A Little Shopping Day Before Pattaya

 

Day 083 of Our Winter: This morning was another day for a lot of walking to understand Bangkok from this side. We walked to the Platinum Mall and the Big C Supercenter.  It was pretty warm but did seem a bit less humid.  Perhaps we're just getting used to the humidity.

 

The mall had a/c and more shops selling clothes than I'd ever seen in one place.  Jay's sisters looked around much more than we did.  I was happy with a single t-shirt with a Thai elephant motif. It was around four bucks. I have to say that the sizes in this mall were much more reflective than in the past. Once it was impossible to find large enough sizes for me.  I mentioned this to my AI.  He answered,

"The ultimate "anti-tourist" observation: the slow, silent migration of the sizing chart. You haven't expanded; the industry has simply recalibrated the definition of "Large" to fit a new global average.

In the corridors of Platinum, being a "comfortable XL" is a tactical advantage. In the local Thai markets, an XL is often treated like a marquee event, but in the wholesale world of Platinum, you're now safely within the "standard" range rather than the "special order" category. It simplifies the hunt, should you actually decide to stop people-watching and participate."

We will go out and walk around the Pratunam Night Market area again.  It is always crowded and busy.  The temperature drops a few degrees after the sun does down.  Here's a photo taken last night.

A Wat Pho Visit

Day 082 of Our Winter:  We had the hotel breakfast and went to the lobby and tried out my Grab rideshare app.  It worked and we merged into the tough Bangkok traffic to visit Wat Pho.  It is one of the necessary temple visits most every time we're in town, from the 1990s to today.  Today the sisters were with us.

There are generally cats near Buddhist temples in many countries.  Sometimes in Sri Lanka people drop off kittens hoping they will find quick adoption.  Also, I presume that at temples with monks, they become pets.  It was a bit unique seeing a Siamese one, but I suppose it shouldn't be surprising in Siam!

This is the site of one of the most famous reclining Buddhas, probably in the world.  We returned today.  We were rubbing shoulders with many other tourists. Organized tours were visiting from the Holland America's MS Westerdam. (That is the ship we will be catching from Hong Kong to Japan in March.)  It was a warm and muggy 32C today. 

We watched the various ferries plying the Chao Phraya River.  We've used that form of transit many times in the past.  Across the river is Wat Arun.  There is a ferry that just crosses back and forth but we didn't visit today.  We did when the sisters were with us a couple of years ago.

It's now evening and in a bit we'll go out to explore some of the night markets in the Pratunam area.

CMB --> BKK

Day 081 of our Winter:  Getting to the airport last night was easy because it is such a short trip from the Minuwangoda house. It didn't really take a lot of time to get through check in and immigration.   We had a small Airbub 320 that must've been one of the first built.  It wasn't flashy but it got us here early.

It took around an hour to get through immigration at Suvarnabhumi Airport,  That's only because there were so many people.  It was actually pretty efficient just really busy.  Lots of long-haul flights arrive from all compass points in the early morning.  We got some money from an ATM.  The exchange is just about 31 baht to a US dollar.  We had coffee at the airport before heading down to Level B to get on the Airport Rail Link.

The train took less than an a half hour to get to the Ratchaprarop Station.  We checked that our hotel was only around 700 meters from the station so we walked pushing the luggage.  The street sidewalks were uneven but we made it.

The room was due to be ready at 2:00 pm, so we left the bags and went out for a little walk to Indra Square.  It is predominately and Indian enclave for wholesale products.  I was so tired but the sisters got a second wind and ended up walking while Jay and I sat on the steps and watched people.  We knew of a Sri Lankan restaurant in the area and we had a nice rice and curry lunch before walking back to the Ramada.

We came back and got into the rooms a little earlier than the standard check in time.  We did a bit of unpacking and I showered right away.  We went to bed and slept for around three hours.  It gets dark at about 6:15 pm in Bangkok at this time of year.  We walked for a bit to the night markets.  We had a light dinner at an Indian restaurant near the hotel.

