Yesterday was my last day for the trip. We had half day lecture and quiz. After that we had our lunch in the cafeteria on 7th floor of the building. Thai team has prepared the menu for us.
Sui Ying managed to take a picture of us. We had to eat fast because it would take at least 1 hour to our animal lab. It’s located in Mahidol University, Veterinarian Faculty.
Everyone in the van was sleeping on the way to the university. When we reached the place, we had our weekly teleconference with our big boss. I let my direct supervisor to talk for the team.
I only had half way through doing the Lap. Low Anterior Resection because it was already 3.30 PM. I and Mr. Kim must catch the plan. We were worried that the traffic will be bad, especially it’s Monday. It took only 1 hour from the university to airport. I said goodbye to Mr. Kim before entering the airport as our check in desks are in separate location.
I had to complain again when I checked in. Airasia charged me 7 kg of excess baggage, Baht 165 per kg. My baggage was 22.7 kg. They said the limit is 15kg. I told them my baggage was more than 15 kg when I departed from Jakarta and Airasia Jakarta had no problem with that. And the staff said it doesn’t apply in Thailand. Whaaat??? How come it’s not standardized? Soooo silly. Anyway, my training binders caused it so I can claim to office. But still, I was disappointed.
Since the boarding time would be at 7.45 PM and the time was still 5 PM, I had enough time to do my prayer. The airport muslim prayer room is nice as compared to Jakarta airport. I had my Zhuhur and Ashar prayer there then working with my laptop until Maghrib time came. I had my dinner at Tate Café, at Level 3 of the airport, same level with the prayer room. There are many restaurants there to choose. I was hoping to see Dairy Queen because I was craving for strawberry banana ice cream they are promoting.
The S & P café in the airport doesn’t serve ice cream and cakes as they do in the other place across Dusit Thani Hotel.
I started to move to immigration section as time was 7.00 PM. Passing the immigration section I found a beautiful piece of art. It’s a long statue of Thai people holding long snake. I didn’t have a time to take the picture of it. Also, there’s a throne-like seat near the statue.
Many shops inside. Damn, The Creamy & Fudge is there, Dairy Queen is also there. Again, no time to buy ice cream, must hurry up to gate F4. Even there’s a corner of Thai spa products that I’d like to buy some from if I had enough time to shop.
I must go through a security check. I pulled out my laptop, took off my blazer, let the officer checked my bag and the dried foods I brought. When I arrived at boarding room, Airasia officers checked our handcarried bags. They weighed the bags, if they are exceeds 7 KG, we must pay the excess baggage. Oh man, Airasia really pissed me off on this trip! My handcarried bag was 14 KG, excess of 7 KG. The problem was that they said it was too big to be placed in the head storage so they must check it in. Means, the excess baggage was not 7 KG, but 14KG! I said I had my laptop inside it, I didn’t want to check the bag in. They asked me to keep the laptop with me. I only had plastic bag so I put the laptop in the plastic bag.
The amount to be paid was Baht 1,980 (12 KG excess baggage after I took out the laptop). When it was in the check in counter, I could go to ATM to withdraw some money, but at that time I only had Baht 500 and IDR 450,000! My credit card is over limit, so I really didn’t have that much to pay them.
Since it was boarding time, they accepted whatever money I had. They took Baht 500, so they only charged me 3 KG.
I didn’t mind to pay the excess but how Airasia did it really made me angry and upset. They should have weighed the handcarried bags at check in counter so passengers have chance to get some money from ATM or exchange their money. Another thing is that their regulations must be applied in any countries. Isn’t it strange Airasia in Jakarta let me go with my excess baggage then Airasia Bangkok charged me?????
The flight took 3 hours 25 minutes and I didn’t feel comfortable at all sitting inside the plan. I needed water but they ran out of it, so I must buy orange juice. What’s the problem just to stock the bottled mineral water on board?
Not to mention I kept thinking about my handcarried bag which didn’t have any lock. If I had a choice, I would have not chosen Airasia to fly for flight that is more than 2 hours. But it was my Vice President’s decision.
There’s another story during the hectic of my overweight hand carried baggage.
