Thursday, December 31

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

To describe the year is an understatement as there are hundreds and millions of inner turmoil that paved the way to a very unhealthy me. Financial loses, my father's demise, sibling separation, and friends wayward, how could I possibly start when all I hope for is an end.  So goodbye to 2015 what with all its miseries and conflicts, its debacles and challenges, its turmoil and altercations. 


A loud reverberating sound from a Buddhist gong signifies start and end
so I then conclude 2015 and embrace 2016.

And hello to 2016 what with its new challenges and unknown gifts.  May this year be a year of love and peace among men.  We welcome all that is good and all that will make our lives better and stronger. 

Happy New Year!  

Tuesday, December 29

Words of Appreciation

How I wish everyday is the Christmas Season so that I get to hear nice comments from the parents of my students.  But I am not going to complain because I do hear them from children everyday.

I am honoured once again to receive a card and signed by all the parents in my class.  This is a first, as this has all comments and well wishes from each parent. 

Allow me to share-







You are the most amazing teacher! We appreciate everything you do! - Boudreaux family

We feel very fortunate that you are Nara's teacher two years in a row. Thanks so much for everything. - Brenden family

Teacher Jonathan, you light up the kids' life! - Udagawa family

We are so grateful to have a wonderful teacher. - Pubudumuni family

Thanks for everything! - Phisuthikul family

You have no idea how much we feel lucky that Chris have you as his teacher for two years. I cannot say thank you enough for all the care you have given to my child. I don't have enough space to explain my gratitude as you can see. - Lertsmithivanta family

Thanks for everything you teach the kids. - Wignum family

We are so grateful to have such a wonderful teacher for these kids.
Trahan family

Thank you for being a best friend to David. We are very happy to see him happy at school. -  Hong family

Thank you so much for everything you have done for Bin. - Huong family

Keep up the great job! The students love your magic. -Williamson family

And aside from a wonderful card and a flowering plant also comes something special.  What wonderful families and thank you. 

Have a great year everyone! 

Saturday, December 26

Gold Garden

This is eight in the morning.
After Buriram,  I finally reached my last destination.  I had been to Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima numerous times and had always stayed at Wang Nam Khiao.  For one, the place is beautiful and the climate is fab!  It was 21 degrees when I was there.  Fog enveloped the roads in the morning when I went to Gold Garden, a new attraction in Wang Nam Khiao.

As a garden enthusiast and a lover of nature, Gold Garden was heaven.  From the flowering plants arranged in spirals complete with a windmill to the vegetable garden robust and green, I was floating!

Colourful candy seats for resting.



The flowers of rainbow colours.



A pergola with a bounty of white gourd.



Some fresh vegetables for 'picking'.



The beauty and the beast.


Some photo ops for Facebook!
I will be back, I will be back!  The best thing about Thailand is that they never run out of things to build and re-create for locals and foreign tourists to visit over and over again.  Good job for Thailand!

Thursday, December 24

The Happy Prince

Illustrated by Walter Crane
The Happy Prince book is teaching me kindness in many levels.  As the prince who is now a statue felt the need to help the poor, he commissioned a swallow to do the job for him.  First, he gave away the ruby on his sword then sacrificing his two sapphire eyes and lastly, scraping all the gold embellished on his body. All these were done to help a woman with a sick child, a writer who is hungry, and a girl who was being punished for not able to bring money back home. 

I am no Happy Prince and have nothing of what he had.  And this Christmas, all those messages of sharing and giving are nothing if they are but mere words with no actions.  The story reminds me to show it and share something of what I have, and to put them to work.


I have no time for many things but I have countless thoughtful insights about each person I meet and see.  They are kept in my mind and heart and will be written in different pieces come next year.


I have no money to buy presents to share but with my meager savings, I will put a smile to those who are dearest to me with small tokens of my appreciation for their support and help this year.  


I have no promises to others but I have the temerity and heart to extend my thanks with a smile and a hug once we meet again. For such companionship is enhanced by physical gestures of warmth, not only in words but also in actions. 


