Dedication

My family asked me to keep a blog so they could 'follow along' as I traveled around the world.

I am writing this dedication nearly 6 months after my trip. It has taken me some time to process all that I experienced and consider all the events and especially the people who made this trip possible.

The one person who kept resurfacing in my mind as the most important, was a man named Erik Schmidt, shown here in this pic above.

I trust the captured moment was one of the best he experienced in his life.

Introducing Erik at the opening to this blog is a fitting tribute.

I didn't know Erik for long. We met in April 2005. Erik had been selected to venture into Thailand to setup our 'offshore development team'. I was a new hire and given the responsibility to oversee the coordination of Thailand and the USA with Erik being the "man on the ground" in Thailand. After completing his initial assigment and returning to the USA, Erik' life was cut short. Tragically, on October 13, Erik left us. It was Yom Kippur. I was born on Yom Kippur in 1950. Just another "connection" between me and Erik.

Erik began our development team in Thailand with 3 associates. There are now 23. And we are expanding into India.

Had it not been for Erik's success, this blog would never have been possible.

My family and I continue to keep in contact with Erik's family. Anytime a Thai associates who knew Erik comes to the USA, we do our best to meet with Erik's family. We do the same for visiting associates who may not have known Erik, but are part of his legacy.

This Blog is dedicated to Erik Schmidt

Sunrise over Bangkok

My last full day in the Big Mango for 2008. Each year I come here I see new buildings. The one on the right seem to be a bit off center - even with the naked eye - hope it is the glass in my hotel window that is causing the distortion. And the building on the left. Who thought of that design? Reminds me of a Memory Card placed in a USB reader - then again I'm thinking technical and not artistic.

Largest Crocodile Farm in the world

Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo

The pic above shows just a section of the farm. This place not only is full of crocodiles, but it has one of every type, shape, oddity you can think of.
Yes - he is laying with his head in the Croc's mouth. I aimed the camera and looked away, then snapped the pic. I know there is a 'natural trick' to this, but seeing it in real life was more of a thrill than I was willing to watch in real-time. I figured with my luck the Monday edition of the Bangkok Post would headline: "Man decapitated by Crocodile".


A Crocodile has no tongue. Its esophagus is protected by a flap. Here the man has opened the flap and is actually sticking his arm down the Crock's throat. Again, I aimed the camera and looked away - then snapped. I figured I could safely see the picture later - or sell it to the Bangkok Post if something went wrong.

Lunch on the Gulf of Thailand

Sea Gulls swarmed the docks. Later I will post movies of us feeding the birds and how well behaved and almost 'trained' they were.
A few team members waiting for the meal to begin. And by now, you know Thai dinners have many courses and can last for a few hours.

The Gulf of Thailand looking west towards the arm of the land that extends into he southern Provence. This area was not affected, but the provence further down the land, shown in the distance, contains Puket, which was destroyed by the Tsunami a few years back.

It was pointed out to me that experienced Thais have the ability to "walk on water". I would have to loose a few pounds, but I bet I could join them at least for a few seconds before sinking into the sea bed.

Floating Lotus in moat around Erawan Monument

Offerings of Lotus Blossoms and coins are given in the moat that winds around the Erawan monument.

Erawan Museum Gardens

Erawan Musuem

Just outside Bangkok is the Erawan Museum. This beautiful place is devoted to Erawan (or Aoravata in Hindu), the 3 headed (33 headed) Elephant of Indira.


The centerpiece of the museum is the monument to Erawan. The picture does not do justice to the size of this figure. It is extremely large and houses a museum. Once inside the Elephant, one is exposed to exquisite art and an atmosphere of contemplation.

Worshipers at the base (entrance) to the Erawan monument.

Now we go inside the Elephant. The experience is divided into three sections, or three "worlds". First is the world of Naga, the multi-headed cobra that saved The Buddha. In this area, photos were not permitted. The visitor was given a history of how the museum was constructed.

