June 04, 2006

Tales of a city II >> Travel: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand 50


Dec 3: Night, Bangkok

Christmas is round the corner.

The shopping areas have been decorated to welcome the holiday season.

Wat Arun, Bangkok, ThailandSo, after dinner, we took a break from shopping to admire the lights twinkling so gayly in the night. Street lamps, overhead bridges, shopping complexes and hotels sparkled with multi-coloured lights, adding cheer to the throng of shoppers seeking bargains and finding gifts for friends and family.

We were feeling a little down as we would end our trip tomorrow when we leave Bangkok to fly home to Singapore. Being bathed in warm lights and happy crowds lifted our mood somewhat and, after strolling for a while, we were able to appreciate the gaiety and vibrant atmosphere surrounding us.

Actually, our attempt to cheer ourselves up at this last stage of our trip started the first day we reached Bangkok. After spending a lot of the last two months out of the city, the constant grind of urban life was rather trying at first.

There was, suddenly, so very many more of everything - people, cars and buildings (really tall buildings) - all augmented by a relentless cacophony of noise and dust. And the aircon in some of the buildings was absolutely frigid, especially after the humid heat outside.

To get away for a while, we ducked into the cinema to watch a Harry Potter movie. The cineplex had many counters for buying tickets using a computerised system. We chose a time slot we liked and made sure we were watching the English version, not the one dubbed in Thai! The sellers were young and chirpy. We got two tics and found our theatre without any problem. It was at least a couple of dollars cheaper than watching the same movie back in Singapore.

Ayuthaya, ThailandWhen the lights dimmed, everyone stood up. Puzzled, we followed suit. When some foreign teenagers several rows in front of us remained seated, the locals around them quietly indicated they should also stand up.

Then, an image of the King lighted up the screen and the national anthem started. It was a solemn occasion, not an unwanted sound from the audience - no sigh, no cough, no shuffling of feet.

But, once the anthem was played and everyone settled into their seats, we felt the change in the air. Everyone knew they were in for a rollicking time of Quidditch, good-versus-wicked-wizard action and dazzling special effects.

Budget (for two in baht)

Dec 2
Room >> B500 + Breakfast >> B70 + Shoes >> B872 + Groceries >> B133 + Underwear >> B99 + Sundries >> B343 + Hairdye >> B255 + Lunch >> B70 + Drinks >> B98 + Puffs >> B20 + Shoes >> B325 + Supper & breakfast (next day's) >> B103 + Dinner >> B285 + Groceries >> B35.5

Dec 3
Room >> B500 + Shoes >> B199 + Boots >> B711 + Strepsils >> B54 + T-shirts (8x) >> B792 + Clothes >> B1040 + Lunch >> B90 + Snacks >> B36 + Dinner >> B89 + Breakfast (next day's) >> B43 + Newspapers >> B20 + Food stuff >> B520

Dec 4
Taxi to airport >> B189 (incl B30 expressway toll) + Lunch >> B164 + Ice-cream >> B30


Next: This trip ends here. Thank you for dropping by. I'll be back in 2-3 weeks. Oops! Make that a month. But, do come back if you're keen to find out what it's like to swing round the Mae Hong Son loop. In the meantime, stay healthy and travel well! Annie (Jun 4, 2006)