Big Empty World

So the other day I was looking at my world map, and I came across a country that I'd never heard of. I mean never heard of. And it was HUGE! Like the size of Utah, Nevada and Idaho combined. Gigantor. So that's where we are going today.

Desert - arid plains - occasional ridges and clifflike outcroppings - and ocean front property. But mostly Desert. Interestingly enough as a result of extended, severe drought, the desert has been expanding since the mid-1960s. Sometimes the sand dunes shift from place to place moved by high winds. The more north you go the bigger the dunes.

Several documentaries were filmed here, can you name a few?

Another country previously owned by the Frenchies, by the 60's they broke free. But it took till 2007 to get a free (and fair) election. Meanwhile, the country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population and White and Black Moor communities.

One thing you don't think about much anymore and to consider it in a country where they fought so hard for freedom. Although the government abolished slavery in 1980, there are approximately 90,000 black slaves (2003 estimate), mainly owned by African Arabs. The government rarely finds out about the slaves and when they do find out, punishment is not very severe. It breaks your heart to think this is still a modern practice.

Most of the locals still depend on farming for a living. Though many of the nomads and farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 70' & 80's. The coastal waters though have some of the richest fishing areas in the world and the surfing is top notch. Unfortunately overexploitation by foreigners threatens this revenue source.

Not really a tourist hot spot, it is basically up to you to find ways to entertain yourselves. But look hard enough you can always find something interesting. How about BBQed camel they cook up on street stalls in the center in the early evening - nothing like flamed hump at the end of a long, hot day. But if that is not your thing you can get a camel to ride through the desert. ( and well another barrier to travel here is that there is current terrorist attacks, so maybe not a good idea) There are several ancient cities to check out. These were relays on the long routes of the caravans, by which passed part of the trade and lasted for centuries. The arrival of Europeans on the coasts diverted commerce to trading posts which were created little by little on the coasts thus causing the ruin of these cities.

So we've learned that the land mass is huge, the population is small the desert is vast and the tourism is minimal. But there are hidden beauties everywhere.

Bet you didn't know

When you think of Scuba Diving you think of the Caribbean or Belize (or all the other hundreds of places I've told you about). But I bet you wont think of this place, well you will now, but... did you before?? When I first got into diving someone told me about going on a live aboard and just diving the islands for a few weeks. And you can dive with the elephants wa ha ha ha. It also holds the Guinness World Record for most couples married underwater.

Elephants are still highly revered in here. They are considered as the symbol of peace and prosperity. Known as the land of white Elephant. White elephants were highly esteemed and valued by the Rulers.

This area is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of its citizenry.

The main or more well known city is quite famous, well and the capital. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the east, a city where East meets West. There is even a song about one night there, can you name it? Known as one of the hottest city in the world, It may not be the hottest city in the world every single day but you can be sure it’s pretty consistent. Touring the Grand Palace (a large complex of palaces and temples) at 10 in the morning is almost unbearable due to the scorching heat. This city actually holds the record for the longest name of a city. What you say but it is only 8 letters long?? Actually it is short for Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit - say that 10 times fast....what?

If you like colors particular candy hues, you’ll be delighted by the streets of here because candy-colored cabs are everywhere! Unlike in other big cities where taxi cabs come uniform in color, taxi cabs here vary in hue depending on which company a cab belongs to. So expect to see lots of happy colors in the streets – bright green, sky blue, vivid orange, and my favorite – lovely baby pink cabs.

Also did you know there are 3912 7-elevens here? No you didn't.

Did you know the locals do not like someone touching them on head. They believe that soul, which is considered extremely sacred, resides in head. So, don't ever touch them on the head, not even a child. We all know underwear is pretty essential, but not as much as in here, where leaving the house with no underwear on can very well land you in jail. Going bare-chested in public is illegal too.

Sepak takraw is the popular sport here, Native to this region it is played by hitting a rattan ball and only use their feet, knees, chest and head to touch the ball. It appears in volley ball style, the players must volley a ball over a net and force it to hit the ground on opponents side.

Famous for Buddhism, it usually is the first thing you think of when one mentions this country. Serving in the monkhood is an ideal for all males in this area.

Several media outlets display this area but one of my favorites started the ever handsome Chow Yun Fat, (also same character also handsome played by Yule Brenner) but though this play/movie is very famous and has really catchy tunes, the locals didn't think it was an accurate portrayal. They never do, party poopers.

for some reason this are a is famous for snakes. the surprise is not why, there are lots and they are big and they're poisonous. the surprise is that anyone would want to be known for snakes . over 200 species of which more than 60 are venomous (have venom dangerous to humans) most dangerous’ as the one that most often bites humans and that most often kills humans in Thailand – the Malayan Pit Viper. A brown, thick as a shovel handle, snake that is a meter or less long.

But the thing we love about this place, the food. Noodles and Eggs and Chili Peppers. YUM add some shrimp... dubble yum.

Right now this area is suffering from sever flooding, so send your prayers their way. It is a beautiful, culture rich, happy people place.