Tim in Thailand

Por Tor final day 2015

The Final day of the Por Tor Festival always means that there is a busy shrine!

We were lucky to be taken into the shrine by a family who were also visiting the shrine to pay their respects.

It was certainly a busy place! The tables were still laden with red turtles and other gifts!

After purchasing the selection of offerings (joss sticks, candles, and gold leaf / paper) we lit some joss sticks in the middle and then entered into the shrine on the left and we went behind the main figurine.

I was certainly small behind there and if you were uncomfortable with all the sake and incense then I would not go behind when it was busy - for me it was a wonderful experience.

We lit more sticks along this short corridor. On leaving this we rang the bell 3 times and left a donation in the box.

At this point there were people adding oil to the burning lamp on the table.

Then we were led to the 'burning tower' outside of the shrine. It was at this point that i noticed that the 'sheets' were held together by a small twisted piece of paper.

Which was then thorn into the flames - I will find out about the symbolism of this later.

This was wonderful - on leaving I was given some (what I think was sweet dough) from the staff. This is what you should eat some of them because it will bring you good fortune.

We hoped into Ko Hor Mooncake Shop and bought a 'nutty mooncake which we ate in Circle Coffee Boutique - it was very nice.

Previous Celebrations

1) Por Tor 2015 - the parade
2) Por Tor 2014

3) Por Tor 2014 - the parade

4) Por Tor 2013

5) Por Tor 2013

6) Por Tor 2012

#strongertogetherbkk

#strongertogetherbkk was something which was decided as the Social Media for people who wanted to share their strength after the bombing of the Erawan Shrine.

The power of Social Media was felt throughout Thailand and is a # for Twitter / Facebook / Instagram.

The Erawan Shrine was cleaned and running smoothly but around it there was a demonstration by the people who use Social Media and the Street Artists.

People were then invited to put their names on the letters.

Street Foods - Mango + Sticky Rice

This must be the thing you eat whilst you are here in Phuket - but where do you go to find it?

On the side of the road is easily the best place!

Freshly sliced mango, sticky rice, coconut cream and toasted sesame seeds.

Not expensive either - but this lady has a iPad, there is money to be made!

(if you do not like the roadside the best restaurant for this dish is Rimtang)

Best photo locations in Phuket

There are a plethora of places in Phuket but I have condensed it to a list but it is by all means not an exhaustive list – make a list of all the places to go before you get in a taxi.

Wat Srisoonthorn

1. A Buddhist Wat

The Buddhist Wat is a beautiful place to take a photograph. The candles, the Buddha figures, the shiny tile decoration, joss sticks, monks – there are a so many opportunities.

Here is the location of some Buddhist Wats to visit .

View Buddhist Temples in Phuket in a larger map

Please remember to take your shoes off when you enter and leave a donation when you leave.

2. A Sunset

A place that is near to CapePanwa Hotel is on the Promenade in the local village – this is a photograph of Emily and Justin who got married at Cape Panwa Hotel.

Khao Kad is a perfect viewpoint (or the beach below) near to Cape Panwa because the sun will set over Big Buddha – impressive.

(this is Jamies photograph) - used with permission

The most popular tourist destination for this is Cape Promthep but to be truthful this is where there are subsequently there are many places in Phuket to take photographs of the sunset.

3. A natural waterfall

There are three natural waterfalls in Phuket (Ao Yon, BangPae and Ton-Sai) and taking photographs of water is not always easy. An understanding of the camera, a tripod or a camera that is able to take ‘rapid fire shots’ is advisable.

If you able to visit the Waterfall and it has been raining then there may be the opportunity for you to have a swim!

4. A traditional market

There are lots or reasons for visiting the markets in Phuket but the early morning Traditional markets in Phuket Town are a great destination because of the mix of foods, fruit, clothes and the happy expressions on the faces of the Thai people, although it is only 6 a.m!

5. Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is a must for all visitors to wander about.

The Sino-Portugese buildings are a must because of their beautiful patterned doors, windows and wood. Then there are places of interest like the Amulet Alley running alongside a small klong. There are a number of places that you will find; Buddhist Wats, Chinese Shrines, Chinese medicine shops, traditional noodle shops and so much more – definitely worth a day out.

6. Chinapracha House

After wandering through Phuket Old Town and gazing at the old style colonial shop houses it is wonderful to actually walk into one. It allows you to get a glimpse (all be it brief) of how the Chinese Tin Merchants lived in Phuket.

7. Koh Sirey

There are actually three opportunities to take a photograph here. Monkey See is where the road runs next to the mangrove swamp and there is a small spot to throw food to the wild monkeys.

Then there is Wat Koh Sirey – which is on top of the tall hill (accessible only by foot) and at the very top there is a Golden Reclining Buddha with the most wonderful views.