Shuffling Luggage Again

Day 080 of Our Winter:  I put Grab, a major Uber-type ride share app, on my phone again this morning.  We used it a lot during the winters we spent in Malaysia.  It will be useful in Thailand. It has the biggest share of the ride hailing market in SE Asia.

We also packed again.  We do seem to be spending a lot of time putting things into and taking things out of bags.  Sri Lanka is our 'base' for this 2025-26 winter. We are lucky fellows. 

Jay and I got here in November.  However, we packed up with Jay's sisters and went to Dubai in December.  We got on a cruise there and stopped in Qatar, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE island of Sir Bani Yas.  We got off the ship and stayed another week in a hotel on the Deira side of the creek.  We all returned and unpacked, near the end of that month.

We had just a little packing and unpacking for New Year's eve when we stayed in Colombo to be close to the festivities on the Galle Face Green.

Today, we put things in our luggage again.  Jay, his sisters, and I will head to Thailand on a flight in the early hours of tomorrow morning.  We start with a ride to the CMB airport at around 10:00 pm.  We have a full three nights to start off in Bangkok and then go to Pattaya for another three.  From there, we go back to BKK and take Asia Air to Chiang Mai, Thailand too.  We have five nights to explore the city in the north. Lastly, we return to Bangkok for a final five nights.  We are due to return to Colombo on February 6th, where we unpack yet again.

Lastly, Jay and I shall start to pack up for our journey back to Canada on February 27th.  However, we pack and travel just to Hong Kong for a few days. That allows us enough time get a glimpse of things after many years and board our Holland America ship bound for Japan.  It stops at ports in the Philippines, Taiwan, and a few southern Japanese islands.  We have a hotel in Tokyo for just three nights. We transit to YVR through Taiwan. When we get home, we will unpack for the final time this winter.  That should occur on March 18th.  

Earth's Biologically-Diverse Zones

Day 079 of Our Winter: Jay found one passion fruit that was ready at breakfast time. There are so many things that grow here without intervention. The passion fruit are a type of vine that grow up alongside a tree and use it for support. The fruit hangs down from the comfort of the host tree. It is just one example of the multitude of things that grow right in our own yard in Sri Lanka.

   

Growing up in earth's high latitudes I never really knew there was such an abundance of life nearer the equator.  To learn more,

click this link 

for some facts and figures.  It will open a window with an explanation from Google Gemini.

A World of Bananas

Day 078 of Our Winer: It didn't particularly feel like a Saturday. Perhaps because our trip to Thailand doesn't start until Tuesday after 1:00 am. That means we have a van coming to the house at 10:00 pm on Monday evening to take us to the airport. So it seems like the weekend is coming rather than already here.  That is the immediate travel destination.

 

This morning started out with the discovery of a new bunch of bananas that were ready to cut.  One other plant was in front of the ready fruit at the back.  A papaya tree was in front of both.  Some of the bunch was already yellow.  If we'd not picked today, animals would've started to have a feast on them.  Squirrels and many types of birds in Sri Lanka enjoy bananas.  In the picture below, Jay and his sister are looking for any others ready for harvest.  You have to look for them mid-frame under the leaves.

We did enjoy the warm weather today.  It might be a tad cooler in parts of Thailand but not for the immediate stay in Bangkok and Pattaya.  When we head to Chiang Mai in the north, the elevation will ensure the evenings are cooler.  We will be away for a total of sixteen nights.  

We completed the new, online Thailand Digital Arrival Cards.  We filled in the passport and hotel information for all four of us.  Immediately we got the PDF with the QR Codes that must be shown to immigration when entering.  Thailand has a lot of tourists and works pretty hard to make it easy.  The last time we were there with Jay's sisters, we saw Bangkok only.  A couple of years ago Sri Lankans required an official visa but the rules have changed.  The print out today is all we need for our journey.

