Transworld Travel Services

Bangkok…day 4

ronlargent — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:21:07 +0000

Today started early as I went to the Convention Center on the 8:30 AM bus….which is about a 45 minute ride. As we made the trip, the traffic was as thick as I ever saw in LA….and it was the same the further we went. The 3 day weekend was over…and this was the first day that I have seen the morning rush hour….and it was unbelievable, to say the least.

There is just no evidence that there is anything slow at all about this economy….there is building going on all over…condos are springing up throughout the area, and they are the high-rise 30 and 40 story buildings. Out around the Impact Center, which is the largest convention center in Asia….and can accommodate 60,000 in the Challenger Center…..the development is rampant.

We travel from the downtown hotels to the Impact Event Center on these buses….and they are all the huge double-decker tour buses….and in true Thai fashion, each bus is painted in wild colors with wild designs. My photos will show this…but I stopped counting buses in the huge parking area at 100…and my guess probably 200 buses. What has happened over the past few years is that with the Impact Center being the huge trade show facility that it is….they have about 4 of these huge 50-60 thousand visitor events each year. And, all of the hotels are downtown…so buses must be used. The locals have this process down to a tee, with a massive organization that exists to just carry out these functions. It is really just amazing….and certainly I have never seen anything like this. The organization and efficiency is just perfect.

I stayed at the Convention….made a number of good friends from all over the world….and got to hear our main speaker talk about the worldwide refugee situation and how Rotary International is playing a major role in relocation and survival in many areas. I left shortly after 1 PM and decided that I would use the Bangkok Metro system to get back downtown. We rode shuttle buses to the main metro station near the Impact Center…then got on the train. Clean, fast, and quiet…and we were downtown at the MBK Center in 20 minutes….very impressive, and widely used by the Thai’s, as it is very inexpensive. I got back to the hotel about 2 PM…took a break and then took a taxi to the IT Center. I had read that this was the largest high tech center in the World….so wanted to see it for myself. Again, nothing like it that I have ever seen or even heard about. 8 stories of a huge building all open and full of IT companies and products…and packed and loud and filled with vibrating music and dance, and on and on. Every possible product and many companies that I have never heard of. All, repeat All…of the companies in the high tech field are represented here…plus all of the software and CD companies along with all kinds of support products, from connector cords for computers to computer carry bags. Ipads to sale….laptops on sale….and everything else that one needs in the current computer age. I got quite a few photos…which somewhat tells the story…

I ended up there for 2 hours….enjoying every moment, including the entertainment…..this is an absolute must for any visit to Bangkok…..just nothing like it.

I then took a taxi for about $3 to the MBK Center…which is a 10 story shopping center. They advertise over a thousand stores…..and with the booths and the layout…no way to tell…but that is probably a minimum figure. Did some souvenir shopping, which you will each see….then decided on a Pizza Hut personal pizza…Thai style…and it was really good…and a lot different than in the US. Came on back to the hotel on the Shuttle Bus provided by the Convention…..and the end of another day….

Bangkok…more on day 3

ronlargent — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:19:13 +0000

Well, another day passed and it is 9:30 PM….and I just got back to the room. When I left this morning at 6:30 AM to catch the tour…I really did not give much of a report for Sunday, so here it is.

Frist, I started the day with a Canals and River Tour offered by SEA Tours, part of the Rotary package. I take a tuk-tuk from the Twin Towers Hotel, where I am staying to the Centara Grand Hotel, which is the pickup point for the tours. The Centara Grand is a 5 Star Luxury hotel located in the Siam Center-World Center area of upscale hotels and office buildings, with upscale malls scattered among all of it. This area is about 4 blocks from what I think is considered the Center of Downtown Bangkok….some refer to is as the MBK Center, which is a huge 7 story Mall and the main terminus for the Sky Train. Centara has a tour office in the building, so that is where we meet. They then drive us in a bus to the SEA Office, where all of the tour takers, and there are about 10 tours to different locations each day, gather, and then divide up into the respective tours. Very well organized and timely…and shortly after you get there, you are off on your particular tour, which was the Canals tour. The River and Canals tour is a must for every visitor to Bangkok., for historically the River and the canals have been a big part of the life of Bangkok. We did this tour when Audy and I were here….but it is a lot different now, and I remembered some of it. But, this past year, they had major floods, caused by heavy mountain and low level rains; one of the dams up river broke; and they had record monsoon type rains in the City. The result was that many of the homes along the canals had water up to a foot…and the boats that actually “lived on the canals” were moved or destroyed due to the floods. So, over a thousand boats that use to live and work on the canals are gone…..but they are still the hub of so much activity in the canal areas.We spent about an hour on the canals, then went up river and visited one of the most famous Buddhist temples, the Pagoda temple….and I had a chance to climb to the ti of the Pagoda. Somewhat strenous, as only 2 of us from our group went up…but just had to be careful and once at the top it was a magnificent view of the River and all of Bangkok. Worth the effort, for sure.

