I miss Phi Phi

Topic of the day: A few pictures from the Andaman Coast

My few short days spent at Phuket and Phi Phi with Simon and Michelle were wonderful. The warm sea air and the laid back atmosphere was just what I needed - a great break from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. And plus, nothing says relaxation like fresh fruit smothies, banana-chocolate pancakes, sun, and the gentle, lapping waters of the Andaman Coast. And Jamaica. :)

All plans of being productive were discarded once I laid down on the beaches and baked in the sunshine. I was so relaxed that I didn't even bother taking many pictures. Since I can be a bit clumsy with words, I'll let the pictures do the talking. Below here are some pictures taken from a little slice of heaven that's known as Southern Thailand...

Bangkok days and Bangkok nights

Pat Pong Night Scene
Originally uploaded by sheilaz413.

Topic of the day: Bangkok impressions, 2nd time around

Bangkok is dirty, busy, seedy, vibrant, colorful, fast paced, humid, fun, dark, exotic, spicey, and fun. Basically, I love it!

I'd have to say that I've enjoyed Bangkok much more my second time around. There's something about the tuk-tuk drivers, the late night food stalls, the frangipani, the wires, the humidity, the backpackers, the dirty river, the fisherman pants, and of course, Khao San Road that draws me in and keeps me captivated. Second time around, the warm feeling of familiarity washed over me every time I was on Khao San Road and Soi Rambutri. Some of my favorite shops are still there - including the smoothie man (he even remembered me!). He still made the best fresh fruit smoothies around (with ice that's safe for foreign digestion).

Yes, Bangkok is full of life in all its grit and beauty. One must go at some point in their lives to experience this large organized chaos.

And yes. I did see lady-boys and did go to Pat Pong this time around as well, though, neither were because of my doings...

Har har...har...

Topic of the day: College dorm flashback

 

For those who don't know, my apartment's walls are fairly thin.  I don't hear my next door neighbor's commotions so much, but I do hear my upstairs neighbor.  And he's loud.  Very loud.

 

There has been quite a few occasions where my upstairs neighbor (I believe he's Italian) woke me up in the middle of the night with his raucous.  He would shout, holler, bang doors, the whole nine yards.  Last night really topped the cake.

 

After a lazy night of watching movies, I walked into my room - and I heard a woman moaning.  Loudly.

 

"No way..." I thought.  "I can't believe I can hear him fucking having sex!"

 

Well, it wasn't really my neighbor that I heard, but rather the loud American woman he was sleeping with.  This is when I suddenly had a flashback of living in the dorms during my first year in uni.  I was walking down the hall with another girl who lived on my floor when we passed a door and suddenly heard extremely loud, exaggerated noises of a couple having sex.  It honestly did sound like a bad porn film.

 

So now, four years later, I am faced with the same situation.  Thankfully, it my very good luck that it was a quickie (or maybe I just walked in late?).  After it was done, the loud American woman with the shrilly laugh washed herself and left.

 

I am not amused.

I heart Thailand

Topic of the day - Quick vacation update

Current location - Little Mermaid Guesthouse, Phuket, Thailand

 

I realized something about Thailand that didnt really hit me the first time I have been here - Thailand is AWESOME!!  I love the sun, the warm weather, the great food, friendly people, and the beautiful beaches.

 

So, its great.  Will write more about the Land of Smiles when I am back in Beijing...

Sawadeka, Thailand!

Thai Water Lilies
Originally uploaded by sheilaz413.

Topic of the day: Off to the Land of Smiles

Funny, just a few weeks ago, I was just a few hundred kilometers away from Siberia. Now, this weekend and for the coming week, I will be just a few hundred kilometers away from the equator.

I'm leaving for Bangkok today and spending the weekend there with my company. Then on Monday, I'll be heading down to Phuket to meet Simon and Michelle. I'm looking forward to clear blue ocean water, white sand beaches, and drinking pina coladas from a coconuts... :)

Be back in a week!

New recruit

Topic of the day: My warmest welcome...

...to my colleague, Ivana, who just started her blog on Nomadlife! Check out her blog:

Chuckles Does Beijing

Welcome to the club, Chuckles! (head - slug - head)

It's snowing in Beijing!

Topic of the day: Snow and Super Bowl

I didn't realize it was snowing until I walked out of my apartment door today. Snow flakes were drifting in every direction and everything was covered with a light coating of white. As a type, the snow is still coming down strong and a heavy fog is setting in.

Due to the time difference, this morning also happened to be when the Super Bowls was taking place. All football loving American expats in China had the option of attending Super Bowl parties this morning. If a football lover manage to get up, several bars around Beijing (including Goose & Duck, a bar right next to my flat) were hosting special Super Bowl viewings...starting at 7am.

Nothing beats starting work after you've already downed a few beers, right?