Location! Location! Location! — Travels with George

We found a condo (D Vieng Santitham Condos) and we’ve moved in. The location is great, just 2 blocks from a large market and food court and 3 blocks from Tops, a large western style grocery store. Also in the neighborhood is a Thai Boxing arena and the Miracle Cabaret/seafood restaurant which is very popular with Asian tour groups.

We are in a one bedroom on the 5th floor (top) with a partial view of the mountains. When George noticed there were no screens on the windows, he was told that Thai mosquitos don’t fly to the 5th floor. The decor is mid-level IKEA, which means there is just enough storage space. We are lucky, we have a hot plate in the kitchen. Most apartments don’t. We also have a washing machine, a real bonus. Electricity (which we are told can be surprisingly pricey) and water are extra and we will pay those bills at the 7-Eleven.

George made arrangements for the delivery of drinking water. The system is very much like the milkman some of us remember from our childhood. George put a 200THB ($6.10) deposit on a crate which holds a dozen large bottles. When we need more water, he will put out the empty crate with 45THB ($1.37) in an envelope and later in the day our water arrives.

One of the charming and talented chefs in the food court with her assistant.

Food photos are so cruel! We have no idea what we are eating, but it's delicious.

See me waiting? We stopped for a snack on the way to dinner.

Bride and groom at the Tha Phae Gate, an entrance through the old city wall. It's a popular venue for wedding photos.