Happenstance - A long time coming.
I thought of becoming a writer seven years ago, but my road towards getting my foot in the publishing door has been quite the arduous journey. My early attempts saw me sending out countless internship resumes, many of which went unanswered; spending a summer lugging fashion bags around town for an unpaid internship; and at times squeezing myself dry over freelance pieces that went unpublished. I felt like a true writer only on the rare occasion - most times I just felt like one of the wannabe-actresses in Hollywood waitressing while waiting for their big break.
Seven years and several hard knocks later, I finally get it.
Today, in the very same Starbucks where I got my first freelance assignment three years ago, the editor whom I had previously passed up the chance to train under offered me a position as a food and travel writer.
I have never in my wildest dreams imagined I would be able to secure a food (not to mention travel!) writing position, and on top of that write for an audience I can relate to. Anybody who knows just how passionate I am about food and just how much I love traveling would know how much this opportunity means to me. It's been a long time coming, but the wait has made it so much sweeter and the rewards so much greater. I. Am. So. Bloody. Stoked!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Snapshot Saturday.
Snapshot Saturday.
It was a Saturday well spent in good company, thigh smacking laughs and great food; and the first of several weekends I actually had time to enjoy a beautiful Saturday evening without having to worry about rushing off to some other place.
It was my first stand-up comedy experience (Seinfield aside) and Jonathan Atherton's localized humor was ideal for spending an afternoon over Brewerkz beer. Later on, I finally got around to checking out Wild Honey over at the Mandarin Gallery as well. The food was fresh and wholesome, and the restaurant had me indulging in one of my "Ahhh I'd love to own something like that" moments.
It was nice, this free and easy Saturday. The coming one spells lou hei and shabu shabu with the princess and the bear, and the long-awaited Sunday flea where I'm hoping to make some money out of my trash. One man's junk is another man's treasure. Heard that?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Life lesson #1.
Life lesson #1:
Surround yourself only with good friends and great company.
I've done a bit of spring cleaning in my personal life, keeping my close ones closer and those I deem bad energy further. I've always been non-confrontational, but that's slowly changing. As my girlfriend K would say: "Give it to them man!" So no more silent fuming for me for I have begun to make my displeasure known.
I've been blessed with the bestest of friends who have stood by me through this difficult period with their unique brand of humor and junk food, and for that I am truly blessed.
It's been an awesome Chinese New Year in light of all that's happened, including three back-to-back karaoke/gyrating sessions with good friends. I don't remember ktv being this fun, and I plan to do it all over again once I get my voice back!
Happy Lunar New Year everybody!
Surround yourself only with good friends and great company.
I've done a bit of spring cleaning in my personal life, keeping my close ones closer and those I deem bad energy further. I've always been non-confrontational, but that's slowly changing. As my girlfriend K would say: "Give it to them man!" So no more silent fuming for me for I have begun to make my displeasure known.
I've been blessed with the bestest of friends who have stood by me through this difficult period with their unique brand of humor and junk food, and for that I am truly blessed.
It's been an awesome Chinese New Year in light of all that's happened, including three back-to-back karaoke/gyrating sessions with good friends. I don't remember ktv being this fun, and I plan to do it all over again once I get my voice back!
Happy Lunar New Year everybody!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Coping mechanisms.
Coping mechanisms.
An air of lethargy has settled over the family. A million things and a thousand loose ends demand our attention, but we can't seem to get down to settling anything concrete.
There's neither bawling nor weeping. In fact, there haven't been any tears except for the occasional damp eye in the wee hours of the morning when the house is dark and quiet. My brother never lived with us, except for a short while after his first surgery; but I see him everywhere in my mind's eye.
On the couch with that hideous orange Hawaiian shirt and thick nerdy glasses; by the window grilling the pineapples for Mother's Day; intentionally shoveling chips into his mouth as I workout on the eliptical...
I'm not sure I can face reality.
