Camille's Samui Info blog

15th November, 2009

2009-11-15T07:00:00.001+07:00

Today's weather;

Another unusual blue November sky is shaping up with a current temp at 7am of 25C.
Enjoy it whilst it lasts, since Wednesday wind and rain are predicted for several days in a row.

Yesterday saw another dry day with lots of sunshine and a max temp of 31C.

Camille

14th November, 2009

2009-11-14T07:11:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

A bit more cloudy than previous days but still it looks like the start of a nice day. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Yesterday saw another beautiful, dry and unusual November day with a max temp of 31C.

Camille

13th November, 2009

2009-11-13T06:59:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

Friday the 13th but no full moon and the weather remains gorgeous for November, a blue sky with just a few clouds in it and a current temp at 7am of 27.5C.

Yesterday was a lovely day with blue skies all day long and a max temp of 30.8C.
We're also about to finish the current IDC, have a look at my dive blog for an update.

Camille

12th November, 2009

2009-11-12T07:09:00.001+07:00

Today's weather;

More blue skies are over Samui with a current temp at 7am of 28.1C.

Yesterday was sunny and without rain with a max temp of 31C.

Camille

The yearly reminder, don't drown on your holiday!

2009-11-11T16:51:00.003+07:00

The yearly reminder, don't drown on your holiday!

I don't want to spoil your holiday mode, but unfortunately each year people lose their lives on holiday in ways that can be easily prevented. One of these ways is drowning because of rip currents or under tows. Each year I report about this, look here for 2007 and here for 2008 posts.

Each year, people drown on Chaweng's, Koh Phangan's, Phuket's and other Thai beaches because of these currents.

Using your common sense and watching out for signs, like this one in front of Centara Grand Beach Resort on Chaweng Beach with yellow or red coloured flags to design the danger level. Check out the warning signs all along the various beaches around Samui and other Thai holiday destinations.

In German and English, this warning sign in front of Malibu Resort, also on Chaweng Beach.
Usually it's older and weaker people that get caught out and most deaths attributed to "undertow" happen when people playing in the area where the waves run up onto the beach get their feet knocked out from under them when the water flows back down to the sea. They get dragged a short distance into the breakers, and aren't strong enough or knowledgeable enough to get back to shore.

Here's how a rip current works, if you get caught in one, swim alongshore to the left or right, to escape the seaward-flowing jet of water. Riptides can flow much faster than you can swim: if you try to swim directly back to shore against the current, you'll soon become tired and risk drowning.

Hope this helps and enjoy your holidays in Koh Samui and Thailand.

Camille

11th November, 2009

2009-11-11T07:03:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

Once more a for this time of the year rather unusual blue sky is shaping up with some nice and dramatic big white clouds in the background. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C.
Today is also armistice day, the day World War I ended on the Western front.

Yesterday saw lots of sunshine and the time we spend on Chaweng Beach as part of the current IDC had me slightly sun burned.
Max temp reached 30.4C.

Camille

10th November, 2009

2009-11-10T07:04:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

A blue sky is shaping up, right now it's a bit hazy but once the sun gets burning, the clouds may disappear swiftly. Current temp at 7am is 25.1C.

Yesterday saw plenty of sunshine with just one shower around 1pm. Max temp reached 30.3C.

Camille

9th November, 2009

2009-11-09T07:02:00.003+07:00

Today's weather;

Lots of blue sky together with cloud formations and a current temp at 7am of 25.3C. The prediction for the next 7 days is sunny and no rain.
Rather a strange prediction this time of the year when we expect and also need rain to fill the water wells that most houses have on the island. Especially strange considering the fact that in the deep South of Thailand six people are killed as floods wreak havoc in seven provinces.

Yesterday saw rain in the morning and it dried up in the afternoon, still cloudy but dry! Max temp reached 27.7C.

Camille

8th November, 2009

2009-11-08T07:03:00.003+07:00

Today's weather;

It's raining again, just started about half an hour ago, around 6.30am. Current temp at 7am is 24.5C.

Yesterday saw lots of rain during the morning but it dried up in the afternoon with some occasional drizzle. The amount of rain was only 75.3mm afor the day. Strangely enough the weather forecast of Windguru predicts sunny skies and hardly any rain for the rest of the week, except for the current day and this seems to be move on day by day it seems like.

Max temp reached 28.7C.

Camille

7th November, 2009

2009-11-07T07:03:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

It's very cloudy and since 6am it's raining cats and dogs with a prediction of rain all day long for today but no rain for the rest of next week. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C.

