Hey, yesterday I was on my bike journey again. Started quite early, 7.30 am

12^th Oct 2008

7.45 a.m., I was on the top of the Golden Mountain already. Well, yesterday there was fog cover all area of Bangkok. It made the view didn’t beautiful like it should be. Though, the fog decreased the sun light, that day didn’t hot.

Then I back home to pick up my bike and rode to Wat Ratchanadda to see the world’s last Lohaprasada—the metal-roof building. In the past there were 3 Lohaprasadas in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, but the first two places had been demolished. The Siam Lohaprasada was built in the reign of King Rama III, which has the prototype of the Sri Lanka one, to be a gift for HRH Somnas Watthanavadi. It has 37 peaks which refer to Photi Pakhiya Tham 37. The construction has continued since 1846 until finished in 2000, the reign of King Rama IX.

There I came across Alice or Alicia, the Philippines traveler who don’t know where to find an entrance. So I ask her to go with me because we have the same destination. We went up stair to the top of the Lohaprasada. Then we have talked so many things since shores of her country, my name (she told me that it’s a man name, JC, thank you for reminding me that -_-!!!....), then the last we talked was my chemistry course which she said it is very hard. 555555 Also she said that she will wait to hear my name from the news……It’s impossible. Anyway, then she show me her plan so I tell her how to go, which one should be the first, then the second; actually she had a plan to go to the Grand Palace which I planned to go other day. So if I had gone that day, I believe that she certainly go with me.

After that I went to Wat Chanasongkram and National Art Museum at Chao Fah Road, respectively. Although I didn’t say anything but I think that I had already paid the entrance fee at the foreigner rate, 30 baht. Of course, no photo taking. That day I dressed as usual just shirt, jeans, and Soldato’s sport shoes. Just added the long sleeves T-shirt to use as a sweater. There no one talked to me in Thai, they called me ‘Miss’ and told the way in English -_-!!!!.

Now, there is 30^th anniversary National Art Museum exhibition which shows all Thais art since Ayutthaya period until today particularly Phra Boht, the painting about the Buddha on clothes. It very quiet, you know, all the museum there was only me. It was quite scary a bit 5555 especially the sculpture room. Imagine the beige room that full of bronze-head of Thai famous artists with the yellow light of the decorating lamp...At first I intended to pass that room but then I saw an initiate sculpture of King Rama I which Aj.Silp Pirasri was created to be the model of King Rama I monument at Saphan Bhudi or Saphan Bhudhayodfah in occasion of 150^th Anniversary of Bangkok in the reign of King Rama VII. Then in the other room I saw the sculptures of Aj.Khien Yimsiri, whose work I personally like.

After that I rode to Wat Mahatat before went to Bangkok National Museum which I first actually got the foreigner rate’s entrance fee, 40 baht. I told the officer that I’m Thai, then she looked at me and said you look so like Japanese. …..-_-!!!! Do I look that foreigner?.... Then I spent 3 hours there. There are so many display things in almost 40 rooms. Also there are very very quiet. There can separate in to two part roughly, one is the Siam history since Sukhothai period, and another is pre-Siam history like Tharavadi, Lopburi, Srivichai ฯลฯ period.

The Siam history rooms are OK, you know, there are just only utilities things like weapons, musical instrument, wood carving, gold treasures, and so on. This part of the museum houses in the building of Wang Na Palace. As I told you before that every best thing in Thailand is for the King. Once in the room of Ivory, I saw a photo of Chao Phra Ya Prap Tri Jakr, the principle elephant of King Rama V, which its tuskes is very long until reach the floor. The tuskes were now kept here which it’s taller than me. Also, in musical instrument room, there are glass Ranad and the pearl JaKae which is very very beautiful. Also things here all remind me of some lost knowledge of me.

Another part houses in the new building. And it scared me again especially those all of the pre-historical sculptures in the decorating light. I can’t explain better than this, but you will definitely understand me if you had a chance to be in the rooms alone, standing silently, then you heard a sound of the foot step behind you, and when you turn around, you see no one. Of course it isn’t the only room, you know, almost 20 rooms with that atmosphere.

