Bangkok Reloaded

Now feeling much more rested after the ordeal on the plane yesterday.

Lemme just give a slight insight, on the taxi ride to the airport, dunno was it cos I was playing PSP DJ Portable with Quetzal so after a short while, I felt giddiness and discomfort set in. So I stopped playing after about 2 songs and switched to listening to the OST and closing my eyes. I was feeling very uncomfortable and Candle's voice (sorry but later found out she was talking so much to distract herself from her own discomfort during the ride) was getting to a stiffling point that I switched the music louder to distract my nauseous mind and just will myself to rest to recover.

After we arrived, the feeling was very much abaited. In fact I thought I was alright until the plane took off. It came back full-blown and hit me squarely. I dun remember feeling so nauseous in a long time. The last time something this serious hit me was on the bumpy ferry ride back from Tioman island in my JC cca outing. And that was cos we had all just eaten breakfast before we were hurried onto the boat, and that day the sea was kinda choppy.

When I was younger, I often got car-sick on the nauseating ride back to Msia. Then we had to travel on the single-lane Malaysian truck roads and my Dad drove slowly (though he still drives slowly around 80-90kmph) so the ride is prolonged. Plus his old car had no air-con so it meant wind-down window, at times stuff, full of exhaust, full of the sick smell of rubber when we drove past rubber plantations plus my Dad smokes his cigarettes and we all had to suffer second-hand inhalation. (God-damn-the-person-to-hell, that guy who invented cigarettes!) BUT I outgrew this phase and dun get seriously nauseous easily.

So watching movie was out, tried playing a game to distract myself, 10s into the game and I gave up, changed to listening to music but most of the channels and their song selection really sucks. But it helped a bit and I just closed my eyes. My cough also started and didnt stop due to the humidity from the weather - it was raining. So the cough with nauseously compounded the urge to throw up. Dunno if it was another phelgm cake I was coughing so hard to force out. I ate a bit of the food, cos it might be the stomach acting up cos its hungry.

So after a bit of food and lots of resting with music to distract, I was much better. Just wanted the ride to end soon so I wont have to keep dealing with the turbulence and pressure compression difference. When they announced that they be landing, I was relieved but it was short-lived. Cos for the next half hour, we were still 'landing'. Quetzal was telling me we were early and the plane was just circling the runway. The longer we remained, the more I had to keep popping my nose, the discomfort was rising and the feeling of nauseousness returned.

When the plane touched down, I grabbed the bag prepared (cos still have to tear away the flap, which I did much earlier cos dun think there is time enough if one really needs to use it already) and just puked in. Have a strong feeling its mostly the phelgm cake but didnt open to look.

After that, was much better. Never been so glad for the Fox sweets at the checking counter. The rest went smoothly and I went back via cab. Gave him a tip and he kindly without my asking, helped me carried most of my luggage to the lift landing. My mom and sis came to help carry the stuff. I gave my Dad a Sherry, we are on talking terms again. Gave my mom the DOM, Johnny Walker Black label for Bro whose coming out tomorrow, unpacked the stuff. Took out all the T-shirts and food stuff bought. Sorted through the gifts for sinseh. Then had a bath, some soup, went online for short while then slept like a log up til 12pm++ when I woke up to eat lunch.

My dad had gone back to msia alone without my mom who didnt want to follow. We ate downstairs then I let my sisters choose the T-shirts. My mom insisted on paying for their share cos she had asked me to buy some nice t-shirts for them. Shirts for bro is FOC, from me. He better likes the design this time or I am not getting him anything already. My youngest sister like the very cute Chinese zodiac shirt I got for her, that Grafika brand one. Think I have 6 shirts and 1 jacket left. Had bought 19 t-shirts and 1 chinese style top, 1 jacket. Still felt tired and went online, later fell asleep watching tv.

Not much work done, in fact untouched. It can wait, already finished about half of it, thanks to Quetzal for helping me with the marking and my apologies for waking her with my screwed body clock and having to do work while she's still sleeping.

K onto the fun part...
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BANGKOK TRIP 2

At the airport, duty-free shopping, was walking around with Quetzal and Candle while they do cosmetic shopping. Later I wandered into the alcohol shop and scrutinized the bottles lying there. Learnt many new things, like that Johnny walker had red, black, green, gold, blue labels in increasing order of prices. They also had very vintage and very very expensive whisky and scotch ranging to several thousands of dollars in exotic-looking bottles.

