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"In the end, I did not change her grade. But I did change my outlook. Subsequently, I made a concerted effort to care. Rather than hiding behind grading rubrics and course syllabi, I sought to deal with student concerns particularly and compassionately, trying to react in the way that would best promote the student's intellectual development."
-from The Chronicle of Higher Education
Anyway, this is a website redirected from gj's blog, who posted this interesting article on 'friendship'. (it's a long article, by the way.) Do take a look. Thanks gj for this interesting website :)
Hah, i need ti start rethinking my career options. hoho.
*
My modules this sem are clashing like mad. sigh. hopefully, i can get the modules that I have adjusted as best as I could possibly accommodate. Another 4/5 day work week again. raaah.
*
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
still in the numbers' game
yep, so that's it. I'm still in the game of numbers after all, although all predictions for my past semester has basically been all doom and gloom. I'm surprised at my HY3225, but of course, that has to be balanced against my expectations for HY2210 and HY3204. And I guess it was a relatively small price to pay for my misadventures for my presentation segment in SN2279. Oh well. Then again, I guess I shouldn't be greeeeddy :)
If anything, though, the old exam results system is so much better. The new system is so screwed up, and so difficult to access/view. The old page was so 'in-your-face'; so much the clearer.
Cheers to everyone who did well :) (a pat on the back on everyone else who didn't do very well, but here's some encouragement!)
Anyhow, yet another semester of somewhat toiling lies ahead. Still gotta try to reach the sacred milestone of 4.5 by end of next sem before flying off to the city of ice-capped mountains.
(nope, don't think I'll be performing these stunts anytime next year, but you get the picture)
*
Ate at Aston's and caught Avatar this afternoon (retail therapy scheduled in advance of exam results). Pretty good entertainment for $6!
*
Had another gathering at night which lasted until so late, with discussions ranging from slaves, gold and winters. Apparently, there's so much behind winter clothing tt I'm just going to beg/steal/borrow when the time comes. haha. so complicated. Maybe I shld change to chulalongkorn uni instead, and I can shop everyday and live a simple life cheaply haha.
*
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Land of Smiles in 4D3N
This is a short account of my trip to Bangkok over the weekend. Some tips for those who have yet to visit Bangkok and/or are traveling there soon!
*
Day One
The strange fellows whom I hung out with over the past 100 hours
Departing from the Budget Terminal (it's really like a cleaner/newer version of Seletar Airbase) via Tiger Airways, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at around 2pm (ahead of the flight schedule, strangely). Frankly, although we have been looking forward to this trip since the end of our internship back in July, none of us were really in the 'holidayey' mood yet, even as we landed at Bangkok. Guess the semester really took its toll on us all!
Our first encounter with the cab driver wasn't a pleasant one. The taxi driver wanted to charge 500 baht to bring us to the hotel (probably exclusive of the additional 45 baht highway toll), when in actual fact, going by the meter (which we insisted; thanks to TripAdvisor.com!) cost only 280 baht (including the highway toll). Always travel by the taxi meter!
In any case, we went down to the famous MBK mall (that Singaporeans all go too) after that, which frankly, was really nothing to rave about. IMHO, its more like a convenient last minute shopping place before departure or just to kill time (like in our case). There are MUCH better deals in two other places, but more on that later. Be sure to grab the tourist discount card @ MBK though. It serves as a pretty good souvenir, and gives some discount for buying groceries LOL. Not forgetting too that its a nicely printed card for FREE.
We had our dinner at the Siam Centre Area, and had some Thai food at some eatery there. Our meals over the next few days would always involve having someone eating Pad Thai at practically every meal.
Anyway, we spent the rest of the night at the Pat Phong Night Market, which doesnt sell much stuff actually. It's more like one of the sleaze centres where you have one street offering supposedly cute gay guys and the opposite street decked out with lots of women. The two sides of the Night market itself was really our first encounter, actually, since the two alleys are sort of down the main road. It's a bustling industry, really. Ironically, I thought the heavy touting by the (I suppose you could call them) pimps actually drove business away more than bringing in business. I mean, just imagine yourself being a sex tourist or sort of tempted. I think you would be shocked/embarrassed at being approached incessantly. (Not that we wanted to engage any such services, in the first place :p).
