Inspired by Quotations &
dreams I have conquered a few of the things which make me proud “that I have
lived” & inspire me to strike off all that is there on My Bucket List.
One such item on the list was to
travel to an international destination with my better half – my wife.
The research of the top rated
travels ended with SOTC (not sure what the abbreviation is) & the hardest
part was easily solved with their list of packages & wasn’t hard at all to
freeze on Thai_Malaysia_Singapore – a 10Nights 11Days package. The dates
mentioned on the itinerary seemed possible from the work load perspective at
office.
Though the visa, tickets &
accommodation was handled by SOTC, Vidya had to do pre-shopping for the trip
& I was busy with the other logistics – currency, the to-do list & a
whole lot of browsing for the pros & cons.
The booking was made & the
departure day wasn’t far behind, infact arrived very soon. Hired a citi taxi to
reach the Bengalooru International Airport to board the flight to Colombo
(Srilanka). First experience to Vidya & she was thrilled with the Journey.
A short break in Colombo & then boarded the connecting flight to Bangkok.
Reached Bangkok at 0600 Hrs &
ran into a whole load of confusion – our arrival was missed by the SOTC person
there. Had to call the contact & then on a self hired taxi reached the All
Seasons Hotel. We were greeted by the SOTC tour Manager Adil who was a nice
man. Another 2 hours wait in the lobby before we got our room. Hungry by the
journey, we headed out to 7/11, that’s a super market where we managed to pick up
some bread, jam & biscuits for our breakfast.
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| Arrived at the 1st Destination |
It was 1130 Hrs when we took a
shower & were ready to explore Bangkok on our own. It was nice of Adil to
have mentioned to us to the different modes of travel to go around the city.
And the inland waterways was infact the most convenient because it was a two
minutes walk to the jetty. The first of its kind experience to the two of us –
standing on the boat with side curtains to avoid the spray of the water. Had we
travelled by a taxi, we would have shelled out 250-300 bhats one way from
Ramkhameng to Pratunam, but the boat only cost us 32 bhats for the round trip.
Walking across the street of the
Platinum Fashion mall we met a good Samaritan who greeted us & mentioned that
it was the Lucky Buddha day & we must visit the temple & seek
blessings. He even arranged a Tuk-Tuk for only 30 bhats to take us round the
temple & then drop us at MBK – one of the biggest shopping malls in
Bangkok.
Unconsciously the shopping had
begun – I guess that’s the way the color & of the stalls were set up in
MBK. Without risking time, we managed to get back to the Hotel & were ready
by 1930 Hrs for the dinner. The vehicle was on time & our dinner was at
Hotel Ashoka – an Indian restaurant. The food was good. Could we have
complained with the least choices available for a vegetarian in Bangkok? I
guess not.
Next day started with a long
drive to the Safari World. Wonderful layout designed for the wild animals – we
felt we were in the cage because the animals & birds were roaming freely.
It was a wonderful experience to see the Tiger & the Lion at an arms
distance.
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| Safari World |
After watching the wonderful
Orangutan, Sea Lion, Dolphin, Star Wars & the Stunt show we drove back to
the Hotel. After dinner we explored the street shopping which was a 3 minute
walk from the hotel. We walked till the end of the road & forced ourselves
back to the hotel. Once at the hotel, it was a drill of rechecking the goods
that we had brought till now.
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| Safari World |
Day three was free to do things
on our own & what would anyone do in Bangkok – shopping of course. By now
we were confident of the little adventure water way route to where we wanted to
go. Guess we were a little early for shopping, had to wait relaxing on the
roadside watching life till the malls & stalls opened. By 1100 hrs Vidya
was into full fledge shopping. One thing you have to remember when shopping in
Thailand is – it’s okay if you don’t buy after all the enquiry, as long as you
are carrying that smile on your face. Just smile & learn to say “no
thanks”.
Lunch was at a north Indian
restaurant & the food was good. After lunch the shopping marathon continued
& with hands loaded, we returned to the hotel by the boat. MBK & Indra
regent were explored again & again today & I striked off the names of
people/kids to whom I wanted to buy something from this trip of ours. After dinner the hangover continued with a
little more shopping on the street side.
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| Shopping & Tuk-Tuk |
The following day was a city
tour. Golden Buddha, Reclining Buddha, China Town, Victory Monument, Gems
Factory were all covered by afternoon. Since it was only the two of us, it was
a chauffeured service drive to Pattaya. We checked into Hotel Beverly Plaza
& after lunch, caught a nap. The evening started with a walk into the
walking street – one of its kinds in adult entertainment. Neon lights
everywhere & it looked like the world had moved into slow motion.
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| Reclining Buddha |
We were ready by 0730 Hrs for the
much awaited ride on the sea to the wonderful Coral Island. Enroute we stopped
for parasailing & Vidya had the time of her life flying like a bird high up
in the sky. Sitting in front of the speed boat was thrilling experience. Coral
Island is a beautiful white sand beach with water sports, sun & the long
stretch of the beach. Wanted to do something different for lunch & we
munched on corn & guava.