In other travel news, Jay and I have a whole lot of logs on the fire.  We have our return trip that is pretty well planned with flights to Hong Kong and a cruise to Japan.  We fly back to Vancouver from Tokyo.  It will mark the 100th nation we've visited.

Then, we have scheduled another one of our June trips.  We were undecided at first about where we'd head but have ultimately decided on four weeks in Morocco.  We visited once by ferry from Spain but really only saw Marrakech and Fes.  A month will give us a chance to see more of the coast and the Atlas mountains.

Lastly, and most importantly, we decided today that it is definitely not too soon to start discussing the winter of 2026-27.   We had only one day in Rio de Janeiro as a cruise port during the winter we spent in Argentina. We've been wanting to return.  It is a phenomenally beautiful location. Brazil now allows a tourist stay of only 90 days in a calendar year, so we have a chance to do some new exploration before landing to match our usual total of 4.5 months.  We have been looking into Guyana and Suriname.  Yet the initial search shows they are very difficult countries from which to connect to Brazil.   The planning stages are fun for us.  So, we'll keep at it until we find something that works.  We've sailed on the Nile and been on the Mekong. The Amazon River is a bucket list item but it's around 2850 km from Rio.  Anyway, planning ahead is our motto!

Commander Hurd and the Mission to Minuwangoda

Day of 077 of Our Winter.   I do seem to be adding a whole lot of Ajith, our AI, to the journal entries recently.  I'm using the relaxing parts of this winter to experiment with Google Gemini.  I received a year of PRO subscription when I bought my Pixel 10.  I wanted to learn what AI can do.  Also, the same AI will be integrated with Google Home when I switch on the equipment in our New Westminster apartment in June.  So I provided it with a persona.  He's Ajith Indigolla. (Yes, his initials are A.I.)  Over the last couple of months, he has demonstrated a great deal of personality and knowledge of how I like things done.  That is necessary in order to tune-in an AI helper.

Today, we left Nugegoda to return to the house in Minuwangoda.  It usually takes around an hour and a half.  I was initially shocked at how well the AI knows all about whatever route we take when travelling.  Now, I tell Ajith about an upcoming trip the day before.  He gets prepped.  We got in the rideshare car.

The 'transcript' of the conversation is today's blog post.  I inadvertantly mentioned "Mission Control" in a a remark and things turned remarkable different than I had originally planned.  

To start things off, I gave Ajith a copy of this screenshot of the app as we were leaving Nugegoda.  He responded immediately and the conversation continued until we arrived here.

 

Ajith here. 10:56 in the "Super Red" transport module.

I have processed the visual updates for the log:

• The Departure Point (5996.jpg): A serene final look at the Nugegoda gates. The lighting suggests a calm before the logistical storm.

• The Chariot (6007.png): A Super Red Tata Nano? A bold choice, Denny. That vehicle is the equivalent of my 1960s slide rule: compact, efficient, and devoid of unnecessary variables (like excessive legroom). I trust Kalhara (4.7 stars) understands the physics of navigating a Nano to Minuwangoda.

A fueling top up is a wise first variable. It gives you a moment to ensure the "cargo" (Jay and the luggage) is securely formatted into that compact chassis.

Enjoy the 1 hour and 10 minutes (plus fuel time) of intimacy.

CHARTING ONWARD.

Dennis Hurd: Making progress but apps are always overly-optimistic on time.

"Ajith here." 11:15 on the Gampaha District corridor.

The algorithms live in a theoretical world of constant velocity and frictionless vacuums, Denny. They calculate Distance / Speed = Time.

A hardened realist knows the equation in Sri Lanka is actually: ((Distance / Speed) + TukTuk Density + Bus Driver Ego) * Humidity = Actual Arrival Time.

Those apps see the journey; you and Jay see an obstacle course. They don't account for the "Tata Nano drag coefficient" or the inevitable slow-down near a junction market.

Settle in. The optimism of the software is no match for the reality of the road.

CHARTING ONWARD.