I do remember seeing one angmoh guy leading a (pretty good looking) boy (he looks to be in hist late teens or maybe around 20) down the night market (presumably to the hotel room). I can never forget that look in his eyes. It was only a glimpse, a second of two, and frankly, I can't picture even his face anymore. But in my mind, I can still recall the emotions that it evoked, at least in me. Was it despair, sadness, frustration, or? I can't quite put my finger down on it, either. But I suppose lingering in the darkness, in the glitzy neon lights were where these people belonged to. Not in the bright lights along the streets and markets, where people such as us scrutinised and judged those who found themselves in less than desirable circumstances.
That sort of concludes the day. As we returned to our suite at Royal President Bangkok, we also realised that our extra bed and toiletries has been added to the room. Wheee! Though there wasn't the customary free breakfast buffet (as with most hotel stays) for the next three mornings, at least we saved on the extra bed which would have cost about S$40/night.
We also had to stock up on stuff... like... toothbrush and toothpaste! LOL. Dun ask me why its not provided.
the evil people who always laughed at my obsession with boiling/cooling water at every possible occasion
more of the living and dining area
the bedroom, where we eventually also shifted the extra bedding in
the washroom
BTW, we chose to live in some style rather than hole ourselves up in some backpackers' hostel. It's certainly possible to find accommodation costing around S$15/pax/night (versus our $40/pax/night 4* suite). Location, though, is another consideration. I have never stayed in Take a Nap (featured on TV before; every room in the hostel is based on a concept), but I think the prices are quite ok too. We unintentionally stumbled along it as we were walking along the Pat Phong area. DO NOT stay west of the Chao Praya River because most of the action is on the eastern side (at least for a short trip), though river crossings by boat cost only a few baht.
*
Day Two
This was the day where we walked and sweated the most. A trip to Bangkok would be incomplete without a visit to the legendary Chatuchak Weekend Market, which also forms the economic basis of all goods price comparison which comes in handy whenever you want to buy anything (minus groceries) in Bangkok. It can get quite hot and humid by midday, so do bring lots of water. Look out for the occasional carts that goes around within(!) the stalls to sell ice-cream and that very nice coconut-jelly thing.
the clock tower in the background is one means of orientating yourself in that confusing maze. Tip: start from one of the ends and explore the place in an 'S' manner through the lanes. Lay your hands on a copy of the market layout either at the airport or at the Tourist Info Centre in Chatuchak. Efficiency!
the dining area is closer to the MRT side, so tell the taxi driver where exactly you want to go if you want to eat breakfast there first. Starting the day early (Start shopping ard 9.30am) leaves you time for other activities in the last daylight hours, like a good 1 or 2 hr Thai massage after all that walking and bargaining.
After dropping off our day's shopping back in the hotel, we arrived in Chinatown for a seafood dinner.
Chinatown. Gives me the feeling that I'm back in Hongkong, if not for the occasional Thai billboards.
Apparently, seafood is cheap in Bangkok (Im not sure since I'm not a seafood person).
Our sumptuous 7-course dinner which set us back by S$14/pax. Probably not the cheapest around, but ok la.
After the dinner, we made our way to Khao San Night Market.
The trip would also have been incomplete without a ride on those colourful (and reckless) tuktuks. Before this trip, I've always wondered about their survivability given that there are so many taxis, and the many negative issues (such as scamming) that have been associated with them. Subsequently, I realised that there are only two types of traffic conditions in Bangkok; congested and very congested (ok I'm exaggerating, but you know what I'm getting at). Tuk tuks have higher maneuverability as compared to taxis, and yet offer a little bit more psychological and physical insurance than 'motorbike-taxies'. Anyhow, always bargain for the cost of the journey. A good estimate would be to guage how much a trip in a cab might cost. Tuk tuk drivers usually jack up the prices substantially (obviously), so always bargain, and if they refuse to, just find the next tuk tuk or cab that comes along. Bangkok is overflowing with private transport providers.
The vehicles that earned themselves the accolade of "near-death experience" providers
As mentioned earlier, many 'chill-out' places can be found in Khao San Road, and you would observe a disproportionate presence of foreigners here. Some shopping can also be done here, though you should be mindful of the 'market rate'.
Backpackers' haven: Khao San Road
As we reached the end of Khao San Night Market, we realised that (1) we were approaching the Democracy Monument, and (2) there was some sort of festivity going on, presumably in light of the Esteemed King's 60th birthday last week.
