Experiencing Siam Niramit

I've always been a fan of cultural shows. Even during my school years when we were required to watch one, there was always this anticipation in me. Now that I have been living in Thailand for 2 years, I thought its high time for me to see for myself one of the spectacular performance of Thai Culture and Heritage - the Siam Niramit Show.

The ticket price differs with the kind of seats that are chosen and if  buffet dinner is included. The prices ranged from 1,500 - 2,250 THB (43 - 65USD). Hotel pick up is also an option with an additional fee of 300 THB (9 USD) per person. Last August, me and a friend experienced it for the first time and chose the silver seats with buffet dinner. We did not opt for the hotel pick up as we chose to get there by motorbike.

Upon arriving, we had our passes presented at the counter and in turn, a sticker was placed on each of our shirts. We then went straight to the buffet area. Along the way, we saw some souvenir and gift shops. The great dining hall was located at the second floor of the first building. There were rows and rows of food. From Chinese to Japanese to Thai food. There was really a great variety to choose from.

Me and my friend talked a lot while digging in to our plates. For 2 hours and almost 4 plates of food and desserts later, we decided it was time to get out of the place and venture into the pre-show attraction. This included Elephant War Parade, Outdoor Dance performances, Fountain Light and Laser Show and Thai boxing.

When it was almost time for the show, all of us were asked to proceed to another hall where the main show is held. Before going in, we were asked to deposit our cameras at the counter. It didn't take long before the show started. I prayed that the show won't make me feel bored. I was very entertained and didn't seem to notice that an hour has passed by even though the whole act did not have an intermission.

image taken from www.orientalescape.com

We were amazed that the backdrops were changed frequently as well as the whole stage props. There was also a scene where the rain fell and the performer jumped into a pool of water which we didn't notice was there. The performers would come from either sides of the stage and sometimes would come from the audience entrance and walk towards the stage. There were also a couple of times that they had asked viewers to participate.

It was an enchanting night and I never regret my decision to try and experience what Siam Niramit was about. I definitely would recommend to anyone who wants to get a glimpse of Thailand's culture in a theatrical and informative way. In the future I would also like to experience another show called Phuket Fantasea as well.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Without You by Oh Wonder

I wasn't always into mellow songs. I preferred rnb and soft rock genres. Just only recently when a friend showed me a video that she and her husband made which featured the song Without You by Oh Wonder. It didn't take a long time for me to fall in love with the song and with the group. I played it on repeat for days. I was even luckier to have met a new friend who also loved the same song and made it as background music for one of his scuba diving videos.

So, this is the song on my playlist now. Enjoy!

"Without You"

Step out into the sun
Skies above they radiate me
Lift up, carry the love
Do you know?

That I've been out of my mind
This slow life I'm waiting for you
To swing me all of your line
Do you know?

Since I've been walking solo
Dreaming you were back home
I find getting down low
Hide until tomorrow

Come back into the good life
Lose these hazy love lies
I've been chasing my mind
Lonely in the cold nights

Cause I'm kicking up stones without you
Can't pick up the phone without you
I'm a little bit lost without you
Without you

And I'm digging down holes without you
Can't be on my own without you
I'm a little bit lost without you
Without you

Step out into the dark
Where were you when I was trying
To lift up, carry the love
Do you know?

That I've been closing my eyes
Love me slow, hallucinating
Swinging me all of your light
Do you know?

Since I've been walking solo
Dreaming you were back home
I find getting down low
Hide until tomorrow

Come back into the good life
Lose these hazy love lies
I've been chasing my mind
Lonely in the cold nights

Cause I'm kicking up stones without you
Can't pick up the phone without you
I'm a little bit lost without you
Without you

And I'm digging down holes without you
Can't be on my own without you
I'm a little bit lost without you
Without you

Hold me close when it's over
Life goes slow loving sober
Feel my bones getting older
Sadness grows when you're cold

Gastronomic treats in South Korea

I'm not a foodie type of person but I became something like it during our trip to South Korea.  All of us were so happy to eat warm food which provided comfort from the cold weather outside. I didn't enjoy cooking my food in front of me before. I prefer sitting in a restaurant and being served with prepared food. But there is something that comes out from grilling or heating the food in front of us. We were able to talk of the day's events and enjoy the food while it is warm. I may have forgotten the names of each dish but when I look at the photos, I can fondly remember those precious moments.

Our meals were never without kimchi and these 3 other delicious side dishes. I've grown to love kimchi since then.

I loved every meal and that is why I am full almost every after one. 

Our tour guides were more than happy to teach us how to prepare and eat the food. So, for this dish we had to put the pork and some side dishes inside this cabbage leaf and then we had to fold it before eating. It was so delightful!

Most of the group didn't like this dish because it was not that challenging to the palate (read: not spicy). Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the noodles and the whole dish itself.

We were amazed to see this mushroom looking like it was grown straight out from this glass. 

Our tour guide then cut through its stems and had the mushrooms fall into the heated pan together with the other ingredients.

This barbecue buffet was very satisfying. There were a lot of different and tasty marinades to choose from. 

