The day begun when I opened my eyes around 0930hrs. After a long nice bath, I went downstairs for breakfast. American breakfast, served with crossiant, bacon and two eggs, sunny side up.
After breakfast, I went to Bookazine to get the map (89B) and returned to my room to plan for my day. The tourist map that I bought was not to scale, so I am not sure how 'not-to-scale' it is. Set out for the day after briefly planning my trip.
My journey starts by taking the skytrain from Nana Station to Asoke Station. 10B. Then at Asoke Station, I will have to go underground to take the underground train at the Sukhumvit Station. Paying 25B gets me through six stations, arriving at Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Bought a bottle of softdrink (at 9B) and started venturing into the unknown territory. Walking pass Chinatown, I came into car modifiers' heaven. The whole row of shop houses are wheels and tyres shops with countless wheels and tyres on display. I also passed by some accessories shop and battery shop too. In strong contrast, a grain shop that was stuck between to tyre shops are so quiet that the shopkeeper was napping there while his neighbours were busy with their work. Before long I came to a huge roundabout and decided to randomly take a turn. 30 minutes later, I passed by a Wat (Siamese Temple if I am not wrong). Some funeral service is being held inside. On the pathway, there are kids doing their begging job. When I walked pass one kid, he suddenly started to cry out his lung, hoping that I will help him. I did not even set my eyes on him. Call me cold-blooded if you want, but I have to be fair to other kids too, if I help this kid then I will have to help all other beggar-kids. Thanks but no thanks.
Another half an hour later, drinking the water that I bought from a convenience store for 7B, I came to a junction. The Ministry of Energy sits across the river. And there is this overhead pedestrian bridge that connects the four sides of the road. When I tried to access the bridge, I found that I have to go out to the main street and walk to the beginning of the stairs, because the pathway was blocked. I wonder if the building was built first or the overhead bridge. It seems that they do not have proper planning. By that time, I know I am lost. I cannot even ask for help because I believe none of the people I encounter could speak English. Therefore I tried my luck and crossed the bridge, arriving at the Election Commission of Thailand.
..to be continued
Monday, September 26, 2005
Browsing Bangkok - Day 1
Touched down at Bangkok International Airport around 1605hrs local time. The first sight that greeted me was the golf course in between the runways for the airport. You did not read it wrong, a golf course in the airport, between the two landing/takeoff strip. I was wondering what happens if a golf ball hit a plane while it was landing/taking off? It seems that the golf course has been around for ages, so my concern seems to be trivial.
After going through the customs and claiming my baggage, I went to get a airport taxi to my hotel. Spent 1330B(Thai Baht) for the airport-hotel-airport trip. 700B one way, with 10% off the return trip. The best part is, the above-mentioned price do not include the expressway toll, which is 60B. At least the taxi is very comfortable, top of the range Camry, and the driver is well manicured too, his driving skills I mean.
Along the expressway, I noticed that there is a strong Japanese presence here, as some billboards have Japanese on it. Yes, I can differentiate Japanese and Thai, if you are wondering. Only then it strikes me why there are tourist information ONLY FOR JAPANESE in the baggage claim area.
Tipped the taxi driver 40B, from the change of the tollway (gave him 100B to pay earlier). Finally I arrived at Sukhumvit and checked into the room. Since the travel agent that booked the place for me said that it was not that well-conditioned, this place is far better than my expectations. Excellent.
A king-sized bed was sitting in the centre of the room, facing the door, with a big mirror on the top end of the bed. Wonder why they did not install a mirror on the ceiling as well, haha. Browsing through the items on display on top of the fridge, I came across a box of strawberry flavoured condom in threes. Interesting item to find in a hotel room in Thailand, as I have not seen condoms on offer in any of the hotel rooms I have been in. Too bad I have no use for it.
Took a long bath, watching animations from my notebook, and thoroughly relaxed myself. I sure know how to enjoy myself. Ha ha. After that I went out to have dinner. Strolling along the Sukhumvit, I came across a lot of night hawkers, selling things ranging from shirts, shoes, watches to DVDs and other electrical stuffs. I was also shown pictures of sexy Thai ladies in the bath, suggesting that I can have fun with them too. I shook my head and continued with my journey. I walked pass hair saloons and massage parlours, where a lot of young Thai ladies were sitting in idle. I knew what kind of 'service' they provide, so I did not even want to look into the shop. The best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid eye contact with any of the 'servants' or 'agents'. Say NO to whatever they say to you. On the way, I dropped by a coffee shop, Where the World Meets, and grabbed myself an ice-blended coffee. Around 110B.
