2010 5th Trip - Bang Bangkok

Because of the protest in Bangkok, we have postponed the Bangkok trip from April to last weekend. It ended up to be the worse time. We were there when the "red-shirt" leader pass ed away and the government finally has decided to "clean up" the mess (it caused some violence). For me, it was quite perfect. It was an experience that I appreciate a lot during travel. 

The atmosphere in Bangkok is very low key (not many tourist and people are reluctant to go out). On the other hand, it actually made the trip quite relaxing. No pack and traffic. We have done the typical activities such as shopping and massage. During the trip, my impression with Thai is very polite, nice and friendly. You could just tell based on their driving. Even though they are not following the rules, they are not rude but give way. In the market, you don't have to bargain too much. They do tell you the price they want to offer (of course, they are small amount try to rip you off). The honesty is pretty impressive.

I felt quite bad for the protest. The people here are so calm, nice and peaceful. It is just because of one man, who desire more power, it turns the country into a mess. It actually reflect lots of war in the world. Most of the time, it just because THE ONE. The one who uses foolish of low-education people, the trust and believe of people toward him, gets what they want. It is sad but it is also what we have to deal with. 

It sounds cheesy but wish we had a chance to enjoy at least a day of peacefulness. V

please..

Next stop: Jakarta, Indonesia.

Post title credited to a friend.

Read more...

2010 4th trip- When wine meets music

Beach. Crazy. Culture. Doing-nothing. Food. Friendly. Peace. People. Relax. Respect. Sun. 

There are the general ingredients for my good trip. Singapore never be an exciting destination for me and somehow always involved some sort of pains.

When good wines meet good music, it magically turned my Singapore trip into an enjoyable experience. I have to admit that I am looking forward to the next Singapore trip.

Magic 1: Wine connection is a "wine pub", which located around Clark Quay, with huge collection of wines and reasonable price . It is owned by French. The place has a very warm and friendly environment for customer to enjoy a glass or bottle of wine. The uniqueness are you won't be able to find the same bottle in any place in Singapore and they remove the duty tax from selling price - it means you are enjoying the duty free wine.

Achievement: Four bottles of wine and the last customers.

Magic 2: The-CD-shop, obviously is a CD shop, with a huge range of CD and Music collection. The staffs are friendly and helpful. You are free to try any CD and spending your time in the shop. The home brand/collection - high society, with good collection of song and nice packaging, are recommended.

Achievement: Four CDs and two hours.

I guess it's always the matter how you create your own experience. Just be a little bit more open-minded, my world could be quite amazing.

p.s. thanks Chloe for Wine connection and Annie for The CD Shop

Read more...

2010 2nd Trip - Revisiting India

After three years, I finally have the chance to visit India, which I consider the third home, again. It was very relaxing and good. I didn't do much during the trip,  just spending time on the beach and resort. Eat, Sleep and Drink! It gives me lots of positive energy after this trip. 

Goa is still Goa and Bangalore is still Bangalore. Nothing much has changed but it reminds me lots of good times there and the reason I love my stay so much. This place has taught me how to be patient, flexible, open-minded and positive. Now with the cheap flight, I think I will visit more often.

Some achievements during this trip: 

• I finish a book "retired young and retired rich" by Robert Kiyosaki
• Good reflection in term of my changes these years and future plan 
• Relax and love my life again

Even though most people in Malaysia does not have positive perception toward India. Secretly, I think life in India is more interesting than Malaysia. If there any chance, I wish to stay there more than home.

Read more...