A/O/M/R/A/K

Promise Promise

2011-07-17T00:07:00.001+07:00

After a long long break from blogging, I am kinda far far behind in this part of the world. Shall do more!

A Photo Trip At Last

2008-07-17T22:09:00.005+07:00

After the first fail attempt to go on a photo outing with some friends, I had a chance to try one more time. It was not that bad! Saniwan, my IT head girl, Sameojai, a journalist gal and myself were going to our boss's dad funeral in Chacheangsao, a charming province not so far from Bangkok. We went to the service on Friday and staying over the weekend to wait for the cremation on Suday.

The plan was to visit the '100 years markets' which have been shown in many media and also the famous 'Wat Sothorn' the landmark of the province.

Saniwan took care of booking our room and once there drove us every where (my car though) since her mother is actually from there (we didn't know it until then). From our room, we could see the illuminated 'Wat Sothorn' hence our attempt for the night shot of the white marble temple. It made me realise the virtue of HDI (High Dynamic Imaging) technique that Gordon has been telling me about :)

Our visit to the old market was a delightful walk down a memory lane. We saw many things we used to see in our childhood like the sweet we used to enjoy as a child for example the gum shaped as cigarette under the 'Black Cat' brand or some food we don't normally find in the city! The market itself still as it was a century ago. Thanks to the digital technology we simply click click and were pleased with what were recorded on our cameras.

Saniwan pampered us even further by driving us away from the now 'tourist' market for a late lunch in a raft eatery in a local temple where food was really good and cheap too. Our lunch was shrimp fried with garlic and pepper for herself, shrimp fried with basil leaves and chillies for Sameojai and shrimp fried with curry paste for myself. Yum yum!

The funny thing about this trip was that each of us spent our evening doing our own things with our gadget....Saniwan surfing the net with her mobile, Sameojai playing with photoshop on her laptop and me watching a movie with my laptop with TV on as background noise. In the morning, Saniwan and Sameojai teamed up to watch a Thai and Korean series, refusing to leave until they all ended and me getting frustrated and finally went down to a cafe to enjoy my cappa. We joked that the trip was just a change of location to enjoy our routine! Well, that's the main reason for going away isn't it...to enjoy ourselves!

The trip worked well photographic wise and a prove that we could go on more trip together. In fact, we kinda agreed to go up north to stay at the railway bungalow round the coming new year when Gordon would come to join us too.

Rained Off Photo Trip

2008-05-11T20:36:00.004+07:00

I don't usually go out at the weekend to preserve my energy previously drained from the week work. Oh well, there would be time ever so tempting that drag me outside the house...and when it happened...always something funny about it.

I heard of the fair along one of the oldest and working canals and agreed to go along with other girls for the photo trip on Sunday afternoon. One friend stopped by my house and we were driving to our destination fearing that dark cloud above us would turn into rain. Still...it was sunny and hot yesterday, so we were hoping for the shady day...though not so good lighting condition. Driving nearby the area where the fair would be, it was rather quiet to our liking...might be tooooooo early, we thought.

After some encouragement, me and other 3 girls started our walk to the site, stopping by the United Nations gate for some shots...still cheery you see :)

We got to the spot bursting out laughter as all our fears came true...the stage was there, the raft was there (for some water fun), the colourful banners were there....yet no one there except us and some TV crew and a vendor and his candy rickshaw. Honestly, that was all there for the fair!!!! We were told that it was postponed till next weekend due to some mismanagement (how come!). Then it started to RAIN!!!!

Still cheerly enough, we joked about the whole thing and managed some photos of the colourful sugar paste and some candies...

Hmmmmm we all agreed to check our horoscope next time we like to meet up again

Stylist Food....Arty Shots

2008-04-03T16:44:00.000+07:00

Oh Boy! my EOS baby is as good as my creativity...ahem! I love it when I could toy with F Stop and bit of zoom here and there to get all these good looking shots of the stylist food serve at one of the railway events. Hungry anyone?

Finally...

2008-04-03T16:28:00.001+07:00

I'm back on my photographic track with my new baby EOS 400D, courtesy of my sweet Gordon :) We bought it after I had long been drooling over the EOS 350D (that Gordon uses) and just before my sister's wedding at my parents, 16 March 2008. Oh mine, how exciting it was to be back in control after so much point-and-shoot that really spoils my way of looking at thing and carefully think before action. To also indulge my sore photographic heart, I pampered myself with a 75-300 USM zoom lens (hee heee..excuse excuse) and a smart carrying bag, plus a filter...all to make sure once the torch is lit...the flame lives on well.

My first few hours was at the famous flower market half way to my parents where Gordon and I took turn to play with our new baby and comparing our shot with another friend (who happens to be a journalist). The next challenge was at the actual wedding where Gordon was helping out most of the morning until he was so exhausted from the heat and me took over, roaming the place in flowery dress and high heels! I'm too pretty for the job!!!!!

