go back
Tuesday, August 21, 2007

This is the first year Bangkok is added to the study abroad program, and can I say THANK GOD! In fact, ever since I heard that we were going to Bangkok in February, I have been surfing forums for the best places to get a haircut. Muahaha, and of course my plans materialized. I was also very excited because Ms. Yong Shiyun was going to be in Bangkok the days I was going to be there! And of course we had to meet up.

Since we caught a red eye flight from Delhi to Bangkok, everyone went to bed immediately upon receiving keys to our hotel rooms. Not me! I had grander plans, Harlow sleep what sleep?! 15 minutes later, I emerged from our hotel fresh, in search of the Tony of Bangkok. Turns out that she was at Toni & Guy at Siam Paragon Center. And it seems like pre-departure research helps, because my haircut turned out great!

Any visitor to Thailand's capital absolutely has to stop over to see the Grand Palace. Not for any reason, just because it is beautiful. But the next time you get to go, remember to either wear a skirt (whatever length it seems), or long pants... or you will end up like us. No, not even berms up to mid-calf is allowed. (*$&(!$^!

The same night, Shiyun and I met up per our promise – 7:30pm, McDonalds@MBK. She was traveling with her NTU canoeing kakis, and so I met them for the first time. Each one was just like how she had previously described them to me. Hur Hur.

Ms. Yong enjoying her (2) Dunkin Donuts

The next few days went in a blur – Chatuchak, dinner cruise, a tour of the Mandarin Oriental and a local university. On Tuesday, I decided to skip out on a day trip to Pattaya which I later found out that I wouldn’t had missed anyway, to spend time with the best friend. The day ended in Chinatown and a mass foot massage at a parlor outside my hotel.

When relaxation comes at only 200 Baht/hour, anyone can afford it

Honestly, I wouldn’t say we learnt much in Bangkok because this segment has just been added and thus was a tester. But if I were to be even more honest, it was GREAT that we didn’t have that many stuff planned! Because that left a lot of free time to meet up with friends and shop and do the things you would normally do on a vacation. The Americans welcomed the change from India, especially because they sold beef in Thailand, and everything was just so much nicer and cleaner than India. Heh.

It has been 6 years since I made my way to the country full of hospitable people 2 hours north of Singapore. Much have changed – the new airport, cleaner streets, new malls… but much have not – crazy Chatuchak, the friendly people, and insanely cheap and awesome food… n that’s why we keep going back. Until we meet again, Bangkok!

Coming up, The Taj Mahal!

Labels: Study Abroad 2007

© 2004/2007 qian. all rights reserved.