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Go Eco Growing mango trees from seed

2010-03-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

I really like the idea of trying to help people to help themselves so I have been on a mini campaign for myself to learn how to do things as cheap as possible that will generate the most benefit. For me to go out and actually grow a mango tree would be good but the cheapest way that I can do it is to put a post here on the Ecosea Dive site and encourage You to grow mangoes trees or for that matter any kind of fruit tree with the goal of feeding poor and improving their health.

One of the things that Obama is trying to do as well as the govenator is to improve the health of our youth by developing heathy eating habits. For me eating fruit was an adventure when I was a kid, as my aunt had apple pears and crab apple trees in her yard and if one wanted a piece of fruit towards the end of the season, you would need to go up into the tree and get it yourself. I had a big cousin who would pay us to go and get the big yellow bastards way up towards the top that he could not get to, as the tree would not support his weight that high up, as the branchs were smaller. So we got excersise and we got rewarded with fresh fruit which was allways delicious!

I was just out diving with my old dive company and they have a Dive camp on the islands and I thought what a waste that they don't have a bunch of free fruit growing like papayas , bananas, coconuts and mangoes so I sent this to my friend Guy who use to be a scientist and I am sure that he will get some of the trees growing now that he hs scientific detailed directions I hope that you start a few trees as well!

Growing mangoes from seed is actually quite easy. (All the seeds of the mangoes I eat, dry and freeze are thrown out in the garden as mulch, and they all grow...)

The most important step is the seed selection! If you take any old shop bought seed it may not grow true to type. The seed needs to come from what is called a "polyembryonic" variety.

What that means is that the seed will sprout several identical trees. And those seedling trees will be identical to the parent tree. They are clones.

Ideally you know the parent tree, it's from your area, grows really well and gets a bumper crop every year! If not, oh well. Get seed from a polyembryonic variety and at least you know that the fruit you harvest will taste the same.

(The most common commercial variety in Australia, the Kensington Pride—also known as Bowen-—is polyembrionic. It's also a vigorous tree and usually fruits reliably, so it is well suited for seed growing.
If anyone knows a good variety to recommend to US readers, please let me know.)

The best time to grow mangoes from seed is the beginning of the wet season (beginning of summer).

Eat a nice mango, remove as much flesh from the seed as possible and then let it dry for a day or two.

To germinate the mango seed you could just put the whole thing in a warm, moist place and wait for it to sprout. Then cut off all the seedlings except for one. (The smallest supposedly gives you the best fruit.)

Or, if you prefer to fuss over them (or if you have only one seed but want half a dozen trees) then you can carefully cut a corner of the fibrous big seed. Cut only just deep enough so you can see the two halves of the seed, and then break it open.

Inside you find several small bean shaped seeds. Hopefully they are white and not all grey or brown and shrivelled...

You can plant those mango seeds individually. They should take about ten days to sprout. I like to sprout my seeds right where they are to grow. That way I don't need to worry about hardening them off (getting a shade grown seedling used to full sun) or about transplanting shock. If you are worried about the little thing getting eaten, uprooted or trampled you can always put a barrier around it.

If you prefer to first grow your mango tree in a pot, follow the instructions for nursery trees when it comes to planting time:es of the seed, and then break it open.

Inside you find several small bean shaped seeds. Hopefully they are white and not all grey or brown and shrivelled...

You can plant those mango seeds individually. They should take about ten days to sprout. I like to sprout my seeds right where they are to grow. That way I don't need to worry about hardening them off (getting a shade grown seedling used to full sun) or about transplanting shock. If you are worried about the little thing getting eaten, uprooted or trampled you can always put a barrier around it.

The place where I got the information which I would suggest that you go and read all they have to say on mangoes, obviously very knowledgable and easy to read!

http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-mangoes.html

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Air Asia Flight cancelled Damnit!

2010-02-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

Man I am bumming hard, I was looking forward to booking a Air Asia flight from Bali to Manado to do some muck diving with a friend that is coming out from Aspen Colorado that I use to do a lot of diving with in Hawaii.

Anyway that Asia flight is cancelled as well as the flights from KL to Manado MDC, so now I need to go to plan B. I got offered a trip to Indonesia to go out to Komodo where I had gone last year and did a live aboard that the diving was good but I didn’t gel with the rest of the passengers so did not have the best of time and I have to admit it was me not the other guests. I was surprised that when I was in Bali I was able to find some cheap flights that I am sure I can get again and go out to Labuagn Bajo and do the diving again except this time do it as day trips and save a bunch of money and go straight to the really good Asia diving Crystal rock and the place where I put my batteries in backwards and did not get a single picture of all the manta rays a good enough excuse to diving for me!

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Dive Asia Full on Dec 29th

2009-12-22T04:23:00.000-08:00

Dive Asia Full on Dec 29th so you need to book early if you are planning a dive livaboard durring the holidays.

