After 13 years, I was able again to travel out of the country. One of the reason I accepted the job offer at my current company is the chance to travel around the world and the main reason is to help industries to minimize waste and to help generate renewable energy.
My first assignment last March was to travel to Uthai Thani, Thailand to have a biological waste water treatment training on a starch plant. I won't talk about technical stuffs here in my blog but I will just run through all the places I had been to while having leisure time.
Upon arrival to Suvernabhumi International Airport via the prestigious Thai Airways, I fell in love right away to the country of Smiles.
Navigating myself throughout Bangkok was made easier by their BTS (Skytrain just like our MRT/LRT). For my stay in BKK, the company always booked us in the Grand Business Inn In Sukhumvit 11 near Nana Station of BTS. I would give the hotel 4 stars for its service, access to public transportation, accommodation and food.
For my stay in Ban Rai, Uthai Thani, Thailand, we rented a villa in Huay Par Pok Resort. The house was nice and clean but during night time I am so scared with the short power interruptions from time to time. Also, we don't have internet access unless we will go to the reception area which I consider very far and unsafe especially during night time. Another problem for our lodging is that there is no means of transportation other than private car, so it was best for me to stock food in case nobody could bring me to the market.
Near the resort that we stayed was this wonderful temple. I was amazed by its beauty and simplicity.
Near the Tham Khao Wong Temple is the Pu Way Cave. It was my first time to enter a cave and I was not prepared since I was just wearing a rubber slipper. The hike to the top was breath taking. I could see the overview of nature's gift. The moment we entered the cave, I was so excited to be able to see those stalactites and stalagmites that once my geology professor were discussing in class back in my college days.
It was an amazing experience worth remembering.
After that, we tried to go to the Avatar Spa near our resort to try the salt streaming and then we had an unlimited time access to their infinity pool. I was so happy savoring the experience of having a business trip with pleasure. :)
I was also fortunate to visit the hundred years market (Samchuk Market) in Suphanburi. I was so happy to see lots of food. Take note, Mercato Central, Soderno or Banchetto are nothing compared to this food haven! :)
I always associate Thailand to Elephants so I said to myself that I should be able to ride one if ever I will have the opportunity, so I did! :) There is also a saying that once you walk under the belly of a pregnant elephant, you will be lucky with your life.
I was again fortunate to be sent back to Thailand for the start-up of our first solid digester in the company. It was the same client but this time around it is more serious since this is not a training anymore, but I was still lucky to be able to visit a few places on my 2 months stay.
We were able to went back to the Hundred Years Market but this time, we rode a boat to tour the old temple and the museum. It's amazing how Thais are so concern/caring to Animals, I saw a lot of homeless dogs being brought to Temple for shelter. Also, I was so fortunate to see relics of Buddhas and other Thai Tools.
Next stop was a visit to Bungchawak Zoo also in Suphanburi. This zoo was so enormous that it is divided to different parts. I only got to see the oceanic part (it's like a version of our Manila Ocean Park) and the tiger Zoo.
What awed me for my whole stay in Thailand was the visit to Wat Tha Sung Temple in Uthai Thani City. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Last year, when flood hit Thailand, it was one of the places that was badly affected, but it was once again restored.
We also went to another grandeur temple in Uthai Thani. This time, the temple was on top of a hill so the view was superb.
So that was my Thailand adventure. I hope I could still visit some places I haven't been to. On my list are:
1. Ayutthaya - to see the ruin
2. Chiang Mai - for rehabilitation of their old elephants
3. Phuket - Beach baby! :)
4. Bangkok Tour (Wat Po, Wat Arun, Grand Palace via Chao Phraya River Cruising) - need I say more?
Just a tip if you're going shopping in Bangkok, the weekend Chatuchak Market is a good place to head up first thing in the morning since it's an open air market. They sell a wide range of materials from dress to souvenirs to food to even dog accessories! :) Shopping in MBK is also well recommended if you're a gadget lover. If your're a lady and dying to buy dress and accessories head to Platinum Mall. If you're for shopping without any budget in mind, Central World, Siam Paragon and Terminal 21 are the place to be, but if you're really that extravagant in spending money, girlfriend, head to Gaysorn Mall where all shops are branded! :)
