C3 - Wednesday, October !2. 1983 - North Shore News GS travel Winter means summer in Thailand It takes longer to get there than to Hawaii, to Europe, or to Japan. Yet, in 1982, about 14% more Canadians visited Thailand than in 1981. For many, it has become their regular holiday destina- tion; and their reasons are various, ranging from the obvious expectations to the more individualistic ideals. - THAILAND OFFERS a world of delights, not the least the charm of both the people and their ancient world. By PETER HAUKE The sun seems to. be everybody's favorite, as it is virtually guaranteed to shine at any time other than during the short monsoon season from July to September. The most favored holiday time is the ‘winter’ from October to February when it is as warm there as on our finest summer days. The certainty of sunshine in Thailand is not only a lux- ury for tourists, it is a fact of life that seems to have shaped every aspect. Recent archaeological fin- dings in Ban Chieng show an astounding wealth of ar- tifacts of a highly developed civilization that had flourish- ed 5600 years ago, 600 years before the ancient Tigris- Euphrates valley settlements. it can easily be assumed that the hospitable climate of that small part of the world was greatly responsible for the creation of man’s earliest known civilization. The meticulous exterior finishes, the mosaics, porcelain, and gold of Thailand’s historic palaces and monasteries are a sparkling reflection of the balmy atmosphere that one can feel under the canopy of the sky. The Thai people are able to enjoy every minute of the day or night. Although many live in shelters that would not be acceptable to most of us, they smile with poise and kindness and radiate a true sense of fun; their dress is im- maculate, no matter how menial their work. They are a proud people, they never beg, although they will try anything to sell anything to a tourist. As a result, many folks go to Thailand merely to buy those elegant Thai silk garments, jewelry of all kinds, flatware, and _ fine crafts, such as brass and lac- querware, china, and teak carvings. More travel C26 The major trading comodi- ty among the Thai people has to be food; it is everywhere, with thousands of road-side vendors offering all im- aginable varieties of fresh fruit, vegetables, and hot or cold gourmet concoctions for only pennies. And in the canals, the ‘klongs', women busily trade their small farm produce from one boat to another. Thailand’s weaith of wholesome and delicious foods is always colorfully visible. About 700 years ago, the King of Sukhothai said, ‘there is rice in the fields, fish in the rivers, and the peaceful traveller 1s welcome in our land.’ An appropriate description of Thai hospitali- ty! Thai hotels are considered among the best in the world. The 100 year old ‘Oriental’ in Bangkok has been rated the world’s best by many surveys. Reasonable prices, delicious Thai and interna- tional cuisine, especially ex- cellent sea-food, and = the charming service can make a visitor so luxuriously spoiled that he may not care to ven- ture further. Yet, there are places to see which one should never miss. The grounds of the Royal Grand Palace with the Tem- ple of the Emerald Buddha are a stunning experience of beauty and harmony. The dazzling colors, gold, and or- naments make one wonder how it had been possible to blend such richness with the serene and free-spirited at- mosphere. It is like some happy dream city of ‘The Arabian Nights’. Most of the buildings are about 200 years old. They were built by the first king of the present Chakri dynasty. At the dock of the ‘Orien- tal Horel’, the ‘Oriental Queen’ awaits to take you up the river to the magically beautiful palace at Bang Pa CONTINUED ON PAGE C 24 Asia Rattan & Bamboo Place There is no furniture like rattan furniture for quality, largest selection, lowest prices, you must visit our showroom. 1341 Marine Dr. W. Van. 926-0836 (nght under Taso’s Pizza. parking at rear) Open Fri eve. till 9:00 p.m. C )ur years are showing in the tastiest way. URDY’S CELEBRATES 76 YEARS WITH AN OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE SPECIAL $1.15 OFF 450 grams of Purdy's regular chocolates ($.25 OFF per 100 grams) 14th through 17th at all Purdy’s scores ITH AN det SATURDAY “PUREX” 4-Pack 900 AM 11:00 Am GULF ANNIVERSARY SKILLET RESTAURANT 1/BATHROOM TISSUE Bl| BREAKFAST MOTOR OIL OPEN HOUSE Choice of colours ‘ 4 jug Saturday and Sunday S 19 SPECIAL S 9 Orc Sth aod loth ORGS. « Stripe q es ee oom Reg. 1.60 1 ‘ Reg. 6.67 4 al : ve k TERN MY oe in CNL LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER MEN’S “GWG” JEANS Straight or boot cut 30-36 Reg. 28.77 Se | 797 LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER BOYS “GWG” JEANS Boys sizes 7.16 Rog. 19.88 $4 2° LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER ‘Only You'll Know How Littta You Pala: 1175 LYNN VALLEY ROAD NORTH VANCOUVER 980-9341 LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER “HERSHEY” HALLOWEEN BARSE 16 bars Rog. 2.99 $Q27 : LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMERS © westhynan mall ~~ lohe Charge » wien You Zellers 89) ! Credit Acvewunt take home a treat! Nan Come for a tour... © PURDY'S Up, — jt JO NING SAR ("7 a Westlynn Mall Park Royal South