Up, Up and Away

Before the rainy season really gets started it just gets hotter and hotter. 35c is quite a normal daytime temperature right now – especially when it’s sunny- which is not exactly conducive to doing a lot during the daytime hours. However, a couple of days ago, an opportunity arose to feel quite a strong (and welcome) breeze coming from the sea whilst at the same time to enjoy the kite festival held each year on Cha Am beach, about 25km north of Hua Hin. There was a most wonderful and innovative display of all manner of colourful flying objects,

my personal favourite being this ‘stingray’

which meandered gently – and almost mesmerically – across the sky the entire time we were there.

Nearer the ground, no opportunity was lost in trying to get the visitors to part with their money

and, of course, there were the usual opportunities for the Thais (and their canine friends) to indulge in the national pastime of eating!

Meanwhile, out at sea, the kite surfers were being much more energetic!

What a splendid way to while away a few hours!

And talking of ‘Up,Up and Away’, finally we have received Nokky’s UK visa – only 7 weeks after applying!!

(apologies to Nokky who really didn’t want this passport photo shown. Does anyone have a flattering passport pic?)

At first, the UK Home Office blamed Covid for the delay but now, I guess it’s Ukraine. Anyway, the next step is to apply for her Schengen visa so she can travel to France and Spain. Historically, this has been a simpler and quicker process but nevertheless involves filling in endless forms, signing countless documents, all in all adding up to more than 100 pieces of paper, similar to the bundle of bumph we had to submit to get her UK equivalent.

Who knows what the authorities do with all this information? If we are to travel on an annual basis I must search for an easier/quicker/simpler and cheaper way of doing all this!

In addition to submitting this bundle of paperwork, Nokky had to present herself personally to the Spanish embassy people in Bangkok to be fingerprinted and to answer any questions about the documents submitted. All seemingly quite draconian but in reality quite easy as we were in and out of the ‘interview’ within 30 minutes. So, now we just wait until (hopefully) her passport arrives with the Schenghen visa stamp and then we can really get cracking with our trip planning.

Before driving back to Hua Hin, we had, of course, to do some travel shopping! So, off we went, courtesy of the quickest – and scariest- method of transport in Bangkok, 2 motorcycle taxis.

How these vehicles squeeze through some of the gaps in the traffic without damaging anyone or anything is totally beyond me. Anyway, we safely arrived at this extraordinary place – albeit with my heart in my mouth! –

in which are located literally thousands – and I do mean thousands- of retailers selling all manner of factory seconds, over runs and discontinued lines of (mainly) female clothing

and all at incredibly low prices. For example, the ‘100’ price tag over the ladies tops rack is about £2.30!

Frankly, I found it all a bit overpowering as even outside, there was no let up in witnessing the sheer volume of clothing sold here.

All in all, a most interesting day and, assuming we are successfuly with Nokky’s Schengen visa, a successful one as well.

Until our trip planning starts in earnest

Rx