Weekend getaway to Bangkok

          An opportunity arose from a 2-to-go SQ promotion to Bangkok over a weekend (26-28 Jan 2018). It was also the same weekend where Patrick & Josephine were also at the Capital of Thailand. Armed with 2 almost empty bags, it as off we go to the Land of Smiles. Met up with them after arrival/early check-in, for a quick trip to the tailor and our first Thai lunch at Central Mall.

After wondering around another Central Mall @ Asoke area, it was off to the Esplanade Night Market where lots of yummy Thai delights await our hungry-selves. Large bowl of wanton noodles (meant for 4), Grilled River Prawns, Thai version of Bak-Kut-Teh, etc, where we had our first indulgence for the day (PS : Lunch was normal).

It was then lots of walking around the night market, looking at the clothing and handicraft. It certainly helps after a full Thai meal. To complete the day, Korean dessert was the last thing before heading back to the hotel. (PS : Grabbing a GRAB was physical challenge in establishing the R/V Point)

The next morning venue was the Lat Mayor Floating Market. A flat rate of 300 Baht from the hotel to the well publicised market was certainly a breeze (by cab) without heavy traffic to negotiate. With lots of Thai yummies and choice of seafood, it was a difficult decision to make for the lunch menu. In any case, we had a good share of what the market could offer.

Our attention was also drawn to a stall selling pandan leaves, in the form of specially crafted roses. Hands-on lesson was also provided to demonstrate the art of folding the leaves. Innovative approach at 30 Baht per bunch !!

With all the shopping and indulgence met from the eating spree, it was time to head back to Bangkok. Hired a Long Tail Boat for a boat ride along the network of canals to the nearest BTS Station. (See : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxXGY78uurw&feature=youtu.be). The air-conned BTS was certainly welcomed, with the ride to the "Siam Station" and back to the hotel, in time for a good foot reflex before calling it a night.

The last mode of transportation that is truly Thai is the Tutu !!! From the hotel to the Holy Redeemer Church (off Phoenchit Station), it was a quick dash through the jams to the door step of the church, in time for the 0945 am Sunday Mass. (PS2 : Don't mass around with the Thai tutu !!)

The church is lined with themes for the Station of the Cross. High ceiling and natural breeze kept the mass in its natural state with sunshine lighting the place. Mass concluded in just over 45 mins.

Lunch at Jamie Olver at Siam Center before picking up some last minute stuff at Nara. Back to hotel in double quick time, packed and off to the airport making good for the late evening flight back to Singapore. Thank goodness, the buffer time was sufficient to compensate for the slow traffic. On the whole, a pack 3D, 2N stay at Bangkok.

 Sawardee-Karb !!!

Navy-mates

Always great to catch up with Navy-mates. Opportunity came-by on 18 Jan 18 at the Royal Thai Armed Forces day (@The Thai Embassy). Nicholas LIM & LEE Kian Tien (both Full House) were also there. Worked with them whilst in active service. Glad that they have progress well and duly recognised. Great to catch up on how the Navy has grown from strength to strength. A great Navy Family !!!

The 6th Decade

What was supposed to be a "High Tea" at a new place @ Keppel Bay, turned out to be a surprise birthday cruise onboard "The Admiral", a Grand Banks 52 Europa to Lazarus Island (beside St John Island). Complete with golf cart transfer on arrival to the dockside where the vessel was berthed. The cover story of High Tea followed by a pool side house warming somehow did not fully gel, given the time and space and the few reminders to bring swimming stuff.

Onboard, parents-in-law and family (+extended families) were already there awaiting for the grand arrival. Decorations of a pirate party were up with a "floating 60" ballon to mark the occasion. In-house media coverage were already in place for still photography can video recording coverage (the best to be expected from a media related family !!!). 

No birthday celebration can get by without a cake and indeed it was a nice one with the numeral "60" & 6 candles (the vessel wouldn't have permitted 60 candles - fire hazard !!), to a maritime theme complete with a life-buoy.

With the "must have" family ++ shots (when things are still in order !!), and the cake cutting process,  all hands mustered for the Captain's safety brief.

Instructions on donning of life jackets (+demo) and the whereabout of exits was certainly a far-cry from the type of onboard briefing on an aircraft. Whilst smoking was permitted (only on the main/upper deck), it was more for the crew than the passengers onboard.

Departed from Keppel Bay at about 1600 hrs, the vessels headed South-Easterly for Jong Fairway enrouted to Lazarus Island. On arrival, the anchor was dropped and the the kayak was launched. Those that preferred to get wet, took the plunged into "what seem like a bottomless" pool.

Some slowly entered the water in a gradual approached matter whilst others (actually, only one !!!) made a grand entry splash, jumping from the 01 deck. Soaking in the semi-warm water (as it was threatening to rain), the evening meal was being prepared onboard.

BBQ Chicken wings, sambal fish & sotong, sausages, beef, etc were grilled at the quarterdeck by the crew, while the others (not in the water), laid out the prepared food ranging from fried rice, salad and noodles, ready for the swimmers and kayak-ers to return aboard.

At about the 3rd hour after sailing, the anchor was homed for the final leg, to return to the mainland, cruising along to view the skyline of Marina Bay and the Western side of Sentosa Cove. A 2 sec firework display was seen whilst passing Sentosa. On berthing, it was a quick exit as it was beginning to drizzle. Thank goodness we have the perfect weather whilst out at sea. A short delay was encountered at the exit. (The crew didn't escort us out !!!)

 On the whole, a very pleasant surprise to mark the 6th decade of existence. Much thanks to everyone for making it happen. Special thanks too to Albert for the video clip to capture the "The 60 @ Sea". ( See : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqD4zi5ZClg&feature=youtu.be ).

Last day as 59 !!

In about 5.5 hrs, we officially attained the "Senior Citizen" status. Can now drop the "not yet" to the NTUC cashier, who without fail will ask even thought she saw me a few hours earlier. However, the term "Senior" various from Orgonisation. Some reckon it's 62 (retirement age) whilst others, it's 65 (age where CPF could be withdrawn). Whatever the case, if will gracefully accept the seat offered when on the MRT. 😁