Thursday, July 9, 2015

Wat Benja & Wat Intharawihan

On our first stop,we went to Wat Benjambhopit. Wat means temple. Built by King Rama V in 1900's. Also known as the Marble Temple because the temple is covered with marble and impressive gold beams. Remember that proper dress codes is strictly implemented in all temples and be your best behavior. Since it was already midday when we have arrived dur to some traffic, sandals and shoes are pretty crowding the stairs going inside the temple.


Wat Benjambhopit


























Riza's newly found friend



Lost in thoughts? or was I sleeping here? Not sure.


























Wat Intharawihan


Our next stop is the Standing Buddha of about 32m high made with 24carat gold! We traveled roughly 30 minutes to go there, not bad considering Thailand's traffic on a mid day!


Map from Wat Benja to Wat Intharawihan


We told Anne (tour guide) we'd like to stop over for some quick snack before going in the temple since there are quite few food kiosks around the area. We sampled chicken and vegetable dumplings  (I gobbled 3 sticks!) for 12 sticsk we paid total Bhat 100. 


featuring Thailand's local dumplings



 sampling local foods. (^.^)



It passed my sister's meticulous taste buds. Hopefully, on her tummy too.


oops, not the right time to do shopping yet.



Temple entrance.



The tallest Buddha in Bangkok! You could go up the the stairs behind the statue. I think people here go to do more of worship than tours, but worth the quick visit.
































Lovely window details...












Gems Centre


Then again, just like our other tours before, we were ushered to some Jewelry Shop. Thailand is known as the jewelry hub in Asia. For all your sparkling needs, or for just some sight-seeing, Thailand's Gems Center is the place to be. We did not do much but feast our eyes on expensive rubies, sapphires and diamonds and refresh with complimentary drinks. No pictures allowed inside the showroom.


Baiyoke Boutique Hotel


Finally time to check in, we needed to rest now. Located near Pratunam Market at Rajprapop Road near the Airport Link train and just behind the tallest building- Baiyoke Sky Hotel. The hotel lobby has a cozy old atmosphere, receptionist was all nice and speaks English well, bellboy was kind of helpful as well but do not be duped though, we later found out that A/C does not work properly and that drainage smell in the shower. The room is spacious to fit the 3 of us, but the wallpaper looks old and dark,  it could use some replacement! The buffet breakfast comes quite good, but imagine we have to deal with this for 3 days! 


The Curry Pot



After dropping our things quickly, we went out to eat lunch as we are literally starving, so we found ourselves  at the next door restaurant. 




Tom Yam soup, a spicy sour soup with prawns, crabs other seafood with generous helping of herbs, Spicy fried fish and some Roti to go with it. The pungent smell of tom yam is too hard to ignore. We had extra helping of Roti to go with it. Solved!

Please see also Our Chocolate Ville Adventure


Excited to be exploring Siam,
itsmelory (^.^)

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

To Siam with Love

I am such a sucker of ancient temples, grand palaces, beautiful buildings or anything that's intricately designed. I believe that it takes a lot of creative juices to make something of a masterpiece, and how I marvel at these creative pieces!  If you have watched Anna & the King movie, you will get excited as I am to visit Thailand. Our Siam trip is very memorable because the planning took over one year!


Thai (Take) me away


I remembered Riza and myself trudging to the travel agency's office to complain (which we do best by the way) about the inclusions of the tour and stuff. Adding to the fact is that Daryl's passport is about to expire and we have to apply for extension. So I wrote a lengthy Request of Extension to the Embassy of the Philippines, and Thailand. Thankfully, the trip pushed through and I may say more than  I have expected it to be.


See you in awhile Siam!

We arrived half past 3 on a Saturday morning at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and although I am half asleep, half awake almost with my eyebags and all sorts of bag- I still can't help but be amazed of Thailand's airport. So huge!

We departed a little rattled because my sister lost her boarding pass minutes before departure time. Imagine my heart attack and which we later found it under her seat! She took Doliprane for headache forgetting she has allergies, and that... she did not even bring a single anti-histamine with her! The faults of a first-time flyer. Unbelievable. 

Daryl's passport bothered me more although a representative from the embassy replied to my email that it's okay since Thailand is visa-free, still not good enough for me until we're stamped. I was literally holding my breath when it was Daryl's turn at the Immigration and just like that, the stamp is done! Vacation officially starts now.







Excited na sya..yowdee. 




As soon as we have everything settled, exchanged some Bhat to get us through, we went to Airport Cafe for some mornight capping, since we have about 2 hrs till pick up time. 
Aahhhh everything smells Siam! 




The waiting game starts! I had some hot coffee with chocolate while  alam mo na, chismisan protion breezing through the Thai map. Our relieved faces after the immigration thingy. 



Some Thai celebrity at the airport. :) But who you?! 




Time check: 8AM. Quick freshening up when our service arrived as we were caught in a flurry of activity right away! So I was sitting on the car trying to keep myself awake and unbelievably managed some lip-tint and some powder. I thank you shades for hiding my eyes! Siam here we come! 


FIRST STOP: WAT BENJA



Love,
itsmelory (^.^)

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Postcard from Thailand




Siam, so majestic, mystic, so grand. I am just amazed about you and intrigued in many ways.. Each palace tells a beautiful story..I couldn't help but fall in love each time :) 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Stunning Singapore

I never...even for once fancied Singapore, no offense meant, I just don't. So when worked demanded for me to fly to SG for some free tours—joke, I meant conventions and training. It was like a cup of latte—which I don’t usually take, all came flying from across the room for free. It wouldn't hurt that much to go right? 


