For the oddest reason, now that I had the whole weekend to do whatever I wanted, I had nothing planned. At most, I have to check out of this hotel by noon and check in at the hostel by 1pm. That shouldn't be too difficult since it was only two stations away, and I was armed with a map! There was also a post office just by that station, so I could pick up some stamps on the way for my postcards! Great plan, until 1pm.
Before all that happened, I enjoyed my last buffet breakfast, finishing it up with a nice scoop of coconut ice-cream and a glass of carrot juice. Not sure why- possibly an influence of another friend- I've come to a pleasant addiction to fresh carrot juice. Supposedly, it's good for the eyes, and since I'm a rabbit in Chinese calendar terms, it isn't too weird that I love carrots. Even the attendant at the juice stand recognizes me, and by the 3rd day automatically prepare a glass of juice upon my arrival. Talk about great service :)
As I did a great job packing the absolute minimum for this trip, it wasn't too difficult to clean up the place for check out. All I needed was the essentials for another two days, and the rest can be stuffed into my luggage that shall be left in the keeps of my coworker who will be staying in the hotel. We were scheduled on the same shuttle to the airport, so I trust her not to lose my luggage before then.
With the clock striking noon, I took my first step of freedom outside of the hotel and began my vacation. Though, I had never thought of the challenge this may be: switching directly from a 5-star hotel to a youth hostel overnight. Not sure how I would take it, but considering my experiences at hostels overall had been good, I banked on my research ability to find a decent one for the one night. After taking my sweet time during the week to make the final decision, I settled with HI-Sukhumvit. The price was acceptable and relatively close for me to get to and from the hotel- keeping in mind I'll have to make my way back Sunday afternoon to catch the shuttle to the airport.
I must say, not bad at all. Located less than 10 minutes walk from BTS skytrain Thong Lo, the walk to the hostel was decorated with a postal office (which was CLOSED by the time I got there! *upset*), a couple of embassies, and a bunch of food stalls. .A tiny garden entrance with a couple of group tables for small gatherings leading into an open-air lobby, the place felt quite cozy. The staff was very helpful and quick to learn my name. Security was quite good with a key swipe access to the rooms upstairs. As I stayed in the female dorm, I crossed my fingers for AT LEAST a clean bed and shared washroom. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the place was. The white-tiled shower stalls were well thought in design to have a mid-division for your dry items for hanging. The bunk beds were simple with our own set of power supplies, a lamp, and a curtain for privacy. Though, if I had to be super picky, there was an ant on my bed...JUST KIDDING. It wasn't enough to sway my mind and go ballistic about it. Overall, a good impression.
(Very Chinesey- feels like we should be having tea here! Also a reading corner for those who want to escape this world completely)
(The tiny garden...)
(Free for all to use. I did say to myself, no way...)
Having dropped off everything I didn't need for the day walk- wallet, water and umbrella were a must- on my bed (which I geniusly decided to dress first before heading out so I can untroublely go straight to sleep later on). By dress I mean to say that hostels will usually give you clean covers for the pillow and bed cushion, so all you have to do is slip them on. Yes, it's a hostel, and don't be in shock, I slipped them on myself. Following a check in directions with the staff, I was on my way to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Holy mother was this place packed or what. Actually, it started to human-traffic jam all the way back at the BTS skytrain Mochit. Honestly, for a Taiwanese, the scene wasn't so different from our usual night markets. Except, they tend to sell the same thing in the same section of the market. A bit tourisy with all the souvenirs but definitely still local enough. I tried to look for things I haven't seen, but were only interested a couple of times- and you guessed it- mostly by food stalls. Nonetheless, I did manage to pick up a pair of adorable flats for a tourist price. Okay, maybe they were cheaper than tourist price, but definitely expensive in comparison to what they would be sold for in Taiwan. Then again, you're just giving yourself a hard time if you compare too much during vacation. So, I gave myself the break and enjoyed Bangkok as is.
(This was actually two streets outside of the market itself)
(Another Thai milk tea. It boasted to be the best, so try it I must! But meh, it was alright. 7/10)
(I'm here...with a million other people...who won't stop bumping into me)
(Auntie's creation with braids...pretty cool!)
Having reached the market by 1:30pm, I had grown bored of the place already before 4pm. But, where to go? I'm not a shopping type, so malls were out of consideration. Regardless, I wanted to leave the place, so I made my way to the station and hopped on the next train back to city centre. Having heard so much about the Nana area, I thought to check it out even though I know it probably wouldn't be the same scene as what most would be there for as it was only the afternoon. Oh wells, I wasn't looking for anything in particular anyway.
Mindlessly walking, before I noticed, I had roamed passed 2 stations and reached BTS Phrom Phong! Just when I considered taking the skytrain for the last station simply because I couldn't walk anymore, a security guard came running down the stairs to stopped me in my footsteps. While yapping on his wireless radio in Thai, he waved me back down the stairs. Before I could ask what in the world was going on, I realized the roads have been completely cleared of traffic in every direction. Of course, a royal was coming through. Then I saw a band waiting on the other side of the street- Oh! so they're welcoming an arrival. Without knowing who, I was in a rush to snap pictures here and there. Maybe because I honestly look puzzled, a local stopped to inform me that the woman was the Princess- the wife of the Prince, who is next in line for the throne. Pretty good timing to have ran into her entourage!
(All the other pictures were too blur- thanks to my difficult camera!- but she was in the bunch)
(Yes, she's gotta have her train of security)
(Her Highness' official ride. I like the choice in color~)
Though, I can never understand the need for FIVE red Mercedes Benz paving the way for one white one. I mean, they already had a line of police escort. The fact that it drew so much attention may not be a good thing either. Sometimes. going undercover is probably the smarter choice. In any case, it's most likely protocol for all Royals. Just to say, a bit unnecessary.
The rest of the night was spent finishing up the postcard writing in the lobby while feeding mosquitoes. I did meet a very friendly dorm mate who spent two months in Thailand and will be returning to the States in a couple of days. That's one thing I like about staying in hostels- you get to meet people from all walks of life and hear a whole new adventure or world. It saves the hassle of reading! Just kidding, I know it's not the same, but it's almost like playing a recording of a story told with lots of emotions. I had a great time chatting with the girls, but as I had an early morning- 5:45am to be exact- for the visit to the Floating Market, I must turn in. Without a blow dryer, I fell asleep with wet hair.
Tomorrow: Floating Market!