After saw completely of the main building, the last I visited is Royal Funeral Chariots which I realize that the royal funeral ceremony contains all of the best skills. Before back home at 2 p.m.

I stoped for a while at Wat Rajchabhophit with hope fully to saw the renaissance Ubosot. It closed, though. There for I only got a picture of Rabieng Kod.

Good evening everybody. Today (10th Oct 2008)  I was not at home again 555…I went to Royal Barge Museum at Klong Bangkok Noi and Wat Pho (which I didn’t see a its wall inscriptions because I lost…the wat is very big and there are so many many buildings)

P.S. I have my intention to jot down everything I know about the topic. I have already tried my best. But the more I write, the more I confuse. 55555 what about you?

Let my journey begins….

I set on my foot about 08.30. I first went to Tha Chang Wang Lang (aka Tha Chang) to take a cross-river ferry to Wat Rakang Pier. There it is Wat Rakang Kositaram. It was also known for the big Buddha statue inside its Vihara as Lung Poo Toh (Big Buddha Statue). This wat, which its old name was Wat Bang Wah Yhai, was built in Ayutthaya period. It was used in King Rama I reign to be the place for 9^th revision of the Tripitaka (พระไตรปิฏก). Moreover, there is one of the abbots of this wat who is very famous that if you ask every Thai, they know. The monk is Somdej Phra Putthajarn (Toh Promrungsi)—in brief as Somdej Toh

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As using in Thai Buddhism when a man enter the monkhood—in Thai called Buach, no matter how long he attend, he will get his Bali name called Cha Ya. This Cha Ya will be like a surname for a monk. For ‘Somdej Phra Putthajarn (Toh Promrungsi)’, it can be separate into three parts. First is Somdej Phra Putthajarn is the rank of monkhood like the government official—this is up to how long he buach and how good he do; second Toh is his real name. And the last Promrungsi is his Cha Ya.

For counting the year of entering the monkhood is count only 3 months period—Buddha Lent—June to October. For example if a man entering the monkhood in Jan – April, it doesn’t count because he doesn’t enter during the Lent. Also if he enters during the lent but not complete, maybe late for a day, it wouldn’t count either. The lent starts on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month—called Khao Phan Sa Day—and the end day is called Ok Phan Sa, three lunar months later. A lent is called Phan Sa (year). If the monk was passed 3 Lent then he have been in the hood for three Phan Sa.

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Somdej Toh lived for five reigns—King Rama I – King Rama V. He was the abbot of this wat for 20 years. He entered the monkhood while he was 13 years old as Samma Nen (in brief as Nen)  ….Phra or Bhikkhu is only a man at the age of twenty years old or older….Of course they have different in their own behavior and rule. The monk was a genius also always curios.

There are so many stories about the monk. But there is one story that the monk was known at Germany. For Thai people, almost every one must have a small Buddha image that usually worn around their neck which is different in the type, model and creator. Especially for the amulet that Somdej Toh is producer, every model must be called ‘Somdej…(model name)…’ There is one model which the monk made and presented it to King Rama V. The monk also told the King to keep it with him all the time while he went to Europe. Once the King met Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, the Siamese King’s chest shone. The German King asked King Rama what was in his pocket, so King Rama shown Somdej to the German King. King Wilhelm II was very interested; the King, then, presented it to King Wilhelm II. When the image was in the German King’s chest pocket, it shone either. So that model amulet was called “Somdej Kaiser”.

Another thing that every people think when talk about Somdej Toh is Chinnabanchorn Mantra, which the monk adapted from the Mantra discovered in ancient Langka book. This chant is known as the highest rank of all chants also, I think, is the most famous.