Dear colleagues and friends,

Please remember to book early and to contact us before making a booking to check availability. At this time we are fully booked on December the 29th already.

You can reach Dive Asia from 10 AM to 9 PM under 076330598 or 076284117.

Best Regards
Your Dive Asia Team

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Dive Asia Liveaboard Changes

2009-12-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

Dive Asia

Dive Asia has changed there operating dive schedule for the holidays this year Please consider them if you are going to be liveaboard diving in Asia this year and into the next.

I am in Aspen for the winter season so I will not see you until April at the earliest out on the dive sites around Asia.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Bangkok Dive Equipment

2009-11-19T01:36:00.000-08:00

Here is Bangkok Dive equipment news that you should check out really like the Dive lite i have been holding off buying one till the prices came down to reasonable and that looks fairly reasonable. I do know about you but I am real tierd of buying expensive batteries and then have the expensive batteries not even last two long night dives Now me and my Asia Dive buddies we can suck 2 hours out of a tank at 10 meters most of the old generation lights would have us going up way before that.

Hey with Global Warming the oceans in Asia are getting warmer so the the light weight rash guards work fine in most places that I dive except maybe some of the Bali diving on the islands like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan But for the Bali Wreck dive in Tulemben no worries mate!

AQUA NEWS - NEW PRODUCTS NOVEMBER 09

Express fins open a new way for the future generation of the full-pocket fin

The elastic rubberized zone in the full-foot tip allows the blade to bend obtaining the optimum flexibility. Once loaded with energy on the power stroke, the special full-foot tip zone will release the energy prior to the upstroke to provide an added boost of power - Patent Pending.

The strong rubber side ribs increase performances and lengthen the life of the fin. Express own large non-skid rubber patches.
AVAILABLE COLORS:
Black/Blue, Black/Red, Black/Grey, Black/Pink.

http://www.aqualung.com/dist1/content/view/269

price: (SRP: 2,680 THB)

Rash Guards 2010 - 2 new models

Fresh designs in exciting colors will make these an exciting addition to your Aqua Lung line-up.

Silver Vanilla Lady

Blue Night men

- Lycra is 80% nylon / 20% spandex
- Has a UPF (SPF) rating of 50+

Available in Short Sleeves and long Sleeves
Sizes Men: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Sizes Lady: XS, S, M, L, XL

price: (SRP: 1,480 THB)

http://www.aqualung.com/dist1/content/view/235/305/

ULTIMATE BURNING TIME : 50 HOURS with 4 AA batteries

The lamp head consists of high-grade steel, the body of shock-resistant and shatter-proof plastic. A newly-developed magnetic switch facilitates easy handling even with gloves. The chip has a service life of 100,000 hours, i.e. if the lamp is operated for 3 hours per week, the diode will last for 600 years.

Available in Black and yellow

Brightness: 120 lumens
Power: 3 watts Cree Led
Burn Time: 50 Hours
Battery: 4 AA
Weight: 220gr.

Trade Price: (SRP: 3,880 THB)

New wetsuit collection 2010

PSI Shorty 3mm

New design for a better fit
SBR Neoprene 3mm
New YKK zip, Flat lock stitches
Your logo can be printed on the wetsuit
More sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (ref.1.80cm tall), XXL, XXXL

Trade Price: 1,290 THB - SRP: 1,990 THB

PSI Wetsuit 3mm

Quality SCR Neoprene 3mm
Ankle and wrist zippers
New YKK zip, Flat lock stitches
Sizes: XS, S, M, L (ref.1.80cm tall), XL, XXL

Trade Price: 2,490 THB - SRP: 3,890 THB

New Equipment Bags 2010 - Built to last...

- New material 800 D for a longer lasting
- Zip and handle reinforced
- Bigger volume (1" increased per length)
- Transparent plastic pocket for your students name
- Pocket inside for accessories

- Logo or number printing available

Colors: Red / Black

Trade Price: 490 THB - SRP: 980 THB

Chalong Pier Road.
Phuket 83130, Thailand
Tel: (+66) 076 281 227
Fax: (+66) 076 281 073

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Dan Asia Diving Event Australia

2009-11-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you can go and support this Dan is a outstanding organization and we wish them continued success as advocates for Asia divers.

DAN Asia-Pacific & The Alfred Hyperbaric Service are hosting a one-day only 'Diving Safety Seminar' in February 2010.
We would appreciate your assistance in promoting this event with your divers, by emailing the below flyer to your divers and also displaying the flyer in-store (see below).

DETAILS

When: Sunday 21st February

Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm

Where: Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

Cost: DAN Members: $30, Non-DAN Members: $40
(Inclusive of morning and afternoon tea)

CLICK HERE to Download the PDF Flyer

We thank you for your assistance in promoting our Dive Safety event and hope to see you there.