Next was even better as we drove off to our hideaway paradise at Rayang Island of the east coast in Trat. We found ourselves way too much enjoying the beach, sea and the dogs (playing with them of coz!) and took less than expected amount of shots....hmmmmm

Still, I got a chance to disguise myself as a photographer at a week long event to celebrate the anniversary of our workplace, the State Railway of Thailand, and managed over 700 shots within a week...average 100 shots per day. Let me know if that's a good enough record for a mad amature?

The highlight up to now though is for me to act as a photographer for my office and 3 bosses at the 3rd Greater Mekong Summit, held in Vientiane, Laos PDR where I simply blended in with a flock of journalists and photographers shooting (I like the word) at them Summits (i.e. Mr. PM or President or whatever title that is) and Mountains (er...I guess that should mean ministers :) and Hills (er...perhaps them executives) and ants (us...little people).

Let me know what you think of my (still not quite acquainted with the camera yet) photos...drop by at my web album.

Pics from Our Latest Trips

2007-10-22T22:11:00.001+07:00

Gordon and I recently took holidays together for 4 weeks - 1 in Oz and 3 in NZ. We met up in Melbourne and drove off to the Grampians for couple of days. In Melbourne, we of course did what the Melbournians do -- visiting museums :) And while in the Grampians we had close contacts with the locals - Kangaroos, Cuckoo birds and Cockatoos.

Back in NZ we were lucky to get a bach on Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, north of the south island. We feasted on fresh blue shell mussels freshly picked from the ocean! We were also visited by Waka - rare wild bird.

Hohum, I have been extremely busy with work and couldn't find time to upload and diary the trips as such...so for more please visit Gordon's pages. Hope you enjoy the pics :)

A Week in Malaysia

2007-07-30T12:43:00.000+07:00

First of all, let me apologise for my inactivity regarding this blog. But, hey I've provided an alternative for you to visit my web album instead, haven't I. No excuse except that I have had to juggle many new committment professionally and personally of late and hardly had time to play with this thing...sob...nonetheless, here I am with more fun pics for you.

The week of 22 - 28 July, our Malaysian counterpart was hosting yet another annual Joint Conference between us, this time in Awana beach resort, Terengganu. The wonderful beach town on the west coast of Malaysia. Rather excited to be back there and meet up with so many freinds of coz. This time a big group of us, 25, went again by speacial coaches including the Governor's Saloon, buffet car (our private kitchen), and first class and second class sleeping coaches for us, attached to normal service train heading south. We left on Friday afternoon (however, I almost missed the train due to call from a young journalist and turned up at the station just a few minutes before it arriving, phew!), arriving Padang Besar, the border and international station Saturday morning where a semi-welcoming ceremony was arranged while immigration and customs procedure took place. We then hauled by a special train arranged by our counterpart so that we reached KL by the evening. Nice ride....though I was stuck with Saufi karaoked in their coach for over an hour (HELP!!) Ha...ha....

The next day was another bus ride from KL to Terrengganu passing through lovely and rather green surrounding of Malaysia. The bus ride indeed provided a time window to chitchat with some old friends and make new ones which was, i guess, among the purposes of this kind of gathering. The host also provided beach activities to break the ice and many were found on the beach playing volleyball, beach soccer, banaboat or just gentle stroll. I, instead, caught up with my secreatariet gang -- Afzar and Syed (my Sayang Satu or Darling No. 1), Shahrill (Sayang Dua or Darling No. 2) and Shahriza who hopped in and out like a grasshopper between the secretariet room and the ballroom bossing everyone around with her walkie-talkie. The welcome dinner was organised in an open air setting which was quite a break from typical ballroom scene. Rather enchanting but yet there was the best to come!

Monday was when the conference session started. After the opening ceremony and all formality the plenery was split into group inwhich I attended the CEO session while the rest went along with either Technical and Management or Marketing session. After lunch, we were taken to see petroleum industrial complex and dinner back in the hotel which we gals from SRT wore sarong given as a pressie from the company...nice touch. That night the boat rides, one for squid jiggling and one for fire-fly watching were organised whereby many were seasick and them local squids were therefore saved....ha ha.

The conference was normally followed by the post conference tour usually to handicraft centres and shopping :) The first stop was the famous batik factory where I had my hand on the wax printing (for photo of coz), followed by a visit to another handicraft producing hand-woven songket (elaborated with gold and siver tread), brass work (their latest order was from the Palace), and some interesting things. Later, we were put in the boat to the Mermaid island in Kaula Terrenganu, the capital of the region. The lunch at the boat club was rather refreshing and delicious. And the shopping in the local market complex was enjoyable. Dinner was impressive as it was organised by the beach, well, on the beach more like, with the setting one would die for if it was one's beach wedding. So we grasped the opportunities to take many couply and group photoes. The whole group was taken back shortly after dinner, but some of us stayed on to finish off the soda and drink we brought along. I caught up with the Secrateriat team later at the hotel and it was in the wee hours that we finally said good night (should have been good morning though!). Not many beauty sleep when we are making report, I can assure you. Dato Salleh, the MD of KTMB, was so sweet in that he stayed with us and provided some sandwich and coffee and tea for us old wise owls when asked. Thank you Sir.

