The White Ape In Thailand

2006-07-02T13:46:00.000+07:00

The White Ape In Thailand: "How’s this for a whole new white ape perspective?

And what has this got to do with Thailand culture?

Everything! (Of course!)

It’s the evolution of the white ape, as it grows into something bigger… something uncontrollable, fluid, dynamic, and other big words.

Something Ape-aholic..!

Or maybe it’s just my new white ape logo… (in yellow).

Hey you gotta have a logo you know… it’s part of… the whole overall look and feel… establishing the identity… brand building…

And good fun while we’re at it."

This Thailand culture blog upgraded!

2006-06-24T16:16:00.000+07:00

Hi Thailand culture lovers,

Here's my big ape-olgy for being slack. If you look at the post dates you'll see it's been a mighty long time since the last contribution. I've got a great excuse...

No it's more a secret really.

Well I thought I'd take my "professionalism" to a new level, and design a whole new Thailand culture white ape blog. One that includes the whole gamet from Thai teens to Thailand recipes, and beyond.

As far as the words "Thailand culture" can go...

It's still in phase one of construction, but it's readable. No one told me it would take so much time to get it right!

So, please, venture onwards to explore the new worlds of Thailand...

The all new white ape in Thailand blog

Peace :-)

And do tell your friends...

Thai Girl, Thai Girl...

2006-05-06T13:04:00.000+07:00

Thai girl, Thai girl... Thai girls...

Experts estimate that approximately 7% of your communication is the words you use, and 93% is your voice tone and body language.

Take it from me. Don't put the blinkers on when it comes to life and all the experiences that go with the fascinating story of life.

Be un-blinkered... open... accepting... flexible... And Thai girls?

They're wonderful. Beautiful. Everything a dude could want.

But if it doesn't work you've got to learn to say next. Don't get fixated on one Thai girl if there is some added unwanted bonuses that come with the package. Walk around the next corner and a whole new world wakes up.

Everything slows down in this country. There's urgency in the calmness, restfulness in the activity...

Shyland. Sometimes that's what this country is. Sometimes that's how Thai girls are. Shy, shy, eye, eye.

But underneath that, warriors. A strength mixed with a craziness. An expectation.

To live here, in Thailand, you've got to learn to get loose. Limber. Shake off what aggravations you'd be going mental over back home in the west. Run with it. Be cool about it.

After all, it's not really that important in the giant scheme of things, right?

Right. And Thai girls?

Supersonic.

You couldn't be anywhere else.

Peacefully yours...

The White Ape

To see more Thai girl pictures visit:
HurleyPix.com

Thailand Culture Water Festival Madness

2006-04-14T16:24:00.000+07:00

Stay tuned for more Thailand culture...

Now where were we?

Here I was in Krabi for the Songkran festival. Man it was mad behavior, but quite refined and pleasant. What a beautiful location. Of course towards the end of the day after the heat and the beer and the flow of liquids many Thai lads started going a bit crazy.

I kept well away from it but you could see it was turning bizarre for want of a better word. The normally pleasant Thailand lifestyle was turning mental.

We sat in the back of a 4x4 loaded with tanks of water and water guns and pistols and pump machines and pretty much prepared to get wet.

With a few hundred other Thais doing the same we travelled around the Krabi area including the beautiful Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara beaches.

The rest of the time one is just exploring beaches, walking through crablands and probably precious ecosytems and all that. I'd really like to see the Thais educated more about preserving their environment and looking after it.

I guess that means not collecting starfish in plastic bags then forgetting about them a few hours later...

I think the Thais have logged, cut, removed, farmed and you name it to heaps of the natural areas down here in the south. You'd have loved to be here 500 years ago when it was in a natural pristine state, it would be completely awe inspiring.

Trees of incredible height and magnificence. Now it's rubber gardens or palm plantations as far as the eye can see... (But that's a story for another time).

Anyway enjoy the pictures it's just a visual exploration of the Thailand culture enriched journeys I sometimes take. Or whatever you want to call it.

Take Care

The White Ape
Boldly going where no other apes go.

ps these pics ain't got anything to do with the Songkran festival you'll have to wait for the waterproof casing for that one...

Learning Thai, Fire And Flight

2006-03-25T13:19:00.000+07:00

Back to Thailand culture...

How do you learn to speak Thai?

