Bang Pa-In Summer Palace! Euro-style Palace in Northern Bangkok!

Day 2 – July 28, 2011

I made the decision to visit Bang Pa-In and Ayutthaya not without any hesitation. What I had in mind was : how on earth am I going to get there? From what I read in wikitravel.org, there isn’t any easy choice on how to get there. But when I made up my mind to go there, I decided to get there by train to Bang Pa-In first and continue to Ayutthaya.

More or less, the plan was like this:

• Go to Hua Lamphong Railway Station to get to Bang Pa-In Station
• From that station, find songthaew to get to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Find my way to Wat Niwet near Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Continue the trip to Ayutthaya (I didn’t have any idea on how to get there)
• Visit Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana
• Find the minivan that will get me to Victory Monument
• Go to Ma Boon Krong with BTS
• Go back to hostel

I woke up at 4.30 AM and headed out to Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 5.30 AM. I took a cab to get there. At first, I thought it would be at least 100 Baht, but turned out it costs 55 Baht for a cab fare from Khao San Road.

Arriving at Hua Lamphong, I hurriedly looked for any information center I could find there. And yes! I found it. I asked the officer and she nicely gave me some instructions on how to get there, how much it costs, where to buy the ticket and information pamphlet of train schedule. The ticket to Bang Pa-In costs 20 Baht.

The train will be leaving for Bang Pa-In at 7.00 AM. The trip will take approximately 1.5-hours. However, there was a fifteen-minute late that morning. All in all, I had fun taking the train to Bang Pa-In. I met a lot of good people on my way there

I was halfway to Bang Pa-In Station at that moment.

Arriving at Bang Pa-In Station, I met a French couple who shared a songthaew (20 Baht) with me to get to Bang Pa-In Palace. And Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat was the first photo object I found here. It is a small stone structure in the form of Khmer-style prasat (residence of a king or god with a corncob-shaped structure) built by King Chulalongkorn in 1880. Well, it's certainly not a palace, it's a very small structure actually.

Withun Thasana Hall was constructed in the form of a tower between Utthayan Phumisathian and Wehat Chamrun. It is a three-storey building having a spirit staircase leading to the top floor hall. Since it was packed with kids that day, I decided not to go up this tower.

This Thai-style pavilion in the middle of a pond was built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). It now houses a statue of him.

I don't know what it's called. But from what I read, it's the Gatehouse.

Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian was the favourite residence of King Chulalongkorn when he stayed at Bang Pa-In Palace. It is, of course, closed for public, but seeing it from outside, I can guess what kind of luxury it keeps inside.

It looks like a gate, but I really don't know what it is for and its name. But, it is a good looking gate.

The water tank, disguised as a crenelated Neo-Gothic tower, is only part of the original structure still in existence.

One of the carvings inside Heavenly Light (Wehart Chamrun). Built by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 1889, this opulent Chinese-style palace is also another standout, full of red, gold, dark woods and inlaid mother of pearl.

I was warned by wikitravel.org not to miss the stupendous dragon sculpture inside carved from camel bone. I guess this is it.

I didn't capture the full size picture of Heavenly Light, but I found this beautifully carved wall stone outside of it.

To complete the Versaillesque garden, along the bridge connecting places inside Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, several European style statues are erected.

Another angle of those statues mentioned above. They really make this palace looks like it isn't located in Thailand.

In 1881, Queen Sunanda Kumariratana and her only daughter Princess Karnabhorn Bejraratana were on their way to the Bang Pa-In Palace when the royal barge carrying them capsized. According to Thai law at the time, touching a royal was punishable by death, so onlookers looked on helplessly as they drowned - and were instructed to do so by a guardian on another boat. It was an extremely ironic and sad story, the death caused by the law itself.

Well, Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, in my opinion, is very photogenic. You’ll have a lot of things to look and find out around this complex.

And from here, I was looking for my way to Wat Niwet, a gothic-church-look-alike-Buddhist-temple. I asked several other tourists I met, but none of them was familiar with Wat Niwet. Until I finally met a woman (looked like she is a guide) who told me how to get to Wat Niwet.

Oh yeah, the entrance fee to Bang Pa-In Palace is 100 Baht. I guess it is fair enough judging for what we can see and learn from this place. If you want to find out more about Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, you can open this, this, and this. Information stated in this post is extracted from those sites.

For my next post, I will post about Wat Niwet and how to get to Ayutthaya. So, stick around to find out more about the Day 2 of my journey in Thailand.