Yesterday started out cloudy but before 8am all clouds were pretty much gone and we had a sunny day all day long. Very surprising indeed. Max temp reached 31.5C.

Camille

6th November, 2009

2009-11-06T07:06:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

It's cloudy this morning and no sign of sunshine with a current temp at 7 am of 28.7C.
There's a warning for 10 southern provinces, including Surat Thani for "Heavy rain and strong wind-wave" by the Thai Meteorological Department.

Yesterday was a lovely day, strong wind but sunshine all day long and no rain. A very surprising day when probably all on the island expected the monsoon to start full on. Max temp reached 30.5C.
Yesterday the current IDC was well on it's way.

Camille

5th November, 2009

2009-11-05T07:03:00.003+07:00

Today's weather;

The sky broke open this morning and it's a surprising mixed bag of blue sky and clouds with a whooping current temp of 28.2C. There's a strong wind though.

Yesterday saw all morning long rain until just after noon. It stayed dry after but there was 125mm of rain yesterday. Max temp reached 28.2C.
All ferries to Koh Tao were cancelled two days ago, actually both the ferries, the Seatran and Lomprayah didn't leave Koh Tao due to the massive big waves on Tuesday and everybody is still stranded on Koh Tao.

Camille

4th November, 2009

2009-11-04T07:08:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

The rainy season or monsoon has started, like clockwork according to Windguru's predictions. Rain's coming down in heaps and nonstop, sometimes it drizzles and sometimes it just pours.
It will be interesting to see if the all the efforts of the new Tessabaan with the road construction and improvement will work. Last year there was plenty of flooding, which I expect now as well, but the difference with previous years is that they only last for a few hours compared to a couple of days. Definitely time to get the good old rain protection out of the closet!
Current temp at 7am is 25C.

Yesterday was still a dry day in the northern parts of the island although during the night the rain started in all seriousness. A couple of times I woke up because of the intensity of the downpour. A total of 50mm came down already.
With Imad I started an IDCS course yesterday and a new IDC starts today.
Max temp reached 30C.

Camille

3rd November, 2009

2009-11-03T07:07:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

It's a fairly blue sky with some occasional clouds in it, but the predicted strong wind has arrived and rain is expected later this afternoon. Current temp at 7am is 28.3C.

Yesterday saw a blue-ish sky with overcast all day long but no rain. Max temp reached 31.5C.

Yesterday we also celebrated the Loy Krathong festival and to show it's importance to the Thai people, HM the King also came out in the Siriraj hopsital in Bangkok, where he is admitted since October 23rd and this is only his 2nd public appearance since he was admitted.

Camille

Loy Krathong 2009

2009-11-02T19:43:00.005+07:00

Loy Krathong 2009

As usual this year's edition of Loy Krathong, a big Thai celebration was held at Wat Plai Laem and this time around I'm on Koh Samui, in contrast to last year when I was on Koh Tao.

We went early to the Temple or Wat to float our family Krathong. The temple was celebrating and partying since the last couple of days with bands late into the evening.

This this years family Krathong, made by my wife's younger sister and Mother in law.

All around the island handmade Krathongs were on sale and if you somehow managed to miss out on buying one, the temple had more than plenty on offer. In contrast to previous years though, no bread Krathong were for sale.

There was a big offering altar for the main building in the Temple.

As described in a previous post, there was ample chance to connect with more divine spirits. All the red flags are hanging on white ropes that somehow are all connected and lead back to the monks praying space/area.

Camille

Update on International School of Tourism, part of Surat Thani's Rajabaht University, Chaweng

2009-11-02T16:52:00.003+07:00

International School of Tourism, part of Surat Thani's Rajabaht University, Chaweng

It's indeed time for an update since for over a year nothing has happened, see my post from July 2008.

Besides a wall being recently build around the premises of the university with on regular intervals the logo of the Uni as pictured above, it has only been used for weekend classes.

Recently I received this update from ajarn Jennifer Lloyd;

Dear Camille and other interested readers,

I have been directed to this blog by a number of people who have seen your information about the opening of Suratthani Rajabhat University, International School of Tourism Campus.

Since 2005 I have been employed at Suratthani Rajabhat University as an English teacher and the International Relations Officer for the foriegn teachers on campus.

I would like to set rumours straight with regards to the opening of the Samui campus. It will open no earlier than the end of 2010. Due to unforseen circumstances it has been delayed on a number of occasions.

I know from my own visits to Samui and friends who live on the island that rumours are rife about the opening of the campus, so I hope my message helps.

