Thailand - Part I : Hua Hin

5 days, 4 districts. On the path less traveled by....

From coastal towns to mountain peaks to caves to valleys to ruined cities, we've decided to skip all the commercialized areas and explore the lesser known side of Thailand. It was without doubt a tiring journey, but it was as well a worthwhile experience with many amazing sights to behold.

A little nuts, I know, for not many would have traveled the way we did. Even our assigned driver was baffled looking at our itinerary - from the south to the northeast to the west and back to the main point. I can understand when he got all agitated accommodating to our every requests.


The journey started with a 2.5 hours drive to the south of Bangkok, to the town of Hua Hin.

We made a brief stop at Risky Market on the way. What's interesting is that the market is situated on an active railway track. At specific intervals, when the train approaches, the market scrambles to get out of the train's way. Stalls were back in place in no time once the train have passed through. Very efficient indeed.

With only a handful of attractions in Hua Hin, it seems compelling to visit the infamous Santorini Park - built to resemble Santorini of Greece with its blue and white walls. Although nicely done in terms of colours and structures, it still lacks originality and standard. The murals were kind of childish and I would think it's only appealing to selfie-crazed Asians. The shops were limited and products were not attractive. The theme park was not exciting either. One visit was sufficient. And if you are up to it, take as many pictures as you want - in every corner and in every angle.

 

Next on the itinerary is another lame attraction - Swiss Sheep Farm. We were not too keen in visiting initially, but with time to spare, we decided to drop by. The place, again, does not live up to its name. The sheep looked sad and definitely didn't come from Switzerland. Other animals, being llama and possums were kept closed off in a barn. It was full of figurines and decorations that has no relation to sheep or farms - like transformers and heart shaped structures. Yet another area dedicated to selfie groups. The farm could have been managed better, given the large area it was built on. Our visit lasted 30 minutes.

We headed straight to the Hua Hin Railway Station right after. It's one of the oldest railway station in Thailand with the main feature being the Royal Waiting Room which was used to welcome the King and his courts when they are in town. It's a relatively small station with tracks running all the way to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

 
The evenings were spent at the night markets around town. One being the Hua Hin Night Market, which is very similar to our "pasar malam". You will find all kinds of local souvenirs, food, clothing on sale. Be sure to bargain your way through as prices were marked pretty high up.

I personally favour the Cicada Night Market, an art market with contemporary art in various fields - handmade decorative items, fashion clothes and accessories, second hand items etc. While you open your eyes to the lovely items on sale, be sure to open your ears as well to the local music. There is an open amphitheater with a live band playing all night. It was truly relaxing being seated at a garden, with a drink in hand and listening to pleasant serenades. I now regretted of not having picked up a few items that interests me, for I wouldn't think they would have been found any where else. Ish!

 

While in the district, we had put up at Fun-D Boutique Hotel, a cosy and lovely place situated next to a paddy field. Although the place is located about 30 minutes drive from Hua Hin town and a little secluded, it was definitely worth the stay. Imagine lying on a hammock with a view of the sun shining across the green paddy field and storks hovering around lazily. Surely beats the conventional high rise hotels in cities. Not to mention, we were upgraded from a superior room to a deluxe room with no extra charge!

 

We did leave out a couple of other attractions due to time constraints. We were more interested in where we were about to go next.....

Thailand - Part II : Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

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I dream...

I dream of a meadow, of yellow and pink daisies
I dream of mountains, of snow capped at its peaks
I dream of a valley, of a river gliding through it
I dream of a lake, of its calm and shimmering waters

I dream of a clear blue sky, of puffy clouds looming
I dream of the sun's rays streaming down onto the field
I dream of the soft breeze from a spring morning
I dream of birds swooping past, of their cheerful songs

I dream of a cottage, of bricks and wood
I dream of a hammock, rocking gently across the verandah
I dream of a steaming cup of coffee, of a rich aroma
I dream of a mongrel, laying lazily by the feet

I dream of rolling on grass,
I dream of catching a view from a cliff
I dream of paddling in a pristine lake
I dream of hiking through an evergreen

I dream of a carefree life
One that expands horizons

One away from civilization
One that could only remain in a dream...

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Leavers

It's always sad when someone leaves.

Just right into the new year and there have been a few leavers at the work place. There have been for various reasons - for relocations, for returning to home countries, even for being exited.

