Tomorrow is the last day do the vacation. Sigh, I dint want to dace the long marathon term with all the changes.
Lemme look at his rather eventful holiday: things did
July 31 - ate a delicious meal at Royal Mail with Quet.
Aug 1 - accompanied Geoky to "shuan Lin" temple and ate at Strove waffles, all the way in Toa Payoh
Aug 2 - Went for our first durian buffet at GoodWoodpark with Quet. Ate a bellyful of dessert for dinner.
Aug 3 - Resumed Krav Maga after a long absence due to feeling unwell, and work. Glad to try to be more active and regain my fitness.
Aug 3-10 - Massive spring cleaning do the room to move furniture and shelves about, to create a working space and also cleared up shelves so can store things more efficiently instead of letting mom'sthing encroach and end up more and more stacked boxes that eats up more and more of the space. The first three days, I bagged up my things and her things. My things were easy, can throw or put together, hers weren't and I had to repack them. And arrang them before I could work on my own. Took me longer than expected to pack and wipe and then sort and arrange. For my own stuff, I threw out a lot. Recycled those that were a pity so they get a second lease of life and a little bit goes to Salvation Army. Can be reused, resold. Still left with maybe 5% but those final ones, are seemingly the toughest to try to finish off. Let me see if I can clear a bit more.
Aug 12-16 - flew to Bangkok for my solo trip. It was a good one, I completely forgot about the things until I came back and the news of the explosion came about. The news did distract me. I didn't focus as much on things except tidy, go for KM and follow the news update.
Aug 20 - went to JB with parents for a long yet unproductive trip. That made me considered my plan to go into JB using the buses. Initially I was out off by this but I realized I had better go and see how it's done.
Aug 24-25 - DF flies off and I had a 'staycation' of sort at Tab's place. Used the oppt to go to New Ubin's seafood to try their Angus beef ribeye. A feast indeed. The foei gras with egg n truffle oil is delicious. The serve of the ribeye was good, with the beef oil drippings fired rice. Their choc lava cake with vanilla ice cream was good. Did help myself to more vanilla ice cream and choc lux baileys. The next morning, I just stayed indoors until Tab returned from work. We ate a late lunch at a coffee place nearby. Then headed to Junction 8. That night I went to KM, catching a ride with Tabs bro. I didn't know there were so many stalls just behind the street from the KM venue. Learn something new. Time to explore if I reach there early next time.
Aug 26 - I went to JB on my own p, without telling my parents, in case they would nag. I made up my plans on the go. But the first part, already went wrong. Saw and ended up on the wrong bus to JE, so I took bus 160. It went a scenic route. Down memory lane as it went past Bukit Batok, Teck Whye. Cos it was mid-week, I cleared and arrived past noon. Did take my time, going to the loo at the immigration customs so I did not rush up the same bus at the immigration point. Once I arrived, I headed to the RHB bank to settle banking things, set a current account, internet banking. Those took a while and I was very hungry after it was done. Went to look for lunch. Decided to try the Sushi King which I had no chance to try if I go with Dad. The conveyor belt sushi for single diners didn't look fresh so I ordered ala carte. Their mix and match menu, I chose a don and a udon and miso chawamushi set. Free hot tea. Fresh and warm meal for S$8, worth it. I actually met two office aunties colleagues. They recommended me to buy the egg tart from Lavendar. I went to the bookshop, bought a few stationary and then dabao quite a bunch of breads home, charcoal loaf, azuki bread loaf, scones, three egg tarts, a horn, a caramel long bread, a plain pastry. And had a iced honey milk tea. Spent an equivalent of S$38, quite worth it. Coming back was easy cos this time I got off at Kranji mrt, so after that was mrt transfers and bus home. Came back and saw the exchange rate hit RM$3 and queued up in the long queue to change some.
Aug 28 - First time Cat Cafe and a violin performance, not free but quite worth it. Nice music and the use of loops. The fat flurry cat stole all of our hearts by being active and letting us stroke it. The rest were pretty shy.
Aug 30 - Helped out in the KM grading taking place, I reached around 10am. It wasn't compulsory for me to help but since the main instructor asked and he has been nice to me, I didn't mind helping out since I won't be working the following Mon. My final day of the holiday. I was tasked with mainly taking pics. No complaints, I was spared having to do heavier work of being the assailant etc but after hours of standing, my feet kinda tired. We all had a KM get-together, our main sponsored for helping out. Got a decent meal and after everything, left around 4.30pm. Like that one day is mainly over.
Final day, I have some minor errands that won't take long. There goes the plan to do work during thr holidays. I am refusing to do anything. Not that it's urgent or even necessary, things of my own initiative.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
First Solo trip - Bangkok 12-16 Aug, marred by bombings
A bombing happened at Erawan shrine, and as more information comes in, the victim toll and number of injured rises and the placement of the bomb is now said to be inside the shrine. There were multiple bombs. With sadness, I feel for the innocent, both tourists and the local Thais, the people who work inside, the dancers, musicians, helpers, those peddling their wares just outside the shrine.
Was I scared?
Was it a 'close shave'?
I don't think so. Cos I was there on Thurs, returned to Sg on Sunday, 10pm. The blast happened at 6.55pm, Monday. There were numerous flights out of the country on Sunday. How many of us who left on Sunday itself felt it was a 'close shave' and want to participate in this now 'how lucky u were', which I am sure my mom would start on it tomorrow once the news got printed on the newspapers.
There wasn't any near-death experience but it made me reflect on the fragility of the human life, how one thing beyond your control or prediction can impact you irregardless. In cruder terms, "when it's your turn, you can't run".
Hope they will catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
I haven't finished this post yet but there's a second explosive on Tue, 1pm, thrown from the bridge towards the walk walk in the pier at Sarthon, which I visited also on Friday, same day I visited Erawan shrine in the morning... If more tourist-packed areas are targeted, then those areas I had just visited could be potential areas.
I haven't finished this post yet but there's a second explosive on Tue, 1pm, thrown from the bridge towards the walk walk in the pier at Sarthon, which I visited also on Friday, same day I visited Erawan shrine in the morning... If more tourist-packed areas are targeted, then those areas I had just visited could be potential areas.
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The bombing did affect the sentiments cos I just came back from a great, solo trip which is like a trial run for my Japan solo trip. How can I do a 2 weeks one, if I had not tried any before? It was also like a sort of test of my independence and what issues, troubles I would have as a solo traveler, hiccups, points to note, things I haven't considered but which arose etc. I must say, I think I am okay as a solo traveler, just I prefer the city area to rural areas mainly for the accessibility. I still can't drive. Rural and Nature, while it holds great beauty and therapeutic properties, I rather leave that to non-solo travels. Travel insurance is a must in Japan trip.
This trip came about partly cos I had a great time eating the numerous food in Bangkok with Quet in the earlier trip in April. I asked my mom if she was keen, prepared to pay for her but she couldn't commit due to health reasons. So hence in my booking it was Queens bed and a solo ticket. In case she changed her mind, I can add a flight ticket. In the end, due to health reasons, she declined and I was going on my own. I had looked forward to it, with trepidation and a sense of adventure it help me get through the very tough term when a lot of times, I felt like giving up. Think the Japan solo trip is something to ground me and keep me focused on getting through till the end. (But in light with the blasts, these worries and unhappiness seem trival)
The flight and hotel came up to S$570, changed S$500 to baht and borrowed my sister's foldable bag, carried my backpack and sling. Didn't get check-in luggage cos I wasn't sure if would be buying that much but I did, for family and friends. If it was just my own, I wouldn't need the foldable bag. Learnt a few lessons about traveling as a solo traveler about bags, things to pack and buying alcohol in the airport before flying.
Chose a flight time that suits my style, I headed off. It was a relief cos for the past one week before, I had been doing massive spring cleaning. Down to the last 20%. I couldn't finish b4 I flew off.
Day 1 - 12th Aug (Wed) Arrival, MBK & Siam area
Reached Bkk without a hitch, first task was to get a sim data card then headed to the basement to catch the airport rail. I opted for the City line instead of the Express cos there is no need to change trains. It goes to Phraya Tai, where I took the BTS to Siam. Could have taken to National Stadium but I wanted to take a peep at how to walk from Siam. Using google map, as a reference but it was easy to located the hotel. Very straightforward. Check-in was easy except had to give a 2000 baht security deposit. So suddenly I am short cash for one day. I did change another $100 by Thurs, but at the end of the trip, I didn't use that extra, and had 202 baht left. I explored the room, like the design and large queen bed, extra space, a lot without sharing, felt spacious. Went to check out the gym, very small and minimal and the dining where complimentary breakfast is served from 6am-10am. Great for a person like me who wakes up erratically during travels. Saw the Macs just downstairs attached to the hotel and saw the Lek massage next door.
