Photo above shows the start of the storms arriving above Khao San Road and below is Graham having a cold one in one of the many bars present in the nearby vicinity.
The last few days have been spent at Khao San Road "people watching" and trying to get up the energy to go and do some birding at Khao Sam Roi Yot and Khok Kham but feeling the way I have been I just haven't been able to do that much. I also think that after the high-light of the Spoon Billed Sandpiper moment and being able obtain the photo's I just feel that I won't be able to get that much of a "kick" out of much else right now and I believe this to also be a factor in why I find myself not bothering as much as I should do. I have been quite ill and spent hours just laying on the bed vomiting and watching the fan go around above me. As each day passes it grows's hot, real hot and it gets to the point where it feels like the sky is going to crack and split in two and that the sun is going to fall out of the sky above! Then finally the relief arrives, it arrives in the the form of a huge big storm above. First there are distant rumbles of thunder, the dark clouds get ever closer and then they light up from within where the lightning is starting to come alive, the clouds get closer and so does the sound of the thunder, the sky lights up from a fork of lightning or two that splits through the dark sky and then it arrives, the rain starts with jsut a few but heavy spots, then it gets faster, heavier and then the full flow begins, I welcome it as it cools the air and then it just pours and pours from above. The streets fill up fast with the water and travelers and locals alike all make a run for cover. The rain can last up to 3 hours at times and after this every where becomes a "slip & trip hazzard zone" After this I venture out from the Guest House and meet with Graham for our usual chin wag in Coffee World and then we take an amble through Khao San taking in the usual sights and signs (below) before grabbing some food either at one of the street stalls or restaraunts depending on if there is a live football match being shown of which I sit and watch many over the days here.
Video clip below shows a Chicken pad Thai being made and this is just so easy and quick to make it can be done at home in under 10 minutes. (Just for the foodies)