Land Trip - Europe (Day 3-4: Vientiane, Laos)

*Update: Video Uploaded for Day 3: Vientiane

3 Aug 2011

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I thought the air-con was better in this train because it was so cold when I slept. After midnight, the air-con stopped working and I felt that I was in Bangkok's Chinatown again. Only this time I was trapped in a small confined place and have no KFC to turn to.

Reached Nong Khai on time at 8:25am (after more than 12hrs) and quickly went to queue to buy ticket to Thanaleng, Laos. You can only buy train tickets to Laos when you are there in person. No way to buy online or any other station in advance. Costs only 20 Baht and takes 15mins to reach Thanaleng, after crossing the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.

Once there, I filled up the immigration form and got my passport stamped. I need to get to Vientiane (the capital and largest city of Laos) where I had pre-booked my hotel. It was either I take a Taxi (which costs 300 Baht), or share a tuk-tuk with 6 people (50 Baht each). I decided to save money and waited for others to get their passport stamped. Then a Korean girl came to me and asked me if I was traveling alone and how much it costs to get to Vientiane. Her name is Hyo Jin. I explained to her and she asked me to join her and 2 of her friends. That totaled up to 4 people. We need to get 2 more. So, she went to asked around and got 2 more Koreans (coincidentally) and we hopped onto the tuk-tuk and started to talk. 

Not sure why most conversations with Koreans always end up with K-Pop and Girls Generation. Hyo Jin asked me if I like Girls Generation. And I said a bit. I told her honestly that I have no idea who Girls Generation was until someone told me about them and kept playing their songs in the office! She gave me the "are you serious" look, thinking that I must have known them since they are so popular, especially with guys. But I reassured her that I really didn't know about them. I think she still didn't believe.

She handed me her notebook for me to write my contact. So now I have someone to look for when I'm in Seoul next time!

Was getting to know the girls a little when I reached my hotel. Things always happen like that right? I was the first to alight as the rest were going to the bus station. I quickly got down to tuk-tuk and said my goodbyes to the Koreans and went straight to the lobby to check-in. While I was talking to the receptionist, one of the girls came into lobby with her haversack and all, shouting at me: "the fee, the fee, the fee!" I was like "oopps!" I quickly passed the 50Baht to her with embarrassment and apologized. I guess they were probably thinking that I was some cheapskate who just wanted a free-ride to the hotel!

This is my first pit-stop after 3 days. Finally, I've a chance to bathe! Finally, I've a place to recharge my batteries (and all the other batteries for my gadgets). 

(My first pit-stop with a HUGE bed)

Currently, it is the rainy season in Laos and it was drizzling when I walked around. Went to the Mekong River, which is the 10th longest river in the world. This river runs through 6 countries (China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam!) and it is estimated to be 4090km in length. It also forms part of the Lao-Thai border. Beautiful river.

(Mekong River. Where I am standing is Laos. On my left across the river is Thailand.)

 (The smile below reminds me of Gabriel. Yes gabe?)

 

I'm not sure how much you know about Laos. Maybe like me, the last time you heard or read about Laos was from your Social Studies or History Text books. (I remembered seeing the Mekong River somewhere in my Geography text book though.) I think not many people know about Laos. For me, I had no expectations when I arrived here but I was pleasantly surprised. This place is peaceful and a lot of modern shops all over the city. The city centre is small and you could probably walk the entire place in 1 day. I'm also surprised at the number of tourists (mainly westerners) here, which probably explains the number of Western shops in the city. A very touristy area to say the least. 

 

 

Laos do not have any sea port as it is surrounded by 5 countries. So Laos depends heavily on Thailand & Vietnam for its import & export. Hence, things are a little more expensive here compared to Bangkok.

Had lunch at a cosy cafe and they only serve Beef Noodle Soup. It was good. I would probably go back there to eat if I'm staying in Vientiane for more than a few days. It costs me 50Baht. I didn't bother to change to any Kip (Lao Currency) as I knew that most shops (but not all) accept USD or Baht. Furthermore, I was there only for 1 night. 

Explored a bit more and went back to the Hotel to rest. Then have to drag myself for dinner because I was too hungry not to eat. Saw a nice sunset on the way. Drank banana shake and ate Fried Rice. Salty....

