Enjoy Bangkok Like I Do

When its almost time to say goodbye!!! #1

2011-04-22T09:12:00.003+07:00

Wow the last post in this blog was posted months ago. Is this because I have been staying home too much or just too lazy to take pictures to update? Non of the above reasons but its because I do not have a camera to add pictures to my blog.

5 years have passed and I am still in Thailand. Didn't get the chance to visit all the places I've dreamed to visit but still I manage to get to every part of Thailand without stepping a foot on the soil.

Summer is coming and it's almost time to say good-bye to the land of smile. This would be hard for me but there's always a new challenge if you want change to occur. When I think of this it still is a blurry future to be able to have a full picture of my future plans. Although I have a great plan in mind, I still find it hard for myself at this point.

Summer #2

2010-08-31T10:07:00.004+07:00

The summer went swiftly. Before I knew it, summer school came to a close. Most of my colleagues packed-up their bags and geared-up towards Suvarnabhumi Airport catching the earliest flight to their preferred destination. It was a quick and exciting moment watching individuals heading home leaving the full energized school to a lonely campus. Now you can hear the "birds tweeting". LOL. Now it’s my turn, leaving the school year of 2009/2010 to an end. The next time I enter this campus it will be another hectic year with new experience to grab. It will be pack with energy, and the excitement will be really fantastic.

I took the chance to visit Malaysia during my short trip to Singapore. It was awesome and would love the good experience to repeat itself. Check out my photos.

Perfect view of the aircraft wing.

Got the chance to sit at the emergency exit.

Ther air steward gave me a 2 minutes lesson on
how to open the emergency door

Here's the perfect view of the interior of the aircraft

Got the chance to try this special ice-cream in Singapore.

Tried to look around in Bangkok but I don't think it exist.

There is even durian flavor (KOOLLZZ).

I would personally recommend the red beans flavor.

Here's another view of how it looks like.

Now inside. Packed nicely.

My favourite dish. Love this alot.

The vendor carefully filtered the soup

Here'e the place. It a walking distance from Mustapha and Sim Lim.

Heading to buy my electric guitar when I passed by this building.

Ancient or NOT???

Now on my Way to Johore Bharu. The cheapest way to the border is by MRT.

Be careful. Your life is valuable.

Johore Train Station

Immigration

Bye bye Singapore, I'm off to Cambodia ...

Summer #1

2010-08-27T09:21:00.006+07:00

Summer is always my long awaited working season. Less stress, work, students, and most of all complains from every corner you can ever think of. Like I said, its the best working season of four.

A change of work environment requires a change of heart. Working at a different section requires different attitude towards work and students. New goals needed to be listed down as I'm getting closer to my Dream in life--As for now. An inspirational thought came to my mind as I was thinking of my goals, like the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a Dream" ... Definitely, "I have a Dream" If you have not a dream you have no Vision.

To end, a place you should pay a visit during your free time. The food is pretty affordable but out of 5 star I would rate it *** . Its much of a "quite" and chilling place located at the heart of Bangkok. With all the stress Bangkoks' work have pounded on you, Check out the pictures and njoy bangkok like I do. :)

LOOKING FOR A GUITAR

2010-07-07T09:44:00.002+07:00

I'm going crazy as my mind can't stop thinking of the things I "WANT" rather than the things I "NEED" and when this happens I can't get to sleep. This feeling is rather killing me insane. And when I say killing me insane, I feel worthless. But I know that it will soon fade, as how it happened to my crave for a RC plane (I still want it). I spend about more than 3000 baht for the items and electronics needed, but ended up not making one and flying it.

Now this crave, for an electric guitar came when I saw this beautiful, attractive guitar on youtube. This is crazy ... when I foundout the retail prize, I became nuts ... where in the world can I afford such a hillarious guitar with a humoungus price? Wow !!! Now the problem is I have to find the cash ... but how? I still wondering till today.

But here's some place in Bangkok where you can get the guitar's you want ... i've googled around many times ...

