo’s, and walk over a bridge, perfect place for a pic.

One this about Vietnam I do remember is rain can happen…..at any time. On this night food tour, we enjoyed a nice evening until about 3/4 into it, when the heavens opened up, and the deluge hit. We were actually sitting in an outside covered room, eating when it started to pour, and the roof started to leak. The guys ran out to move all the scooters under cover, and we just enjoyed an extra beer….or 3. My driver left for a couple minutes, and came back with a couple “XO rain poncho’s” for Marsha and myself, much appreciated.

My Tour Driver dressed me up for the weather 🙂

I would highly recommend if you are going to Ho Chi Minh City on vacation, or work, because it is the best food tour you can have. Also because of their excellent reputation, you know they are only taking you to excellent food booths, where nobody is going to get sick. We didn’t. 🙂

The following day as we had nothing planned, we decided to do the “Hop On / Hop Off Tour Bus”. We have used this service before in Europe and found them to be an excellent way to learn the “layout of the land”. You pay for a day bus ticket, and the busses have a circuit of about 15-20 stops at famous or interesting stops, like museums. What I learned was that there really isn’t much for sites, other than the “War Museum”, “Land Mine Museum”, or “shopping Malls”. I also learned that with a chance of rain, don’t sit up top in the “open air seating”, because we got soaked in 30 seconds !

Anything in a storm….right ? like my “City Guide Map Hat”?

Marsha with her “actual rain hat”, also good for working in the “rice paddy’s”.

We did venture out in the city to what they call “Walking Street” to visit the shops, bars, massages, etc. Of course, it started raining pretty hard so we needed to find a covered place for a Singha or three, and maybe lunch.

How do ya like my new outfit ?

When our friends John and Shannon arrived, we did hit downtown, and went to a popular “inside Mega Shopping mall”, where John and I lasted about 15 minutes, then decided to venture outside to find a good massage place, which we did.

My buddy John and I at “The Mall”. 🙂

Marsha and Shannon drinking and awaiting us guys getting a massage :0

So many choices for us guys, for Massage “therapists” 🙂

Actually, In Asia, generally speaking, shopping malls are a big thing, for locals as well as tourists. The reason, besides the obvious, is that they are air conditioned, and you get to cool off. Many we visited are pretty “uptown”, having stories like Tiffiny’s, Dior and even Porsche ! Yes..there was a mall that had a Porsche Store, with vehicles in it.

My buddy John in fact, found a very interesting store in one 🙂

I will say in general, as a “Tourist City”, other than Chinatown,, Ho Chi Minh City does not have much “tourist appeal”. It is just a “mega” business city, with high rise building as far as one can see, in every direction. Talking to actual local Vietnamese people, after the war, worldwide companies flocked there to buy cheap land, cheap builders, and help for their businesses. I am trying not to be “political here”, but will say, after the war, when North Vietnam came south to take over, the South Vietnamese people were not treated well, and still aren’t.

So, the four of us enjoyed a great dinner the night before our boarding of the cruise ship, at the Hotel Nikko, all very excited. We had learned that the seafood buffet was out of this world there, all you can eat. The price of $68 U.S. per person seemed a bit high, but let retell you, with about 20 for stations, well worth it, and that’s booze included :). In the morning we were met by tour directors from the ship, in our lobby for a “welcome drink” in the lounge, before we boarded a classy tour bus for the hour trip to My Tho Pier.

We boarded our transport bus in front of the hotel, and traveled comfortably to the cruise ship.

Our Luxury River Cruise Ship, The Jahan, awaited is at the dock, and I felt the same as I did when we boarded our Luxury River Cruise Ship on the amazon River last year, with the same company, very excited. We were escorted to out Superior Balcony Suite where I was actually more blown away than I was on the Amazon ship. The entire ship was like an old Humphry Bogard Film, antique fixtures, decorations, furniture, as well s was the dining rooms, decks, and bars.

ships “check in desk”.

I was “wowed”. 🙂

relaxing onboard with some Champagne.

Room door

Even supplied “Safari hats” 🙂

Our balcony

Full bathroom

The first day we spent cruising age river, headed to Phenom Peen where we would arrive in three days. The four of us relaxed poolside, barside, getting a massage, reading and taking in the sites of the Mekong River.

Even a sitting room in the suite.

On these ships, breakfast and lunch is served buffet style, but still 1st class, while dinner is formal, with choices and served to you table side. Let me say, the dinners were outstanding, many with a local flare. The International Chef on board did an awesome jog with menu, and visited us at the table for a review. All meals in fact were just delicious, and may I say, the capuchin’s both hot and cold, flowed heavily.