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| Flying high |
The ride back was adventurous
with the tide rising high. By evening we were ready for the world famous
Tiffany’s Show. This is something that you cannot describe in words – you have
to watch it, the stage, the colors, the costume – everything comes to life. And
Vidya had an opportunity to take a few pics with the characters in the show –
wonderful!
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| Tiffany's |
Pattaya takes on a different look
by sunset & we enjoyed doing a lot of things for the first time which only
reminds me of “when was the last time you did something for the first time” Be
there to believe it or you may choose to get lost in the illusion of the lights
& noises & the girls inside the show cases.
We bid good bye to Thailand &
were on the Malaysian flight by 1015 Hrs. On arrival we checked into Hotel
Pearl International. Our room was on the 20th floor with a splendid
view of the city, the amazing Petronas towers & KL towers. Dining hall was
located on the fifth floor with a pool & whole lot of video games &
snooker. The day went slow & we were in no hurry either. After a stroll at
the mall in the hotel, we headed out for dinner & met the family from
Chennai who were on their vacation. A nice family who were with us till the end
of our vacation (Vishwanath, Hema, Varun & Varsha). We quickly made plans
for the day ahead & went back to catch a glimpse of the well lit Petronas
Towers & KL Towers. It’s a great feeling being at heights, only to wake up
& realize life is short – make haste.
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| View from the Hotel |
After the routine round of
American breakfast, we had a photo session by the pool & by 0900 Hrs, we
along with our friends hired a taxi & were out to explore to the Batu Caves
– the world’s tallest Murugan statue. Amazing lime stone formations & the
wonderful caves left us wondering how much more beautiful creations of nature
can be explored in this short span of life & the CTC our company offers ;)
Rest of the afternoon was a walk
in the hotel mall & eagerly waiting for dinner. Star Bucks Coffee shop was
a good way to spend the evening.
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| Batu Caves |
Next day we checked out & were
on a city tour visiting Petronas Towers, Lake Gardens, National Monument,
National Mosque, Istana Negara & the KL Towers – which gives a 360 degree
view of the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. Though the tour manger took us to
the chocolate factory, we did not buy any (had reserved the chocolate shopping
to Singapore).
After a wonderful experience at
the KL Towers, we reached the foot of Genting Highlands for a memorable cable
car drive through the valleys & dense vegetation of the highlands. With the
mist & the cool breeze kissing our cheeks, we did not want the drive to
end! On arrival we checked into the world’s largest hotel with 6187 rooms –
Hotel First World. The indoor & the outdoor games drove us back to childhood
& I did not want to miss the opportunity of re-living those lovely memories
with the Love of my life – My cute wonderful lovely Wife! How I wish the time
froze still, to give me more time to walk through the mist holding hands in
hands with her.
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| Cable Car - Genting Highlands |
Early morning check out & the
long drive to Singapore was one of its kinds experience - the stretch covered
by palm trees was wonderful. Immigration to Singapore hinted at what to expect
in terms of rules. We checked in Hotel Windsor on Mcpherson Road & by
evening were ready for the Sentosa Visit. Beautiful manmade paradise with
recreation of all kinds. The artificial beach where we spent the evening
watching the sunset & walking along the beach. “Songs of the Sea” show
mesmerized us with its effect which continued till our room & beyond.
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| Sentosa Island |
Next day was the city tour
visiting Swissotel, Parliament, City Hall, Fountain of Fortune & the
Merlion. Marina Sands Bay & the Wheel were a delight to see & so was
the National Orchid Garden. Though we visited & enjoyed the Gems factory,
it was way beyond our budget to shop here. After lunch, we were on our own
& we visited the famous Mustafa Center, only to realize Bangalore is the
best place for shopping other than Bangkok. That did not stop Vidya from shopping
& the trolley was filled after a 3 hour stroll. One last look at the store
& we forced ourselves out to relax in the open field outside the center.
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| Merlion - Singapore |
After a heavy dinner & tired
with the shopping, walking, seeing & enjoying the vacation to the fullest,
we were back in the room packing – now that can be challenging & tedious!
We bid good bye to Singapore
& the Changi International Airport was icing on the cake with its botanical
garden, Angry Birds, Merlion, line of the Famous brands & of course the
Kaveri Vegetarian restaurant. Vidya updated her face book at the free internet
kiosk & we boarded the flight to Srilanka.
On arrival at Srilanka, we bid
good bye to our newly made friends, last few dollars spent on shopping &
the big (as per star bucks it was regular) coffee.
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| Changi Airport |
Now we were just waiting for
the Bangalore bound flight to take off to where we belong J Vidya enjoyed the Hindi
movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara on the flight & in no time we were walking
to pickup our luggage.
After dealing with the customs
for the shopping we had done, we were home in a taxi. My parents were happy to
see us safe & listened intently to the wonderful experience that we had
brought back from our vacation.
This wonderful vacation check
marks another item on my bucket list & inspires me to go for more that life
has to offer.
What is Life worth if you haven’t
lived chasing your Dreams???
Thanks to all those who made this
a memorable vacation !