On Wednesday, another short trip to Pahang state was organised to see the turtle nursery and more shopping. I decided to stay put at the hotel though with my secretariet gang (C'on I was nominated as Drafting Committee, so I had to perform accordingly) to finish the report. Some of the golfers came back after their morning game and I was with them for late lunch in chinese eatery in town. Mind you the local lobster was even bigger than my already big arm!!!! The closing ceremony was later at 1600 to seal off our week followed by the farewell dinner. The host was so sweet to have our batik dress tailor made so it suit my petite body perfectly and beautifully.

To bade farewell to Cik Radzak, the wonderful Chairman of Conference Organising Committee of the last 6 years, Ek, my new male staff of 2 months braved it by dressing up as a Barbie Girl lipsinging to the song and flirted with our big man. Many Pa Ciks and Abangs were requested by me, to show our appreiation, including my Tersayang Dato and Radzak, to pose for photo with him too. It was to say the hightlight of the night and he became the Conference Star as many were impressed by his sweet face and classy sexy poses. Dato even wondered where we actually got this girl from before realised later that it was one of our boys. The magic of make-up and dress up.

We took the bus back to KL on Thursday in which I had developed such a good rapport with another sweet young face called Shahran, the young engineer of 27 who is now my Sayang Tika or Darling No. 3. At KL Centre (posh shopping centre downtown), Shahriza, Shahran and I wondered round the book shop where Ferny (who apparated and disapparated shortly like magic) and myself got our copy of the lattest Harry Potter at 20% off. The three of us later sneaked up the coffee shop for our cuppa and cake. It was where I learnt that Shahran 'hated' carrot cake but had to swollow a fork full of it that I force fed him...oooops. I loved his expression when trying to gulp it down before saying 'I don't like carrot cake'. When asked to sign the copy of my Harry Potter, not surprising that it read 'Kakak Sayang....I love your carrot cake!!!' How sweet of you m'dear. We ended our lovely time in Central Market where Shah was more of the one shopping while Shahran and I just strolled after her, chatting and joking about her shopping obsession. But hey, it was all the pressies for me and her friends at the office, so who was I to complain. We had our momento done, this time in form of a badge with our pic on. Nice token of love and freindship indeed.

If you ask me, this conference thingi, be it the Joint with KTMB or ASEAN with the 7 railways in the region is one of the best part of working in the railway community. You can't ask for more, believe me. I shall upload collection of these photo to my web album at picasaweb.google.com/aomrak shortly for better viewing purpose. Meet me there.

Drive Carefully People!

2007-02-28T13:19:00.000+07:00

The Nicest Kind of Yellowism

2006-12-17T17:42:00.000+07:00

If asked 'what is the hottest colour for 2006 in Thailand?', my guess is none of the designer would get it right. As the trendiest colour this year is not dictated by fashion guru but by the love the Thais have for thier King Bhumibol Adulyadej - literally means 'the Strenght of the Land'.

YELLOW is the answer as it's the colour of monday, the day of HM's birthday. The young prince of 19 was crowned on May 5, 1946, the 9th King of Chakri Dynasty following the sudden loss of His Majestic Brother and the previous King. He has ruled into the 60th year this year which is the longest in the world monarchy's history. Yet the lenght of His kingship is just one thing but numerous amount of dedication and benevolent work HM has done for the country is the biggest drawing the hearts of the nation.

Ceremonies and celebrating events were organised throughout the year with the highlight on the state events when members from other monarchies around the world attended, which I'm sure you must have seen in the media. To refresh your memories please visit the official website here http://60thcelebrations.com/english/index.php

The striking consequent to oridinary people, and to my astonishment, is the change of fashion trend. Since the government's encouragement for people to wear yellow t-shirts with the official emblem of the ceremony, the people need not to be asked again. The price of the official t-shirt was then sky rocking, hence immitation products and the Internal Trade Department's intervention to fix the market. Imagine fixing the price of t-shirt as a national agenda!

Offices have allowed people to wear yellow t-shirt every monday in lieu of normal business attire. The practice has been extended to every day. So there have been a change of trend like women wearing t-shirt with skirts of all design; t-shirt with jacket or blazer for men; blouses in bright yellow linen, silk, cotten; yellow bags, shoes (imagine that and I always wonder where you could find those pairs); scraf; etc. Basically, everything and anything in yellow. One local columnist cited that it's 'People's Uniform'. Can't agree more.

