Hello, all.
You may notice I don't say my Japanese friends in the subject because my Thai friend joined this tour too:-) I'm so proud to be a guide for my Thai mate! Manisa or for short, Aom, is my long-time friend since undergrad life. Actually we went to the same high school too but I didn't know her well at that time.
Some of you may need to learn a few Thai words. I hope you still remember; Wat = Temple
New words of today are
Koh or Ko (G sound) = Island(s)
Khao or Kao (K sound) = Mount or Mountains
Haad (similar to 'hard' sound) = Beach
And more importantly you should be able to say "Sawasdee krub" for men speakers or "Sawasdee ka" for women speakers. Sa-was-dee = Hello
Only Oam and I stayed at Koh Pha-Ngan. Before and during this time, Wakaho and Masa wanted to try Phuket so they were on their own for 3-4 days.
Our plan:
Thursday 24th
20.00: The VIP bus leaves the South Station to Koh Pha-Ngan
Friday 25th
12.00: Arrive at Koh Pha-Ngan.
We met a Western travellers who said that the storm is coming for next 5 days. I and Aom's faces were pale. To break the silence, I told Aom and said "don't worry, Aom. I bring my own sunshine. We are gonna be fine."
13.00: Check in at the bungalow
14.00: Lunch
I thought the beach was rather quiet. I told Aom that tonight it would have a half moon party I thought it was gonna be more crowded here. It seemed so different from the full moon party. And I told Aom that the beach we are staying, Haad Rin is the most famous beach of Koh Pha-Nga beacuse they hold the full moon party here. But the half moon party will be held in a jungle.
15.00: Beach time....take a nap, sunbath, read, play games, etc.
It was cloudy at first but finally the sun came out!) Like I said, I brought my own sunshine hahaha!
19.00: Dinner time
20.00: Go for Thai massage
22.00: Meet up with other travellers and the hotel boy drove us to the half moon party
23.00: Sitting boringly! It's NOT in the plan!!
Aom said this party was pretty quiet. She thought it's because of rainy reason. I told her I had no idea. We set the time that at midnight we would go back to the hotel. The floor had too much space. We didn't know where ppl were!
24.00: Midnight. I and Oam are leaving the party but apparently hundreds of ppl just arrived.
What the ??? And Oam and I laughed. So the party started midnight! It became packed now but since we were too early so we were tired! We got back to the hotel. Okay, I'm a terrible tour guide! But next time, I won't miss it! hahaha
Saturday 25th:
10.00: Breakfast at the bungalow
Oam and I observed one thing. We are the only 2 Thais at this bungalow if we don't count Thai staff!! We weren't sure we were still in Thailand LOL! On the bright side, good time to practise English! hehe
11.00: Sightsee at Haad Rin Nai which is the other side of Haad Rin (Nok) where we are staying.
Oh MY GOSH!! We were little shocked when we saw the beach because the beach is dirty. It's not full of human garbage but natural garbage. Lots of rotten branches, leaves, some dead shells, etc. The beach is longer than Haad Rin Nok but it was narrower and less clean. Luckily I didn't choose to stay here. We walked further to see the ferry pier. This is the place we would take the ferry to Koh Samui in the afternoon
Walkd back to our Haad Rin. Nicer but it was very cloudy now.
12.00: Prepare to check out
Oops! Heavy rain. Rain likes cats and dog. Is that the correct expression? We had to wait for nearly 2 hours before it became shower. We had late check-out!
15.30: Get on the ferry
As it was still storming, the waves were big. The ferry was turbulent so I was kinda have seasick. Thank Buddha! We haven't had lunch so nothing came out from my mouth. The other side of our seats there were two young Western ladies putting their head down. I spoke to Aom to look at them and said that they shouldn't have done so, they would throw up. After 30 seconds, they vomited on the ferry!! Yuck! I glanced at them and I had to turn my face away quickly because that stimulated me to do the same thing. I put my face up- I needed some fresh air! Help me!!