DO this: Go and fly yourself to a small town where no one speaks English. Immerse yourself in the culture. You'll be forced to understand what they are saying to you. And you'll be forced to speak it. Your basic desire for communication with other human beings will prevail...

The Thais don't know that I speak their language. Often they will be reluctant to approach me because they think their own English is not good and possibly that I can't speak their language. But when they discover I can, it's like the world falls in.

We can communicate.

Maybe it's like seeing html for the first time and in that precious moment, suddenly feeling so awe inspired and pleasured... It happens you know.

Sometimes I'll get someone coming up to me and speaking Thai as if I know it fluently. It amazes me that people would do that. I admire it. I'm forced to learn 'on the spot'.

Or act very politely.

But southern Thai is still tricky to comprehend. It's actually very difficult to understand spoken fast and it feels to me like they've got 10 different ways of saying the same thing. I am trying to learn it.

When I speak southern Thai to people down here they are blown away. It's very funny for them to hear me speak south language.

Remember how I told you I can speak Thai?

I can... until they start going on about stuff I don't know. :-)

Like words for html and computers and routers and how to make a computer do things. All that stuff. Those words I am unfamiliar with...

This is when being in a foreign country can be a challenge. When you need to do business and you gotta get the details right. You need to buy a tool or book a flight somewhere and you need to know...

What are they really saying about this? What extras does it come with? Can I get a cheaper Thailand flight? And... can I get my money back if I need to?

All these important questions. Every farang has a list of these from paying the gas bill to servicing the motorbike to catching a ferry to Ko Samui.

That's when body language comes into play. I have taught myself to be observant of body language. Why? Because I need to know more. I need to know what they are thinking, if they are being honest, speaking the truth, have a deeper reason for associating with me.

It sounds absurd, but believe me, it's important.

I rely on body language because I can't (yet) read Thai and if they speak fast Thai using unfamiliar words about something important to my safety or health or income then I need to know. Like...

Can I really rely on your helpdesk to book me a flight to Chiang Mai?

Hey I'm sure you know what I mean, right?

By the way, my website is now complete...

www.MartinHurley.com

PEACE.

The White Ape

Online Business In A Small Thailand Town

2006-03-14T12:27:00.000+07:00

Thailand Culture, and the world of The White Ape.

Man, it's been a busy week.

As you'd know, on this Photo Blog you can learn more about the Life of a westerner in Southern Thailand. That's me.

I'm sure to expand on these topics:
Thailand life... Thailand lifestyle, culture, Thailand girls...

And, see the map..? That's right... It's Thailand.

See the yellow arrow? Well, that points to Trang... that's where I live.

I look out my door and I see beautiful clouds, street dogs, motorcycles flying by, people eating... you know what I mean right?

Now before I tell you what these Thai man washing photos are all about...

Listen up.

Obviously I don't know for sure but if you're reading this you MAY have an inclination to travel...

And I've just come across an ebook that explains the "insider secrets" to becoming a licensed Travel Agent and how these secrets give you a wealth of travel benefits and courtesies...

It's quite interesting because if you become a Travel Agent, new doors are opened and courtesies are extended to you, that everyday folks aren't privy to.

Why? Well, travel companies need travel agents and when you become one of them, you'll be showered with discounts and gratuities by way of deeply discounted and even free travel benefits.

Kinda makes sense when you think about it.

Anyway it looks simple enough...

You can read more about it here:

Travel Industry Secrets

Thailand Life - Thailand culture, food, language, photographs and more!

Nope. Sorry I can't talk about these Washing Man Photos. I don't need to right? You can see the story yourself...

It's a visual story on the uncommon Life Of Thailand...

But you can see more at my gallery...

HurleyPix Thailand Gallery ...

Stay Focused...

The White Ape Is Sleeping

Do I Look Like A Friggin' Tourist?

2006-03-07T17:40:00.000+07:00

Welcome to... Thailand culture Inc.

Beauty is in the EYE of the BeerHolder*.

Wouldn't you agree with me?

The question then is, what does the BeerHolder think? I mean, it's personal right? Subjective. What you think is probably completely different to what I think. But I bet we can come to some arrangement...

For example. Do you think these pictures below look like they came from an artist?

If you Said YES, you'd BE RIGHT.

Spot ON. Correct. Well observed. Hey... you're cooking.

Where is this guy coming from?

What is he doing in Thailand?

Does he look like a TOURIST?