Safe Diving,
John Lippmann OAM
Executive Director, DAN Asia-Pacific

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Bangkok Thai cooking class reciepes

2009-11-04T02:33:00.000-08:00

Here is two more Bangkok Thai cooking class reciepes from my favorite Bangkok Suhkumvit cheapest hotel.

Khai- Jiaw - Koonng - Sub
Thai Omelette with Prawn

Ingredients

3 eggs
1/2 cup minced prawns
2 teaspoon fish sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Preparations
Break the eggs in to a bowl,add prawns,fish sauce.Beat with a fork and deep-fry in hot oil.medium heat.serve with steamed rice and chilie sauce.

Tip; you can substituted prawn with chicken, pork or even with herbs such as finely sliced shallot and chilies or sweet basil leaves.

Khai Look-Khuey
Deep fried boiled eggs with sweet & sour sauce.
The name of this dish is tinglish in thai cuisine.Khai-Look-Khuey in English direct translate is Son-In-law-Eggs! that's why,I mail this dish to you.

Ingradients

3 boiled eggs
1/4 cup palm sugar
2 tabs.fish sauce
2 tabs.tamarind paste
2 tabs. crisp fried sliced schallots
1 tabs. sliced dried red chilies-deep-fry
coriander leaves and thin strips of red chilies for garnishing.
Preparations
Fry the eggs in very hot oil until golden brown.Drain and cut in half, then arrange on a plate.
Dissolve suger over the heat with fish sauce and tamarind,continue stirring until become concentrate then pour the sauce over the eggs .Garnish with crispy fried sliced shallots,fried chilies,coriander,red chilies strips.

Bangkok Cooking Classes

2009-11-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

We have been having alot of fun with the Thai cooking reciepes that we are getting from our Bangkok Hotel Suhkumvit here is a Thai cooking reciepe for free! Enjoy!

Tom Yam Goong

Spice & Sour Soup with Prawn
It is one of the well known Thai dishes abroad,this is spicy,sour.little bit sweet and little solty and fragrant soup.An ideal accompaniment to ather thai dishes with rice.

Ingredients

400g prawns,peeled and deveined,live the tail
2 sticks lemongrass cut in to pieces about 1"
5 slices galangal thinly
5 kaffir lime leaves torn in to pieces
2 thai coriander leaves cut 1" long
3-10 small red chilles crushed
100g straw muschrooms cut in to half
2-3 tbsp. fish souce or to taste
2 tbsp. lime juice or to taste
1/2 teaspoon suger
1 tbsp reasted chilli paste"nam-pirk-pow"
3 tbsp. milk
3 cups chicken stock"use chicken bont boil with the water"

Preparation Go here Thai Cooking Classes Bangkok

Asia Diving Philippines Island Gato

2009-10-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

As allways I am drawn towards the photos that I have taken while diving in Asia here is another one that I have just worked with Photoshop. I shot this at Gato Island which was some of the best diving in the Philippines that i have done.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Cheapest Flights

Asia Diving Philippines

2009-10-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have been spending a few weeks in the Philippines after getting hit with a typhoon in Manila I have to say that it has gotten much better.

did some diving Asia style in Cebu by Asia style diving I mean cheap and some was even deep. Saw a few sharks in Cebu 5 white tips on one dive at Malapasqa island and even ran into a divemaster trainie from Ecosea Dive in Cambodia

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Asia Diving Cebu Philippines

2009-10-27T04:09:00.000-07:00

An old friend of mine from Waikiki Hawaii Jim B and I went and did some Asia diving in Cebu Philippines and we had a great time I was told that this is some of the best diving in Asia and sort of agree with that. In Moalboal the diving was just OK the deep sights were nice but there really wasn't anything spectacular. we went to Pescador island with the hope of seeing whale sharks and we were disappointed. I spotted a couple of smaller white tips and some barracudas otherwise was not as we expected. the only really cool thing that I saw was a juvenile bat fish that was a treat. I also expected to see more butterfly fish in that regards the diving in Puerto Galara was much better.

Malapasqua Island was very expensive but Gato island was quite good. We were hoping to see the thresher sharks but they were not seen on the two days that we were there. On Gato we had our expectations lower and we were quite impressed with the size of the white tips in the holes and the soft coral. there was allot of other stuff like nudibrachs some nice angel fish and the night dive was wicked with lots of different sea horses pipe fish and a huge cuttlefish that was sitting still for quite a while as we took its photos. The purpose of the night dives was to see the mandarin fish and we were given a great mating display.