Shore excursion

Marsha interacting with the locals on the excursion

“OK….let me give this food a sniff” 🙂

Touring village life

The next morning Marsha, John and Shannon wend on the shore excursion, to Chi Be and Say Dec on Binh Thanh Island for village tours. I did not go because I was concerned how I would feel in the small villages as I remembered them, and didn’t want to trigger any “flashbacks”. As it would happen, on return I heard that the “villages” were not “huts with underground tunnels”, but rather modern homes, streets and shops :). Lesson learned, and I agreed to go on “shore excursion” with them the following day.

Taxi ride in village

John and I hanging with a Monk.

We found this “Gong” in the temple hallway…..I “gonged it” 🙂

The next morning after breakfast, we boarded the launch which took us to Tan Chao, a small town on the river , for a temple tour. The temple was very interesting, and it was a small temple for ages, and during the Covid “lockdown” they added onto it, in a good way, it was beautiful

This was as uncomfortable as it looks !

John and I not only met a Monk, but also checked out the “Temple Gong” 🙂

After the temple visit we boarded the boat and headed for a tour of a “Fish Farm” near the Cambodian border. Although some of the people on the tour were impressed, I personally could have skipped this part. Actually, I lasted about fifteen minutes then headed back to the boat. I think it was the smell that got to me.

Buddy kept showing up in the strangest places.

From there we headed back to the Jahan, to prepare for dinner and departure the next morning in Phenon Pen, Cambodia.

John and self, hanging with this dude at the temple 🙂

The next morning we arrived at the dock in Phenom Pen, where the crew took care of all immigration and customs there. This was a pleasant surprise, as the collected all of our passports, took them to on-site (dock) Immigration Office, and returned them to us so we could enter Cambodia.

We were greeted on shore by our private car and driver who drove us to our resort in Siem Riep, some four hours away.

Sneak Peak at what awaits us in next blog, our private pool outside our luxury suite in Cambodia.

But that begins another story in the next blog.

See you in Siem Riep, Cambodia.

Happy Trails,

Gary. (The Pirate).

With last Novembers month in South America behind us, the decision on our next adventure took us into debates on the “bucket list”, and where was next. Marsha has always wanted to go to the Scandinavian Countries, I yearn to return to Europe, Dublin, Munich, Paris and Southern Italy.

However, there is one destination that I have been trying to take Marsha to for 30 years,

Thailand.

We tried going there 30 years ago, but our trip was canceled by a typhoon which devastated our primary destination. Thus we pivoted and traveled to Europe this first time for a month.

So, where to go this year ? Let’s try Thailand again, but lets add a few countries to the trip as its such a long distance to travel for just one country, right ? So we added Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

I decided to write this blog to give my readers some “insight” into the complicated pleasures of traveling to Asia, compared to Europe or South America. Four countries, four different languages, four different currencies, and then there are all the reservations for hotels, flights, ferries, TukTuk’s, etc.

When we started and made our decision, somehow the subject of taking a “Luxury Riverboat Tour” like we did in Peru Amazon came up. That “segwayed” to a cruise on the Mekong River in Vietnam, somewhere I said I would never return to, for reasons many of you are aware of. Almost immediately Marsha asked “are you okay with that”? I responded, “I guess we will find out”.

That’s me above, on the left, in a borrowed dress uniform ready to leave for my first visit to Thailand, (4 total), Year…1968. Taken in DaNang, Vietnam with my buddy Dale who was stationed at the Field Hospital there. I had been in the jungle 6 months then…they made me get a haircut, shave and take a bath 🙂

The good thing is we will be on board the cruise for only four days, with shore village and temple stops, which I can choose not to go on. There is also the two days prior to boarding the vessel, that we will be spending in Ho Chi Minh City. Oh boy, I’m so excited ? The really good news was when our good friends John and Shannon decided to join us on the cruise, and trust me, they will keep me level, well sort of.

So then we must “back track” a bit from the cruise. We will be flying from Los Angeles, CA directly to Singapore, like an 18 hour flight. Singapore Airlines has two classes of seats, Business or Coach. Basically the Business Class is First Class, with extremely large “pods” that totally recline into private beds, and a large TV. Coach is larger seats with a little better legroom.

Guess which seats we chose 🙂

We decided to fly to Singapore a few day early, and then fly to Bali for a few days before flying to Ho Che Minh City. Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and very expensive, and of course, the hotel I wanted to stay in if we stayed in Singapore, was $1200 U.S. a night ! Our Bali Beachfront Resort is costing us that for three nights ! Thus the Bali adventure. We will be staying at the Hilton Bali Resort for 3 nights.