"Genius is a not a matter of doing one thing a hundred
percent better than everyone else. Genius is a matter of
doing a hundred things one percent better than everyone
else." - Michael Jordan

This is Thailand.

Did you ever think this would happen here?

Me neither.

*BeerHolder - I mean beholder, but I know you knew that...

The White Ape
Has Lost His Mind

HurleyPix.com - The Original Aboriginal

Thailand - From Blog To DVD

2006-03-04T22:53:00.000+07:00

I thought my blog would be about Thailand culture, not about Thailand porn, and might mention a Thailand girl, or two.

That's what I thought, initially.

But now, look what YOU made me do. I was so inspired, I just had to create a DVD about my Thailand adventures.

I know what you're saying. You're a Nutter!

And all I can say is... YOU ain't seen Nuthin' Yet!

Why, the first part of this DVD is about a very strange, very UNSEEN in Thailand game that I have personally named 'TootBall'... That's about as much as I can say... except that the game is kind of kinky...

Find out more from the DVD...

Coming soon...

The White Ape On Heat

People Do This In Thailand!

2006-03-01T22:56:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture...

That's right. Just observe. Take notes.

Fascinating eh?

Don't tell me... you want to come and live here too, right?

Well you can. It's easy. Thailand is still the friendly country. It's as crazy as it always has been.

Hey! Let nothing put you off from living your dreams...

Unseen in Thailand...

That's all folks...

The White Ape Goes Nuts

Touch The Monkey Day

2006-02-25T21:19:00.000+07:00

I think there's only thing that can save me. And this blog.

From being nuked.

And that is... I need to make serious online money. Not little fluffy bits of green paper, but substantial moula.

You know what I'm talking about, right?

With more cash I can truly explore more, be more creative and be more comfortable. Of course this is what we all should be aiming for...

And have more time for this rockin' Thailand culture blog. To bring to the world news from southern Thailand from a completely bizarre perspective.

When was the last time you touched a monkey...

On the head?

Well see - that's one of the things you can do in this country. But just be polite and respectful when you're doing it, ok.

'Cause I don't want to get into trouble with any bossman authority type figures with lots of unusual looking medals hanging around his neck...

Ok, I'm just kidding. You know, in Australia I can really hammer* anything I don't like. Anything that's remotely worth hammering, I can hammer and grind into the ground with gleeful joy.

Especially after a few beers with my mates.

But here. Just have to be a bit conscious of what one hammers.

And if unsure, don't hammer it. Ok.

That's the end of your lesson in Thailand manners and etiquette.

Just so that you don't forget, here's a picture of me with my new Ducati.

Hold on you say. That's not a Ducati...

Ok, so it's a Honda. Nevermind! The Ducati 916 is not too far away.

I worked it out. Let's assume the Ducati is 500,000 baht. With 20 clients a month signed up to my coaching and mentorship program, that will take me approx 6 months to be the happiest camper in Muang Trang.

Or with 40 clients (that's a lot) it will take me just 3 months.

Hey! Just because I live in Thailand doesn't mean I need to go without life's pleasures...

Now, where were we..?

We were at the waterfalls.

With 100 million other people too.

Isn't that unusual? Everyone had the same idea. Hey, let's go to the waterfalls today...

Notice how 95% of the swimmers are wearing clothing.

That's Thailand... And probably a good thing too...

Ok... That's enough for now. My sponsors are going to kill me. They keep telling me... Brother, you need to ease up those blog update sign ups... We can't keep up with the demand... and the White Ape DVD is not quite ready...

And I keep on telling them... ahh, forget it!!

You know what I mean...

STAY COOL! (it's hot out there!)

The White Ape

* Hammer = to criticize usually with a healthy aggression and distaste.

The Hurleypix Thailand Gallery

Osama and Very Strange Tree Creatures.

2006-02-23T17:06:00.000+07:00

Now before we go any further I need to remind you to sign up...

That's right.

For you to get all the important updates and new blog postings about the weird and wonderful world of Thailand culture, Thailand lifestyle and all, you'll want to sign up to that little box that says 'subscribe for blog updates...'

OK?

Easy, right?

Now let me introduce you to this weird and wonderful tree creature I captured on film. Amazing. Unseen in Thailand. In fact, I'm sure it's..

Unseen anywhere!

All I can say is that it looks like a monster typing on a keyboard. You saw that too, right?