I passed two Starbucks (within 300 metres of each other) and came to a book store 'Bookazine'. I went in to have a look and saw some map, which I will buy the following day. I discovered that the books in Thailand are quite cheap. For example, Dan Brown's Da Vincci Code retails for around 350B. I continued down the road and decided to have KFC for dinner. Something different is on the menu, with a black pepper sauce whole drumstick, it is far better than the KFC I had in the airport for lunch. Even their salad has tuna in it. And they served my meal in squarish tupperware plate and glass for my Pepsi. The meal costed me only 89B.
After dinner, I went straight back to the hotel. By the time I settled myself comfortably into the bed, watching Star movies on TV, I realised that my notebook is running low in power and needed to be recharged. Only then I realised that the sockets here are different. Went downstairs to asked for an adapter but they do not have one. They suggested that I go to Robinson departmental store to get it, which will take me 10 minutes walk, or one stop by the BTS skytrain. I decided to try out the skytrain. The attendant gave me coin changes for the ticket machine. For one stop, it costed me 10B, and saved my tired legs' engergy too. Money well spent.
Robinson did not have what I wanted, bugger. Luckily an electrical store next to the Robinson, ran by a Thai-Chinese, have the whole row of universal adaptor hanging there, and they caught my eye. Parted 50B for it and happily I am on my way back. Before getting to the skytrain station, I dropped by 7-11 to grab a packet of Lays and a can of Chang Beer (Thailand beer, who is now (or was?) Everton's shirt sponsor). Beer 25B, chips 20B. The beer is cheap, really cheap, and it taste nice too. I only had half of the beer as I do not really drink, just wanted to try out how the beer was.
The weather in Bangkok is so hot and humid, I was sweating all over again. I remembered it was 35 degrees Celcius when I touched down at the airport. On my way back, I saw something very unsettling. A mother, with a kid, was begging by the road side. Beside them is a puppy too. It seems like they are of the same family. Further down the road, another beggar, in his 30s, limbs severed, is doing his normal routine as well. Welcome to Bangkok, I said to myself.
Finally, I settled down into my bed once again. Stuffing my mouth with chips, with beer washing them down my stomach, and watching movies on TV, what more can I ask for? Well, of course someone will say, "Hey mate, you are in Bangkok! Go out and party! Grab some girls and have fun!". No thanks, mate. I did not know when I actually fell asleep, but I had a good night sleep for my first half-day in Bangkok.
Nightzzz...
After going through the customs and claiming my baggage, I went to get a airport taxi to my hotel. Spent 1330B(Thai Baht) for the airport-hotel-airport trip. 700B one way, with 10% off the return trip. The best part is, the above-mentioned price do not include the expressway toll, which is 60B. At least the taxi is very comfortable, top of the range Camry, and the driver is well manicured too, his driving skills I mean.
Along the expressway, I noticed that there is a strong Japanese presence here, as some billboards have Japanese on it. Yes, I can differentiate Japanese and Thai, if you are wondering. Only then it strikes me why there are tourist information ONLY FOR JAPANESE in the baggage claim area.
Tipped the taxi driver 40B, from the change of the tollway (gave him 100B to pay earlier). Finally I arrived at Sukhumvit and checked into the room. Since the travel agent that booked the place for me said that it was not that well-conditioned, this place is far better than my expectations. Excellent.
A king-sized bed was sitting in the centre of the room, facing the door, with a big mirror on the top end of the bed. Wonder why they did not install a mirror on the ceiling as well, haha. Browsing through the items on display on top of the fridge, I came across a box of strawberry flavoured condom in threes. Interesting item to find in a hotel room in Thailand, as I have not seen condoms on offer in any of the hotel rooms I have been in. Too bad I have no use for it.
Took a long bath, watching animations from my notebook, and thoroughly relaxed myself. I sure know how to enjoy myself. Ha ha. After that I went out to have dinner. Strolling along the Sukhumvit, I came across a lot of night hawkers, selling things ranging from shirts, shoes, watches to DVDs and other electrical stuffs. I was also shown pictures of sexy Thai ladies in the bath, suggesting that I can have fun with them too. I shook my head and continued with my journey. I walked pass hair saloons and massage parlours, where a lot of young Thai ladies were sitting in idle. I knew what kind of 'service' they provide, so I did not even want to look into the shop. The best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid eye contact with any of the 'servants' or 'agents'. Say NO to whatever they say to you. On the way, I dropped by a coffee shop, Where the World Meets, and grabbed myself an ice-blended coffee. Around 110B.