There were 2 females from Indonesia who wanted to boarding but they didn’t have boarding pass. One is at age of 40s and one is still a teenager. They can’t speak English. So I approached them and asked what happened. They came from village and will work overseas as house maids. They came from different labor agents. I saw their plane tickets. The older female will fly on January 20 while the girl must fly that night. I feel bad to see their situation. I wanted to help but I must board my plane. They are in other country and don’t know English at all. They showed airport staffs their documents but they don’t understand what the staffs said. I pray for them.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Bangkok Trip: Recertification Day 1
It's Sunday, and we must get ready early in the morning for our recertification training.
Left hotel at 8.15 AM (it was instructed to leave hotel at 7.45 AM) but since it was Sunday, traffic situation was alright.
It was my first time I wore high heels for the whole day.
Had early dinner at Savoey Restaurant with the class. Our table was located at the back yard of the restaurant, which is by the river. The view was not that pretty, we only saw one big boat and some factories.
The food last night was better compared to this one.
After dinner, the van dropped us at Siam Paragon. Can't help it, I wanted to buy some underwear and lingerie there. I asked Melvin from Singapore to buy me jack fruit cracker and cashew nut since he was going to MBK Plaza.
After shopping, we went to Health Land again with boss and my two Malaysian colleagues. We had foot massage for THB 250.
Left hotel at 8.15 AM (it was instructed to leave hotel at 7.45 AM) but since it was Sunday, traffic situation was alright.
It was my first time I wore high heels for the whole day.
Had early dinner at Savoey Restaurant with the class. Our table was located at the back yard of the restaurant, which is by the river. The view was not that pretty, we only saw one big boat and some factories.
The food last night was better compared to this one.
After dinner, the van dropped us at Siam Paragon. Can't help it, I wanted to buy some underwear and lingerie there. I asked Melvin from Singapore to buy me jack fruit cracker and cashew nut since he was going to MBK Plaza.
After shopping, we went to Health Land again with boss and my two Malaysian colleagues. We had foot massage for THB 250.
Bangkok Trip: ASCS Day 2
Woke up a little bit late, but still manage to have breakfast. It was last last day of congress.
All the managerial level were having important meeting in the morning while the rest of us went to venue.
Nothing special, except I had to put up with my Singaporean colleague who’s originally from Philippines. I’ll post this experience in my other blog.
I went to find my surgeon and accompanied him during lunch symposium. Free lunch, baby, lol. The menu was not as much as we had last night.
After my boss came, we left venue early with my boss and Philippines colleague. Some of the exhibition participants have unpacked the booth. We went back to hotel to drop our stuffs, and then walked to Sala Daeng MRT station, headed to Siam Paragon.
Went back to hotel, picked up Philippines surgeons, then had dinner at Chinese Thai restaurant: Cosmo Thai. Had a great meal and good laugh from the joke that the surgeon made.
Went to Health Land, the same place I went in 2006. Had Thai Massage at THB 450. I felt bad because I didn't give enough tip to the masseur because I had no money left. I planned to take money from ATM but ended up borrowing money from my boss.
All the managerial level were having important meeting in the morning while the rest of us went to venue.
Nothing special, except I had to put up with my Singaporean colleague who’s originally from Philippines. I’ll post this experience in my other blog.
I went to find my surgeon and accompanied him during lunch symposium. Free lunch, baby, lol. The menu was not as much as we had last night.
After my boss came, we left venue early with my boss and Philippines colleague. Some of the exhibition participants have unpacked the booth. We went back to hotel to drop our stuffs, and then walked to Sala Daeng MRT station, headed to Siam Paragon.
Went back to hotel, picked up Philippines surgeons, then had dinner at Chinese Thai restaurant: Cosmo Thai. Had a great meal and good laugh from the joke that the surgeon made.
Went to Health Land, the same place I went in 2006. Had Thai Massage at THB 450. I felt bad because I didn't give enough tip to the masseur because I had no money left. I planned to take money from ATM but ended up borrowing money from my boss.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Bangkok Trip: ASCS Day 1
Woke up at 5.45 AM, said hello to my colleague who slept in the extra bed next to main bed.
We got ready, wore our uniform polo shirt. We went downstairs to 2nd floor, looking for our restaurant. It was hidden, quite far from the lift. I met the rest of the ASEAN team and surgeons there. The food was placed in a corner. Not much of a food choice, especially for me who is a muslim.
After breakfast, we went in the bus provided. The traffic was quite alright, not as pact as I'd imagine. The venue was in Dusit Thani Hotel.