Economically, it has stimulated the market a lot and people are willing and happy to spend on these marchendises. I remembered having to beg to place order for 80 yellow t-shirts for the conference and the best they could do was blue as it was the colour to celebrate Her Majesty's birthday in August and they had materials in stock. Not only the garment business that has benefitted, printing industry also enjoy a very good year. Countless of books, magazines, journals, special edition newspapers, posters, postcards, you name it, have been constantly out to ensure everybody has a piece of this glorious year in their collection. Personally, as a freelance translator, I was also commissioned with 2 huge bi-language books to commomerate the event (a huge incomes indeed). Very busy year for me too.

But hey, there are others who decided not to miss the train, so you get to see limited edition of expensive watches, iPod, mobile phones, phone cards, movie tickets, ATM cards (I got one :), toll way tickets, to name but a few.

His Majesty is approaching 80 years of age next year, so it will be exciting to see what'll be coming.

Er.....What Can I say?

2006-12-16T11:45:00.000+07:00

On the night of farewell party, we were all in traditional Malay dress. Here is Shah and Me after the night end. Can't remember what she was saying and wonder who took this pic indeed.

Double Twins

2006-12-16T11:25:00.000+07:00

My latest trip was to Malaysia for an annual ASEAN Railways Conference. Arriving early in the morning, we had a whole day wandering before the reception dinner. Silly forgot a charger for my digi cam though, hence only 4 picture for the whole trip!!!!

Here is the last and the best of the twin photographers taking image of the twin towers, the landmark of KL.

Father's Day Collection

2006-12-16T11:15:00.000+07:00

Nation Father Day provided a good excuse to bring the older and younger generations together for a good laugh and fun day.

Latest News on the New Interim Prime Minister

2006-10-01T22:49:00.000+07:00

Finally Thailand's Interim PM is announced...here is a news from Bangkok Post, local english language newspaper.

(dpa) - Surayud Chulanont, a respected retired army officer who has served as a Privy Councillor, was sworn in as Thailand's new Prime Minister Sunday.

Soon after the brief swearing-in ceremony, Gen Surayud said he would select his cabinet in the next week and submit the list of names to His Majesty the King for approval.

Gen Surayud said his administration would put first priority on building national unity, put an end to the current political stalemate and the ongoing southern unrest within a year.

In his first media conference shortly after being appointed as interim leader, the former Army chief said that he agreed to take up the position only to address the nation's urgent problems despite his earlier vow that he would stay out of politics.

"On top of my agenda are the urgent issues--the political problems and the southern violence--which require full cooperation from all sectors of society," Gen. Surayud said. "I will pull out all the stops to solve the two pressing issues within one year."

Touching on the economy, the new post-coup premier said he would adhere to the sufficiency economy initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol rather than foster the economic growth based on gross domestic product (GDP) as cherished by his predecessor.

"I will focus on the people's happiness rather than GDP figures," he stressed.

Surayud is Thailand's 24th prime minister since the kingdom became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. But perhaps more important he is the first since 1992 who did not win the position in an election.

Still, he is widely respected by civilian leaders and within the military as honest and not corrupt.

Surayud's appointment comes 13 days after the September 19 coup d'etat that toppled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after five-and-a-half years in power.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of what is now called the Council for National Security (CNS), the third name in a week for the cabal of military officers who led the bloodless coup, promised the CNS will step aside and let civilians run the country - after a while.

But the CNS under article 14 of the new interim charter is allowed to fire the prime minister without resorting to violence, and will continue to be responsible for considering urgent matters.

The military council said a new general election will be held in late 2007, but that it will only come when a new constitution is in place.

Under the interim 39-article charter a national assembly representing all social sectors will select a constitution-drafting assembly to write a new constitution, the government said. The draft will be put up for public hearing within 45 days after it is completed.

The interim constitution also provides CNS with an amnesty for having staged the coup d'etat, saying that the military leaders will not be held legally accountable for their past actions in toppling the Thaksin administration. (dpa, TNA)

Windows Vista Speech Recognition Demo Gone Awry

2006-10-01T21:07:00.000+07:00


See how Microsoft loses face over the new technology.

Hobby Revisit

2006-09-30T22:21:00.000+07:00

After a big while of serious gyming (with personal trainer and regular yoga, pilates, body balance and sweating bucket) and busy translation work, my heart now longs for crafty things. My tool boxes are now unpacked and I aim to start with some flowers to refamiliarize myself with the craft.

Then, any idea what I should learn next??

Netpals...Modern form Penpals

2006-09-26T00:18:00.001+07:00

Recently, I was emailed by Shinji, a japanese who created and host a blog in which one person from one country was invited to join and share their stories. What a superb and exciting idea. So I accepted without hesitation. It was great seeing many have joined already. After my brief entry, there were some comments asking about the recent coup in Thailand. Oh how the small the world is getting!

So if you like to be a part just drop by at http://topics192.blogspot.com/

Eventually we would all be one big circle of netpals!

Mood of the Coup

2006-09-20T22:18:00.000+07:00

Not very often that you went to bed and wake up blessing that there was a coup happening in your very own country. All eyes were glued to television to keep track of the progress. Many were out on the streets praising the coup leaders and soldiers for their heroic undertaking. Though this may not be beneficial for democracy development but we couldn't wait any longer while seeing democracy being used for the wrong reason. We want our country back and democracy for what it is!