*
Day Three
The morning of the third day found us at the Central Pier (N1), boarding the regular boat service (orange flag) along the Chao Phraya River to the Grand Palace (N8/9). It is likely that you would not be purchasing this one-day-unlimited-boat-ride pass (150 baht) because you will probably not be boarding the boat that much, and a regular service costs only around 5-30+ baht. Sources say that the tourist boat is newer and has more comfortable seats, though.
Crammed. Look out for the special reserved areas for monks at the tail end of boats!
Cruising through the waves
The Temple of Dawn, on the other side of the Chao Praya River, said to be a very majestic place. We did not visit it, however.
Our touristy lineup for the day would be incomplete without a visit to the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. It costs a whopping S$15 to visit the interior, though.
Ornately-gilded exteriors; that's where the S$15 goes to
Imposing architecture
I'm not an SEA art/cultural historian, but I'm reckoning that artistic influence has long transpired China, Mainland SEA and Sumatra/Java for many centuries.
Blessing myself with some holy water (Think: 22 Dec!)
We left the hot and humid midday weather for the cool, aircon comfort of Platinum Mall, which is essentially a wholesale centre. This is the second good shopping paradise to check out after Chatuchak. The only downside is that the merchants tend to entice you to buy in bulk (2-3 pieces and above) in order to hit the 'wholesale' price. Platinum Mall also puts into practice your by-now honed navigational skills, after a day in Chatuchak.
Who said foodcourt food doesn't taste good?
The last place we visited was the BigC (the Thai version of Wall Mart) to stock up for our supposed late night private function of movies, chips and vodka in our suite. Errrr.... lets just say my alcohol tolerance is next to zilch (i.e. Im the party pooper haha).
Preparing evil drinks for the hapless victim (i.e. me)
The nice makeshift movie couch which was assembled as the evil drinks were being prepared
*
Day Four
We made a last minute shopping dash to MBK, via the local MRT coz traffic was just bbbaaaaddd.
Item feature: backpacks!
One of the best buys in Bangkok are the (factory outlet?) backpacks, the likes of Lowa Alphine, North Face and deuter. The average backpack (sized as in the photo above) cost about S$35. I didn't get the Jumbo backpacks though. Not about to go trek Mount Everest or something so probably no much use for such a big one. Just be mindful and get the bags with the 'least-pirated'/most 'authentic' looking designs (I'm assuming they're all not real stuff). Some have very strange (and worse, conspicuous) wordings on the bag.
*
With this, our Bangkok trip came to an end. I must thank my two other fellow travellers who had to put up with my -ahem- occasional bouts of crankiness, which was merely done in jest. no ill intentions :) I look forward to my next vacation, perhaps a more relaxed and resort-y one, not one with lots of planning and shopping which actually stresses more than it rejuvenates at times. In any case, it has been a great holiday that helps the transition from the (disastrous) school semester to the holidays.
*
Just as I packed part of my room to make way for the new merchandise, I also packed up my stuff over the last semester. I simply had no idea how much work had been done, until I was done packing.
my trusted dictionary acts as a yardstick of all my materials over the last semester. yes, I finished all this and more. Sick.
Last semester as compared to the whole of Year One. Exponential growth of materials over the year?
Whatever the results, then, I guess I have given my best :) (think: William Hung)
Until 22 Dec,
*
*
Day One
The strange fellows whom I hung out with over the past 100 hours
Departing from the Budget Terminal (it's really like a cleaner/newer version of Seletar Airbase) via Tiger Airways, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at around 2pm (ahead of the flight schedule, strangely). Frankly, although we have been looking forward to this trip since the end of our internship back in July, none of us were really in the 'holidayey' mood yet, even as we landed at Bangkok. Guess the semester really took its toll on us all!
Our first encounter with the cab driver wasn't a pleasant one. The taxi driver wanted to charge 500 baht to bring us to the hotel (probably exclusive of the additional 45 baht highway toll), when in actual fact, going by the meter (which we insisted; thanks to TripAdvisor.com!) cost only 280 baht (including the highway toll). Always travel by the taxi meter!
In any case, we went down to the famous MBK mall (that Singaporeans all go too) after that, which frankly, was really nothing to rave about. IMHO, its more like a convenient last minute shopping place before departure or just to kill time (like in our case). There are MUCH better deals in two other places, but more on that later. Be sure to grab the tourist discount card @ MBK though. It serves as a pretty good souvenir, and gives some discount for buying groceries LOL. Not forgetting too that its a nicely printed card for FREE.