I meet my surgeon, introduced him to my boss. Then I just mingled.
When lunch time, I and two of my Singapore colleagues went across to S&P café for lunch. Not long after that, several colleagues and my big boss joined.
After lunch, I and my Philippines colleague went back to hotel to change clothes. My boss was getting ready with the costume.
When we got back to venue, my boss was in traditional Thai outfit. She was beautiful. The rest of Thai staffs were getting ready and conducted rehearsal.
Before gala dinner, I had chit chat with Asia training director and Vietnam country manager who’s an Indian. We had some drinks, listening to live traditional Thai music.
We took a seat near the stage, Philippines surgeons sat on the same table.
Our dinner menu was this ….. (will be posted)
Beside speeches and live band, we watched several performances of Thai dancing.
We had a nice time that night. When we got to hotel, we helped my boss to undress. Very hectic with those accessories she had on.
We got ready, wore our uniform polo shirt. We went downstairs to 2nd floor, looking for our restaurant. It was hidden, quite far from the lift. I met the rest of the ASEAN team and surgeons there. The food was placed in a corner. Not much of a food choice, especially for me who is a muslim.
After breakfast, we went in the bus provided. The traffic was quite alright, not as pact as I'd imagine. The venue was in Dusit Thani Hotel.
I meet my surgeon, introduced him to my boss. Then I just mingled.
When lunch time, I and two of my Singapore colleagues went across to S&P café for lunch. Not long after that, several colleagues and my big boss joined.
After lunch, I and my Philippines colleague went back to hotel to change clothes. My boss was getting ready with the costume.
When we got back to venue, my boss was in traditional Thai outfit. She was beautiful. The rest of Thai staffs were getting ready and conducted rehearsal.
Before gala dinner, I had chit chat with Asia training director and Vietnam country manager who’s an Indian. We had some drinks, listening to live traditional Thai music.
We took a seat near the stage, Philippines surgeons sat on the same table.
Our dinner menu was this ….. (will be posted)
Beside speeches and live band, we watched several performances of Thai dancing.
We had a nice time that night. When we got to hotel, we helped my boss to undress. Very hectic with those accessories she had on.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bangkok Trip: ASCS & Internal training
My last visit to Bangkok was in March 2006, , so I was looking forward for this trip. Thanks to my boss who recommended me for attending 4th ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeon and our recertification training.
My flight with Air Asia was at 4.20 PM, so I left house at 12.30 PM with taxi. I didn’t have any problems or felt uncomfortable when I checked in. I even felt excited as starting in January 2009, our government didn’t charge airport fiscal to citizens who have Tax ID. Previously we were charged IDR 1 million whenever we traveled overseas. Now, for those who don’t have Tax ID, fiscal cost IDR 2.5 million.
I hung out at Starbucks for around 1 hour.
When I went inside boarding room, it occurred to me that I was going to fly with Air Asia, which doesn’t serve any meals, and I didn’t bring any food. Air Asia only sell some food on board. Now, the flight to Bangkok usually takes 3 hours. This will be my longest flight time with Air Asia. Usually for me is only 2 hours, either go to Kuala Lumpur or Medan.
I had some fruits in my bag. There were no entertainments in the plane, only airline’s magazine, and not all seats have it.
I bought small mineral water for IDR 12,000. I didn’t have appetite to eat. I was hungry, but Air Asia only sells instant noodle or roated peanut. Can we eat that for dinner? Naaahhh………… So I ate my fruits instead.
After taking a nap for sometimes, I finally landed in Bangkok. I realized there was something new with the airport. It looks so modern.
I took a taxi to go to my hotel. After talking with taxi driver, I found out that it’s a new airport.
It’s called Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The location is further than the previous airport. I needed to pay THB 70 for toll. Taxi surcharge was THB 50, and the taxi fee was THB 395.
I was staying at All Seasons Sathorn Hotel. It’s in Sathorn area, where there are many embassies in that area. I had this awkward feeling when I saw the hotel. It’s a small hotel, small parking lot, I meant small! Had a nice welcome drink. Lift was small, but baggage trolley can fit in there. Narrow corridor with tiles on the wall, feels like walking in a hospital corridor. I think it’s an old building got renovated.
Do you want to know my impression when I arrived in the room? Furniture is modern but there’s nothing fancy, no wall-to-wall carpet, no bath tub, only shower, I needed to ask for hair dryer to their house keeping. Can’t do anything since the whole team was staying in here.
