The Startrackers (The Star's graduate trainees) and I took a trip to Bangkok together last September - and here are some stories and pics.
When I first set foot into the working world officially, I was apprehensive. What are people really like in an office environment? You hear things about office politics, and you wonder how much of it is true.
But these girls made working life not only fun, but as something to look forward to. Yep, what you do at work matters, the nature of your job scope matters. But who you're surrounded by matters too. And these ladies - Aisyah, Natalie, Lina, Michelle, Su Hsien, Rowena (plus Melanie, who couldn't make it for the trip!) - they are supportive and caring, always there to offer advice, a shoulder to cry on, any form of help and support they can give, or lame jokes to brighten up your day. They genuinely rejoice to see you do well in your job or in your personal life, and they are there when the odds seem to be stacked against you.
I'm so thankful to God that He's placed each one of them in my life :)
DAY 1:
- We flew into Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok
- Checked into Restiny Hostel at Ratchatewi Road. Very nice establishment, and the staff there are really generous.
- We went for dinner nearby at Faridah Fartanee, it's a halal restaurant so that's great for Muslim travelers.
- Later, we marched on to Pratunam Market for a look see, look, see.
DAY 2:
There's a reason why Thailand is a popular tourist destination. They've all sorts of quirky places to visit. We rented a van for the seven of us to take us around some sights in Khao Yai (altogether about 3600 baht).
- We stopped by a chocolate factory, which sells premium chocs.
- There was some random B&B place (?) next to it, and there were goats.
- Next we went to Chokchai Farm. Hahaha, to be honest, I found it slightly odd...? Like it's essentially a farm, where cows are milked - how can this turn into such a profitable empire? But if you watch the introductory video at the beginning of the tour you'd understand why. From this one product, milk, there were a whole load of business units branching out from that product. It's fascinating! That's how enterprising and creative the business owners are.
After lunch, we went to PB Valley. We didn't do the wine-tasting tour thing, just walked around and snapped some shots.
- We then hopped into the van and went to The Bloom, which is a sort of flower garden.
And I guess if you wanna see Europe in Thailand (lol), one can always journey to Primo Piazza - where there are alpacas. (The highlight of the Khao Yai trip).
Milk tea is very yums. It went for about 20-25 baht. We had dinner at Pe Aor, where they had delish tom yum noodles.
And of course, we ended the day by playing Jenga in the hostel.
DAY 3:
Hot blazing days are always good for a trip to the temple. In our case, we took the opportunity of the toasty temperatures to visit Wat Arun. It's named after the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the rising sun (according to Wiki). The temple sits on the Chao Phraya riverbank, and apparently it had existed since at least the 17th century.
We heard that there is a dress code for tourists visiting the temples - but perhaps it wasn't really enforced, or maybe they're chill about it so long as it's not too revealing. I saw people wearing shorts and it was fine.
- We took a river boat there. I don't remember the price now, it should be around 40-80 baht?
- Then we went shopping at Siam Square. There was some really nice stuff for cheap there. Opposite was Siam Paragon and Siam Centre, where there was some nice stuff for not-so-cheap. (really not so cheap).
Our journey then took us to Ratchada Rot Fai night market, where there was lots to eat and drink and shop, but nowhere to sit.
DAY 4:
Last full day in Bangkok - and was able to squeeze time to meet a dear friend named Guy, whom I knew from iFocus Durham days. We went around the hot Chatuchak Market, and there was so much to see - it's a very eclectic selection. Thai massages, milk teas, clothes, bags. And I think there was a stall selling only plastic bags.
Guy and I basically just chilled at the park after a while, talking about life and Thai politics (which is never a dull topic).
And we spent the evening in the hostel, washing up and gearing up to go to the airport. We spent the night there, but couldn't get proper sleep because it was too darn cold.
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It wasn't my first time to Thailand or Bangkok. But that's the fun thing about traveling - it's a different experience each time. And I think what made this one so special were the companions. I had 6 other girls who are genuinely super fun and chill, and whom I'm really comfortable with. The late night chats (the sharing sessions), the laughter and jokes, and even the sad moments / pains in our lives that we got to chat through - I'm grateful for them.
Yep, the sights and sounds of Bangkok city were great. But what was even greater was being able to share some time with you girls. :)
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