At Ao Pa Ka Rang
So I spent the last 14 days frolicking (frolicking–I like this word) in the streets of Bangkok, despite ongoing political protests and embodying the deer-in-the-headlights-commuter in the capital city. Since I did nothing but be all touristy, I won’t bore you with the details of my trip such as a slew of hipster food-snaps and check-ins. Instead, I shall share some of the best moments of my trip that, in hindsight actually, have helped me realize a lot of things. About myself, about my family, about life in general. After all, 2014 means–
New Life
It seemed like only yesterday when I wrote this piece as a tribute to my brother and my sister-in-law. Time flies. On the 28th December 2013 at 17:08, James Alexander S. Flor or Jian was born.
Adorable!
The Flor Family welcomes the latest addition to the brood of awesome people–hey, Jian!
My other sibs, Marlo and Jen (the Singapore people), are also expecting. Hopefully, it’s a girl and would totally NOT look like my brother hah!
New Adventures
Okay, I know. What the hell am I doing in the beaches of Thailand again when I am fully aware that my cameras and Thai waters do not get along (Exhibit A, Exhibit B). But this one is too good to pass up, so I left my camera back in the apartment in Bangkok AND ran away to Koh Samed!
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- Sawasdee ka, Koh Samed!
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- Obligatory sun kiss shot
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- Wise words
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- Obligatory beach sunset shot
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- Dusk
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- By the docks. At Ao Pa Ka Rang
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- Always contemplate by the seashore (not me!). At Ao Pa Ka Rang. So beautiful.
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- Feast by the beach. At Ao Pa Ka Rang
Spent the first three days of the year in this beautiful island. Nope, not overrated at all, I have to say. Despite the freezing waters and a bit pricey food and accommodation, you get to take home good photos and fun memories. Did I mention I went with my backpacking buddy and BFF PockLan?? Missed this woman soooo much!
To get to Koh Samed, Sai Kaew Beach Backpacker Style
1. Ekkamai Station – there’s a huge sign in from that says ‘Bangkok – Rayong’. Terminal Lady speaks English very well so you’ll be fine.
2. The van will drop you off to Ban Phe Pier where you will book a speedboat or ferry to get to Koh Samed. I recommend the speedboat cos it only takes 15 mins to get to the beach. I’m not really a big fan of ferries *sighs*
3. From Sai Kaew Shore, you can walk to your villa/guesthouse just to be adventurous and get lost in the mini-town. Motorbikes and ATVs for rent are everywhere, so if you want to cruise around the island, go rent that bike for a whole day and enjoy the view.
Top of the world
New Priorities
The New Year is never complete without the obligatory New Year’s Resolution. Now now, I’m all grown-up so I guess ‘no fighting with my brothers’ and ‘no hating on Sarah Geronimo’ could be taken off the list.
Here’s the more mature version:
1) Studies – should get my head back in the game. Ohhh, yes, I’m back in school!
2) Savings – should start thinking about the future–expenses *bangs head on the desk*
3) Stability – should lock in a regular income already to achieve #2
4) Staying Sexy – heh. Cos losing weight only marks the lifelong battle of weight management. Well at least it’s no longer just ‘lose weight’. It’s been like that for the last 14 years.
Wishing you a great 2014, dear reader. Never forget that new beginnings are always just around the corner. 🙂