16.00: Arrive at Koh Samui
After a slight seasick I had, I got refreshed after stepping on the islands again, the pearl of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui.
17.30: Check in at the hotel
19.00: Pick up Wakaho and Masa at the pier and had dinner
20.30: Come back to the hotel and go to bed
Tomorrow Oam and I will have a day tour to Angthong Islands National Park:-) Pls stay tune!
25-26 July 2008
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/Thailand%20trip%20with%20Japanese%20friends%2017-31%20July/Koh%20Pha-Ngan%2025-26%20July/
Monday 25 August 2008
Sunday 24 August 2008
Namrin with her Japanese friends-Ratchaburi
Hi, all
Ratchaburi is a quiet and small province which is 100 kms south of BKK. In fact, Ratchaburi is bigger than BKK at least twice but the downtown is very small so people consider it a small province.
I took Wakaho and Masa to the famous floating market. It's a worth visiting sightseeing if you have a chance to go out of BKK. We took a boat and had lunch there. And for what's more interesting here, I'll keep it secret because you have to come here by yourself, hahaha!
Next stop is actually Ratchaburi's Muang or the official downtown of the Muang Amphur. Amphur is sth in between province and district or maybe sth in between city and suburb. It's pretty difficult to explain as your countries may have used different systems so I assume you all understand it now. LOL! Muang is supposed to be the main amphur of the 7 amphur that belongs to Ratchaburi. In Muang amphur, there are many districts and Namuang is the central district of this Muang amphur. In conclusion, the relation is like this: Ratchaburi (Province) -> Muang (Amphur)-> Namuang (Tambol/District) -> downtown (Moo/Village).
The reason I took my friends to the downtown is to just try the best Tom Yam noodles in the country! LOL I drove around my parent's house and went to my primary school for a bit because we have a nice temple there! Unluckily there was a search for ancient stuff around the temple so we couldn't get in. Therefore, we only took the photo outside.
After that, we got out of downtown of Namuang to visit the stalactite/stalagmite cave. It's a huge one in Wakaho's opinion. I could show only a few photos because the rest should be revealed when you guys visit here, LOL!
Next stop which is the last stop of today tour is the bat cave. The official name is Tam Kangkao Wat Kao Chongpran or literally means the bat cave at Mount Chongpran temple. This is actually a natural phenomenon. You know we can't force the bats to go out from the cave. They come out when the sun sets. And even today it rainned, they still came out because they have to eat!! This sightseeing spot is very local. It's not in the Lonely Planet I already checked and I only saw a few foreigners apart from my JP friends and you bet, those foreigners came with their own Thai friends. So I have to say this is an exclusive tour;-)
That's all for today. After this, it's storm...very heavy rain for 6 hours all the way from Ratchaburi to BKK until we finished dinner in BKK and went back to the hotel, it's still pouring!! Sth that's hard to avoid during rainy season. You can only count on your luck! lol
See you on the beach ;-)
19th July 2008
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/Thailand%20trip%20with%20Japanese%20friends%2017-31%20July/Ratchaburi%2019%20July/
Ratchaburi is a quiet and small province which is 100 kms south of BKK. In fact, Ratchaburi is bigger than BKK at least twice but the downtown is very small so people consider it a small province.
I took Wakaho and Masa to the famous floating market. It's a worth visiting sightseeing if you have a chance to go out of BKK. We took a boat and had lunch there. And for what's more interesting here, I'll keep it secret because you have to come here by yourself, hahaha!
Next stop is actually Ratchaburi's Muang or the official downtown of the Muang Amphur. Amphur is sth in between province and district or maybe sth in between city and suburb. It's pretty difficult to explain as your countries may have used different systems so I assume you all understand it now. LOL! Muang is supposed to be the main amphur of the 7 amphur that belongs to Ratchaburi. In Muang amphur, there are many districts and Namuang is the central district of this Muang amphur. In conclusion, the relation is like this: Ratchaburi (Province) -> Muang (Amphur)-> Namuang (Tambol/District) -> downtown (Moo/Village).
