อุดรธานี / Udon Thani.

I had been once before, but it was a very short trip, and I had no idea where I was. This time was much better, with a family friend acting as a local guide. There is something about this town that fits me like a glove. Not only are the Thai people nice, but the Westerners living here are mostly American, many of them vets, and they are much friendlier than the cold-to-strangers Europeans that you'll come across in other Thailand cities. 

Remember when the U.S. Air Force had some bases in Thailand during the American War in Vietnam? Udon Thani remembers. Decades later, it still has a bit of that feeling remaining. At least it does for me. Not only will I be going back, but I'll be taking friends with me. This place is a time capsule in a very positive way.

Thank you, อุดรธานี / Udon Thani, for still being you.

20251218-20251220

ขอนแก่น / Khon Kaen.

The first time I went to Khon Kaen, it was just a landing at the airport and a mini-van ride out of town. That doesn't count. It has now been fixed. Lots of healthy people at the lake in Khon Kaen after work. Nice people. Nice town. I will happily return.

20251217

Let's not forget Central Plaza's Christmas Tree 2025.

20251207

A different อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยยาง / Huai Yang Reservoir.

This is not the Huai Yang Reservoir I usually visit near Suranaree University of Technology. Rather, this is the one near ปักธงชัย / Pak Thong Chai. It might be even bigger, and it looks pretty good. It doesn't have the food and drinks places that my regular does, but that's a good thing. Looks like a decent place to fish, although I didn't see anybody fishing.

20251206

Maybe the pond behind วัดหนองออก / Wat Nong Ok?

I guess the only way to confirm that this is, in fact, the pond behind Wat Nong Ok is to ride over there and see. Maybe soon...

20251204