SHOPPING @ BANGKOK!!!!

It’s the end of my vacation, but I'm still holidaying inside. Every part of me is telling me not to get up from bed so that I can sleep just that little bit longer. The alarm rings, and I'm reminding myself I've got to work today.... going back to work after the holidays always feels sickening.

I'm a very practical kinda person; therefore I plan my trip meticulously from lodging to itinerary to transportation, leaving some room for sudden change of plans. For those who knows me, they'll know as much as I enjoy the planning and co-ordinating, I make it an utmost importance that they proceed smoothly with hopes of little hiccups. Its the first time I planned a trip for 2 all by myself from date setting to planning itinerary.... but thanks to some friends who helped along the way if not I'll be completely lost... BUT most importantly to diana, thank you for letting me plan the whole trip and your excellent company thru'out th trip.

The weather in Bangkok was so scotching hot, its amazing how powdery smooth the faces of the Thai girls' were. While ours were collecting buckets of perspiration, their make up were immaculate. Although both of us were totally thrilled at the fact we made it to Bangkok on our own (only 2 ladies) and were ready to hit the stores like never before, we made sure that we were comfortable, relaxed and prepared for the heavy duty shopping. Photos link www.public.fotki.com/adeline

The day we arrived, we racketed the nearest shopping mall (MBK) for the price range for the items on our shopping list. We were so engrossed shopping the 7 storeys shopping mall; we quickly settled late lunch at a local steamboat restaurant (MK) and continued till all the shops were closing. While strolling back to the hotel we decided to try some local gourmets at a roadside stall. Something memorable was a strange noise, which grew louder, and louder until before we knew it there was an elephant right before our eyes with a handler asking if we’d like to feed the poor creature a bunch of bananas or a bag of peanuts at a small fee of 100baht (S$4). Still in shock we declined and continued our meal.

The following day, Friday 10th march ’06, Diana decided we’d go to some historical site or museum. Looking the night before, we found a ‘JIM THOMPSON House Museum’ the home of the creator of Thai silk. The house museum was lavished with mainly antics of Burmese paintings, furniture and artefacts. The entire structure was designed by Jim Thompson himself; combined with both Burmese and American features in a Thai styled house. Tours were provided by the museum with local guides who were fluent in French, Spanish, Japanese and English. Details www.jimthompsonhouse.com/
Following the visit, we conquered another famous shopping district called Siam Square. Ending the day was a relaxing foot reflexology.

Bright and early on the 3rd and 4th day, there won’t be another place to be except for the infamous Chatuchak market. It only opens on weekends from 8am to 6pm, and trust me you need to be there early. The extensive land of the wholesale market consist of thousand of stalls, you can get basically everything you need at this market at the most affordable price. Exhausted physically and financially, unable to go to the foot reflexology, we soaked our feet in the bathtub with scented shower bath on Saturday. On Sunday night however, as it was the last night we couldn’t miss the Night bazaar at SuanLum. Although it was not as huge as chatuchak, there were as many stalls.

Pooped over the weekends, the final day of our trip started late. We skipped breakfast and check out during brunch. Once again we strolled to MBK for some last minute shopping picking up items we missed out. On the way we had a quick meal at a roadside stall selling economic rice. We returned back to the foot reflexology shop for a last massage and took some pictures with our regular mesus. Took more pictures on the way back to the hotel and zoomed off to the airport. Almost excited to go home, I was really sad that the vacation had just flu by at a wink of an eye.

If you really asked me “what’s so memorable about trip?” I’d say there were four emotions to describe them… terrified, funny, amazed and proud.

Firstly, the credit card stuck in ATM moment. I was scared stiff but I kept my cool…the elephant moment as mentioned earlier. Secondly, MTV programmes and music videos were repeated 4 times/day for all 5 days, we could even predict the following programme. Also, we actually got to know a Canadian guy while Jacuzzi dipping at the pool deck one night. It was simply hilarious. Lastly, I’m amazed at how smooth the Whole trip went and definitely proud of myself.