A Trip to Abu Dhabi

On my way to the UK I decided to stop off at Abu Dhabi. Convenient for flights and I had a few adventures in mind.

First was the journey itself, followed by a trip to the Louvre, a spin around the Yas Marina F1 Circuit, and a desert adventure in a 4×4 Landcruiser.

The Journey
The Louvre
Drifting on the Yas Marina Circuit
Dune Bashing

The Maeklong Railway Market

If you are ever travelling to Hua Hin, Cha am or beyond, the Maeklong Railway Market is worth a stop. Close to the expressway and also the floating markets at Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak, a visit to the Railway Market is am impressive experience.

Health and Safety Executives in many parts of the world would be horrified by a market which is literally on an operating railway line. When a train passes by (on my visit it arrived at 11.10am), the market traders clear everything and the trains pass through. Very impressive.

The Journey to Nairobi

Uneventful Journey to the Airport Which was Packed When I Arrived

Not sure if there is a Pilgrimage or something but the ace was teeming with Indonesians or similar. 

Found the Iounge and then a weird walk to the airplane.  The gate was deserted and I think they had rounded up all  if the economy passengers and shunted them off first.

Peace and Quiet

I was fortunate to have a window seat, and an empty seat next to me. All looked good for an overnight flight to Addis Ababa. For the trip to work without jetlag it was essential that I slept on this opening flight.

Pleasant Layover at Addis Ababa

The lounge was spectacular

Impressive MRO facility and Ethiopian Airlines seem to have got their act together

Addis Ababa Airport

Addis Ababa to Nairobi

What a dump Nairobi is.  Airport a shambles, roads unfinished and people milling around everywhere.  Just what I expected. Dusty.  No traffic lights !

Watched the F1 and slept for close on 12 hours which overcame any jetlag.

This Blog has only recently been created (march 2023) and is based on my journal entries at the time that I made the trip.

Sad to say I was not impressed by Nairobi, but it was only ever a staging post for the journey to the Maasai Mara.

Back on the Road – Kanchanaburi

With pandemic restrictions easing again it was good to hit the road and return to Kanchanaburi. In addition to the spectacular scenery there is always something new to discover on each visit.

Jack Chalker in later life

After a day walking railway tracks and filming big cats, a time to relax at a hot springs resort. The Home Putoey Resort has a hot spring pool, and the water is very hot, overlooking a tranquil and spectacular lake. There is also a WWII War museum, where the original drawings of Jack Chalker, an English POW and acomplished artist, are on display. Jack Chalker died at the age of 96 in 2014.

New Year 2021 in Isaan

Heading out of Bangkok and Covid-19 paranoia to get above the clouds in the North east. Hoping for some cool weather and some peace and quiet. A big trip covering more than ten provinces, but making good progress on the project to visit all of Thailand’s provinces.