Dental departure

Funny, I was leaving Thailand to a place called Siem Reap, Cambodia. I had to leave Thailand because I was only allowed to stay 30 days, and they're pretty strict. I could pay for an over stay, but I am considering retiring there, and I don't want them to see I overstayed my welcome. I'd flown over Siem Reap on the way to Thailand. The funny thing is that Siem Reap means Siam's Defeat in Cambodian. I did learn to say thank you, which is Ah kuhn. They seemed pleased that I said it (as happens in most countries if you try to speak their language). It's just that they don't speak it anywhere else. The reason most people come to Siem Reap is to see Angkor Wat, and Angkor Thom, the ancient ruined temples found in the 1800's, mostly covered by roots of trees. Much has been excavated, some need to be repaired. They hd pushy sales people at the site as well. It was VERY hot that day, and with all the stairs at Angkor Wat, it was taxing to me. I don't think I...

Ok, I went to Phi Phi island, the Tiger Kingdom, Fantasea, Every major place to you, they take your picture, then want to sell it to you in a frame of some sort as a keepsake. It's pretty cheap, but, it adds to the weight.  The Tiger Kingdom has tigers you can interact with, hugging them, and holding their tail. They are somewhat sedated, but not o much that they couldn't walk around or take a dip in the water to cool off. Some say it could be abuse of a sort, keeping the tigers that way, but on the other hand, if it makes people aware of tigers, and yo bond with them, and you give to appropriate organizations that try to save them, then it could be a good thing. How else would you have the opportunity to interact? Fantasea is a park of sorts, lots of shops to buy in, a little fashion show,  and a proper elephant show with  a fictional story, or mythology, very nicely done. No seats were really bad because they had things happening all over, including above. The cit...

A note on travel to Thailand. First - DO NOT....DO NOT.... get Thai baht ahead. I saw rates in Hong Kong for as low as 26 baht to the USD, where here it is 33 baht to the USD. It seems there is a tax levied on overseas transactions, no matter where out of the country. There is an exchange place at the airport. Toilet paper - in the mall, it is on the way into the stalls, usually not in the stalls themselves. I guess that saves , and they only have to change 1 roll. Please learn please and thank you in Thai. It goes a long way. Sawadee ka(P) for thank you. The P is for the male, ka is said by the female. Kop kun ka(p) for thank you. Everyone says it, so you will several times a day. If you want to make sure you are clear, and understand, say ka(p). It's like the Spanish claro. or ok in English. Everyone will want you to use their massage, tuk tuk services, or want you to buy stuff. Be polite, greet them, but say no, if you don't want them. After seeing you, they won't ...

Looks like there was a communication issue. I had the graft put in when I was under. I now have my permanent lowers, and upper false teeth that is a bit hard to get used to....gag reflex. It also rubs a little on my right side but that will be a small fix. Liquids now for 8 weeks, then soft food until I come back. I can make that work. All bruising is now gone and I look like ME again. Teeth look great! I am writing this on the funeral day of King  Bhumibol Adulayadej', or otherwise known as Rama IX, of the Chakri Dynasty. He helped bring Thailand into the modern age, the longest reigning monarch - 79 years. He died a year ago, but they waited a year for cremation and funeral so they could make all the arrangements as would befit a king, with the religious rites, people coming to pay respects. I guess the small font is due to cutting and pasting the King's name so I would get it right. 

Got the dreaded impressions done. My Thai dentist is magic. Next appt., try the teeth, then bone graft, not as bad as it sounds, and I'll have laughing gas, then the final check. Yippee!

Time for the flip side, I ended up deciding on going to the hospital to get the implants. It's one of the best decisions of my life. The surgery took about 7 1/2 hours, and with a gag reflex........too bad I can't do it with impressions. Anyway, back at the hotel, quite swollen, but otherwise ok. I did find out I have high blood pressure, and am now on medication, so I'll try to cut out some salt, but it's partly age too. I look pretty scary, but it won't last. I've been binge watching Mad Men....very good. So glad my Netflix works here.If I'd known what kind of TV they had, I would have been able to use the Chromecast.