An air of lethargy has settled over the family. A million things and a thousand loose ends demand our attention, but we can't seem to get down to settling anything concrete.
There's neither bawling nor weeping. In fact, there haven't been any tears except for the occasional damp eye in the wee hours of the morning when the house is dark and quiet. My brother never lived with us, except for a short while after his first surgery; but I see him everywhere in my mind's eye.
On the couch with that hideous orange Hawaiian shirt and thick nerdy glasses; by the window grilling the pineapples for Mother's Day; intentionally shoveling chips into his mouth as I workout on the eliptical...
I'm not sure I can face reality.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Death and other lessons in life.
Death and other lessons in life.
The thing about losing a loved one is that it takes you completely by surprise, even if you've had the past six months to prepare yourself for it.
A part of me went, "I knew it!" when the phone call came in on Thursday morning, telling us that my brother's condition had taken a turn for the worse. The other part went cold when my mother went on to tell us that he was braindead. I can't say I hadn't expected this, not when he hasn't woken up from his coma in three months. I can't say I expected it either, for he had made it through so many major surgeries and was just about to be transferred into a nursing home.
Time passed by in a blur at the hospital, where family and friends debated the accuracy of the prognosis. It was difficult to get our heads around the fact that he was brain dead. The man on the bed looked like he was asleep as he had been the past three months; he couldn't be brain dead. "The doctor said he is," was my only reply for science offered the most logical evidence. However, his pressure remained lowish but constant and I left the hospital late that first night asking myself the very same question.
His pressure fell to the 50s and miraculously rose back up to the 60s within hours on Friday, and we started to think that he could make it through the new year. My heart stopped jumping into my throat each time the phone rang when I was away from the ward, and life seemed almost normal again on Saturday morning. "I don't think it'll be within these two days at least," my mom said coolly as we sat on the couch at home, neither of us in a hurry to go to the hospital.
And then, the phone rang again. It was the hospital, telling us that his pressure had fallen to 64 and that his breathing was becoming increasingly shallow. "I've been scared too many times by them. It was in the 50s yesterday afternoon but it rose didn't it. I'm not gonna let them scare me," my mom said. So the parents enjoyed a leisure breakfast before heading down, while I waited at home for my aunt to return from her errands and for my sister to wake up. The call came barely 30 minutes later. "He can't make it, you can come down now."
And that was it. My brother's gone.
A part of me is still in denial. My final year project's marketing stunt kept me occupied for most of the weekend, while my best friends rallied around me to fill the empty gaps. I've succumbed only to short cries mostly in the privacy of home and loved ones, and the endless streams of friends filled the funeral with more laughter than tears. In fact, the entire wake right down to his cremation felt entirely surreal.
I can't seem to come to terms yet that I've lost my only brother and this impassiveness scares me.
The thing about losing a loved one is that it takes you completely by surprise, even if you've had the past six months to prepare yourself for it.
A part of me went, "I knew it!" when the phone call came in on Thursday morning, telling us that my brother's condition had taken a turn for the worse. The other part went cold when my mother went on to tell us that he was braindead. I can't say I hadn't expected this, not when he hasn't woken up from his coma in three months. I can't say I expected it either, for he had made it through so many major surgeries and was just about to be transferred into a nursing home.
Time passed by in a blur at the hospital, where family and friends debated the accuracy of the prognosis. It was difficult to get our heads around the fact that he was brain dead. The man on the bed looked like he was asleep as he had been the past three months; he couldn't be brain dead. "The doctor said he is," was my only reply for science offered the most logical evidence. However, his pressure remained lowish but constant and I left the hospital late that first night asking myself the very same question.
His pressure fell to the 50s and miraculously rose back up to the 60s within hours on Friday, and we started to think that he could make it through the new year. My heart stopped jumping into my throat each time the phone rang when I was away from the ward, and life seemed almost normal again on Saturday morning. "I don't think it'll be within these two days at least," my mom said coolly as we sat on the couch at home, neither of us in a hurry to go to the hospital.