1. Siam Paragon -- they have a huge guitar shop
2. Siam Discovery -- The shop is small but rewarding
3. Pantip plaza -- The guitar and items look second hand, but I think you can ask for a brand new
4. Future Park -- they have a guitar store too.

SERIOUSLY on this website you can see what I'm craving for

http://www.guitarworld.com/article/gretsch_g6128t_tvp_power_jet_electric_guitar

I'm back

2010-03-15T11:42:00.002+07:00

I has been half a month since I've last put my thoughts on this blog. So here I am once again!! This week have been a long week for me. Man, with all the warnings and the rumors that SHIT would happen kept me lockup in that 5x5 meters room killing zombies and shooting terrorist.

With all the events happening around (even if it is not infront of your door step) makes you worry about what to do if SHIT happens. My mom once told me that TROUBLE has no color. If you can see trouble you will not be stupid enough to choose trouble as your first choice.

The past weekend (March 12-14, 2010) was a HELL for me even when a NO SCHOOL was declared by my school. YES it was boring--no $$$$ to spend--though I almost became crazy. As the RED shirt of Thailand gather at the rally points, I feel that Bangkok isn't the place to enjoy (as for now). Tweets after tweets came in as if there is going to be a big civil WAR.

Of course--SHIT HAPPENS--.

WARNING: Be always ready for TROUBLE as SHIT happens... :-))) njoybangkok

Surprise

2010-02-27T16:19:00.003+07:00

I was surfing the internet some opensource logo to print-out for my personal use, I suddenly came into my old school's website. By looking at the school pictures, I really felt time traveled to the past. Imagining my self walking and running around the school compound. Wow...i still can see myself vividly as if it was just yesterday. Man how I miss those days. Time was slow, and it made me wanted to grow-up quickly. And now, how I wished i've never grown into an adult.

SMS Sunny Hill has always been in my mind for the 10++ past years, and how I long to sit in any of the classes listening to the teachers giving their lecture. The fun is slowly fading from my memory but hopefully in the future I would still have many memories from this school.

How can I help promote the school? How I wish I can help transform the school into an international school like the one here I'm working in Bangkok. I believe that if it ever happens, Kuching people can benefit from the school. And yes ofcourse it would be too costly, as our school curriculum offers many costly activities.

May God Be with my almamater SMS Sunny Hill.

***If you are running on a pirated software for your computer, you can check out the opensource software's that can benefit you very much.***

Ofcourse Firefox is opensource...it is one of the best internet browser, it will guarantee be beneficial to you...

Image taken from: http://www.edopter.com/users/markaoe3

:-) or :-(

2010-02-27T13:39:00.002+07:00

Ahh...what a week. This week I was so busy with work that I had no time to blog. It is really hectic that I fell comfortably on my bed each time I reach home.Thanks for the long weekend, I hope that I will be able to get myself energize for the coming week ahead.

Thanks to blogspot that I can always put my thoughts and experience for anyone to read. Whether it is an interesting post or not, this will always be my personal space where I can dump all my complains to.

Steamboat!! Makan2

2010-02-24T09:53:00.008+07:00

Out for dinner at a steam boat restaurant is common to the Thai people. Whether you come from a rich or a poor family, it is so affordable. I can say that its really worth spending your money eating (<100 THB). If you're a seafood lover, yes this place can be a thumbs-up for yo, as they have a eat as much as you can policy--NO TIME LIMIT. If this is in Malaysia, I can assume the shop owner will be bankrupt in a few days :-).

This is a one place I recommend steamboat lovers. It is cleaner than most places, and also there are more variety of instant food served on the table. Maybe you want to try this place. Wondering where it is situated? It is just the opposite of The Mall Bangkapi. How to get there? Drive past the mall and u-turn in about 300 meters, and the restaurant is just on your left hand. What soi? If i'm not mistaken it is on soi LatPrao 111 or 113... please correct me if i'm wrong...haha good luck

Need a break?