(Vientiane Sunset. Ignore the umbrella, will you? The hotel was kind enough to lend it to me.)

 

4 Aug 2011

Breakfast was complimentary so I was a Happy Bird waking up early in the morning to eat. Edited my Day 1 video finally and decided to go for a walk. Went to the other side of town and walked through many markets. The thing is that most stalls sell the same stuff. Which I don't understand how they could survive with 90% of the stalls selling the same clothing, electronics, DVDs, accessories, etc.

(Presidential Palace. Which reminds me....I can't vote?)

 (Sim Lim Square?)

 

 

 

Went to a shopping mall and I thought I was teleported to Sim Lim Square. Walked for about 2 hours under the hot sun. At least, I don't have to carry my HUGE haversack this time round. Had lunch at about 2:30pm and I ate a Sandwich, which was sold almost everywhere I went. They use French Loaf for all their Sandwiches here. I forgot to mention that Vientiane was under the French-rule in the past, so understandably, this place is very much French-influenced. 

The moment I stepped out of the cafe, the sky turned dark and was about to rain. I became an Angry Bird instantly. Ran back to hotel to wait for my pick-up. 

I'm going to take the longest bus ride in my life!

(Oh, if you have not seen the Day1 video, please scroll down to the Day1 post to view it.)

After spending 2 days in Laos, MY LIFE, WILL NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.......................EEEE........................EEVER, BE THE SAME, AGAIN!!!

Land Trip - Europe (Day 2: Bangkok)

*Update: Video uploaded for Day 2:Bangkok

2 Aug 2011 

Didn't go for the Foot Reflexology in the end. One, because I don't think that I have enough time. Two, I don't think that I have enough Baht. But (haha..), I went to drink Bird's Nest Soup. It is quite good, considering that I chose the cheapest one at 90 Baht (slightly less than SGD4). 

(Bird's Nest!)

Caught a train from Hat Yai Train Station to Bangkok.

Oh the train is cool. I slept on the upper berth, which is slightly cheaper than the lower berth. I need to save as much money as I can, so I chose the upper one. Actually, as a child, I have always wanted to sleep on those double-deck bed. Not sure why I had that fantasy but I first got to live my fantasy while I was in the army!!! Suddenly, my fantasy turned into a nightmare.

(Inside the train. Before they set the beds.)

(On the Upper Berth)

 

Anyway, the next day, I was talking to this other person on the train. He knew that I was Singaporean from the way I spoke. Arkom was friendly and he shared with me about finding my ancestral home in China. He said that when he helped his best friend to find his ancestral home, he was so touched that he teared. Quite an interesting conversation. One day I'll do just that. (By the way, we were conversing in Mandarin most of the time.)

My train was supposed to end at Hua Lamphong station, which is the main Railway station in Bangkok. However, the train attendant informed us (in Thai) that we were stopping 2 stations before that because there the princess was scheduled to arrive at that station as well and the train is not allowed to enter. Fortunately, I have a local with me, and Arkom brought me to their MRT station in Bang Sue and taught me how to use the train (which is quite easy actually). I was very impressed with their MRT. They have a system almost identical to the one in Singapore. As far as I can remember, I have no recollection of the MRT in Bangkok when I was there more than 12 years ago. Clearly this must be quite new. I later found out that it was officially opened in July 2004.

(In Bang Sue Train Station)

(In the train. Looks familiar?)

(Inside Hua Lamphong Railway Station)

(Outside Hua Lamphong Railway Station)

Arkom alighted 2 stops before mine. Bang Sue is the first stop and Hua Lamphong is the last stop. In other words, I took the entire MRT line from one end to the other. It costs me 40 Baht (and Arkom was nice enough pass me 10 Baht because I only had 30 Baht worth of coins at that time), which I need not have to pay in the first place. I asked for directions to Chinatown and took a detour, because some roads were blocked, and ended up walking for 20mins under the BLAZING HOT SUN, carrying my HUGE haversack and a day pack! I tell you, I was perspiring like nobody's business.

(In front of Chinatown Gate)

Oh, the reason why I had to carry my HUGE haversack around is because I was to be in Bangkok for less than a day and my next train was scheduled to depart Bangkok at 8pm. So I had the whole afternoon to explore the place. But I had no place to leave my HUGE haversack.