We had our dinner at the Siam Centre Area, and had some Thai food at some eatery there. Our meals over the next few days would always involve having someone eating Pad Thai at practically every meal.
Anyway, we spent the rest of the night at the Pat Phong Night Market, which doesnt sell much stuff actually. It's more like one of the sleaze centres where you have one street offering supposedly cute gay guys and the opposite street decked out with lots of women. The two sides of the Night market itself was really our first encounter, actually, since the two alleys are sort of down the main road. It's a bustling industry, really. Ironically, I thought the heavy touting by the (I suppose you could call them) pimps actually drove business away more than bringing in business. I mean, just imagine yourself being a sex tourist or sort of tempted. I think you would be shocked/embarrassed at being approached incessantly. (Not that we wanted to engage any such services, in the first place :p).
I do remember seeing one angmoh guy leading a (pretty good looking) boy (he looks to be in hist late teens or maybe around 20) down the night market (presumably to the hotel room). I can never forget that look in his eyes. It was only a glimpse, a second of two, and frankly, I can't picture even his face anymore. But in my mind, I can still recall the emotions that it evoked, at least in me. Was it despair, sadness, frustration, or? I can't quite put my finger down on it, either. But I suppose lingering in the darkness, in the glitzy neon lights were where these people belonged to. Not in the bright lights along the streets and markets, where people such as us scrutinised and judged those who found themselves in less than desirable circumstances.
That sort of concludes the day. As we returned to our suite at Royal President Bangkok, we also realised that our extra bed and toiletries has been added to the room. Wheee! Though there wasn't the customary free breakfast buffet (as with most hotel stays) for the next three mornings, at least we saved on the extra bed which would have cost about S$40/night.
We also had to stock up on stuff... like... toothbrush and toothpaste! LOL. Dun ask me why its not provided.
the evil people who always laughed at my obsession with boiling/cooling water at every possible occasion
more of the living and dining area
the bedroom, where we eventually also shifted the extra bedding in
the washroom
BTW, we chose to live in some style rather than hole ourselves up in some backpackers' hostel. It's certainly possible to find accommodation costing around S$15/pax/night (versus our $40/pax/night 4* suite). Location, though, is another consideration. I have never stayed in Take a Nap (featured on TV before; every room in the hostel is based on a concept), but I think the prices are quite ok too. We unintentionally stumbled along it as we were walking along the Pat Phong area. DO NOT stay west of the Chao Praya River because most of the action is on the eastern side (at least for a short trip), though river crossings by boat cost only a few baht.
*
Day Two
This was the day where we walked and sweated the most. A trip to Bangkok would be incomplete without a visit to the legendary Chatuchak Weekend Market, which also forms the economic basis of all goods price comparison which comes in handy whenever you want to buy anything (minus groceries) in Bangkok. It can get quite hot and humid by midday, so do bring lots of water. Look out for the occasional carts that goes around within(!) the stalls to sell ice-cream and that very nice coconut-jelly thing.
the clock tower in the background is one means of orientating yourself in that confusing maze. Tip: start from one of the ends and explore the place in an 'S' manner through the lanes. Lay your hands on a copy of the market layout either at the airport or at the Tourist Info Centre in Chatuchak. Efficiency!
the dining area is closer to the MRT side, so tell the taxi driver where exactly you want to go if you want to eat breakfast there first. Starting the day early (Start shopping ard 9.30am) leaves you time for other activities in the last daylight hours, like a good 1 or 2 hr Thai massage after all that walking and bargaining.
After dropping off our day's shopping back in the hotel, we arrived in Chinatown for a seafood dinner.
Chinatown. Gives me the feeling that I'm back in Hongkong, if not for the occasional Thai billboards.
Apparently, seafood is cheap in Bangkok (Im not sure since I'm not a seafood person).
Our sumptuous 7-course dinner which set us back by S$14/pax. Probably not the cheapest around, but ok la.
After the dinner, we made our way to Khao San Night Market.
