I Got THAI'd: A Photolog

My trip to Thailand, though short-lived, was quite an experience ~ great place, new culture, new language, different people (on second thought, not much, as we look somehow the same), and… food adventures.

Bits and pieces of Thailand in photos...

1.  The BTS or Skytrain

It's similar to the MRT in the Philippines, only more spacious and the seats more comfortable.  But the very big difference?... the people are way more disciplined (no offense meant there. just objective observation).

2.  MBK Center, Bangkok

The mall has an entrance connected to the BTS or Skytrain

Swensen's in MBK Mall

UCC Cafe at the basement level

Right at the heart of Bangkok and connected to the BTS is this shopping mall.  What else can I say... it's a shopping haven (one of the, actually).  It is the most visited mall in Bangkok because of the varied items and reasonable prices.

3.  Siam Ocean World in Siam Paragon, Bangkok

A Chevy Fish Tank (no less)!

One of Bangkok's famous attractions is this underground marine showcase.  Located at the basement of Siam Paragon, it has hundreds of marine life species on display in the largest tanks I've ever seen.  It is amazing how each and every fish tank in the whole Oceanarium re-creates the natural underwater sea conditions - water salinity, temperatures, and all.

4.  The Grand Palace

Wall murals, intricately & beautifully done

5.  The Vimanmek Mansion or Teak Palace

Chanced upon a Komodo Dragon in the palace grounds

Head in the Clouds

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
 

Rabindranath Tagore - Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist

The Artist in Me... or Not!

I have a penchant for the ARTS; but I am not an artist.  I am artistic and creative though... in my own way.

My fascination in art started when I was about 5 or 6 years old, I think.  I remember always looking forward to art class - cutting, pasting, coloring, painting and the like.  I was amused at how cut pieces of paper, paper chads or anything for that matter, can create beautiful artworks.  When I got into high school, I began sketching.  Started with 3D shapes, then on to anything I felt like drawing in random moments, mostly objects of nature.  I can still recall lugging my sketchbook when going for walks in the park, to malls, on family vacations - almost everywhere.  But when I tried my hand in sketching people, I struggled at the task. :(  Damn! I just couldn't get the hands and face right! A friend, an artist-photographer, told me to start with the hands.  He said once I get the hands right, the face is a piece of cake.  But I got stuck on the hands and moved no further. Realizing I'm not cut out for that, I limited myself to objects and abstracts - I'm better at it. Hehe!

But my trying-to-be-an-artist-of-sorts was short-lived though.  A lot of things had happened since. I don't get to draw or sketch much anymore, if none at all.  Had I kept at it, I guess I would've been good (or not!).

I never lost the fascination and appreciation for art though.  When I get the chance, I try to visit art exhibitions as I find a sense of peace and familiarity to it.  Else, I go out and find art in the most random of things and capture them in photographs.  I realized that art isn't just for those who excel in drawing, sketching, sculpting, painting, and the like.  It is more of having an "eye" and a "heart" for it.  There is art all around... you just have to look at it from a different angle to see and appreciate the beauty.

My first few desperate attempts at photography using my phone cam (sucks!).  Needs a hell lot of improvement, I know.  With practice, I'll get it down to a T pretty soon.

Sunrise & Sunsets

They are just so BREATHTAKING... NATURE truly is an ART!