Day Four – 8 December 2006
We planned to visit the central area of Siam. Day didn’t start off too well because we first went to the Levi’s factory outlet off On Nut. Initially got lost, walked in wrong direction. Then we asked for directions and moved off into the right direction. We try our best to ask directions from students or the police etc, but its weird. They don’t speak too much English. I’m wondering how come English isn’t becoming a language taught in schools but then I recall what Mario was telling me about English only being formally learnt in Switzerland at high school level onwards, so I guess it’s normal.
Levi’s was highly disappointing. My preconceived mindset, a factory outlet is where the clothes are sold at a cheaper price but they are the below standard goods that don’t make it for sale – still real but lower quality. I then expected the place to be like all other factory outlets I’ve been to, huge, with mountains of clothes to browse through. No obstacles except fellow competitors and personal perseverance plowing through the mountain. But this one was like … It was small – about twelve to fifteen of us could fit in and it would be as packed as sardines. You can’t really tell between the guys and girls jeans and the range is extremely limited. It probably wouldn’t have been quite as bad if it weren’t that far. Not worth a visit at all. I think it such an irony that we as tourists actually went there to shop cos it’s meant for the locals. I mean, it’s extremely funny looking at tourists eagerly trying to snap up the stuff there at low prices when the locals probably need it more than us. I mean, tourists can afford the ones at shopping centers most of the time anyway.
Headed to MBK. And I was so not in the mood. Told Ghim that Levi’s had spoilt my day. No mood at all for any more shopping. Walked the first four floors then decided to leave.
We headed to the other shopping centers like Siam Discovery, Paragon and Central World Plaza. My mood perked up a little, and I suspect it had to do with my contact lenses. Ha ha. It was kind of dry the whole morning and I didn’t bring my eye drops along. Plus Bangkok’s polluted air – that really did it. So my mood perked up with the removal of contacts. Bought some stuff too and was in the mood for walking around. These shopping centers though are out of our league. We are students after all. As Ghim put it, poor struggling students. We mostly did people watching, window shopping and complaining about how we couldn’t afford anything at all these places.
In this, I recall confessing to Ghim that I am an extremely selfish shopper. I don’t enjoy walking aimlessly so I usually have the mood to buy what I want, then no mood for anything else. My mom usually complains that after I buy what I want, I want to stop shopping and go off and no one else can shop with me. Hmm, so I decided that I would be nice and be easier to live with. After all, this was his holiday as much as mine and I wouldn’t want to spoil it for him.
Day Five – 9 December 2006
Super crowded as always. Wasn’t too excited about shopping. But generally in a better mood than yesterday at MBK. It was freaking hot can. It was surprisingly better inside than outside, which is weird considering that there is no ventilation and the roofs are zinc.
Was looking out for belt buckle for my brother, (and accessories too, but they were pretty normal, nothing special), a cap for me to wear in US, wallet. After all the earlier shopping, I had given up hope of finding leather shoes and a scarf already.
Shopping in Bangkok is not that fun anymore. The novelty has worn off since my first trip. It is fun seeing how much you can bargain off the original price, but they are all imitations and sometimes, you wonder why are you even paying for imitations.
Speaking about imitations, there was a Threadless imitation shop! I knew I had seen those Tee shirts somewhere before. I put on my most innocent and keen face to ask the shopkeeper how she comes up with her designs. And she, in her most innocent face too, replied that she and her “team” design the shirts. Wonder if she meant her team of copycats. Threadless tees are known for their slogans, how can she design them if she doesn’t understand the slogans!
Went off to Indara Spa, near Bangkok City Inn where I stayed at last year. I did a coffee scrub. It was heavenly. The whole room smelt fantastic. I have half a mind to use coffee to scent my room. It was very revitalizing and I felt like a chocolate cake with coffee rubbed all over. My skin was damn smooth after that la. And of course, I smelt like coffee for the rest of the night. Finally can use delicious to describe me hahahaha.
We headed to Silom after that to check out the night stalls as well as Patpong. Been there before and I saw how different it has become. It was previously screaming Come Have Sex Here with a giant Patpong sign and large neon lights. Now, we had to walk up and down several times just to find the Patpong entrance. Street stalls selling watches, tee shirts, bags, shoes stretch all the way in and hide the bars. A credible attempt to clean up the place. There are a lot fewer bars now and most of the bars also look classy, though still offering go-go girls for you to pick and bring home.
Anna and Chong Bu were so touty, it might have been more economical to bring them home than just to sit there and shout broken English at each other. Anyway, some things are better off unpublished, but you can come ask me and I’ll share it with you!
Day Six – 10 December 2006
Went to Jai Samarn Full Gospel Church today for service. Bought 3 Hillsong CDs at the bookshop, which left me pretty satisfied. Service was okay. Last time I was here, it was a younger female worship leader and she was more dynamic and sang better too. Today it was an older guy who led. Only knew a couple of songs but was able to sing along. It took some time for me to get settled and worship but once I got into the flow, it really felt good. Inner peace and it was the best I felt since coming to Thailand. At the start, I was mostly checking out the band and observing the worship leader. Gradually felt a stirring of the Spirit and then the rest was just so warm and comfortable. I felt freer to worship than back in Singapore cos I’m always busy with singing or playing the keyboard that I don’t get the opportunity to just let myself go. I’m glad I insisted on coming to church. Hope Ghim didn’t feel it was a waste of time though.