I was starving and headed to the nearest mall, MBK to find this Sukishi shabu buffet. Seated at the seat, you have a choice from 3 soups, I thought it was a half-half two soup, so with miscommunication,cos the Eng wasn't good, I 'chose' Tom Yam, there's miso and chicken. I told her two choices and she gave me my latter choice. No issue. So the shabu raw ingredients came about on the conveyor belt. I just had a terrible conveyor sushi meal in IMM last week and this seems too much like it but I chose carefully and dumped about 20 plates of pork, baby corn, salmon and the occasional beef in and ate. On top of eating 2-3 serves from the cooked food selection, their rice and pork, salad were good. Ate until super full and paid 350bht ($14) Then walked around MBK,my first time there. They have one part that is Jap-run, saw a lot of Jap food including one that looked like a more attas Jap grill buffet with quality meat, at a similar price range. But not sure if it catered to a single diner. Anyway I was too full to even consider. There is a maids cafe on the same floor. A very modern arcade and a new cinema. Then when you walk to the other parts, it's like back to Thai style malls. stalls selling many products, no prices, have to bargain type. I just walked around and just
look. A game shop had old consoles like sega, Nintendo that played the old games, so very nostalgic
seeing them. The entire week of cleaning up my room and throwing away many things brought out troves of things that conjured up memories, many kinda forgotten until I saw something that triggered a particular memory, an era, something personal, way of thinking and even personality of my younger self.
Then I walked over to Siam area. I noted and was super glad to see a Soontra juice stall at the Nat Stadium BTS station, bought one. And continued on. Aiming for Siam Square area, aiming to go to the Disney shop there first to check out if there was any cute Dale Disney stuff my sister would like. Took a few pics. After that I walked around, seeing the long queue for After You, I just walked until I covered most, then crossed over to Siam Center, never been there b4, which had the so much brands, though cheaper brands like forever 21, XXI, I think. They had a bunch of cafés inside including a Greyhound, Mr Jones, Sukishi, and a few unique ones, notably Petit Audrey. Unfortunately my stomach was filled, otherwise it's tempting to visit them all.
Then I walked over to Siam Paragon which is even more brands, especially the luxury brands. I headed to the basement to buy some water and run the errands my Mom wanted. To buy some. Offerings to bring home for GuanYin, ancestors and deity housed at home. So I looked around the Gourmet supermarket and they have wide and interesting selection of stuff. There is a Taling Pling restaurant, which meant I didn't have to go to the Central branch. It was on my list to eat as I had a superb Thai meal in April when I visited with a friend. Bought water, some candy, milk for my Bottega Nero 1 liter of choc liquor (no more buying alcohol b4 I recharge my destination, drank until Siam still couldn't finish the last bit) and butterscotch pudding I couldn't resist (didn't taste good) and walked inside Siam Paragon. I didn't cover everything, up on one wing until the floor with a departmental stall that sells toys, looking for my sister's request. Then walked back to hotel. Along the way, I bought a Mango Ice drink from Yellow Dellow and it was superb, a new love and it was almost 10pm. Drank it as I made my way to the hotel.
Decided to have a 2hr Thai massage at the Lek just beside. 500bht, gave a good tip cos the woman did press hard throughout. Think in part is I didn't doze off, so no chance to slack. I went back at midnight. Interesting thing was just b4 my massage started, there was a blackout which they managed to restore, just after I had changed and lay down on the mattress. Definitely memorable experience of holding onto a hand phone to shine the light on my feet which she washed it and later use it to reach the room and even change with that. Definitely out of the usual experience.
Went back, showered and drank a cup of "chocolate milk" adult version and watched Tv. Updated FB, made sure my sis told mom that I was safe. Read up about potential places and planned the itenary. I didn't switch off all the lights, left a few on and watched until I was super sleepy and then switch off the tv and a few more lights. Left two lights on and slept about 2am.
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Day 2 - 13th Aug, Thursday, Erawan with Touristy or Shopping Central & Platinum
I slept with 2 itenarary planned before, either Shopping one or Touristy one. I woke up early cos in the early morning, had to run to the toilet. Suspect over-eating and abit spicy. Pop a charcoal pill and in the morning, I headed for the complimentary breakfast. The spread is decent, though fewer items than the full Holiday Inn breakfast but same quality. Remembering how I mixed my own salad in Holiday Inn Chiangmai, I used the veg with generous amount of vinegarette and cream, threw in scrambled eggs and it was really tasty. Toasted bread with butter and honey was a sweet and delightful treat. Orange juice and black coffee. This was my same breakfast for the next 4 days. Made bigger and bigger bowls of my salad, throwing in generous amounts of eggs and chicken sausages. Happy breakfast time. A solid meal to start each day. I think I can eat this for consecutive days and
days.
Went back to room and ate more charcoal and poh chye pills. It was close to 9am then but I wasn't sure if Action Zone, the Muay Thai shop I wanted to go to, was open. A quick check of google showed it poems at 8.30am. So after making sure my stomach could tahan, I walked over with google map and gps. Just a short walk, 10mins of walking. Easy to locate cos many posted about it.
I went in and there were already other customers. There were 3 Africans, really tall and built, buying Muay Thai goods and large sport bags. I started asking the prices for the hand wraps. Got the cotton ones, Red, Blue, Green. Then a big bunch of French Muay Thai practitioners, 4 males and 2 females. Suddenly within the small shop, it's crowded and u had to squeeze to move about. I started looking through their catalogue for boxing gloves. In the end I went for Twins, 12 oz to replace my Everlast pair which ironically didn't last... One of the inner cushions near the wrist had a tear... Useable but if I am already there, no harm getting. There wasn't any red, blue or black though. I was down to either purple, green, pink, tiger stripes or some flame stripes... I chose the purple one. It's the most safe option, and I can't imagine myself going for training and wearing some striped gloves... training is not for showing off, I don't think it gives any credibility to my skill to be parading some funky gloves unless I am going for those type of classes. I didn't haggle much cos while I was paying, the French group started haggling. So I paid S$52 for my gloves and about S$6.80 per hand wrap.
I walked back to the hotel and had a chocolate Nero + butterscotch pudding. Stomach wasn't as stable yet, so I stayed in the room watching movies on Fox Movies channel until noon. Decided I will go for the "Shopping itinerary" as I wasn't sure if I needed to run to the toilet, so better to be safe than sorry, malls would be a better option. I ate one more charcoal pill and headed out. The plan was to walk 2 stops to the Erawan shrine, finish prayers then go to Central, walk to Platunum-Platinum, then go
Big-C, en on the way back, go to Siam square one area etc.
I got my daily dose of the beloved Soon Tra juice, carrot. Along Siam Square One area, I was at the crossroad. On one side is Hello Kitty, on the other is A&W. Both are in my extensive food lists, which I can't finish even In this trip... In the end, it was a no-fight. Went into A&W, ordered a root beer float with small curly fries. They don't have the corny dogs. After a savory bite, I continued walking over. Along the Skywalk, I noticed the skies turning darker. Just as I got to the traffic crossing just across the hospital from the Erawan shrine, felt drops of rain. Decided to come back before 8.30am tomorrow instead. Some believe one shouldn't pray during overcast, rainy days and no later than 6pm, as the "gods" are not around then.
Proceeded and made up plans along the way with regards to what I will do in the malls. Inside Central world, I headed to buy a movie ticket, cos I've never watch a movie before, it'll be something interesting. Paid 220bht for Inside Out, which has opened in Thailand, ahead of SG. Had an hour plus before my movie but it was about lunch hour and I already had something savory. An idea struck me, I shall go for desserts now then after the movie, look for an early dinner, so that as a single diner, it's easier to avoid the crowds and also made sure I could get seats. Alright, headed to After You and ordered the Baby Honey Shibuya weigh banana and a small Best Iced Choc drink. There were empty tables then so I got comfortable inside and waited for my dessert. Of course doing the Instagram and photo taking of the food. They were fantastic and totally enjoyed chewing down on the soft butter toasted bread with copious amount of honey poured by me, with the vanilla ice cream and banana. Absolute bliss. Sat and ate, then nursed my drink until it was time.
Going for a movie is really a different experience. Firstly, the movie ushers won't allow you entrance until the time print on the movie is up. Meaning, even 5mins earlier is a no-no. Quite a few movie goers found this out like me. I sat on the chairs and waited. Then after you go in, then the commercials start playing. Second element is you will have to sit through the commercials, very
few trailers though. As a first timer, the commercials were all interesting and amusing at times. The trailer for a Thai movie with a female lead and three Thai guys, reminds me of the Taiwanese plots. But pretty good looking; who to choose, the best friend who cooks and is creative and supportive, the rich corporate guy who is cool and a bit badass, or the boyish one who looks like Korean star, executive, sensitive? Ask any girl, a tough choice. Then after 20+mins! a msg appeared, 'Please stand for the Thai king', so you stand out of respect, nobody sat, just complied. And they played a clip that shows the Thai King in all his majesty and his virtues, maybe the song was composed by him, lots of photos and also his annual letter to the Thai people. After a few minutes, then it ended, we sat down and the movie began. Yes, so thirdly, you have to pay respect to the Thai King b4 a movie. Then SF cinema, is a new one. A good part is the seat can recline as you lean back and you get a nice view of the screen, without any heads blocking the view, how cool! There was a very cute clip done by Pixar about a volcano love story. The tune is still in my head, even a week after. Catchy and definitely sweet. I did feel Inside Out is not meant for young kids like Frozen was. It had lots of elements and jokes, adults, perhaps youth can catch. I did identify with the teacher counting down the days of the term until her holiday break.