Au revoir!

Dream Being Inked – Literally

I had the talk with my friend, L, years ago about getting tattoo. Years passed and none of us has actually have any tattoo. But then this year, we challenged ourselves more seriously, especially with L having her 30B30 resolutions, this tattoo thing has been taken to different level of seriousness. Honestly, I don’t really know what got into me, but this year seems to be my “challenge-yourself” year where I do things that I don’t usually do. I did several things that I don’t think the 2011-me would dare doing, and one of them is getting a tattoo.

Many people still perceive tattooed people as rebellious ones. For me tattoo is art. How the tattoo artists can ink the drawing into the skin is certainly not the easiest job that you can find. They have to have the sense of arts flowing through their blood, or else the tattoo would be horrendous.

Moreover, tattoo is 100% a self-expression and more extremely (for those who don’t know and sometimes judgmental)  it is part of culture for certain countries. Previously, society only (and/or often) associate people who have tattoo with crimes, for example, yakuza – the infamous crime syndicates in Japan or gangs in Latin America. The television also helps the image of tattooed people as bad-ass people – in negative sense – as they’re usually pictured as troubled and dangerous people (and are often in jail). However, it is also the television which helps to turn the image of inked people into people who know how to express themselves (and yeah, cool people as well). I guess that is the moment when the negative image of having tattoos starting to fade away, or at least change into a way better sense.

And then, after I finalized the design for my tattoo and found the tattoo artist, I went to get my first tattoo in February 23, 2013. The name of the tattoo parlor is Gusti’s Body Art. The place he has is small but cozy enough to calm first-timer like I was. I did eat my lunch first before getting here – as being suggested – to avoid any possibility of shameful faint during the process. And then, the experience began.

This is the design of my tattoo. It took pretty long time for me to finally come up with this. It is an ambigram of ” rêve “, French word from dream.

The outlines are being drawn to make sure that it will be symmetrical to my body.

And the experience began! Many of friends asked, “Was it hurt?” All I can say is “Meh”. But honestly, I don’t know how to describe it. Sometimes I feel numb, sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it horribly painful.

See my face? I didn’t know that I’m good at acting – if you know what I mean.

The “meh” moment. When the outlines are being drawn, it doesn’t really hurt – or it is still acceptable pain.

I’m halfway there buddy. Phew.

I recall this phase as the hurtful moment. It is when Gusti filled the outlines with solid black ink.

Just a little bit more. And this is the horribly painful moment – but still manageable.

Aaand finally it is done. Dream inked to my skin! Literally. I am satisfied with the result.

So, there it is, my first tattoo. Shortly after I got mine, L also got hers. I can proudly say that I beat her on this, MWUAHAHA (evil laugh).

Lastly, I don’t believe that tattoo is addictive. Tattoo is art and expression; art and expression are humane needs. So, all I can fairly say is I like tattoo because of those two reasons, and yes, I’m thinking about getting the second one. The design is still in progress but roughly I have the concept of my second tattoo. I hope it will turn out good.

Au revoir!

The Harbor of Sunda Kelapa

Kalapa was the name of this harbor before it has its name changed to Sunda Kelapa. Located in North of Jakarta, this harbor is popular with its phinisi – two masted traditional Indonesian wooden sailing ship – which used as freight service. Back to the days when Indonesia was still divided into kingdoms, this harbor was the silent witness of the Indonesia spices’ magnet to attract traders from all corners of the world; porcelains, silk and even horses are some items to name being traded with Indonesia spices. Sunda Kelapa itself was the previous name of this city, before they changed the name into Jayakarta (and later Jakarta) which means victory earned with efforts in Sanskrit. This harbor itself is the reason behind the anniversary of Jakarta when victorious recovery of this harbor from Portuguese was achieved.

With its history and popularity in the old days, Sunda Kelapa becomes one of the well-known maritime tourist destinations in Jakarta. Although its grandeur is hardly seen, we still can spot the traces of its important role.

The lines of phinisi anchoring and waiting to be loaded or unloaded

The hardship of its dedication can be seen from the scratches and marks

Do you have what it takes to walk this small plank?

Rusty anchor to prove its experience and maturity

Truck of cements ready to be loaded

The full image of phinisi with its sail tucked down

The spearing bowsprit of phinisi

Tie the knot

The warehouse in the other part of the Sunda Kelapa

In the far, you can see Marina Batavia – Colonial style restaurant

The overcast sky did not stop them from loading – or they simply rushed their loading activity to avoid the possibility of rain

Heading home after long day of serving the labors in the harbor with drinks. The overcast has not reached this part of sky yet

Well, this is the end of my blog post after I left it collecting dust for quite some time.