Jim and I felt that the hotel prices were way to high in Malapasqua and we did not even have electricity 24 hours and in Moalboal we had a great room for only 1000 p a night and that was air-con hot water and ocean front which would make that a great place to visit just for the cheap beach hotel.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Asia diving in Philippines Moalboal

2009-10-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Asia Diving in Philippines Cebu Moalboal which has been on our list of places to dive in Asia for a while. We were told that this was a good place to see whale sharks which we did not see but we saw alot of other cool stuff like my first juv bat fish which I loved I will stick a youtube video in the next few days of it.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Scuba Diving Asia Cebu Philippines Malapascua

2009-10-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Scuba Diving Asia Cebu Philippines Malapascua

Getting ready to do some scuba diving in Cebu Philippines, I had dove here in Cebu Bohol off Alona Beach in 2005. We are looking forward to getting to the other parts of this dive destination island.

The first dive area that we are going to go to is Malapascua which is at the top of Cebu. We will be leaving from Cebu City and take a bus up there which should cost us less than 5USD then we will be staying in a resort hotel in Malapascua and we will be paying right around $20 USD for the night for a air-con room with a view of the ocean Not a bad deal for a cheap room in Cebu Philippines.

For the diving they are going to rent us equipment for $6 a day and the dives will be around $25. We are excited as they have lots of pelagic and we expect to see thresher sharks and white tips and they spotted a whale shark in the area this week so we will keep our fingers crossed that we will see one of those huge friendly sharks.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Asia travel Swine flu

2009-09-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

below is a little tidbit from a article that I have on my Cheap Charlies site on swine flu. I put this here as a lot of people like to be Eco tourists and this is a simple way for you to give back to the world at large while traveling in Asia.

You can also be good eco travelers by teaching locals to cough and sneeze into their elbows, demonstrate how to do it correctly and then demonstrate the wrong way. Start by waging your finger in the universal no sign and show how virus are transmitted to them by sneezing into hand and then touch something like a desk or table, then parody having someone else touch the same spot and bring to face pointing at eyes, nose and mouth and then parody being sick. Then re-demonstrate the correct way and smile. They will understand this and hopefully that will virus into their community rather than a real virus!

for the full artcle click here Asian travel Swine Flu

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Thai Cooking Classes

2009-09-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

We went to see a Thai Cooking Class at the Isan house which use to be the Thaihouse 2 cooking school over on Soi 5 Suhkumvit above Foodland.

Now they have moved their Thai Cooking classes into a great refurbished villa that is right in Bangkok, but seems like it is some where else as the garden is huge and the neighborhood very quiet.

Tor the owner is quite amazing as she speaks 4 languages and is a awesome cook but more important is that she is a great teacher very patient with a fun sense of humor that is quite contagious.

This Bangkok villa is full of pictures that shows a real life Thai family including there spiritual advisors who have a shrine right by where you enter.

The garden is an on going project with little trees bushes flower beds and art work scattered about. You have the option of sitting Thai style on mats on the wood deck or you can sit at tables up to you.

After the cooking class is over you can stay and watch the dinner show if you like and see a really hot band that plays authentic Isan Music using traditional musical instruments the one that interested me was a huge multi-barreled flute like instrument that was playing most of the leads with a bass and lead guitar also playing.

3 Thai lady dancers reminiscent of Khmer Apsara’s dance in rhythm to the music and it was not hooky as these things tend to be. Well worth a night of your Bangkok vacation.

Dive Asia Phuket Back Diving

2009-09-12T00:38:00.000-07:00

Dive Asia is a Asia liveaboard that operates in Thailand Asia has some of the best diving in the world and this is some of the best diving in Thailand I have dived alot of these locations and they worth a visit.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are happy to inform you that we resume our Daytrips with the MV Dive Asia II from Tuesday the 15th of September with Raja Noi & Yai.

Here a quick reminder on our daytrip schedule valid until 31. Oct 2009

****************************************************************************

Discover Phuket's local Dive Sites with 1 Day Dive Trips

Monday : Shark Point 2 Dives 3200 Baht
Tuesday : Raja Noi & Raja Yai* 3 Dives 3700 Baht
Wednesday: Phi Phi Islands* 3 Dives 3700 Baht
Thursday : Anemone Reef 2 Dives 3200 Baht
Friday : Raja Noi & Raja Yai* 3 Dives 3700 Baht
Saturday : Phi Phi Islands* 3 Dives 3700 Baht
Sunday : Raja Yai 2 Dives 3200 Baht

****************************************************************************

Thank you once again for your continues support. In the mean time, we very much look forward to welcome you and your guest aboard.

Best Regards and have a nice weekend,

Your team @ Dive Asia

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog Blue-Spotted-Stingray.pdf

Cheap Eco Common Sense, Easy, Save money Now!

2009-09-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

I wrote this as a article a while back and it still makes alot of common sense and saves you money. The biggest thing in my mind that need to happen is to get people thinking, and more importantly, acting on the enviroment. The best place to start is right where you are standing. Think about this if you are standing anywhere near an ocean Bangkok LA or New York or Hawaii how much of an inconvience is going to be for you if the oceans are just 10 feet higher than they are today? Scares the shit out of me and I spend alot of time in Aspen Colorado.

