1st time in a long time!

7-11 July 2013

Hua Hin, Thailand

Its been a long time since I've been to a new place for the first time. I hate to admit it, but it does say something that I've increasingly realised about myself-- with age, I just get more comfortable going back to the same places over and over again. Its much easier to plan, I know what to expect, its comfortable! (But then again, haven't been travelling much for leisure, its been all work trips-- so no choice-- although to be honest with myself, I have been getting cozy with going back to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangkok etc rather than taking the plunge with Cuba, Africa or other places.)

Anyway, so Hua Hin for work!

I never really understand the lure of beach resorts. Lying on a deck chair under the blazing sun to roast is nowhere near my bucket list, and I could never abide by cheap massages that everyone always hankers after. Pedicures done abroad never fail to disappoint, so just about the only think about beach holidays have been swimming and eating. Nonetheless, I always enjoy Thailand so yay!

Now I wish I could work ON a beach resort. Even though Singapore is sunny 365 days a week, I would never be in a mood to rock up to work in fancy sandals and a sundress, which I could conceivably do during this 1 week business meeting. Work felt so breezy-- to look out of the canteen and see a gorgeous pool, or the horizon....beautiful!

Resortwear!

First thing I did-- have  water melon juice right next to the beach! Weather was a little gloomy but it was still nice and hot (not humid). All the stress of a 3 hour car ride to the resort disintegrated right there. Now, if only I could appreciate massages....

Natural high from my non-alcoholic water-melon freeze!

Another great part of the trip was reliving the memories of all the time I spent in Thailand 2 years ago. From the Kao Soi Gai to the Amazon cafe yen at the rest stops along the highway to the choc-and-banana prata-crepes at the nightmarket...SO MANY GOOD MEMORIES! Even some of my Thai was coming back to me.
OK I lie. I never had any Thai in the first place.

The first time I had this was in a tiny coffeeshop off central Chiangmai. I  had never even see the Northern Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Dish before but had been enticed when I saw some customers wolfing it down. Now my favorite Thai dish (well, one of my favorites anyway!) or perhaps it is just the memories of Chiangmai that I love.

Definitely enjoyed the travel-and-leisure element of this trip very much. I swam most days before breakfast! (When I had breakfast) Even though I was too shy to be seen in my bikini knowing that colleagues would be all around, and had to wear top and shorts to the pool-- so no tan!, that couldn't detract from the peacefulness of the swim.

Infinity Pool

I think as I get older, I learn to appreciate everything more.
Being able to take a dip in a beautiful pool in the morning.
Enjoying a cold drink by a not-so-photogenic beach (even though hell would be starting soon).
Having a bubble bath while watching BBC (No HBO!)
Life is really good!

I couldn't resist another watermelon juice to go with my soak!

Long journeys

Travelling brings out the impatience in me. Airports are the worst. I thought one is supposed to mellow with age but I think my impatience is now compounded by neuroticism now.

Usually I limit the effect airports have on me by timing travel time so that I spend minimum time waiting. I try to reach the airport one hour before flight time.

Couldnt do that this time because I had to share transport from Huahin to BKK. Its been 6 hours of sitting and waiting and not yet time to board.

This is a test!

Eating my words

Singapore

Never thought that I would say this but I actually miss those business trips to Jakarta!

My colleagues were all in CGK this last week and gallivanting around having bakso and seafood and lapis.

To be fair, I never had any of those those things whenever I was there but that's not the point!

Miss Mulia and watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians on cable whilst doing last minute decks.

Miss the oxtail fried rice at the airport waiting for the forever-delayed-flights, and real thick avocado drink (not the milked down version we get here).

I guess I really just miss travelling for work (although I do believe I will never miss the daily trips to KL!!)

So be careful what you wish for cos it might just come true!