Continuation from:-
Hour Past Midnight
Along Chao Phraya
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
Majestic Wat Pho
Culture Shock
Euphoric Chatuchak Weekend Market
Patpong District

1st March 2009
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At dawn we bade farewell to my parents and siblings, they were due to fly back to Malaysia already. I was feeling rather down and sad but at the same time awfully glad that we were left alone to enjoy the last day in Bangkok before heading to Chiang Mai, sometimes family could get a little bit annoying and stressful if you know what i mean.

However, it was horrible to hear dad had to use the airport wheelchair because his feet were too swollen and excruciatingly painful to walk. I had no idea that gout patient can’t take too much of seafood and neither did he. Tears trickled down my eyes when i saw the sms.

It was good to know that the airport staff did their very best to make my dad comfortable. I found out later from mom that the guy who helped push my dad’s wheel chair to the departure gate was more concerned than she was. Thai hospitality at its best.

Bangkok city

After taking a shower and another few round of sms-es with my sister to make sure everything at home is alright, it is time to make a last minute exploring and most important, shopping.

Busy street

The city seemed a little different today. I suspect it’s less stressful because my parents were not with me so i wouldn’t need to constantly worry about them but also because the weather seemed exceptionally agreeable, slightly cloudy and breezy. A very welcome change to the blistering sun.

Cineplex

The city appeared less suffocating and less maddening too compared to the first impression. Don’t get me wrong, Bangkok would never ceased to be an extremely busy city. The roads were still lined with vehicles, drivers trying to survive the massive jam, streets still filled with pedestrian talking aloud animatedly. But the shock wears off pretty quick and i was starting to think i could get used to this kind of lifestyle.

Yeah, i still can’t get over how fast the escalators are compared with Malaysia’s… as a matter of fact, as with everything compared to my country. -_-”. People walk much faster in Bangkok too you know.

Mini concert

It’s a Sunday and the streets were overflowing with teenagers especially enjoying the weekend. I’ve never seen such a crowd on the street except for new year in Malaysia. I only could guest how crazy it could get in a city such as Bangkok on celebration day like the New Year’s eve.

Within these 2 days i’ve witnessed about 3 mini concert or celebrities road shows. One at Siam Paragon the other day, another under the bridge across the road from the cineplex today and later where i jumped excitedly and glee before rushing to the entrance of Ripcurl shop in Siam Center because i thought there was a mega sales going on but disappointingly passed after finding out it was some celebrity doing a road show or something.

Which celebrities i could not tell since i didn’t exactly get to see their faces amidst the screaming school girls but i guest they were some Zac Efron type judging from my near damaged ear-drums.

Girls going ga-ga over yogurt boys LOL

Bangkok has dozens of decent shopping malls particularly located at Siam Square which connects important shopping centres by sky bridge. To name a few, the Siam Paragon for luxury and upscale stuffs and for more affordable brands the Siam Center, Emporium or Siam Discovery, and for cheaper bargains ala Sungei Wang Plaza is the Mah Boon Krong or better known as MBK Shopping Center.

Within Siam Square itself is a whole shopping district by itself with handful of fashion boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants and cafe. Every nook and corner is occupied by these colorful shops bringing in local customers of all ages as well as tourists.

I wondered along the alleys beneath the sky bridge with a smile permanently plastered on my face. Amazed is an understatement, i was in love. Yes, i could really get use to life in Bangkok. When all else fails, i shall sleep in Siam Square and stare at the endless window displays. Pure bliss.

Celebrity madness

This is the second visit to MBK Center. Last night we were here and managed to grab a few shopping goodies for everyone. Some merchandises are much more cheaper than those in Malaysia. Definitely worth a visit. So here we are again at MBK because my shopaholic sister forgot to purchase something last night and i had to get it for her today.

The eight stories high shopping mall is a legendary shopping haven that houses more than 2,000 shops selling all type of merchandises ranging from clothing, fashion accessories, mobile phones, handbags, electrical appliances, sports attire and equipments and even furniture that i must admit comes with an insanely affordable price.

Table aquarium

I had set my eyes on the quirky glass table cum aquarium but the thought of having to change the water diligently before it stank the whole living room kind of put me off. For those who wants to know it’s priced at 9,900 Baht or about RM990… not really cheap for 5 slabs of glass right? Yes? No? I’m no expert, i don’t know.

Chaowdin Buffet

MBK Center is geared with 2 food courts; the Fifth Avenue on the fifth floor also known as the International Food Court because of the variety of international cuisine available and the more subtle MBK Food Centre on the sixth floor.

A word of caution though if you happen to be interested for a visit to the Chaowdin Buffet (Khanom Jin). They may offer an out-of-this-world price of 590Baht (RM5.90) for an all-you-can-eat buffet but you should know that it’s some kind of an authentic Thai noodle buffet so it might taste a little weird and raw.