The reason I took my friends to the downtown is to just try the best Tom Yam noodles in the country! LOL I drove around my parent's house and went to my primary school for a bit because we have a nice temple there! Unluckily there was a search for ancient stuff around the temple so we couldn't get in. Therefore, we only took the photo outside.
After that, we got out of downtown of Namuang to visit the stalactite/stalagmite cave. It's a huge one in Wakaho's opinion. I could show only a few photos because the rest should be revealed when you guys visit here, LOL!
Next stop which is the last stop of today tour is the bat cave. The official name is Tam Kangkao Wat Kao Chongpran or literally means the bat cave at Mount Chongpran temple. This is actually a natural phenomenon. You know we can't force the bats to go out from the cave. They come out when the sun sets. And even today it rainned, they still came out because they have to eat!! This sightseeing spot is very local. It's not in the Lonely Planet I already checked and I only saw a few foreigners apart from my JP friends and you bet, those foreigners came with their own Thai friends. So I have to say this is an exclusive tour;-)
That's all for today. After this, it's storm...very heavy rain for 6 hours all the way from Ratchaburi to BKK until we finished dinner in BKK and went back to the hotel, it's still pouring!! Sth that's hard to avoid during rainy season. You can only count on your luck! lol
See you on the beach ;-)
19th July 2008
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/Thailand%20trip%20with%20Japanese%20friends%2017-31%20July/Ratchaburi%2019%20July/
Friday 15 August 2008
Namrin with her Japanese friends-BKK tour
Hi, everyone.
I'm so lazy to write a travel diary LOL. I think hard to make it more entertaining but I think I would fail because I would write too long story again. I have an idea of a new way to present my travel diary. Just hope that it will work!?? Only you can tell though....
I have 2 friends from Japan visiting Thailand and me for their first time. I love it!
Namrin: Hi, Wakaho.
Wakaho: Hi, Namrin. It's so nice to see you. This is Masanobu.
Masanobu: Hi!
Namrin: Hi, Masanobu. Remember me? We met last year when I went to err...Takaasaki.
Masanobu: Yeah, yeah I remember you! (Laughing)
Wakaho: No, actually it's Gunma Prefecture. Takaasaki is the station you got off.
Namrin: Ah, right.. (hahaha)
N: OK, first stop we gonnaxz go to Vimanmek Mansion. Let's hail a taxi!
Arrived at Vimanmek Mansion
N: Oh! Hang on! I'll speak to the officials a bit.
(Speak Thai) N: What?!? It's closed today? But you open on the weekend, don't you?
Officials: Yes, 'Mam but Today is a public holiday. We open everyday including the weekend but we close on public holiday. Sorry.
Namrin turned to Wakaho.
N: Oh no... Sorry Wakaho. It's closed today. Today is a public holiday for government sector. I didn't know it closed on a public holiday.
W: Don't worry, Nam.
N: What a lousy guide I am! Sorry ...well we go to the temple then. I'll add another nice temple in, ok?
W: That sounds good, yeah. (Speak Japanese to M to explain what is going on)
--Transport time--
N: OK guys. Here we are at Benjamabopit Temple. In English you can call Marble Temple. You can see the main hall is made from white marble................
-- Photo time--
W: Oh, this is very nice. I love the red bridge. Let's take a picture together.
-- Photo time--
M: It's good here but hot (sweating)
N: Which means we have a good weather! LOL
--transport time--
N: This is Golden Mount. We have to climb up a bit to see why it's called like that. OK?
W: Yep. But Nam, it isn't that far, right?
N: No, no. It's really walkable!
W: (speak Japanese to M)
--walking time--
W: Finally !! Oh, this is so big so GOLD!
M: So hot too.
N: From here you can see BKK's view as well.. (Pointing in different directions). You know some ppl come here and they donate..................
