A Free Day in Chiang Mai: ATV Here We Come!

We arrived in Chiang Mai on 15 Aug, Fri at 7am. Its a free day.


We checked into our very basic hotel. The children watched some cartoons while I took a short nap while waiting for Keng, our ex-tour guide to pick us up for a sight-seeing day of Chiang Mai.


Where to go with the children? We came here but only for a few days at the end of last year. (If you want to read about my trip to Chiang Mai last year, go to Chiang Mai trip day 3 & 4).


Keng took us for an ATV ride. It cost THB500 (RM50 / USD17) for 20 mins. The ones which is from 1 to 3 hours were very costly. So, we opted not to go. Muak Lek ATV is much cheaper.

Ethaniel & Joel absolutely loves riding through mud and water

The ATV track was flooded with water

After that, we went for lunch. Keng said that there is a very famous restaurant which serves Khao Soi. A very famous dish in Chiang Mai and similar to the Malaysia dish i.e. Mee Curry. It has noodles, preserved vegetables, fresh shallots and lime to go with it.

The preserved vegetables, shallot and lime to be put into Khao Soi

Ethaniel enjoying a pork satay and Khao Soi

The restaurant

The name of the restaurant, if you are ever at Chiang Mai. You will enjoy the food.

By the time we finished lunch, it was almost 12pm. We headed towards the Chiang Mai Zoo. We have not been there.  We went to the Night Safari, the last time.

In The Beginning..... of the trip

We arrived at the Hualampung train station at 1pm on 14 Aug, Thu. Its at least another 1.30 hours before the train leaves.

Joel & Ethaniel in the train

The train itself was a very old fashioned one, maybe 30 years old, I think.

Ethaniel climbing, swinging like an acrobat

For the children, there were very limited things to do in the train but less confining than a bus. Climbing up ladder, moving from ladder to seats and ladder to ladder was the favorite activity. After that, it was doing the dot-to-dot book, drawing, taking photos and admiring the scenery.

Ethaniel & Kelly

Ethaniel-the-extrovert was going from here to there visiting passengers i.e. making friends. There were some foreigners who could speak English in the train other than us.


There were food and drink sellers which come by every 30 to 40 mins with all kinds of cold drinks. The food is pretty standard - "kaprao moo / khai" (Basil with pork / chicken and rice).

Ethaniel & Joel writing & drawing

Mary, the Missionary cum friend whom we are travelling with, started a conversation and started sharing about Jesus with a girl in the train. She is absolutely 24/7 and 365 days an Evangelist! Kelly, a friend of Mary was also sharing and singing. Kelly is a great singer and have recorded her own album. Wow! What talent!!!


Ethaniel and I took a shower before bed. It was a very nice shower. I never knew shower was this great!

The man setting up the bed

We were in the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for a total of 19 hours. Yes, its a test of endurance and patience, for both the children and me. Initially they had some difficulty but eventually on the returning trip from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, they had a great time and even made friends.

A wonderful shot of Mary and the children playing.
I love the candid laugh & it shows of a special relationship which Mary holds in their heart.

Home Sweet Home

The children and I have just arrived back in Bangkok at 6.00am local time.


They are now sleeping upstairs....


There are so many exciting things about my trip which I will blog about.... Now its time to get some rest, first.


Thanks for dropping by my blog while I was away.

Keng, Our Tour Guide

Keng with a baby from the Karen tribe

End of Dec 2007, last year, we took a tour to Pai & Maehongson, North Thailand.


Keng was our tour guide. We travelled in a 4 x 4.


Keng really hit it off with my children, especially Ethaniel. They absolutely adored each other. He was really kind and nice.


I called him and told him that I will be in Chiang Mai with the children and he was very happy. He wanted to pick us up from the train station at 5.30am! So sweet. I told him not to, because its too early. We will make our way by ourselves. It will be nice to see him again and catch up....

My Latest Additional To My "Pig Collection"

I bought this at the Impact Sale.


Its made of coconut shell. Just cost THB40. Very cheap.


I love it.

The Joy of Being an Aunt

Little Baby JA

I don't come from a big family. Just 4 siblings inclusive of myself.


