Church Hopping in Singapore

In our visits to Singapore, one of the places that we never fail to visit are its churches. Considering the multi-faceted culture of the people in Singapore, almost every race and religion imaginable has its own place of worship in the city. The striking contrast in architectural structures here is something to marvel at...well, at least for me.

Take for example St. Andrew's Cathedral, at 11 Andrew's Road.

Exploring the Food in Singapore

In my visits to Singapore, one of the things I like the most is the food. It is true what they say that Singaporeans love to eat. Of course we wonder why true blue Singaporeans remain thin and  fit despite their love for eating. Hmmm. they might know something I don't. just kiddin. 

But the food choices here are endless. And to be truthful, quite intimidating. Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity is reflected in the variety of local cuisine it has to offer,

Thailand Chronicles: Ayutthaya Elephant Kraal ...

Elephants! 

Clearly, they are one of God's gentlest creatures. 

They are highly revered by the Thais.

So, we couldn't pass up the chance of an elephant ride over at the 

Ayutthaya Elephant Kraal. 

Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital, is an hour's drive from Bangkok. It is filled with historical architecture and home to a number of elephants, most of which are friendly as they are used to tourists. 

The Royal Elephant Kraal is one of the worlds oldest elephant kraal which dates back to the 1500s or so as we were told by our mahoot (elephant handler). 

For an Elephant ride around Ayutthaya Historical Park, be prepared to shell out 100 - 500 Baht depending on the route. Photos if taken by their official photographer is quite pricey at about 100-150 baht and up. But our mahoot was kind enough to ask a fellow mahoot to take our photo on the elephant using our camera (although we were  getting worried of him running away with our camera tee-hee!!) for a measly tip of 20 baht. :) 

This particular Elephant ride was included in the Ayutthaya tour. For more details on the Ayutthaya tour, be prepared to shell out 1,900 baht for a whole day tour including air conditioned coaches, tour guide, buffet lunch at a hotel and mineral waters and refreshing towels after every stop. :) or check out my other blogpost on the tour here.

For inquiries, contact World Travel Service Ltd at tel (662) 2335900-9 or email them at: kusa@mozart.inet.co.th or visit their website here.

Thailand Chronicles: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

It was my first time to be at a floating market. So you can just imagine my excitement when it was final that we were going on the Floating Market Tour and have a 30-45 minute boat ride to the famous ...

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

in Ratchaburi, Thailand. 

It is one of the most famously known floating markets, and a major tourist destination in Thailand.

Our guide keeps on stressing that the market has been around for decades. And riding on the small boat, I thought.. "boy.. she sure wasn't kidding!". On the way to the market, there were inhabitants on the sides of the man-made canals which were there probably for years and years. And I think we passed by a huge pipe or two which was literally connected to a Thai house's restroom!  I almost had a heart attack when the water on the stream was literally splashing on our faces. Talk about a real adventure. hehe.

Of course, I was just trying to be sarcastic about the polluted water. But the trip going to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, was like a trip back in history. It was as if I was living in the era where rivers were part of the main thoroughfares of this culture rich country. Most of the houses we passed by have their own boats so it means that in this part of Thailand, most of them still use the streams if only for the benefit of tourists since the floating market is a major tourist destination in Thailand. So it was obvious that most of the people living there mainly benefit from tourists frequenting the area.

At the floating market, the merchants are literally selling their wares in boats. There were fruits of every kind, food and snacks like traditional Thai rice cakes, and souvenirs for every avid tourist. 

Thailand Chronicles: Thai Food... Truly Gastronomic Feasts

Temples. And more temples. Often this is all that we ever read about when it comes to the Siam country. Of course we have to admit, Thailand has Asia's most awe inspiring temples. And truly, these temples are one of the country's most visited tourist attractions.

But come to think of it, Thailand has a wide array of food that are tourist attractions in themselves. So one of the reasons people come to Thailand is to sample the gastronomic feasts that makes every tourist (including me and Mr. OSG) come back for more. Sigh... thinking about Thai food just now, makes me miss it even more and thinking how I can hitch myself a free fare back to the Siam country. :) 

Pad Thai at Fifth Street Food Center, MBK Mall

So here is a list of some of our favorite Thai delicacies that we've gotten to feast on, and can't get enough of...