We will fly from Bali directly to Ho Chi Minh City and spend 3 nights before boarding the cruise ship, at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel, Saigon. John and Shannon arrive the day before we board. The cruise line we will be on is the same we used for our Amazon Cruise, Rainforest Cruises. Everything on board is first class, from our balcony suites to the meals and cocktails, all provided. The Luxury Cruise Shi is the Jahan Cruise Line, Saigon to Phnom Penh, on the Meh King River.

Renaissance Riverside

After we vacate the cruise ship we will be driven by private car to out next destination in Cambodia, a 5 Star Resort, the Zannier Hotels, Phum Baltang Resort.where the four of us will all spend four awesome days eating, drinking and touring.

Phum Baltang Resort

From there we part with John and Shannon, at least at this point, and fly to Bangkok, Thailand for five days, staying on the river at the Anantara Riverside Resort in downtown Bangkok, Thailand. . Between temple and statue tours, food tours, Floating Markets, and Night Bar Hopping, after six days we will be ready for some relaxing.

Anantara Riverside Resort, Bangkok.

We fly to Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai next, for some relaxation after spending a busy week in the new “metropolis” that is now Bangkok. We are booked at the Chala 6 Luxury Hotel in the “Old City”, inside the “City Wall”. I chose this place because it is central to most everything, including the temples and religious sites, and of course some great cooking schools. While there we plan to take a day trip up north to Chiang Mai, a much smaller town, where the “White Temple” is located. There are also some ethical elephant sanctuaries there, which we plan to visit.

Chala 6, Chiang, Mai.

At this point all of our adventures have been pretty much inland, so its time for a big change, we are headed to the Southern part of Thailand, Phuket, somewhere I have never been before.

When Marsha and I talked about our trip, and experiencing Phuket and later Krabi, I wasn’t quite sure this was something I wanted to do. Everything I have watched and read tells of magnificent sandy beaches, island, snorkeling crystal clear water, evening on the beach, etc. Sounds awesome doesn’t it?

That description is the same as where I live, Maya Beach, Belize 🙂

Then I thought of how much we enjoyed the the years we spent traveling the Hawaiian Islands, on business and pleasure. The sandy beaches, the awesome sunsets, snorkeling, diving, it was all so excellent, but in ways so different than here in Belize where we finally landed to live.

So Yes….Let’s do this :)We fly directly to Phuket and are staying five days at the PaTong Beach, Four Points Sheraton Beach Resort.

Then we travel by “Speed Boat” and hour to Krabi and stay for four days at AO Nang Villa Resort, Ao Nang, Krabi,

Because we have heard so much about it, we will travel by “Longboat” down the coast to AO Nang and stay at the Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort on the beach for two nights.

Crown Plaza, Singapore Airport

Then we fly from Krabi International Airport to Singapore Changi International Airport, and check into the Crown Plaza Airport Hotel there, for two days in Singapore.

Singapore International Airport…tallest indoor waterfall in the world.

We then check into out Singapore Airlines Flight, Business Class Luxury Seats for an exciting 20 hour flight back to LAX Airport, California 🙂

Business Class Luxury Seats, Singapore Airlines.

Eighteen Hours later we will arrive in LAX, Loa Angeles, California, and connect with our First Class seats on a flight back home to Belize City, and then to Placencia, and home to Maya Beach.

As always, it will be good to be home again, with many more memories together.

So, l will be updating this blog, Storiesbygary, while we are in Asia for 5 weeks, and upon returning, I will be following up with…..

“The Good, Bad and Ugly of our, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia `and Thailand Trip”.

Until then….. Travel while you can, don’t wait until you can’t.

Gary…The Pirate

Known for it’s beautiful beaches, handful of small resorts and restaurants, and the feel of a quiet safe community, Maya Beach has morphed into a key destination in Belize for not only tourists but Expats as well.

Over the past six years, we have witnessed an expansion of new home construction, purchase and remodeling of houses, new restaurants, and resorts building cabanas and “time share” units, especially on the beaches.

Ceiba Beach Residences and Restaurant

What makes Maya Beach unique, is you can walk or bike to all six restaurants located right on the main road, most beachfront. The beachfront “Cabana Resorts” all enjoy awesome restaurant / bar and pool options, plus the added bonus of white sandy beaches, and super snorkeling. None of them charge “usage fee’s”, and you can enjoy their pools and beaches for free, they just ask that you use their bar/restaurants.

In the past two years we have had multiple stores open here, including Healthy Addictions with all health products and more, a deli, bakery, and “The Farm Store”, offering fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, wines, prepared foods and much more.

Add to that a car rental and golf cart rental businesses, Hardware store and main Grocery Store ( Sue’s Store), and Maya Beach becomes totally self sufficient for visitors and Expats.