And then, the phone rang again. It was the hospital, telling us that his pressure had fallen to 64 and that his breathing was becoming increasingly shallow. "I've been scared too many times by them. It was in the 50s yesterday afternoon but it rose didn't it. I'm not gonna let them scare me," my mom said. So the parents enjoyed a leisure breakfast before heading down, while I waited at home for my aunt to return from her errands and for my sister to wake up. The call came barely 30 minutes later. "He can't make it, you can come down now."
And that was it. My brother's gone.
A part of me is still in denial. My final year project's marketing stunt kept me occupied for most of the weekend, while my best friends rallied around me to fill the empty gaps. I've succumbed only to short cries mostly in the privacy of home and loved ones, and the endless streams of friends filled the funeral with more laughter than tears. In fact, the entire wake right down to his cremation felt entirely surreal.
I can't seem to come to terms yet that I've lost my only brother and this impassiveness scares me.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Friendship |ˈfrendˌ sh ip|
Friendship |ˈfrendˌ sh ip|
I don't think I'm a good friend. Unless I see or hear from you often enough for you to become a habit, chances are you won't hear from me. Once in a blue moon maybe, but almost never just to check "how you've been doing" or to catch up over a cup of coffee. I like to think it's genetically engineered, this inertia to just be instead of go out of my way to maintain friendships.
Yet, I have been blessed with many steadfast friendships in spite of my laissez-faire attitude. However, I must admit that it is in recent trying times that I've fully appreciated how loyal these angels are, and how ever ready they are to pitch in, sometimes at the drop of a hat.
From registering me with the embassy when Vietnam was struck with typhoons and ferrying me and my stack of barang barang, to agreeing to waste a weekend sculpting balloons and staying back after class to help stick stars on media invite kits... I don't know what I did in my past life to deserve you all, but thank you and I love you all. You're the best friends anyone can ever hope to have. And you have all inspired me to keep up and be a better friend.
I don't think I'm a good friend. Unless I see or hear from you often enough for you to become a habit, chances are you won't hear from me. Once in a blue moon maybe, but almost never just to check "how you've been doing" or to catch up over a cup of coffee. I like to think it's genetically engineered, this inertia to just be instead of go out of my way to maintain friendships.
Yet, I have been blessed with many steadfast friendships in spite of my laissez-faire attitude. However, I must admit that it is in recent trying times that I've fully appreciated how loyal these angels are, and how ever ready they are to pitch in, sometimes at the drop of a hat.
From registering me with the embassy when Vietnam was struck with typhoons and ferrying me and my stack of barang barang, to agreeing to waste a weekend sculpting balloons and staying back after class to help stick stars on media invite kits... I don't know what I did in my past life to deserve you all, but thank you and I love you all. You're the best friends anyone can ever hope to have. And you have all inspired me to keep up and be a better friend.
Friday, January 29, 2010
On hiatus.
On hiatus.
I'm not sure people read this page anymore, what with the hassle that comes with signing in with your special ID. It sounds a little VIP club-ish, but something has happened of late to compel me to protect the privacy of myself and loved ones, at least for a little while.
I'm working on making this blog public again. It feels weird to write to only seven readers, because I already speak with all of you on such a regular basis!
I'm not sure people read this page anymore, what with the hassle that comes with signing in with your special ID. It sounds a little VIP club-ish, but something has happened of late to compel me to protect the privacy of myself and loved ones, at least for a little while.
I'm working on making this blog public again. It feels weird to write to only seven readers, because I already speak with all of you on such a regular basis!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Today I am thankful for the simply joys...
Today I am thankful for the simply joys...
picture from here
of sharing a fried chicken dinner
of working hard at my laptop with cheerful bantering behind me
of friends and lovers
of laughter
of contentment.
picture from here
of sharing a fried chicken dinner
of working hard at my laptop with cheerful bantering behind me
of friends and lovers
of laughter
of contentment.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
New chow obsession.