The next level is 'The Human World". After taking off our shoes we entered the base of the monument. The first picture is looking up the staircase to the image of the Guaynin, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The next are a closeup of Guaynin and other sites from 'the Human World"

To reach the next level one must climb a winding staircase located inside one the elephant's legs, and at the top of the winding staircase is an option elevator to continue up further, inside the elephant's stomach or Tavatimsa Heaven. Here are some priceless items, some ancient artifacts (which I was not allowed to film). I was however able to take pictures of the central Buddha statues

The Tuk-Tuk

This open air 3-wheeler is quite an invention. A Tuk-Tuk ride is less expensive than a taxi and offers a full olfactory experience. The Tuk-Tuk is an excellent way to travel provided it is not too hot.

It can also be fun to barter with the driver for the best fare.

The beloved King HM Bhumibol Adulyadej

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) is the longest ruling monarch in the world. He and his wife HM Queen Sirikit have ruled Thailand for 60 years. Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. The Royal family is deeply loved by all Thai people.

An interesting fact: HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born (1927) in Cambridge MA, USA.

The joy of owning a motorcycle in Bangkok

Traffic is not a word in Bangkok - it is a state of being. Unlike Hyderabad India, you will hardly ever hear a horn honk, but you will have to deal with what I affectingly call :

"Mosquitoes of the road"

The motorcycle driver in Bangkok rules the day. They zip in an out of traffic, criss-cross from side to side, driving perpendicular at times, between the cars and buses. This pictures does not do the experience justice. But it was the best I could do - at a safe distance from one of the 'fly over' cross walks.

I count 6 motorcycles and 8 riders. Can you find them?

Ganesh

One of the most popular Hindu deities is Ganesh. According to the Hindu Pantheon, he is the son of Shiva (3rd member of the Hindu trinity) and the female deity Parvati. Tradition says that when he was a child Ganesh (Ganesha) stood between his father and mother, during an argument and his father Shiva beheaded him. His mother Parvati wanting him to live, gave him the head of an elephant.



As I mentioned in the previous post, Hinduism spread into Thailand and it remains a vibrant part of Thai culture.










This was the 1st Black Ganesha I had seen. I don't know the significance, but when I saw it I thought of other religions icons that appear in the color black - such as the Black Madonna of Częstochowska. Devotees to Ganesaha seek his help when there are difficulties or impossible obstacles.

The yellow and white flowers are real. They can be purchased all over the city from vendors selling flowers, incense etc. for religious offerings at thousands of shrines and spirit houses located throughout the city.

Click on the picture to see a larger image. Price of items are listed in Thai and English. Pricing is in Thai Baht. Current exchange rate is roughly: 1 THB = $.035

Check out the Subway advertisement on the cart.

Erawan Shrine

This is one of my favorite places to visit each time I come to Bangkok. While I do not share in the same religion, I always feel welcomed into the Erawin shrine and want to share this story with you.

This area of Bangkok named after Erawan, the 3 headed elephant of Indra, is a location of extremes. It is a top-end fashion center, also the location of the main interchange of Bangkok’s Sky-Train transportation system and home one of the most uniquely treasured shrines in all of Bangkok. The smokey appearance of the pictures is due to the vast quantities of incense being burnt.

Here sits the 4-faced Buddha. Actually the statue represents Brahma who is one three members of the Hindu Trinity, Brahma – creator, Vishnu – sustainer, Shiva- transformer. They are the three primary manifestations of one divinity.