I have nothing much but believe me when I say that loyalty paves a stronghold in my relationship with people.  As long as I feel them as solidly genuine, I can become their truest friend. 



Merry Christmas everyone!

Monday, December 21

A Short Trip to Buriram


After a short stay in the province of Sisaket, another hundreds of kilometres again was traveled and this time, to the province of Buriram.  I ended in the southern part and visited the famous Prasat Hin Phanom Rung.

The path leading to the temple was not hard to reach but the stones were uneven so it was quite a challenge for those who were wearing slippers.  It was a long way to go, climbing up some short stairs and then a steep one. 

Grand entrance steps and my fave pic for this trip!

There were many locals visiting the site and aplenty of selfies and photo ops were seen. It was difficult to photograph the entire facade because of the people but I got one where a monk was about to enter the grounds. 





The Phanom Rung temple complex is the largest and best-restored Khmer monument in Thailand.  It took 17 years to complete the restoration. (lonelyplanet.com) With only twenty minutes of climbing and I was already panting, I ended seeing only half of the complex.



And because I was so tired, I was clicking away without even knowing what I was taking photos of.  All I see were ruins and same as my health, ruined! Time for restoration!




This was a former library called Banalai where religious documents were kept. This Banalai was built in the beginning of 12th century A.D. in Bayon style by the last King Jayavaraman VII of Cambodia.

Remnants of the library


No place is ever grand when there are no trees but this Khmer site is filled with large trees well-taken care through time.  The grass alone is so green and it looks like a carpeted floor leading to the majestic temple of Phanom Rung. Magnificent!


Saturday, December 19

Off to Sisaket!

Bike for Dad along Highway 24
It was surprising to learn that we will have a Friday off because of the BIke For Dad event organized in Thailand where people get to ride their bicycle and tour the cities in honour of the King's birthday. And because I have no bike, I decided to leave the city and went hundreds of kilometres away from Bangkok to escape boredom in a car. 


And as I had been most province in the North and West, I decided to try going Northeast.  When I do travel, I make it a point to just eat noodles because they are not so heavy in the stomach. But this time, it was different because the restaurant I ended visiting served two of my fave dishes, Som Tam (papaya salad) and chicken, eaten with sticky rice. 



Fried Duck Beaks
Chicken, Som Tam and Sticky Rice




I managed to eat all of the salad and had a taste of the duck's beak.  I wasn't sure which part of the beak I am supposed to eat so I asked.












I arrived the province of Sisaket after a long nine hours ride and though I wanted to stay at the national park, all bungalows were occupied.  Found a home stay where I was immediately devoured by allergies because of the diversity of smell surrounding me.


Some of the beauties I saw during stop-overs.


As the room was right in front of a restaurant, the many spices and dried food displayed struggled violently with the smell of the room and the bathroom giving me a non stopped encounter with the box of tissues.  My allergy meds didn't work till I went to bed. At 4:48 am, I was awakened by the barking dog then at 5:07, the roosters started crowing.  It was a cacophony of sounds worthy of a kill. Argh!!!!

I had coffee and left the place to finally take a trip to Khao Phra Viharn National Park. It was a worthy visit for the mountainous region gave me a glimpse of the neighbouring country Cambodia. I specifically wanted to see Prasart Khao Phra Vihan but the park gave no permission for us to cross over. This sanctuary once belonged to Thailand but after a ruling, the sanctuary belongs to Cambodia until now.  I stood right where the mountainous borders of both countries visibly surrounded by armed soldiers. I could see the Wat or temple from a distance using powerful binoculars provided within the premises. 


Prasart Khao Phra Vihan from a distance

Barb wires, hideouts, Bas relief sculptures and stick art
surround the area.

From near and far, a beauty to behold.

Tiring yet fulfilling and lucky that I get to see another part of the country in a very, short time. Time to visit another one!

Thursday, December 17

A Night Before Christmas

It was after dinner when all the family members were seated in the living room watching a television show.  It wasn't as interesting so the father suggested of playing cards.  The four members of the family played with gusto and they were laughing together as jokes were shared.