Au revoir!

Grand and Green

Leaving the scenic Samosir and Toba Lake creates the urge to find someplace else that can give me similar taste and experience of awe. The trip back to the city becomes less interesting because of that. However, there are also some plans on what to explore in the city of Medan; the crossbreed cultural heritage places and food.

But first, let’s explore the Al-Mashun mosque or, widely known as Grand Mosque. The Moroccan-style building which is said to have ornate carvings, Italian marble and stained glass from China, is unfortunately not in its best condition anymore. Here and there, we can find dents and broken glass, and several minor damages. However, all in all, you can still see what’s left of the old-time-grandeur Grand Mosque.

When I arrive, the drizzle starts to wet the earth and the gloomy sky dominates that afternoon. I suppose there are not too many visitors that day because the crowd is still tolerable. After taking off my shoes, I start to explore the inside of this mosque. And to help you with your imagination, here are the pictures of Grand Mosque.

With all its geometrical combination adopted from many corners of the world, this mosque still looks spectacular

With the apparel, I assume that he is not just another visitor to this mosque

Beautiful curve that leads to the hallway, with intricate carvings being put all around the curve

This beautifully decorated room is used as the main prayer room in this mosque. When it is not in use, you can see people resting. In my imagination, I’d like to call them musafir, or wayfarer.

Green color domination!

Spider-webs-look dome, gorgeous carvings, and fading colors

Praying

Shiny, meticulously carved, gold-coated platform

Gorgeous pattern

Theme : Sky

Riding my rental scooter once again, now I am heading back to my hotel to end today’s journey. Once again, I am mesmerized by the beauty of this little island of Samosir. The viscous culture displayed with their beliefs can be seen throughout my ride; the unbearably noticeable churches and decorated tombs. It is likely that they do not hold themselves to show how they adore their beliefs.

The unpolluted sky and water make my journey more enjoyable. I run out of words to describe the beauty that I’ve seen along the way, and I know these picture might not be the best to represent what I capture with my eyes, but I hope that you can see even the nth of what I’ve witnessed. Or else – go see them by yourselves. It would be more rewarding.

Morning sun and its reflection on Toba Lake.

Rising sun looks stunningly amazing. It also creates the color gradation to hills nearby.

Layers of hills created by sunrise

Sun is going up, and the morning has called upon us – travelers – to start roaming and exploring the island.

Remember the first verse of the Sound of Music sung by Maria ? Well, I hope the hills here won’t be alive because there are tombs all over them.

This is the perfect portrait of church that I used to imagine when I was a kid – with the tower and the trees around it.

Captured with my 50mm f/2.8 lens, I feel the softness of nature calms my nerves – 3rd picture

Captured with my 50mm f/2.8 lens, I feel the softness of nature calms my nerves – 2nd picture

Captured with my 50mm f/2.8 lens, I feel the softness of nature calms my nerves – 1st picture

Serenity is all over the place. The calm lake combined with the breeze and bright day really take over me.

Afternoon batch of boat to arrive in one of many cottages around Samosir

The small harbor for the boats to lean for a while.

It was one fine afternoon after riding to the other side of the island. Enjoying the cool wind and seeing the rain is about to pour, somehow there is no uneasiness like I used to feel when I see the dark clouds in city.

Seeing the rain from afar – it feels like it is some kind of white drape somehow.

Raging Clouds – This picture was taken on my way back to Medan from the boat. It was a lovely bright day and the clouds over the hills stunned me.

Line of clouds over the hills.

The Rain Epiphany

The window of my room is all fogged up this morning, and this is something good to wake up to for me. The chill air makes it harder for me to drag myself out of my warm bed, but I force myself to do so because the clock shows something quite unfavorable for me.

It is the year of 2013 – not just any new year, this year will be the time when I will do myself a favor and create differences in life. I know that I am probably not old enough to give speeches about life, but I am mature enough to give my self-consciousness an advice to grasp the best of life that I can have – carpe diem, if you’d like.

Heck, I don’t know what got into me, but I blame this emotional epiphany to the rain; the smell of wet earth, the cloudy sky, and the straight faces of people who secretly complain about the gloomy weather. Au contraire, I love the gloomy weather. The Mr-Hyde in me wants everyone to share the same emotional woes that I imagine I have. Not that I am suffering right now, but knowing that everyone shares the harmonious discomfort caused by the rain (or so I thought) delights me.