After having being colleagues for a couple of years now, it does feel kind of odd of not having them around anymore. There isn't the familiar faces to greet you when you get into the office in the morning. There won't be mails coming in from them. Their desks are all but empty spaces now.

What's left are the legacies and memories left behind. Although it was a relief to get rid of some, but there were others who have been great to work with. Superiors who have been understanding and fair, co-workers who have been supportive and fun. The office will not be the same.

Though not extremely close with them on a personal level, it was still with a heavy heart to see them leave. They will be missed. It has been a pleasure working with them.

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Nail Art II

And so, in a flash, I realized that I have been at this for over a year now. Without fail, I have been following a monthly routine to the nail parlour. I don't do these things back then. Here's why it all started - Nail Art


There have been mixed reactions to my latest craze. Yeah, changing nail colours and designs every month is not acceptable to some. And to others, it is an expensive fashion, that only those rich brats who have nothing else better to do in the world would go after. It is considered to be a show-off statement, that only the "atas" society has the means for it. So, I'm being labelled as "atas" now eh?


Nevertheless, the services at NailzBlink Professional had not wavered a single bit. I am still being bestowed very pleasant treatments from the moment I step in to the moment I leave. Just a short note here to extend a sincere thank you to Amy, my manicurist, who have been all the gentle with my nails in the past year. And not to mention, her splendid skills in nail designs that have caused mine to be the subject of envy of many (including those disapproving ones). Now what would I do without her? No. Now what would my nails do without her?

"Atas" or not, as long as I feel good having lovely nails, who cares?

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Jogjakarta

Jakarta? No, Jogjakarta. Where? Central Java. Where? Indonesia. Oh, what's nice there? The Borobudur temple. There's such a temple at Jakarta? No, it's Jogjakarta!

That's the response I received when I tell people of the destination of my trip. Yeap, it's not very well known, so most people had trouble understanding why would I choose to visit. To see Borobudur, of course!

The trip was initially planned for February last year, but it was postponed for the eruption of Mount Kelud in eastern Java. Although not directly effected, but flights were halted and Borobudur was closed, so we were advised to re-plan. And we had "smartly" re-planned the trip to the wet season of the region, where storms and floods and tsunamis were imminent. Fortunately for us, we got in and out of Jogja safe and sound, albeit our spirits have been dampen by regular showers.

So, what's so grand about this Borobudur? Only that it's the world's largest Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century. Currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What's intriguing is that it was not known who had built it, having its construction completely made out of stones. Volcanic stones to be exact.

It was a whole different feeling looking up at the magnificent structure in the dark and having to explore the vast temple with only a tiny flashlight - we had made our way to the top even before the sun was up. We had wanted to catch the spectacular view of the sunrise amidst the incredible sculptures but, unfortunately, what for a morning drizzle, it was utterly regrettable having to miss that. It would definitely have been a wonderful sight to behold.

Nevertheless, we were lucky to be allocated a very informative guide, who took us layer by layer and explained every carving, every sculpture, the history and myths that surrounded the temple, its construction and the ongoing restoration efforts by UNESCO. Heartfelt thanks to the guide who accommodated our every queries and requests.

Such a mystifying temple.....

Also making its home in Jogja is one of South East Asia's largest Hindu temple - the Candi Prambanan. An entirely different architecture, built in the 9th century as well and dedicated to the Gods of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It tells a different story - of the Gods and the mythical entities that is used as their vehicles, of prince and princesses, and the story about the temple being built in one single night.

We were exploring the area in awe when the sky turned gloomy and it started pouring. With no where to run to, we took shelter on the cramped steps and under a narrow beam of the temple. At the end of about 30 minutes, the heavy downpour has left ankle deep water puddles around the temple's compound. Without wanting to be soaked further, we hurriedly left by waddling our way to the entrance, barefoot! What an experience! 

 

 

Another highlight of Jogja would be the infamous Mount Merapi, one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia, which last erupted in 2010. We hired a jeep to take us up to the peak, and along the way the guide showed us the lava flows of the last eruption. I've never been near any fiery volcanoes before and was kind of excited to be able to reach the top. Yay! Only that the excitement turned to concerns when the guide told us that Merapi was predicted to erupt again in 2014 or early 2015. Oh my! And we were right on it! Thank the Gods that it didn't happen.