I also observed this "procedure" for getting big digger machinery onto back of truck. A very simple, effective Thai-type style that works. Simple. Just drive machinery onto truck.

I mean, why waste time? Just do it, right?

Now for the biggest news of all. Osama captured (on film) in Thailand.

Hey... You saw it here first. And Osama was wearing a Terminator 3 t-shirt. Very cool.

I keep telling you... there's amazing stuff in Thailand. You've just gotta go look and keep an open mind. You never know what you might find...

Ok... Take care and remember to sign up ok

The White Ape

PS. To see more pictures like this check out the:

Original Hurley Gallery

Is It Safe To Go Out?

2006-02-18T16:48:00.000+07:00

Here in southern Thailand things are different.

Just like every new country you travel to, right...?

I was chancing out on a small journey and I came across these...

...superb, unusually modified, handmade choppers...

Radical eh.

That's the type of thing you find hidden away down here in Trang, southern Thailand. I myself wouldn't choose this type of transport, I think for safety reasons, but you gotta hand it to the dudes that do...

Impressive...

Stay T.u.n.e.d IN for more...

The White Ape

I'm Constantly Frustrated With Thai Girls

2006-02-16T21:36:00.000+07:00

No such thing.

I'm frustrated at myself. Not at them. They're perfect. This country has an abundance of beautiful girls. Thailand girls...

Lovely, uplifting, intelligent Thailand girls...

Funny, sensitive, approachable...

Frustration might not be the right word. Perhaps abundance would be better...

There's so many of them, and there's only one of me!

I need to be cloned. It's ridiculous.

Just think... I don't even go to nightclubs. I don't go to bars. I avoid loud music. I keep hearing this question... "do you have a girlfriend..?"

You mean me..? This healthy, attractive, wealthy, highly creative Australian... genius..!

And my answer...

Nah. I don't. Zip. Nada. But I got to asking myself why... And then one day I realized why. It's because I spend ALL my time on internet marketing and if I had a girlfriend, well, basically, she'd just be...

Bored!

Because yours truly would give her very little attention... Now of course I want to give her attention... But right now, I'm posting to blogs, and creating websites, and making business... Just so that I can be free to travel and adventure and see more of this weird and wonderful country...

Hey! That's just how it is now...

Next week it might be completely different...

Peacefully yours...

The White Ape

PS. For those that want to learn more about starting up their own internet business... here's my resource page...

Starting Your Online Business

Thailand Rockstars

2006-02-15T17:01:00.000+07:00

Is this Thailand culture?

I guess it is...

I said I would talk about Thailand ladyboys and that sort of thing... But I haven't got to that yet. As far as I know, there's not a ladyboy anywhere on this blog. Instead it's pictures of a Thailand lifestyle, and very far south Thailand adventures, or at least, I think it is...

Anyway where were we? That's right, a day beach trip. We go walkabout down by the rocks. It's like the Thais are allergic to the sun. Westerners sunbake in it, and the Thais try to avoid it at all costs...

Because they don't want their skin to be dark...

To me, dark skin is beautiful and very attractive. But it seems that a lot of Thai people cherish and prefer white skin. All I can say is, very strange...

But there you go... Just one of those amazing things about Thailand culture I guess...

By the way, the digital (Nikon D70) really pulls out the colors for this above shot. Got a lovely glow to it... Nice. A long lens always gives me room to explore.

The Thai people seemed to have fully embraced the mobile phone. It's such a huge part of the lifestyle here. Even students in schools (at school)... It's like, pretty much everyone has got a number. All linked to a huge communications network...

Everybody is contactable...

Hey! Me too. I'm part of the network... I gotta number too... But sometimes I'll turn the lil' cutesy communication device off...

Above shot... I think they're looking at either a digital camera or a mobile phone picture...

Late afternoon or getting towards it.

Great feeling to this picture... Playful... Enjoyable...

...And happy valentine's day too!

The White Ape

Portable Empire In Thailand!

2006-02-08T22:38:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture... mixed with internet income = Freedom baby!

Hi again. This is me sitting in my studio, holding my first affiliate check. Why am I doing this? Because I want to show you that it is possible to operate an online business (and make money) anywhere with an internet connection...

Even right down here in Trang, middle of nowhere, in a place nobody knows about...