2010-02-19T09:14:00.006+07:00

If you have been staying in Thailand long enough, you would have heard of the place called "Sattahip". It is about a 2 and a half hour drive from Bangkok. I was invited to join a group of teachers to Sattahip for a long weekend. Thinking that Sattahip--close to Pattaya--was not as nice and crowded, I almost rejected the offer but at a last minute plan I finally decided to join them. Of course, getting to this places can be quite difficult if you don't have good contacts as we were actually invited by the Admiral and his second in command. Nothing to brag about, but it actually made our trip easier crossing many check-points. Checkout the pictures, you might be interested to make a trip one day.

We actually got the chance to visit the creation of God for free. But the chance of you getting it free is slim. So prepare some cash if you are interested in visiting Golden Corals. Wow ...

The view of the beach

Another view putting a little of the tree in the picture.

The beautiful coral. Just look at the color. This is the first time I've seen golden coral...I'm kinda sakai in a way...a big WOW...

Ahh...someone try to show ROCK sign to the corals, and ofcourse not forgetting our HAPPY FEET...

More Coral

After crossing lots and lots of Navy check-point...we finally came to beautiful beach. Yes, it looks so tempting to run and jump into the water. So clean...TOURIST?? I think this beach is restricted to the Navy and their families. SORRY, there is no farang so far ... maybe, more in Pattaya and Rayong, but here nothing entertaining...

Can you tell me what does that mean....Looks like a copy of HOLLYWOOD...If you know what it means tell me...BTW, this is actually on our way to the Sakaew Beach...Commander Prem brought us here...we actually cannot stop to take pictures...BUT...we are allowed to just for a while...hahaha

Enjoy Authentic Food 4 Lunch

2010-02-18T21:06:00.000+07:00

The Book of Daniel in the Bible tells a story of Daniel and his three friend. They were invited to the kings palace one day to eat the King's food. Wow...suppose you were there what would you do? Yummy food of course, but no they rejected and preferred vegetables and water from among the best meat and finest wine.

If you prefer the kings food and vegetables at the same time...i would suggest you to pay a lunch visit to Majestic Grande Hotel at Dine@7, Bangkok. From my experiences, variety of food that you can enjoy is served with your love ones. If you love Western and Asian food, all I can say about that is they will not disappoint you. The place is relaxing and chilling for the price of 300 THB ... Wow interested? a big smile for you .. I've not been there for Dinner as I do not have the chance to do so...now if you have been there for dinner you tell me...

Just when ...

2010-02-18T13:26:00.000+07:00

Just when I was about to start my day, the liaison officer calls me in... My visa expires at the beginning of March and if I don't extend my visa I will be fine 500 THB a day and this makes me an illegal worker here in Thailand...this sucks...It is the worse news that rushed into my ear at that moment as I got loads on work to do...if you're an educator you would know how it feels chasing 24 students of different grades during break time to do their ITBS test. Students would find it "great" playing the hide and seek game...But anyway I visited the immigration office...

This is the Thai immigration office....it actually is a mixture of government departments

Looks like a skating arena ...

Let's go skating ..yee haa

The day went so quickly, and as I got back at school, I had to proctor for the ITBS test. Huh ... it was tiring...yeah sleeping in the van was actually tiring especially if you're stuck on traffic for more than an hour. Thanks to the homeroom teacher of 3C for sharing me this creative, funny, and wonderful picture of how to say no to drugs. The students did a narrative on the posters they made but we came up on our own...

Surprise?? Even little children knows the percentage of alcohol in a bottle. They say its dangerous to drink lots of alcohol as it spoils our liver. Nicely done by a talented student. Hei wait...why does cigarette contains alcohol?? No it contains nicotine my boy...well, i think their still too young to know what nicotine is all about...just telling you that smoking and drinking is dangerous for your HEALTH :P

The funny thing about this picture is about the sponge and the man a sleep...the student describe it as something that will put you to sleep. Yes it's drug...and there are many people using drugs to sleep now a days...Haha no that's not what he meant :) ... what he meant was that the guys sniffed glue and fell asleep because he was too high...there are times children try to express their thoughts but just do not what words to use...haha

Can you see what I'm seeing?? Can you see something dirty in this picture?? Maybe the artist was not aware about the drawing but I did...I was the one that spot that dirty thingy...hahaha...On your far left you can see the animated pill with a middle finger...Not sure whether this was done on purpose...but that was what I saw...