After the movie, I headed to GreyHound. In my previous trip with a friend, she was raving about it but we didn't manage to squeeze it in. So it was relatively empty at 5pm, so getting a single table wasn't difficult. I had done my research and ordered their 'Complicated Noodles', Crispy Fried Chicken wings and the Granulated Thai Milk Tea. The Complicated Noodles involved taking the lettuce, putting in the noodle slices, cilantro, scoop the meat and the sauce, generously and balance this package carefully and take a bit bite, careful not to spill all over. Divine, is the word to describe. Very good balance of the taste. One could taste all the elements, yet they blend together very well. Then after comes a fiery kick on the tongue from the sauce. really worthwhile to eat it again. The Granulated Milk Tea was very sweet and thick. Just that it didn't melt fast enough to save my tongue from the fiery burn of the Complicated Noodles, as it was obviously frozen into slabs of ice and
scrapped and crushed to make it. The chicken wings were cut into two bones, so it's really easy to eat.
Very well seasoned, salted and shrimp taste. Generous portion of 5.5 wings, yes I counted as I finished everything, not to waste food. After a couple of wings, I asked for ketchup. A personal quirk, I like ketchup on fried rice, eggs and fried chicken. Savored the meal and left a tip. Then I walked along the outside of Central. If I keep walking inside, might not know how to come out cos got many wings, sidetracked. Chose to walk outside. Saw a big white tent which turned out to be a bunch of food stalls, like a night market style. My attention was caught on these huge huge grilled prawns. 400bht for five big ones and 1000bht for five even bigger ones. Again, I have no stomach for these. Though I was reminded of seafood lovers. As I continued on, there were a bunch of Thai Zi Char stalls with its own made tents and tables at roadside pavement. They have a main stall or two per part that sold huge ass fried salted grilled fish. Looks delicious even as these huge fishes, pre salted and cooked once and placed on a big pile. again, I don't have enough stomach for even some no matter how tempting.
So I had my dinner earlier and was shopping while others were looking for dinner. I reached Platunum and it brought back a sense of nostalgia cos my friends and I came here once, way back in 2005/6. I still have the long double purse/wallet from Bag-kok from then. I was looking for something similar to put foreign currencies, that I have from travels to Taiwan, Thai, Yen and ringgit Not enough long, flat wallets for such long notes. I walked starting from the top, nothing really was a I-must-have. Still being in the midst of tidying up my room and limited hand luggage meant I can't go overboard. At Bag-kok, I looked and asked and touched many and in the end I bought 3 similar 'camera bag' style famine and cute bags for mom and two sisters, remembering how much they liked the one I bought from them in Taipei,though pirated. This one is original. Entire Platinum and Platunum, only one shop. The solid plain color, baggy, yet hugging funky Jap/fisher caught my attention but they were pricy, 650bht and with 3 pieces potentially 490bht, still I wasn't sure if I
wanted so many, nor was it a good deal and must-have. Then I walked along the linking bridge to the other Platinum building. The crowd was bigger here. Saw a lot of shirts, can't buy, I have too many.
Really cheap, like S$8 for the same I pay twice in sg. Oh well, too many stalls and bigger and many lanes. After just two floors, my legs felt really tired. I decided to walk back, go to Big-C.
Walked and saw how bad the jams was. Past the Thai Zi Char which were brimming with customers. Earlier nobody was eating here and I saw the big ass fish. Now I see people having their dinner eating the fish. Tempted but continued on. Crossed the overhead bridge and went into Big-C. First off to the supermarket to run errands, getting something nice, for Guan Ying, ancestors and deity. I walked and picked up different items, including two Sminoff alcoholic drinks, honey and melon. Surprisingly the honey didn't taste good,a bit bitter but the melon one had a very nice honeydew melon aftertaste fragrance lingering. These ready to drink cost 56bht, so a lesson for me is that I don't need to buy any more alcohol when I depart. Like how I have to drink a lot of milk + choc Nero, granted it tasted nice but everyday is another thing. These ready to drink will be pay answer next time and they won't burn a hole. Just they are mild, like drinking slightly alcoholic carbonated soda.
I carried the bags and continued back towards my hotel. Along the way, I watched the ever crowded Erawan shrine and the shrine dancers dance gently and gracefully as the incense swirled upwards, carrying wishes to the deities above. At Siam Square One area, I stopped by Yellow Dellow again to get a ice mango. Nice and drinking that, I walked along the back towards the hotel. It's nice to be powered by a nice drink as one walks around, for long distances. I chanced upon one of the few authentic Thai food, for beef noodles, but too full to eat, noted its position for reference. Reached the hotel and settled in. Watching action movies, drinking chocolate milk, Alcoholic soda, hot tea. A pretty decent second day. Was glad my stomach was normal the entire duration that I was outside. Looked through the internet about the next day's plans.
Day 3 - Tourist Itinerary
I woke up early, 6.30am and headed for breakfast, and there were early risers too. I ate the same,
except I made a bigger portion, adding lots of tamagotchi rolls and chicken sausage that my salad was more like the veg were side to the protein. Had a massive bowl. After that, rested and bathe and headed out. Got two bottles of Soontra juices, lychee passion fruit and butterfly pea. Drank one for the daily dose of vitamins. Delicious and walked over to Erawan shrine. I was determined to go there before the crowds, the heat. Surprisingly I was the first at the counter to ask for the shrine dancers. Got 4 for my family and 2 for myself. They danced together and so there were 6. I prayed for health especially, and more luck and fortune in light of my job situation. I had planned in my mind to go come back in Dec to give thanks but in light of the incident, my mom will worry incessantly so I will give thanks in Sg. Bought the incense set and light them. Not sure of the order, so I start and of one round, following the rest.
Then I walked to Siam and hopped onto the BTS to Saphran Thaksin station which is the link to the Sarthorn pier to take the ferries along the Chao Phraya river. But besides the tourist ferry which was well publicized, with its employees, moving about and helping u with tickets, I don't see much for the others, apparently there is the normal ferries, but I don't see the ticket booth, and couldn't tell which pier to board etc. so in the end I settled for a single trip tourist ferry, 40bht. It was a big ferry. Enough to have three rows. I sat down and took some photos and selfies. Got off at Tha Tian stop. Immediately I went to take the barge 3bht, to cross the river to Wat Arun. I intend to go there, then Wat Pho then Emerald Buddha, then that Soi Rambuttri. Unfortunately Wat Arun, 50bht, is partially under restoration, I took some pics here, finally took out the selfie stick and got a couple of pics. Went into the temple and put in a donation and got holy water sprinkled and the monk tied a white string to my left wrist. I kept it on until I reached SG safely. Took out my Butterfly pea drink and drank, glad to have a nice drink as the sun burned hotter. Nice weather though.
The. I took the barge across and went to Wat Pho. Got a free drink courtesy of some promotion? As soon as I walked out, put one in my hand, many tourists also have that. Grateful as by then it was noon. Getting hotter. Got the entry ticket, 100bht and headed in. Very titanic reclining Buddha.
Largest one, I've seen thus far. The temple has very high ceilings and with murals showing Buddha's life. There wasn't a lot of time to admire them cos the constant stream of visitors, I ambled along, taking a video and some pics, including a selfie at the feet, not the head. Then walk onto see the back of the statue, it's long u-turn. I saw a donation, for 20bht, they give you a small bowl filled with one cents and you walk along the interior wall and put the coins into the alms bowls lined against the wall. Then it's time to come out. Exchanged part of the ticket for a cold mineral water, small but welcomed as the heat intensified. The temple compound was huge, even with a map in the brochure, I couldn't see them all. But I went into at least 4 and paid my respects and put in a donation. Was getting lost and tired, saw an ice cream seller. For 20bht, rested under the shade eating the nostalgic old-fashion styled, simple but yet delicious coconut and a creamy one with cake bits. Went to the toilet, put on more sun block and went off to the final temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
It was housed in the palace and that meant I have to walk along the long long long white palace walls. At least I didn't encounter the scam. But I didn't take out my umbrella cos many tourists all walking about. I sauntered on with my cap and sunblock on my face. It was a very very long walk. The entrance is far far far away. My legs were pretty tired from Wat Arun and especially Wat Pho. I finally reached the entrance and there were throngs of tourists, especially China ones in their tour groups, tour buses. Had to walk and avoid the crowds and squeeze at times and as I got closer to the main ticket area, I was hesitant. First it was nearing 2pm, scorching hot, long long queue, armies of tourists, and the ticket price was 500bht. I wanted to see if there was a plain Emerald Buddha entrance cos I didn't want to visit the palace but there is only one type of admission. So I walked
along the small rows of shop to seek some relief, saw a small cafeteria one and was immediately glad cos there was air-con. They have instant food, ice cream and cold drinks. I got a milo bar, 10bht, unbelievable. Sat down at the table and ate it gratefully, resting my feet and cooling off. This cemented my decision, not to go to the Emerald Buddha, I didn't fancy the squeeze with the crowd. I stayed there until all my sweat dried off, got a kit kat green tea ice cream cone to walk out of the
compound. It's easier to walk under the sun with something cold to offset the heat.