New chow obsession.
We checked out Everything with Fries along Joo Chiat Road at Eileen's recommendation and promptly fell head over gut in love with the cheese burger. The patty was fresh, and the fries were hot, salty and absolutely delish.
The minimalistic concept extends from the decor to the menu, so don't go expecting to pick your heads out choosing what to eat. There are only 6 mains available, but the cheese burger is a good bet. Spend more time deciding on your choice of fries instead. Original (some sorta Cajun dressing actually), salt & vinegar, sour cream and onion, curry or garlic and herbs? All good.
We checked out Everything with Fries along Joo Chiat Road at Eileen's recommendation and promptly fell head over gut in love with the cheese burger. The patty was fresh, and the fries were hot, salty and absolutely delish.
The minimalistic concept extends from the decor to the menu, so don't go expecting to pick your heads out choosing what to eat. There are only 6 mains available, but the cheese burger is a good bet. Spend more time deciding on your choice of fries instead. Original (some sorta Cajun dressing actually), salt & vinegar, sour cream and onion, curry or garlic and herbs? All good.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Old town charms.
Old town charms.
Headed up to KL for a wedding over the weekend, but we weren't at all charmed by the tall buildings and glitzy malls of Malaysia's capital city. I'm sure KL has plenty of interesting nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered, but we had our sights (or stomachs) set on Malacca instead, where we stopped over for food both en route to KL and again on our way home.
It does not seem that Jonker Street has changed much since my last visit in 2005. While I'm no longer as susceptible to tourist trappings as I used to be, I still very much like the old town for its timeless appeal. After all the exorbitant Aussie trip planning, being able to get a bowl of Penang laksa at S$1.50 had me thinking, "I could spend a week here on a budget..." Fantasizing, really. I'm quite determined to visit down under this time around.
We lugged back dozens of festive goodies as well, some of which we'll pass on at tonight's shabu shabu. Tell me about it - my friends are crazy about Japanese hotpot. Or is it the wagyu?
Headed up to KL for a wedding over the weekend, but we weren't at all charmed by the tall buildings and glitzy malls of Malaysia's capital city. I'm sure KL has plenty of interesting nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered, but we had our sights (or stomachs) set on Malacca instead, where we stopped over for food both en route to KL and again on our way home.
It does not seem that Jonker Street has changed much since my last visit in 2005. While I'm no longer as susceptible to tourist trappings as I used to be, I still very much like the old town for its timeless appeal. After all the exorbitant Aussie trip planning, being able to get a bowl of Penang laksa at S$1.50 had me thinking, "I could spend a week here on a budget..." Fantasizing, really. I'm quite determined to visit down under this time around.
We lugged back dozens of festive goodies as well, some of which we'll pass on at tonight's shabu shabu. Tell me about it - my friends are crazy about Japanese hotpot. Or is it the wagyu?
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Festivity exhaustion.
Festivity exhaustion.
What a long weekend of celebrations it's been! Barely rested from our packed Bangkok itinerary, we welcomed 2010 in the movie theatre (stroke of genius on my part, and a tradition I'd like to continue) and an impromptu prata supper. I had to cop out of beaching the next morning as I could crawl out of bed only in time for a quick coffee with Lyn followed by shabu-shabu and Monopoly with the gang.
I've never been a fan of hotpot but man this is good, especially with kurobuta and wagyu.
The monopoly and snacks lasted way past midnight too, and I almost couldn't crawl of bed again the next morning. But I'd rather be sleepy than a fool to miss the beach a second time especially during such temperamental weather, so I dragged my sorry head down for 2010's first suntan with Ran. The sunshine was gorgeous, but we did get our sarongs drenched by an overenthusiastic rolling wave. Nothing like a little sea water to start the year I say, along with a promise to run in 2011's Great Eastern when Ran's back for good. :)
No pictures of a beach still boarded up from the beach countdown, but look what greeted me on my walk home? Almost feels like winter.