-- Photo time--
N: Wakaho. Masanobu. From here we have to walk a bit to the next temple but it's very near. And from there you will see it clearly why this place is called Golden Mount.
--walking time--
-- Photo time--
N: Now we are in front of Ratchanatda Temple. This temple was built by King Rama III and ............ ....... Let's go inside!
W: This is cool. You know even when we're at the 3rd floor, I still feel like I'm on the first floor.
M: Yeah
N: That's because the way it was built and design I guess. It's like 2 buildings together, one covering another one inside. Look at this pole it's not.......................................
W: Hey, that's Golden Mount. Oh, it really looks like a mountain from here (Smiling)
M: I'll take you a photo.
-- Photo time--
N: Are you hungry?
W: yeah a bit. He's more hungry than me. (hehe)
N: Let's have lunch then.
--lunch time--
N: This is Wat Suthat (Wat = Temple) or the full name is Suthatwararam Temple. It has absorbed some influence of Chinese architecture but there are still many Thai works if we go inside the main hall.............
W: Nam, I like it here.
N: Really? Tell you what. This is not the best yet. LOL
-- Photo time--
--Transport time--
W: This is Wat Pho, right?
N: That's correct! Wat Pho is very important and it's just behind the Grand Palace and the temple of Emerald Buddha where we will go on Sunday. Wat Pho or the official name is Prachetuponwimonmangklaram Temple. It used to be...........................
-- Photo time--
--Dinner time--
Saturday in Ratchaburi
Sunday in BKK again
W: Oh, it's rainning.
M: Umbrella? We've got it!
N: Too bad but it's not too hot, you know. Great! Everyone dresses properly. Let's go!
At the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple
N: Actually, the King and the Queen don't stay here. They stay at Chitlada Palace that the taxi passed by this morning. However, they actually rotated their stay..................
W: Which King is in the throne now? sixth?
N: No, it's Ninth. King Rama IX. Oh, you have to pay for the entrance fee too. It's 300 baht per person?!! Oh, it's 50 baht increase from last year. Sorry about that. Two tickets, please.
W: How about you?
N: No worries. I'm a citizen. I have already paid tax. I don't have to pay again LOL!
While getting through the entrace, a male Westerner with his son was complaining to the officials.
A Thai official: Sorry, can't go! Wrong pants. Sorry. Please change.
A male Westerner: What? I cover my legs to toes. Why can't I get in?
A Thai official: Sorry, sorry. Wrong pants. No no!
A male Westerner: I don't understand. This is Sarong. Don't you know Sarong? What's wrong with you?
Namrin: Ahh... sorry about that. You can't wear Sarong. You need trousers.
A male Westerner: Why?
N: It's too casual. Sorry but we consider it inappropriate. This is the King's palace.
A male Westerner: But it covers my legs. This is strange! (Shaking his head and getting upset)
N: Yeah, it's strange. That's why you're here. Sarong wear is too casual. It looks like you go to the beach and it's not a Thai dress. It's Myanmar traditional dress. Sorry about that...
I didn't listen to what he said next because I just realised where were my tourists??!! LOL
-- Photo time--
-- Wandering around--
-- Photo time--
W: Can we go back to the hotel to get changed?
N: Sure! Then, we go for lunch.
M: Okay.
--Change to lighter clothes--
--Lunch time--
N: Chatuchak weekend market is not far from my place. We can walk to get there.
W: Oh, good!
M: Yeah, Okay!
--Walking time--
N: We will have one round around the market and walk until 6 O'clock. If you want anything, pls let me know. So we can negotiate the price. There are a lot of things and there are a lot of same and different things. If you want sth and the price is good, just buy it because we may not be able to come back to the same spot again! I experienced this before. There are thousands of shops here.
W: Wow! This is huge! I can spend a whole day here! (hahaha)
M: Yeah but it's very hot.
N: Use my fan, then. :-)
--shopping time--
--wandering time--
W: Have you got a call from your dad?
