Kevin's 2008 Motorbiking Holiday

In June 2008, Kevin arrived in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand having spent 5 days in Shanghai for the first time. After renting a Honda 250cc trail bike in Chiang Mai, he travelled north towards the Thai - Myanmar border and explored a lot of the remote villages along the northern frontier. After spending a day in Myanmar riding around the border towns near Tachileik, he proceeded eastward to the Golden Triangle, formerly an infamous opium growing region situated at the confluence of a river border between Thailand, Mayanmar and Laos.

After sampling numerous natural hot springs and waterfalls in the mountains, Kevin returned to Chiang Mai via Chiang Rai and Pai to return the trusty motorbike to the rental shop. A bit saddle sore after more than 1,500kms in 5 days, he flew out to Taiwan several days later and set out to explore the lush countryside along the mountainous Southern Cross Island road west of the city of Tainan. After staying at a the home of some local aboriginal people, he found a remote track at the 169km mark which he had read about on the internet. From there, a trailhead was then found further along the track which was difficult at first to locate. Seeking to find some legendary hot springs in remote forest called "Lisong" (described by a select few as absolutely sublime), he was alarmed to find that it was a 50 minute climb of practically vertical proportions straight down by ropes and vines. Under a beautifully clear sunny sky, it was a magical spot to relax, but getting back up was a most torturous exercise and took twice as long (certainly not for the faint-hearted).

With a well worn digital camera that has survived a few bumps here and there over the last few years, Kevin recorded a little of the journey to share with others. The following 7.22 minute clip has a mixture of live sound and music. Enjoy.

Thailand Myanmar and Taiwan 2008

Watch Kev's latest video of his motorbiking adventures here. He did this trip in June 2008.

Philippines & Vietnam Holiday 2007

We Miss Him

B: 26/10/1993

D:27/08/2007

SNOOPY

by Fred Mathieson

I’m all alone just outside the door

Barking and yapping tail banging the floor

I’d love to be inside where it’s warm and dry

I’m being ignored and I just don’t know why

They’re all sitting around having their lunch

I’m stuck out here with nothing to munch

I shouldn’t complain just do as I’m told

I know they all love me as I’m growing old

I’m only a dog I must lead a dog’s life

Do as they tell me or I’ll end up in strife

My Sister's Wedding

Northern Vietnam and Cambodia 2006

Kevin's 2nd Trip to Vietnam and first trip to Cambodia. He had an accident on this trip in Vietnam (North of Hanoi).

Kids' School Photos

Maxwell started Kindergarten this year (KL). He made several friends in his class and other friends through his big brother, Thomas. He was a little naughty in his first term as he cut his own hair (you can tell from this photo) and had a few restless moments in class. But he's settling in now and having a great time.
Max started playing soccer this season with St Michael's Knights club. He can kick the ball with either foot and making more new friends through the team. He might also re-start ice-skating lessons again during the next school term.




NOT HAPPY JAN! - Thomas is in year 5 this year and hasn't found it easy in class this year, but he's trying his best to adjust to a more intense learning environment with more challenging work for him in class.
He loves reading books by Anne Fienberg and Roald Dahl. He is sometimes a little obsessed with cartoons such as Teen Titans, Ben 10 and Mar on cartoon network, and will turn on that channel at any opportunity. Every Thursday afternoon he goes to drama class (never wants to miss or be late) and Monday nights he attends Cub Scouts. He is missing his swimming class on Tuesday afternoons as his instructor is away for few months.

Northern Vietnam 2005

Kevin's first visit in Vietnam in 2005.