And now, off for a quick date before Mom's birthday dinner. Oof.
What a long weekend of celebrations it's been! Barely rested from our packed Bangkok itinerary, we welcomed 2010 in the movie theatre (stroke of genius on my part, and a tradition I'd like to continue) and an impromptu prata supper. I had to cop out of beaching the next morning as I could crawl out of bed only in time for a quick coffee with Lyn followed by shabu-shabu and Monopoly with the gang.
I've never been a fan of hotpot but man this is good, especially with kurobuta and wagyu.
The monopoly and snacks lasted way past midnight too, and I almost couldn't crawl of bed again the next morning. But I'd rather be sleepy than a fool to miss the beach a second time especially during such temperamental weather, so I dragged my sorry head down for 2010's first suntan with Ran. The sunshine was gorgeous, but we did get our sarongs drenched by an overenthusiastic rolling wave. Nothing like a little sea water to start the year I say, along with a promise to run in 2011's Great Eastern when Ran's back for good. :)
No pictures of a beach still boarded up from the beach countdown, but look what greeted me on my walk home? Almost feels like winter.
And now, off for a quick date before Mom's birthday dinner. Oof.
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Year with Energizer bunnies.
New Year with Energizer bunnies.
Headed out in a bit to town to meet the gang to pick up food and head over to Lyn's for shabu-shabu. How can that couple be this perky despite the late night? Those Energizer bunnies...
Happy New Year everybody!
Headed out in a bit to town to meet the gang to pick up food and head over to Lyn's for shabu-shabu. How can that couple be this perky despite the late night? Those Energizer bunnies...
Happy New Year everybody!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Looking back on 2009.
Looking back on 2009.
picture from weheartit
The thing about growing older (and no longer growing up) is that the years start to pass a little too quickly, and the passing of time starts to get a little too blurry. It is often with a little jolt that I answer a question about my age, for my memory often gets lodged at 19. Am I already 23 going on 24?
Yet while time hurtles by me, I find myself catching sight of the constants: the people who have found their footing beside me while I whirled through life, along with passions that have endured my fickle youth. Some comfort, some surprise, some are absent.
These are the elements I know I can turn to whenever life threatens to catapult me into craziness. The people who at times know me better than I know myself; the written word I fall back on ever so often to make sense of the world; the insatiable wanderlust. But with age I've come to realize, and accept, that nobody and nothing is really constant, except an accepting me to an ever-changing me. I used to think that the power of 'I' was a self-centered and selfish concept, but I have come to realize that it is actually the most enduring one.
Though it certainly hasn't been that great a year, 2009 has been anything but uneventful. I started the year in a happy bubble, having started an amazing writing internship and re-appreciating being around my family. In the past five months however, watching my brother's painful struggle for life and the sorrow of the people around him has been taxing to say the least, and more than enough impetus to coax me out of that blissful state. 2009 has at certain points been very trying, but it has also brought with it some long-awaited opportunities and lessons on life.
Here's what I learnt in 2009:
Some I will make right now, when I am equal parts green and jaded; having seen enough to make conscious decisions yet not having seen much at all to still hunger for more. Others I hope I will make with greater wisdom and a stronger sense of self.
So Happy New Year in advance dear readers. May 2010 bring you lots of joy, laughter and the wisdom to enjoy it all.
picture from weheartit
The thing about growing older (and no longer growing up) is that the years start to pass a little too quickly, and the passing of time starts to get a little too blurry. It is often with a little jolt that I answer a question about my age, for my memory often gets lodged at 19. Am I already 23 going on 24?
Yet while time hurtles by me, I find myself catching sight of the constants: the people who have found their footing beside me while I whirled through life, along with passions that have endured my fickle youth. Some comfort, some surprise, some are absent.