The other two members were quietly playing with their toys at the side since they were still young.  Aged four and eight at that time, both were not oblivious to the noises coming from the card players.

Then all of a sudden and out of nowhere came a big crashing sound.  It was coming from the back of the house.  All stood up and rushed down the stairs fearing the life of the only dog they had at that time.


courtesy of www.cockeyed.com

The entire wooden fence was smashed and fallen.  
A small truck came to a halt when it banged into the fence of the house.  Apologetic in tone and humble in demeanour, the driver came out unscathed and spoke profusely, that all will be paid for, damages and inconvenience.





When they all went back to the living room, the face of relief can be seen on the father's face.  It wasn't because the fence will be fixed in no time nor the man was kind enough to offer assistance.  It was because the family had no money and the monetary offer of the truck company was more than enough to have the fence fixed thus some money left for Christmas eve.

It will be Christmas soon and the father was more worried of how he could provide a good meal to celebrate the coming holiday. It will also be his wife's birthday and the thought of having nothing to offer was giving him much stress.

The fence was mended and the problem was solved.  It wasn't as hearty as past years' celebrations but still it became a joyous and a very memorable one, filled with humour and a story that can be told over and over again!

Monday, December 14

The Swing

The neglected part of my garden is the swing where a lot of precious memories are stored.  It is neglected because it had rusted from the rain and the wind. But, it is where I got to know and loved a dear friend.  Though we had parted ways for unknown reasons, I kept him in my heart.

We are two different individuals and our ways are opposites.  While I am a homebody, he is the one who wanted to be away all the time.  Any holidays are meant for traveling.  He was the one who brought me to Khao Yai where we met other foreigners for a jungle trek. It was that time when one of my runners opened up and I was literally limping dragging that opened sole until I found a store and bought a new pair of sneakers. And then to Samut Songkram where we rode a boat silently gliding into the waters to see the spectacular fireflies nestled among trees and where it was my first time to experience home stay with a local family.

I had the chance to visit him in his university where one day, he prepared a bountiful feast for a picnic near the river.  That was probably one of the sweetest thing a friend had done to me.  There was also the once a month movie watching as he is a film buff.  After the movie, I see myself sitting at the pavement opposite the theatre watching people passed by.  Whiling away time, the conversations were of depth and humorous, ending only because it was already past two in the morning.

Our initial meet was when a common friend organized a dinner as he just arrived from Canada.  I was seated beside him and during the course of conversation found out that he was also stationed in Thailand.  Lo and behold, our trip back to Bangkok was on the same day so we met at the airport and chatted inside the plane for more than three hours non-stop.  I bet the people behind and beside us were annoyed with our chuckles, laughter, and noise.  It was one happy ride, knowing I am the over dramatic passenger where throwing up in the lavatory or a sickness bag is a normality.

When we initially parted ways for some reasons, we didn't see each other until one coincidence.  I was walking along a mall in Makati in one of my visits to the Philippines when all of a sudden, a familiar face was walking towards my direction.  We stopped, looked at each other, laughed and hugged for some minutes.  It was tight, dismissing the fact that we were in an overcrowded mall. We were probably being looked with envy or derision. 

Then in another fateful day, we met for my birthday and unknowingly, will be our last meet.  It was a very heartwarming and honest conversation.  To quote him, " I decided to let go of people that are of no use to me anymore this coming year, closing my doors to them and cutting off ties as it is time consuming." To which I reply with, "I guess you already made a choice."

After that ominous night of revelation, it was time to walk away and never look back.