The siblings are quite scattered.... Australia, Singapore, Malaysia & Bangkok (me).


Its difficult to have a proper "sibling reunion" when everyone is not in the same country, having work & family commitments and schedule arrangements.


Every time my sister from Australia returns to Malaysia for a holiday, we try to get together. The last one was just about a month ago. I guess I just had to find excuse to go back to Malaysia ;-). The get-together this time was a little different. We have a latest addition to the family ... a baby. My elder brother's first child. I must admit that she is absolutely adorable! Unlike her Daddy... she is contented, humble, unassuming, low profile, cute and lovable.


It was great to hold my little niece, JA.


For one, I can cuddle, play, tease and laugh with her and yet when she was hungry, dirty and grumpy, I just passed it back to her parents.


The joy of being an Aunt.

Half Way Through My Mission Trip

I am in currently half way through my Mission Trip in Chiang Mai.


I am taking a few minutes to blog. My daily routine of blog had to take a break. Ooo... I have many things to write about but I will keep that till I return to Bangkok.


The children and I are having a very educational experience and of course fun too... with the shopping at the night market, yesterday.

Delicious Thai Food

We went to a new place for dinner during the weekend with some friends who was visiting from Malaysia.


Its a restaurant just beside Seacon Square along Srinakarin road. It's called Bueng something. Cannot remember the full name. The restaurant is just beside a man made lake and the ambiance was very nice. They have a sampan which ferry us across to our table. Alternatively, we can always walk there ourselves. But it was just a cool experience being able to cross the lake via a sampan. Ethaniel was absolutely exhilarated by the fishes which swam alongside the sampan (Joel was away at a sleepover with KG).

The restaurant packed with customers

The other end of the lake filled with small little huts. With reservations, a few family can sit and have a wonderful dinner together.

Feeding the fishes with bread

The dinner itself was absolutely delicious. We ordered some typical Thai dishes. I was shocked at the speed which our food arrived. It was hardly 10 mins before our first dish arrived! Considering the restaurant was so packed.

Fried fish with mango sauce

Papaya salad with seafood

Giant cuttlefish

Stir-fried morning glory & fried oyster

Seafood Tom Yum soup

Pineapple fried rice

Fried prawn cake

We will definitely be back. Its a great place to entertain visitors and friends.

Ethaniel's Shadow Photography

Ethaniel took my camera and went out to the porch....


I wasn't sure what he wanted to shoot...

Now I know.


A shadow of himself.


My son is oozing with creativity, eh?


Or was he bored ....

My Son, The Stud

Its interesting to see how my 11+ years old boy metamorphosis-ing into a young man. It does not fail to put a smile on my face, just by observing.


I find it absolutely ... amusing. From a parent's perspective, of course.


Joel, NEVER ever combs his hair.


He wakes up in the morning with the natural look till its time to bed at night.


He goes rock climbing, piano class, sleepovers, care group meetings with the same natural look.


He goes to church on Sundays with the same natural look.


Since hanging out with KG, he has made an observation.... Other boys actually COMBS their hair AND uses cologne.


It must have been a life-changing discovery!!! Because....


We went to a 4 years old birthday party of KG's sister at McDonalds, two days ago, and my son asked his Dad for some gel AND cologne.


He looked a million dollar and smelled like a Bvlgari boutique.


The STUD, my son.

Shopping At Impact Muang Thong Thani

The Sale at Impact Muang Thong Thani was really good. It seems as if it was an impromptu sale to boost the economy. I am not sure. Maybe. Anyhow, it was a great sale.


My friend J & P was so fortunate to be in Bangkok during the sale. They had wanted to visit Chatuchak but with this sale, she skipped it. To shop in air-condition and not in the heat of Bangkok would be the ideal shopping experience!

The Exhibition hall is a world class facility. Very well organised, huge and convenient

They provide a trolley which you can use. All you have to do is deposit your Identification Card. Its free!

A good looking Thai singer doing a presentation. Gorgeously cute :-)

Ethaniel joined us at the sale whilst his brother was at a sleepover. He was a real good boy. He walked with us for 6 hours!!! Of course we had to bribe him with sweets - to keep him energized! He didn't whine or complain.