I used the gps and walked to find Soi Rambuttri, the place reminiscent of old Bangkok before all the malls came in, at least according to online websites recommendation. It was a long walk, 1.6km on google map but longer than that due to detours I had to take at times. Got there finally, could feel the heat radiating off me from all the exposed arms and neck areas. Speaking the way you find the roadside stalls, some abandoned buildings left standing, some small shops, yet once you reached the place, suddenly the population of blond foreigners exploded. They are everywhere. Khao Shan street is full of stalls selling clothes, bags, accessories etc that lined both sides, so dense that you can't see the storefront. All the buildings are short, 3-4 stories shophouses. And lots of backpackers. Then I walked behind, think I got to Soi Rambuttri, no more stalls. Now can see the shop fronts. Then you see like backpackers hotels and dining that caters to expatriates or bagpackers. There are massage with chairs in open like how it was in Big-C but no longer, but despite my legs walking outside, I didn't feel compelled to have a massage, reason was I was hungry. The ice cream gave me enough to reach there. I walked up and down but wasn't enticed by what I saw. Instead I saw a phad Thai roadside stall that had no one. It had at least a table and chair out of the sun, the other along the same street was only takeaway. I ordered a phad Thai with egg and a small bottled mango juice, just costing 50bht! I was surprised at the price when I asked and paid for it. It was delicious. Ate it hungrily yet appreciatively. Washed it down with the mango juice and I was revived. I intend to walk til the end of the street, saw a stall selling iced drinks and I bought a Thai Milk Tea blended ice shake that was so thick and sweet and satisfying. Best Thai Milk Tea ever, phad Thai too. Surprisingly from just road side stalls, and nope I didn't get any tummy aches. I used google map to navigate back and
following it's path, I had to walk a narrow alley. I was scanning front and back, as I walked, encounter a man on two separate times and I did scan to see if anyone tried to surprise me. But it was during the day, 3.30pm-ish, and I landed up back at Khao Shan, I would never take the path at night though.
Retraced my steps then and headed back. A 1.8km back to the Emerald Buddha then another and another km plus of walking back to Tha tian pier but there were more and more tourists at the pier. I had initially planned to the smaller yellow or orange ferry, to experience a small ferry, more local but when I saw how many more pier stops they made compared to the most direct one, the tourist boat, I got on the tourist boat that also had greater frequencies. Oh well, not a great loss. The sweltering heat was reaching my unbearable point. Guzzling cold mineral water while waiting. Got back to the BTS and this time I took it all the way to Nat Stadium BTS, instead of walking from Siam. Changed trains and I got out at the further from hotel exit cos that's where the SoonTra stall is at. Bought 4 different bottles, coconut, lemon grass, lychee passion, beet root passion. Walked back to the hotel and decided I am done for the day, sunburnt feet hurt, got blisters and sweated enough, so I visited the Macs just below the hotel. I saw the Minions fries container, looks cute but couldn't understand how much more it cost on top of the meal, anyway I bought a samurai burger meal, up sized with the minions French fries container, think it just cost 10bht more. With my food and drinks, went back and put the juices in the mini fridge, ate a few fries. Relaxed and had a long shower to wash off all the fatigue. Ate hungrily and rediscovered how Macs fries do taste good. Downed two juices, a big coke. Later on more choc milk. It's nice to see the sun setting and the skies turning dark. The stadium opposite had morning jogger and in the evening, there were teams playing football and joggers too. I was contented to stay in. In my mind, I was mapping out tomorrow's plans, also some food to eat. But my feet were hurting, blisters, that I wasn't sure if I wanted to walk all the way to Thong Lor for Roast. I decided that the second outlet, being in a mall might be a better choice.
Day 4 (Sat) - Slowing down, Chatuchap & Phrom Pheng
Things slowed down a bit for me, well cos I was having blisters on both feet from the 'touristy' walking about. My calves were ok but not my feet. But I travelled light so I had brought only one footwear. It wasn't meant for 15km of walking in a day.
I did the usual, eat up hearty breakfast. An even bigger serving of my own mixed salad with more lettuce this time. Perfect balance. Only wished I could eat it more. After breakfast, I rested and then headed to Mo Chit, using BTS. This time I took from the Nat Stadium and did a changeover at Siam. And just sat until the end. I remembered how to go there from the previous trip with Quet. Being prepared, I wore shorts and a cotton top, cap, and brought along water. It was obvious how to go there. There were long lines of people, lots of different nationalities, heading in one direction. I hopped to the MRT to use the toilet, walked and headed there. It is not yet that hot but there were many people walking about. I kept my bag infront, on the shortest sling, hugging my front. So my valuables were safe. Also my bulk, extra cash and passport were in my money belt, just had more than enough in my wallet. I didn't have anything in mind, perhaps some fisher pants if the print wasn't too funky or too pricey.
I entered and almost all the shops were open and just started walking. I walked past lots of stalls. Nothing prompted much interest, partly cos I have limited luggage space. Already bought 3 bags and my gloves so I didn't have that much space left. Halfway through walking through half of the place, I would walk a lane then reach the end and go the next lane. At the middle, I came across the coconut ice cream. There were toe stalls so I just chose one and chose to eat the version in the coconut shell. It was very light and the nuts were aromatic and crunchy. Really very nice, with the coconut flesh. Wouldn't mind eating a whole bunch of it. But I refrained. I was planning to head to the second outlet of Roast, in Phrom Pheng for lunch and explore that area.
Walked and saw a wallet place. A flat wallet for 100bht and a bigger one is 120bht. Fitted what I had in mind. Bought two. Then I walked along and saw the funky fisher pants that reminded me of my Aladdin pants. Started asking for the price, went from 250bht ($10), straight to 220bht at another only if I buy 3... They were the plainer ones. Then I walked along and saw another shop that put up a sign 175bht, for the normal fisher pants. I saw the stall had more funky style Aladdin pants, at least 3 colors making up a pair. Asked the price, is 200bht ($8), already is cheaper than the earlier two stalls. I asked for a better price of I buy 2, she quoted me 350bht, which is just $7 per pair. I though, looked, touched some more then I settled and bought the baggy ones and not the plain fisher ones. Happy that I managed to buy something for myself. I was getting tired and decided to leave.
I went to the Mrt to use the toilet and then walked around the small underground mall that was like of otaku. Looking for my sister's request. But found nothing, though I saw a shop that offered a course on how to work leather and make bags and wallets. Then headed back and got off at Phrom Pheng BTS, went to the Helix to find Roast. I was looking forward to nice food but when I reached there, there was a really long queue of tourists. I was disappointed cos I was hungry then and as a single diner, it's kinda hard to get a seat. So I saw there's Greyhound but ti had a much shorter wait, one infront but I wasn't ready to wait. So I went walking about. Inside were all branded stuff so I headed outside to the streets. I saw from the BTS a bunch of Jap restaurants. I walked over, and most entered one but I wasn't sure if I felt like eating cold Jap food, after my mind was filled with thoughts of steak and all the meaty goodness. I took a pic or two and walked across the street cos there's another mall, Emporium. Also there were a bunch of street vendors for Thai food. I noticed the big contrast and irony... Surely present in every city. The posh branded malls, just beside it are the small older shops and Thai street vendors, the beggars. The tourists going to glitzy posh malls, the normal Thai people going to their norms, the Thai street food, the shops that caters and am most authentic amongst this shopping belt setting.
Inside the Emporium, it is more a dept stall style so a big area to walk through on the top floor. I headed to the top to look for food. And saw some. Was walking about thinking how it's very Jap. Cos there's is Jap supermarket. And I walked around and saw like a bunch of stalls. I walked into a food court like place except it's the Thai style where you get a card like Marchies and get your food charged to the card. Been in a couple with Quet in the previous trip. We had gone to the one in Central and Embassy. I didn't walk a full round. A quick glance. I saw more jap food compared to the other food court I had been. Wanted something light cos I might want to eat something else and quickly decided on pork Okonomiyaki.ordered one plus a set of salad and miso soup. 180bht + 50bht. The Okonomiyaki was very well-executed. Very crispy on the top, Lots of mayonnaise. Very very nicely done. I haven't tasted an authentic one but this is really a nice one except it was big and I was a bit ni by the 2/3 mark. Then I decided to head back to the hotel.
Took a train all the way to the Nat Stadium BTS and got out at the exit that had the Soontra stall. Bought 4 more and headed back. I did another dabao of the Macs. I got a fish fillet meal with upsize of the fries and Coke. Dropped everything and had a hot long shower. It's really a simple unadulterated joy to just exclaim a sigh of relief after downing a bottle of chilled juice. A delicious meal, and I am rediscovering the shiokness of eating Macs and Coke after a tiring day out. Then watched action movies and sipped coke.