Tuesday, December 8

Quote Relevant

He constructed fiction that became a facade for his inner turmoil.

from readers' perspectives, they see my postings 
as something of life's awareness and awakenings, 
that the strength of words used 
scaffolds the meanings of one's existence, 
of volatility, of exuberance, of sheer joy.

from people who clicked without leaving 
any footprints at its doorsteps, their mere presence 
juxtaposed the willingness to get in 
but with reservations or apprehensions, that such readings 
could possibly be intimidating in meaning or trapped in boring compositions.

from those who seems to care, whether they leave a mark or unconsciously 
render their presence, their understanding of the metaphorical insinuations 
and thoughts clouded by a collage of photographs may do an 
impression of my well-being at the moment, my whereabouts, 
and my line of thoughts.

my stories are webbed in truth, pursuits and actions, 
that some dreams had been halted by pressing circumstances, 
that some notes were fogged by convolution of words as 
to hide their truthfulness, that some were not embellished by extravagance 
but by experiences through the passing of time.

i fill in an empty can of life with stories to share, 
that some might learn, that others may recognize 
as opportunities for reflections, 
that one may decipher the true value of my words, 
that of an inner turmoil throughout.

it's an ongoing saga of downfalls and unsuccessful leadings, 
of sadness covered in honey, of loneliness trapped, 
that of smiles and joyful words enveloped in mist, 
in smoke, in heavy air of chaos, where the face is bright 
and the departure time drawing nigh. 

Tuesday, December 1

Worth Waiting For

All my past Sundays were either spent on bed nurturing vertigo or trips to the hospital for check ups so this week, my Sunday was indeed ordinary since I was in the garden for a change.  I water the garden at night and I do not really see the condition of each and every potted plant as it was quite dark.  Besides, I am dead tired every night that what is left of my remaining strength is used for holding a hose and watering them down. That is gardening 101 for me.



hatched and unhatched eggs
I was busy pruning, repotting, and adding soil when I noticed my beautiful climber which once graced the corner of the pond with magnificent drapes of flowers pestered with insects. I was crestfallen to see such state but on further inspection, the climber alone is an authentic example of life cycle in action.  



chrysalis


Nestled among its leaves are eggs, chrysalis and caterpillars.  It was a sight to behold.  I remembered leaving a certain tree in my house for this purpose and while they are standing side by side, both plants helped the healthy growth of these little critters.  








caterpillar

I let them be.  

As I always wanted something pretty to look at, there will come a time that the flowering climber will shed its beauty and be home for other insects. After some time, it will become vivid again in its colour. The changing weather will bring forth its lovely and welcoming flowers.  For now, I only have to wait.

Life throws us lemons and I will make lemonades with them.  My current situation is not healthy and toxic, yet I will make each day something worth waiting for

Friday, November 27

Most Valued

The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie de Paola

The Legend of the Bluebonnet is currently my assigned book for this week among my tutorial students.  It talks about a girl named She-Who-Is-Alone who loved her most valued possession of a doll.  The doll was the only reminder of her past and of her family, like a shadow, from the distant past. 





There was no rain so the parched lands had brought famine and drought to the People called Comanche.  When they summoned the Great Spirits, they were told that a sacrifice was needed.  That sacrifice was to offer their most valued possessions.   When a sacrifice is made, the drought and famine will cease and life will be restored to the Earth and to the People.

Sacrificing her most valued possession


While the rest of the People were debating whether to give a new bow or a special blanket for burning. She-Who-Is-Alone went up the hill, burned her special doll and scattered the ashes to the four points of the Earth.  Miraculously when the girl woke up, the whole land where the scattered ashes had fallen had turned into a field of blue flowers.  This became a sign of forgiveness from the Great Spirits. 




As I grow older, the material gains diminish its value compared to the more abstract things in life.  The images of friendships, love, forgiveness, empathy and gratitude comes into mind.  Of most valued would be my ongoing relationship with the people around me be it from work, from blogging, or from my friends around the globe.  Of most prayed would be love, not for myself but for all. Of most asked would be forgiveness from all the things I have done to others and to those who had done me wrong.  Of most practised would be empathy to model to others a more open heart towards many social issues. Of most shared is thankfulness, of gratitude, to those who have been with me throughout and to all the blessings in life. 

This Christmas, make a difference.  

When it is difficult to forget, we could probably forgive.  

When it is difficult to laugh, we could probably smile. 

When it is difficult to move on, we could probably do our first step. 

When it is difficult to find love, nurture friendship.  

When it is difficult to have peace, offer a prayer. 

When it is difficult to live, stop and see in your heart why you are still alive. 