Chinatown is a lively place, with a lot of shouting and people moving around. There are so many alleys and small lanes within the alleys that it must take a full day to navigate the whole place. The narrow walkways and heavy human traffic made it incredibly difficult for me to move around. Crossing the road already requires some skill. Bear in mind that I was still carrying my HUGE haversack. 

 (This is how they cross the road here)

 

After 1 hour of walking, I sat down at a roadside stall and ordered whatever that they were selling. I didn't even know what it was and I just told the lady "1 bowl". It turns out to be Beef Ball Noodle Soup, which was quite tasty. The taste kinda reminded me of "Bakso" in Indonesia. And I love Bakso! I thought I was in Indonesia for a moment. The best part? It only costs me 30Baht. (SGD$1.20)

(My "Bakso")

 

 

After that, I went to a nearby KFC to sleep! Yes, I was so tired that the moment I sat down on the chair, I fell asleep on my bags! Finally, a place with Air-Con. That was my afternoon nap.
Continued to walk the whole stretch of Chinatown and found some interesting lanes. There was one lane that sells nothing but Spectacles/Glasses. It was just optical shops all the way. Then, there was another lane that sells nothing but Shoes!!! Girls, this lane was created just for you. I felt out of place there you know. 

I guessed I've seen enough for the day and decided to go back to Hua Lamphong Railway station. My legs were aching and was contemplating if I should take the tuk-tuk back. The thing is, I didn't bring a lot Baht with me and I wanted to save as much money as I can because this was still the beginning of my trip. After being "cheated" in the morning to spend money on the public transport (i.e. MRT), I decided not to take any more public transport, no matter how tempting the tuk-tuk was. (And it was really tempting as the tuk-tuk drivers kept honking at me.) So I used my own private transport - my legs. Remember that I was still carrying my HUGE haversack. In the end, I walked back to the station with my head held high. (No, actually I was looking down and panting.)  

 

It was still early and I went to another KFC to wait. At least, the KFC at the station has air-conditioned cooler than the station itself and much cooler than the KFC that I went in Singapore! Was resting for awhile before I counted how much Baht I had left and decided to eat 1 egg tart and 2 pcs of chicken.

There were so many westerners walking in and out while I was eating. Then there was this beautiful blonde girl (with her family) smiled and nodded at me. I had chicken in my mouth but I had to smile back right? That was probably the most "unglam" smile ever. 

Waited for awhile more and finally it was 7:30pm. I headed over to the platform where the train was.

(This is the train that the princess took, I think.)

 (This is the train that I took, definitely.)

This train is from Bangkok to Nong Khai, which is near the Thai-Laos border. This is the easiest way to go to Laos from Thailand. This journey took 12 hours, which was nothing compared to the previous night's train ride of 15 hrs 30mins. The type of train is the same as the one I took the night before. So I was used to it already.

Not showered for 2 and half days.

Next stop: Laos.

After spending one hot and sweaty day in Bangkok with my HUGE haversack, MY LIFE (and my legs), WAS NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEEEEE...............EEEE.....................EEVER, THE SAME, AGAIN!!!

Land Trip - Europe (Day 1: Hat Yai)

*Video Uploaded

1 Aug 2011
Hey guys & gals, this is Day 1 of my adventure! I'm in a hot and sweaty office in Hat Yai, Thailand.

Was rushing like crazy yesterday to pack all my stuff into my haversack. Reached Golden Mile in time for the Coach. Thank you Kelly for seeing me off.

After a comfortable 14-hour ride I arrived in Thailand. Not bad, just zoomed pass Malaysia in less than 14 hours. Didn't spend a single cent/sen too!

Walked around the place a little. Ate Bak Kut Teh for breakfast and I must say that it was one of the tastiest I ever tried. Then had Pineapple Rice for Lunch, nothing impressive about this. Maybe I went to the wrong stall to order. 

(Not sure when was the last time I saw prawns THIS big!)

Later I'm going to have Bird Nest's Soup (it is really cheap here.Not sure if it is authentic though) and going for Foot Reflexology.

Going to catch a train in the evening to my next destination.....

You know what, My LIFE, WILL NEVER, EEEEEEEE...................EEE.......................EEVER, BE THE SAME AGAIN!!!