M: Yes, we will meet at the Silom Complex and go for dinner together
N: Sure! No problem. :-)
M's dad: Hi. Sorry I'm late. It's because of the bus was stopped by flooding in Laos.
N: Oh, really? Sorry about that. But you're here now. I hope you like the restaurant.
M's dad: Yes, I like it very much. It's very nice to meet you too. I appreciate that you..............................
W: .........
M: ...........
N: ..............
M's dad: ........
--chatting time--
--dinner time too--
--bed time--
See you in Ratchaburi!
18-20 July 2008
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/Thailand%20trip%20with%20Japanese%20friends%2017-31%20July/Bangkok%2018%20n%2020%20July/
I'm so lazy to write a travel diary LOL. I think hard to make it more entertaining but I think I would fail because I would write too long story again. I have an idea of a new way to present my travel diary. Just hope that it will work!?? Only you can tell though....
I have 2 friends from Japan visiting Thailand and me for their first time. I love it!
Namrin: Hi, Wakaho.
Wakaho: Hi, Namrin. It's so nice to see you. This is Masanobu.
Masanobu: Hi!
Namrin: Hi, Masanobu. Remember me? We met last year when I went to err...Takaasaki.
Masanobu: Yeah, yeah I remember you! (Laughing)
Wakaho: No, actually it's Gunma Prefecture. Takaasaki is the station you got off.
Namrin: Ah, right.. (hahaha)
N: OK, first stop we gonnaxz go to Vimanmek Mansion. Let's hail a taxi!
Arrived at Vimanmek Mansion
N: Oh! Hang on! I'll speak to the officials a bit.
(Speak Thai) N: What?!? It's closed today? But you open on the weekend, don't you?
Officials: Yes, 'Mam but Today is a public holiday. We open everyday including the weekend but we close on public holiday. Sorry.
Namrin turned to Wakaho.
N: Oh no... Sorry Wakaho. It's closed today. Today is a public holiday for government sector. I didn't know it closed on a public holiday.
W: Don't worry, Nam.
N: What a lousy guide I am! Sorry ...well we go to the temple then. I'll add another nice temple in, ok?
W: That sounds good, yeah. (Speak Japanese to M to explain what is going on)
--Transport time--
N: OK guys. Here we are at Benjamabopit Temple. In English you can call Marble Temple. You can see the main hall is made from white marble................
-- Photo time--
W: Oh, this is very nice. I love the red bridge. Let's take a picture together.
-- Photo time--
M: It's good here but hot (sweating)
N: Which means we have a good weather! LOL
--transport time--
N: This is Golden Mount. We have to climb up a bit to see why it's called like that. OK?
W: Yep. But Nam, it isn't that far, right?
N: No, no. It's really walkable!
W: (speak Japanese to M)
--walking time--
W: Finally !! Oh, this is so big so GOLD!
M: So hot too.
N: From here you can see BKK's view as well.. (Pointing in different directions). You know some ppl come here and they donate..................
-- Photo time--
N: Wakaho. Masanobu. From here we have to walk a bit to the next temple but it's very near. And from there you will see it clearly why this place is called Golden Mount.
--walking time--
-- Photo time--
N: Now we are in front of Ratchanatda Temple. This temple was built by King Rama III and ............ ....... Let's go inside!
W: This is cool. You know even when we're at the 3rd floor, I still feel like I'm on the first floor.
M: Yeah
N: That's because the way it was built and design I guess. It's like 2 buildings together, one covering another one inside. Look at this pole it's not.......................................
W: Hey, that's Golden Mount. Oh, it really looks like a mountain from here (Smiling)
M: I'll take you a photo.
-- Photo time--
N: Are you hungry?
W: yeah a bit. He's more hungry than me. (hehe)
N: Let's have lunch then.
--lunch time--
N: This is Wat Suthat (Wat = Temple) or the full name is Suthatwararam Temple. It has absorbed some influence of Chinese architecture but there are still many Thai works if we go inside the main hall.............