Have a lovely weekend!

Sunday, November 22

What a Day-saster!

I had a health check up in a hospital that I frequent and what a day! I believe in being on time because it is an impression that people will have of you so I was there at 8. After all the necessary documentations and lah lah lah, I was asked to have my blood taken.  While waiting, a group of four people came ten minutes after me and guess what happened next. They were called in first!

Knowing me when I am the epitome in school on how people should never cut lines, I was furious.  So the test for my high blood pressure skyrocketed and the nurse was asking me if this was ordinary.  Yeah Miss! Wanna rub it in? Then because of my splitting headache, I couldn't read any of the numbers on the board.  I was able to read the number 5 as it was projected on the screen about three inches big.


Then I heard the names called for x ray examination and I was in the middle pile, after two persons. When we proceeded to the exam room,  I was called last again. God knows how difficult it was for them to pronounce my name, JO- NHUH-THUN!


I was so pissed that I went to the International Relations Services for translations and complaints.  After some breathing exercises in front of a beautiful lady who speaks English, I decided to have their 'free' healthy meal before going on my next hurdles.  There were no seats available, no spoons and appalling breakfast of cereal and milk of which I have an intolerance to. I wonder if I could actually mix my coffee or tea with my finger and sue them for burn.


I left the hospital and devoured on McDo breakfast meal of Sausage McMuffin with egg plus coffee. Heavenly grease and arteries clogging combination for stroke and Alzheimer. Phew! Another trip to a hospital in the future.


As they needed a urine analysis, they gave me a plastic bottle to fill. I could have filled the small bottle with beer as my urine sample so as I be labelled alcoholic. So after filling it with my very own liquid waste, off for my eye and dental exams.  I hope they both check my eyes because it says, eye exam.


While waiting for my name to be called, I received a call from the same hospital asking my whereabouts.  I told the person on the other line that I was on the third floor, just two floors below where I was earlier.  Then I was told I will never be called because I do not have the correct papers with me, what the 'pack'! If the translator didn't follow me, I will be typing this in the hospital because I ended staying there for a night.


The results of the tests were scheduled at one in the afternoon and of course as it was a day-saster day, the doctor came in late and I was finally called at 2:10. Some more checks from Dr. Tardy and the verdict: normal with everything except for less intake of carbohydrates and sweets.


Sigh, after my most memorable Sunday escapade at the hospital, I went to the nearest mall and bought jellies, bread with mayo and pork floss, and roast pork with butter bread. Yum! Did I say I listened?


'Pack' this Benign Positional Vertigo I am experiencing!


P.S. The kind lady was named Fah and she helped me throughout. Fah is literally translated as heaven and she was angel sent. I gave her a bar of dark chocolate as a token of appreciation. 

Friday, November 20

Three Christmases

Christmas is a season of joy for many but I know of some people who find this holiday of cheers a normal, regular day for them.  Not for me!  Though I stopped decorating the house like I used to, blame it to my laziness to put them away later, I still find some time to put a few.

I don't usually walk inside malls as I have no intention of doing any shopping. However, the festivities inside the malls are the first indication that Christmas is arriving.  I don't hear any jingle bells or sleigh ride songs as this is predominantly a Buddhist country but mind you, come December, the air will be filled with the holiday songs.

This Christmas, I took time to re-read the story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and thought of writing a blog post about Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.  They wouldn't be in any way a written post about regrets, aspirations and goals or even ghosts, but merely a summary of my Christmas in three time periods.

Since we were never rich, I get my Christmas presents from two people every year when I was young.  My aunt would usually give us a present each, shipped from her hometown that we get to open on the eve of Christmas.  A godmother from abroad would send me a small package during this special holiday and I often get toys from her. We would have a small gathering of sort at home with family members and relatives to celebrate the holiday as well as my mum's birthday which also falls on the 25th. This was Christmas Past.


I celebrate Christmas by putting up small decors without the big tree.  I stay home during the break as there is nothing much to do. I believe that a visit to the church and temple suffice the celebration I intend to do.  I don't even go out for dinner or get-togethers as most of the families I know are also away for the holidays.  I have not been going 'home' since my mum's demise.  This is Christmas present. 