After all the hoo-ha, we arrived safely in the hotel. Along the way, I called home to assure my mom that it was safe. We checked in, settled our valuables. I carried a money pouch this time, with my extra cash, atm, easy-link, sg and msia ic and passport. Then the shopping began.

We met up with Candle's younger cousin and her even younger friend. We headed to Siam square, without FH cos he had other plans (I am surprised that finally I can remember the names to the places we went to cos on the first Bangkok trip, I couldnt remember even a name. I only remember the place, not the name) We split up and headed to the small shops. I was with Quetzal and we headed around to find T-shirts.

My shopping goals were more clear-cut this time. No more buying some lady's clothes for my sisters cos they complained about the stuff I got for them based on their requests. They did find the t-shirts I bought for myself nice and I gave my first sis, the one with many pigs on it but didnt get for my younger sister cos didnt know if she wanted t-shirt. My bro didnt like the Elephant t-shirts for him cos he complained that the Asian elephant was hairier and smaller compared to the African counterparts (Ahem pardon my lack of knowledge while I walked through stuffy, narrow and dirty streets to get those for him...) We also like the soap and how clean one felt after using it. My youngest sister was on her 3rd bar since. Then the rest is shopping for myself. So this time, the goals are simple, nice t-shirts, more soap, more Boote stuff and myself, plus Tab's request and LB's request, duty-free alcohol, plus go for massage everyday.

K at Siam square, we went to the 2 T-shirt shops, me and Tab went the first time. Buying frenzy. At the first shop, I bought 2 tops, at the 2nd one where I bought my "L" shirt, I bought 12 at a go. The designs are very nice and funny. With lots of humorous ones and the shirt quality is very good compared to the first shop. After that, we went for Thai dinner at the same thai restaurant from the first trip.

While we were eating, a group of Ang Mo came in and sat behind our table. Quetzal's eyes lit up when she noticed a cute one amongst the rest who were much aged. They were facing us, and Candle, her cousin and friend's backs were facing them. She took FH's powerful Alpha camera and asked Candle's cousin and friend to pretend to pose so she had an excuse to take pic, when in fact she was zooming in to the guy's face to take his pic. It was very amusing to watch. She took quite a few shots even with her phone, and during dinner, kept bioing at him. Err the food still delicious. Also while seated, I noted that one could see his face very very clearly on the huge rectangular mirror hanging 45degrees 2m away from us. Quetzal started taking photos of the reflection too. and Candle, her cousin and friend were very much curious so much so, I changed seat with Candle later and we all looked through the pics taken. A very interesting dinner indeed.

Later we went to Paragon opposite to siam square, cos its a bit late and some places closing. Again I went with Quetzal to accompany her to buy cuff links for her bro. We walked around the Robinson area and saw this LeSportSec design that Tab would very very much go gaga over. We were secretly taking photo and thinking whether to buy back to tempt her :P But in the end, we went off elsewhere. We walked until it was near closing and met up with the rest. Went to King & I for thai massage. Its much better than the Mei Liang Xin in K.L and I dozed a very short while when she massaged my back. My neck did not make any cracking sounds after it. After that we bought water and headed back.

Later in the hotel room, Quetzal helped me with the marking and I could clear more the following morning. We went to bed around 3am+ sg time and I woke up at 8am+ sg time and couldnt sleep so I took out the stacks and started finishing as much as I could. Woke her with the light but for her, she had the ability to go back to sleep. For me, as I explained to her, I do not have 'Standby' function, mine is only 'Start, Switch off'.

We went for breakfast where I tasted my first crispy bacon. Its amazingly light tasting. I was crunching quite a few. See my dad had a bacon craze, one of his many food craze. So he bought a lot and tried to fry them crispy but to no avail. Even on shows I've seen, I envied the ang mo who ate crispy bacon. Its a dream come true. The freshly cooked scrambled egg was totally delicious that I forgot my 3 eggs per week quota and also ordered it the next day. Lots of fresh onion rings and different style potatoes. Kept thinking that Tab would definitely enjoy the breakfast and what she's missing out :P

Then after that we went to the 4-faced Buddha, the one opposite Central. We did our praying, hiring of dancers, washing away bad luck using the water provided, donating, and even drinking cold, refreshing coconut water under the scorching sun.