And this is a small cute island not far from Trang... It's pretty peaceful around here. Relaxed... No big hurry. Kinda casual like.

When I've made multiple affiliate checks or had funds electronically deposited to me I am sure to start travelling again. Meanwhile, it's work + work + work. All good things take effort...

By the way, that check was US dollars. :-)

And in case you want to explore this country more and Perhaps Even Come and Live Here... then you might want to take a look at this great ebook...

Retire To Asia!

Peace!

The White Ape

Deep Caving South Thailand

2006-02-02T17:44:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture...

In a school somewhere very far south west Thailand. If you look carefully you will see me in the process of rolling a very inspiration joint, or wacky tobaccy, of good, south Thailand head.*

I am very focused on the task at hand. You will also notice a goose down jacket on my seat. No, it's not cold, but my driver likes to keep his vehicle refridgerated, if you know what I mean. I come prepared (except for caving!)

Somehow I found myself in a very long, cool, dark cave wearing nothing but my underwear. With a bunch of other people with high powered rubber cutters lights. It must be the good funny stuff I enjoyed at the table above.

But what a cave. I didn't know it would go for a few kilometres, because I didn't ask. That of course includes swimming through huge caverns and tunnels, carrying children on my back, and wondering which country we will be coming out in.

But this cave... You wouldn't know where it starts. Unless you were savvy enough to befriend the locals to show you. The Thais I was with walked (and swam) through this cave like they were going to the local market to eat lunch.

20 minutes into it I was feeling the cold and thinking about how far under the earth I was. Very strange.

Here's me feeling the cold. :-)

Well there you go. That's my caving adventure in southern Thailand for you. Lots more adventures to do...

It's always good to walk through a long cave now and then.

*By the way, I was only joking about rolling a joint on the table. I don't do that, and really don't feel the need to do it. There's enough bliss in real life. Basically you want to keep well and truly away from that type of thing in this country.

Peace %$!@!

The White Ape

Snapshot South Thailand

2006-01-25T20:32:00.000+07:00

Thailand people...

What a laid back country. It's radically good. Crazy. Insane at times. But good, it seems, for me.

I get to meet lovely Thai girls (story coming soon) and travel to different parts of Thailand. Walk through caves in my underwear, visit hot springs with monkeys, explore bustling market places. You've got to admit, it's a good lifestyle here.

One can find certain degrees of peacefulness in Thailand. At times you've got to look hard. At times, the noises are overwhelming. At times, you're just on a small island and the expanse is terrific and the whole world feels good.

Everyone should taste this experience.

Maybe if you can't taste it then you can see it through pictures. A visual treat.

But Thailand needs to do something about the noise. The big noise. The ongoing, constant noise. The trucks, the tuk tuks, the motorbikes, etc.

It's just not friendly to our ears.

That includes me too. I need to come up with solutions to help Thailand become the quiet country again. Something like www.makethailandquiet.com - one well pushed website would work wonders...

Anyway let's think about it...

Until then.

The White Ape

Waterfall Magic Girl

2006-01-15T12:20:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture...

At the waterfalls nearby Trang. Sometimes I just can't stop shooting (photographing) a girl. It's natural. I'm just completely impressed. :-)

Checking her weight. These little machines are great money earners. They cost 1 baht to check someone's weight. I observe them being used often. If the owner was getting 200 people a day it would be a good little business.

Stay tuned for more great people shots...

I've come to the conclusion that there must be something in the water in this country. Everyone gets a dose of it. And you know that I speak from my own observations here. I'm generalizing. And I hope my generalizations are 'within the scope of reality...'

And what's in the water? Friendliness. The Thai's over-deliver with friendliness. It sticks to them like war paint.

It's like, the culture embraces the smile. But where did this 'happiness' come from? How can a country 'seem' to be so friendly and warming to others? And why do I notice it here and not in other countries I have travelled to?

Good questions...

The Thais are, of course, much like, you and me. It's just that, here, in this country, I feel that the 'western psychological stress' we westerners carry and grow up with, well, it seems that here in Thailand, that stress doesn't exist...

That's not to say Thai's don't get stressed out or go postal or stuff like that. They do. It's just that the people I meet and associate with, more often than not, are very friendly and open and great to be with.

It's of course a lot to do with me and how I approach people, and also probably more importantly... who I approach.

Imagine growing up in a culture where smiling and friendliness are present in abundance, all the time. That's pretty special. It blows me away.

