Preparing to move out and multiply

On my 30th blog (whoohoo!) I'm announcing plans to move out of this site. A bit unsettling because I'm already used to this set-up. I feel like there's more flexibility in terms of customising the layout, fonts and all this sort of stuff.

I want to share more photos though, hence, the decision to move out which I'm unable to do here. Yes, it took me months to admit it's time to pack up and go.

I'll leave you with this (second to the) final shot. It was taken forty thousand feet (or so) above sea level at the break of dawn on my way from Europe back to Asia. Yes, I purposely woke up, amidst interrupted sleep and all, just to watch the sunrise. It's always a beautiful sight to behold the start and end of a day from this perspective. How often does one literally catch rainbow colours splashed on clouds that collectively look more like "frozen" turbulent sea?

Ok, poetry aside, I'll let you know once my new space is up and running. Still under construction. Ciao bellos!

Blog quiz mirrors on the wall

I was reading a friend's blog and saw a few facets to her as she shared results of blog quizzes she had been taking. It suggested that if she were a superhero, she'd be Wonderwoman, a true Harry Potter fan and that she is very selfless (to a fault) judging from her bathroom habits.

So I decided to take one of those quizzes she passed on (I won't tell which one) and suprisingly went on a mindless binge taking one after another. I'm almost certain half of it isn't true. Here's the result of a predicatable question: How daring are you?

It's interesting to see how a computer can say the kind of sandwich, mixed drink or bikini I could be. The topics span from esotheric-philosophical to downright silly. I went LoL when it churned out if I had a bad girl reputation or not. If you knew me you would know what I am if I were ;)

Here's the link to the blog quiz if you're interested: http://www.blogthings.com/howdaringareyouquiz/

"Chillax" in Koh Samed

Pause muna from all the Italy talk.

I finally hit the beach --- sorry, I hardly count Hua Hin because it feels to me more like a seaside resort like Punta Fuego or Puerto Azul than a 'real' beach like Bora or Palawan--- after 18 months pining for one! Last weekend, with work issues coming out of our ears, a couple of us just decided to drop everything and go to Koh Samed (pronounced koh' sa-met'). Ok, in typical loserly fashion, I carried along my security blanket (aka my laptop) with the hopes of finding inspiration to go through my unread mails but we all know that didn't happen, right?! I know, I never seem to learn...

Anyhow, if you miss Boracay (or your favourite white sand beach party place), Koh Samed is a good place to start since it's only a 2.5 nerve-racking drive away from Bangkok plus another 15 minute nerve-racking speed boat ride to get into the island. It felt like what Bora might have been like 20 or so years ago. Some firsts for me in Koh Samed: First beach bumming outside my country and first henna tatoo! I have a sun design on the small of my back!

Unlike previous trips to the beach, this was my most unplanned and relaxed one. I finally understood and embraced the true meaning of "chillax!" I remember a hard-nosed advertising account director once tell me "masarap pala tumunganga sa beach" (it's apparently enjoyable to blankly stare at the beach). I didn't really make-tunganga much but I spent a good deal just vegitating, getting unprofessionally-massaged (at a good price) and people-watching. I especially enjoy watching chubby, stray dogs --- Thailand has the chubbiest stray dogs...I find it very odd...I think it has much to do with its benign, non-violent, animal-loving religion/culture --- fetch frisbees, soccer balls and unabashedly rush against waves. Now that's one sight that frequently made me tunganga.

Jolina, Whit and Carlo introducing me to the concept of “chillax"

Overcoming shopping jitters and more food finds

Shopping. Thanks to friends who insisted that Jatujak (or JJ or Chatuchak) was an absolute must for them to come over to Bangkok, I wouldn't have re-discovered the wonders of this shopping destination. Recent reviews (and personal experience), have led me to believe the Weekend Market is starting to lose its plebeian appeal.

And for a non-shopping enthusiast like myself (notice, this is the first time I've written about shopping...in a place like Bangkok!), I felt brushing sticky shoulders through sweltering heat and a confusing mixture of incense, salted fish scent and exotic fragrances was not worth all the trouble.

Fortunately, Marla, whom I consider to be the shopping expert amongst us girls, managed to make it a rule that we get ourselves to Chatuchak during the first hour, ensuring we're out by noontime. Needless to say, the results were as fabulous as most tourist guide literature promise: great finds at great bargains.


Likewise, I finally discovered MBK (Mah Boon Krong) to be a good place to find, as most testify, clothes, bags, etc. I usually go there for home stuff but now know I can get more than that. Yes, after half a year in this city!