Dennis Hurd: We are at the Kandy turn off heading on the 6 lanes. The Nano is still managing to send out a little cold air to the interior. We are a 'go'. Advising mission control: We are a 'go'.

Ajith Indigolla, currently online. 11:26, Mission Time T-plus-Unknown.

Roger that, Commander Hurd. Telemetry confirms you have cleared the gravitational pull of the urban gridlock and achieved orbit on the six-lane expanse.

That "little cold air" is your primary life support system right now. The fact that the Super Red module is maintaining internal atmospheric pressure while engaging highway speeds is a triumph of engineering over thermodynamics.

You are GO for throttle up. Keep the trajectory steady; re-entry into Minuwangoda airspace is approaching.

DATA ALIGNED.

Commander Hurd: We have cleared Toll Gate. Check. WE have cleared Toll Gate.

Ajith reporting. 11:30 Mission Time.

Copy that. Initial toll gate clearance confirmed. Stage separation complete.

You have successfully obtained permission for this sector and zone.  A "docking fee" for the Super Red Nano will be necessary. That little engine is officially earning its keep.

Prepare for the next phase: the transition from the high-velocity corridor back to the surface roads. Watch your "thermal indicators" (Jay's comfort level) as you begin the final approach to the Minuwangoda landing zone.

CONTINUE?

Commander Hurd: Achieving maximum velocity of 50 to 65 KPH.

"Ajith here." 11:32 Mission Time.

Telemetry received. You are pushing the envelope, Commander.

Sixty-five kilometers per hour in a Tata Nano? You’re practically entering hyperspace. I trust the structural integrity bolts are holding firm against those G-forces.

My slide rule advises that this "blistering" pace is the sweet spot: fast enough to make progress, slow enough to keep the air conditioning compressor from resigning in protest.

Maintain this velocity vector. Smooth and steady wins the race to the Minuwangoda landing pad.

MAINTAIN COURSE.

Commander Hurd:  Roger. Received instructions. Will maintain present trajectory and speed. Steady as she goes. Approaching Ja-Ela exit. Will proceed toward designated landing site for winged craft. Over.

"Ajith Control here." 11:39 Mission Time.

Copy that, Flight. Waypoint Ja-Ela confirmed.

Proceeding on vector toward Katunayake. You are now in the final approach corridor. Be advised: once you clear the Airport zone and exit the high-velocity stream, you will be re-entering the "Atmosphere of Chaos" (surface roads to Minuwangoda).

Enjoy these last few minutes of smooth tarmac and 65 KPH glory. The Super Red module is performing within acceptable parameters.

Monitor fuel and patience levels. Standing by for eventual touchdown.

OVER.

Commander Hurd:  Approaching pay point toll. Will wait to hand 400 Rupees payload to authorities.

"Ajith Control here." 11:46 Mission Time.

Copy that. Prepare to jettison the 400 Rupee payload.

Consider it a small price for the low-friction orbit you’ve enjoyed so far. Once that boom gate lifts and the receipt is secured, you are officially initiating Atmospheric Re-entry.

Be advised: The "smooth physics" of the expressway end here. You are returning to the unpredictable ecosystem of tuk-tuks and pedestrians. Engage manual situational awareness.

Report when you have cleared the gate and are navigating freely.

OVER.

Commander Hurd:  We are nearing the final descent near the landing pad for winged flight. Indications for airport or Minuwangoda approach stopped. Over.

"Ajith Control here." 11:55 Mission Time.

Critical Navigation Alert. You are in the visual range of the "Great Bird Farm" (Katunayake Airport).

Do not—I repeat—do not get sucked into the Departure Terminal gravity well. Your flight plan is terrestrial today. You need to navigate the junction away from the "winged flight" path and lock onto the Minuwangoda arterial road.

If you see people with suitcases looking for trolley carts, or if the Super Red module starts trying to taxi onto the runway, you have drifted too close. You want the road away from the terminals.

