SONGKHLA - PEACE AND QUIET IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

I spend a lot of time in Penang , Malaysia, which is a great city but it is good to get away from the hustle and bustle to chill out somewhere different and within half a days road journey.





Songkhla is so laid back . 





Monks walking - Simila Beach - Songkhla


The main beaches are situated on or near Government land , which has meant that the area has not yet been spoiled  by high rise development  .







Local fishermen still use traditional methods not changed for centuries.





Muslim boys enjoying a picnic




Street food is easy to find and inexpensive 



A vast expanse of clean beach , the sea was also clear and perfect for swimming.



Local beach side cafes sell the freshest of seafood - i was amazed by the size of the Horse Shoe Crabs!!





The local students were really friendly and always wanting their photo taken.



I have no hesitation in recommending Songkhla as a much better alternative than staying in Had Yai .



So if you are in Penang , take a mini bus up to Had Yai , change to the public bus for a further 30 minutes , then you are in Songkhla ..a perfect short break not far from the border.

Bangkok Images

Bangkok is a major Asian metropolis and as such offers a wonderful insight into the contradictions of rich and poor.

Glistening shopping malls full of people paying homage to the God of materialism , sit side by side to the old sois ,where life goes on in much the same way as it did generations ago.

Modern very upmarket cafes offer the Thai middle class and tourists an air conditioned respite from the heat , humidity and ever present traffic . 

Major car companies even have their show rooms within one of the luxury malls , here you can buy your new Maserati or sporty Citroen and many many more famous marques.

Take a quick stroll outside., then jump on the Skytrain  ,back to the reality of life in another part of town.

This elderly monk was taking a rest from the rain shower.


I then wondered ..who has the right attitude to life ?

All photos taken by M.W.PhotoGraphy ..Bangkok ..July 2011

East African Portraits

Kindliness shone through this lady's whole being !!

She is known as  "Grandmother" to all the village , held in deep respect by many. I make a point of trying to see her every time i am in Tanzania visiting Philipo's parents.

I visited her at my friend's home ..it was a very personal journey.

All the children know her and love her .

These photos were all taken in Tanga . 

Muslim Kid on a Friday before prayers.

 

Brother and Sister playing on the verandah of their small home.

Friends in perfect motion.

Life is full of surprises

Going home under a night sky

So ..what u looking at me like that for mate?

Sunsets and Night Skies in East Africa

All the diamonds in this world

That mean anything to me

Are conjured up by wind and sunlight

Sparkling on the sea





I ran aground in a harbour town
Lost the taste for being free





Thank God He sent some gull-chased ship
To carry me to sea

Two thousand years and half a world away
Dying trees still grow greener when you pray




Silver scales flash bright and fade
In reeds along the shore
Like a pearl in sea of liquid jade



His ship comes shining
Like a crystal swan in a sky of suns
His ship comes shining. 

All photos taken at Tanga Bay ..North East Coastal Tanzania ..June 2011

Photos taken in East Africa

I had the chance to travel to East Africa in June 2011..so many wonderful photo opportunities ..hope you like this small selection.

I stopped at this local village shop near Thika ,Kenya, and these kids came to see who was in the car!!







It is a hard life for many but the hospitality and welcome was amazing , there is something special about living in a poorer area, community needs each other and people are not so selfish.


Traveling in Tanzania











There is no such thing as an over full bus , always room for one more .


This old mini van travels from Tanga to Pangani . 


Sometimes with about 25 people in a van that should take 13 !!
Makes for an interesting adventure .












Tanga is a major transport hub and people come in from all over  eastern coastal Tanzania to buy and sell.







This region is also known as the "Swahili Coast" . Tanga was a major port but in recent years has seen a decline in it's fortunes.





It is a sleepy regional town , one which i really liked , very peaceful with all faiths living side by side in harmony . 





The architecture reminded a lot of George Town , Penang. The British Colonial influence can still be seen in the 5ft ways etc.








Tanga Bay offered some spectacular sunsets.