Anyone interested in applying for future positions should send thier C.V and credentials to:
Suratthani Rajabhat University, International School of Tourism, 272 Moo 9, Tambon Khunthalay, Amphur Muang Suratthani, 84100.

Please mark for the attention of The Dean or Ajarn Jennifer Lloyd. Alternatively you can send it by email to jklloyd@sru.ac.th.

When the time comes for recruitment to start for the Samui campus all applicants on file will be contacted.

I hope this helps.

Kind Regards

Ajarn Jennifer Lloyd

2nd November, 2009

2009-11-02T06:59:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

Some sunshine finds it's way through big cloud formations, it's going to be an interesting day. Current temp at 7am is 28C.
Today school starts again for my children after a month long break.

Yesterday saw another lovely day with plenty of sunshine and a great days diving at Sail Rock, my dive blog has some great pix. Max temp reached 30.9C.

Camille

Welcome to November 2009

2009-11-01T21:09:00.002+07:00

Welcome to November 2009

A new month is on the rise and it's the wet month. As of mid week the rain is announced to arrive on Samui and just like in previous editions of November, better get your rain coats out. This is officially the monsoon month and in various degrees we will have rain, most of the days.
There even may be stretches of non stop rain for a couple of days.

We start out with Loy Kratong tomorrow and the weather forecast may just grant us one more dry day which would come in very handy indeed!

Let's hope for the best and let's make the best out of this month.

Camille

1st November, 2009

2009-11-01T07:01:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

A blue sky with some big cumulus clouds in it is out and about with a current temp of 25.5C at 7am.
Better enjoy it since as of tomorrow rain is predicted on a daily base.

Yesterday saw a blue sky all day long without it getting too hot. Max temp reached 30.3C.

Camille

Goodbye to October 2009

2009-10-31T18:22:00.002+07:00

Goodbye to October 2009

It's time to say goodbye to another month in 2009 and this time it's October. Christmas and the holiday season is closing in rapidly!

This year saw an excellent version of October, a lot of sunshine, not too much rain, you could almost say not enough rain and when it rained it was at very convenient times, mainly at night. The majority of Samui water wells are well dry by now and the water trucks make a good living right now. We are in the lucky position that we seem to have a very good well that so far hasn't run dry yet.

Besides the excellent weather conditions, I had a good month with a great IDC finishing and a nice trip for some wreck diving in Pattaya and a short visit to Bangkok where I managed to dive with the sharks at Siam Ocean World in Siam Paragon.

Back to the weather though, the October version of 2007 was not good at all but the 2008 version was similar to this years version.

A good month to look back to and it's about time to get the rain coats out again since it looks like some serious rain is starting early next month.

Camille

31st October, 2009

2009-10-31T07:49:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

A blue sky is roaring over Samui. Better enjoy it since early next week it looks like rain every day! Current temp at 7am is 25.2C.

Yesterday started out very nice but during the day it rained/drizzled a few times although the sun came back on various occasions. Max temp reached 30C.

Camille

30th October, 2009

2009-10-30T07:33:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

An almost pure blue sky is rising high and dry above our house with a current temp at 7am of 26.5C.

Yesterday was sunny and warm and no rain in sight! This may change next week though, a lot of rain is predicted after the weekend. Max temp reached 30.5C.

Camille

Bangkok Subway system or the MRTA

2009-10-29T19:19:00.002+07:00

Bangkok Subway system or the MRTA

After my write up of the Bangkok Skytrain system in February this year, it's now time for the MRTA or subway system to receive some exposure on my blog.
During my recent visit to Bangkok, I used the subway system each day and it's a very convenient way of getting around. It's a lot less crowded than the skytrain for starters, it only seems to get really busy during rush hour and the rest of the day you seem to have the stations almost to yourselves!

The skytrain and the subway system meet a few times, one station is Sukhumvit/Asoke and it's a convenient and easy way to get around downtown Bangkok. The only downside is that each transportation system uses its own tokens and if you switch transportation system, you need to buy a new ticket. There seem to be some talks under way though, to combine all various current tickets under one new ticket system for all public transportation modes in Bangkok.

Spacious cars are part of the system and the existing network is only 43.7 Km long but there are plans of extending the network with another 247.3 Km. Can't wait for the extension of both systems, it'll be fantastic and just what the traffic congested road in Bangkok really needs!

As you can see for yourselves, empty platforms during almost all the day and cool on top of that, in contrast to the typical hot day times of Bangkok.