The “Morphing” of Maya Beach into a “full-service” community not only benefits its residents and visitors, it also benefits those living and vacationing in North County Caribbean way and Plantation. No longer do they have to travel into Placencia Village for services or restaurants, which cuts quite a bit of travel time and “gas money” from their budget.

In fact, with the opening last year of the UNO Gas Station right in Seign Bight next to the Publics Store, we no longer have to drive to the village for that.

Most “For Sale” signs have been replaced with “Sold” signs in Maya Beach and North

All these things, along with the changes of North America as well as other countries, has affected the Real Estate market here as well, which is reflected in the extensive growth in Maya Beach and North County. Where the complaints of “all those for sale signs” have disappeared as “under contract” and “sold” signs have replaced the majority of them. Almost every trip up the peninsula you will discover another lot cleared and filled and home construction starting. In fact, at this time there are over forty new homes in construction in the north peninsula, and more starting soon.

So “why the growth” you might ask ? The fact is only a couple years ago most homes were being built by expats to spend a few weeks a year vacationing, and rent the rest of the year. However, that trend has also changed, as more buyers are building to move full time, selling their homes in the states, Canada or elsewhere. Also, there are many more families with small children moving here as well.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons many more tourists and expats have put Maya Beach in their targets.

http://www.mayabeachbistro.com

Starting with the Maya Beach Bistro, a long standing and pretty famous ( Trip Advisor #1 Restaurant for many years) located at the Northern tip of Maya Beach. Located on the beach with a dock and beachfront Cabanas. An awesome place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, well known for cinnamon buns and their “Happy Hour”.

“Rum Bum” is one of our newer small restaurants, offering some of the best “broasted chicken” this side of heaven, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner.

http://www.ceibabeachresort.com

Ceiba Beach Vacation Rentals and Homes, offers it’s newest and exciting restaurant, “Mickey’s Fish Shop, Market and Grill. This is our newest and long anticipated beachfront restaurant opening in the Maya Beach Center, with sunken restaurant dining at the pool bar, as well as in water seating in their beachfront pool for cocktails and food. Seating and service on their well groomed beach offers guests and visitors extensive dining venue. Best part, you don’t have to be staying there to use the pool, just order a drink and or pool and relax with “No Worries”.

Green Parrot is known for having “scallywag Pirates” frequent for Rum !

http://www.greenparrot-belize.com

Next we have the Green Parrot Cabana Resort and Pelican Pub, a local favorite. This resort was totally remodeled and upgraded to “luxury cabana’s with A/C”, and all beachfront. There’s a pool and dock with bar service as well. The Pelican Pub offers an array of dining options, from designer burgers to fresh seafood and pizza. You can also use the facilities for free with a drink or food purchase.

A favorite “Gathering Place” here in Maya Beach is Jaguar Lanes Bowling Alley, featuring indoor air conditioned bowling as well as restaurant services. Outside seating is quite extensive and also offers a pool table and foosball. This is not your average bowling alley, and the bar service is legendary, and the food very fast and high quality. Looking for some of the best wings ?, pizza, burgers, fajitas or salads, this is the place. It’s also a great place for Mom and Dad to bring the youngsters for some inside fun in a cool environment.

http://www.singingsands.com

Lastly but not the least is Singing Sands Cabana Resort with their excellent beachfront restaurant, Azul Del mar. This restaurant just has that “Belizean / Caribbean” feel to it, and is perfect for that “Romantic Experience” in dining. Their menu is Asian Fusion, Korean, Seafood, offering apps like dumplings with are just to die for. The guys at the bar will take good care of you, and the sea and sound of gently waves will do the rest. You don’t have to be a guest to use the pool and beach facilities, just order a Belkin or Rum Punch, and enjoy a beach chair or dip in the pool.

So as you can see, Maya Beach has become a destination in itself where people only thought of Placencia Village as the only destination on our peninsula. Of course, the village has its charm, the “Sidewalk”, the Pier, some great restaurants, just keep in mind, it’s only 20 minutes away from Maya Beach. You are only a 30 minute drive from waterfalls, zip lines and off road adventures from here. Also, fishing and snorkeling guide/boats will pick you up from a dock here in Maya Beach.

With all these other communities getting their “NAME” on their beaches and communities, I think it is time to see a “MAYA BEACH” concrete decorated sign on Maya Beach sand, don’t you ?

When you’re looking for a Vacation Destination in Belize, not in the “hub bub” of “touristy destinations”, like San Pedro, but close enough to visit them if and when you want, you might consider Maya Beach. After all, it’s called “Maya Beach” for a reason, just like “Miami Beach” 🙂

Hope you enjoyed the article, until next time,

Arrrrrrrr…

Gary…..The Pirate of Maya Beach.