This year, I will ink my dream to my skin and I will challenge my physical and emotional tenacity to a different level. I promise myself to travel further and search for my nirvana on earth – the places and thoughts that will ease my soul.

This year, the old-me will pat my back and say, “I am proud of you, buddy!”

Until next post, au revoir!

Rain always enlightens me

Voice of the Earth

No one, in this mortal world
Can barely stand the mystical voice of the earth
Earth calls us with its eternal voice
To be united in its limitless grave
Why oh why, my unknown creator, you grant this earth
The deadliest yet unbelievably beautiful voice
That sings us mortal, the anthem of death
The anthem that is composed by time, the oldest traveler of earth
And time, it collects us our remaining seconds whenever we are swayed by the anthem sung by the earth
Mortals will not, and never will be
Strong enough to run from the anthem
To run from listening the deadly gorgeous tunes
Yes, it is hopeless my friends, we won’t survive this temptation
And one day, our old soul will be the only abstract reminder of our mere existence

Cloudy Macau At Its Very Best

“Okay, this is not a good time to fill out the immigration form,” I told to myself and my mom when we were in a ferry boat on our way to Macau. The ferry’s dancing along with the waves made us dizzy and sick and it was definitely the worst time to write anything.

Golden Dome of Grand Lisboa Casino

Colors, Colors Everywhere!

When we arrived, I could see that the weather was not really friendly that day. The overcast sky seemed to shade our opportunity to see glimmering casino buildings in Macau.

We took one of the free shuttle buses to Grand Lisboa Casino and walking around from there. Since we had such limited time there, I rushed my family not to waste too much time taking photos in front of the casino since we got a lot to catch for that very short visit.

Our main objectives are to visit Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul, and a visit to Venetian Macau Casino. And when I saw the itinerary and I instantly realized that we had to do everything in the most effective and efficient way as possible.

Drool-maker egg tart

The drizzle was the first welcoming us when we finally set our foot in Senado Square; a place packed with tourists like us walking around with the atypical tourist attires and accessories. Thankfully, the drizzle was understanding not to prolong our suffering of not being able to enjoy our 7-hour visit to Macau in a brighter way (literally).

Wavy lines of Senado Square

As those places that I mentioned above can be categorized as publicly and widely known tourist objects, I already prepared my heart for what I was about to witness when we arrived at Ruins of St. Paul : the colonies of humans invading every inch of free territory available around St. Paul’s Ruins. But then, we also know that we HAD TO make our own way and not to let them win this war (of taking pictures in the best way possible).

Locals, tourists, and everyone else!

St. Paul’s Ruins ahead of us!

A very-hard-to-capture St. Paul’s Ruins (because it was a bit overly crowded)

One of many statues in St. Paul’s Ruins.

Creepy carving of skeleton

What I thought as dragon carving

When it still stood graciously in 1834!

Overcast sky added some dramatized flavor to this St. Paul’s Ruins

Very tidy street around St. Paul’s Ruins

Beautiful kites sold around the street

From St. Paul’s Ruins, we (read: my family) stopped a while for a bit shopping of this and that, and then we had our lunch. Soon after, we took a cab from Senado Square to Venetian Macau Casino and crossed all the way through the bridge to Coloane area. Surprisingly, the taxi fare was very affordable for such distance.

When our taxi graciously stopped in the main lobby of Venetian Macau Casino, both my sister and my mother asked me in such awe, “Are you sure we are heading to the right place?”. Well, I couldn’t blame them because the lobby of Venetian Macau Casino also functions as the resort lobby for the same name. The extravagant and luxurious welcome made us a bit awkwardly uncomfortable.

Luminous and artsy ceiling in Venetian Macau Lobby

Venetian Macau Casino is known for its replica of its Venezia’s canal with gondolas and opera-singing-capable gondoliers. Trying to seize the moment, my mom treated us to get on one of the gondolas. It was a bit cheesy in my opinion, but to see my family happy, the cheesiness seems to be nothing.

Gondola and Gondolier through the canal and under the bridge

Canal and shops around it.

In my conclusion, going traveling family style might be a bit different for people who love adventures and challenges, but the smiles and satisfaction on your family’s faces wipes every regret and doubt you have in your mind about some WHAT-IF questions whether you could have more fun traveling another way.

I heart Macau

Until next post!

Au revoir!