Whether it was really the first copy, we do not know, but ambassador Joan Boer is now in possession of a copy of the booklet The Best of Thailand Blog.
On Wednesday, editor-in-chief Dick van der Lugt presented the jewel to the Dutch representative in Thailand, in the company of several authors and interested parties. And not only that, the ambassador also paid the Thai price of 600 baht for the booklet.
Dick outlined the creation of the booklet in a short speech, after which the ambassador stated in his response that Thailandblog has improved considerably in quality over the years. Because he was the first to contribute to the series 'De Week van', he said he was following this series and the Diary series closely. He further noted that by providing information about Thailand, thailandblog greatly facilitates the work of the embassy.
And then there was beer and soft drinks and wine and herring from Pim Hoonhout, freshly flown in from the Netherlands. As you know, Pim, who lives in Hua Hin, has been importing herring for a few weeks now and, as the cliché goes, those present tasted good – with or without onions.
All in all, it was a pleasant gathering at the embassy residence, reportedly a former residence of a Thai prince. For the first time the authors met, who, like the ambassador, opened their wallets and paid for the booklet. A total of 17 were sold and that is a good start for sales in Thailand, which will only get off to a good start in mid-August, when two Thailand visitors will take the booklets with them in their luggage.
A small photo impression of the handover (photos: Gerrie Agterhuis):
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Too bad I couldn't be there. Fortunately, Thailandblog was well represented by many bloggers who made the effort to sometimes travel for hours from all corners of Thailand. That shows commitment. Thailandblog would not exist without you.
I would also like to thank the embassy for organizing this meeting.
I agree with that, I would have liked to be there, but that is not possible from the Netherlands. I understand a successful reception. And yes, the diaries are fun to read. An insight into how other Dutch people experience it here (or Thai in the Netherlands). Just like the news, travel reports, discussions on various questions and topics. What actually isn't? I do less with the catering/hotel/airline company reports, but they are also worth reading.
The embassy also cooperates nicely. A relief compared to the IND (which comes across as a slow, inflexible and sometimes blundering official monstrosity). With a good captain, crew and satisfied guests it is good sailing. Both regarding TB and the embassy. Keep it up!
All in all another special day.
First the tension about the reports of what might happen in Bangkok.
Yes I promised so I have to go is already haunting your mind the night before.
What time shall I set the alarm?
I thought 5 o'clock would be the right time to leave Hua hin with the kamikaze bus at 7 am.
Fortunately without any problems on the way directly with the Skytrain to the embassy.
The porter did not understand much of what I came to do with a mountain of herring and placed me in the waiting room.
Finally after a conversation in the booth known to us all, the very nice Mrs. Devici
to convince the porter that I should be in the kitchen .
In the meantime there was great hilarity in the waiting room because someone was sitting inside with a T Shirt where you could order herring instead of the well-known Chiang shirt that certain Dutch people wear so proudly.
After half past eleven a man also came to make a lot of noise because the embassy was closed after half past twelve, he turned out to live 12 km away so could easily have been there at 10 o'clock.
After the intervention of a lady from the passport department, the man was still helped, tribute to this lady was appropriate that she helped him after all.
Later I saw him grinning victoriously leaving the embassy .
My thoughts at that moment were, you belong in that canal jellyfish.
In the meantime, the ladies accompanying me also wanted to buy some clothes, so back to the Skytrain.
1 took the lead because she already knew after she had been with me once.
This time as a result that they now also know where the end point is .
For me that was advantageous, there was not much more time to buy 1 piece of clothing between all those millions of pieces that are offered for sale there.
Quickly in a taxi to be on time to witness the presentation of the booklet .
The fun grew on the spot, we got to know names from the Thailand blog who were now alive in front of you and could even shake a hand.
Those people were not too bad, this because you sometimes form an opinion about someone based on the reactions.
All in all I had to apologize for catching the last van to Hua hin in time .
Then the tension started to run high.
First try to get to the Victory monument with a taxi.
After half an hour and 500 meters further I had already seen it, that would not work, get out and still enter the skytrain would be the salvation.
Now came one of the highlights of the day.
There was no room in the first train, I went to learn the next one, I saw where most people got off, so there had to be room.
At the fourth train we finally managed to get on board .
Then we found out that we had to transfer, OH, not again please.
Now I knew the trick to have as much chance as possible to participate .
That was my salvation , 2 minutes before the last van left there was even room for us .
Even I, who is always braking and steering with a driver, fell asleep until Hua hin.
We arrived home at half past ten to receive their welcome from a few nervous dogs who had been babysitting.
At that moment I thought if mister jellyfish would be home already .
I would like to thank our ambassador Joan Boer and his wonderful staff for this successful day .
A very successful meeting, also nice to get to know some people behind the scenes. Keep up the good work!
And what a nice surprise when I saw that a reaction of mine has also been placed in this special and amusing booklet. I enjoyed reading it!