1.) Pad Thai.  If there is a national food, then maybe Pad Thai will get the most votes for being Thailand's national food. Its like you've never really eaten Thai food, unless you've tried Pad Thai. It is served in most restaurants in and around Thailand. It is served in a lot of different ways like the one we had at The Montien where they enclose it in egg - omelet style (below). Pad Thai at The Montien will take you back for about 150baht. per order. The Pad Thai we ordered at The Fifth Street Food Center of MBK Mall, is a bit pricier at 185 baht, but it is the best I've tasted in Bangkok (picture above).

Pad Thai is a dish of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, fish sauce (Thai: น้ำปลา), tamarind juice, red chilli pepper, plus any combination of bean sprouts, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, garnished with crushed peanuts, coriander and lime, the juice of which can be added along with Thai condiments (crushed peanuts, garlic, chives, pickled turnip, coriander, lime, spicy chili oil, chili powder, vinegar, fish sauce, sugar). It is usually served with scallions and pieces of raw banana flower. (info taken from the Wikipedia)

2) Stir Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts. or Gai Pad Met Ma-Maung. This dish is a favorite not only among us Asians but among the Westerners as well. I should know since there was this group of tourists who come to eat at the Fifth Street of MBK mall like us, who only orders this yummy dish over and over again! :) What I love about this dish is that it has a sweet and tangy taste that brings out the flavor in the chicken. Plus the cashew nuts makes a nice addition giving off a woody flavor to the dish. There are condiments on the side, like peanuts, chili, and sugar which you can add to your dish according to your liking. Its really considerate of them since not everybody loves spicy food. Well including me at times. :)

Our favorite Stir Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts dish is the one served at the Fifth Street food center of MBK mall, which costs 150  baht per order, a generous serving which can be shared by two people. But nah, it was too yummy for sharing so we order separate servings. hehe.

3) Pork Satay.  Now when it comes to Satay, I have no qualms on ordering this dish since I love the peanut sauce that comes with it.  I'm not too sure though  where it really originated , whether it came from Malaysia or Thailand. But then, whether you order this from Malaysia, Singapore, or Thailand or even Indonesia, you will surely come back for more.

Satay is a dish of marinated strips of pork (or beef/chicken), then skewered and grilled on the BBQ or broiled in the oven. It is then served with peanut sauce for the ultimate taste sensation. This particular satay dish, we ordered from Ruenton Coffeeshop of The Montien hotel where it looks more of a Tapsilog dish native to us Filipinos minus the peanut sauce. It was served with an aromatic serving of fried jasmine rice with shrimps, and a sunny side up fried egg on top.

4) Pad See Ew or Fried Noodle with chicken/pork/seafood. This Thai dish was introduced to me by Ms. Challika, a Thai local who happens to be a good friend of my cousin. She brought us to Suan Luang Market near Chulalongkorn University to have dinner there "carinderia" (or hawker store) style. From what i learned, Pad See Ew is a Chinese - influenced stir fried noodle dish commonly eaten in Thailand and Laos. What I love about it is the mix of saltiness and sweetness with a tiny hint of spiciness brought about by the cayenne pepper. This one is with chicken which I absolutely love!

Pad See Ew is made with dark soy sauce ("si-io dam"), light soy sauce ("si-io khao"), garlic, broad rice noodles, called "kuai-tiao sen yai" in Thai (commonly abbreviated to just "sen yai" meaning "big strip"), Chinese broccoli, egg, and some form of thinly sliced meat — commonly pork, chicken or beef — or shrimp or mixed seafood -- like picture below. (from the wikipedia).

5) Nam Kang Sai or Thai Shaved Ice  Dessert. Also at the Suan Luang Market, we had the fascination of eating this Thai local dessert that is somewhat similar to our native halo-halo. The only difference is, the Thai version's shaved ice is placed on top of the mixings. There are between 20–30 varieties of mixings that can be mixed in. Among them are young coconut that have been soaked in coconut milk, black sticky rice, chestnuts, sweetened taro, red beans, sarim (thin strands of cooked flour that is very chewy and slippery) and many more.