It was nearing 8pm before I dragged myself out to Siam to look for dinner. Decided on Taling Pling cow had a delicious Thai meal last time with Quet in Central. In my first night of exploration, I noted that there is one branch in Siam. I got in and can see a surprised look when I say, table for one. But it was relatively empty then so no issue. I wanted a Phad Thai but they had no more... So sad but I ordered the prawn tom yam, and asked for recommendation. The waiter suggested the Fried chicken wings. So I had that. Plus ice milk tea.iwas glad I had eaten phad Thai from the street vendor in Soi Rambuttri then. And after tasting that very shiok Thai milk tea smoothie, theirs tasted a bit mild, but thrice the price, given its a restaurant. I would very much want to explore street food more in the future. The Prawn Tim yam always delicious but has a fiery after kick. I poured so much over my plate of rice, it was rice swimming in tom yam soup. Generous portion of fresh and large sized prawns. Bliss. And the fried chicken wings, was boneless, filled with a filling that consisted of pork, vermillion, cilantro, water chest nut and very nicely fried and moist. Delicious wings. My dinner was very satisfying and the priciest of my meals thus far, abt 550+ and tip ($25) but definitely worth it. Then I walked about Siam and headed back. Along the way I wanted to get a Mango ice blended but there was queue, so I didn't. Drank more choc milk Nero.
Day 5 (Sun) - MBK, Siam, flight back
I had requested for late checkout, 1pm instead of 12pm. So after a heavy breakfast, I hung around until quite late then I headed out for lunch at MBK. Due to time cos I really slacked in the room too much, I opted for Jap. In a big but a bit empty Jap like canteen... I ordered a Salmon prawn like don. It has another name cos it came in a wooden container that looked like a bucket. The salmon slices were fresh. Fresher than what I would get in sg even at a higher price. Ate and went back to the hotel. I had already packed my bags earlier, so just enough time to double check, grab my bags, leave a small tip for the cleaners and check out. Left my bags there until 3pm. Got my Soontra juices, I walked to Siam. Still full but killing time. It was the last chance to go to Hello Kitty cafe but I didn't feel up to it. Plus it was the weekends so many tourists and locals up and about. More people so cafés harder. And I wasn't up for a cute dessert. Explored Siam Square part more and finally made it up to the top floor of Siam Paragon. Never went all the way up and there were many food places too. But I was tired and full. Had a seat and watched people passed and drank my final Soontra juice. Then went back to the hotel to pick up my bags.
Got on to the interchange to take the high speed rail with some hitch. The BTS was stuck for a while in two stations and it took more than ten mins to clear just that two cos of high usage? But it was not nice to be crammed and waiting for >10mins. Got to the platform and waited. I was a but concerned if I would be late. I reached the airport around 4.30pm and the flight was 5.45pm. The man at the flight counter told me to hurry cos immigration is a long passage away. Luckily he never weighed my two bags, bursting at the seams cos I squeezed everything in. Cos I weighed myself and it was 13+ kg, exceeding 10kg allowed for budget airline. The ride back was ok. And I arrived but was a bit nauseous so I opted to pay for a cab, after buying the alcohol. Got my Moms wine request and got Somerbys ciders for myself. Cambridge is expensive, $37... Luckily I save some taxi fare from my earlier rides using mrt, airport rail.
Thoughts:
This trip turned out very good. Did the shopping, the touristy sights, enjoyed every meal. Nothing was bad. Happy that I don't have to be a bodyguard to anybody except for myself. Of course I was very careful and vigilant (yet given the news of the bombing, just being careful would not prevent everything) and could assure my mom with Facebook and WhatsApp. A different sort of freedom that is refreshing but yet it invokes a different sort of loneliness. It is not always there but at the end of a day, after a hectic day out, back at the hotel. Just a brief moment, it does pop out. You are a stranger in a foreign land. Alone in a sea of thousands of people. The ones who care about you are in another country. Hope nothing bad happens cos you are alone in a foreign country. Luckily this feeling doesn't last long. Just comes as a random thought after a long day out. Another might be not too good to watch any scary ghost movies or trailers on TV while being alone in the room. I do hope to return to try out more of the delicious food, restaurants & street vendors, more massage (this entire trip I only did once, didn't feel sore to warrant more) and wear fisher pants, eat coconut ice cream, drink Thai milk tea and mango smoothies. I can definitely do solo in urban cities, not so much in the rural.
But with the sad and devastating bombing, it would be a while before can go back without worrying my family.
Chose a flight time that suits my style, I headed off. It was a relief cos for the past one week before, I had been doing massive spring cleaning. Down to the last 20%. I couldn't finish b4 I flew off.
Day 1 - 12th Aug (Wed) Arrival, MBK & Siam area
Reached Bkk without a hitch, first task was to get a sim data card then headed to the basement to catch the airport rail. I opted for the City line instead of the Express cos there is no need to change trains. It goes to Phraya Tai, where I took the BTS to Siam. Could have taken to National Stadium but I wanted to take a peep at how to walk from Siam. Using google map, as a reference but it was easy to located the hotel. Very straightforward. Check-in was easy except had to give a 2000 baht security deposit. So suddenly I am short cash for one day. I did change another $100 by Thurs, but at the end of the trip, I didn't use that extra, and had 202 baht left. I explored the room, like the design and large queen bed, extra space, a lot without sharing, felt spacious. Went to check out the gym, very small and minimal and the dining where complimentary breakfast is served from 6am-10am. Great for a person like me who wakes up erratically during travels. Saw the Macs just downstairs attached to the hotel and saw the Lek massage next door.
I was starving and headed to the nearest mall, MBK to find this Sukishi shabu buffet. Seated at the seat, you have a choice from 3 soups, I thought it was a half-half two soup, so with miscommunication,cos the Eng wasn't good, I 'chose' Tom Yam, there's miso and chicken. I told her two choices and she gave me my latter choice. No issue. So the shabu raw ingredients came about on the conveyor belt. I just had a terrible conveyor sushi meal in IMM last week and this seems too much like it but I chose carefully and dumped about 20 plates of pork, baby corn, salmon and the occasional beef in and ate. On top of eating 2-3 serves from the cooked food selection, their rice and pork, salad were good. Ate until super full and paid 350bht ($14) Then walked around MBK,my first time there. They have one part that is Jap-run, saw a lot of Jap food including one that looked like a more attas Jap grill buffet with quality meat, at a similar price range. But not sure if it catered to a single diner. Anyway I was too full to even consider. There is a maids cafe on the same floor. A very modern arcade and a new cinema. Then when you walk to the other parts, it's like back to Thai style malls. stalls selling many products, no prices, have to bargain type. I just walked around and just
look. A game shop had old consoles like sega, Nintendo that played the old games, so very nostalgic
seeing them. The entire week of cleaning up my room and throwing away many things brought out troves of things that conjured up memories, many kinda forgotten until I saw something that triggered a particular memory, an era, something personal, way of thinking and even personality of my younger self.
Then I walked over to Siam area. I noted and was super glad to see a Soontra juice stall at the Nat Stadium BTS station, bought one. And continued on. Aiming for Siam Square area, aiming to go to the Disney shop there first to check out if there was any cute Dale Disney stuff my sister would like. Took a few pics. After that I walked around, seeing the long queue for After You, I just walked until I covered most, then crossed over to Siam Center, never been there b4, which had the so much brands, though cheaper brands like forever 21, XXI, I think. They had a bunch of cafés inside including a Greyhound, Mr Jones, Sukishi, and a few unique ones, notably Petit Audrey. Unfortunately my stomach was filled, otherwise it's tempting to visit them all.
Then I walked over to Siam Paragon which is even more brands, especially the luxury brands. I headed to the basement to buy some water and run the errands my Mom wanted. To buy some. Offerings to bring home for GuanYin, ancestors and deity housed at home. So I looked around the Gourmet supermarket and they have wide and interesting selection of stuff. There is a Taling Pling restaurant, which meant I didn't have to go to the Central branch. It was on my list to eat as I had a superb Thai meal in April when I visited with a friend. Bought water, some candy, milk for my Bottega Nero 1 liter of choc liquor (no more buying alcohol b4 I recharge my destination, drank until Siam still couldn't finish the last bit) and butterscotch pudding I couldn't resist (didn't taste good) and walked inside Siam Paragon. I didn't cover everything, up on one wing until the floor with a departmental stall that sells toys, looking for my sister's request. Then walked back to hotel. Along the way, I bought a Mango Ice drink from Yellow Dellow and it was superb, a new love and it was almost 10pm. Drank it as I made my way to the hotel.
Decided to have a 2hr Thai massage at the Lek just beside. 500bht, gave a good tip cos the woman did press hard throughout. Think in part is I didn't doze off, so no chance to slack. I went back at midnight. Interesting thing was just b4 my massage started, there was a blackout which they managed to restore, just after I had changed and lay down on the mattress. Definitely memorable experience of holding onto a hand phone to shine the light on my feet which she washed it and later use it to reach the room and even change with that. Definitely out of the usual experience.
Went back, showered and drank a cup of "chocolate milk" adult version and watched Tv. Updated FB, made sure my sis told mom that I was safe. Read up about potential places and planned the itenary. I didn't switch off all the lights, left a few on and watched until I was super sleepy and then switch off the tv and a few more lights. Left two lights on and slept about 2am.
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Day 2 - 13th Aug, Thursday, Erawan with Touristy or Shopping Central & Platinum
I slept with 2 itenarary planned before, either Shopping one or Touristy one. I woke up early cos in the early morning, had to run to the toilet. Suspect over-eating and abit spicy. Pop a charcoal pill and in the morning, I headed for the complimentary breakfast. The spread is decent, though fewer items than the full Holiday Inn breakfast but same quality. Remembering how I mixed my own salad in Holiday Inn Chiangmai, I used the veg with generous amount of vinegarette and cream, threw in scrambled eggs and it was really tasty. Toasted bread with butter and honey was a sweet and delightful treat. Orange juice and black coffee. This was my same breakfast for the next 4 days. Made bigger and bigger bowls of my salad, throwing in generous amounts of eggs and chicken sausages. Happy breakfast time. A solid meal to start each day. I think I can eat this for consecutive days and
days.
