Google Calendar

Japaneses transforms the online Google Celendar to a real wall calendar. It’s simple yet intriguing.

Source: http://gigazine.net/index.php?/news/comments/20091228_real_google_calendar/

Chiangkhan

What: The century-old small village on the bank of Mekong River is another fast-growing tourist hotspot thanks to its descendent traditions and tranquility. The archaic wooden houses lined along the road are also captivating.

When: Everyday but long holiday is highly not recommended if you prefer to experience the real Chiangkhan.

Where: Loei, 583 Km. away from Bangkok

Why: Despite over a century, the riverside community still holds its old vibe which umpteen old-time hunters are after.

Note: There is a tradition of offering sticky rice to monks in the early morning, and some travelers are likely to do inappropriate manner. Make sure you don’t bug the local or violate the monk’s prohibition (Monk is not allowed to be touched by women).

Banking

How long does  it usually take to deposit money in your account? Believe me? It shall take over an hour at TMB Bank. I was willing to bank with TMB after I have been leaving its balance at zero for severl months. After receiving queue and filling out the form, I squatted on the sofa and started to wait. I got no. 179 while the tellers were servicing no. 170 and 171. Fifteen minutes went by, one teller was engaged with something, leaving another to serve no. 173. Alright, I left the bank for the mobile shops to look around and I was back within roughly 15 minutes. The service moved up to 174….speechless! I turned my feet back to SCB instead. Opening a new account at SCB is even quicker than depositing in the available account at TMB!

Crowded Christmas

Christmas is another international season that Thai people also snatch this opportunity to celebrate. In fact, we celebrate all occasion whether American, Chinese, and Thai owns. Hence, it should not be surprised to see lots of people were going out to have a party with friends or to photograph the street embellished with lights in the city. To be honest, it was my first time that I went out at such a special night.

Siam Center in Christmas night

The Siam Center area was not hectic after all, not until Siam Paragon. Both footpath and sky walking were thronged with night goers. We had to walk through the flood of people and I started to ponder if we would have a space to take a photo like a couple of weeks ago. It turned out to be as I had predicted. I hardly hit the shutter, for I felt it was uneasy to take photos in such a status quo. I was so amazed to see people flooded into the city to celebrate for Christmas. New Year Count Down is coming and it must be more jam-packed!

We spent our time there less than I expected and we were all got defeated, agreeing to get home. Anyway, at least, I could have dinner with friends and got some (though not good enough) photos back. I was not disappointed after all.

Olympus Trip 35

I have been away from this blog for a while. Life is so-so, nothing to update since last Saturday. It was my latest attempt to drag myself to Klongthom after I had been disappointed with it throughout rainy season. I meant to drop by Saphan Lek to look for a new wallet but I had to be upset again thanks to its price. Not expensive but I expect it cheaper than this. So, I turned to Klongthom instead.

There were lots of vendors all over the place as usual. You know, this night market always makes me bahtless. So did this time. Yes, I got a wallet, priced B200. It looks good enough. My mission should have ended here but it was not. I kept walking through the crowd and ended up paying for sunglasses and new shoulder bag. (There were plenty of goods I wanted to get as always.) Before leaving, I accidentally set my eyes on an old camera Olympus Trip 35, priced 1,200 Baht, but it is not in quite a good shape after all. Anyway,I couldn’t stop thinking of that model all the time.

I began to search for the second-handed Olympus Trip 35 on eBay and Google and eventually found the one I think it is the best option at that momuent. (eBay is slightly cheaper but I have to ask my friend to bid and pay for me in advance. It’s not convenient.) Thus, I got the camera from SiamTLR. It is Klongthom again that made me broke in the mid if the month. If I had not gone there, I wouldn’t have paid for this. Boo!

I’m willing to share photos from this camera here after the film is used up and processed.

Minikonian

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Interview truth?

After people read the shocking headline on the Internet or newspaper yesterday, Timesonline finally releases the full transcript of interview with exiled Thai PM to prove the writer didn’t distort the story as he whined on his Twitter. Please visit Timesonline.co.uk to find out yourself what the ousted Thai leader actually said during the interview.

Note: True Internet user may be uable to access. I couldn’t get into the website at home but not workplace.

Concert manners

With my stingy habit and limited budget in my pocket, MY NAME IS KIM is my second opportunity to go the live concert. The first one was Six in the City featured by six divas from AF. Despite attending the concert just only two times, I noticed some unpleasant manners, rendering such a hardly-go-to-concert person like me to say something. Please be advised.

1. Punctuality: Once the gate is open, you don’t have to rush into the venue instantly, just take it easy and walk in beauty into the hall. Don’t linger outside or just wait till other go inside. The concert is not a party, so you won’t be in the limelight when you are the last one who enters the place. Most people know the concert starts late, and they thus come late. What if all have this in mind? It’ll be even later.

2. Banner: It’s now common to see the banner in concert, whether big or small. Kindly don’t raise it too long as it probably blocks the vision of other. It’s okay to keep it raised all the time if you sit at the final row.

3. Children: For those who bring baby or children to concert, please look after your children and make sure they won’t annoy the nearby audiences. You may say they are just a kid but why don’t you think conversely? What would feel if you are annoyed? Put yourself in other’s shoes.

4. Leaving the concert: Certain audiences like to stand up and walk out from the concert although the singer has yet ended the last performance. It’s acceptable if you need to get home before the curfew, yet for those who want to catch a taxi before others. I don’t like! Again, how would you feel if many students walk out the classroom while you are lecturing? The singer surely feels the same.

Will add more if I can recognize.

Rong Kluea Market

What: The immense second-handed center where most items were imported from Cambodia or those who abdicated their unwanted stuff welcomes load of shoppers from all over Thailand, especially Bangkokians. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella and sunproof, for it is blazing hot! If possible, also bring a face make to protect the dust and unpleasant smell.

When: Sat-Sun, 7am-5pm.

Where: Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo

How: There are a number of buses going to the merket every day. Try saerching on Google. It’s easy to find.

Why: The items here are surprisingly cheap. But you need eagle eyes to pick the good-conditioned item from a pile of used stuff.

Nakhon Nueng Khet Market

What: The recently relaunched market, Nakhon Nueng Ket Market, is revived after its speepy atmosphere thanks to the advent of the road. Despite a massive revamp, the market still retains its charm which is scarce in modernized city.

When: On weekends, 9am – 4pm.

Where: Chachoengsao

How: Take the Suwintawong Rd. (Route 304) and you will be directed by the signs for 20 kilometers, more or less.

Why: The market is really in a good shape. The quaint wooden houses and people’s way of life greatly reflect the trace of ancient community.