Bangkok 01/12: Grand Palace

Posted on January 31, 2012 by millymin

Waking up to a beautiful sunny morning. Happily checked out from the hotel and I guess I would call ourselves as a lil bimbotic, who decided on tuktuk over taxis in a city like Bangkok. We took a tuktuk from Nana to Chao Phraya which cost us only 60Baht for 2. Wonder why? Cuz these kinda local tuktuk are commercialized and the drivers gain 1litre of gasoline whenever we spend 1000 Bahts at the tourist spot which is a local gem factory. A little visit to the Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound. Being a typical Penangite, its time to cross the street like how we do … always!

Welcome to Grand Palace.

The dress code in Grand Palace is rather strict. But well again, this actually apply in all temples. Your legs have to be covered. Long pants/skirts. Well, if you are not a fan of long pants like me, worry not. There is always a little stall across the street having sarongs for rent. In some countries I went, they even lend you for free. Just return it upon leaving. Anyway, they charge at 30Baht each (if you bargain) otherwise the standard price would be 50Baht.
Covered

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram)

Devotee.

If you are not in a hurry, do spend some time to study the drawings on the wall. It has a story to tell.

The Royal Reception Halls

Candid shots Visitors

Isn’t this beautiful?

I love the architecture of the temple.

Grand Palace

Needless ti say, places as such will definitely be crowded.

I believe this guy is looking for his way out, cuz … I was lost too

Beautiful sky!… and each of this always remind me of something.

Do take note that each and every visitor will be charge 400Baht per visit. Audio aid is also available at 100Baht each. This place is gorgeous and worth visiting.

Bangkok 01/12: The Annual Thang

Posted on January 27, 2012 by millymin

Welcome to Bangkok. The last time I was here was at least 3 years back. Hence, decided to go with JSee, so called an annual thing that we just need a trip to somewhere. As long as it requires a passport

There is only one flight a day flying direct from Penang to Bangkok which departs at 5.25pm. The journey to Bangkok took us about 1 hour 40 minutes, which by the time we touched Bangkok, its probably dinner time by then. The ride was fine just that it took us quite a while at passport clearance. The funny thing about it? The local officers who ushered us to the respective counters actually thought that we were locals. FOL! While queueing up waiting for my turn, we stumbled upon a drunkard who started to question us and trying to be funny! Oh, well. We of course left as soon as we were done and headed off to catch a cab to the city.

When we hop up to the cab, JSee actually asked me how much was it. There were no nothing but written 900. Being a little lost and confused, we handed the piece of paper to the driver which later we were told that its 900Baht to drive us to the city.

After when we managed to checked in and dropped our stuff in the hotel, we left Nana and headed over to check out those hot spots in town. There goes, JSee brought me to Soi Cowboy. Yeah … so its when I have 20 sets of not very pretty boobies and pussehs right before my eyes. Never once seen so many at one time! What a great start for year 2012.

Its rather packed at Soi Cowboy. An alley where you can find hundreds of people all around the world from different walks of life.

This place would be one of the most happening ones available in town but not recommended for kids under 18. It would just be pretty awkward to bring your family to such places. Anyway, we didn’t spend much time there. Drank a bit and left the place before being mistaken.

Laos 10/11: Localisation

Posted on October 23, 2011 by millymin

Roomie got up early. It was super bright at 5 in the morn, which I can totally forget about sunrise. Roomie was ready, to leave the room and head off for a stroll around the area while waiting for breakfast. Thought I might wanna toss around the bed a little longer which I later changed my mind. Thankfully we have Wi-fi in the hotel which enable us to WhatsApp and do all the internet what-not before stepping out. Showered, and head off to check out Vientiane.

That Dam Stupa also known as Black Stupa. It is located between the Victory Monument and the Fountain along Chantha Khoumane Road, near the American Embassy. This stupa is believed that it was previously covered with gold and was burnt and turn into black after the Siam invaded Viantiene. The legend says 7 heads Serpent King had come from inside the stupa to help townspeople from Siam’s attack. Oh well, its legend and now it has become a traffic roundabout.

Spotted a VW L300.Just like Malaysia, they still exist which also known as antique now. I guess I am more interested in local stuff. Make sure you have a strong stomach before consuming this. Me? I guess am used to it but I can tell, they smell really, really good.

This tuktuk will head to Ked 3, Thong Kanh Kham. The destination will be listed on the tuktuk itself.The awesome beef noodle.

I took a while to practise doing the conversion by heart.

It did not disappoint me, not at all.

Vientiane, Laos

Posted on October 21, 2011 by millymin

Did a last minute packing the night before and got myself ready with my gears for the short trip to Laos, finally. How time flies when we kept on mentioning, “See you in Laos this coming October!” Little did I know time flies and here comes October. Satkuru, Angeline and I flew from Penang to KL. It has been quite a while I last seen the KL folks especially my Mountain Cha BFF. Its all about laughters!

Finally landed my feet in this country. I would say its kinda similar to Phnom Penh and this would be my last trip of the year I guess. So much worries and thoughts in mind and I would say, this is the time to free my mind. Have been going through a tough year. The ups are way lesser then the downs. Regardless what I do, I am nowhere near of finding those perks.

For once, I finally “travel light”! That was all in my bag.

It took us 2 hours and 40 minutes to get ourselves across the many rivers and land before reaching our destination. Flight was bumpy, turbulence was called and prolly a couple of times. Of course I am afraid, especially after watching all the movie. Couldn’t do much as we reach about 6pm.

A tower of local beer, BeerLao.

Dinner was at Khop Chai Deu, having to see lotsa tourists around. They serve Thai, Viet, Western but couldn’t really spot any local stuff which we would love to try. Too hungry for anything, we started feasting right after dropping our bags in the room.

I love tomyum. Very much!

Nice ambiance.

I do not know what happened next door when we got back to our rooms. I was too tired for anything and the next thing I know was hearing the birds chirping when I opened my eyes next morning.

China 04/11: Datong (大同) – Hanging Monestary

Posted on July 3, 2011 by millymin

The gritty city, Datong has some amazing sites in its vicinity. Datong would be a destination alongside from Beijing. Never heard or even thought there is a place called Datong (大同). It never come across my mind or somewhat read it anywhere. The journey from Beijing to Datong took us about 6 hours. We took a night train from Beijing Train Station which departed at 11.45pm. Hence, we touched Datong early in the morn at about 6am.

Cold and the sun isn’t entirely up. I began to shiver as soon as I got off the train and we still need to hang around the station waiting for our guide. I just can’t wait to check-in to the hotel, for a good wash-up, breakfast and turn Datong around

Hongqi Hotel

Really glad to see and feel the sun. I won’t survive in cold countries unless I have a pair of warm arms around me.

Datong

The many layers that I wrap around myself.

Me? Van/bus/flight/whatever ride? I can doze of in no time. The best part is, its not just me. Its the rest of the crew too Each and every time we travel, its during such rides that we are able to catch on our sleep. Upon arrival at the Hanging Monestary, it was stunning! I was stunned. Being a little stoned, at the same time I was shivering, I just can’t stop myself from doing anything else but to enjoy the cold chilly wind which I can never get to feel it back here. I am amazed by the architecture. How did they even able to build this years back?