CNY

2010-02-14T19:57:00.000+07:00

Thinking of what to do during CNY's eve, my friends and I decided that we wanted to venture RCA. Just wondering what Bangkok people are up to on this CNY eve. Well, since CNY and V-day are on the same date for this year, it will be more interesting to go people watching. As to my experience it usually is a rush hour getting yourself into those clubs.

During Halloween, what they organized was a haunted hospital. It is an eye-threatening that they had those models dressed up with those white dresses with a big red cross on their hats (Wonder what do you call it). Anyway, this year for CNY and v-day they had something different. Luck in love you call it. See whether you have luck for love this year. You would see a Chinese fortune teller, and hot models for picture taking. I just wonder if it's for free, as I have never and will never ask anyone to tell me my future--anyway I'm married so who cares!!.

It is 10 p.m. and still not much crowd. I guess it is because Chinese welcomes their new year together with their family on the first night then will they go out. Well, interesting like my previous post Family vs Lover, they then choose to go out with their partner after dinner. So at about 11:30 p.m. the clubs were pack with customers.

The worse of all is the club that I went to didn't allow customers to open their left over whiskey from the previous nights but you need to buy a new bottle and that's only one brand (Johnny Walker Black Label). This is really a promotion for the Walker family. So you will need to spend extra cash for something you don't want. Well ... so its a 3000 THB worth plus the mixer. Huh...disappointment for the day :(.

We got to stand on the table with full of Korean chicks (young ones) I think their on holiday tour package. It was amazing to see how different people dance, the drunk ones and the sober ones. As for me, by 12:30 a.m. I left the club in a rush to go home. Home is still a better place though everyone's a sleep. What am I writing anyway? Oh The Korean chicks-- the were dancing like mad. It is good to see people dancing in the clubs, as you hardly can see people dancing crazily ... all they do is drink drink drink ...

Check out the photos--but forgive my photos as I took it with my NOKIA E63 and it is blurish...the same as the video I posted. Cheers and smile for you. Happy Chinese New Year and Valentine's day. Chow!

Family VS Love

2010-02-11T13:43:00.000+07:00

Was thinking of something to write and this came across my mind "Family VS Love". This is especially for this February 14, 2010. You lovers...you don't know what you have in mind....CNY and Valentines day falls on the same date. Wow! What am I going to do? I'm just wondering about the time when CNY and Hari Raya fell on the same day, and this was called KongsiRaya...this time its KongsiCinta...share share is the WORD...we share our love with others...

I was told that CNY is the day when the Chinese family reunites under one roof showing love to their family. As most Chinese folks are business people this festive day is the only time their businesses are closed to welcome the new year.

February 14 is the date most couples are waiting for each year. Always looking forward to this special day, couples show their love to their partner(s)--haha--getit? get it?. The more Valentines' day you celebrate together the longer your relationship is. Valentine's Day have passed for over more than 8 years and exactly this is the 9th consecutive year my wife and I have spent together--though we are newly wed. Hmm...but this year she will be late for about a week.

Now, at this moment where will you fall?

CNY

2010-02-11T08:48:00.000+07:00

Its close to Chinese New Year, three more days to go and we welcome the year of the tiger. CNY in Bangkok is definitely different from how its celebrated in Malaysia. I feel that its not being welcome grand enough as how one would perceive and experience it in Malaysia. You don't hear the "Sin Nyen Kuai Le" songs you hear each time you talk a walk looking for groceries. Very different :).

If you're Chinese, you don't have to worry about that. There are still places where CNY is celebrated and is invited grandly. Tell the taxi driver "Yaowarat" is your destination. Yaowarat or China Town is famous for its cheap luck stuff :). I don't really call it cheap luck though it is cheap because I can't actually recall any low quality stuff that I bought. Yes you can get things there for cheap BUT you have to buy them in bulk(s) or retail. What you can do if you're a business person is to order (is to make) the types of goods you want ... they can do a fantastic job.