With love from Trang...

The White Ape

Thai Children

2006-01-05T13:58:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture - children...

When I travel in Thailand I always relate well to children. Our communication seems to be effortless and innocent. Children love to see the digital instantaneous picture appear on the LCD on camera back. It's magical.

Maybe I could do a book just on Thai children...

Notice how they strike the 'pistol grip' pose under the chin? The index finger and the thumb fit nicely under the jaw. Not sure where that originates from, but everyone does it. It's a beautiful thing...

Learning is in play. It's playful learning. Children are in play zone. Fun zone. Children make now the most important time. It just is.

An Old Farmer's Advice:

"Most of the stuff people worry about ain't
never gonna happen anyway."

Peacefully...

The White Ape

Trang Condensed Milk

2005-12-31T17:02:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture...

Yes I am an artist. My little friend lives nearby. Sometimes, when the need calls for it, I drink condensed milk. Straight outa' da can. Not often, but it does happen. It's a habit I picked up in Australia. Artists do these things, right.

Whatever. This is my kitchen in my home. Strange? Probably.

Now this picture (below) is my home in Trang. What I mean is that I rent this home. 4000 baht a month it costs me to rent. That's not a huge amount of US dollars. 2 bathrooms, 2 floors, 2 bedrooms and one overgrown garden.

See the garage on the right side? Can't see a vehicle, right?

...The Porsche is getting serviced.

Now this image is... wait for it... a picture of Trang.

I know you knew that, but I just needed to be clear. It's better if we are all clear before I start going into depth about this town and Thailand culture and Thai lifestyle...

It's just better, that's all...

Hey -> happy new year from Thailand...

The White Ape

After Tsunami (1 year)

2005-12-29T15:19:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture...

I visited the little island of Koh Libong for about one week. It wasn't long after the tsunami, in March this year (2005). Time is doing more than flying - it's on hypodrive. Before we know it, it'll be 2020. These images are from March.

Koh Libong is about 1 hour or so from Trang. Another nice little Islam fishing community - picking itself up after the tsunami damage. The wave came in and tossed around the fishing boats. The men, unable to fish, unable to earn their income, now spending time fixing the longtail boats.

Some people started making crafts (bangles and small boats etc) out of coconut to sell throughout Thailand. There is a lot of coconut they could be shaping into popular crafts.

Very entrepreneurial...

These images are of some of the children I met there. And a baby or two.

Hanging out under the house. Refreshing. Cool.

Blissful. Happy. In the moment, children.

I'll let you know shortly how this island community is doing now, one year after the 26 Dec, 2004 tsunami.

Peacefully...

The White Ape

Pipe Dreams Thailand

2005-12-27T11:36:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture continued:

I told you the Thais were football crazy. See, even the rain don't stop 'em. And why should it. After all, it's just water...

It's great to see so much passion...

Now for something slightly different (above)...

The Osama Posse

No, it's not serious. It's just children striking a fun pose for me at the stadium and one had this particular t-shirt. I think the Thais like the color and style and shape of the t-shirt but possibly don't fully understand the meaning of it. I see that often. You get some classics.

I have seen t-shirts with the most vulgar expression that no-one would wear in Australia (unless you wanted to express your darker side). Surely the wearer doesn't know what it means. :-)

This little child (above) is in Koh Mok, and island about 1 hour from Trang. I explored the Islam fishing community. It's a very cool USA appreciation society singlet. Nice...

Peaceville.

The White Ape

Thai Color Fantastica!

2005-12-26T18:41:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture...

A colorful display of Thai athletes at the local 'sanamkila' or stadium. All the color - it's fantastic. I just go there for the experience, the feeling, the atmosphere. The Thais get right into supporting their own team. Dancing and drumming and horns and movement... uplifting.

The Thais are football mad. No, crazy... about football. It's more than passion here. It's in the blood. These dudes (above) are watching something going on at the stadium. No doubt probably football...

Included this picture as well... it's slightly abstract, but shows athletes and a running track. This town (Trang) likes sport. They take sport seriously. It's a good thing.

Hey, pass the peacepipe...

The White Ape

Little Sparky!

2005-12-26T10:52:00.000+07:00

Thailand Culture...

Trang has lots of celebrations. It's the way Thai culture seems to be. This little sparky picture is at the Loy Kratong festival. It's great how the little boy gets that sparkler right in there near the unknowing person's foot. It's all in fun.