I will probably be the recluse though not the scrooge for the next 'few' Christmases I will be experiencing.  No celebrations of grandeur will ever replace the joy of family get togethers and filial relations of Christmas Past.  It will then be a more quiet and subtle way of celebrating at home, and in my heart. This will be Christmas Yet to Come.

Though I long for Christmas Past, it can never come back but the vibrant and vivid memories linger throughout.  Though I don't see Christmas Present as joyous, I still find solace in the peacefulness it brings to men's hearts and mine. Though I still have to see Christmas Future, it wouldn't be bleak because it is my most awaited time of the year, thus I still get excited. 

All then is to be merry and bright this coming Christmas holidays.  For now, happy weekend!

Friday, November 13

People Focus Three: Josefina

Little are the things I know about my mum's childhood.  Growing up in a big family of four sisters and one brother, she was the second child in the brood.  My only recollection was that they were from Gapan, Nueva Ecija and that I visited the place thrice in my lifetime.  I do not even have much information about her relatives or closest friends. 

My mum did not have a chance to finish schooling. Her high school stint was enough as education I supposed, was not a big priority in the family.  All I knew was that she worked at an early age and started her career as a singer. She used to sing, along with her sisters, in many different functions until she began a career performing at clubs and radio stations.

My grandmum would always tell me that among her children, it was my mum who will always take home the best presents, the most enviable baskets of goodies, for she isn't just pretty but a good singer as well.

Josie, as she was fondly called by others, was my first teacher. My fondest recollection was when she taught me how to draw a cockroach.  It was very easy and from that sketch came a hundred more drawings from me. She was a quiet person and my dad, being aristocratic and Chinese, had the voice that all had to listen.  There were bouts of disagreements and I had been a witness to many altercations.  One day, I refused to listen and obey my dad because he wanted me to buy a bottle of acid water.  I knew what he was planning to do.  I ran away in fear and disgust!

My mum's favourite desserts would be ice cream and soda.  That lethal combination made her vulnerable to diabetes.  It wasn't bad in the beginning but after so many years, it made her a regular visitor at the nearby hospital.

Even with her condition, she was always alongside my dad in taking care of their business.  Whenever I am in Manila for a visit, I would see her seated inside the store with weary eyes and a sad demeanour in her.  She was like locked up in a cage, a veritable cell of patterned existence.  There wasn't much joy in her words nor any sense of fulfillment to utter.

She suffered a stroke on her birthday and she was confined in the hospital where I got to bond with her.  I was visiting that year and it was a week long Christmas holiday in the hospital for me and my mum.  It was mostly laughter that filled the room and never did we talk about depressing things.  Not knowing it will be her last birthday and Christmas, we made those seven days fruitful with words of wisdom and reminiscing.

When I received the news of her demise, I was the most sullen person enveloped with grief.  I couldn't talk because I was just in tears.  I arrived Manila the next day and immediately went to the wake.  When the priest asked for her relatives to bless her with the holy water, I succumbed to tears once again.

But the real awakening was when she was finally buried and I was filled with emotions.  It was mostly regrets, for being away for a very long time.  After some time though, I made some closures and I am more at peace to myself.

As in every mothers around the world, my mum is the epitome of calmness and love.  She may not be well educated but I made that lack of education on her part to fill mine.

Sunday, November 8

On Needs and Wants

When I was young, I am fond of collecting TEX cards though I didn't get a chance to trade them with my neighbours.  It was something I kept just to have something in my treasure box.  

We were never rich and since I am also not so lucky to be blessed with presents, I had this fascination with toy trains. I asked my father if he could get me one but to no avail.  I asked my aunt, who is also my godmother,  but she doesn't have any money to buy me that expensive toy.


When I was in the university,  I was fascinated by the sound of the piano and when I hear people playing it, I wanted to learn it as well. My cousin had a piano in their house and so in my spare time, I would ask my aunt if I could use their piano to practise some music pieces. My cousins loathed my presence in their house and I knew how much they despise me from using the instrument. So after some sessions, I surrendered since I am more onion- skinned than thick-skinned. 