Back to my journey. When I finished at Wat Rakang, my feet bring me through Wang Lang Market to Siriraj Hospital. Walk on the road by the river straight to another side of the hospital….Tha Roth Fai Pier… There would be Arunamarin Bridge which crosses Bangkok Noi Canal. After went down the bridge, the river was on your right hand,  there would be a small sign for Royal Barge Museum that point to the alley. That’s it, keep going. There would be signs all the way. Walk through the slum area about 500 m….Finally I reached it, the Royal Barge Museum.

To get there, it has only 2 ways. One is walk like me, whereas second is rent long-tailed boat from Tha Phra Jan, which is very convenience for a person that don’t have limited budget like me. 5555 The rented boat will bring you into the Bangkok Noi Canal and stop directly at the Royal Barge National Museum.

The admission fee is 10 baht for Thais, and 30, I’m not sure, for foreigner. To take a photo the fee is 100 baht a camera, while 200 baht for record VDO. So this museum costs me at least 110 baht.

As we know that the Krabuan Phrayuha Yarttrathangchonlamark (Thai Royal Barge Procession) is very special also admirable national culture. In the ancient time when Siam King went to somewhere, it can be only 2 way…by land, and water. By water is called Krabuan Phrayuha Yarttrathangchonlamark, while by land is called Krabuan Phrayuha Yarttrathangsathonlamark.

Meaning of each part of the name ‘Krabuan’ is procession, while ‘Phrayuha’ is government officers. ‘Yattra’ is mean to go. ‘Thang’ is ‘by’. Chonlamark is water, whereas ‘Sathonlamark’ is land.

In the dock there were only 8 main barges shown. The rest were kept at Wasukree Pier (Samsem Road) and at the Royal Tai Navy Transport Department. (Another side of Arunamarin Bridge) Let’s see the 8 barges in details.

The most known barge is the Suphannahongse (Golden Swan) which was completed in 1911, in King Rama VI reign. The oarsmen, and crews used are 50, and 14, respectively. This version of the barge was first launch on 13^th November 1911. The King’s pavilion on this barge is called Banlung Kanya. This barge is the most important and highest among all barges. Actually, this barge was first created in the name of Chai Suphannahonse. When it was first construction was still unknown but from history evidences show that the barge was completed before the reign of Phra Maha Jakrapat of Ayutthaya. After Ayutthaya fell in 1767, King Rama I of Rattanakosins had a royal command to build the same barge and given its name …Sri Suphannahonse….In the reign of King Rama VI, the old Sri Suphannahongse was worn out; the King commanded to rebuild the barge. The chief of the barge construction is Rear Admiral Phraya Ratcha Songkram (Korn Hongsakul). During the creation of this bark, the old styled 1 baht coin was put in the figurehead. The old styled coin in the front was the picture of the King (I’m not sure which King, V or VI) while the back was the national emblem. (This old coinage was used until 1982 – 1986. In 1987 the new coinage was introduced, then. And it still has been used till today.) Moreover, while the barge was on the water, there must be white yak-haired tassels hang from the mouth of the Hongse.

There are many mysterious stories about this barge. As we known that this barge is the highest rank since Ayutthaya period, then in 1996 when the Narai Song Suban Barge was created to be the barge of His Majesty the King. So the position of the procession must be changed, the Suphannahongse must be ranked the second instead. When the rehearsal was taken place that day the barge didn’t go anyway, just turned the front part to the dock, although the crew and oarsmen tried their best to head the barge to the river. Also there was a strong wind which had no sign before. Finally after trying so hard and the barge nearly sank, the rehearsal that day was canceled. In the end, the Suphannahongse was ranked the first as always and the Narai Song Suban was ranked the second, the rehearsal was continued smoothly, then.

Second is the newest royal barge. Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX (God Narayana on Garuda), the barge of His Majesty the King Rama IX, was built in occasion of the 50^th Anniversary Celebrations of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the Throne in 1996. 50 oarsmen and 14 crews are used to control this barge. Actually in the reign of King Rama III was built the figurehead of Garuda only and named the barge as Mong Kol Suban. Then, in the reign of King Rama IV, the Narai or Narayana was added to the figurehead by standing on Garuda’s back to be Narai Song Suban, which this old figurehead is a prototype of Narai Song Suban HM King Rama VII.