W: Nam, I like it here.
N: Really? Tell you what. This is not the best yet. LOL
-- Photo time--
--Transport time--
W: This is Wat Pho, right?
N: That's correct! Wat Pho is very important and it's just behind the Grand Palace and the temple of Emerald Buddha where we will go on Sunday. Wat Pho or the official name is Prachetuponwimonmangklaram Temple. It used to be...........................
-- Photo time--
--Dinner time--
Saturday in Ratchaburi
Sunday in BKK again
W: Oh, it's rainning.
M: Umbrella? We've got it!
N: Too bad but it's not too hot, you know. Great! Everyone dresses properly. Let's go!
At the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple
N: Actually, the King and the Queen don't stay here. They stay at Chitlada Palace that the taxi passed by this morning. However, they actually rotated their stay..................
W: Which King is in the throne now? sixth?
N: No, it's Ninth. King Rama IX. Oh, you have to pay for the entrance fee too. It's 300 baht per person?!! Oh, it's 50 baht increase from last year. Sorry about that. Two tickets, please.
W: How about you?
N: No worries. I'm a citizen. I have already paid tax. I don't have to pay again LOL!
While getting through the entrace, a male Westerner with his son was complaining to the officials.
A Thai official: Sorry, can't go! Wrong pants. Sorry. Please change.
A male Westerner: What? I cover my legs to toes. Why can't I get in?
A Thai official: Sorry, sorry. Wrong pants. No no!
A male Westerner: I don't understand. This is Sarong. Don't you know Sarong? What's wrong with you?
Namrin: Ahh... sorry about that. You can't wear Sarong. You need trousers.
A male Westerner: Why?
N: It's too casual. Sorry but we consider it inappropriate. This is the King's palace.
A male Westerner: But it covers my legs. This is strange! (Shaking his head and getting upset)
N: Yeah, it's strange. That's why you're here. Sarong wear is too casual. It looks like you go to the beach and it's not a Thai dress. It's Myanmar traditional dress. Sorry about that...
I didn't listen to what he said next because I just realised where were my tourists??!! LOL
-- Photo time--
-- Wandering around--
-- Photo time--
W: Can we go back to the hotel to get changed?
N: Sure! Then, we go for lunch.
M: Okay.
--Change to lighter clothes--
--Lunch time--
N: Chatuchak weekend market is not far from my place. We can walk to get there.
W: Oh, good!
M: Yeah, Okay!
--Walking time--
N: We will have one round around the market and walk until 6 O'clock. If you want anything, pls let me know. So we can negotiate the price. There are a lot of things and there are a lot of same and different things. If you want sth and the price is good, just buy it because we may not be able to come back to the same spot again! I experienced this before. There are thousands of shops here.
W: Wow! This is huge! I can spend a whole day here! (hahaha)
M: Yeah but it's very hot.
N: Use my fan, then. :-)
--shopping time--
--wandering time--
W: Have you got a call from your dad?
M: Yes, we will meet at the Silom Complex and go for dinner together
N: Sure! No problem. :-)
M's dad: Hi. Sorry I'm late. It's because of the bus was stopped by flooding in Laos.
N: Oh, really? Sorry about that. But you're here now. I hope you like the restaurant.
M's dad: Yes, I like it very much. It's very nice to meet you too. I appreciate that you..............................
W: .........
M: ...........
N: ..............
M's dad: ........
--chatting time--
--dinner time too--
--bed time--
See you in Ratchaburi!
18-20 July 2008
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/Thailand%20trip%20with%20Japanese%20friends%2017-31%20July/Bangkok%2018%20n%2020%20July/
Wednesday 13 August 2008
Magnifique Night
Dear all,
You are unique, you are magnifique.
Please be invite to join Lancome Magnifique Consumer & PR event as in the detail of invitation card attached.