* * *

Food. One of the greatest highlights of my friends' trip here is the food tripping. Are you even surprised? From trying out different supposedly "high-so" (local slang for sosyal) places, according to Thai locals, like Baan Kanitha...
...to simply hanging out at my place. Fortunately for us, Roy loves to cook and cooks well, too. This was the first time I actually saw my friends wash dishes. Nice to see their more domesticated side. But sorry, Heids, we didn't get to try the street food. Next time.

The Truth behind the Bridge over the River Kwai

This is the train that carried us on the infamous "Death Railway" which the Japanese Imperial Army directed during World War II. It is called such because of the atrocities and death thousands of Allied Prisoners of War (PoW) have had to endure to construct this link between Thailand and Burma --- which my Dad agrees was a potentially good strategic move at that time.

Based on the account written in the "certificate" I received after riding the said train: "More than 16,000 prisoners of war and 100,000 labourers, including Chinese, South Indians, Malays, Burmese, Japanese and Dutch-Indonesian Eurasians died building the railway. Most of the deaths were from disease, malnutrition and exhaustion."

I guess it's a bit gruesome to be checking out the Death Railway, JEATH (acronym for the primary participant nations: Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland) War museum and War cemetery at the first leg of my parents' journey. Sobrang nakakaawa (truly a pity) to see the living conditions of the PoW and appalling how some people can be capable of such inhumanity. I remember having the same feeling when I visited the War Crimes Museum in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). I literally burst into tears when I was there because of utter shock. This time I think I was a bit more prepared. Still, it was a sobering thought knowing we live in relatively peaceful times compared to those who have had to live through war (and continue to do so elsewhere in the world). Even asked my Dad what my grandfather, a war veteran, was doing during the war. I was just thankful none of my family had to go through anything like this.



On a lighter note, here's a look at the coffee and cookies that come with riding "first class" on this train.
We passed through lush vegetation all throughout our train trip, confirming what we were told that the Thai government strongly supports its agriculture industry, one of which is through a very extensive and effective irrigation system.

Greetings & Salutation

To those who SMS'ed, emailed and even phoned birthday greetings from Manila, Singapore, even India (you know who you are): Much thanks! The past week was a horrendously busy time at work (and continues to be) with hardly any sleep but realised later on, a true blessing because it kept my mind off my parents' absence. Funny how I don't usually expect to be greeted for my birthday but when somebody does it's always a pleasant surprise (Ok, I do make-tampo with some (not all) who don't...I'll stop pretending na...haha). But out here, when you're all by your lonesome self :), it matters even more. So to those precious thoughtful people, a big hug and mwah!

Just a few other things before I go:

Katkat - lovely letter...I mean novel. That is probably the longest letter, to date, that I have received in my life. In Patty's Book of World Records, you're title holder for longest-letter. I will write you back before the sun sets a week from now. Still collecting my thoughts. This early I warn you that I will not be able to respond with equal bravado.

Carl - thanks for the SMS and email (?)...not sure I got this though. Can you re-send so I can respond?

Up next: Kanchanaburi Part II and other highlights of my parents' trip here. My cousin Michelle, will be arriving from Koh Samui tomorrow. To my knowledge, she has been there for the past several weeks updating her superior yoga skills! :) I'm excited.

Take care everyone. Got to get back to work!

Tick off the box

I started off with the "Bangkok Chronicles" thinking I'd write volumes to update people from home (Philippines) of life here in Amazing Thailand. Eventually inertia set in (or is it the fear of rejection?...not sure the update was completely welcome) and so the Chronicles had been reduced to a single volume and a prequel to a second! Nevertheless, I remained desperate to stay connected with family and friends in some form or another.

Hence, this blog.

I had first heard of this bit of technology a few years back and said to myself, being the ultimate non-techie that I am, it was public scrutiny I would never subject myself to. Yet the thought of blogging stewed in my head for weeks as the day I left Manila (for Bangkok) approached. More so now. Oddly enough, it was Pastor Joey's blog entry "Intimidated by blogsphere" that convinced me to set out on this new adventure (visit http://joeybonifacio.blogspot.com/). I was reminded of something I read somewhere that the secret to youth is constantly experiencing the joy and surprise of learning something new.

And so here I am bungee-jumping into the unknown. Another proverbial tick off the box. I certainly don't intend to run out of boxes to tick and would gladly have you stay close as I navigate my way through. Enjoy the ride!