With a number of mixings to choose from, I just know it would take me forever to come up with my own Nam Kang Sai, so we just let Ms. Challika choose the right combination for us. The colors of the mixings are so bright that they look more to me like eye candy than a dessert for someone to devour. :) This is a photo of the dessert shop at the Suan Luang Market we went to, which according to Challika is quite famous that even celebrities and the Thai Princess often come here to satisfy their sweet cravings.

To Ms. Challika of DHL Thailand, our heartfelt thanks for taking us to dinner and introducing me  and Ate A to Platinum Mall which I will blog about next time. :) 

Thailand Chronicles: Madame Tussauds Bangkok

Madame Tussauds in Bangkok was  on our list of  must-see places in the city of Angels. And we were not disappointed in the number of notable wax figures that took our breath away as  the figures in display was really life-like in quality, take for example the wax figure of Princess Di at the left. 

At first, Mr. OSG and I were even scared to look let alone pose next to the wax figures since they were literally like the real thing frozen in time to gaze at the amused spectators such as ourselves. Even the facial hairs were visible and the eyes... well.... looking at them makes you feel as if at any moment, you might see them blink. hehe.. talk about being eerie at first. They were carbon copied even to the last wrinkle. 

Our fascination with each of the famous people on display here were so great, it took us hours to complete touring the entire area. 

Of course, I wanted a photo-ops with each one including Mr. Einstein here who really looks like he was about to teach me a thing or two about his famous equation and share his knowledge of the universe with me. 

It was also a wonderful experience pretending to be royalty next to England's most revered monarch standing next to my throne. I forgot to mention that at some of the stops, there are costumes and accessories beside the wax figures, so we just helped ourselves to them so our photo-ops seem right off a magazine page.

Even Mr. OSG had his moment posing as... I was supposed to say one of the Asian presidents and prime ministers but really, he was posing more like a wax figure himself. :)

I would never forget having the chance to sit (well stand to be precise and act as Mr President's secretary here) inside the Oval office. God only knows if I will ever really have the chance in my lifetime to see the "actual Oval office" so we didn't let this chance slip by.

Below is a picture of Madame Tussaud herself working on a wax figure of Mr. OSG. :) Wouldn't you say the likeness is uncanny? hehe

Madame Tussauds is located at the Siam Discovery, 6th Floor, 989 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok.

They are open daily from 10am to 9pm. Last admission is at 8pm.  During peak season the attraction usually stays open later or open earlier as needed. But they advise visitors to call ahead for updated operating times.

Admissions is 800 baht for adults and 600 baht for senior citizens/child. 

Insider tip for you: check in advance the ticket price so you don't go paying for more since we got our tickets for only 650baht at the Siam Paragon ticket stand. What can I say, haggling in Thailand is a way of life. :) so haggle away.

You can check out their website here. 

Thailand Chronicles: The Ruined Temples of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya. 

The capital of Thailand around 1350-1767, located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River. It remained an important city of Thailand for 417 years during which an abundance of palaces and temples were constructed as a sign of its economic success. The ruins of temples and palaces of Ayutthaya, whether naturally worn by time or destroyed by activities of war with the Burmese, are a reflection of a golden and glorious past. 

These are some of the pictures of temples we took from our tour...

 Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. According to our tour guide, "Wat" in Thai means temple. So this is the first of four temples that we were going to see in a series of ruined temples. This is included in the Ayutthaya tour. The picture below shows the big Chedi (Chedi meaning mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics)that is what remains of this grand monastery... 

...along with the rows of Buddhas that seem to stand as sentinels to the old monasteries' grand Chedi.

Wat Maha That. This monastery was said to be residence of the Supreme Patriarch during the Ayutthaya period. It was destroyed and burnt during the war with the Burmese in A.D. 1767.

The Head of the Sandstone Buddha. This is a really interesting sight as the head of Buddha seem to have sprouted inside this Bodhi tree. Probably, once upon a time, even before this tree was here, this Buddha image is erected on this spot along with other relics.

According to our tour guide Angela (her Thai name is really a mouthful sorry:) can't remember it), from years of bringing tourists in Ayutthaya, some tourists smuggle artifacts as souvenirs... and some Thai merchants re-sell pieces like Buddha's head as antiques since they are original pieces. So what we saw when we visited was whats left of it ...

more ruins...

the headless Buddhas in Ayutthaya...