This year the Thai government expects more than 100 thousand Chinese tourist to be visiting and celebrating the festive season here compare to 60 thousand last year--source: Bangkok Post. So it wouldn't be surprising to bum into a huge crowd--this makes me want to stay home.

For now I wish you all a happy CNY. If you plan on Visiting Bangkok ... don't forget to makan2 banyak2 ... food is cheap here ... jln dulu

Dance Dance Dance

2010-02-10T11:47:00.000+07:00

Think you can dance? Feel like showing your moves? DJ Tiesto will be in town spinning his disc this month on February the 19 and 20, 2010. A DJ genius I call him, have come up with his own style and taste building up a love and passion for electronic dance. His music, so unique makes you dance, and of course if you are a trance fan, you would certainly go crazy like I do.

This year DJ Teisto will be playing at two venues Zen (central World, Bangkok) and Bali Hai Pier (Pattaya), this is where he will be greeted by thousands of fans from all around Bangkok. Get Tiesto ticket for only 1490 THB for Premium ticket and 2950 THB for the VIP Ticket. Tickets can be purchase online for the E-Ticket, at Zen/Central World, and at Grand Millenium Hotel. GOOD news if you have lesser budget this month or for students O&P make 100 ex. Eco tickets that is priced at only 990 THB...

If you think this is expensive…are you kidding me…it starts from 8p.m to 3 a.m. … by the time its mid-night you feel that you have enough exercise for the week. Ha ha ha

You can watch his videos on youtube.com.

Keeping Fit!!

2010-02-08T08:54:00.000+07:00

Besides the stress and all the headaches you're going throughout the month/year, Bangkok has organizations that organize events that would make your problems disperse. Yes, I assure you that this is going to be fun. As for me, this is something new and I have enjoyed the recent event. Now, if you're wondering what I am talking about it’s the "Marathon".

If you think you can't run, you can sign up for the Run for health--a 5 kilometers run/walk. Most people would start with a 5 kilometers run. If you're fitter that you think there are more challenging one that starts from 10 – 42 kilometers. As for me a 5 kilometer run would be enough (ha ha ha—I need more exercise).

There are different runs throughout the year, and yes the pictures I’m posting are the ones from the Standard Charted Marathon 2009. I find it interesting as you’ll be running with the unfortunate/disable. And of course if you have the legs and you’re not trying shame on you!!! … I repeat shame on you!!!, coz you are not using what God have given you.

Well I hope to see you in one marathon … and yes support support the charity … they need your help … so please help...

If you're interested you can checkout the marathons below on wwwgooglecom:

BTS Charity Marathon

Standard Charted Bangkok Marathon

Palm Beaches Marathon

Bangkok Marathon

Mexican Food!!

2010-02-02T11:02:00.000+07:00

Thinking of going Latin? Go Mexico ... Places are hard to find if you're unfamiliar with the place. As you might notice, Bangkok is a big city or a metropolitan, but it can turn small if you know what and where you're heading to. One nice but hidden among the concrete jungle of Bangkok is a small authentic restaurant situated in behind the Washington Theatre at Sukhumvit Soi 22. Though it is mini in size, your saliva and tummy wouldn't be able to hold the fragrant of the delicious (huh huh ) Mexican food--unless you're not a Mexican fan. Bourbon Street is one well known restaurant by Bangkokians unless you prefer chimcum or Kao Niaw. You'll never get lost finding this restaurant if you know how to get yourself to Emporium or the Prom Phong BTS Station. Walking from that location takes you less than 10 minutes. While breeze walking along the smoggy road, you'll definitely enjoy a little of the Benjasiri Park. Good Luck!! Hope you njoybangkok like I do...Chow ...