I passed two Starbucks (within 300 metres of each other) and came to a book store 'Bookazine'. I went in to have a look and saw some map, which I will buy the following day. I discovered that the books in Thailand are quite cheap. For example, Dan Brown's Da Vincci Code retails for around 350B. I continued down the road and decided to have KFC for dinner. Something different is on the menu, with a black pepper sauce whole drumstick, it is far better than the KFC I had in the airport for lunch. Even their salad has tuna in it. And they served my meal in squarish tupperware plate and glass for my Pepsi. The meal costed me only 89B.
After dinner, I went straight back to the hotel. By the time I settled myself comfortably into the bed, watching Star movies on TV, I realised that my notebook is running low in power and needed to be recharged. Only then I realised that the sockets here are different. Went downstairs to asked for an adapter but they do not have one. They suggested that I go to Robinson departmental store to get it, which will take me 10 minutes walk, or one stop by the BTS skytrain. I decided to try out the skytrain. The attendant gave me coin changes for the ticket machine. For one stop, it costed me 10B, and saved my tired legs' engergy too. Money well spent.
Robinson did not have what I wanted, bugger. Luckily an electrical store next to the Robinson, ran by a Thai-Chinese, have the whole row of universal adaptor hanging there, and they caught my eye. Parted 50B for it and happily I am on my way back. Before getting to the skytrain station, I dropped by 7-11 to grab a packet of Lays and a can of Chang Beer (Thailand beer, who is now (or was?) Everton's shirt sponsor). Beer 25B, chips 20B. The beer is cheap, really cheap, and it taste nice too. I only had half of the beer as I do not really drink, just wanted to try out how the beer was.
The weather in Bangkok is so hot and humid, I was sweating all over again. I remembered it was 35 degrees Celcius when I touched down at the airport. On my way back, I saw something very unsettling. A mother, with a kid, was begging by the road side. Beside them is a puppy too. It seems like they are of the same family. Further down the road, another beggar, in his 30s, limbs severed, is doing his normal routine as well. Welcome to Bangkok, I said to myself.
Finally, I settled down into my bed once again. Stuffing my mouth with chips, with beer washing them down my stomach, and watching movies on TV, what more can I ask for? Well, of course someone will say, "Hey mate, you are in Bangkok! Go out and party! Grab some girls and have fun!". No thanks, mate. I did not know when I actually fell asleep, but I had a good night sleep for my first half-day in Bangkok.
Nightzzz...
Thursday, September 22, 2005
R.I.P. E.P.L.
Rest in peace, English Premier League.
If this can happen, what more can I say? Six wins in as many games. It is getting boring, is it not? Maybe Chelsea should move to La Liga and compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
If you do not believe what you see, you can try to see for yourself here. But I am not sure they will change the team next week, or it will remain the same until Chelsea finally get beaten. (Hopefully by Manchester United, or Liverpool, or Newcastle.)
All I can say is from what I see, the English teams have been playing too defensively and often move forward only in counterattacks. Not much goalmouth action. (Or maybe I just watch Man Utd games and our opponents defend with all ten men in the box.)
Even Rooney is losing his temper. Good job, referee. *Clapping loudly in his presence* Send me off if you like, I do not care. Even FIFA, UEFA, URMAMA cannot do anything to me. =P
*Eminem starts singing in my ears* Will the real Slim Shady please stand up, please stand up, please stand up...
*Begin to hum to the tune* Will the real Red Devil please stand up, please stand up, please stand up...
Gosh, I have too much of the stress running in my head that I am getting crazy...too much blood rushing to my head...
No, no, no, don't stand up, don't stand up.
If this can happen, what more can I say? Six wins in as many games. It is getting boring, is it not? Maybe Chelsea should move to La Liga and compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
If you do not believe what you see, you can try to see for yourself here. But I am not sure they will change the team next week, or it will remain the same until Chelsea finally get beaten. (Hopefully by Manchester United, or Liverpool, or Newcastle.)
All I can say is from what I see, the English teams have been playing too defensively and often move forward only in counterattacks. Not much goalmouth action. (Or maybe I just watch Man Utd games and our opponents defend with all ten men in the box.)
Even Rooney is losing his temper. Good job, referee. *Clapping loudly in his presence* Send me off if you like, I do not care. Even FIFA, UEFA, URMAMA cannot do anything to me. =P
*Eminem starts singing in my ears* Will the real Slim Shady please stand up, please stand up, please stand up...