In Thailand, Brahma is known as Phra Phrom. The image has four faces – each facing in the four directions of the compass. It has eight arms and sits upon the lotus. Each face represents the 4 Vedas (Scriptures) the Hindu religion. In the eight arms are held the following objects and symbolism
Sutra: Knowledge
Beads: Controlling karma
Spear: Will power
Flower vase: Wishes coming true
Conch shell: Wealth
Hand on chest: compassion
Flying wheel: Protection from evil
Cintamani (fan): Blessings

Practices at the Erawan shrine:


I enjoy visiting the Erawan shrine because it is always abuzz with people in need, praying and giving thanks for answered prayers. The religious expression may be different than my own, but comonality of humanity makes it all feel very familiar. At the Erawan shrine one may purchase flowers, incense, small statues of ephants and people, and if desired, give a donation for a few minutes traditional Thai Dance performed by the Erawan Thai Dance Troupe. The gentleman kneeling in the foreground has paid for such a performace which is accompanied by a traditional Thai musical ensamble.

It is said that Phra Phrom is keely partial to traditional Thai music and dance. Watching the dance troupe is always a pleasure for me. It is my understanding that such an offering is made in thanksgiving for answered prayers.


Devotional practices are expressed openly and enthusiastically.












Purchasing flowers, miniture images to represent yourself, or other people, or small statues of elephants, or incense to accompany your prayers, or as thanksgiving for answered prayers.



Or purhcase a sparrow to set free. At some shrines and Temples, items purchased for offerings are oftentimes resold, if possible. As I took this picture I wondered if any of the small birds in this cage had been caught before?

A bit of history to close this post about the Erawan Shrine

In 1956 a government sponsored hotel was built at this site. But construction began on a date that was not approved by the local Thai Buddhist astrologers. Nothing but chaos resulted. Numerous accidents and deaths at the building site, cost over-runs etc. Finally the religious authorities were consulted and it was recommended that this shrine be built to appease the mistake. From then on the situation changed. In 2006 a deranged man literally destroyed the idol. He was mobbed and killed on the spot. A new idol was created from pieces of the old. A caste was made an is in the National Museum, for safe keeping should anything befall this statue.

A day at the office

Every day at the office in Bangkok is fun. That is in keeping with the Thai expectation that work should be enjoyed.









This day, a couple of associates from another department requested a photo with our team. It has been a while since we took a team photo, so I thought this would be a good temporary solution for our associates reading this back in the States. I'll be sure to get an "official" team photo before I leave.
Someone brought some food - time to eat! One of the best things about working in Thailand is the food, and someone is always bringing in something delicious and healthy for everyone to enjoy. In this photo some of the team members are devouring fresh Lychee floating in natural syrup and ice cubes. Just before this treat, we enjoyed fresh green mango delivered from the backyard of one of the associates. Some of my favorite snacks brought into the office are dried fish strips - like long spaghetti, chewy, with a mild fish flavor.


And since the camera was rolling, a few of the ladies requested another Photo Op !

The Morning Rush Hour

A popular mode of transportation in Bangkok is the motercycle. Young and old alike hop on the back of these bikes for what seems to be the most hair raising ride one can imagine. Dressed in business attire, both men and women have no fear sitting side saddle toting their briefcase, PC and purses racing in between cars and busses along the always busy streets and sometimes sidewalks, of Bangkok.
A driver with a passenger just leaving "Bikers Station"






And if you have time, stop at one of the thousands street-side resturants for a quick bite of delicious home-cooked Thai food!

Kushiyaki - Hibachi

Let me start off by saying This is not your mamma's favorite Benihana restaurant. This is the real deal.

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In addition to have a rather large Chinese population, Bangkok is also home to sizable Japanese community. And when Chinese food seems too filling, and one wants something different than Thai food, there is always the delicious and Zen-ly prepared choices afforded at the many Japanese restaurants. This style of Japanese dining was explained as Takeniku. In the middle of each table was a gas fed Hibachi with charcol. My American associate and I ordered Kushiyaki (marinated marbled beef) as the main course. This was accompanied by kimchi, miso Soup, salad and rice.

The others in our group ordered a variety of seafood, beef and vegetables.
The drink you see is chilled Green Tea.
This place was incredible - another "new taste treat" to bring home.

Round 2

My American associate pondering how much longer to cook the beef.



Meanwhile, I pondered how I was going to convince myself that I should cut a hole in my dining room table.