The hotel is operated under Accor Group, and I got complimentary internet connection, that’s I liked….. Room rate was USD 68 and I shared it with my Malaysian colleague.
Anyway…. My room mate wasn’t there. Time was 10 PM, I was hungry. I read the room service menu, wasn’t interesting. So I decided to go to Suan Lum Night Bazaar to get light dinner. The hotel staff said it only takes 10 minutes walk to that place, Lumpini train station is also 10 minutes from hotel. So I walked. It was safe, and weather was nice, not hot. Quite cool, very different to year 2006.
I had beef kebab, papaya salad, and carrot juice. After that, I looked around the shop area. I wanted to buy a wedding gift for my friend. I bought fuchsia bed cover for her, THB 650, opening price was THB 1,200. My land lady asked me to buy her orange scarf, THB 350. The seller offered bed cover THB 799, after discount was THB 750. That’s it, no more shopping. Must save my money.
I walked back to hotel. I’ve informed my boss that I’ve arrived. Went to sleep at 1 AM, my colleague went in at 2 AM while I was sleeping.
My flight with Air Asia was at 4.20 PM, so I left house at 12.30 PM with taxi. I didn’t have any problems or felt uncomfortable when I checked in. I even felt excited as starting in January 2009, our government didn’t charge airport fiscal to citizens who have Tax ID. Previously we were charged IDR 1 million whenever we traveled overseas. Now, for those who don’t have Tax ID, fiscal cost IDR 2.5 million.
I hung out at Starbucks for around 1 hour.
When I went inside boarding room, it occurred to me that I was going to fly with Air Asia, which doesn’t serve any meals, and I didn’t bring any food. Air Asia only sell some food on board. Now, the flight to Bangkok usually takes 3 hours. This will be my longest flight time with Air Asia. Usually for me is only 2 hours, either go to Kuala Lumpur or Medan.
I had some fruits in my bag. There were no entertainments in the plane, only airline’s magazine, and not all seats have it.
I bought small mineral water for IDR 12,000. I didn’t have appetite to eat. I was hungry, but Air Asia only sells instant noodle or roated peanut. Can we eat that for dinner? Naaahhh………… So I ate my fruits instead.
After taking a nap for sometimes, I finally landed in Bangkok. I realized there was something new with the airport. It looks so modern.
I took a taxi to go to my hotel. After talking with taxi driver, I found out that it’s a new airport.
It’s called Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The location is further than the previous airport. I needed to pay THB 70 for toll. Taxi surcharge was THB 50, and the taxi fee was THB 395.
I was staying at All Seasons Sathorn Hotel. It’s in Sathorn area, where there are many embassies in that area. I had this awkward feeling when I saw the hotel. It’s a small hotel, small parking lot, I meant small! Had a nice welcome drink. Lift was small, but baggage trolley can fit in there. Narrow corridor with tiles on the wall, feels like walking in a hospital corridor. I think it’s an old building got renovated.
Do you want to know my impression when I arrived in the room? Furniture is modern but there’s nothing fancy, no wall-to-wall carpet, no bath tub, only shower, I needed to ask for hair dryer to their house keeping. Can’t do anything since the whole team was staying in here.
The hotel is operated under Accor Group, and I got complimentary internet connection, that’s I liked….. Room rate was USD 68 and I shared it with my Malaysian colleague.
Anyway…. My room mate wasn’t there. Time was 10 PM, I was hungry. I read the room service menu, wasn’t interesting. So I decided to go to Suan Lum Night Bazaar to get light dinner. The hotel staff said it only takes 10 minutes walk to that place, Lumpini train station is also 10 minutes from hotel. So I walked. It was safe, and weather was nice, not hot. Quite cool, very different to year 2006.
I had beef kebab, papaya salad, and carrot juice. After that, I looked around the shop area. I wanted to buy a wedding gift for my friend. I bought fuchsia bed cover for her, THB 650, opening price was THB 1,200. My land lady asked me to buy her orange scarf, THB 350. The seller offered bed cover THB 799, after discount was THB 750. That’s it, no more shopping. Must save my money.
I walked back to hotel. I’ve informed my boss that I’ve arrived. Went to sleep at 1 AM, my colleague went in at 2 AM while I was sleeping.
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