The thing that I like the most about this is that you are thinking about the environment, and hopefully the people that are going to be severely affected by the rising seas, the shifting and more cataclysmic weather and the reward of money that you are going to keep in your pocket. Going green should be though of as saving green because the less energy you use, directly affects the money you burn up needlessly. Save it up to get a happening hybrid car and sell the SUV and the money you save on gas, get the kids a really cool bike, they will be healthier for it.

1) Turn off lights that you are not using. MythBusters which is on the Discovery channel proved without a doubt that turning off the lights is going to save you energy and if it is in the summer time, it will reduce the heat being generated in the room, which will keep the room cooler, meaning les air conditioning.. Make a game out of it, and collect money for the electric bill every time that they leave a light on, nothing like a little incentive for the little energy wasters!

2) Clean the filters on your air conditioner and your furnace. Give the poor things a break, and let them work less and you save money at the same time; again this is good for everybody except for the energy companies, but hey, haven’t they taken enough of your money all ready!

3) Turn down the water heater. Come on you can do it! I didn’t say turn it off, just turn it down a little bit, especially in the summer, try to get it so that the last one taking a shower in the morning has to hustle a little bit, before the hot water runs out, that’s the perfect setting! And when you think about it do you really need to steam up the whole room so much that it looks like you got a fog machine going on and you come out looking like a lobster nah!

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Bangkok Skytrain to Airport Opens Dec 5Th?

2009-09-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

Awsome news We have been waiting for this for a long time interesting there will be a express that will tke you into the Bangkok City center. For me though I will be able to get off at Nana and be at my favorite Bangkok Cheap Hotels
BANGKOK: -- The long-delayed Airport Rail Link project, providing direct rail service to and from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, will start providing free service to the public from this December 5 which coincides with the birthday celebrations of His Majesty the King, said State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor Yuthana Tupcharoen.

People interested in free rides on December 5 may apply for tickets beginning October 1 at either the Airport Rail Link office or at SRT headquarters, Mr. Yuthana said.

Test runs of the system have been conducted since February by Siemens, the manufacturer and installer of the rail system, and no problems have been found. However, independent engineers will inspect the safety system for the next three months and if no problems are found, the system will be ready for operation.

The SRT board has also hired Deutsche Bahn International of Germany for Bt85 million to train Airport Rail Link staff. The board exports to launch the system on December 5, Mr Yuttana added.

The 28-km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport in adjacent Samut Prakan province and the City Air Terminal in Bangkok’s Makkasan area.

The Airport Rail Link is owned and will be operated by SRT, through a subsidiary company, which will administer the overall operations.

According to a preliminary study, the fare for an express trip will be Bt150 per person, while fares for the City Line commuter trips, will vary from Bt30-50 per passenger.

Transport for airport express riders and local commuters will run on the same track with the same equipment, but with a staggered schedule.

Premium-fare express services will run on the hour between Suvarnabhumi Airport and City Air Terminal, while the City Line service will stop at six local stations along the route.
Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Asia Cheap Travel food

2009-09-01T18:25:00.001-07:00

Asia Cheap Travel
Originally uploaded by chuck.miser

Asia Cheap Travel as a Cheap Charley I try my best to keep my costs down and I also am trying to keep my weight down as well, I have modified my travel kit a bit recently, I still drink Nescafe, but I buy it in bags and get the kind that is just the Coffee, not the sweetener and the creamer When I get to a new spot I buy a small thing of real milk and pour that in.

I also have cut out the noodles. For just a little bit more anywhere in Asia you can get something to eat that is much better for you that the Ramen noodles. In Cambodia, I really like the local sandwiches and I ask them not to put as much of the yellow lard stuff, I really like the fresh ingredients. When I am get the chance I also get the Papaya salad which is awesome. I also keep an eye out for fresh spring rolls, ah the joys of cheap Asia travel!

Flickr

2009-09-01T18:06:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

PADI Eco clean Ups Asia Scuba Diving

2009-08-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

One of the highights and fun times of the year every year was out twice yearly clean ups in the first years that I owned EcoSea we organised the first beach cleans in Cambodia and then after those events were taken over by the community we did more reef clean ups.. The highlight for me was when found a cat shark that was trapped in a phantom net which unfortunatly Cambodia has a lot of in the water and we were able to set it frree and the little fella swam off.

If you get the chance to participate I highly recomend it to every one and many times it is a cheap dive day with a purpose.

