THE THREE ALPHA TRAVEL

Somewhere between the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan I finished Frank Herbert’s “The Santaroga Barrier”. Many people know the author of “Dune” – a great book filmed into a movie by David Lynch. I had no idea he had written so many other books.

The Santaroga Barrier by Frank Herbert

I really liked the book – everything but its ending. It does not follow standard science fiction conventions and at times it reminded when I was younger; devouring Stephen King’s novels withouth second thoughts. And it could so be a Stephen King’s novel I reckon. First thing it came into my mind half way through the book was how different was from Dune’s world and story. I guess it shows the author’s multiple talents but it is not what you expect from Frank Herbert after having read “Dune”. The similarities are there nonetheless though. “He who controls spice, controls the present and therefore the future” becomes in this book “He who controls Jaspers…”. Jaspers is a substance that gives the habitants of Santaroga some strange powers and resistance to the “exterior” world. Are they the rebels of their time or just some strange close-minded village people.

Read it and find out

Hello from the capital of Thailand! It was funny when I heard from somebody actually reciting Bangkok’s full and proper name which is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit!!!

Bangkok temple

There are possibly many Bangkoks but I have seen mainly two of them. The cultural part of the city lies on the south of the chaotic and up and bustling suburbs of Kao Sahn. The best temples and the palace can be found there. It’s a place more relaxed than the central Bangkok. The latter is a full of trafic and noisy place to be. That is where all the businesses and offices are – thus the rush. I had to see the center because I spent some days in the house of Mathieu, a French VJ that has been there for two years now. All in all it is a place I would go back to and why not a place to work at.

One thing you do understand when you visit the capital is that Thailand has been in the tourism game enough time now – probably the first country in whole Asia to have suspected the boom in the sector. While travelling and seeing more of the country I hope to find an authentic place or places (I know many would tell me; good luck) and meet the real people of Thailand. I will keep you informed on how that goes. For now goodbye!