Went back to room and ate more charcoal and poh chye pills. It was close to 9am then but I wasn't sure if Action Zone, the Muay Thai shop I wanted to go to, was open. A quick check of google showed it poems at 8.30am. So after making sure my stomach could tahan, I walked over with google map and gps. Just a short walk, 10mins of walking. Easy to locate cos many posted about it.
I went in and there were already other customers. There were 3 Africans, really tall and built, buying Muay Thai goods and large sport bags. I started asking the prices for the hand wraps. Got the cotton ones, Red, Blue, Green. Then a big bunch of French Muay Thai practitioners, 4 males and 2 females. Suddenly within the small shop, it's crowded and u had to squeeze to move about. I started looking through their catalogue for boxing gloves. In the end I went for Twins, 12 oz to replace my Everlast pair which ironically didn't last... One of the inner cushions near the wrist had a tear... Useable but if I am already there, no harm getting. There wasn't any red, blue or black though. I was down to either purple, green, pink, tiger stripes or some flame stripes... I chose the purple one. It's the most safe option, and I can't imagine myself going for training and wearing some striped gloves... training is not for showing off, I don't think it gives any credibility to my skill to be parading some funky gloves unless I am going for those type of classes. I didn't haggle much cos while I was paying, the French group started haggling. So I paid S$52 for my gloves and about S$6.80 per hand wrap.
I walked back to the hotel and had a chocolate Nero + butterscotch pudding. Stomach wasn't as stable yet, so I stayed in the room watching movies on Fox Movies channel until noon. Decided I will go for the "Shopping itinerary" as I wasn't sure if I needed to run to the toilet, so better to be safe than sorry, malls would be a better option. I ate one more charcoal pill and headed out. The plan was to walk 2 stops to the Erawan shrine, finish prayers then go to Central, walk to Platunum-Platinum, then go
Big-C, en on the way back, go to Siam square one area etc.
I got my daily dose of the beloved Soon Tra juice, carrot. Along Siam Square One area, I was at the crossroad. On one side is Hello Kitty, on the other is A&W. Both are in my extensive food lists, which I can't finish even In this trip... In the end, it was a no-fight. Went into A&W, ordered a root beer float with small curly fries. They don't have the corny dogs. After a savory bite, I continued walking over. Along the Skywalk, I noticed the skies turning darker. Just as I got to the traffic crossing just across the hospital from the Erawan shrine, felt drops of rain. Decided to come back before 8.30am tomorrow instead. Some believe one shouldn't pray during overcast, rainy days and no later than 6pm, as the "gods" are not around then.
Proceeded and made up plans along the way with regards to what I will do in the malls. Inside Central world, I headed to buy a movie ticket, cos I've never watch a movie before, it'll be something interesting. Paid 220bht for Inside Out, which has opened in Thailand, ahead of SG. Had an hour plus before my movie but it was about lunch hour and I already had something savory. An idea struck me, I shall go for desserts now then after the movie, look for an early dinner, so that as a single diner, it's easier to avoid the crowds and also made sure I could get seats. Alright, headed to After You and ordered the Baby Honey Shibuya weigh banana and a small Best Iced Choc drink. There were empty tables then so I got comfortable inside and waited for my dessert. Of course doing the Instagram and photo taking of the food. They were fantastic and totally enjoyed chewing down on the soft butter toasted bread with copious amount of honey poured by me, with the vanilla ice cream and banana. Absolute bliss. Sat and ate, then nursed my drink until it was time.
Going for a movie is really a different experience. Firstly, the movie ushers won't allow you entrance until the time print on the movie is up. Meaning, even 5mins earlier is a no-no. Quite a few movie goers found this out like me. I sat on the chairs and waited. Then after you go in, then the commercials start playing. Second element is you will have to sit through the commercials, very
few trailers though. As a first timer, the commercials were all interesting and amusing at times. The trailer for a Thai movie with a female lead and three Thai guys, reminds me of the Taiwanese plots. But pretty good looking; who to choose, the best friend who cooks and is creative and supportive, the rich corporate guy who is cool and a bit badass, or the boyish one who looks like Korean star, executive, sensitive? Ask any girl, a tough choice. Then after 20+mins! a msg appeared, 'Please stand for the Thai king', so you stand out of respect, nobody sat, just complied. And they played a clip that shows the Thai King in all his majesty and his virtues, maybe the song was composed by him, lots of photos and also his annual letter to the Thai people. After a few minutes, then it ended, we sat down and the movie began. Yes, so thirdly, you have to pay respect to the Thai King b4 a movie. Then SF cinema, is a new one. A good part is the seat can recline as you lean back and you get a nice view of the screen, without any heads blocking the view, how cool! There was a very cute clip done by Pixar about a volcano love story. The tune is still in my head, even a week after. Catchy and definitely sweet. I did feel Inside Out is not meant for young kids like Frozen was. It had lots of elements and jokes, adults, perhaps youth can catch. I did identify with the teacher counting down the days of the term until her holiday break.
After the movie, I headed to GreyHound. In my previous trip with a friend, she was raving about it but we didn't manage to squeeze it in. So it was relatively empty at 5pm, so getting a single table wasn't difficult. I had done my research and ordered their 'Complicated Noodles', Crispy Fried Chicken wings and the Granulated Thai Milk Tea. The Complicated Noodles involved taking the lettuce, putting in the noodle slices, cilantro, scoop the meat and the sauce, generously and balance this package carefully and take a bit bite, careful not to spill all over. Divine, is the word to describe. Very good balance of the taste. One could taste all the elements, yet they blend together very well. Then after comes a fiery kick on the tongue from the sauce. really worthwhile to eat it again. The Granulated Milk Tea was very sweet and thick. Just that it didn't melt fast enough to save my tongue from the fiery burn of the Complicated Noodles, as it was obviously frozen into slabs of ice and
scrapped and crushed to make it. The chicken wings were cut into two bones, so it's really easy to eat.
Very well seasoned, salted and shrimp taste. Generous portion of 5.5 wings, yes I counted as I finished everything, not to waste food. After a couple of wings, I asked for ketchup. A personal quirk, I like ketchup on fried rice, eggs and fried chicken. Savored the meal and left a tip. Then I walked along the outside of Central. If I keep walking inside, might not know how to come out cos got many wings, sidetracked. Chose to walk outside. Saw a big white tent which turned out to be a bunch of food stalls, like a night market style. My attention was caught on these huge huge grilled prawns. 400bht for five big ones and 1000bht for five even bigger ones. Again, I have no stomach for these. Though I was reminded of seafood lovers. As I continued on, there were a bunch of Thai Zi Char stalls with its own made tents and tables at roadside pavement. They have a main stall or two per part that sold huge ass fried salted grilled fish. Looks delicious even as these huge fishes, pre salted and cooked once and placed on a big pile. again, I don't have enough stomach for even some no matter how tempting.
So I had my dinner earlier and was shopping while others were looking for dinner. I reached Platunum and it brought back a sense of nostalgia cos my friends and I came here once, way back in 2005/6. I still have the long double purse/wallet from Bag-kok from then. I was looking for something similar to put foreign currencies, that I have from travels to Taiwan, Thai, Yen and ringgit Not enough long, flat wallets for such long notes. I walked starting from the top, nothing really was a I-must-have. Still being in the midst of tidying up my room and limited hand luggage meant I can't go overboard. At Bag-kok, I looked and asked and touched many and in the end I bought 3 similar 'camera bag' style famine and cute bags for mom and two sisters, remembering how much they liked the one I bought from them in Taipei,though pirated. This one is original. Entire Platinum and Platunum, only one shop. The solid plain color, baggy, yet hugging funky Jap/fisher caught my attention but they were pricy, 650bht and with 3 pieces potentially 490bht, still I wasn't sure if I
wanted so many, nor was it a good deal and must-have. Then I walked along the linking bridge to the other Platinum building. The crowd was bigger here. Saw a lot of shirts, can't buy, I have too many.
Really cheap, like S$8 for the same I pay twice in sg. Oh well, too many stalls and bigger and many lanes. After just two floors, my legs felt really tired. I decided to walk back, go to Big-C.
Walked and saw how bad the jams was. Past the Thai Zi Char which were brimming with customers. Earlier nobody was eating here and I saw the big ass fish. Now I see people having their dinner eating the fish. Tempted but continued on. Crossed the overhead bridge and went into Big-C. First off to the supermarket to run errands, getting something nice, for Guan Ying, ancestors and deity. I walked and picked up different items, including two Sminoff alcoholic drinks, honey and melon. Surprisingly the honey didn't taste good,a bit bitter but the melon one had a very nice honeydew melon aftertaste fragrance lingering. These ready to drink cost 56bht, so a lesson for me is that I don't need to buy any more alcohol when I depart. Like how I have to drink a lot of milk + choc Nero, granted it tasted nice but everyday is another thing. These ready to drink will be pay answer next time and they won't burn a hole. Just they are mild, like drinking slightly alcoholic carbonated soda.
