PHITSANULOK TO HUA HIN, THAILAND


For this dispatch from Thailand, I would like to share a little bit about Chris and Helge’s adventures as the hosts of the TV series we are making about this journey through Indochina.  Since the beginning of our trip, we have endeavored to film as much as we can with the idea of creating a GlobeRiders series that is bigger and better than anything we have done to date.  Our main focus is getting off the beaten path and gathering stories about the local cultures we pass through.  I like to think that Chris and Helge are the hosts of the show, but the local people and places are the stars.  At any rate, I would like to share with you the following highlights of our filming from the 8^th week of the Indochina Expedition, to give you an idea of what kind of a pace we are setting.


Leaving Phitsanulok in Northern Thailand we stopped at a roadside clothing vendor where Chris interviewed the owner about the phenomenon of yellow shirts in Thailand. Why is the color yellow so important in this country? You’ll have to watch the show to find out why.


Later in the morning we stopped for a few hours of filming at Sukothai Historic Park where there is an abundance of carved stone Buddha’s dating back to the times when this was the capital of the kingdom. It was a situated in a beautiful and peaceful location.


The next day we rode from Phrae to Chang Mai, stopping along the way to shoot segments on a market that sells fried bugs among other things, an umbrella factory and a nighttime performance of the local Hill Tribe people.


The next day we went to an orchid and butterfly farm for filming, and then to a silver factory for a quick look at the jewelry making process. We shot a bit of footage when Chris finally got his new shock absorber and installed it, and then we concluded the filming that day with an evening stroll through he streets of Chang Mai where Chris and Helge learned all about Thai massage, tattoos and ozone hair removal (no kidding).


The following morning it was off to Tiger Temple for shooting a segment about the monks and their tigers. Then we rode on to the River Kwai where we filmed a trio of segments on this area’s history. On our way to Hua Hin we stopped at a picturesque but very touristy Floating Market and then filmed a piece on woodcarving in the afternoon. Finally, in Hua Hin, we spent a day filming all manner of fishing boats unloading their catch and Helge eating as much crab as he could!


All of this represents the “cultural exploration” part of the show. Don’t forget that we also have to shoot riding footage along the way, capturing some of the beautiful scenery that we are passing through. This one week on the road will likely be edited into about 25 minutes worth of television time. As you can see the pace has been brutal, but hopefully the end result will be a show that you will love. I’ve been putting Chris and Helge through the wringer on this one and they’re doing a great job. Thanks guys!



Greetings,

Sterling Noren

Greetings from Thailand,


We are riding along a beautiful mountain road in northern Thailand and a quick glance to the right reveals a huge reclining Buddha.  So we stop to take a look and wander around the temple.  This seems to be a common occurrence here, great riding with lots of sights to investigate.  A bit later Helge and I find a nice single-track dirt road running next to a river - a perfect GS experience.  There are rice fields to our left and the river on the right.  We work up a sweat and have to call it a day as the sun is setting.  I  haven't replaced my rear shock yet, so I had quite a bouncy ride.


In Chiang Mai the next day, we go to visit an elephant park.  They keep around 70 elephants there and we watch the show.  The elephants play a bit of soccer but the most amazing thing was that they have been trained to paint watercolor pictures! Chiang Mai is a great place and we have two days here.  But the best is that my new rear shock has arrived - thanks to Aaron and South Sound BMW!  At dinner we discuss our route for the next day's ride and we decide we want to take the Smugglers Road that runs along the Thai/Burma border.  The locals tell us it can be dangerous but we go for it and have no problems.


On our way to the River Kwai we stop at the Tiger Temple.  The monks have seventeen tigers that they care for, and you can also photograph and pet them.  I wasn't sure if I wanted another "wild animal" encounter, but it was fine.  We stopped at the Hellfire Pass Memorial - a tribute to the men who were forced to build the "death railway", over 200,000 people perished there.  The Japanese used POWs and forced labor to build a railroad from Thailand to Burma, 450 km long.  The bridge over the river Kwai was a part of this rail line.  We ride on to Hua Hin and visit the floating markets on the way.  In Hua Hin I visit the Marukhatayawan Palace.  King Rama VI built this magnificent beach palace of golden teak wood.  I spend three hours there - it is a great setting on the ocean with beautiful gardens.


We are headed south now, and it seems like our journey is coming to an end.  But not yet, as we still have more of Thailand to explore and then on to Malaysia and Singapore.  Stay tuned.


Ciao for now,

Chris