Ethaniel In Action

I took a video of Ethaniel doing lead climbing.


Read my earlier post about The Youngest Lead Climber in Asia. My Son?




We are so proud of you, Ethaniel!!!

Queen's Birthday

Today is the Queen of Thailand's Birthday.


Mother's Day in Thailand is celebrated on this day. They don't follow the normal Mother's Day.


Incidentally its a public holiday too.

"My Baby Is Coming Back!"

That was what my hubby said....


..... when our friend coming from Malaysia were asked to be his courier to bring back his beloved camera.


I asked him, "Will you say that about me when I return from Malaysia?"


No, don't answer it.


You can read my post on what happened at Where is the Camera Bag???!!! & Recovery of the expensive camera bag - Part 2.

"Made in Thailand, Special 2008" Sale

If you are visiting Bangkok or stays here, its a GREAT chance to visit the "Made in Thailand, Special 2008" sale.


We had Malaysian friends who were visiting Bangkok, so we went together.


It was absolutely FABULOUS!


Everything you want in Thailand, its there!


Anything you want to eat in Thailand, its there!


The total amount of stalls is double the BIG & BIH sale which is held annually in April & October. Its so huge that breezing through the stalls took us 6 hours and yet, we did not finish the whole place. The prices of goods are reasonable, some are just cheap and the rest you can even bargain!


If you need to know more information and location map, go to the Impact Muang Thong Thani website.


Don't miss it!!!

More Sleepovers!

Last week, KG came over for a sleepover. This weekend, Joel went over for a sleepover.


He was so excited about the sleepover that he couldn't sleep well, the night before ;-). The little things in life, does bring a lot of joy to my boy.


Both the brothers is seldom ever apart. 24/7 and 365 days a year.... they are together. Sleeps in the same room, study on the same table, plays the same sport, watch the same shows, goes to the same Sunday school.... They do almost everything together. After some thought, it would be nice for them to have a breather from each other. So, I convinced Ethaniel to stay behind whilst Joel have a few days away with his friend.


Even husbands and wives needs breather.


"Familiarity breeds contempt"


Today, Joel returned from his sleepover, tired. He had loads of fun. They swam, played PSP, hide and seek, watched TV, talked and laughed. You know, boy stuffs.


KG suggested he come over for a sleepover next week ;-)

Mission Trip to Chiang Mai

We are planning to go to Chiang Mai, the children and I, to visit a group of underprivileged children. These children are not placed in an orphanage but rather in a hostel because they have parents. They are just poor.


I went to the train station at Hualampong to purchase my train tickets which includes sleeping berth. Its going to be a 15 hours train ride. I know, I know, its a long ride. But its an experience. I have never taken the train to Chiang Mai. In fact, I have not taken any train in Thailand.

Main train station in Bangkok i.e. Hua Lumpong

Joel & Ethaniel will be excited with the experience of riding in a train. They have gone on the MRT, BTS and LRT but not on a long distance train.

Hua Lumpong crowded with people

When I told Joel about the trip and he calculated the hours from 1430 to 0530, his eyes bulged. 15 hours??? "I should have to bring all my books, eh?" he said. "Yes, you should" I answered. His most favorite question was next, "There's food in the train, right?". Ha ha. As expected. The way to this boy's heart is for sure through his stomach.

People waiting for the train

The children has looked through some toys to give away and I am preparing their heart to go there to serve and help. They might feel inconvenient or discomfort, I am not sure but the purpose of the trip is clear. TO HELP. TO SERVE. TO LEARN. TO EXPERIENCE. Its not a holiday. If they feel uncomfortable, they just have to live with it. Its important to think of others occasionally rather than ourselves.


I think they will do well. This is not the first time they are going for a Mission Trip.

Ouch!

Have you seen these plastic barriers?


It used to be steel.


What happened?

Ethaniel having fun with one of the plastic barriers in front of Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia

Natural Face Mask

There are so many face products in the market. Too many.


Which is good?


Will my face pop out extra pimples?


Will it irritate my face?


How if after paying thousands and discover that its not compatible to my skin?


I have oily skin and have never had flawless skin. I envy those who have. So, I have to make extra effort to look good. Not that I really look THAT good. But I try.