I deliberately wore t-shirt with yellow in it while my sister mustard trousers to support the coup.

2006-09-20T22:17:00.000+07:00

Excited by the sight of tankers by the road side, we also stopped for photo opportunity.

2006-09-20T22:11:00.000+07:00

The real hero! Yellow ribbon was said to be the troop signal to tell that they were assigned for peace keeping duty.

2006-09-20T22:07:00.000+07:00

Camouflage tent that served as food cabinet due to amount of food being supplier by the military and people.

2006-09-20T22:06:00.000+07:00

Soldier relaxed on the tankder, the three white blobs in the foreground were food given to them by people who stoped their cars for a natter.

2006-09-20T21:51:00.000+07:00

Conscripts facilitated passer-by parking their cars as many wanted to stop and show thier support for the military. Food, drinking water, fruit and many more were given to the solider who left their base at 6 pm previous day and been there since 3 am. Their uniforms were soaked by rain water and dried up during the day, many haven't had any sleep yet, but thier smiles never fade from thier faces. I actually teased that they were stars of the day.

Pink Tanker

2006-09-20T21:48:00.000+07:00

A sign for support from the public.

2006-09-20T21:31:00.000+07:00

Small boy dressed in soldier uniform standing next to a real soldier posing for photo. The atmospher was like the National Children Day when many military bases were open to publics and kids were allowed to climb up tankers and observe the military activities closely.

Finally It Happened

2006-09-20T09:18:00.000+07:00

I was working last night on my PC and laptop connected to the internet when television started playing tunes relating to the King and Queen. At first, I thought it was one of charity programme. It wasn't until my sister noticed the annoucement that the coup took place. My first response was 'Good, it happened at last. Well done military guys'.

It may sound ironic but we have been waiting for someone to intervene and put a stop to Thaksin's regime for a long time already. All broadcasting media are back now and we could see lots of people go out on the street supporting the coup.

There have been emails, messages and calls from people both domestic and other places around the world asking what happened. Thanks for all your concern and cares my friends.

More Pictures from New Zealand

2006-09-03T20:16:00.000+07:00

From Collage of Us

Click at the image to go to my album :P

Guys,

I am rather busy at the mo to update my blog. However, most of the pics from my recent trip to New Zealand (July-August 2006) are posted in albums at http://picasaweb.google.com/aomrak or just simply click the link 'my photo album' on the right hand side.

Enjoy,

Aom

Calla Lily

2006-09-01T23:38:00.000+07:00

Calla Lily, one of my favorite flowers, was everywhere in New Zealand last August. We picked couple for our flat and I took an opportunity for a close study. With little help from Picasa...I present to you Lily with a twist.

Time to go home

2006-08-23T22:01:00.000+07:00

Time To Go Home

Jul 3, 2006 - 40 Photos

Photo Session

2006-08-22T22:01:00.000+07:00

Ferny, Myself and Addy...member of the 'Alien Gang' as we have one thing, among others, in common...a farang (foreign) boyfreind! with Sha, the darling from KTMB.

Work Again

2006-08-22T21:23:00.000+07:00

After the dinner, the team still had to pack up all souvenirs and gift for all bosses and staff and carried them all back to Bangkok. Labour and brain merged into one!

Double Life of Me

2006-08-22T21:15:00.000+07:00

Being the Head of Foreign Conference Section, I was always assigned for the MC task both in the conference and various function. Tonight is the Farewell night so the dress was just a uniform! Right is Ferny, the new gal from Marketing and graduate of MBA from San Francisco was being trained as one too. Not usually dressed up like that, we were treated like beauty queens of the night.

Mixed Reception

2006-08-22T21:13:00.000+07:00

Khun Suchai, left, Chairman of Conference Organizing Committee, took a deep interest to scrutinize the draft while Khun Sriyoudh, right, Chairman of Secretariate Committee, appeared to have enough of it now!

Smiles No More

2006-08-22T21:11:00.000+07:00

Some of the delegates celebrated thier prizes...but 'errrr sir...there is a bag full of draft reports waiting for you over here!!!'

Dear Lord

2006-08-22T21:08:00.000+07:00

'Dear Lord, please make sure our bosses and the malaysian delegates approve of our draft report' some of my team prayed to Lord Buddha before I left them to greet the delegates after their official golf game with our draft report...heeheee

Aye Aye Sir

2006-08-22T21:05:00.000+07:00

Khun Sriyoudh, Deputy Governor and Chairman of Secretariate Committee, paid a visit to see everything was alright. He was yet to be surprised at the golf course the next day with our draft report.

Working Hard

2006-08-22T21:03:00.000+07:00

Chaiya, secretariate leader in making, worked hard at his editing task with the help from some red wine.