Then there is the Sea Gypsy Village – full of people living in their homes next to the beach undertaking the traditional way of live.

8. A beach

How many beaches are there in Phuket? We all like to see pictures of deserted beaches but one tip is to arrive early in the morning before everybody else – at the Cape Panwa we are lucky to have a beach that is adjacent to us.

9. A Chinese Temple

There are a number of Chinese Temples throughout Phuket and like the Buddhist Wats a re a joy to visit. Many of the temples have been here a number of the year and are special places for the local population.

Always look carefully inside the temples to find the ropes that have wooden snakes attached to the end, the carved tigers with the footballs, the Hanuman statues and don’t forget to take your shoes off when you enter the temples and leave a donation when you leave.

10. A festival

How many festivals are there in Phuket? – the Por Tor Festival, Chinese New Year Festival, Phuket Old Town Festival, the Mooncake Festival and the best for the camera – the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.

Always find out a little about each festival before you go to take a photograph, little things such as wearing white when you attend the Phuket Vegetarian Festival will help you celebrate with them and then maybe you will get the shot that you want!

View Some of Phuket’s most photogenic spots in a larger map

#weddingphotogate - what does this mean 4 you?

image courtesy of Peta Pixel

This is something that you will have to read yourself...

If there is a professional photographer for a Wedding do they retain rites?

If there is another company there are they able to take photographs?

If you have signed for the professional what about your friends?

If your friend is pretty good?

Here are my shots of Weddings I took care of

- they were professional until a sim card would not work... (another story)

Enjoy your wedding - here are some ideas.

Visit a Floating Market

I loved to visit Floating Markets.

Here is a guide to the common foods which you will find prepared and sold there.

Poster is from Amazing Thailand.

Coffee, Chinese Shrine, Book Shops, Bubble Tea...

This post is a little late because I became a little pre-occupied with the Por Festival. It was an early start because school starts early here so Phuket Town was relatively quiet when I wandered in early in the morning.

My first stop was a coffee shop - Taitong Cafe, which was very nice thank you. I was next off to buy some books so I walked past Queen Sirikit Park to go to Seng Ho bookstore - great but I couldn't find anything that I wanted.... So I wandered towards the next book store.

But then I found that the ศาลเจ้าฮกหงวนเก้ง (Hok Hngoun Geng Shrine : 福元宮）was preparing itself for the Por Tor Festival.

I stayed there for a bit. (fuller post coming)

It was then time for some air-conditioning BUT no coffee, so it was my favourite Bubble Tea at the best in Phuket - Mellow Yellow, but i keep losing my card. Never mind it was off to another book shop - The Books - but it wasn't open, so I wandered round the block - popping into the local DVD shop, my daughter is into dinosaurs again so Jurassic Park was on the list.

Popped into Robinsons but they were out of my favourite bread - found a ham and cheese sandwich at SnP for my daughter.

Then it was time for a mooncake at Kor Hok Mooncake Shop.

Popped into a shrine which is not complete yet - lovely colours.

Time for a cool drink BUT no coffee - green tea at 168 Cup - not trying this again!

Time for lunch at Tesco Food Mall - always a big selection and very cheap.

Dinner at a new restaurant for me - บานภรมยกรนโอค - review coming soon - www.timinphuket-restaurants.blogspot.com.

Pinterest (APP) - John Grey Sea Canoe - Post 5

Pinterest - John Gray Sea Canoe

(click to investigate images from a trip with John Gray Sea Canoe)

The Por Tor Parade 2015

The Por Tor Parade and visiting a Chinese Shrine is something that I always look forward to.

During the period mentioned previously the 'ghost door' is open so relatives who have passed away will have the opportunity to visit you - this is the term 'Hungry Ghost' originates.

Some homes will set up a lavish table to welcome them.

"Don’t forget the red turtle (Ang Koo) for propitiate. Red Turtle sweet is made from wheat flour with sugar, form into turtle figure and dye in red color.

The legend said Pra Tang Sam Jung (Chinese monk) invites the Tripitaka at Sri Lanka. While he sits on a junk, there is a strong wind and make his junk founder. After that he prays and then the huge turtle is appeared. It swims for guide his junk until reach Sri Lanka.

Other belief is Chinese people are often think the turtle is a longevity. In any ceremony Chinese people like to use the turtle be apart of their ceremony. So they will longevity also."

text is from Phuket index

The Chinese Shrines throughout Phuket have their timetable of events. I visited Nguan Hok Kong Shrine (Chinese Shrine) whilst they were getting the shrine ready - thank you for being so welcoming. The next day (Sunday 30th) there were a great many people at Queen Sirikit Park all prepared to join in.