Wat Phra Mane. This beautiful temple was unlike the other ruined temples since it is well maintained. Our guide tells us that according to legend, during the war with the Burmese, the Burmese king himself was firing one canon when it blew up, mortally wounding him. When the Burmese returned to finally take Ayutthaya in 1767, they left the temple alone out of superstition about what had happened to their king the last time.

The different Buddhas symbolic for each day of the week.

Buddhists as we were told usually rub pure gold leafs in the Buddhas. Gold in the form of a thin leaf is an item valued for its purity as a religious offering and for its power to placate spirits and request favors. Postage-stamp-size booklets of gold leaves are always on sale along with incense, flowers and candles at temples and shrines for use as daily offerings.

Inside, the columns are painted a very dark red with gold decorations. The coffered ceiling is also intricately decorated in red and gold. On the dais at one end of the ubosot is a crowned Buddha image with a rather sour face, which is typical of the late Ayutthaya style.

Wat Chai Watthanaram.  The only standing temple  amidst the ruins of Ayutthaya. It was a sight to behold since it reminds you of the splendor of the time past when it was built. This is one of the grandest sites and the most elaborate temple construction in Ayutthaya. It is rare architecture for this city because its design is symmetrical, and it was built all at one time.

This is a small scale model of the ancient grounds of Wat Chai Watthanaram from an artists point of view. You can easily see the grandeur past from this temple.

For the Ayutthaya tour, be prepared to shell out 1,900 baht for a whole day tour including air conditioned coaches, tour guide, buffet lunch at a hotel and mineral waters and refreshing towels after every stop. :) 

For inquiries, contact World Travel Service Ltd at tel (662) 2335900-9 or email them at: kusa@mozart.inet.co.th or visit their website here. 

Thailand Chronicles: The Ancient City

For our first day at Bangkok , we decided to take the 

Ancient City Tour. 

It entails a half day guided tour of the world's largest living outdoor museum, where Thailand's past is re-created in its full splendor.

So even if we have just arrived at Bangkok at three in the morning, lacking sleep and only a late breakfast to fill our bellies, Mr. OSG, me and two of our friends were swished away to a 45 minute coach ride from The Montien Hotel (were we stayed) to the Ancient City.

Our tour guide, Chatchai Jitima, whom we fondly call "Chat" for the engrossing chit-chats he always engages us in. We were so entertained with his witty remarks and informative trivia about Thailand. I am also happy to note that despite his age, he was so full of energy in showing us around the 200-acre park. The Ancient city reminded me of a a more majestic Nayong-Pilipino park back home. 

The Ancient City, as we were told by Chat is maintained by a very rich Thai gentleman. Through his love for his country, decided to recreate outstanding replicas of Thai architecture, its history and way of life. So basically, this park is like seeing the whole of Thailand in one gigantic area. 

The temples featured here were imitations of the real thing down to the minute details like this 3D wood carving you will also see in the actual temple. It is stressed by Chat to be hand carved.

and this hand painted mural on the wall of the Grand Palace replica, which I must say is painstakingly done and an original piece even if our guide tells us everything is just a replica of the real thing. 

And the mother of pearl detailing in this royal daybed which can also be seen in the Grand Palace.

It was a good decision for us to visit the Ancient City first thing since our arrival in this exciting city. It was a rare treat for tourists like us to be able to take pictures inside the replica temples... 

...and the Grand Palace or the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace, the only remaining example of a traditional Thai palace left in Thailand...

...which we never could do in real temples and palaces scattered all throughout Bangkok. Since the Buddhist monks wouldn't allow us to violate their most sacred places of worship by taking photos.

This is another temple inside the Ancient City which as I recall  Chat saying is not in existence anymore in the city. 

The Ancient City Tour is a half day tour which you can book daily either in the morning or afternoon. It is being offered by the World Travel Service Ltd. for a fee of Baht 1,770 per person. Fees includes one hour travel by air conditioned couch to and from hotel pick up points to the Ancient City along with entrance fees and an English speaking guide. 


For inquiries, you can get in touch with the tour operator at tel (662) 2335900-9 or email them at: kusa@mozart.inet.co.th or visit their website here.