Chilly Bin

2006-08-22T21:01:00.000+07:00

Finally we found the true meaning of chilly bin as our paper bin was dubbed as wine chilly bin at night.

Shaking Off That Laziness

2006-08-22T21:00:00.000+07:00

Addy, our stylish photographer, shaked off her tiredness and perhaps laziness :P

Survey Mission

2006-06-04T01:09:00.000+07:00

Our office is hosting the traditional annual conference with our Malaysian counterpart. This time we plan a conference on-board the conference train heading for the Northeastern region. Part of the programme is to see the Friendship Bridge and meet up with the railway authority of Loas. So as the organiser, myself and several colleagues had to survey the places like border station, local attractions, eateries and hotel in which the Conferene would be wrapped up. We did a rather tiring trip leaving Bangkok thursday night, spending a whole Friday in a van to all places on the list. The work didn't finish until nearly 22.00 before catching a night train back. Boy, we really deserve our overtime payment.

2006-06-04T01:06:00.000+07:00

Smiling me with Mae Khong River and the Friendship Bridge linking Thailand and Loas in the background.

Neighbouring Land

2006-06-04T01:04:00.000+07:00

View from the eatery....opposite is Loas.

A Lunch to Die For

2006-06-04T01:02:00.000+07:00

Guess this boy just sum up what we would feel and look like after our feast in the eatery by Mae Khong River to test out the food as we planned to take our conference guests here for lunch.

2006-06-04T01:00:00.000+07:00

This dish is called 'Bursting Belly'. No surprise when we saw what on offer.

2006-06-04T00:59:00.000+07:00

Spicy fish meat salad eaten with fresh local vegetable. We gave it A Plus.

2006-06-04T00:57:00.000+07:00

Stir fly fish meat with lots of spices and herbs...the fish itself is massive with the skin as thick as a slice of bacon.

2006-06-04T00:55:00.000+07:00

One of the local fresh water fish, the size of my (skinny) arm. In the capital, they are the size of one's finger and they cost a good sum too.

Shop till You Drop

2006-06-04T00:53:00.000+07:00

Na Ka Village where you can shop famous local products like hand wooven cotton and silk. I couldn't resist pampering myself with some.

Colour Me Bad

2006-06-04T00:52:00.000+07:00

Luck We Found You

2006-06-04T00:49:00.000+07:00

We were lucky enough to see Miss Udorn Sunshine, the hybrid vanda that smells gracefully despite the fact that it was out of season for the flowers to bloom.

For the Love of My Heart

2006-06-04T00:41:00.000+07:00

No need to say that my love for flowers drew me toward this beauty.

Red Dolls

2006-06-04T00:34:00.000+07:00

Adorable orchids with vivid colours.

That Outdoor Feeling

2006-06-03T23:20:00.000+07:00

A seafood eatery with outdoor section and stage for live band....not bad heh?

The Seafood Restuarant

2006-06-03T23:00:00.000+07:00

One of the eateries visited to ask for menu and price list.

HREF='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6777/573/640/CIMG2107.jpg'>

The Hardest Task of the Day

2006-06-03T22:53:00.000+07:00

The day ended, at 21.00, when we inspeted Sofitel hotel for function rooms, bedroom and other facility including, Kronon, home brew beer. Yummmmmmmmm.

Food testing

2006-06-03T22:50:00.000+07:00

Duck breast with orange sauce - part of my food testing mission :P

Perhaps Time

2006-05-31T19:44:00.000+07:00

Got this pic from the online version of the local newspaper...when I have been mentally tired. Perhaps it's time to slow down and calm down!!!!

A Week in Chiang Mai

2006-05-20T01:38:00.000+07:00

Lately I was away for a week in Chiang Mai, the famous city of the Northen region. It was a very first time for me to work as a liaison for a meeting as well. Working in a railway community I was assigned to look after the delegate from Malaysia whom we have an international train service running between our capital cities. One of the delegate was also my colleague from the railway world. As you can imagine, I rather enjoyed the week away with them as much as being back to Chiang Mai for the third time.

Wat Chedi Laung

2006-05-20T01:37:00.000+07:00

I first visited the temple 5 years ago on my very first trip with Gordon, my partner when he first visited Thailand. It was still as impressive.

2006-05-20T01:36:00.000+07:00

Details of the plaster work in one of the lamp post in Wat Chedi Laung or the temple of the royal chedi.

Dear Lord....

2006-05-20T01:33:00.000+07:00

Teoh making his wish. I was rather pleased to know that Teoh and Patma were buddists as the town was also renowned for its beautiful temples. So far this picture is my favorite of the trip.

Base of Glory

2006-05-20T01:32:00.000+07:00

The golden base of belief which makes Doi Suthep one of the most amazing places in town.

Misty Window of the World

2006-05-20T01:31:00.000+07:00

View from the very view point of Doi Suthep where you were supposed to see the whole township of Chiang Mai.