There's only 4 weeks to go until International Cleanup Day – register online now!
As a Go ECO Operator you will understand the importance of data collection and raising awareness about marine debris.
The data you collect is included in the Global Marine Debris Index. Project AWARE’s data collection efforts are recognized by the United Nations but a continued drive for strong consistent data is the key to help inform, reform, educate and legislate.
Your support is needed to ensure our region is represented so register today.
Too busy to coordinate a cleanup this year? We understand it may be difficult to be involved every year, so if you would like to make a gift to support underwater conservation all funds help safeguard irreplaceable underwater environments for future generations.
You can either join the Fundraising Challenge or make a donation. A gift of $30 can go towards the cost of funding critical cleanups. $100 can contribute to important advocacy to enforce protection of threatened species.
Thanks to the efforts of key fundraisers and Go ECO Operators in 2008 Project AWARE raised an amazing $13,949 for underwater conservation. THANK YOU.
Now is the time to join the exciting cleanup challenge, raise funds and have fun, fun, fun. To make sure you receive your free cleanup bags or shark mask straps complete the Fundraising Challenge pledge today.

As the momentum builds for International Cleanup Day 2009 we hope we can count on your support once again.
Happy diving
The Project AWARE Team
PS Online donations of AU$30 receive a free cleanup bag, tell your volunteers and make a gift while stocks last.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Laos Cheap Hotels & Guesthouses Deals

2009-08-14T02:23:00.000-07:00

I spent alot of time in Asia and I am surprised that it took so long but I have finally made it to Laos and I wish that I had come here sooner. Laos is very laid back and very friendly just like I have been told. I was also told that the guesthouses & hotels were not good deals which I am finding is not true perhaps it is becuase we are here int he Shiney season but the cheap hotels that we have been staying at have been some of the best deaalso so far that we have found for budget accommodations & Cheap hotels in Asia almost as good of deals as we have gotten in Bali Cheap Hotels.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Bangkok Foriegn Exchange Currancy

2009-08-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

In Bangkok near my Bangkok Cheap Hotels on Suhkumvitt and Soi 7/1 across from the subway is a foriegn Exchange that has by far the best currancy Conversion rates Forex today wile everyone else has Baht to Dollar rates of 33.66 to the Dollar they are giving 33.92 which is a significant number if you are changing more that a $100 USD for $100 USD you save 1 dollar roughly so if you exchange 1000 you save $10 bucks that is real money folks!

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Asia travel Bangkok News

2009-06-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Our friend Jim who has lived in Bangkok for many years is starting a newsletter if you are interested in Asia travel and what is going on in Bangkok and thailand news this is a good resourse fro you to check out.

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

Jim our man in Bangkok news letter
Issue No 2
This is the last

FREE,
Issue of this news letter from Bangkok

Payment details are on the e-mail cover letter.

Right get your self a cup of tea, coffee, cool drink or a beer, and give a little time to read this letter.
Getting in the mood, after reading the first paragraph, close eyes arms hanging down at your side and see in your mind what you have read.

I am sitting having lunch in what is probably the biggest shopping store, or mall. I have ever been in. I am thinking to myself. I am lucky. I have four-days to shop until I drop, then its back to the usual grind of being an air hostess, but for now it's time to shop and shop. Things are so cheap, and the staff is so helpful, I have left bags all over the place, and when I finish I will collect my entire bags jump in a taxi back to the hotel. Now a quick cup of coffee, get the caffeine back up, then it's a charge on, we got in late last night and for sure, I will have an early night tonight.
So now it's about 3 30 p.m. I have collected all my bags, of which there are about 20, and one of the kind staff are assisting me out to the shop and trying to wave down a taxi. I think I remembered reading in someone's newsletter about Bangkok at 4 p.m. the taxis change shifts, we have stopped at least five or six taxis, and none of them want to take me back to the hotel, at last, a taxi that's going my way.
As I shuffle myself and my bags into the taxi. I notice it's getting quite dark, and a cool wind appears on the scene. Suddenly there's a bright flash, followed by large bang and the heavens open up the rain that falls is unbelievable, the windscreen wipers of the taxi having almost no effect at all, traffic is creeping along the road as flashes of lightning and claps of thunder continue, not to worry, I'm dry in a taxi.
We finally arrive in front of my hotel, I'm trying to get out of the taxi and get the bags at the same time, the rain and the wind driving down on me and my shopping. I fumble for my purse which is in my bag the rain is getting in my bag in my purse and in my shopping The taxi has only about two inches of his window open and two fingers sticking out waiting for me to pay him, so quickly. I give him a 100, baht note, window is closed, and he's gone, leaving me standing there with the rain driving down on me and my shopping. What is wrong with my foot, I look down and see, my heal of my shoe is broken, but still attached to the shoe, this must have happened while I was trying to get the bags out of the taxi, dam should have bought more shoes. With this I pick up my bags, I'm wet the shopping is wet, and I hobble into the hotel, leaving little puddles of water wherever I go. Whilst getting my key, the staff is telling me to quickly shower, dry well, or I will get sick. Entering the lift with my bags, leaving little puddles, wherever I go, get out of the lift and along to my room. On entering my room I noticed I was shivering, so dump everything and strip off all my clothes rushing to the bathroom and a hot shower.
The hot shower was really good, and after leaving the bathroom I gaze at the wet clothes wet shopping and think I will attend to this later. As I sit on the bed ,this feels really good maybe I will take a little knap, so off with the towels, and slid under the covers, God what a day, great shopping, good prices and that rain. A small grin is on my face as I drift into sleep, thinking this is almost as good as sex.