The trip would also have been incomplete without a ride on those colourful (and reckless) tuktuks. Before this trip, I've always wondered about their survivability given that there are so many taxis, and the many negative issues (such as scamming) that have been associated with them. Subsequently, I realised that there are only two types of traffic conditions in Bangkok; congested and very congested (ok I'm exaggerating, but you know what I'm getting at). Tuk tuks have higher maneuverability as compared to taxis, and yet offer a little bit more psychological and physical insurance than 'motorbike-taxies'. Anyhow, always bargain for the cost of the journey. A good estimate would be to guage how much a trip in a cab might cost. Tuk tuk drivers usually jack up the prices substantially (obviously), so always bargain, and if they refuse to, just find the next tuk tuk or cab that comes along. Bangkok is overflowing with private transport providers.
The vehicles that earned themselves the accolade of "near-death experience" providers
As mentioned earlier, many 'chill-out' places can be found in Khao San Road, and you would observe a disproportionate presence of foreigners here. Some shopping can also be done here, though you should be mindful of the 'market rate'.
Backpackers' haven: Khao San Road
As we reached the end of Khao San Night Market, we realised that (1) we were approaching the Democracy Monument, and (2) there was some sort of festivity going on, presumably in light of the Esteemed King's 60th birthday last week.
*
Day Three
The morning of the third day found us at the Central Pier (N1), boarding the regular boat service (orange flag) along the Chao Phraya River to the Grand Palace (N8/9). It is likely that you would not be purchasing this one-day-unlimited-boat-ride pass (150 baht) because you will probably not be boarding the boat that much, and a regular service costs only around 5-30+ baht. Sources say that the tourist boat is newer and has more comfortable seats, though.
Crammed. Look out for the special reserved areas for monks at the tail end of boats!
Cruising through the waves
The Temple of Dawn, on the other side of the Chao Praya River, said to be a very majestic place. We did not visit it, however.
Our touristy lineup for the day would be incomplete without a visit to the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. It costs a whopping S$15 to visit the interior, though.
Ornately-gilded exteriors; that's where the S$15 goes to
Imposing architecture
I'm not an SEA art/cultural historian, but I'm reckoning that artistic influence has long transpired China, Mainland SEA and Sumatra/Java for many centuries.
Blessing myself with some holy water (Think: 22 Dec!)
We left the hot and humid midday weather for the cool, aircon comfort of Platinum Mall, which is essentially a wholesale centre. This is the second good shopping paradise to check out after Chatuchak. The only downside is that the merchants tend to entice you to buy in bulk (2-3 pieces and above) in order to hit the 'wholesale' price. Platinum Mall also puts into practice your by-now honed navigational skills, after a day in Chatuchak.
Who said foodcourt food doesn't taste good?
The last place we visited was the BigC (the Thai version of Wall Mart) to stock up for our supposed late night private function of movies, chips and vodka in our suite. Errrr.... lets just say my alcohol tolerance is next to zilch (i.e. Im the party pooper haha).
Preparing evil drinks for the hapless victim (i.e. me)
The nice makeshift movie couch which was assembled as the evil drinks were being prepared
*
Day Four
We made a last minute shopping dash to MBK, via the local MRT coz traffic was just bbbaaaaddd.
Item feature: backpacks!
One of the best buys in Bangkok are the (factory outlet?) backpacks, the likes of Lowa Alphine, North Face and deuter. The average backpack (sized as in the photo above) cost about S$35. I didn't get the Jumbo backpacks though. Not about to go trek Mount Everest or something so probably no much use for such a big one. Just be mindful and get the bags with the 'least-pirated'/most 'authentic' looking designs (I'm assuming they're all not real stuff). Some have very strange (and worse, conspicuous) wordings on the bag.
*
With this, our Bangkok trip came to an end. I must thank my two other fellow travellers who had to put up with my -ahem- occasional bouts of crankiness, which was merely done in jest. no ill intentions :) I look forward to my next vacation, perhaps a more relaxed and resort-y one, not one with lots of planning and shopping which actually stresses more than it rejuvenates at times. In any case, it has been a great holiday that helps the transition from the (disastrous) school semester to the holidays.
*
Just as I packed part of my room to make way for the new merchandise, I also packed up my stuff over the last semester. I simply had no idea how much work had been done, until I was done packing.
my trusted dictionary acts as a yardstick of all my materials over the last semester. yes, I finished all this and more. Sick.
Last semester as compared to the whole of Year One. Exponential growth of materials over the year?
Whatever the results, then, I guess I have given my best :) (think: William Hung)
Until 22 Dec,
*
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