After the tour, I was brought back to the Twin Towers….and caught the 11:30 AM bus to the Impact Event Center, the HQ of the Convention. The Impact Center is one of the largest, if not the largest, convention centers in Asia…stretches over about 4 huge buidings…..and is ideal for this kind of convention. The Challenger Rooms hold 20,000 people, and the Trade Show area is about the same size…all connected to each other and 4 stories high. It is about a 40 minute drive out of town….and I arrived and had lots of signs to register, etc…which I did. I got there early enough to then kind of get my bearings….and walked over to the building where the big sessions are held, which is called the Challenger building. I was able to get into the end of the First Seating…and that is when I got to hear the Bangkok Symphony and the Bangkok Children’s Choir….and it was a wonderful 30 minute concert…ending the morning session.

At 3:30 PM…the 2nd Seating Opening Ceremony started and it was 3 hours of motivation, encouragement, entertainment, and challenge. The highlight was the talk by the Princess of Thailand, who came in in a wheelchair, but then stood to speak. She was followed by the Presentation of Flags of each country where Rotary is….and that 40 minute ceremony was powerful, to say the least. The current International President then spoke….he is Indian and very impressive…..then got into the recognition of guests and dignitaries…and into the Entertainment section….all very, very well done. Certainly one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive, convention openings that I have ever attended.

Well, when 10,000 people leave an event such as this at about the same time and have to get on buses to get back to the hotels…it will always be interesting, and this evening was no different. One factor saved the day…even though while we were in the staging area, we had about 15 minutes of monsoon rain and wind….but the tents held up well….and the entire bus setup was extremelle well done….and very few, if any, complaints. The HOC really has it act together….just amazing how so many people can have things done so well.

Got back to the hotel at 9:30 PM….into bed…and then up at 5:30 AM this morning.

Today the the River Kwai Tour day for me….and very much well worth it. More of the day…later.

Bangkok…day 3

ronlargent — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:17:08 +0000

Sunday was a 10 plus day…nothing like the Opening Ceremony for the 35,000 in attendance, including the Bangkok Symphony and the 200 voice Bangkok Children’s Choir. Tata Young was the lead entertainer. Speaches were so motivational.

One of the best conventions I have ever attended, so far.

Today I am off to the River Kwai to see the bridge, museum, etc….as it is the slow day at the Convention…

Bangkok….day 2

ronlargent — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:15:01 +0000

I wrote from the Hong Kong airport…and then boarded..and then we were told due to Thunderstorms in the area would be delayed at the gate for 30 min…then taxied out and were held for 45 mintues…then taxied and held for 15 mins….so got into Bangkok 90 minutes late. Fortunately cleared immigration quickly as few others but our flight was there…got my luggage and then saw my shuttle drive…new Camry …$40 into town which was about a 30 minute drive. Came through some heavy downpour and go to the hotel at 2 AM…very nice 3 star plus but very quiet and I have a nice 9th floor room overlooking the business area and a freeway, which are all over the place. Woke at 8…then went down for a full breakfast (provided)..and looked around the hotel, etc…came back to my room and it is a downpour…so first thing I forgot was an umbrella. I am off to the Shopping Center to a bank to change money…then will take the 1 PM City tour….which I had originally scheduled for this AM…but then got in too late and needed the sleep. Feel great…no jet lag yet….

More to come..

Arrival in Bangkok…Day 1

ronlargent — Sat, 05 May 2012 03:39:58 +0000

More to come..

London Olympics 2012

ronlargent — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:45:53 +0000

This year, through a partnership with a national sports travel firm, TransWorldTravelServices.com will offer tour packages for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England in July and August 2012. This is going to be an outstanding event, and we are privileged to be able to offer these sporting events to the general public. Here is some info on the Olympics, and our partner agency:

The London 2012 Travel Packages are on-sale now! The London Summer Games will mark Sports Traveler’s 6th Olympic Games assisting travelers from around the globe. Thousands of travelers have chosen Sports Traveler since 2000 to travel to the finest sporting events across the globe. Join us on at the London Summer Games.

2012 London Summer Games Options:

Our packages include your choice of 3, 4, or 5 star accommodations in London, airport meet and greet, event transportation and more! NEW! Need lodging for London 2012? We have hotel rooms for 2, 3 and 4 night stays! New hotels are available to book now at great low affordable rates. Make the most of your time in Europe. Take in a side trip to Ireland, Scotland, Wales or another European city. Plan a golf outing or just be a tourist. Let us do all the planning!

Our partner agency in this activity will be Sports Traveler, LLC which is NOT an official box office for the Summer Olympics.They are NOT affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) or the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Sports Traveler is an independent travel provider that specializes in sold out sporting events world-wide. Any use of trademarked terms on any pages of our website is used solely for descriptive purposes.