Ok if you’re all done let’s get on.

Overview

My fear as mentioned in my last newsletter that Thailand was in a delay mode. This week, the fruit farmers were the first to suffer, not only did they have a bumper harvest with 40% going to the local market and the remaining 60% for export. This unfortunately is not the case, the 60% have not been bought by the exporters, the government has rushed in to offer the farmers a minimum price, which will allow the fruits to go on the market for as little as two baht per kilo. Cassava is also suffering the same fate, and it is low as one baht per kilo. Rice was the next product to be effected and the government has bought some 2,000,000 tons, and stock piled them.
This situation can only get worse as exporters are not buying the products as they intern have no buyers. The government is rushing to borrow money from anywhere, how long can this situation be sustained, even if the West recovers from the downturn. It will still take time for situation to return to normal. So if you are a big fan of Lynches, Mangostine and Rambutan at these prices get over here.

Economy.

This seems pretty normal and as yet there seems to be very little change, apart from some products, as mentioned above, being very cheap at a large cost to the government. The government announced this week; they would give to unemployed people. Some 50,000 baht to start their own business, I don't know of any business in Bangkok that you could start for 50,000 baht, the rents are so high and what product or service would you offer that is not already in the market. The government also removed subsidies on gasoline and diesel stating that they no longer have the budget to support this. As oil prices have risen as and when this filters into the market we can expect a price rise in transport, which will then affect prices, taxis seem to be a little bit more expensive than before.

Political

The Prime Minister was on radio and TV and has asked that all politicians remain available in Bangkok from the 15 to 25 June. There are some very big changes that I think the Parliament will have to deal with, and if it concerns changing laws or the Constitution, they will have to have a full Parliament present. Unfortunately, we will not know the answers to this until after 25 June, so this will be in my newsletter of 1 July. I feel sure the red T-shirts are planning something. Between 15 and 25 June, I hope there is not too much disruption in the city of Bangkok.

Tourism

This has not changed from my last letter; In fact it has got worse. Now the rainy season is here traditionally tourist arrivals would be down, coupled with the fact that the airlines have not reduced the cost of tickets, we can expect very few arrivals. I think most hotels are discounting their rates and offering all sorts of bonuses to those who say there. I will have further information on the outlying districts as a friend of mine will be visiting Thailand, next week and plans trips to both Udontani and
Pattaya. This will give us feedback from those who live in those areas as to how bad the situation is, most outlying districts of suffering badly do to lack of tourists and also the fact locals are not traveling, to those Districts. More on that in my next news letter

What’s on offer and discounts

There is a full international Jazz Festival that will take place on 12 15 of June at the beach resort of Hua Hin. This festival is to celebrate the 60th year of his Royal highness the Kings attainment to the thrown. There is no charge for the public to attend this festival. It should be a very good weekend by the sea.

Everywhere in Bangkok is now advertising, grand Thailand sale, every item, whether it be brand-name or made in Thailand is offered at between 20% to 80% discount.
Now, it's a paradise, for shopping on any item you can think of. Remember as a tourist, you can also get 7% VAT cash back on all items that cost more than 5000 baht. There are still good deals on many resorts all over the country. This is being done to encourage tourists and locals alike to spend money. I saw silver jewelry on a market stall local made but well known brand will not turn black after a while 5-10 baht a piece

Traffic.

This is much the same as I mentioned in my previous letter. Only with one more ingredient added to the chaos that already exists, the rainy season has arrived.
This unfortunately, will be the sad case for the next four months, as that's how long the rainy season is expected to last. If you are planning to visit Thailand in the next few months bring your umbrella and carry a pair of flip-flops. So that if you are caught in a flash flood, you can change from good shoe to flip-flop and before you leave, you can throw the flip-flop away.

Transport

The free buses are still going, for how long I do not know as the government has just decided to buy 4000 new buses that are fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. The sky train has now officially opened the section that crosses the river at Taksin Bridge and goes on to one station the other side. The cost to take this is FREE for the next three months, it's a way of getting the people to try it and if they like it, to pay for it after three months. The river taxi has complained bitterly to the governor of Bangkok. They have lost some 20,000 passengers a day, which no longer use their services and use the sky train; instead, you win some you lose some.