Need a weekend fun

2010-02-01T09:43:00.000+07:00

Feeling bored? Tired? Need a place to relax? ... Come on let's go chill chill ... Chill chill is the term used for relax here in Thailand (Correct me if im wrong :) ). Its always nice to chill chill, and it brings life to your soul preparing you for the next "awesome" day.

As a foreigner here in Thailand, it is pretty hard to find good place to Chill chill--unless you are ready for the big bill--and yes I can tell you that not all high so place has good and entertaining live band. Hmmm... I was walking by a tourist area 5 years ago and I am proud to say that I found a place I can call near heaven.... Near heaven?? Why?? I thought heaven was suppose to be quiet?? Hmm....I found a bar that sell drinks the price any salary can afford, and at the same time I can do things other high class bar offers--pool, dance, good food, BEST band (ofcourse tyou have to be there the right time)...this near heaven is Hillary bar II ... haha... cheap cocktails and beer...sorry for those who drink whiskey (its so so so expensive). Back to what I want to say ... you can check out this band on youtube... Bravo ... never miss the chance to be entertained by them ...

HELLFIRE PASS ...

2010-01-29T09:59:00.000+07:00

If you're planning in a visit to Thailand, hit the road to Kanchanaburi Province. It is about 4 hours away from the capital and if you skip the heavy traffic, it will take you lesser hours to arrive. If you are not familiar with the place, local travel agent can take you there for a promising price--it is always wise to scan through a few travel agency for the best package.

Kanchanaburi, is about a few hours to their neighboring country Myanmar. With its history that really hurts the soul of those who were there during the Japanese era in Thailand, Kanchanaburi plays a role of reminding those who had served as Prisoner Of War (POW).

Death railway

The railway which was an important route from Thailand to Burma for the Japanese at that time was build with full-force. The story behind this could be found in the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and the Death Museum located in and out the city.

HELLFIRE PASS MUSEUM.

The Overall Walking Map ... Those who have more time to waste ...
I would recommend you to try and venture this trail.

The steep walking stairs ... Only a hundred meters ...
nothing to worry

In Remembrance of the POW ...

Floating Hotel ... it would certainly be a good night adventure.

POW Cemetry--Donated by the Thai People.

The Famous River Kway Bridge.

I hope you'll have fun!!!---Chow!!!

Where to go

2010-01-28T09:10:00.000+07:00

If you are in Bangkok, I doubt you've never heard of the place called RCA (Royal City Avenue). Clubbers at RCA consist of Thai and International people. Check this place out it is really fun especially if you enjoy loud music and heavy crowd.

There are variety of music preferences you can choose. What's popular in Thailand is ofcourse its local band music, trance and hiphop.

Depending on the club you're about to enter, most clubs require foreigners to show their passport (no student I.D. allowed--due to many fake ones available). If you're Malaysian I guarantee that they will let you in if you have your Malaysian I.d. with you. But as for other nationals, I cannot guarantee this. Upon entry, you have to pay about 200 Baht for coupon. This coupon can be used to buy drinks and if lack, you can use cash instead. I think this is to prevent people from coming in the club without spending.

Bangkok!! Oh!! Bangkok!!

2009-12-01T10:02:00.000+07:00

Thailand is a country of smile ... smiling faces, friendly people, soft culture etc. To experience this you have to take an actual step in living here. Of course, it would be difficult for a first timer-- I started 9 years before-- but as you sip into their culture you realize that you actually like it a lot. I'm certainly not a born Thai my self, but I have assimilated a little Thai thingy that actually made me understand and accept their culture for myself.

Living in Bangkok is much easier than living in the provinces as many Bangkokians can communicate in English (at least in numbers) but as for the province people I find it difficult have a conversation. I'm not being bias here but rarely I can find people in the province that can actually speak English--I have no problem with broken English conversation, there's more improvement lately.

I've now been working in Thailand for 4 years and if I were to add it with my college years it is to the exact years of 9. 9 years is a super-duper long years of time spent outside my homeland. It's almost time to go home.

If you're a food lover, check out the Italian dishes at Big Mama.
Location: Asok Soi 1, Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok, Thailand