Theme : “ The Night of Magnifique ”
Date & time : Wednesday 13th August 2008
Place : The World Ballroom, 23th floor, Centara Grand 2 Central World
Time : 6:00 pm
Dress Code : Glamorous red & black
Check out the magnificent fragrance and fabulous photos here:
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/Magnifique%20Night/
Sunday 3 August 2008
Namrin searched her soul in Seoul #4
Anyong Haseyo!
An-yong Ha-se-yo means hello or good morning/afternoon/and evening in Korean language. We have been here for 3 days. We're supposed to know it, right? :-D
I have 2 albums again. The major one is over all about day 4. The minor one is the view of Seoul from the direction to your city. It means if the world is flat, I will see your country of this angle. Check them out! I think I don't miss anyone's city, if it is not a part of my photos, probably means that it just wasn't stated on the window.
Our last day started with being very Korean by wearing a Korean traditional dress, Hanbok. It's very colourful when you see the photos. I could be a Korean, hey! After taking photos with friends, we changed to normal clothes and joined the kimchi class. We were at the kimchi school. I have recorded a video about how to do it too. You can see the third link I attache here.
After that, we went to see a Amethyst Jewelry shop. According to the guide, Amethyst is the popular jewelry for Korean and there is also a belief that it will bring you good luck too. Therefore, it is a good chance offered by a tour company to take us to this place. I'm sure the guides will get some commission from us if the shop could sell something to the tourists they brought. Majority of us just window shopped and so did I. In fact, I was not allowed to take the photos but I pretended I didn't understand English very well so I got 3 photos to show you how Amethyst looks like. LOL They can be used as a jewelry on rings and/or earrings and/or other accessories. The Amethyst in its shell that you see cost like USD 20000 or more...I started to forget the figures. Maybe I have to add one more zero!!!
Later on, we climbed up to see the city view of Seoul at N Tower. In detail, pls go to the "Views to your cities" album. Seoul from bird's eye view is beautiful. I'm impressed with its landscape. From different windows, you will see different views and on each window your city is noted. So it's like you are seeing Seoul from the direction of your city. I think it's a creative idea. I really like it :-)
Lunch time. We had a special meal, Chicken Porridge with ginseng. To explain this more clearly, we basically had one little chicken in our bowl and the chef put rice and small pieces of ginseng inside. Ginseng is something I don't like. The smell is too strong and even in a super hot rice soup like this. I can still smell and feels its taste. I finished it all because I told myself I was having a medicine. It will help me to look 5 years younger!!
The sightseeing is over. And now we moved on shopping part. We went to town and the guide gave 2 hours free time or so. We were dropped at Miangdon market. There are loads of things. Most of us, women, are interested in clothes, cosmetics, and women accessories. I think this place supplied us quite well. Korean fashion is quite popular for young Thai people nowadays since the invasion of Korean TV series/drama. For people who were not keen on that stuff, the guides also took them to the supermarket to buy different gifts and souvenirs.
At last, we arrived at Incheon airport which meant it was time to say good bye to South Korea . I personally wished it to be longer. I still wanted to travel more but tomorrow’s morning I have to work straight away so I could only wish.
Before ending South Korea trip, there are a few points I’d like to make. It’s what I observed and want to share with you. You may think it’s rubbish though, lol.
Namrin
PS. There are 2 albums with 1 video clip.
Day 4
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/South%20Korea%2013-16%20June/SK%20Day4/
Views to your cities
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/South%20Korea%2013-16%20June/SK%20Day4/Views%20to%20your%20cities/
Video: How to make kimchi
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/South%20Korea%2013-16%20June/SK%20Day4/Kimchi%20Class/
An-yong Ha-se-yo means hello or good morning/afternoon/and evening in Korean language. We have been here for 3 days. We're supposed to know it, right? :-D
I have 2 albums again. The major one is over all about day 4. The minor one is the view of Seoul from the direction to your city. It means if the world is flat, I will see your country of this angle. Check them out! I think I don't miss anyone's city, if it is not a part of my photos, probably means that it just wasn't stated on the window.
