It was my first ride on a plane – and thank you Cebu Pacific, for my safe flight to Bangkok, Thailand and back home here in the Philippines, amidst the novel coronavirus 2019 scare.
I’m glad I have shared my first ever flight with you, internationally.
During my college days at Angeles University Foundation, there was this one classmate who always told stories about his travels in Bangkok. Frankly speaking, I had no interest to travel internationally. I just wanted to roam the country first.
When I graduated, got employed and managed to save a bit, my college best friend, Khamylle Anne Mendoza, asked if I wanted to travel with her.
Since she is my all-time-buddy, without any qualms, I said YES.
“Are you sure? We’ll go to Bangkok,” she said.
When she booked our flight and tour package with Air Lounge Travel Services, seriously, I had butterflies in my stomach. It was really happening.
And yup, the first step to assure that your tour will be fun and right on track, is to inquire from the right travel agency, such as ours, Air Lounge.
(Well, you can message them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/airloungetravel, or visit their office at Hallmark Bldg. Miranda Street, Angeles City.)
When we have reached the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, the travel agency’s airport representative immediately transferred us to our hotel – Ten Star Inn Hotel in 44/1,44/2 Soi Phetchaburi 17, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand.
Since the rest of the day was our leisure time, and the hotel is near Pratunam Market, we got to try some of Bangkok’s transportation means and culinary offerings, starting with their street food.
It was a new experience for me – really new, when it comes sight and taste. It was the best, particularly my favorite – Tom Yum, a hot and sour soup usually cooked with pork, beef and shrimp. “Tom Yum” is derived from two Thai words, “tom” and “yum” – tom means boiling process and yum refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad.
The next day, we had the Bangkok City tour. We visited in temples like the Golden Mount Temple and Golden Buddha Temple, where you can leave a wish and a prayer.
I was amazed by how people were disciplined to wear the right clothes during their visit – pants, shirts, and long dresses. Not wearing the proper clothing would mean an additional charge for your violation.
The Gems Gallery, the country’s gem, literally, is the world’s biggest jewelry center. You get to see in person how 100 world-class jewelers craft their work. As a major dealer of global gems and jewels, Thailand has had a good relationship with precious stones for more than 4,000 years.
After our half day city tour, my best friend and I visited a sports bar, which is just at the ground floor of our hotel.
Thanks to this bar, we took the rust off our talent for billiards. Imagine playing billiards in Bangkok! Our last game was still during college.
Of course, you are not a Filipino if you don’t buy PASALUBONG for your family, friends, neighbors, and workmates. The products were quite cheap, with good the quality. Your 100 baht can get you 10-12 products already. For the sake of getting everyone their pasalubong, my luggage weighed 12 kg when I headed home!
Thanks to my new found Filipino friends from Cavite and Bataan – Nelda Monasterio, Lindsay Dizon and Alfonso Vitug, I did not pay extra for my excess baggage since they gave me theirs.
And one thing I learned from this travel – wherever Filipinos go, they bring their values with them, always.
Indeed, the “hospitality” of Filipinos is STILL ALIVE.
This three-day travel really taught me a lot; it has been my escape. It taught me to be happy in little ways, it helped me to understand another country’s culture – and it embedded a certain respect in my heart. It let me spread my wings.
And during my visit, I got a glimpse of how to be an Overseas Filipino Worker. (OFW). Please do not misunderstand me, for, I came there for pleasure… but I felt how it was to be far away from your loved ones, and it was damn hard. I guess that’s what one means when he says, “I’m homesick.” Because being alone and lonely is homesick.
I got to appreciate my family more, and I got to appreciate my best friend Anne more. A true friend is a true friend. A rare one. A gem. And most importantly, I got to appreciate God more, for His unending grace and guidance.
When I got home safe and sound, indeed, it was one unforgettable experience that I will treasure in my heart forever.
But I have promised to myself, that this is just the first of my many, many travels. And when I come back in Bangkok soon, I will be with my Mom and my siblings.
And yup, surely, my savings are waving at me!
On to the next, Leah!
