Firm Trip - Bangkok & Pattaya 19 - 22 Jan 2008

The past weeks have been extremely stressful. Guess it was a good thing that this firm trip came along.. a lil' getaway from the stressful routine life. But to be honest I wasn't even really looking forward.. guess I was just too occupied to think of anything.

The night before the trip was a nightmare - working for more than 19 hours! I had to finish a rather lengthy submission before going on holiday.. and was working till 2.30am. Was a relief when I finally stepped out and locked up the office, but to my horror both the entrance and exit of the carpark were locked! The nasty security guards gave me a horrible time, insisting that I produce an authorisation letter before unlocking the gates for me to leave. I was fuming with anger with this absolute absurdity that I had to put up with at this ungodly hour, yet was way too drained to fight - I have had such a longgggg day that all I wanted was to go home and pack. I was this close to calling the police but figured out.. what good are they??!

Never had I felt this helpless and bullied before but there were 2 of them, against me. I hated it when I could not do anything to stand up for myself! But at 3am I finally gave in. I had to go back up to the office and write them a bloody authorisation letter. By then I was already in tears out of frustration.. and I felt bad my mum was worried sick about me - I felt so bad keeping her awake just to wait for me to be home.

I hated those security guards to my bones - as much as I hate to hate anyone!!

I left office at about 3.20am - reaching home in just 15 mins as the roads were empty, save for the clubbing crowd. I began to pack and only had less than an hour of sleep. My body was aching and sore, and my head very heavy. Sigh.. what a way to kick off a holiday :(

..Only hoped it'd get better. Like people say - when you're already at your lowest, it can't get any lower.. so whatever happens can only get better! That's optimitism for a start ;P

Chin Yee was sweet to pick me up from my apartment at like 7am! I felt bad she had to wake up so early for me :( Thanks lots dear!

Was sleeping all the way on the coach from KL Central to the LCC Terminal. Can't get enough of it!

Alright.. let the pics do the talking.. ;)


Wind Beneath My Wings!



Along the streets in Bangkok

This is where the famous Four-Faced Buddha is located















Bangkok at night..




















Suan Lum night market :) Yay shopping!!

























Opposite the Suam Lum night market

What's for supper????? *faints*
Okkkk.. No, thanks.. I'd rather starve!





















Presenting... the contestants of Fear Factor!!



Uhhhh.. no pulling out??!











This one konk-ed out :P
Am glad I stayed away :P :P

Day 2 in Bangkok - 20.01.2008

7.30am (Bangkok time) ..Rise and shine!! It was so difficult to climb out of bed due to all the accumulated exhaustion.. but holidays are never meant to be spent on the bed! Alright.. carpe diem ;)

These shots were taken from the hotel poolside after breakfast..


The tallest building seen in this pic is the Baiyoke Tower II. Standing at 304m tall (328m if its antenna is included, it is the tallest building in Bangkok and the whole of Thailand; and is located at 222 Rajprrop Road in the Ratchathewi district.

First item on the list for the day was the Chao Phraya river cruise :)

Si Phraya Pier

These shots were taken along the river cruise..










Houses on stilts

Our first destination was Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). This is a Buddhist temple located at the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its full name is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara.

The prang (Khmer-styled tower) of Wat Arun

The prangs are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. Around the base of the prangs are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals.


















It's a tough climb..



























..Back to the river cruise..




















The souvenir boatman :P ..in replacement of the floating market :(


Fishes for lunch??
































Next was a tour to the Grand Palace - another main tourist attraction in Bangkok located at the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. From the 18th century to the mid-20th century, it used to be the home of the King and his court, as well as the entire administrative seat of government. It is now used only for occasional ceremonial purposes.


Outside Grand Palace


















Phra Sri Ratana chedi

..I just want a chunk of this!




One of the very very few shots of myself in Bangkok/ Pattaya :P











































Kinnorn - a mythological creature of half bird, half man.




Miniature of Angkor Wat

















































































The Palace. No entry - could only take pics from outside





















Chakri Mahaprasad Throne Hall