This whole region has huge photographic potential.

This (above) picture was at the same festival. It's got a nice style about it. Lovely belt buckle. It's anonymous. Only I know who they are!

School brass band. Rockin' on. See, this country is just like your country. Shooting on digital (Nikon D70) I can waste as many shots as I want until I know I've got the right one. That's the beauty of digital for you.

All these images are from Muang Trang...

Peace Pipe!

The White Ape

Jeep Lifestyle Trang

2005-12-24T22:12:00.000+07:00

Floods are evaporating under warm sun. Very windy. Peaceful. Decided I would show you some glimpses of my life. This is me (above) with friend in my home in Trang. See what I am (not) wearing? That's everyday wear, almost...

Ok, if it's hot that's my style. If it gets cold I'll be wearing layers of clothing (!)

I also discovered Google maps and wanted to show you how this region looks from space...

Man, these images from Google maps are incredibly beautiful. Look at the shapes and how the water curls and makes similar patterns. See the yellow spot at the top? Slightly below that is Trang. Fascinating.

Ok. This is cowboy southern Thailand. This is cowboy territory you know. Lots of 4x4s, jeeps, utes, and stuff like you're looking at in this picture. Jeep life. Very cool. Added graphics to make it a t-shirt, so if you want one, let me know.

Talk soon,

The White Ape

The Wall Of Rain

2005-12-22T10:00:00.000+07:00

Thailand culture continued...

Looks like Trang will soon be a floating city...

It's a wall of rain. But I've got faith roads will be open and I can get to the border. Might need to drive some sort of amphibious vehicle though...

Got some more pics from the flooding. These images show you that, even when the Thais are faced with floods, tsunamis, major disasters etc, they still can smile about it, and stay proud. You've gotta hand it to them, these people, they've got something us westerners can learn from...

This group (above) are collecting motorcycles from flooded homes. The guy in black, a policeman with the loudest voice I've ever heard, turns around to tell me to take a picture. Some Thais are incredibly loud. I've got a theory why, but I'll save that to later. When he talked to me I had to put a finger in my ear to jam the loudness out.

Home is flooded but still can smile. (above)

Downtown Trang. A little on the wet side...

Anyway there you go. I hope you enjoyed the Thailand culture journey. I'll let you know how this day pans out. Trang might have floated towards Malaysia by the time I get back to you.

Peace.

Martin

Funky Lifestyle!

2005-12-21T20:45:00.000+07:00

This is Thailand culture...

3 days of sunshine down here dries out most things. The water really made a mess of shops and homes. It's a big cleansing. The town needed it I guess. No trains, but trucks seem to be getting through.

Anyway thought I would show you some general Thailand culture - lifestyle images from down here in Trang. So you get an idea about what this type of living is like. It's just my perspective, as a foreigner in a small Thailand town.

The photograph above is bus travellers probably about to depart for Bangkok, a 12 hour trip. (Approx) - depends how fast the driver wants to go, and, you know, how he feels and stuff...

By the way, according to the Lonely Planet book, this town is known as the cleanest city in Thailand. What do I think about that?

Well, it's certainly a lot cleaner now after its super wash.

(above pic) Small birthday party I went to. This girl's mum is French, father is Thai and she speaks Thai, French, and maybe a few other languages. But only a little English. Confusing 'aint it?

Another party I went to in Trang. A while back. Teenagers. I'll talk more about this soon.

So, lots to show and tell.

Stay tuned in...

The white ape.

Life In Trang

2005-12-20T20:07:00.000+07:00

THAILAND CULTURE...

This is Trang...

Beautiful, noisy, sweet tea drinking, hard to understand the accent, southern Thailand town. Rich in culture. Very few westerners. Not at all set up for us. Very few Thais speak English down here. Good place to learn to speak Thai.

By the way, the town is still cut off. Morning I go explore. Nah, no way. Maybe OK in a humvee. Big river across the road. What do you save first? I think precious family belongings, cash, precious stuff, paperwork, photos...

Then the TV if you can carry it. And then the motorbikes. Forget about the rest.

I visit a farang friend. Living with him and his Thai wife is a family. They have a 2 storey home. Floods came quickly. They put everything upstairs, second floor. Gotta be ok, right?