Nice to meeting you, SG


I took an afternoon flight, no more that 3 hours to SG. My good friend Jomaru-san picked me up at the airport. Oh such a relief to see a familiar face! The train ride was so swift! I’m so impressed with their transportation system. After all this is Singapore—one of the most successful global financial center and commercial hub. 











The airport was nothing short of amazing! 

From Terminal 1, we hop into Changi Airport train service to get us into Terminal 2 then East West Line (Tanah Merah) going to City Hall station to my hotel. 


Peninsula Excelsior


Check–in lah trying to sound like Jomaru-san. I am such a lucky girl. For some reason, they upgraded my room to Sky-Lounge all for the same price. Now I don't only get a nice room, but a good Singapore view. 


Cool view.


literally my happy place 


The Marina Bay Sands (MBS)


Somehow when you say Singapore, Marina Bay Sands comes first in mind. Dubbed as the world's most expensive casino, Marina Bay Sands has 2,500+ rooms, a convention-exhibition centre, Shoppes at Marina Bay shopping mall, skypark, and an infinity pool. 




First day and off we go to the Convention Center. Where else do you do it best with style but at the Marina Bay. Took a cab from hotel and curiosity got me, a quick google and found out that a night  at MBS costs USD1,200 /night.  Soo desu ne.


So after our 1st day, went on a detour to the MBS Mall. When I entered the luxurious mall, I reminded myself to keep calm and do not berserk over expensive bags, shoes, jewelries when I can only stare at them..at least closely. The stores took my breath away, the prices makes me even more breathless! They have almost all the biggest brands, some which I've only seen in magazines. This is the poshest of the posh mall I've ever been... like Greenbelt multiplied 10 times. Even teabags and tin-cans look every inch Instagram worthy!

Rasaputra at MBS


Ban mien which was just ok


Rasapura literally means "City of taste", 
they have local  and international street foods all under one roof.


Clarke Quay


One interesting place I've been is the Clarke Quay area, a mere 10 minute walk from Coleman Street at the bustling area to get a flavor of Singaporean nightlife. Fancy some Mexican, burgers , or Italian food? They have various restaurants and not to mention a couple of clubs. I particularly enjoyed the ambiance plus we were able to get a nice spot outside with river view. The menu looks pricey, no its really pricey but luckily the boss asked, the boss pays di ba? 




We settled for some Mexican food for tonight!






So full, so an evening walk is needed.  We passed by  Cuba Libre,  one of the most jam packed pubs. So we decided to have a glass of what else but Cuba Libre! 

Bottoms up! Salute! 

Hardrock Café


On my third night and to celebrate a successful event, we were invited to Hardrock Café. Our group arrived a little too early before the reservation time but they let us in and offered some drinks while we were waiting for other attendees, also great to meet Pinoys, out kind is everywhere! Admired all these vintage posters, downed 3 glasses of cold beer, oh is Hard rock!


The Hilton Singapore 

Attended another event at Hilton's. What I like about is that it's walking distance to a lot of shops! Another posh place to stay, food was great of course, was so engrossed with the seminar and meeting Pinoys,  can't help but noticed some  nice aesthetics. 






The trip to SG wasn't just all business, I managed a quick weekend tour as well.
Starting with:

Merlion Park


Undoubtedly world famous as Singapore's icon. A mythical creature with head of a lion and body of a fish. The fish body originates as Singapore being a fishing village and the lion head represents Singapore's original name Singapura meaning Lion City. 




Oh hey hi..


Cavenagh Bridge


Walking just a little farther from Merlion Park, we passed by the Cavenagh Bridge. The reason? We couldn't find the nearest MTR station! It was a good thing because we come acrossed this bridge, so Victorian looking and one of the oldest bridges in Singapore across Fullerton Hotel. I can imagine how would look at night. Must be enchanting!






Gardens by the Bay


Another tourist attraction in SG. Although it was practically hot since its almost lunch time when we left Cavenagh it was a relief that there are some tree shades that you could walk under. Such a great view from afar. I wish I had another spare night so I could have watched the trees come alive! 



Lemme catch my breath!

Eats and Treats


Singapore is known for its hawkers. Hawker means cheap but good food stalls. They are practically everywhere in Singapore near transport hubs and around the city. Orchad Road is a haven for all sorts of restaurant, be fine dining or hawker. Here's what I enjoyed most so far!




California Pizza shot


Chicken BBQ, yum.


The baby back ribs gone nowhere, I can't believe I finished the plate alone.
But then, no food that bad for a starved person.

Fish soup I ordered from Shaw Centre. Cheap but good. 


BFF in the house at 4 fingers! I can't believe I could enjoy chicken like this. 




At Modesto's
Located Orchard Road, if you want some Italian fix, this is the place to be!

T.Y. SG


Great times in Singapore, business wise its easy to go around, although I'm not too sure if you'd like to come for vacation, but yes for shopping. I was lucky enough I come a crossed an on sale Ch&Keith, some purse at MBS.  SG is  a place filled with busy people keeping themselves occupied. Surprised to see "senior" wiping tables, cleaning restrooms making themselves useful. I read that one of most stressed people are the Singaporeans if that is true.
Singapore sounds like a fancy box of everything you needed perfectly wrapped, too good to be true but yes, that's exactly how it felt like in Singapore, life bounded within its 4 walls. 

Special thanks to my dear BFF for being my personal tour guide and how it felt just like the old days sleeping over just a little longer.  

Chismis time and video call time with the bunch.
BIG HUG, and until next time besy!



Love,
itsmelory (^.^)

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Postcard from Singapore




I am excited to write about my Singapore adventure...
 For the meantime,here's my beasty sissy basking in the sun,
fimally reunited in Singapura! :)