Bangkok.. after peace returned...

Made my 'annual' trip to Bangkok over the last weekend. Just as expected, things were just not the same anymore... There were so few tourists around and the malls were relatively 'empty'. The shops closed much earlier than expected and there were actually not much to see anymore. We stayed at Grand Diamond Suites (again) which is next to Platimun Mall opposite the Pratunam Wholesale Market. We were already busy buzzing around from the first day of arrival. We managed to check-in early as the rooms were available and the first stop - of course Platinum Mall which is only next door. Spent around 2 hours there then we proceeded to venture into the market across the street. My favourite shopping place.. keke.. (Keani... I missed you!!) Next stop was Chinatown (Yao Warat) for a great tasting seafood dinner thanks to Justin's friend's recommendation.. =D After conversion, the stuffing meal was less than 30bucks (singapore dollars) per person (bearing in mind that the dishes we ordered are not cheap going by Singapore standards). Just luurrrve eating in Bangkok.. keke.. Last stop for the day - Suan Lum Night Market. Geez.. when I stepped off the tuk-tuk I was genuinely surprised.. The place was - deserted. More than half the shops were closed. Even the food stalls were cut by 60%. It was such a pathetic sight. Wonder how the shop owners survive... Thankfully there was a nice coffee place around the corner which was what we all needed after a whole day of walking walking walking..... Last activity for the night.. the very needed - massage!!! I had a great massage but poor Justin. Cos of his swollen ankles, he more or less could not walk after the massage as he didn't tell the masseuse to leave the legs alone... Thankfully it was ok again the next morning or else he would have to stay in the hotel which would be terribly boring cos there was nothing to do there.

Second day was Erawan - Four Faced Buddha - which some of the guys wanted to go to, then down to MBK. Along the way, we passed Central World which was partially burned down by the Red Shirts. Almost one-third of the building was closed due to the fire. They are rebuilding it at the moment but then I guess the memory of this chapter in Thailand will always remain. I managed to get a few shots of the building as we passed. At MBK itself, was another round of walk walk shop shop. Nothing too interesting but we had our early dinner at my favourite Japanese restaurant on level 3.. =D Funny that I never can remember the name of the restaurant but everytime I'm in Bangkok, I am sure to visit.. keke.. Took a cab back to the hotel after that but the driver took us on a merry-go-round ride and we paid twice as much.. =( By the end of the day, we were totally drained... Too tired to do anything anymore... Last day was a little more relaxed. Last minute shopping and then we were on our way to the airport. Our flight was scheduled to be at 1835hrs. When we arrived at the airport, we realized that it has been delayed to 2000hrs. Great!.. Means we have to spend another 2 hours doing nothing..... As the departure gate was not confirmed during our check-in, we had to keep referring back to the flight board for updates. Our flight was later confirmed to depart at 2050hrs (which is already further delayed) but when we boarded the plane, we were made to wait for another good whole hour before we actually took-off... We finally touched down in Singapore at around 1am. *For the cheapest fares, please go to Tigerairways* Yah, right.. i say *For the highest rate of flight delays, please go to Tigerairways* =P

*~Mikka's Visit~*

After such a looooooong wait, my Mikka was finally in town... To attend my brother's wedding, to go on a family vacation to Bangkok & of course... our own getaway to Batam.. keke... Just a summary of some of the things we did... *SMILEZ*

30th September 2009 @ the Singapore Hilton - Adrian & Josephine's wedding.. Also, it was Mikka's 'official' introduction to the family. I guess it must have been a real shock to him cos the family is HUGE.. keke.. Overall, the event was beautiful .. Wishing my bro n Jo - Loving each other always!!
02nd October 2009 - Lift off to Bangkok... Tiger Airways is always a favourite (cos its cheap lah.. LOL) Its only a 2 hours flight, so don't complain.. keke.. We stayed at the Grand Diamond Suites. Situated right beside Platimun Mall, I would say the location is great. It was more of a shopping shopping & more shopping trip.. Not forgetting the eat eat & eat also.. It was dad and uncle's first time to Bangkok so they opted to take the day tours instead. Not a bad idea to learn more about the culture of Thailand.
09th October 2009 - Taking the 'lovely' ferry to Batam.. We checked-in @ the Holiday Inn Batam.. Surprise, surprise... The place was 'empty' more or less.. I would say less than 20% occupancy rate.. That's BAD for a hotel, especially since it was so obvious that 2 full blocks were empty.. But anyway, one of the main 'motives' of Mikka to go to Batam is to go play golf. We headed down to the Indah Puri Golf Resort on the 2nd day to check out the place. Mikka had a 2hr golf 'training' session with a personal instructor for SGD80 bucks & I got myself a 2 1/2 hr spa package at SGD 120 at the 'Tempat Senang Spa' next to the golf club. Very nice ambiance, perfect to pamper yourself *winks* But in general, Batam is a terrible place to go to if you have no plans in mind. Absolutely nothing to do... Shopping malls suck, food is bad.. *sigh* Next time, I think I would just book a package direct with the golf club.
12th October 2009 - My birthday!! Am so glad that this year Mikka is here to celebrate my birthday with me.. Didn't do much but its the presence that's important..