Prices

They are falling all the time and on so many items hotels, shopping, resorts, to many to list here. I think the food prices; will also come down in the domestic market with domestic products, a little bit of dumping could well be on the cards, if you can not export the products, what are you going to do with it. I mentioned above about the fruits and I feel many more products will also get the same treatment, what choice has the government. There are no exporters buying they in turn have no buyers to export to.
Booze in the pubs and clubs is not as cheap as before and the customers are also not there as in the past. I have noticed that a music pub that had 2-3 bands a night is now only running 1 band with breaks; they are also feeling the pinch
Some pool bars have closed and I think a few more to come as they were everywhere.

Where to go and Holidays.

I have put these two together as they about the same.

This time of the year with the rains upon us ,places like Phuket in the south is not a place to be, most venders close up and what is there is very poor compared to the high season. The Andaman Sea is very dangerous at this time of the year and only a few days ago a visitor drowned.
It is a good time to see the north of Thailand, garden of Thailand as its known everything is growing at full pace you can get deals on resorts in the hills. The climate is also not as harsh as Bangkok. Clean air for a start, good fresh food cool nights and spectacular storms lightening thunder the whole nine yards.

Heard it on the grape vine

There was a comment on the news a Prof, of high respect wants Thailand to go back to the old name of SIAM. He stated that Thailand was not a legal name but Siam is I am not sure why this would be good for the country. Thai airways, is thinking of canceling the order for A380 air craft, no money I think. The Swine Flu has hit Pattaya with over 40 cases confirmed that will not help the resort attract tourists.
Again the government is buying palm oil, tapioca and corn in the hope that at least farmers will have money back from this year's harvest. How long can they keep this up, because they need to borrow money from the markets and banks? This coming week, as mentioned before, all politicians have been asked to stay in Bangkok and not to leave the country, their votes are going to be needed. It will be interesting to find out what the Government proposes from the 15th to 25 June. They have also increased the danger money for government and education workers in the south of Thailand to 2500 baht extra per month.

Where do we go from here?

Sales, this is the key word; I think it's time to look outside the box. The days of opening a shop stocking it and hoping people will come have past. If the people won’t come to the shop, then take the shop to the people. Let's face it; if you have a shop, you have stocked it and that's money invested so to invest small additional money for transport should not be overly expensive. Now you are able to take your stock to the people. There are many reasons that people will not come to a shop and buy such as no time, transport not easy and expensive, the weather, to hot to cold raining, can not carry very much, you taking your shop to the people, you have overcome at least 99% of the reasons for the people not to shop.

This is certainly a good time for anyone outside of Thailand, who is thinking of importing to their country, to come and have a very careful look at what's on offer in Thailand and see if this is a viable proposition. The export promotions department of Thailand are bending over backwards to help and assist any interested party, that is looking to export from Thailand. If this appeals, to you and you would like to visit Thailand do not forget to take out travel medical insurance as swine flu is everywhere,
Hospitals in Bangkok are very good and also very expensive. If you're looking for a good hotel with a 50% discount on the room rate then contact me
This wraps up this edition of the newsletter. I hope you have enjoyed it and found it useful. Remember follow the instructions on the cover e-mail. So you can continue to receive this newsletter twice a month for the following year

Thanks

JIM.

Asia diving adventures whales!

2009-04-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

This is Masa ( I am from Japan and live in Perth )

I am operating these 3 company in Perth Western Australia like below
I have been living and operationg company in Perth for more than 21 years

These are our company
West Australia Travel and Dive Centre
West Australia Dive Centre
Dive & Safari Australia
http://www.watravelanddive.com/english/index.php

Today I wish to send our dive brouchers for Humback Whale Swim in Tonga
http://www.watravelanddive.com/english/daw/whale_1.php

I hope I can arrrange your trip to tonga with my experiences

Best Regard

Masa Takashima
World Dive Cordinator from Japan and Perth

7 Night 8 Days Humpback Whale Swim in Tonga
Mounu Island Photo
　　
Tuesday 19:25 Depart Perth
Wednesday 05:45 Arrive Auckland
07:15 Depart Auckland
11:05 Arrive Tonga (Tapu)
14:50 Depart Tonga (Tapu)
15:20 Arrive Vavau
1st Night Stay Twin View
Thursday Free Day Optional Tour 2nd Night Stay Twin View
Friday Free Day Optional Tour 3rd Night Stay Twin View
Saturday Whale Swimming (Endangered Encounter ) 4th Night Stay Twin View
Sunday Whale Swimming 5th Night Stay Twin View
Monday　　 Whale Swimming 6th Night Stay Twin View
Tuesday 08:20 Depart Vavau
09:10 Arrive Tonga (Tapu)
15:05 Depart Tonga (Tapu)
17:05 Arrive Auckland
Wednesday 14:25 Depart Auckland
18:10 Arrive Perth

Please see our other blog Cheap Charlies Hotels Asia Blog

More dive pictures in Asia