Third is Anantanakkharat (King of Snake) which was first built in the reign of King Rama IV. Actually it was an idea of King Rama III to have a Naga barge because the royal barges already have a Garuda barge.  As time passed, it worn out. So this barge was rebuilt during King Rama VI reign. This barge was first launch in 15^th April 1914. This barge use 54 oarsmen and 18 crews. Its head figure was seven-head Naga (the animal in Thai mythology). This barge was once printed its picture at the back of old 20-baht bank note, which was canceled in 1972. For the Royal Kathin ceremony, this barge is usually used as the barge for carrying the royal monk robe (จีวร).

The last barge for the royal family is Anekkhachatphuchong (The Numbers of Naga). This barge is different from others that its figurehead isn’t an animal. Its figurehead has a lots of gold Naga pictures instead. It is the oldest barge among all 4 barges, and especially it is only barge that was built and finished in the reign of King Rama V. It uses 61 oarsmen and 14 crews.

Next are 4 lower-class royal barges

The Asura-Wayupak barge The figurehead is violet Asura-Wayuapak, an ancient Thai mythology animal which has eyes and mouth of crocodile, the upper body is a giant, and the lower part is an eagle. It uses 38 oarsmen and 17 crews. The first construction is unknown, but it is believed during the reign of King Rama I, also was repaired in 1971 and 1982. Its twin is called Asura-Paksi barge which its figurehead like Asura-Wayuapak but its lower of body is just a bird not an eagle, also it is green. Both of them had cannon under the figureheads, in an ancient time they were once used as a war barge.

Krut Hern Het The barge was first built in the reign of King Rama I. Later during World War II it was destroyed by a bomb. The old figurehead and the stern part of the barge are now with Krom Silpakorn (Fine Arts Department). It was rebuilt twice in 1968 and 1981. Both this barge and its twin—Krut Tret Tri Jak—have a figurehead of red and pink Garuda holding Naga in both hands, respectively. They also have a canon under the figurehead like both Asuya-Waypak and Asura-Paksi barge. 38 oarsmen and 7 crews are used for each barge.

The Barge of Krabi Prap Mueang Man is an ancient war barge also has a 65 mm canon under the figurehead. It has a twin called Krabi Ran Ron Rap. Both of them have a figurehead of monkey worrier from Ramakian—Thai literature—which each has different in color. Krabi Prap Mueang Man’s figurehead is Hanuman whose body is white, while another barge’s is black monkey called Nilapat. The barge has 36 oarsmen and 17 crews. The evidence of the barge first construction is unknown. Both of them were rebuilt in 1966 and 1981, thoug. To rebuild this barge the time spending is about a year.

And the last one is Ekachai Hern Hao, which comes with Ekachai Lao Thong. The barge uses 38 oarsmen and 6 crews. They are used to lead or tow the Suphannahongse Barge in case of demanding extra driving power or the oarsmen on the first-ranked Royal Barge is not enough.  Both barges were first built in the reign of King Rama I then were damaged during the World War II. Later they both were rebuilt in 1965. The stem of the boat is painted Hayra, a Thai mythology animal that like crocodile with some features of Naga.

Apart from the Royal Barge, there are also many data and things about the procession like an old photo shows the Royal Bathe Procession of Crown Prince Vajirunnahis (The first Thai Crown Prince) ,in the reign of King Rama V, that 90 barges were joined. Also another picture that I think it is hilarious; it is the photo of Suphannahongse with Anekkhachatphuchong on the Chao Phra Ya River that full of water hyacinth which just came from Chava in King Rama V reign. Also there are roofing clothes for every barge.

Actually as I know that the King and Royal Family is the highest respect for Thai people. Form this visiting I really found that every best thing of Thailand is only for Kings.

