Touchdown!

My personal advice for those who will be coming down to Thailand for an exchange or for a long internship period, you ought to take some Thai lessons. God knows how you are going to do that. Kidnap one from Golden Mile Complex or if you're as lucky as me, you might just be fated to meet Thai students who are doing their exchange in SMU. Basic words should be understood and learnt properly from the very beginning. Many would just try to pronounce the words as it is but in reality, what makes you blend in even more would be the way you enunciate the words. Saying "Sa wad dee krup" or hello in Thai would be much better if you are able to adopt the Thai accent. It isn't hard actually. Just listen hard and imitate it.


Once we reached the new Suvarnahumbi Airport, the first thing I noticed was that, the environment was no much different from Indonesia. There were Thais that looked like Chinese, Indonesians and even Malaysians. I certainly blended in nicely like a polar bear in a heap of snow. Halal food was certainly a problem for me because there weren't any to begin with. All I had was a bottle of Kratindaeng and plain water. Thank goodness I had Burger King for breakfast in Singapore. For the Muslims, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, bring some dry food or eat before you hit for Bangkok. It will at least last you for a whole day before you can source for your next best alternative.


Like a true spokesperson indeed.


Ok, once you hit the airport, look for signages or signs of taxis. I took the ones on the upper deck.
Ok tips to take note of ***
1. Always take taxis with meters. Those who hog you on the pavement, gently refuse them. And when you do get one that says "Metered Taxi", tell them to switch on the meters. Don't go for a flat rate. One of the exchange students got slapped with a 400 baht for not using the meter. Usually, it'll only cost you about 200 baht or so. It's around that range depending on where your destination will be.

2. Always know where you want to go. If you're there for a holiday and don't know where to go, you can always head down to Mahboonkrong or Mabunkrong (Thai: มาบุญครอง). You may want to google and print out the Thai words if you are still not confident of pronouncing them. I tried to go to Victory Monument and the cab didn't know what I was talking about. Luckily my Thai friend text the words and I tried my best to tell him where I want to go in Thai. Remember, having a friend in Thailand will truly help you throughout your trip. They'll help you in any way they can.


Once we arrived at Victory Monument, I took a whif of the pure Thai air and it suddenly dawned to me that I was already here in the land of smiles. We tried to take refuge at any place that was conducive enough for us to sit and take a breather.
This creature proves to be my friend in the later days to come.


Edison and I sat at Central 1 Plaza. We found something familiar. Macdonalds!!! The aircon took the heat out of me. Thank goodness.

This was my FIRST meal in Thailand. Introducing, the Thai doughnuts. I tried my luck in getting my meal in Thai. Seemed ok but stuttering along the way gave me away as a foreigner. Who cares. Tummy first, ego later. I had strawberry jam and chocolate doughnuts. You've just gotta try the street stall ones. They're yummier!


Waited for Vell to arrive from school so that at least for the day, I know we won't feel too lost in translation. On the way towards my current accomodation, alas, we stumbled upon a street stall that I know I can eat. Pattai telleir (Seafood pattai). This is how they prepare it.


The condiments.


Everybody, meet Vell.




Everybody, meet Pattai.

I just love the idea of survival. It's like you're thrown into the unknown and you're off to fend for yourself and if you're able to stand on your own two feet at the end of the day, it is an achievement that one should deserve. Being away from home has certainly done me good. I need to detox and just find my inner-self again with new people. It's starting off with a clean slate. I want a slate. I think my slate has been used one too many times that it has somewhat smeared the initial image that I want to have.

Taking walks alone is truly refreshing instead of the usual ride with Chinook. No offence baby, I still love you. You just walk with freedom and fresher thoughts just comes to mind. But the week has just begun and I was supposed to report to school on the next day, Monday, 8th of January 2007.

Ok. After every entry, I will teach you guys a few Thai words. Let's start with the basics.

1. Sa wad dee krup - Hello
2. Korb kun krup - Thank you
3. Khor tod krup - Excuse me or sorry

If you're a guy, you will use "krup" no matter who you are addressing because "krup" is only meant for the men.
If you're a lady, you will use "kaa" after every sentence to be more polite. Everybody does that so we are no exception.