2006-05-20T01:29:00.000+07:00

The big gong of Doi Suthep

Raise the Red Lanterns

2006-05-20T01:27:00.000+07:00

It would have been better, had we sat by the river itself. The weather in Chiang Mai was rather dull with occasional shower so we sat inside instead.

First Meal Together

2006-05-20T01:26:00.000+07:00

The first two malaysian delegates enjoying thier first dinner in chiang Mai by River Ping.

The Grand Entrance

2006-05-20T01:01:00.000+07:00

Taking about making a grand entrance, can anyone think of anything better this this heh?

2006-05-20T01:00:00.000+07:00

The mask dance, with obvious influence of Burmese culture, was part of the night performance to entertain the STOM participants.

2006-05-20T00:58:00.000+07:00

The STOM delegate leaders were feasted with the local beauty.

Best Supporting Actress goes to......

2006-05-20T00:53:00.000+07:00

As part of our liaison duties, we had to ensure our delegates' popularity were well promoted :P So, we took turn to give our delegates flowers when they performed. Here was Tong, the least good looking liaison (animously agreed by our jealousy!) showed us what to do!!! Hee hee

More than a Boy Band

2006-05-20T00:50:00.000+07:00

Due to many teams of delegates attending the Meeting, those from Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia decided to team up to sing for us (to save time as some were dying to go to the night market already)

Best Caption, Anyone???

2006-05-20T00:47:00.000+07:00

The staff from the Ministry of Transporatation took it easy after their hard working day. And this was behind the buffet line in the function room where we had our dinner. Francis, an orginiser from Ministry of Foreign Affairs succumbed to their authority here.

Dress Up to Kill

2006-05-20T00:44:00.000+07:00

Ju looked her best. She was so fond of malaysian people based on her recent trainning in the country and friendship she had with the local.

2006-05-20T00:40:00.000+07:00

Teoh and Myself...as our rapport grew I called him 'Ade' or younger brother in Malay and he me'P Aom' or sister Aom. It turned out that I was the only liaison with my personal liaison who help dissimenating information to his team and collected whatever I wanted from them too. Talking about good management heh!!

Stunted by Siam Beauty!!!

2006-05-20T00:35:00.000+07:00

Teoh, impressed by the variation Siam beauty, chatted with Jiab, our lady photographer. At the end of the day, he learnt Thai words for darling, you're so beautiful and I miss you so much!!! Ever wonder why he wanted to do so???

Liaison Sisters

2006-05-20T00:32:00.000+07:00

To maximise our time waiting for the meeting to end and our delegates emerged from the meeting room, us liaisons shared gossips! From left to right, Ju the Indonesian delegates liaison, myself and Ae, a civil engineer from Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).

Where Are You Going with this Plate of Cookies Mister?

2006-05-20T00:30:00.000+07:00

The STOM delegates mingled over a big plate of cookies after a very lengthy meeting.

A Visit to the Ancient City of Chiang Mai

2006-05-20T00:24:00.000+07:00

In a very limited free time of the Meeting, I decided to take (or rather forced) my delegates to visit Wieng Khum Kham, the ancient city of Lanna Kingdom before returning to the hotel for dinner. We were lucky to find 2 horse carts still available for a 45 minutes tour of the city. Wieng Khum Kham was the ancient city of Lanna Kingdom (prior to being a part of the Kingdom of Siam) and was very much influence by Burmese civilization as evident in the architectural style here. The tour was rather pleasing and ended with some shower!!!!

2006-05-20T00:23:00.000+07:00

One of the many temples within Wieng Khum Kham.

2006-05-20T00:20:00.000+07:00

Teoh, Kanasan and Patma in front of Wat Phar Khaw or the Temple of White Buddha where the holy relic of Lord Buddha is said to be burried within the big Buddha image. These three gentlemen are buddhist followers too.

2006-05-20T00:19:00.000+07:00

Chedi KuKhum, the highlight of Wieng Khum Kham, the ancient city of Lanna Kingdom before Chiang Mai was built as the new capital.

2006-05-20T00:15:00.000+07:00

One of the 60 Buddha around the Chedi. Legend has it that King MengRai who built the Chedi also built status of Buddha, each to glorify the nobility of his wife. A local joke was that you can make any wish except to have as many wife as him :P

2006-05-20T00:14:00.000+07:00

Singha, the guardian of the Chedi.

2006-05-20T00:13:00.000+07:00

Abi and Radzuan with Chedi KuKhum in the background.

2006-05-20T00:04:00.000+07:00

Ae with Radzuan another young delegate from Malaysia

2006-05-20T00:02:00.000+07:00

Ae, liaison from MRT (Bangkok Subway System), takig the last chance to exercise her charm with the youngest delegate from Malaysia, Teoh Phi Li.

