The trip to thailand was an eye opening one. A Vacation with an unforgettable experience and sight. I guess i am hoping to gain something over there rather than just having my fun time. I went there all alone as my travel partner fall sick just a week before my departure. Geared with only 10 KG of my backpack, i went to penang & stay over at a friend house. The next day, another friend bring me around to get some true penang delicacy. Unfortunately, it was not up to my standard. Neverthelas, i will go again to penang to scout for some food. But one of the nice ones i have tried was the Indonesia Curry Prawn. SUperb! Finger licking good!
Later in the evening i am on board the flight that everyones can fly! (Sure you know what i meant!) Upon arrival at thailand, i was quite lost as i am not sure about the public transport that can bring me to the guest house i am targetting. The map of bangkok is not useful as it never mention what bus i can take. With the least info, i just have to ask the people surround me. People's are kind to me in many ways. Although the communication are tough as some of them are lack in english, finger is what we have. Thank GOD we can use all that we had!
According to the direction that i got from the internet, i can actually get a bus from airport that bring me directly to Bangkok city. But it will cost me MYR 15. So being "smart" (+ stingy) that i am, i begin to get to the shuttle bus. OH NO! It's not the bus that i am suppose to take! I am so nervous that i kept on asking the lady sitting behind me where they are taking me!!! The sweat just won't stop & my heart are pumping much faster. But lucky as i am, this bus is a free shuttle bus that bring passenger to the bus treminal. Luckily i am not being sold to the slaves company...They ask me to take a bus from the bus terminal & it will bring me to the city. PHEW!
As i arrived, i got to the bus stand that the lady mention. I find that their public transport are at least more convenient, more better than malaysia. Everywhere is easily reach & the rates are cheap as well. I chatted with local folks to pass time. I also noticed that there are quite a number of them are wearing yellow collar T-shirt with a temple symbol on their left side pocket. Being so busy body, i enquired about it. Their King Bday are coming soon, they must wear it every monday to respect their King. GOSH! so committed! BTW, when i reach the city, i am abit suprise with the city. Its full of the king picture. They hold a high respect for him.
Taking a bus numbered 556 that lead me to the Thanon Khao San, or called as Khao San road. It's a guest house/backpacker favourite area that many westerner are staying. I consider my self as one of the backpacker & willing to experience how the people stay. The guest house i stayed was quite nice, not really expensive. It cost me MYR 15 for a night. I believe in KL it will cost me RM 40-60 per night in this kind of places.
I took a nice meal and rest quite early. The next day, i woke up quite early. It was not the alarm clock that woke me up. Perhaps because i am at a foreign land that my body are not use to it. The weather is really hot!! Everyday went by with a cold bath. Some of the days i even took 3-4 shower. Is nice to walk around, but the thing that bother me is i didn't bring enough cash for the trip. GOSH! The first few days of my trip really makes me worries.
But thanks to my parent, i am able to cope with the financial difficulty. Please take note that you can bring along your VISA + Master Card + Visa eletron. There are plenty of ATM for you to cash out $.
I also want to thank GOD for keeping me safe. In a land that i am not familiar, i am really grateful that i am well & un-harm when i return home. For those who had sacrifice a time of concern & commit me to GOD, Thank YOU very much for your prayer!
Bangkok has a lot of activities going on. There are alot of market for people to visit. Personally i like chacutak market which open on saturday & sunday only. Nice & i can see alot of happenning things surround this place. There are cheap books, antique, drinks, foods, cloths, accessories, decorating material, arts, & so many stuff which you wont get in KL. I just love the food! Delicious & unique! Books are cheap but too messy that i am lazy to flip & hunt for it!
For books, i would prefer Chiang mai which has plenty of used book store around it. Cheap & good! There is also another used book store which serve food as well. Is nice with the settings. OH ya, i also get to know a few Thailand ladies who are friendly. Unfortunately, i don't get their contact as i am quite lazy to contact. They are pretty as well. :)
Chiang mai is much better than Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. More peaceful, more friendly. Perhaps because the speed is much slower than bangkok? No idea, but i would return to Chiang Mai if given a chance.
I got to know a girl who stay next door to me in bangkok guest house. She is from Switzerland. Same age, studying nursing & friendly. *wink* Speak quite good english. I also found out that they speak french. I thought they might have their own language. GOSh! I feel like a outdated young man!
Above all, GOD showed me lots of things. People here are friendly instead of being rude, but some of them are really poor. Their kind hearted affection really touch my heart.
What will i miss for this trip? Perhaps it was the food in Chiang Mai! Bangkok as well...hehe. Kao Soi, a northen special dish, more like our Curry Laksa, but not that spicy. The food stall that are on the road side: With 10 Baht, i can buy a pack of fried squid! The Omelette rice, which cost only 10 Baht in Bangkok. I went there twice & get the same dish twice.{FYI, 10 Baht = MYR 1} At chacutak market, the 3 baht ice cream. I ate quite alot! Never count~~
To get a good deal from shopping, you really need to walk around the places. I do a lot of walking & my leg was quite pain. There are like needle poking my leg. ouch! Compare prices in between the stalls, make sure you do remember where it was! It could be confusing if you don't remember it. Some market are like maze, but once you are there a few time, you will be used to it.
For my flight back to Penang, i took an early trip to Airport cause i can't wait for the bus in the wee hours. I was "stranded" in the airport for 9 hours. JK! Well, i spend my time at the cafe lounge. The cafe are mainly for the worker, pilot, stewardness, & public as well. I saw various airlines of stewardness in their uniform! Dream comes true! haha...no la, just so happy to be there! Strange but true, i didn't noticed any AirAsia stewardness having a meal there. sigh... :(
Was looking forward to take a picture with them.
During the time while i was at the public restaurant, God show me that the pace we live now are very fast. We didn't slow down & look up to GOD. In my heart i have to agree with it. We often rush to do things and put GOD aside. Even worshipping GOD also need to rush & end on time.
I remember Pastorpher was sharing on how the Korean churches pray everyday. They prayed with their heart, & they prayed all the day until they are enough. Some with commitment in work will leave early, but they do come for a prayer before work. These are the strong relationship that build over time that i have seen.
When we rush thing, we will miss a thing.
Recently i have a conversation with a friend that i have not seen for months. What struck me is that he mention a pastor said that the "Relationship with GOD is the most interesting thing in the life of a Christian." I have to agree. Not the earthly thing, not the soul mate, not the satisfaction of life,& definitely Not money. But a relationship with GOD!
Many sheep are lost,
How many can find their shepard?
Or how many can accept a loving shepard?
Happiness is the key. Without happiness, you got nothing. Peace is in front of you. It's either you take or denied. GOD always give choice for us. Sometimes, we are just so stubborn. Make a wise choice.
Life is like a boat. journey are unstable. Yet you need a light to shine for you. GOD is always there for you.GOD BLESS!
PS: I come back with a luggage that weight 22 KG