Merapi didn't want to show herself while we were there. She hid behind a curtain of clouds and mists. Yet another regretful incident. It was only on the last day of our stay that she allowed us a little peek....

There is a lot to be learned at Jogja - of the art, the culture, the history, the sights and the sounds. The people are humble and polite. They welcome you in every way and are proud to showcase what their city has to offer. Despite numerous natural disasters of volcanic eruption and earthquakes, they somehow managed to pick themselves up and move on. This is one trait which we have seen and admired.

Although we had a couple of disappointments from the trip, where we failed to catch certain sights that were unique to Jogja due to the poor weather, but at least we've step foot on them! Being there itself is more than good enough.

One spot struck off the travel list....

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The Roots Eco-Resort

Yet another unknown jewel. Undiscovered yet by the travel bloggers. Yet to be listed on the top 10 or top 20 of the "must visit resorts" in the country.

So how did I get to know about it? By sheer luck.

Some of you might have already known that I despise cities, having feeling that all it does is drain the life out of me. So with additional annual leave to spare, I wasted no time in searching for an out-of-the-city retreat to let loose and unwind.

As it was the holiday season, most of the other desired places of interests have been fully booked. Seems like a lot of others are escaping the city as well. Towards the point of giving up, this place popped up.

The Roots Eco-Resort, nestled in greenery of Tanjung Rambutan, Perak. Managed by a lovely lady, the resort is made up of bamboo and wood chalets, surrounded by fruit trees and overlooking the Kinta river.

The main entrance. Nearly missed it without a visible sign

The pathway in

Our chalet, towards the very end of the resort & just next to Kinta river

The bed. Simple & comfy

Jacuzzi 

Panoramic view of our chalet & its surrounding

 Kinta river up close

Around the resort

Dining area

The pool. That's the Kinta river just next to it

 Rambutans. Just outside our window

Other chalets

The resort is just the perfect escapade for city dwellers like me. You don't hear cars. You don't see crowds. You don't get stuck in queues. You don't get funny stares from people. 

You'll get serenity from the birds chirping...the river flowing...the rain drops on the roof...the insects playing their "songs". It was a total bliss watching squirrels chasing one another on the trees while you bask in the morning dew with a good book and not having to worry about keeping time. In this place, you don't own up to anyone else but yourself.

I had wished that I could stay a little longer......

Or better, if I would not have to leave.....

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The end of 2014

The year wasn't that all smooth sailing...

Bumps at work. Bumps at home. Bumps with myself. Even on this eve to the new year, I've been caught ill.

It was worse for the country. In these last few days, the third national air tragedy struck. Hundreds of lives lost and hundreds more affected. Then there's the constant downpour which has brought about the worse ever flood situations in some areas. Thousands more effected.

There will be no celebrations. No fireworks. No parties. No drinks.

It has been a dim year. Glad that it will be ending soon.

As the new year steps in, there's hope that it'll bring about some changes. Something good for everyone.

So farewell 2014....and we shall see what is in store for 2015!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Smartphone addiction

Wherever I go, I see people being glued to the screens of their smartphones.

Be it waiting for the elevator, waiting at the bus stand, waiting for the train, queuing up at the counter, at the table waiting for the food to be served, waiting at the lavatory, even while walking....their eyes do not leave the screen in their hands.

So out of curiosity, I did a little "surveying". What is it that is so important on the screens that they do not even look up when crossing a road? It's not really that hard to do considering the size of smartphones these days.

Is it that text message that requires an immediate reply? Is it that Facebook post that requires an immediate comment or "like"? Is it that itch to post a picture on Instagram immediately? Is it that immediate tweet that you can't wait a couple of minutes? Is it that headlines or news that you got to read now itself?

I could still have understood if it was out of the reasons above. Well, you know, living in a fast paced world where technology is no longer a limitation and everything has to be up to-date instantly. You wouldn't want to be left out.

But guess what, some people are not glued to the screens for those reasons. Most of the people that I've "surveyed", are just simply scrolling the pages or texts. They are not reading them, they are not replying anything, they are not posting anything. They are just merely scrolling! So, that's the reason for not talking to the person next to you and making actual conversation? That's the reason for not taking an interest in what's going on around you?

That's one very serious addiction man! Unbelievable.

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