*Begin to hum to the tune* Will the real Red Devil please stand up, please stand up, please stand up...
Gosh, I have too much of the stress running in my head that I am getting crazy...too much blood rushing to my head...
No, no, no, don't stand up, don't stand up.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Merry X'mas
The truck has finally arrived. It is a Rusa, painted red on the nose in front with some sledge-like artwork on both sides. Some tiny bells are hanging on the doors. The registration plates read something like 'Randolph'.
I ran from my room, full of hope, and hurried to the truck to see the elf-like workers unloading the goods. One by one, they carefully picked up the boxes and distributed them to their respective receipents. One big German fella was standing on top of the truck doing nothing but laughing out loud. 'Ho! Ho! Ho!'. If my memory did not fail me, his name is Klaus.
I eagerly waited for my turn to receive the goods, I even had my extra large stockings with me just in case that funny German want to play games with me. I waited, waited and then, waited. Slowly, I began to realise that I have been overlooked, AGAIN. The truck is empty by now, and so are my stockings. What I have asked for, is not here. I wonder if the SMS I sent to Santa has gone through at all. I thought he promised me that it will be here this x'mas. Ugh, I felt so disgusted.
WTF. ~!@#$%^&*... I have to wait till next x'mas.
I ran from my room, full of hope, and hurried to the truck to see the elf-like workers unloading the goods. One by one, they carefully picked up the boxes and distributed them to their respective receipents. One big German fella was standing on top of the truck doing nothing but laughing out loud. 'Ho! Ho! Ho!'. If my memory did not fail me, his name is Klaus.
I eagerly waited for my turn to receive the goods, I even had my extra large stockings with me just in case that funny German want to play games with me. I waited, waited and then, waited. Slowly, I began to realise that I have been overlooked, AGAIN. The truck is empty by now, and so are my stockings. What I have asked for, is not here. I wonder if the SMS I sent to Santa has gone through at all. I thought he promised me that it will be here this x'mas. Ugh, I felt so disgusted.
WTF. ~!@#$%^&*... I have to wait till next x'mas.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Death Sentence
When one has committed an unforgiveable serious crime, s/he shall be given a death sentence. No questions asked. What about when one who has done nothing bad and has done uncountable charity deeds, shall s/he be given a death sentence? A death sentence one has to suffer a lot before s/he eventually dies?
Perhaps most of us would relate this to Hurricane Katrina, or the other natural disasters taking place in East Asia while I type this, but this is about one of my closest relative, the one who is so important that without him, I will not be blogging here today.
While my grandpa is in agony, sufferring from the pain caused by cancerous cells spreading all over his body, those around him are in agony too, mentally. Especially my grandma, who has been taking care of him since he collapsed while trying to go to the toilet in the wee hours of the morning a few weeks back.
Since then, my grandpa's condition has deterioated badly. He has basically given up hope on recuperating and would like to live his last days peacefully at home. Yet, my grandma would not let him go. She still have not given up hope yet. My dad has been trying to make his siblings understand grandpa's wishes to go to heaven peacefully, and with dignity.
It is true that when there is still a mathematical chance of beating the illness, we should try our best to beat it. But sometimes, is it worth going through so much pain? Taking so much risk? Even to die on the operating table? If I were in such situation, I would rather go home and wait for the day God come to bring me Home to his Kingdom.
If you are reading this, please pray for my grandpa's safe passage to after-life. Thank you.
Perhaps most of us would relate this to Hurricane Katrina, or the other natural disasters taking place in East Asia while I type this, but this is about one of my closest relative, the one who is so important that without him, I will not be blogging here today.
While my grandpa is in agony, sufferring from the pain caused by cancerous cells spreading all over his body, those around him are in agony too, mentally. Especially my grandma, who has been taking care of him since he collapsed while trying to go to the toilet in the wee hours of the morning a few weeks back.
Since then, my grandpa's condition has deterioated badly. He has basically given up hope on recuperating and would like to live his last days peacefully at home. Yet, my grandma would not let him go. She still have not given up hope yet. My dad has been trying to make his siblings understand grandpa's wishes to go to heaven peacefully, and with dignity.
It is true that when there is still a mathematical chance of beating the illness, we should try our best to beat it. But sometimes, is it worth going through so much pain? Taking so much risk? Even to die on the operating table? If I were in such situation, I would rather go home and wait for the day God come to bring me Home to his Kingdom.
If you are reading this, please pray for my grandpa's safe passage to after-life. Thank you.
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