Then I was on foot to my old kindergarten school that I have been never step here for almost twelve years. Thampirak Thonburi Kindergarten School, this school has nothing relate to Thampirak School, though. Well, many things had change. Because the school was not on the main street, to go into the school you must, during my time, go through the Chao Phra Ya restaurant. But now you have to go through Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol University. Back for twelve years, there was only one nursery, the one I attended, Kiddy Nursery, while now there is another one called Teddy Nursery. Then the school’s owner house is larger 5555, it once was two stories, but now it’s two. If you get into the school, there must be the pavilion for teachers to accept ‘Wai’ from the students who enter school. I think that for teacher it is very comfortable because all teachers have to do is sit there on the expensive chair also there may have some drinks on the coffee table. When the students pass just nod the head or talk to parents for a while, that’s all. Also the old canteen that every year must be the place for Christmas Fair is demolished. The new building is under construction. The Mother Mary statue, which is on the left side, of the gate has already changed. It is now replace by the Holy Family with St.Gabriel. Kem bush (Rauvolfia serpentine) and Chaba tree at the playground are all gone. Others building are still the same, although the decoration has already changed.

From the brochure I got for almost three years, there are now foreigner teachers. I think now the students must be taught both English and Chinese. Also there are much more activities than my time, you know, it only had ballet, Thai dancing, and gymnastic. Well I think some people may question about your own education why your parents chose here or there. For me, about my parents reason only two, near home, and my relatives all study here. Without knowing anything about the school, even this is a Catholic school. Then asks another question if you can tell your parents or take part in your parents’ decision, you still choose this school or not. For me, I still choose here. Though, I can’t tell or remember that time clearly but look at all of my classmate that still keep in touch till today, you will see that every one at least do good at their own education. (The one I know have already perform a concert with Bundit Ungrangsee in London) Or if you don’t want to look so far just for entering primary school, well, almost, I think, students continue their study in famous schools, usually Catholics school. For example, when I first came to ASC, I was the only one in my class that hadn’t to take an extra preparatory class. That time I choose studying art instead, can’t believe it? (If you look at my art skill now, you will definitely not believe that once I was crazy about arts 555)…..Anyway, I miss my time as a kindergarten student very very very much. I think a time at early age is the most precious and has so many unvalued memories.

If my dream can come true, I want to live at Never Land with Peter Pan (of course, not with Michael Jacksons 555)

After continuing on foot till reached Somdej Phra Pin Klao Brige (about kilometers), I took a taxi to Tung Trong Jitr Commercial College (near Tha Tien). Opposite to the college there is an inexpensive Thai restaurant called Coconut Palm. I suggest you should come before noon. I ordered ‘Ka Nhom Jin Sao Nam’ rice noodle in coconut milk. The dish was served with ginger, pineapple, and dried salt prawn. After finishing my lunch, I continued on my lunch break to The Coffee House. From the restaurant turn right and you will see the shop located at the end of the sub-street, on the bank of the Chao Phra Ya. I had a pot of Darjeeling tea and a piece of tiramisu. I spent time there quite long for only a piece of cake because the view of Wat Arun on another side of the river is very very attractive. Also the atmosphere in the shop is very cozy. (But it quite expensive) If I would be there at the sunset, it must be very very beautiful scnery.

Then I went to Wat Pho, the largest wat in Bangkok. That’s where I got lost 5555. Well, there are so many many buildings, include crocodile pond (which I saw no crocodile), and a lot of walls.

Anyway, I start with the Ubosots (cathedral) which was constructed in King Rama I reign. Then the second famous of Wat PHo (The first rank must be Thai massage), the Reclining Buddha, which I warn you to put your shoes in the places set for. Don’t ever place them at the floor as some people may be do it. After paying homage to the Lord Buddha in the pavilion already, I went to see the Royal Pagodas.