About the 2012 Games: The Summer Olympic Games of 2012 will take place in London, England between July 27 and August 12, 2012. London will become the first city to officially host the modern Games for the third time, having previously done so in 1908 and 1948. The focus of the London Games will be the Olympic Park in East London, which will house the new sport venues. The Park is located in the Lower Lea Valley – an area of great untapped potential. The main venues – for the ceremonies, athletics, swimming, cycling, plus the fencing, hockey, handball, and the basketball arenas – will be easily accessible through a network of footbridges and walkways. The Park will be designed to ensure that visitors always fell part of the Games, whether they are watching the 100 meters final, strolling along the river edge or sitting in front of one of the big screens relaying live Games action throughout the Park.

Please e-mail us with your questions, or call me at 1-888-657-1277. E-mail is ron@rontravels.com and we can provide you with additional details, specific packages available, cost of the packages, and the plan that will fit your schedule best.

Singapore…An Asian Pearl

ronlargent — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:55:40 +0000

As both Rotary and Lions clubs travel to Asia for both of their 2012 International Conventions, another country keeps coming up as a logical and affordable side trip…namely Singapore. Frankly, it is one of the most beautiful cities that I have ever been in, and is such a model for the future economic growth in SE Asia, that it is a most interesting and worthwhile area to visit. But, many folks in the US know very little about this dramatic world center…so here is some basic information.

Singapore is a small country on a small island, but with just over five million people it is a fairly crowded city and in fact second only to Monaco as the world’s most densely populated country. However, unlike many other densely populated countries, Singapore has over 50% of its area covered by greenery and with over 50 major parks and 4 nature reserves, it is an enchanting garden city. Large self-contained residential towns mushroomed all over the island, around the clean and modern city center. The center of the city located in the south — consisting roughly of the Orchard road shopping area, the Riverside, the new downtown Marina Bay area and also the skyscrapers-filled Shenton way financial district known in acronym-loving Singapore as the CBD (Central Business District).

The Districts are, in a sense, a small city…within a City. All in all, the tropical beauty alongside one of the largest ports in the World makes Singapore an ideal vacation destination, if only for a few days. You will never forget Singapore once you travel there.

Korean Culture

ronlargent — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:41:02 +0000

As the Lions Club International plans for its Annual International Convention…this year being in Korea, many people in the US have a vague memory of the Korean War….clearly a changing point in history in terms of limiting the sweeping wave of Communism in Asia. American forces, joined by many other countries, came to the aid of South Korea and freedom, and although the cost to all was great, freedom prevailed, and today we have a prosperous South Korea and a vibrant Asia in general. Korea’s history is rich, and as we travel there, it is important to understand what has transpired over the years to make this great country what it is today.

For over five thousand years, the Korean people have managed to maintain their exceptional culture despite numerous acts of aggression from its powerful neighbors including China, Russia and Japan. Knowing that the last 100 years of Korean history includes invasion, occupation, war and dictatorship, visitors to the country are almost always amazed at just how quickly Korea was able to recover and become a leading democratic economic power. The recovery is known as the Miracle on the Han (river), but once you come to Korea and feel it’s energy, you will know that it’s no miracle. There is a sense of energy that exists in Korean consciousness, regardless of whether an individual is Buddhist or Christian, or atheist. Most Korean people attribute the success of their country to this energy, which is divided into three types: Gi, Heung and Jeong. Grasping these important principles of the Korean belief system will surely instill a deep understanding of Korean culture.

So, as Lions from all over the world travel to Busan, in South Korea…..take a moment and appreciate this great country and the history that it brings to the world.

Korea…a Remarkable Country and Remarkable People

ronlargent — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:11:42 +0000

Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically. It has its own culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and distinct from its neighboring countries. Hard work, filial piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans. They are proud of their traditional culture and their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.

Lions International Convention will be in Busan, Korea in June 2012…and it will be a great convention. For discount air fare prices, e-mail ronlargent@yahoo.com

We are offering prices below the discount offered by United and Star Alliance…and give very personalized service with individual trip planning….and we offer this from many cities in the US.

South Korea…a New Country with an Old Culture

ronlargent — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:03:54 +0000

The contemporary culture of South Korea developed from the traditional culture of Korea, and on its own path away from North Korean culture since the division of Korea in 1948. The industrialization and urbanization of South Korea, especially Seoul, have brought many changes to the way Korean people live. Changing economics and lifestyles have led to a concentration of population in major cities (and depopulation of the rural countryside), with multi-generational households separating into nuclear family living arrangements.

The Lions International Convention will be in Busan, Korea in June of 2012, and we are offering discount air fares from most major US cities. e-mail ronlargent@yahoo.com for details, prices, flights, and other information on Busan and South Korea.

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