I carried the bags and continued back towards my hotel. Along the way, I watched the ever crowded Erawan shrine and the shrine dancers dance gently and gracefully as the incense swirled upwards, carrying wishes to the deities above. At Siam Square One area, I stopped by Yellow Dellow again to get a ice mango. Nice and drinking that, I walked along the back towards the hotel. It's nice to be powered by a nice drink as one walks around, for long distances. I chanced upon one of the few authentic Thai food, for beef noodles, but too full to eat, noted its position for reference. Reached the hotel and settled in. Watching action movies, drinking chocolate milk, Alcoholic soda, hot tea. A pretty decent second day. Was glad my stomach was normal the entire duration that I was outside. Looked through the internet about the next day's plans.
Day 3 - Tourist Itinerary
I woke up early, 6.30am and headed for breakfast, and there were early risers too. I ate the same,
except I made a bigger portion, adding lots of tamagotchi rolls and chicken sausage that my salad was more like the veg were side to the protein. Had a massive bowl. After that, rested and bathe and headed out. Got two bottles of Soontra juices, lychee passion fruit and butterfly pea. Drank one for the daily dose of vitamins. Delicious and walked over to Erawan shrine. I was determined to go there before the crowds, the heat. Surprisingly I was the first at the counter to ask for the shrine dancers. Got 4 for my family and 2 for myself. They danced together and so there were 6. I prayed for health especially, and more luck and fortune in light of my job situation. I had planned in my mind to go come back in Dec to give thanks but in light of the incident, my mom will worry incessantly so I will give thanks in Sg. Bought the incense set and light them. Not sure of the order, so I start and of one round, following the rest.
Then I walked to Siam and hopped onto the BTS to Saphran Thaksin station which is the link to the Sarthorn pier to take the ferries along the Chao Phraya river. But besides the tourist ferry which was well publicized, with its employees, moving about and helping u with tickets, I don't see much for the others, apparently there is the normal ferries, but I don't see the ticket booth, and couldn't tell which pier to board etc. so in the end I settled for a single trip tourist ferry, 40bht. It was a big ferry. Enough to have three rows. I sat down and took some photos and selfies. Got off at Tha Tian stop. Immediately I went to take the barge 3bht, to cross the river to Wat Arun. I intend to go there, then Wat Pho then Emerald Buddha, then that Soi Rambuttri. Unfortunately Wat Arun, 50bht, is partially under restoration, I took some pics here, finally took out the selfie stick and got a couple of pics. Went into the temple and put in a donation and got holy water sprinkled and the monk tied a white string to my left wrist. I kept it on until I reached SG safely. Took out my Butterfly pea drink and drank, glad to have a nice drink as the sun burned hotter. Nice weather though.
The. I took the barge across and went to Wat Pho. Got a free drink courtesy of some promotion? As soon as I walked out, put one in my hand, many tourists also have that. Grateful as by then it was noon. Getting hotter. Got the entry ticket, 100bht and headed in. Very titanic reclining Buddha.
Largest one, I've seen thus far. The temple has very high ceilings and with murals showing Buddha's life. There wasn't a lot of time to admire them cos the constant stream of visitors, I ambled along, taking a video and some pics, including a selfie at the feet, not the head. Then walk onto see the back of the statue, it's long u-turn. I saw a donation, for 20bht, they give you a small bowl filled with one cents and you walk along the interior wall and put the coins into the alms bowls lined against the wall. Then it's time to come out. Exchanged part of the ticket for a cold mineral water, small but welcomed as the heat intensified. The temple compound was huge, even with a map in the brochure, I couldn't see them all. But I went into at least 4 and paid my respects and put in a donation. Was getting lost and tired, saw an ice cream seller. For 20bht, rested under the shade eating the nostalgic old-fashion styled, simple but yet delicious coconut and a creamy one with cake bits. Went to the toilet, put on more sun block and went off to the final temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
It was housed in the palace and that meant I have to walk along the long long long white palace walls. At least I didn't encounter the scam. But I didn't take out my umbrella cos many tourists all walking about. I sauntered on with my cap and sunblock on my face. It was a very very long walk. The entrance is far far far away. My legs were pretty tired from Wat Arun and especially Wat Pho. I finally reached the entrance and there were throngs of tourists, especially China ones in their tour groups, tour buses. Had to walk and avoid the crowds and squeeze at times and as I got closer to the main ticket area, I was hesitant. First it was nearing 2pm, scorching hot, long long queue, armies of tourists, and the ticket price was 500bht. I wanted to see if there was a plain Emerald Buddha entrance cos I didn't want to visit the palace but there is only one type of admission. So I walked
along the small rows of shop to seek some relief, saw a small cafeteria one and was immediately glad cos there was air-con. They have instant food, ice cream and cold drinks. I got a milo bar, 10bht, unbelievable. Sat down at the table and ate it gratefully, resting my feet and cooling off. This cemented my decision, not to go to the Emerald Buddha, I didn't fancy the squeeze with the crowd. I stayed there until all my sweat dried off, got a kit kat green tea ice cream cone to walk out of the
compound. It's easier to walk under the sun with something cold to offset the heat.
I used the gps and walked to find Soi Rambuttri, the place reminiscent of old Bangkok before all the malls came in, at least according to online websites recommendation. It was a long walk, 1.6km on google map but longer than that due to detours I had to take at times. Got there finally, could feel the heat radiating off me from all the exposed arms and neck areas. Speaking the way you find the roadside stalls, some abandoned buildings left standing, some small shops, yet once you reached the place, suddenly the population of blond foreigners exploded. They are everywhere. Khao Shan street is full of stalls selling clothes, bags, accessories etc that lined both sides, so dense that you can't see the storefront. All the buildings are short, 3-4 stories shophouses. And lots of backpackers. Then I walked behind, think I got to Soi Rambuttri, no more stalls. Now can see the shop fronts. Then you see like backpackers hotels and dining that caters to expatriates or bagpackers. There are massage with chairs in open like how it was in Big-C but no longer, but despite my legs walking outside, I didn't feel compelled to have a massage, reason was I was hungry. The ice cream gave me enough to reach there. I walked up and down but wasn't enticed by what I saw. Instead I saw a phad Thai roadside stall that had no one. It had at least a table and chair out of the sun, the other along the same street was only takeaway. I ordered a phad Thai with egg and a small bottled mango juice, just costing 50bht! I was surprised at the price when I asked and paid for it. It was delicious. Ate it hungrily yet appreciatively. Washed it down with the mango juice and I was revived. I intend to walk til the end of the street, saw a stall selling iced drinks and I bought a Thai Milk Tea blended ice shake that was so thick and sweet and satisfying. Best Thai Milk Tea ever, phad Thai too. Surprisingly from just road side stalls, and nope I didn't get any tummy aches. I used google map to navigate back and
following it's path, I had to walk a narrow alley. I was scanning front and back, as I walked, encounter a man on two separate times and I did scan to see if anyone tried to surprise me. But it was during the day, 3.30pm-ish, and I landed up back at Khao Shan, I would never take the path at night though.
Retraced my steps then and headed back. A 1.8km back to the Emerald Buddha then another and another km plus of walking back to Tha tian pier but there were more and more tourists at the pier. I had initially planned to the smaller yellow or orange ferry, to experience a small ferry, more local but when I saw how many more pier stops they made compared to the most direct one, the tourist boat, I got on the tourist boat that also had greater frequencies. Oh well, not a great loss. The sweltering heat was reaching my unbearable point. Guzzling cold mineral water while waiting. Got back to the BTS and this time I took it all the way to Nat Stadium BTS, instead of walking from Siam. Changed trains and I got out at the further from hotel exit cos that's where the SoonTra stall is at. Bought 4 different bottles, coconut, lemon grass, lychee passion, beet root passion. Walked back to the hotel and decided I am done for the day, sunburnt feet hurt, got blisters and sweated enough, so I visited the Macs just below the hotel. I saw the Minions fries container, looks cute but couldn't understand how much more it cost on top of the meal, anyway I bought a samurai burger meal, up sized with the minions French fries container, think it just cost 10bht more. With my food and drinks, went back and put the juices in the mini fridge, ate a few fries. Relaxed and had a long shower to wash off all the fatigue. Ate hungrily and rediscovered how Macs fries do taste good. Downed two juices, a big coke. Later on more choc milk. It's nice to see the sun setting and the skies turning dark. The stadium opposite had morning jogger and in the evening, there were teams playing football and joggers too. I was contented to stay in. In my mind, I was mapping out tomorrow's plans, also some food to eat. But my feet were hurting, blisters, that I wasn't sure if I wanted to walk all the way to Thong Lor for Roast. I decided that the second outlet, being in a mall might be a better choice.
Day 4 (Sat) - Slowing down, Chatuchap & Phrom Pheng
Things slowed down a bit for me, well cos I was having blisters on both feet from the 'touristy' walking about. My calves were ok but not my feet. But I travelled light so I had brought only one footwear. It wasn't meant for 15km of walking in a day.
