Monday, August 21, 2017

The Lighter Side of Police Corruption in Bangkok, Thailand

My very pregnant friend, craving fruit in a way that only the pregnant can, managed to convince her husband to take her to market on the back of his motorbike. 
Somehow deciding that their sole helmet should be worn by the driver, the choice in judgement was heavily questioned by the policeman who pulled them over. 
Amenable and apologetic, they paid the fine of 300 baht directly to the policemen, as is the Thai custom.

Thai policeman
Continuing onwards, they realized upon arrival that they had no money left to spend. 
Lacking bank cards, instead of returning home, they went back the short distance to the policeman, nicely approached him, and asked if they could get a rebate on the bribe so that they could afford some fruit. 
He pulled 100 baht out of his pocket, and handed it to them with a smile. 

Even corrupt police are friendly in Thailand. 








 video: differences in police forces around the world


Sunday, August 13, 2017

Kilim Geo-Forest Park on Langkawi Island, Malaysia

the park sign as sign from the ocean
Langkawi Island, an island till covered by tropical rainforest off the coast of Malaysia. The locals are mellow, the island Islamic, and though slightly off the beaten off, if you're a nature lover it's well worth the visit as the island has much natural beauty as well as protected regions, and one the biggest attractions is Kilim Geo-Forest Park.
Take a slow (and fast) boat with a guide down the river and see the mangrove jungle for yourself. From the bat caves (hard to get any decent photos) to the monkeys you might see playing and feeding along the forest.
Check the video below, and then the photos, of what you're liable to find here in a pleasant half day excursion.
Videothe sights and animals of Kilim Geo-Forest Park (see the monkey?)

archer fish- they actually shoot water from there mouths to knock insect out of the air so they can feed
Shoe island- Langkawai, Malaysia. See it? See it???
the spectacular scenery

monitor lizard
an eagle, the symbol of Langkawi flying overhead
the dense, and smelly, mangrove forest up close
slightly common macaque monkey handling a crab it caught


baby faced rock- lock left and bottom jutting out

more rare species of monkey- would blend in perfectly if not for the white faces


monkey up close- has muscles