Aside from meals, we also were able to grab some snacks along the way. This was a fish formed pastry with red bean inside. I'm not a fan of red bean but it was not so bad.

Our guide told us this was a famous drink in South Korea. I loved it, too! This had a smooth melon taste.

I've always loved Thailand's Roti or pancake and I was so happy to know that South Korea has its own version. It does not look like the flat pancake that Thailand has but it still tastes good.

Another different thing about their pancake is that it has cereals on it. It adds to the crunch while eating the whole thing. 

I know these are just but a few of the good eats that can be found in South Korea. I cannot wait to go back and explore and eat more. Hopefully in the near future. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

South Korea Trip- Day 4

The first thing we did on our last day in Korea was visit an Amethyst store. There were a lot of lovely necklaces, rings and bracelets for sale but since I'm not quite into fancy things, I bought nothing. :P

After lunch, we were able to see the Blue House on the way. It is the executive office and official residence of the South Korean Head of State, the President of the Republic of Korea. 

We were headed to Geongbokgung Palace. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace, according to Wikipedia, is the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and was built in 1395. There were a lot of tourists as well as Koreans who were dressed with their traditional clothes. They were a lovely sight.

Of course, the group has to have a photo before dispersing to explore the place.

Sadly, this is the first and last palace that is on our itinerary. There are other palaces in Seoul but maybe I can visit those if ever given the chance to visit South Korea again.

I'm really amazed of the different buildings in the palace complex. Distinct and unique Korean architecture all around me. 

This building in the middle of this lake is a very pleasant sight. There were cherry blossom petals that would fall from time to time. Quite magical, I would say.

Cute Korean family having their photo taken. What a charming sight! Everything here is picturesque.

Wincee couldn't help to have a photo with one Korean who was in a beautiful Hanbok. She was very pretty and graciously accepted our request.

Down the pathway was a huge cherry blossom. A lot of people were crowding around it because there were a lot of petals falling. It was amazing. And because this would be the last day we can see these lovely trees, we took a lot of photos. 

Time ran so fast and we were asked to come back to the bus. I can't stop admiring the place. It was my happiest memory in Seoul. Everything there was picture perfect.

Afterwards, we went to a supermarket to do our last minute grocery/ shopping and then headed to Incheon International Airport to catch our flight back to Bangkok. The fourth day was as memorable as the first. I feel very blessed to have been given the chance to travel with hospital staff and friends. I really miss South Korea and it will definitely still be on my list of travel.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

I Believe in You

I've always loved Michael Buble and his songs. I remembered when I was hooked listening to the song entitled My Everything and had it played on my phone every day. Now, I've come across his new song in his new album and I liked the beat and the lyrics right away. So, here's a new one on my playlist - I Believe in You by Michael Buble.

South Korea Trip - Day 3

We woke up to a another cold weather for our day 3 in South Korea. We were now in Seoul and our activity for the first half of the day was to visit a Duty Free Shop, Ginseng Shop, and a Jewellery Store.

One of the buses parked is our tour bus. We still can't get enough of the cherry blossom trees lining up the streets. 

For lunch, we headed to Myeongdong wherein we had a very delicious and heavy Barbecue Buffet. 

Our usual table mates in their cute mother and son shirts. :)

We were given around 2 hours to walk around Myeongdong. There were a lot of stores selling food, clothes and souvenirs. It is one of Seoul's main shopping and tourism district. We caught a few cute photos while walking around.

The street is also famous for having performers who practice and showcase their dancing skills. In this cold weather (that we're not used to), they are not as wrapped up as we were in our coats.

The rest of our afternoon was spent at shopping at a bigger Duty Free shop. It was a good exercise for slight shopaholics like us. We were able to buy the things that our friends asked us to buy and other gifts as well. Periodically, we would go out of the mall to walk in the streets and take more photos. 

After shopping and wonderful dinner, we went to N Seoul Tower. There were a lot of people who were also walking towards the tower through this walkway with lovely trees.

But before the trekking begins, we had to have a photo to capture the happy moment. 

I so love this photo with the tower looming up ahead behind those trees. I can feel the anticipation of seeing the tower for the first time. It's like seeing it but not seeing it clearly. 

Finally seeing the tower up front. Too bad it was very foggy because of the cold weather. We were not recommended to go up to the viewing deck. Despite this, we were happy to look around.

Love locks at the side of the tower. I have seen a few of these before but never have I placed a lock. Maybe in the future? :P

Ah what a dreamy place to be. Just looking at the view on this window still makes me happy. There were stores, souvenir shops, and food stalls on the grounds surrounding the building. There was even an area where a local artist can perform.

After, visiting N Seoul Tower, we headed to Dongdaemon to continue our (window) shopping and food tasting. It was very cold so from time to time we had to go into a coffee shop to get some warm cup. Never have I drank a lot of warm drinks in my life! haha.

We went back to our hotel at around pm. Again, tired and happy but worried because the next day is our last day in Korea. I'm excited to write about it soon! Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!