Actually I have my interntion to see the first university of Thailand, the wall inscription in the reign of King Rama III. But that afternoon is very hot and sunny also I wear only short sleeves shirt and have no hat. After I tried to find the inscription for 45 min, I cancel my searching then.

Then I went to Tha Tien Dried Seafood Market,…..55 I think if I come when I’m healthy, not having a cold like this, I may turn back to the enter at the first moment I was in there. You should already have an idea about the dried seafood smell. Fortunately, my smell-sense organ didn’t work well that day, so I didn’t scent much. 5555 The special food I found threr was Pla Ra, very very smell bad. 

Then it started to rain. While I was in the taxi it rained heavily. But when I was at home, just 30 minute later the rain stop……….I shouldn’t went back. T-T

Hello…..Now it’s my holidays ^^

My university closed for 3 weeks, while I can run my project only 5 days because the machine is full of booking. When will my project finish?

There is one thing all of you need to know. Even though I love chemistry very much less from before, I am still who I am, you know. I am the same old your JC, Jess, or Jessica.

Anyway, let’s go back to a week before….My Final Exam…..

It was such a worst time for my final exam. I think I would veryๆ (5555) disappoint with my grade.  Not only I was not review the lesson much enough, but also because of my physical problem that all of them reoccurred in the same time, especially my back and my eyes……I just don’t understand why everything must happen in the same time, both my mental and my physical part…….. My eyes have a kind off allergic to the air, yes read again…..the air, which the symptom hasn’t occurred for almost 5 years. My eyes were red, swelled and very itchy….I can’t do anything except sleep. Then there was another long great pain in my back, which would be a slight ache occasionally since falling off of the horseback in January. I just can’t sit. If this pain occurs when I was at home or others place, it would be OK but not during my exam hour!!…….Such a tragedy of my life……

Let look in details for each subjects

D.E….Although I had done many exercises, I was still bad in a part of Partial Differential Equation (P.D.E.). Also there would be many mistakes from my careless calculation.

Stat….I had spent a one full day with it; and I still didn’t get all the scores, though. Another thing was my backache started in this hour…..and kept continuing increase in amount of pain.

Org chem……Just 3 words…..Keep it away……

Analytical Chemistry…..Voltammetry really got me….I lost for that part at least 15 points from 76 because I draw a wrong polarogram……Can’t blame anybody,….I did it myself.

Phy chem., my lovely subject. 555 I wrote a wrong (again) microstate, which meant my predicted ground state was absolutely wrong. Calculation of delocalization energy of cyclobutadiene was wrong either. I have lost at least 30 points from 100.  Moreover, I left the room 15 minute before its time up because of my backache. After I got out of the room, I feel empty…..really really empty….I felt nothing.

Policy and Planning…..I think I got this one. Not it got me anymore 55555. Though I didn’t explain the relation of policy, planning and plan well enough. Also I don’t think the lecturer would read my handwriting comfortably because I had to rush with time…..5 essays --10 pages-- in 2 hours….Anyway, this final exam was 60% while another 30% was presentation and the rest was attendance. The presentation was group work, which I was in the same group with Natcha, Elle, P’Tee (who once was my group staff in 17^th Mas Camp) and other two 3^rd year math students whose name I still didn’t know. Actually this subject was only for math students, so I, again, was the only one who was not in the department. Our group presented CPF strategic plan, which we had to do all from analyzed SWOT, 5 Forces Model, and SLEPT. Finally we, then, had to draft our own strategic plan. Due to the “S”, strength, of CPF was having worldwide market while “O” opportunities was increasing of world meat consuming. So our group paired this 2 point to create a special our own style strategic plan, which was increase in producing different kind of meat like whale, dolphin, bluefin tuna. That kind is so so, but the special part was nautilus, portuguese-man-of-war, Kraken (555 the gigantic octopus from the Pirates of the Caribbean), Arial (from The Little Mermaid) and the last was Pla Anond from ancient Thai mythology which was believed that it was under the Khao Phra Su Main and when it turn its body over would create earthquakes. That was our own style strategic plan 5555 (also I afraid the lecturer may didn’t know all of them so I put their pictures in the report 5555)…Anyway, our group just got 27 point. And my attendance point was only 8 because I skipped the class 2 times due to People Alliance for Democracy (PAD), known in Thai as พันธมิตร.