Went back to MBK to buy some stuff for my mother, and browse around for some final shopping.
I’m glad I did this trip with Ghim Khoon. We were close back in Fairfield but then after, going our separate ways, we didn’t make efforts to keep in touch other than the occasional alumni band practices. I guess reminiscing about our days back in Fairfield brought back many smiles. Plus, we learnt new things about each other everyday. 
It allowed me to learn about myself too. Adapting to someone else’s habits and preferences to suit each other. Learning to give way and look out for someone else. Decisions – making them, evaluating them and learning from them. Being responsible and accountable.
Traveling in a pair, must be more careful. Looking out for each other, like crossing the road, and walking behind Ghim since he keeps his wallet in his back pocket. When in a public place like airport, one must be awake while the other sleeps.
Got me thinking too: I felt more comfortable in church than anywhere else. I am definitely going to miss going to church when I go on exchange, among other things like my bed, hall life, plus playing football manager. How. Like that how to go exchange, you tell me how.
Today was our get-in-touch-with-our-cultural-side day. Boarded the Chao Phraya riverboat to get to Chinatown. We explored the Ratchawong and Yaowarat area, saw lots of goldsmiths, street stalls selling Chinese products, preserved food items, soft toys… Had grilled banana and otah along the way. One thing I will remember is Ghim’s mantra to crossing a Thai road – Do it your way. If not you can just keep waiting all day, the cars don’t give way.
On the way to Khao San, we came across Amnesty International staging an event and learnt that it was International Human Rights Day. Yes, Ghim Khoon, I think I reminded myself to treat you better that day. The event was at the Phra Sumen Fort. There were some clowns entertaining the crowd. Across the river near the Rama VIII bridge, there was a dragon-boating competition. A brass quintet from some university also performed, but we left because they were terrible. Anyway it was a nice atmosphere at the Fort, communal activities, Caucasian backpackers, locals all gathered there to soak in the weekend. The simple life. A much needed remedy from Singapore’s pace.
At Khao San, it was lively and crowded. More roadside stalls compared to my last visit.
More beer bars, hair services like braiding, extensions and dreadlocks, henna tattoos, phad thai and crepe vendors. I very gleefully completed my last major purchase – Lonely Planet guide to USA and Canada on a shoestring budget. Yay. Drowned myself in Tiger beer. Damn cheap, 90 bt per 640ml bottle. Chilling at Khao San. Nothing more relaxing.
As our cab passed the Democracy Monument, we saw the rally by the Thai people who were protesting the military coup and wanted fresh elections. And the reconstitution of a 1997 law that was removed, I forgot the details.
Came back to the hotel then went in search of a bar to watch Arsenal and Chelsea match. Settled at Zanzibar two streets away, which was awesome other than the mosquitoes and raining ants. And the gay waiter who tried to strike up conversation with Ghim so that he would have a friend from Singapore.
Tmr we go home, finally. Too long.
Day Seven – 11 December 2006
Today I felt like my old problem was in danger of relapsing. I must not let it control me. I need to be in power and ensure that I don’t fall. One way life reminds you you’re older – you experience the same failings and obstacles but you are now better equipped with maturity and control to handle them. What’s sad about it is that sometimes, the past hardens you and in order to avoid letting yourself fall again, you seal up your heart and hide it somewhere dark and far so that nothing and no one can reach it but you. For you to take it out and think, ponder, and regret. And then repeat. Seal, hide and let the cycle eat at you.
Shakespeare hates your emo poems.
Airport – too many ppl at one particular time and place. Maybe a double terminal was a better idea. Too big and too many counters. Plus they don’t have wide spaces for walking. This country evidently adores traffic congestion.
Closing your eyes at the airport and just soak in the moment. Listen to the mutters of many languages, whispers, chatter, the wheels of the baggage trolley, a rather amazing mosaic. You must try.
Overheard Malay lady speaking to Iranian couple about Singapore:
“Population – I’m not too sure. But Malays very little, less than one million Malays in Singapore. But Chinese more than Malays. A lot of Chinese. More than one million.”
“We have four races – the Malays speak Malay, Chinese speak Mandarin, Indians speak Tamil and Eurasians, they speak Eurasian. Eh, no, they speak English. Anyway English is our first language. Then mother tongue is second.”
When asked if Singapore was connected to Thailand, she said no.
“Singapore only connected to Malaysia. You want to go to Thailand, must fly.”
“No, I mean from Singapore can drive to Thailand?”
“Cannot, must fly.”
“But I heard you can go by road and rail from Singapore to Thailand? Just that Singapore and Malaysia share border.”
“Oh, you mean go through Malaysia ah? Yah can can. Too long la.”
Mental note: Read up more about Singapore before I leave for US so that I spread correct info.
12 December
Home sweet home. But not so sweet with construction going on.
I leave for KL tomorrow for Planetshakers Conference! But will be going alone and I’m kind of paranoid that KL is not safe. Malaysia just doesn’t make me feel good. Oh well. It’s all good. Will be good training for me on exchange. Back on Saturday..
My third time to Bangkok but my first time visiting Emporium, which is really out of the way. It’s a shopping centre targetted at the upper class, like Gaysorn. Observed that there was a heavy Jap influence here, like Daimaru kind of thing. Had dinner at the foodcourt but what was special here was that instead of food stalls, it’s a foodcourt of restaurants. There was Tony Roma’s, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Thai food, some wine bar and other stuff. Again, like a Marche theme, but stylized.