Of recent, I have decided to go natural. I read in a magazine, an ex Miss Thailand looked as good as 30 when she is 49 years old! Thanks to her natural recipe. Well, not that alone helped her, I am sure. But anyhow, I have decided to try. Nothing to loose, its really cheap ;-)


Since going natural, I have discovered that it has really helped my skin. Maybe you want to try it too. Very simple face mask.

1. Honey with yoghurt
2. Egg white with lime
3. Fresh Aloe vera gel

I use it everyday either morning or evening. Just leave it on for 1/2 hour or so.


You will see the difference in days!

Mommy, I Want You To Be Happy

Joel, my 11+ years old boy came over to me last night and this was our conversation....


Joel: Is there Women's Fellowship tomorrow?


Me: I don't know. I need to ask Auntie Jane, first.


Joel: I hope they have. I want you to be happy. You are always happy when you get to talk A LOT.


I looked at him and smiled.


I was quite shocked by his observation, intuition and understanding of his Mother.


I must have greatly underestimated this boy. I wasn't sure if he was trying to imply that I am a talkative person but I am not going to read too much to what he said...

I think this boy will make a great husband to a very blessed gal, someday...

Joel, I am proud of the young man you are turning out to be... with the grace of God and His guidance....

Recovery of The Expensive Camera - Part 2

A few weeks ago I shared about loosing and then recovering an expensive camera. To read that story, go here.


Well, this is what happened at the other end ....


Alan (who returned our camera) came back from work that evening. He has a parking lot located just in front of the main block corridor. So, each time he goes to his car and to the lift, he needs to pass this bench, THE bench which hubby left his camera bag.


He saw the camera bag.


He passed the camera bag.


He saw the camera bag, again for the 2nd time because he had to go back to his car.


He passed the camera bag, again for the 2nd time....


He saw the camera bag, again for the 3rd time because he had to go back to his car to retrieve something.


He passed the camera bag.


Now he is curious.


He stopped and picked up the camera bag to inspect it. After some investigative work and yet unable to determine the owners.... He returned to his condominium.


He went into the lift and met Daniel, my neighbor.


He asked Daniel if he owned the camera. Voila!! That's how it all connect back to us... I called Daniel earlier to look for the camera for me.


Is it a coincidence?


I bet you, it isn't.


More like an answer to our prayers.

New Friends

We had lunch with a very interesting group of friends.


Hans is Swedish and he has just arrived in Bangkok since June 08. He is the SEA Director for IBRA, a Christian radio station which is currently in 100 countries. They do wonderful things in so many countries and brings the gospel to thousands and millions of Christians and non-Christians all over the world. Isn't that absolutely great? Its a wonderful ministry.


We also met C & D who are Filipino missionaries to Macau, China and Wira a Finnish who was in Northern China for two years doing some work with the orphanage.


What makes all these people leave their country, families and life?


Leave everything which is familiar, to a place where environment and surroundings are foreign?


Some does it for personal adventure.


I know my new friends do it because they love God and people. To fulfill a higher purpose which God has called them to. To bring love, peace and the Gospel to them who needs it.


How about you?


Will you be willing to go?

A Sleep Over

KG came over for a sleepover last night.


He plays well with my children and they have loads of fun together.


They sometimes talk.


They don't fight.


They talk boys stuffs.


Too boring for a girl like me to eavesdrop.

Joel & KG

Its his 1st time sleeping over at a friend's place. He did well. His parents were a little nervous, though.


The children played, talked, laughed and talked some more till 12am. Then, they slept.


They woke up at 7am on a Sunday morning.


I saw them talking some more.


Actually its pretty cute. I like seeing them getting along and having SO MUCH things to talk about....


But don't ask me to tell you what they talked about.... Its boring boys stuffs.

Down with Flu

I have been down with flu since Monday.


It all started with a harmless discomfort in my throat.... So, I gargled salt water. The discomfort stopped after 2 days and then quickly following by running nose, body aches and then cough.


My body is still aching today and I feel very tired. But the flu should be passing soon, hopefully.


I didn't go to see the doctor. I thought I will let my immune system do some work. I took some paracetamol, honey with lime drink, gargled salt, etc.