Thai rice noodle

Be careful with the chili broth too. It could get nasty! LOL.

Nasty chili!

Being it our last day in Bangkok, i couldn’t help but feel a little melancholy. We had too much of a blast in the city of entertainment. There were too much to see but too little time.

Alas, we had bought tickets and the train was to depart in the evening. We had no choice but to pack our bags for hopefully another fun and exciting adventure in Chiang Mai. With a heavy backpack strapped to each of our tired shoulders we trudged to the MRT station.

Hua Lamphong station

Our station was the last, the Hua Lamphong station as was most of the passengers on the MRT. All of us proceed through the underground tunnel to reach the Hua Lamphong Railway Station (where we were supposed to board our train). The northern line were to take us all the way to Chiang Mai.

The crowd

The railway station was impressive not solely because it was the first time for us taking a train but also at the hugeness of the entire place and the enormous crowd. Hua Lamphong Railway Station is the main railway station in Bangkok with 14 platforms and 26 ticketing booths, carrying about 60,000 passengers on over 130 train stops every single day. Besides the many locals traveling back and forth the region, it’s like every backpacker in Bangkok were there, some standing, waiting impatiently, some sitting in a self-made camp circle protecting their bags while resting anticipating a rough day ahead.

At the platform

It was a particularly memorable day at the railway station. First we had a chance to witness the inspiring Thai patriotism then we (especially Mr. Bf) we filled with joy getting more than a minute glimpse of the Eastern & Oriental Express.

An experience unlike no other.

Passenger train

When the clock stroked 6pm, the national anthem was loudly broadcasted for the entire railway station to hear and to my surprise each and everyone at the station and platform stopped what they were doing and got up to pay respect to the music.

It was really something. In Malaysia, i don’t think anyone would have bothered to stand up or even noticed that the national anthem is playing… well, except for when in school assemblies where we were given the ultimatum either to stand still or risk being punished by being dragged and embarrassed on the school stage.

Ok, i found out later that the Thailand national anthem is played 8am and 6pm everyday and it’s the law to stand up and show respect. But that doesn’t change my perception on Thai patriotism. The locals really did looked sincere while they pay respect to the anthem, even bowing their head and closing their eyes while miming the lyrics.

There’s a difference between patriotism and just abiding the law. The last time i heard the national anthem was when i was in school and i recall being fidgety and the only thing on my mind then was what i was going to have for lunch later in the noon.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Having the Eastern & Oriental Express right in front of our eye was mind-blowing. There’s no way we could afford a ride on the luxury train, it cost around an insane USD2,000-USD4,000 per pax, so having the chance to see the outer interior of train itself was already a rare privilege!

I wonder when i’ll get the opportunity to set foot on the glamorous train… sigh…

Outer interior

That’s me having a fever and waiting at the platform despite being suffocated by fumes and poor ventilation.

It’s really a not a good idea to wait at the platform if your train is not departing too soon, rather i suggest to wait outside the platform area where it’s more airy if you don’t mind crashing on the floor.

Waiting game

That’s Mr. Bf guarding our backpacks while i went to get some snacks and hopefully magazines to fill our time. Unfortunately they do not have English magazines or books. None that i could find. Remember to pack some books or mags to avoid boredom alright? Ho ho ho.

Oh, and just so you’d know, the toilets at the railway station is really clean despite the many passengers using it before boarding their respective train. There’s even shower rooms available for a small price should you like to freshen up before a long journey.

Waiting again

I was surprised at how comfortable the seats were in the 2nd class carriage. I had expecting hard seats and a narrow and cramp bunk but it wasn’t bad at all.

A few sip of beer and even my fever seemed bearable.

Beer anyone?

A lady came over to offer a menu to us. We were to order our dinner and also tomorrow morning’s breakfast in advance so it would be served right after we had woken up from slumber.

Dinner

Not bad

The dinner was quite alright, not as bad as i had expected, surely not 5-star restaurant rate. Haha i always expect the worst when it comes to food served on planes, trains or buses.

Time to sleep…zzzzzzz

At about midnight the staff goes around the carriage to set the beds. The 2 seats were joined to become a bed for the lower bunk while the upper bunk’s bed were pulled down from the wall.

I slept in the lower bunk while Mr.Bf on the upper. The lower bunk is more spacious and with the window view while the upper bunk is a little narrow and confined. But the beds are comfortle enough to rest. There’s a reading light too should you need a read before going to bed.

I made a promised to Mr. Bf that i’ll wake him up as soon as dawn breaks so we could enjoy the view. With a pop of Paracetamol and the rocking motion of the train i slid into slumber dreaming of elephants in Chiang Mai…

To be continued at:-
Good Morning Chiang Mai

Note:
All photos are taken with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8.