Wrong. Water creeps up to second floor. Got to get everything out of house real fast. Scarey stuff. My heart goes out to them. We need boats down her. :-)

≤≥

Stay cool!

Martin

Helicopters Are Us!

2005-12-20T11:09:00.000+07:00

THAILAND CULTURE...

I woke up to a sunny day. The dawn looked all warm, bright and alive. People
are up and about. Water is going down...

Still lots of problems about, and repairs to be done. Removing fish from
house. Finding somewhere dry to sit. Doing something about the electrical
system. :-)

The world (you and me) needs to get serious about global warming 'cause baby
I'm sure things like this are from exactly that.

Farangs like me are visa people (VPs). :-) We need to be constantly thinking
about doing 'le border run' which means going outside Thailand borders for
about 10 or so minutes. Stamp the passport in another country, and then walk
back into Thailand again.

I'll go into details later, and give you a pictorial description.

But right now, I can't go to any border unless I've got a helicopter.
They're flying overhead, huge people movers... Beautiful. By the way, if I
overstay the visa, it costs me 200 baht a day (approx usd$5?)

Anyway it's all real good news for the fishermen.

And being sunny today they might even be back cutting rubber...

And it's ok for me because my visa isn't due (yet)...

Enjoy!

Martin

SUN SHINES!

2005-12-19T17:14:00.000+07:00

THIS IS THAILAND CULTURE

OK...Here's my update from Trang. I read that nearby Hat Yai residents are freaking out. Hat Yai has the convenience of flooding very, very quickly. I recall being there after a few hours of solid rain... Before I knew it there was a foot of water sloshing around the streets.

It was "...a little unusual." Prepare to get wet.

Anyway, here in Trang the sun has arrived. I want you to see people's expressions when they find they can't get anywhere because there is a lake across their path.

Here's what the Thais do when it floods.

Women sees Trang turned into a lake:

Wash motorcycles...

...and others jump in super jacked up 4X4 vehicles and have fun.

This is the railway into town. Yeah. That's water down there. Lots of it. Looks like no trains will be coming for a while...

And this is a classic tuk tuk. This one in particular is very well looked after. They sound like a 2 stroke engine in a bathtub. The noise is, um, aggravating... Bangkok is seriously bad. (Calling all inventors...)

There you have it... My pictorial review of what's going down in southern Thailand.

Hang ten!

"Failure is only the opportunity
to begin again more intelligently."

- Henry Ford

Martin

≤≥

We're Floating Away

2005-12-18T11:07:00.000+07:00

UPDATE FROM TRANG:

It's been raining crazily down here in Trang, far south Thailand.

My town is a river. I can't get to the stadium or the Tesco supermarket. To
go down there and see the town divided is surreal. Tsunami 2.

Rubber plantations are lakes. The roads are under water. Yesterday it
stopped raining for a few good hours. I watched the Thais wash their
motorbikes in the new lakes.

Chickens, dogs, cats and cattle are looking for high ground. This is serious
stuff. It teaches me self preservation and self sufficiency.

It feels like its been raining for the last 4 weeks non stop. Except for one
or two days. And then last night and today, the rain just keeps on coming.

Now I'm learning all the Thai words related to flooding. :-)

No problems where I live, as my home is up high. But, the more the rain
comes, the more the waters rise, and more and more people will be finding
alternative accommodation.

How can I help I wonder.

Gotta go.

"There are no hopeless situations;
there are only people who
have grown hopeless about them."

Clare Boothe Luce
1902-1987, American Diplomat and Writer

Martin

Trang - Intro!

2005-12-18T09:16:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

I'm sending this by email. To you. I've never done it before so I don't know
how it will turn out, if it will look ok (what about the formatting?) and
all those questions we have. But...

"There's no point in going into a business
unless you shake up the whole industry."

-- Sir Richard Branson

You read that right.

Anyway, right now let's find out if this 'experiment' works... If so, it
will be good... Because I use email often, it's the big fella of
communication in the little big world of the 'net.

Now, the white ape.

It's just another way to describe me. I'm not really an ape, but maybe you
might think so. I'm actually an artist who resides far south Thailand in a
little rubber rich town called Trang. Trang is about 5 hours below Phuket on
the west side, about 30 minutes inland.

And this blog will be about Thailand culture. Thailand people, lifestyle,
girls, you name it.

So, I hope you enjoy it...

Peace,

Martin