I did the usual, eat up hearty breakfast. An even bigger serving of my own mixed salad with more lettuce this time. Perfect balance. Only wished I could eat it more. After breakfast, I rested and then headed to Mo Chit, using BTS. This time I took from the Nat Stadium and did a changeover at Siam. And just sat until the end. I remembered how to go there from the previous trip with Quet. Being prepared, I wore shorts and a cotton top, cap, and brought along water. It was obvious how to go there. There were long lines of people, lots of different nationalities, heading in one direction. I hopped to the MRT to use the toilet, walked and headed there. It is not yet that hot but there were many people walking about. I kept my bag infront, on the shortest sling, hugging my front. So my valuables were safe. Also my bulk, extra cash and passport were in my money belt, just had more than enough in my wallet. I didn't have anything in mind, perhaps some fisher pants if the print wasn't too funky or too pricey.
I entered and almost all the shops were open and just started walking. I walked past lots of stalls. Nothing prompted much interest, partly cos I have limited luggage space. Already bought 3 bags and my gloves so I didn't have that much space left. Halfway through walking through half of the place, I would walk a lane then reach the end and go the next lane. At the middle, I came across the coconut ice cream. There were toe stalls so I just chose one and chose to eat the version in the coconut shell. It was very light and the nuts were aromatic and crunchy. Really very nice, with the coconut flesh. Wouldn't mind eating a whole bunch of it. But I refrained. I was planning to head to the second outlet of Roast, in Phrom Pheng for lunch and explore that area.
Walked and saw a wallet place. A flat wallet for 100bht and a bigger one is 120bht. Fitted what I had in mind. Bought two. Then I walked along and saw the funky fisher pants that reminded me of my Aladdin pants. Started asking for the price, went from 250bht ($10), straight to 220bht at another only if I buy 3... They were the plainer ones. Then I walked along and saw another shop that put up a sign 175bht, for the normal fisher pants. I saw the stall had more funky style Aladdin pants, at least 3 colors making up a pair. Asked the price, is 200bht ($8), already is cheaper than the earlier two stalls. I asked for a better price of I buy 2, she quoted me 350bht, which is just $7 per pair. I though, looked, touched some more then I settled and bought the baggy ones and not the plain fisher ones. Happy that I managed to buy something for myself. I was getting tired and decided to leave.
I went to the Mrt to use the toilet and then walked around the small underground mall that was like of otaku. Looking for my sister's request. But found nothing, though I saw a shop that offered a course on how to work leather and make bags and wallets. Then headed back and got off at Phrom Pheng BTS, went to the Helix to find Roast. I was looking forward to nice food but when I reached there, there was a really long queue of tourists. I was disappointed cos I was hungry then and as a single diner, it's kinda hard to get a seat. So I saw there's Greyhound but ti had a much shorter wait, one infront but I wasn't ready to wait. So I went walking about. Inside were all branded stuff so I headed outside to the streets. I saw from the BTS a bunch of Jap restaurants. I walked over, and most entered one but I wasn't sure if I felt like eating cold Jap food, after my mind was filled with thoughts of steak and all the meaty goodness. I took a pic or two and walked across the street cos there's another mall, Emporium. Also there were a bunch of street vendors for Thai food. I noticed the big contrast and irony... Surely present in every city. The posh branded malls, just beside it are the small older shops and Thai street vendors, the beggars. The tourists going to glitzy posh malls, the normal Thai people going to their norms, the Thai street food, the shops that caters and am most authentic amongst this shopping belt setting.
Inside the Emporium, it is more a dept stall style so a big area to walk through on the top floor. I headed to the top to look for food. And saw some. Was walking about thinking how it's very Jap. Cos there's is Jap supermarket. And I walked around and saw like a bunch of stalls. I walked into a food court like place except it's the Thai style where you get a card like Marchies and get your food charged to the card. Been in a couple with Quet in the previous trip. We had gone to the one in Central and Embassy. I didn't walk a full round. A quick glance. I saw more jap food compared to the other food court I had been. Wanted something light cos I might want to eat something else and quickly decided on pork Okonomiyaki.ordered one plus a set of salad and miso soup. 180bht + 50bht. The Okonomiyaki was very well-executed. Very crispy on the top, Lots of mayonnaise. Very very nicely done. I haven't tasted an authentic one but this is really a nice one except it was big and I was a bit ni by the 2/3 mark. Then I decided to head back to the hotel.
Took a train all the way to the Nat Stadium BTS and got out at the exit that had the Soontra stall. Bought 4 more and headed back. I did another dabao of the Macs. I got a fish fillet meal with upsize of the fries and Coke. Dropped everything and had a hot long shower. It's really a simple unadulterated joy to just exclaim a sigh of relief after downing a bottle of chilled juice. A delicious meal, and I am rediscovering the shiokness of eating Macs and Coke after a tiring day out. Then watched action movies and sipped coke.
It was nearing 8pm before I dragged myself out to Siam to look for dinner. Decided on Taling Pling cow had a delicious Thai meal last time with Quet in Central. In my first night of exploration, I noted that there is one branch in Siam. I got in and can see a surprised look when I say, table for one. But it was relatively empty then so no issue. I wanted a Phad Thai but they had no more... So sad but I ordered the prawn tom yam, and asked for recommendation. The waiter suggested the Fried chicken wings. So I had that. Plus ice milk tea.iwas glad I had eaten phad Thai from the street vendor in Soi Rambuttri then. And after tasting that very shiok Thai milk tea smoothie, theirs tasted a bit mild, but thrice the price, given its a restaurant. I would very much want to explore street food more in the future. The Prawn Tim yam always delicious but has a fiery after kick. I poured so much over my plate of rice, it was rice swimming in tom yam soup. Generous portion of fresh and large sized prawns. Bliss. And the fried chicken wings, was boneless, filled with a filling that consisted of pork, vermillion, cilantro, water chest nut and very nicely fried and moist. Delicious wings. My dinner was very satisfying and the priciest of my meals thus far, abt 550+ and tip ($25) but definitely worth it. Then I walked about Siam and headed back. Along the way I wanted to get a Mango ice blended but there was queue, so I didn't. Drank more choc milk Nero.
Day 5 (Sun) - MBK, Siam, flight back
I had requested for late checkout, 1pm instead of 12pm. So after a heavy breakfast, I hung around until quite late then I headed out for lunch at MBK. Due to time cos I really slacked in the room too much, I opted for Jap. In a big but a bit empty Jap like canteen... I ordered a Salmon prawn like don. It has another name cos it came in a wooden container that looked like a bucket. The salmon slices were fresh. Fresher than what I would get in sg even at a higher price. Ate and went back to the hotel. I had already packed my bags earlier, so just enough time to double check, grab my bags, leave a small tip for the cleaners and check out. Left my bags there until 3pm. Got my Soontra juices, I walked to Siam. Still full but killing time. It was the last chance to go to Hello Kitty cafe but I didn't feel up to it. Plus it was the weekends so many tourists and locals up and about. More people so cafés harder. And I wasn't up for a cute dessert. Explored Siam Square part more and finally made it up to the top floor of Siam Paragon. Never went all the way up and there were many food places too. But I was tired and full. Had a seat and watched people passed and drank my final Soontra juice. Then went back to the hotel to pick up my bags.
Got on to the interchange to take the high speed rail with some hitch. The BTS was stuck for a while in two stations and it took more than ten mins to clear just that two cos of high usage? But it was not nice to be crammed and waiting for >10mins. Got to the platform and waited. I was a but concerned if I would be late. I reached the airport around 4.30pm and the flight was 5.45pm. The man at the flight counter told me to hurry cos immigration is a long passage away. Luckily he never weighed my two bags, bursting at the seams cos I squeezed everything in. Cos I weighed myself and it was 13+ kg, exceeding 10kg allowed for budget airline. The ride back was ok. And I arrived but was a bit nauseous so I opted to pay for a cab, after buying the alcohol. Got my Moms wine request and got Somerbys ciders for myself. Cambridge is expensive, $37... Luckily I save some taxi fare from my earlier rides using mrt, airport rail.
Thoughts:
This trip turned out very good. Did the shopping, the touristy sights, enjoyed every meal. Nothing was bad. Happy that I don't have to be a bodyguard to anybody except for myself. Of course I was very careful and vigilant (yet given the news of the bombing, just being careful would not prevent everything) and could assure my mom with Facebook and WhatsApp. A different sort of freedom that is refreshing but yet it invokes a different sort of loneliness. It is not always there but at the end of a day, after a hectic day out, back at the hotel. Just a brief moment, it does pop out. You are a stranger in a foreign land. Alone in a sea of thousands of people. The ones who care about you are in another country. Hope nothing bad happens cos you are alone in a foreign country. Luckily this feeling doesn't last long. Just comes as a random thought after a long day out. Another might be not too good to watch any scary ghost movies or trailers on TV while being alone in the room. I do hope to return to try out more of the delicious food, restaurants & street vendors, more massage (this entire trip I only did once, didn't feel sore to warrant more) and wear fisher pants, eat coconut ice cream, drink Thai milk tea and mango smoothies. I can definitely do solo in urban cities, not so much in the rural.
But with the sad and devastating bombing, it would be a while before can go back without worrying my family.
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