Finally my exam finished and because I have only 5 days for my project so this break gonna be my actually first LALLA time in 3 years.

First, I have to do something with my physical problem…my back and my eyes. Use Mahidol staff health privilege.

Second, about my mental problem…so I gonna reach some of my dreams. Just let thing go on its way.

Third…..Shopping….the most enjoyable thing (except horse riding) that I haven’t had a chance to do it for almost 4 months

Although the first thing I did after finishing my exam was shopping 555 P’Rabby (I mentioned her as P’Tai in Thai) and I was promised to each other since last March that we would go shopping somewhere. And it was me who had been called off, because I have my intention to finish my project before October, so I use my every chance for doing it. Not only there’s nothing I can do with it, but also I don’t want to postpone our appointment anymore. So I decide to finish it first.

Friday 3^rd October, 2008. We both went to Platinum Mall because both she and I need to buy some clothes. 5555. First what we did when we arrived there was buying shorts. P’Rabby really wanted to buy some very short shorts, which length should be around only 15 cm. As you know that I would never wear it, I still got a jeans one because she forced me to buy, though. When we arrived it was about at noon so we shopped for almost an hour before having our lunch at Fuji Japanese Restaurant on 6^th floor. P’Tai was very enjoy eating while I’m on “J” all I can eat was J menu, delicious in difference way. Then we continued our activity from 2 pm to 4.30 pm and headed back to the faculty by Tuk Tuk  riding 55555… All I got was two high heels, one silver flip flop with a large plastic diamond on it (I do love it, you know. 555), three shorts (one of them I was forced to buy), one dress, one shirt and eight scrunchies.

Although both of us were in an English game, P’Poo P’Tee P’Joe P’Rabby and I have to talk in Eng, if not a baht for each Thai sentence. We temporarily canceled the game for a day. P’Rabby said that if we in the game for that day we might have no money to buy things. 55555

When we were back in my laboratory that evening I was continuing working on my project by preparing all the chemical reagents I need. Because I booked HPLC for only 2 days--weekend. About 9.30 pm I was alone in C301 (machine room) but I heard someone came in the chemical room so I went to see. And I saw P’Nuize (my school senior); both she and I surprised because in recent month we have come across each other for 4 – 5 times. Then my papa picked me up about 10 pm. But he didn’t come alone, both my mama and my didi (little brother) came too. I just didn’t understand why everybody would come and picked me. Then I just got it, all of them want to go to Suan Luang (night market nearby Siam) for supper. I just had my first Mee Wan (Sweet Noodle). It is an ancient Chinese snack made with non-egg kind of egg noodle (555) in syrup by adding some glutinous square-shaped rice cakes, lotus seeds and Job’s tears. It can be served in both hot and cold.

After having my lovely supper we went to another food shop to buy some dish take home for tomorrow breakfast. Then there was 2 girls walk passed us; one was little Chinese girl and another was a woman with brain tumor, she can’t walked normally—her spine was curve and her arm was just like she got polio.  They were selling some plum to afford the expense of the elder sister sickness. At first we didn’t know that why they were selling I just taught that they may be like others beggar, but when my Papa heard the little girl said that she want to help her sister, we all stop and buy her one pack—a hundred baht…..Compare to other plum I had bought, it was very expensive but it is OK if we buy for helping other people. Anyway, I think this is the first time I met them, but my didi was remember that we met her once 3 or 4 years ago.

…That was for first day of my holiday…

Both last Saturday 4^th and Sunday 5^th I was spending time by myself at K651 to test my new column…..What I have already known is different column produces different chromatogram. But I didn’t expect to see all of my peaks were elute in the same time. (The old column may too old that it can separate fatty acid easily) My new chromatogram has only 2 peak—void and another large peak that contain every peak I should got. Again, I have to optimize new mobile phase composition.