Then the girls walked to Phatunam and Platinum. The guy went for massage and other manly stuff. Again we split up to walk. A short walk in the complex something, and me and Quetzal headed instead for Platinum instead cos of the impossibly small sizes that seems more to suit Candle and company.

Inside Platinum, we headed to the 3rd floor and proceeded to shop in the most orderly fasion. Since there were many many intersections, to ensure that no shop is missed, esp for the cuff links, we walked in a straight line from one end, until the other end, then turn and walk in a straight line until the end, talking every intersection at the end to turn to a new row. It was again very interesting experience. I found this Cheena shop that sold shirts with oriental theme. It matched the gift supposed to buy for the sinseh. Then I noted a very nice Cheena style jacket. Quetzal encouraged me to get it so I did. Both items cost about 690Bht = S$30

I walked past this shop that sold that Spiky bag, with lots of spike on it and also that figure-hanging-off-your-back bag. But the quote for them still 890Bht = S$37.50, not sure if I really wanted it still. At least better than the 1000Bht quote from last time but still not a good deal. We walked on until we came to this Bag-kok, they had very contempory bags that even I was bioing a few items. Quetzal was very very tempted and physically restraining herself. To get the whole-sale price, we had to get 5 pieces. We got about 3 items and decided to sms Candle's group to meet up there later. We continued. Along the way saw pirated Tokidoki lugguage bag, very butterfly-ey on the outside and flowery inside.

Then we walked past this shop that had quite a few pieces of pirated tokidoki and I saw a Pirate theme bag, its a sling bag also. Price 390Bht = S$16.50. I decided to get it. Its nice. Shortly after saw a shop with many small tokidoki small purses for coins. Again Quetzal jio me to get a matching one, 39Bht = S$1.65. Thank you. Its very handy especially for keys. Just the right size for my bulky keys.

Later Candle called and we went to the bag-kok place. Everybody like going crazy over their bags. I got a black small sling and a matching colour dual long wallet. Its sleek looking design, very contempory plus the wallet was long enough to fit in money bills without hassle. Just nice, one side for larger notes, one for smaller notes and coins. In the end we came out with about 6 pieces I think. We had a heavy brunch of KFC.

We went back to the room to deposit our bags and by the time we came out again, I used my pirated Pirate bag and purse. We were intending to head to MBK, it was raining quite heavily. That changes plans. We headed to Big C next door and went first to the supermarket. Drank the nice blended fruit juice, bought some packets of the very nice dried fruits, I bought 2 mangoes to eat, pork floss for LB, plus water. Later met FH inside and he offered to carry the stuff since he had finished his massage.

We then went for massage. I did my first foot massage plus neck and shoulders. Got a new and very gentle and conscientious lady. Luckily I didnt kick her in the face as what I envisioned about doing foot massage. Gave her a big tip and while we were being massaged, I looked at my new bag and saw many elements that I kinda like alot. Lots of gems, coins, money bags, shark, tiger shark, Pirate girls with cool sleeve tattoos, crab with pirate hook, pearl and many more. It has many many elements and I grew to like it even more, the more I look at it.

After the massage, we went back to change for Candle's birthday dinner. I tried Quetzal's newly bought tops but not fitting. I brought the same top I wore for Ros's wedding and wore my jeans, sport shoes (the one with the hole opening, I only bought one piece of footwear) and wore that 3-way transformable overall I bought. Its amazing, can wear at least 3 ways. Can look presentable, butterfly-ey and even Japanese looking with bat wings. Think its easier to show. But that's the thoughts that came to mind when I wore it differently. Used the newly bought black sling and long wallet. Must use since bought.

We wanted to head for some nice restaurant but it was raining, traffic jam and many taxis refused to go. So we borrowed umbrella and walked over to the Intercontinental Hotel to ShinDaiKoku, a very nice Jap restaurant. We paid extra 150Bht to get an own room. Its like being in Japan! An authentic japanese room with tatami matting, wooden sliding doors, japanese fans decorating the wall plus bamboo shoots in the background behind the glass opening that served to 'pretend' to be a window overlooking the bamboo garden. WOW. There was a pretty lady serving us who dressed in Kimono. We ordered our delicious food and sake. YAY! Another dream of sipping sake in Japan. She entered via the side sliding door, much like in Japan.