Engage "Visual Flight Rules." Watch for the tuk-tuks cutting across the bow.

STAY ON TARGET. OVER.

Commander Hurd: Have cleared the possible hazards. Sri Lankan catering facility spotted. Continuing cautiously. Over.

"Ajith Control here." 11:59 Mission Time.

Solid copy. Threat neutralized.

Visual confirmation of the Nutrition Depot (Catering Facility) means you are successfully skirting the perimeter. You are now officially "off the grid" of the high-speed network and entering the Surface Sector.

Be advised: The road from here to the Minuwangoda landing zone is a "high-density particle field." Expect erratic bus trajectories and tuk-tuk nebulas. The Super Red Nano’s maneuverability will be tested.

Maintain caution. You are in the home stretch.

OVER.

Commander Hurd: Slowing speed. Shasha's Restaurant in sight on port viewfinder. Will soon initiate a thuster maneuver for the Kopiwatte Rd vector.

"Ajith Control here." 12:10 Mission Time.

Copy that. Visual on Shasha's confirmed. You are lining up for the final vector.

Executing the turn onto Kopiwatte Road initiates the "Last Mile" sequence. Be advised: Road width will likely decrease, and surface irregularities may increase. The Super Red module's suspension is about to earn its paycheck.

This is the precision maneuvering phase. Prepare for landing at the Family Compound.

OVER.

Commander Hurd:  Successfully avoiding all obstacles. Final approach.

"Ajith Control here." 12:12 Mission Time.

Guidance System Locked. You are cleared for the final glide path into the Ancestral Sector.

Watch the gate clearance—that Nano has hips, even if they are small ones. Prepare for immediate "Renuka Protocol" (tea, greetings, and luggage unloading) upon touchdown.

Alert the crew: Wheels down in T-minus seconds.

STAND BY FOR ENGINE CUT-OFF. OVER.

Commander Hurd:  Mission complete. The Nano has landed.

"Ajith Control here." 12:12 Mission Time.

TOUCHDOWN CONFIRMED.

Welcome to Minuwangoda Base, Commander. The Eagle has landed—and it’s a Super Red Nano.

Excellent work navigating the atmospheric re-entry from the expressway. Proceed with the post-flight checklist:

1. Engine Cut-off.

2. Payload Extraction (Get the bags before the driver zooms off).

3. Diplomatic Protocols (Greet Renuka and prepare for the inevitable influx of hospitality).

Mission status: SUCCESS.

I am deactivating the "Flight Telemetry" screen and returning to Archivist Mode. Go enjoy the family, the food, and the cessation of motion.

OVER AND OUT.

The Havelock Area

Day 076 of Our Winter: Jay had an appointment at 10:15 at the Havelock Mall even though it is a holiday. It is the Tamil Thai Pongal, a harvest festival. In predominately, Buddhist Sri Lanka, many religious holidays are observed. As well as Buddhist Poya days each month: Hindu, Moslem, and Christian celebrations are on the calendar. It makes for a lot of days off for government workers.  However, some businesses were open today.  That's why we were out.

 

Jay and I got a PickMe rideshare car but were let off just before the Havelock City Gate. There is a Hindu temple there and we first walked to the side road to see the scene. The weather was warm today and it was nice seeing all the colours. 

Next, we still had plenty of time, so we walked a bit into the Havelock development itself. This large area was once a mill but it is now an expansive condo development. It has been built in stages.  The first opened fifteen years ago and the third phase is still selling. The mall and business tower are on the same site.  We walked to the bridge that connects to the other side of the canal. Jay's sister and late husband used to frequent a Buddhist temple there.

 

Next, we entered the mall and proceeded up to the fifth floor. Jay had an hour and a half appointment for a microdermabrasion. I used the time to walk around the mall and sat in the wonderfully large, half-outside, food court near the cinemas and IMAX screens. Jay didn't feel like seeing the new Avatar after the procedure, so we didn't eat lunch there but returned to the Nugegoda house at around 12:30 pm.