These are the elements I know I can turn to whenever life threatens to catapult me into craziness. The people who at times know me better than I know myself; the written word I fall back on ever so often to make sense of the world; the insatiable wanderlust. But with age I've come to realize, and accept, that nobody and nothing is really constant, except an accepting me to an ever-changing me. I used to think that the power of 'I' was a self-centered and selfish concept, but I have come to realize that it is actually the most enduring one.
Though it certainly hasn't been that great a year, 2009 has been anything but uneventful. I started the year in a happy bubble, having started an amazing writing internship and re-appreciating being around my family. In the past five months however, watching my brother's painful struggle for life and the sorrow of the people around him has been taxing to say the least, and more than enough impetus to coax me out of that blissful state. 2009 has at certain points been very trying, but it has also brought with it some long-awaited opportunities and lessons on life.
Here's what I learnt in 2009:
- Life and its many elements are transient. At the risk of sounding pseudo Zen-ish, I have learnt to significantly relinquish attachment and possession, and to treat loss with a "it is what it is meant to be" attitude. Some call it denial, but I prefer to term it "life goes on".
- Opportunities will arise, but it takes work, luck and often a keen eye to recognize and sieze them.
- Some feelings will possibly never cease. Bolting the doors is a conscious decision made by the mind and will, not a testing game of patience.
- I am no longer the baby girl and instead at times, now the acting head of the family. From being the protected one, I am now the protective one who at times has to play devil's advocate for the interests of my loved ones. It's a little easier now that my sis is in town, but it is a reality that I am starting to take on the responsibilities of my family's well-being.
- It is not always wise to wear my heart on my sleeve. Privacy, especially in the age of social media, is underrated.
- Compartmentalization is key. The world doesn't stop spinning for anyone or anything. Grieving is best done in contained pockets. Life goes on, and it is still beautiful despite the smudges.
- Curiosity is vital for both professional and personal growth.
- Traveling and writing is the best way to get to an everchanging self I sometimes feel I cannot keep up with.
Some I will make right now, when I am equal parts green and jaded; having seen enough to make conscious decisions yet not having seen much at all to still hunger for more. Others I hope I will make with greater wisdom and a stronger sense of self.
So Happy New Year in advance dear readers. May 2010 bring you lots of joy, laughter and the wisdom to enjoy it all.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Bangkok bites.
Bangkok bites.
Unlike destinations like *ahem* Bali, Bangkok doesn't inspire enough introspection for endless paragraphs of prose, so I'll keep it simple and let the pictures do the talking. Here are the highlights from my Christmas vacation.
The oriental glamor of Shanghai Mansion, naturally, especially since we booked early enough to get the Mu Dan Peony Suite at S$112 a night. With nary a water stain or peeling paint, I was shocked to find out that the extremely well-maintained property is actually over 30 years old. Impressive. Very impressive.
Hotel breakfasts! I've always fancied being able to shuffle down to a breakfast spread in my rumpled pjs, though a daily packed itinerary rendered that little daydream impossible this holiday. Just as well for I would have felt too out of place in the intimate restaurant with a setting more appropriate for cheongsams and delicate dim sum.
Dinner and shopping at Suan Lom Night Bazaar, with the BEST Tom Yum Kung.
Ringside seats to my first Muay Thai match. The Wai Kru (Ram Muay) was graceful, kind of, but like the boxing moves, it soon got a little too repetitive. There was only so much kicking and head locking I could endure before I called it a night. It is definitely an eye-opener, but I think I would be that much more enthralled (like the punters) if I were betting...
The interactive cooking class at Silom Thai Cooking School with our jovial instructor Nusi. Just like what Eileen had said, this was no watch-and-learn cooking class. It was extremely hands on with no corner to skulk to and hide. We were divided into groups where we had to wash, peel and prep the ingredients, and pound the rempah. And we had individual stoves to cook our meals. The sticky rice was the best I've tasted ever, so good that I ate it before snapping a picture.
Cheap and good food everywhere, from roadside stalls to malls like Mah Boon Krong (MBK). The humble food court serves up my favourite ka prow and pad thai, and the best steamed tapioca (all under S$2 each) I've eaten in a long, long time.
