To bang cock and back

I was away in Bangkok with my dearie from Monday to Wednesday. Agnes returned on Friday. It was too short a trip for me in retrospect. We had only Monday afternoon together to do a bit of shopping in the area near our hotel.It did not help that our hotel was situated right smack dab in the middle of the main shopping belt, so saying we did 'a bit of shopping in the area near our hotel' may be a tad of an understatement.
However we did manage to get lots of shopping done considering the little time we had. We are so tired and sweaty by the time we got back to the hotel lugging all our buys and two 5 litres of bottled water. After washing up we settled down for a well deserved rest.

On the second day, Agnes workshop had already started and so I had to keep myself entertained until she got back. I had booked a tour to the Royal Grand Palace for the first half of the day. It would have been my second time going, but I enjoyed it more this time as I had a proper tour guide to show and explain stuff to us. It all makes more sense when you look at the various buildings and artifacts if someone tells you what they mean. It was a warm morning and I suspect I got more than a little tanned.
After the tour we had a short city tour on the coach before we were brought to a gemstone factory to buy stuff. I was more fascinated by the marine fish tanks at the centre of the showroom than anything else on display. From there I took one of the complimentary minivans back to the hotel. Anyone who has been to Bangkok would appreciate how haphazard the roads,driving and buildings are. So although the gem place and the hotel are not all that far away from one another, the entire journey took about half an hour. It did not help that the driver had to also drop off 2 other guest at other hotels in the area before me. So after he dropped off the first one he had to make a detour to drop off the other one. I could visually see my hotel just across the road from where the second hotel was but it would be some time yet before I would actually find myself in the lobby of it. After must twisting,turning and back alley jaunts I finally found myself back at the hotel. Agnes had adjourned for lunch so she met me back at the room. We sneaked in a few precious moments before going our separate ways again in the afternoon.
After Agnes had returned to her workshop,I went down again and continued my touristy adventure. I walked over to the train station which on foot was quite a walk and bought a full day ticket which I could use for the whole day for 100 baht. My first stop was National Stadium station, where I finally went to the legendary mah boon krong or MBK Centre. I been wanting to go there but never had the chance to until now. And it did not disappoint. There is so much stuff to buy there it is crazy. I had lunch at the McDonald's before catching a movie, The Island, at the theatre above. The movie thatre was lush and comfy. I even had an opportunity to stand up as they played the national anthem and flashed images of the Thai king on the big screen. Luckily I already knew what was expected so I rose when I had to and sat down after the anthem. Woulda been funny if I was clueless as to what was going on and got thrown out or received dirty looks from the locals.
The movie was good. Michael Bay has a way of bringing you right into the action sequences which I love from that adrenaline rush. The story was both a bit unrealistic yet believable in the premise of it all. As usual Ewan MacGregor was good. Seems like everything this guy touches turns to gold. Scarlett Johanssen was good too when she had to be. Although it is hard imagining her as a top supermodel. In short I enjoyed the film.

rating 3 out of 5 test tubes

After the movie and went about doing my shopping and exploring the place. There is so much stuff on sale there that I am not even sure I had seem it all. I bought some bags and t-shirts. Must go there again with Agnes. I am sure she will enjoy it.
And another place I wanna visit when I am in Bangkok next is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Now that is a place I must visit with Agnes. Another is Seacon Square shopping center claims to be the biggest in Asia and the fifth biggest anywhere in the world!
After that I got back to the station and had wanted to go to The Emporium Shopping Centre but thought better of it. Instead I went to the Siam Centre station. There I wandered around an almost empty underused shopping centre( Siam Centre...what else?). I then crossed over the street to where the Hard Rock Cafe was and bought a t-shirt from the shop. It cost me 700 baht which is a bit steep for just a t-shirt,but it is an original and that is the going price. I then had my dinner at a pizza place, aptly named The Pizza Place. Felt kinda strange to be eating pizza alone but I was hungry and there was no other way around the situation.
After dinner I walked back to the train station and made my way back to Chit Lom (my station). I then walked back to the hotel,but not buying some essentials for Agnes from the nearby 7-11. I then got back to the hotel and showered. Agnes came back a while later and did the same after her 'cruise dinner'. By then it was already late and we were both exhausted after another long day. Z Z zzz...

It was wednesday and I had to go back. I had already arranged with the airport limo to pick me up at 11am from the lobby. My main concern was whether I would be able to say goodbye to my dear Agnes before I left as she was at the workshop and the morning break was at 11am also. Fortunately she was able to make it on time and we said our goodbyes. I left with a heavy heart as my bangkok trip was too short to be sweet. Worse of all was leaving Agnes all alone in a strange land. I felt I should have extended my stay and kept her company until friday. Too late for regrets now.The limo arrived on time and I got to the airport rather effortlessly. I then checked in and then had my lunch at Burger King, before wandering about the airport. You only appreciate something after it is gone. And exploring Bangkok Airport made me realise how fortunate we singaporeans are. Changi Airport is so much better planned and equipped with better facillities. After I had passed through customs I also explored the dity free area and was similarly disappointed with what was on offer. I did buy some overpriced traditional thai desserts,snacks and some postcards from the shops before heading to my waiting area.
Boarded the plane.
Landed in Singapore.
Met by my parents at the airport.
Went home.
Got prepared for dinner.
Went for dinner with the whole gang (sans Agnes) at Amara Riverview Hotel for my dad's birthday celebration.
Went home.