Camille

29th October, 2009

2009-10-29T07:30:00.004+07:00

Today's weather;

Back home on Samui again and it's good to be here again. The sky is partly cloudy but laced with blue patches and some sunbeams. During my absence there was some rain but still nothing as compared to when the rainy season starts. Current temp at 7 am is 25.2C

Yesterday was a nice and dry day in Bangkok, lots of overcast with the occasional sun bursts and a max temp of 34C.
The shopping was nice and succesful and I visited amongst Fortune Tower again for some electronic bits and pieces. Truly an IT wet dream.

Camille

Nassir El Massri restaurant & shishah, Bangkok

2009-10-28T10:18:00.002+07:00

Nassir El Massri restaurant & shishah, Bangkok

Is in my opinion the best Egyptian/Arabian restaurant in Bangkok. Almost every time that I find myself in Bangkok, I try to make it at least once to this amazing place which is located in Sukhumvit Soi 3/1. Today, after my dive with the sharks experience I found myself back at this fantastic and rather exotic place in Bangkok.

I've been told by people that have been to Egypt, that the place looks absolutely like restaurants in Egypt and everybody I talked to is impressed by their food.

They also offer hookah's or shishas, the big smoking devices that are so typical for the Middle east and Arab world.

The menu is very authentic and very big, but a great way to start is with the tea, ideally with loads of sugar and mint leaves. Be aware that there's no alcohol served in this restaurant.

I love hummus and I tried the hummus with lamb, pictured bottom right together with an okra tomato based soup and some bread. Ready to dig in but I'm still waiting for some meat.

The meat dishes in this restaurant are fantastic, usually very juicy and fresh and lots of lamb dishes are on the menu. There was however one particular dish that caught my eye, something I hadn't seen before and since I like to try new things, I had to go for it. It took me a while to convince the waiter that this was really what I wanted and he tried to point out about every other dish on the menu, including a very tasty looking dish of the day with chicken. My mind was set however and I went for the lamb testicles. Once he understood that I really wanted to order this he was cool with it and probably thought what a funny infidel I am. He enjoyed my choice though and it was really good, I had the kidney / lamb testicle dish but it comes in various options. If this choice is a bit too wild for you, don't worry, there's plenty of more traditional food available, including chicken, fish and other lamb options.

This place comes highly recommend by me and the prices are very reasonable to cheap. if in Bangkok, try it!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-09-08T17:17:17-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-09-06T17:09:40-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

The September 2009 PADI IDC has been completed on Koh Samui, Thailand [del.icio.us]

2009-09-06T04:41:57-07:00

The September 2009 PADI IDC has been completed on Koh Samui, Thailand with PADI Course Director Camille Lemmens

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-09-05T17:09:19-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

Thaa Yai 2009 in Wat Chaweng, Koh Samui, Thailand [del.icio.us]

2009-09-05T03:01:28-07:00

Thaa Yai 2009 in Wat Chaweng on tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand

PADI Specialty of the Month September 2009; Project AWARE [del.icio.us]

2009-09-04T06:13:30-07:00

PADI Specialty of the Month September 2009; Project AWARE with PADI Course Director Camille on tropicl island destination Koh Samui in Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-09-03T17:29:33-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 3rd September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-09-02T17:30:22-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

Bandara Suites Hotel, Silom in Bangkok, Thailand [del.icio.us]

2009-09-02T08:10:10-07:00

Review of Bandara Suites Hotel on Silom in Bangkok, Thailand by local expat Camille Lemmens

EFR Instructor Course for September is bagged on Koh Samui, Thailand [del.icio.us]

2009-09-02T06:48:29-07:00

EFR Instructor Course for September is bagged on Koh Samui, Thailand with PADI Course Director and EFR Instructor Trainer Camille Lemmens

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 2nd September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-09-01T17:20:56-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 1st September, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-08-31T17:31:56-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens

Current IDC: the AI part has been completed on Koh Samui [del.icio.us]

2009-08-31T17:08:15-07:00

Current IDC: the PADI AI part has been completed on Koh Samui, Thailand with PADI Course Director Camille Lemmens

Camille's Samui Hotel recommendations: Al's Resort, Chaweng [del.icio.us]

2009-08-31T07:56:52-07:00

Review of Al's Resort in Chaweng on tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by local expat Camille Lemmens.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31st August, 2009 [del.icio.us]

2009-08-30T17:38:33-07:00

Daily weather update for tropical island destination Koh Samui in Thailand by Camille Lemmens