Delish street food. Pad thai dinner from a nondescript food stall near Asia Hotel, and the surprisingly fresh seafood from T & K Seafood 20 seconds from our hotel. I've officially developed a thing for prawns.
Another first - a lady boy cabaret show. Cheesy at parts, but worth the hefty price. Some of the lady boys are astoundingly beautiful - I wouldn't know they were men if they weren't performing in the show.
Driving out of main city to the Ancient City Muang Boran, a sprawling landscape of reconstructed Thai symbols. Some towers were really quite impressive, but I was having much more fun driving the buggy with the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin. Time to pick up where I left off at those pre-India driving lessons...
A once in a lifetime, been there done that Royal Thai Banquet meal at the renowned Blue Elephant Restaurant. The food was executed nicely, but its watered down flavors had me craving for a hearty roadside pad thai ten bites into the meal.
And well, I don't have the pictures, but the daily rubdown at Burberri Spa was heaven. That had to be the highlight of all highlights. I've always been a sucker for massages. Ahh...
Unlike destinations like *ahem* Bali, Bangkok doesn't inspire enough introspection for endless paragraphs of prose, so I'll keep it simple and let the pictures do the talking. Here are the highlights from my Christmas vacation.
The oriental glamor of Shanghai Mansion, naturally, especially since we booked early enough to get the Mu Dan Peony Suite at S$112 a night. With nary a water stain or peeling paint, I was shocked to find out that the extremely well-maintained property is actually over 30 years old. Impressive. Very impressive.
Hotel breakfasts! I've always fancied being able to shuffle down to a breakfast spread in my rumpled pjs, though a daily packed itinerary rendered that little daydream impossible this holiday. Just as well for I would have felt too out of place in the intimate restaurant with a setting more appropriate for cheongsams and delicate dim sum.
Dinner and shopping at Suan Lom Night Bazaar, with the BEST Tom Yum Kung.
Ringside seats to my first Muay Thai match. The Wai Kru (Ram Muay) was graceful, kind of, but like the boxing moves, it soon got a little too repetitive. There was only so much kicking and head locking I could endure before I called it a night. It is definitely an eye-opener, but I think I would be that much more enthralled (like the punters) if I were betting...
The interactive cooking class at Silom Thai Cooking School with our jovial instructor Nusi. Just like what Eileen had said, this was no watch-and-learn cooking class. It was extremely hands on with no corner to skulk to and hide. We were divided into groups where we had to wash, peel and prep the ingredients, and pound the rempah. And we had individual stoves to cook our meals. The sticky rice was the best I've tasted ever, so good that I ate it before snapping a picture.
Cheap and good food everywhere, from roadside stalls to malls like Mah Boon Krong (MBK). The humble food court serves up my favourite ka prow and pad thai, and the best steamed tapioca (all under S$2 each) I've eaten in a long, long time.
Delish street food. Pad thai dinner from a nondescript food stall near Asia Hotel, and the surprisingly fresh seafood from T & K Seafood 20 seconds from our hotel. I've officially developed a thing for prawns.
Another first - a lady boy cabaret show. Cheesy at parts, but worth the hefty price. Some of the lady boys are astoundingly beautiful - I wouldn't know they were men if they weren't performing in the show.
Driving out of main city to the Ancient City Muang Boran, a sprawling landscape of reconstructed Thai symbols. Some towers were really quite impressive, but I was having much more fun driving the buggy with the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin. Time to pick up where I left off at those pre-India driving lessons...
A once in a lifetime, been there done that Royal Thai Banquet meal at the renowned Blue Elephant Restaurant. The food was executed nicely, but its watered down flavors had me craving for a hearty roadside pad thai ten bites into the meal.
And well, I don't have the pictures, but the daily rubdown at Burberri Spa was heaven. That had to be the highlight of all highlights. I've always been a sucker for massages. Ahh...
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