I left the country because I wanted to buy myself things that I cannot have. After some years, I actually rented a piano for two years and I gave myself the opportunity to learn some musical pieces on my own.  I also bought three sets of trains with rails that goes up and down, fancier than ever.


From my own earnings, I got myself a number of material things.  
I was able to furnished my own pad with custom made furnitures and expensive decors.  I was able to send money home to help out.  I purchased a car, got myself a motorbike, and built a garden worth enjoying. I went on trips locally and internationally without any support from anyone.  

In my life there were more wants than needs, I wanted these and I wanted those.  I did not have the luxury to buy expensive things when I was young.  My being a teacher is not a passport to accumulating wealth.  My being all giving and stupid to requests made me vulnerable to failure.  


For now, I look at my immediate needs and that would be a comfortable home, food on the table, money for emergencies, and an innate desire to live a peaceful and comfortable life.  No more trains, no more expensive appliances and decors, no more long trips and unwanted ones.  I am an awakened person. The attraction of having more and more is a thing of the past.  The need to supply the needs is most pertinent.  

Thursday, November 5

Choice of the Day

It only took four months for me to visit Kanchanaburi again.  I was actually in Sangkla Buri but I couldn't find any accomodation because it was a Thai holiday. I was on the road for 12 hours going and then returning back just beacuse I needed a place to rest for the night.  It was nine in the evening and the road along the mountainside was pitch dark.  It was a nightmare travelling to a destination that you are unsure of and cannot see.

It was so good to finally see some lights and as we were about to give up, we finally reached our destination called Ban Phasawan Resort.  I do not really care where I will be settled for the night as I was indeed so tired from the journey.

The morning was different because I could still hear the water from the nearby river of the hut where I was staying.  The water lilies that adourned the top of the water was picture perfect so was also the surrounding area of the resort.

This was one of my featured resort in June when I visited Thong Pha Pum.  I saw this resort from a distance but now, I am inside. There were fruits and vegetables all over.

Pick your choice.


Kung mahilig ka sa amoy, dito ka!

Kung malabo mata mo, kailangan mo ito!

Kung mahilig kang dumura, dito ka!

Kung "mahilig" ka naman, dito ka!

Kung mayaman ka, dito ka bagay!

Kung gusto mo ng kiliti, eto ang sa yo!

Kung medyo may edad ka na, in na in!

Kung feeling foreigner ka, dito ka nararapat!

Kung makati ka naman, dito ka.

Kung ikaw si Malakas, nandiyan si Maganda!

Kung masakit kang magsalita, bagay sa iyo ito.

Kung babae ka, dito ka na!

Monday, November 2

Sangkhla Buri for the Second Time

A grueling seven hours ride just to see the famous Mon Bridge... again.  The bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand and was built for mobility purposes between the people of Sangkhla Buri and the Mon Villagers.  Cars and trucks were no longer allowed to pass but the bridge still ranks as a famous place to visit for photo opportunities, sunset and sunrise, as well as for bathing.

Mon Bridge Entrance
No entrance fee was asked but there were donation boxes at each end of the bridge. There were also some photographers willing to take your photo and frame it for a fee. 

A bridge made entirely of wood.

Longest walking bridge ever!
There were a lot of people since it was a Thai holiday when I was there.  The first time I went  was a weekday and it was almost empty. 


The temporary bridge at 450 metres.
The second bridge that runs parallel to the upper one was built to enable locals and visitors to cross the river. It was intended as a temporary bridge after the original bridge was washed away by a storm. 

Throngs of Local Tourists
More than 500 residents spent six days building the floating bridge after the collapse of the Mon one.  Expected to be done in two to three weeks, the people of the two villages, Thai and ethnic Mon people, showed they were a united community and finished the job in record time. 

Swimmers!

High Jumpers!



Picture Perfect! 

Will I go back for the third time?  

Yes, I will! 

Probably a refreshing swim is what I need.