While I was waiting for papa to pick me up alone at first floor of C building, it was so quiet. So I turned on my mobile phone and started to listen to some Disney songs. There was one song that I felt it matched the lonely silent atmosphere, So Close from Enchanted. I like this song from the first moment I watched. I haven’t listened to it carefully, though. When I was alone, I had a chance. Apart from the good meaning of its lyrics and the soft tone of Jon McLaughlin I just love the melody…..It depicts Disney style—a little bit dreamy, easy listening, and having a little scent of European classics style. So I have my intention to use a part of the lyrics as my MSN name ‘So far we are so close’ (my most favorite part in the song). But then I realized that P’Ake was using exactly the same phrase (555). I, then, change to other parts 5555.

You’re in my arms
And all the world is gone
The music playing on

for only two
So close together
And when I’m with you
So close to feeling alive

A life goes by
Romantic dreams must die
So I bid mine goodbye and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
And now forever I know
All that I want is to hold you
So close

So close to reaching that famous happy end
Almost believing this one's not pretend
Now you’re beside me and look how far we’ve come
So far we are so close

How could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
We’re so close To reaching that famous happy end
And almost believing this one's not pretend
Let’s go on dreaming though we know we are
So close,…So close
Still so far

Anyway, for Sunday evening we—I and my family—went to Rong Kuek Shrine (known in Teochew as Zhuo Seu Gong) at Talad Noi. This shrine locates on the bank of Chao Phraya River. To get there you have to walk through the alley which is full of people and food—especially fresh Toob Tub (known in Teochew as Tao Hong—smash nuts). Toob Tub is an ancient Chinese snack made of peanuts, corn syrup (แบะแซ), sugar, salt, and water. After simmering all the ingredients in a large chef’s pan, spreading it on the thick wooden board, folding it for 3 – 4 times, then smashed it. The smashers are usually 2 strong men with a wooden hammer standing at each side of the table. When the folded peanut is ready, the each man smash it one at a time and go on until the peanut is broken in to pieces. Then fold, lengthen, and cut it into proper pieces. The Toob Tub is a sound of the wooden hammer hit the peanut sheet.

In the alley, there is a famous Mee Wan shop which sells only in J  festival. The shop is full of people at all ages. It also sells Cheng Sim Yi, and Gingko in syrup. If you have a chance to go there, I recommend you to find a seat and order just a dish. Mee Wan in this shop is very special, they have a unique goo smell; it is also sold very very well, moreover.

Walk pass Mee Wan shop for 20 meters, there will be a small shrine with free lucky Yi and some holy water with pomegranate leaf. For Chinese Yi is a glutinous small rice-ball with syrup usually eaten in joyful occasion like wedding or New Year.

Then, at the end of the alley is the Zhuo Seu Gong shrine, faces to the river, which full of people mostly dressed in white.  Also in the middle of the court in front of the shrine there was a gigantic joss sticks, the biggest one was about 3 meters height, which has the donator's name on it. My mama bought a smaller one, about 2.50 meters, and wrote all of family’s member names on it. Before the shrine staff would bring the long bamboo stick with a fire at the top to us for lighting the joss stick. There were lamps and spiral gum benjamins hanging on the sling above the joss stick cover all of the yard. Behind the enormous joss stick there was a Chinese opera with a lot of old people and their own chair. It has been nearly ten years since the last time I had watched it. And nearby is a gun shooting boot where my didi got a doll at every shot, very unbelievable. After finished, he gave the dolls to the kids around there.

Then we went back home.

Hello....Finally my final exam was finished.....Believe me, my grade will be the worst in my life.

Anyway, let's back to the last topic ....I have to finish what I started 5555....

I want to let you know that about the feeling 'enough' for chemistry isn't just for 2 weeks.....It has been in my mind for almost year and a hal