Our last day started with being very Korean by wearing a Korean traditional dress, Hanbok. It's very colourful when you see the photos. I could be a Korean, hey! After taking photos with friends, we changed to normal clothes and joined the kimchi class. We were at the kimchi school. I have recorded a video about how to do it too. You can see the third link I attache here.
After that, we went to see a Amethyst Jewelry shop. According to the guide, Amethyst is the popular jewelry for Korean and there is also a belief that it will bring you good luck too. Therefore, it is a good chance offered by a tour company to take us to this place. I'm sure the guides will get some commission from us if the shop could sell something to the tourists they brought. Majority of us just window shopped and so did I. In fact, I was not allowed to take the photos but I pretended I didn't understand English very well so I got 3 photos to show you how Amethyst looks like. LOL They can be used as a jewelry on rings and/or earrings and/or other accessories. The Amethyst in its shell that you see cost like USD 20000 or more...I started to forget the figures. Maybe I have to add one more zero!!!
Later on, we climbed up to see the city view of Seoul at N Tower. In detail, pls go to the "Views to your cities" album. Seoul from bird's eye view is beautiful. I'm impressed with its landscape. From different windows, you will see different views and on each window your city is noted. So it's like you are seeing Seoul from the direction of your city. I think it's a creative idea. I really like it :-)
Lunch time. We had a special meal, Chicken Porridge with ginseng. To explain this more clearly, we basically had one little chicken in our bowl and the chef put rice and small pieces of ginseng inside. Ginseng is something I don't like. The smell is too strong and even in a super hot rice soup like this. I can still smell and feels its taste. I finished it all because I told myself I was having a medicine. It will help me to look 5 years younger!!
The sightseeing is over. And now we moved on shopping part. We went to town and the guide gave 2 hours free time or so. We were dropped at Miangdon market. There are loads of things. Most of us, women, are interested in clothes, cosmetics, and women accessories. I think this place supplied us quite well. Korean fashion is quite popular for young Thai people nowadays since the invasion of Korean TV series/drama. For people who were not keen on that stuff, the guides also took them to the supermarket to buy different gifts and souvenirs.
At last, we arrived at Incheon airport which meant it was time to say good bye to South Korea . I personally wished it to be longer. I still wanted to travel more but tomorrow’s morning I have to work straight away so I could only wish.
Before ending South Korea trip, there are a few points I’d like to make. It’s what I observed and want to share with you. You may think it’s rubbish though, lol.
- South Korea only process VISA on arrival. So you do not need to apply for VISA before you go. However, there’s a chance that you have to fly home right away after you arrive if the custom officials disapproved you. Oops!!
- South Korea is one of developed countries. I said this because only developed countries that provide you toilet papers every where you visit. Need a proof? Japan , South Korea , Australia , and Singapore have the same practice. Thailand , China , Egypt , and Nepal share the similar practice--bring your own papers. My own theory though. You can advise me if I’m wrong. Hahaha!
- I wonder whether Korean guys are more romantic than other East Asian guys or not. I’ve never been to Taiwan yet. But in Everland, there are MANY couples and families that wear the same top or the same pattern of t-shirts with different colours or sth like that. I know people in other countries do this too but here there are loads! It looks very sweet.
- I observed that not many Western travelers in Seoul...and probably other parts of South Korea too. I hardly saw Westerners at the airports. I think there are more Asian tourists but not so many still. Therefore, don't worry if South Korea is not in your top list of travelling destinations. You are just like the other people from other parts of the world I guess, hahaha!
Namrin
PS. There are 2 albums with 1 video clip.
Day 4
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/South%20Korea%2013-16%20June/SK%20Day4/
Views to your cities
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/South%20Korea%2013-16%20June/SK%20Day4/Views%20to%20your%20cities/
Video: How to make kimchi
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/namrinb/Photo%202008/South%20Korea%2013-16%20June/SK%20Day4/Kimchi%20Class/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