Time to go...

Time to go...

My journey officially begins.

Supper in Jakarta

Nope. No pictures for Dinner this time even though the dinner was good! Too busy eating Sushi to take any photos. 

So after Dinner, Indra decided to bring me to have supper with some of the resources. 

This is the place that we had Green Banana.

Well, the Banana is not really green but is wrapped with something green. It is like Ice Kachang with Banana.

I must say that it is very very sweet. Maybe a bit too sweet for my liking. 

Still, not bad for a dessert.

Must really cut down on food otherwise MY WEIGHT WILL NEVER, EEEEEEEEEE.................EEEE................EEVER, BE THE SAME, AGAIN!!!

Dinner in Jakarta agian

Had a sumptuous dinner in a fine Chinese Restaurant. This time, in one of the latest addition to the shopping scene in Jakarta -- Central Park. It is quite a huge shopping mall. Kinda reminded me of VivoCity in Singapore.

There was a wide spread of food, courtesy of Klemen's parents who brought me there. Ooooo....there was Peking Duck too! It's been a while since I had that.

I think I ate Chinese Escargot. At least I think it was. Small and Spicy. Another day of good food!

Explored the place a bit and saw a Musical Fountain in the park. Took some cheesy photos while I was at it.

After visiting this new place with Klemen's Family, my LIFE, WAS NEVER.....................EEEE...............EEVER, THE SAME, AGAIN!!!

Dinner in Jakarta

Just had a Super-full dinner along the streets of Indonesia's Capital - Jakarta.

Had 1 and a half bowls of Bakso Kway Tiau because someone couldn't finish!

It was a nice and simple dinner with Klemen, his girlfriend, and his sister-Klaudia.

Oh, and we ate some bouncy fish balls too! I think it is worth going again in the future.Thank you Klemen for introducing this place!

But that was not all. I knew there was more to come. On the way back to the hotel, we just had to get more food. So we stopped by a popular stall to buy Martabak.

Ate it in the hotel when I went back. Delicious stuff. It was good when I ate it with a full stomach. So it means that it was really really good! I like the cheese Martabak!

After eating so much food in such a short period of time, my stomach was NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEEEE..................EEEE...................EEVER, THE SAME, AGAIN!!!

Private Message from Facebook

I received a private message on Facebook and I just want to share with you.

Here it goes:

 

Edwin Galchenko April 23 at 10:56pm

Hi Mr Peter Lau, Edwin here from Ngee Ann poly. I attended Dr Ernest Wong's talk on motivation last year & I got know you through there. Went to your talk with Jeffery last year too at your work place. wonder if you still could remember me.

I want to tell you that I have finished reading your book - The Joys & Pains of Growing Up... I have apply some of the principles that you mention in the books & I find it really useful to my life. I start to read this book once again, hope that I really can apply & understand more about the principles. Because of reading your book, attended Dr Ernest Wong's talks, I really get motivated to study hard & strive for the best!

I would like to share a good news to you: I have got into the top class of my whole cohort of ECE division. Its a great news to share because in the past, I was the bottom of class during my secondary school days, eventually I got last position. As you mention in your book, you are once a "good for nothing kid"& end up being the world youngest Neuro-Semantics Trainer, I believe I can do it too. I'm trying to strive for the best to do well in my studies & achieve my goals of being a lecturer/teacher in the future.

Thank for sharing your story with us! God bless you! 

 

Edwin (:

 

Powerful stuff! 

It made my day!

You'll do well Edwin! Go for it! And YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...........................EEEE.........................EEEVER, BE THE SAME, AGAIN!!!

Choose to be Great!

Had 2 talks for the past 2 days in Ngee Ann Poly.

Met hundreds and hundreds of young people beginning the next chapter of their lives.

Thank you for those who stayed back and asked me questions. I can see that you guys really want to be great! Always Aim High! The path may not be easy, but I believe that it will be worth it.

 I truly enjoyed myself the past 2 days!
 

 Thanks to Kelly & Xinying for making it a success!

Thank you Ngee Ann Poly for the amazing event and for the opportunity!

For those of you who were there, choose to be Great and YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE............................EEEE...............................EEVER, BE THE SAME, AGAIN!!!