We started taking photos with at first proper poses of Candle doing demure poses. Even FH doing demure pose. He didnt know the proper manly pose until I told him later after I saw his photo. Then during the meal, seductive pics of Quetzal and pics of us drinking the sake. FH with his manly brand of sake >_>" Also once we wanted to order some more food but they didnt know how to call for the girl, so I told them typically in Japan, if they want service, they just clap their hands twice, loudly. So FH decided to try. It work! :P Yay I really know a fair bit of the japanese culture, right? Watched too much japan hour previously. Later it became funny pics of FH and me with our food battles, since we didnt have samurai swords or ninja apparels. Much later, Candle and her wall-climbing pose.

After an enjoyable dinner, we headed to Vertigo at Banyan tree. But the place was closed due to the rain as its an open-air pub. So we settled for the sheltered bar which is on the 50+ floor, a pub in the hole in the building. It has a very beautiful full view of the Bangkok city lights. Reminded of Equinox in sg but the skyline looks different. The drinks are also very power. Very generous with the alcohol. Candle got her birthday cake (very nice) plus birthday song played by the dj. Then after many many pics taken, I started fiddling with FH's alpha camera, trying to take nice pics of the non-human articles like the wine bottles at the counter, candle and flower decoration on the table, glass of water, grass with flower etc. Its kinda fun.

After her second glass, Quetzal quite high. We went back and both of us just slept.

I woke up even earlier this time, 7.30am++. I had considered leaving the room like Candle suggested to do my work downstairs and enjoy breakfast. When I told her that the day before, she didnt want cos a bit afraid to wake up alone. I was also telling her that I didnt buy that hang-off-your-back-figure bag and she said, if she woke up alone in the hotel room and that bag started dancing, she'll pheng :P So eventually I woke her with the settling up of laptop to do other pressing pieces of work. Finished 1.5 out 3 works near 9.30 Bangkok time. In case you've forgotten, its 1hr behind our time.

We all headed for a hearty breakfast. Then we headed to do massage at Big C. I only did the neck and headed to the supermarket again. This time I was looking at the more local food that they were selling. Its interesting, I found and bought Crispy bread with butter. The bread butter biscuit that is so rare in sg nowadays. Then I looked through the cooked food, salad, drinks and other sections more carefully. Learn and notice many many new things. Interesting. Walked around a bit more leisurely to look through the shops, buy a zodiac t-shirt for younger sister, wanted the mouse one but they only had S size for the design.

Later we met up after the massage cos they did both foot and neck. We checked out of the hotel and left our stuff with the counter. Then headed lastly to Central just opposite to buy soap and undergarments. Wow, I bought 12-13 bars of soap at one go. As Candle and Quetzal looked through the numerous racks of undergarments, I went to explore the Isetan in Central. Saw the same design that Tab would like, went to the Toys section and even tried their gachapon. Got a sticker set though I wanted the egg-shaped disney characters and a desert-based mickey mouse logo. Mine is a sweet-roll style Mickey logo. Then I headed up to the Jap supermarket section, with a Jap food fair. Bought some pork floss for family, a drink and walked around. It is a nice relaxing walk and I noticed dried mangosteen! A new product but didnt buy. There's lots of stalls selling all the different types of Jap food, from dessert to meals but there's no room for my stomach so I just walked around looking.

I went back to join them and bought 2 underwear also to help reach the 3000Bht target. But they encountered bad service from this very old and unfriendly salesgirl. She really unpleasant to look at. I am reminded why I cant be in service line cos of my perceived-to-be-frowning face.

After that we headed back to get our stuff from the hotel counter and repack and head out. The rest continues from the nauseating ride on the limo to the airport.
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Overall its a very good trip, with many different elements compared to the first trip, with many firsts also. Also I think the 'shopping whore' in me is very evident... Spent more than the first trip. Changed S$650. Overall spent around $1350, all in including airfare, accomodation, shopping, alcohol, travel insurance, taxi fare back and even temple donation at Guanyin Temple the day before to settle my mom's mind.

Though still didnt get to MBK, Chatuchap and saw a cabaret. Though I did see quite a few ugly travasites. Where's all the pretty ones? >_>

But after the 'merlion' from the taxi plus plane ride. Think I need some time to recover and see if there's going to be a third trip :)

Its also good to have one more day of recuperating before work starts tomorrow. So at least I wont have to seriously drag my soul back. Its flown back and settled a bit more now.

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Its a long post, its been fun reliving the experience. Wow, its aleady past midnight. Night. Work will start tom.