My Tour Members

2006-05-19T23:59:00.000+07:00

The Malaysian Delegates who were impressed with my charm :P

Fitness on Fire

2006-05-06T00:28:00.000+07:00

What a Friday!!! It’s a Coronation public holiday here and I took an advantage of it getting up rather late to ease up the fatigue of running around during the days and too many late nights translating. It didn’t help much as the weather was rather hot and stuffy. Bit of rain didn’t help either. I was again stuck with my translation work of which the original was rather poor written. Not surprisingly,my mood wasn’t on a brighter side.

There came the time for the gym. My PT actually warned me that as we were now half way through our 30-hour training course, it would be tougher…‘programme from hell’ to quote him. Today, he was indeed trainer from hell as he started putting more weight and number of repetitions in each set for me and forced me to finish that bloody training. No more giggle!!!! Being me, I managed to snap back whenever he miscounted my (sweaty and hard) efforts. Seeing me annoyed, he rewarded me with his very cheerful laugh. Man!!!! how I wish to kick his ass! The last triceps and biceps work out was the worse when he asked me to lift 7 kg. for 20 times when I was comfortable with 5 and 15. It was so painful that I stop half way trying to hold back my tears. I swear to myself, I must achieve my goal and will not get this fat again. I can’t imagine losing only 1.5 kg. could be bloody hard work.

What a Small World!!

2006-04-30T00:48:00.000+07:00

After a day of working on my translation and working out in the gym, I had to do my homework to P' Fieng Fah. Since my first lesson was to make roses from Luna Clay, I decided to make a miniature bouquet of roses with a tiny ribbon and heart-shape bow. It wasn't hard to roll up roses but the tiny size made me dizzy :)

2006-04-30T00:45:00.000+07:00

My proud homework to present to P' Fieng Fah, my miniature flower teacher.

Fitness Me

2006-04-19T00:08:00.000+07:00

Shortly before my 34th birthday, I was at the class reunion with some friends from senior high schools. We girls shared so many things in life such as work, relationship, health, travel, interest (sounds like cosmo!!!) . One thing I noticed was that we all matured differently yet we could still learn so much from each other. One thing we had in common was our need to look after ourselves as we have passed the years during which we all worked so hard to be where we comfortably are at the moment with financial independence, confidence and social status. I felt the urge to serious looking after myself too as some friends still look exactly as they were years ago. Casual yoga at weekend seemed inadequate to rid me of the excess 4 kilo I was carrying. There came a call from Fitness First who got my number from another long lost friend. Determined to see some result, I also decided to hire a personal trainner to help me within a period of 3 months in time for my appearance as the MC for the Joint Conference we're having with the Malaysian railway and my trip to New Zealand in August.

Before then I couldn't understand why people enjoy sweating too much but now with weight trainning sessions, yoga, pilates, body balance and lots of weight machines I got hooked. My PT also introduced some boxing movements to help reduce my waistline (it's 2" too many) and I just loved it. Perhaps I should consider taking up boxing later just to experience it :) Boy, the sound of my globes and foot hitting the padded guard was just so sexy and I can't help but told my PT that I loved him for introducing me to this sort of fun and also letting me box and kick as hard and as much as I like too.

Shall get a picture of him and show you all.....

The Amazing Lady

2006-04-17T21:54:00.000+07:00

When my new divisional boss learnt of my intersting in handicraft, particulary in flower making, she promised to introduce me to a senior friend of her who are in fact a master of such thing. We managed to visit her one sunday and I was truely amazed by this lady. In her 80s, she appeared very healthy and in good spirit. I called her auntie but she asked me to call her sister so that we could identify with each other better! I also learnt that she was the first Thai lady who graduated in yoga from India and was teaching it for many years. She also ran the very first spa of Thailand and that was half a century ago. At first, I expected to learn the art of flower making, french technique, but found that she was a talented painter and many many more. I could spend years learning many artistic skills from her, it seemed. To be honest I really wish I could age as well as she does. Shall keep you guys posted of my progress with her indeed.

2006-04-17T21:49:00.000+07:00

The smilling face of Khun Feaung Fah, who asked me to call her sister instead of auntie.

2006-04-17T21:48:00.000+07:00

Some miniature flowers make from Japanese Luna Clay. They are actually hand made. She said she learnt it in France and one could actually see the trace of french influence.

2006-04-17T21:47:00.000+07:00

Her latest interpretion of Sai Yok water fall, one of the famous water falls in Thailand. She painted this one just couple of weeks ago.

2006-04-17T21:45:00.000+07:00

As my skills for making Cattleya is praised, I was impressed with her representation of the same flowers.

2006-04-17T21:43:00.000+07:00

Isn't she talented and amazing.

2006-04-17T21:42:00.000+07:00

I love the golden oil colour she used to brighten up the overall hue of the picture.

2006-04-17T21:41:00.000+07:00

Capri Island in Italy as recorded in her memory.

2006-04-17T21:40:00.000+07:00

This oil painting of roses with 3 dimensional effect actually captured my interest and I truely I could, one day, produce something of the kind too.

2006-04-17T21:38:00.000+07:00

Don't know the name of these flower but her work is very impressive indeed.