Since my OJT days as a college junior, I have never been fond of the graveyard shift. The name itself already sounds gloomy and the worst part is that drowsiness is an enemy, which is hard to battle. In my present job, I am assigned to the day shift, as a little consideration since I am still attending school. Now, some foreseeable circumstances have arrived and I had to partake on a little 'mission', which implies the need to be sent to the graveyard shift. And so I thought being a member of the 'night's watch' is pretty interesting--indeed, if you know what to do. Armed with two cameras, I freely roamed the site in the wee hours and abused the overwhelming supply of light in the area.

Somewhere along the roads of Solsona, Ilocos Norte, lies a humble abode with a blue roof. The place boasts of simplicity yet has enough space to accommodate people especially those who are famished but lacks budget for a heavy meal.

Dabarkads Kitchenette offers merienda meals that is sure to take away your hunger without drilling a hole into your pockets. 

Parking space is not a hindrance for you are free to park your sedans or SUVs on the roadside without getting worried that something might bump your 4-wheeled buddy. And if you're riding like a local, do not fret because tricycles and motorcycles can be parked right beside the little food haven.

Not only festive for the stomach, it is also festive for the eyes. The little eatery is situated beside a huge land filled with greenies with a great backdrop of the mountains and sunrise/sunset.

The place is frequented by people from all walks of life, age and size. Families, friends, colleagues came and go, satisfied with the food that they indulged into.

And yes, your food collection can be increased and posted online without having the need to look for a wi-fi connection because they also offer one--for free.

Although their menu is short and simple, I promise you that you'll be satisfied with the local delicacies they offer.

Shanghai - 7php

Barbecue - 10php

Hot Miki:

Special - 25php

Ordinary - 20php

They can serve your meals with either soft drinks or water. Your pick.

What we really came for, is the Hot Miki. It is some kind of a local ramen, oozing with flavors and aroma, that when it gets to your olfactory, it's a sure fire way to make you crave for more.

The Hot Miki is served in a huge bowl, that is literally full of noodles and if you want more broth to sip, you can simply ask for more and it is for free.

The only difference between the special and ordinary is the egg. So, you better do the math if your 5php is worth it, and I think it is.

All this is a big thanks to my cousin, Jhed, who invited us. 

          Every holiday season, Starbucks sets out a promotion which enables people to obtain a limited edition starbucks planner, enclosed with promo coupons. For every starbucks beverage purchased, one sticker is given to the consumer. A number of stickers must be collected in exchange of the starbucks planner.

          A long and winding line awaits the people who want to order their favorite beverage at Starbucks. Some are busy chatting, others, swaying their fingers on their gadgets. A girl in white uniform was ahead of me in the line. Her outfit clearly states that she's a nurse while her body language shouts that she has just gotten out of her shift. I didn't mind her. I minded my target -- the planner.

          It was her turn. She went for the counter nearest the serving counter. Then, it was mine. I took the counter near the food display.

          The barista did her routine questions and the girl in white answered in the affirmative, except for one -- 'Do you have a starbucks card?' She said no and was offered a new card, but she politely declined. Instead, she asked if she could just give the stickers to other people who would benefit in the promotion. The barista smiled and said 'yes'. The girl in white approached me and asked me if I wanted the stickers. Who am I to decline? That was equivalent to 2 stickers. I said my thank you and went for the serving counter.

          A couple of days after, I successfully completed the promotion and gave the planner to my mother. I frequent the coffee shop and some others are still itching to get their hands on the planner.

          Again, I was standing in line, patiently waiting to be served. Same old routine, same old questions. When it was time for the starbucks card question, I thought of the simple act of generosity of that human being who helped me finish my little mission. And so, I did the same thing--asked others who needed the sticker and share it to them.

          Looking back, not only was the girl in white able to share a blessing, but also, she became a good example of what giving is really about. Such act of kindness, no matter how big or small can go a long way and it will be remembered your entire life.

          Be a blessing to others not only this Christmas season but all year round.

"The perennial dictum is to spread goodwill towards all men. The irony of course is that this is contrary to our nature. So, why do we do it? Because we are being watched. And so, we unselfishly think of others, assured that our good behaviour will be rewarded with love and plutonium." - Stewie Griffin [Family Guy]

My stay in Bangkok and Pattaya may have been very limited, but nevertheless, time did not hinder me from enjoying my stay in such beautiful and organised places. Now, let me just give you a few tips to give you a smooth sailing.

AIRPORT

Take a good note as to where your baggages must be retrieved
The Suvarnabhumi Airport is located in an 8,400-acre land, which caters a lot of counters, sections, restrooms and different areas. It's also quite tiring to walk around in circles, trying to figure out, where in that vast location is your luggage.

Foreign currency exchange stalls are every where
To save a lot of time and effort, you may opt to visit any one of them and have your currency converted to Thai Baht.

Food chains
The long walks and wait might deplete your energy, but no worries, for the airport houses a wide variety of food chains. The location of the food stalls depends on the area:

International Departure = Level 4

Main Terminal = Level 3 and Level 6

Domestic & Transfer Area = Level 2

Main Terminal and Baggage Claim Area = Level 2

For the more specific list of dining spots. Click here

Free maps and sim card
Grab a hold of free maps and a sim card. Well, the maps are the necessary ones. These handy yet helpful pieces of glossy paper can be a lifesaver. It is embedded with information around the city from landmarks to hotel phone numbers, and if it wasn't for those advertisements, the maps wouldn't be that big. Never mind, it's foldable.

TRANSPORTATION

From the airport

Public Taxi
If your hotel/transient residence's location is a couple minutes drive from the airport, you may take this option, to save you time and effort, especially when you have a lot of extra baggages with you.

The taxis are and should be metered. If the taxi driver is trying to bargain with you by offering you a one time-big time rate for your journey, just politely decline and find another one.

Here's the rate to be considered:

Metered fare + airport surcharge fee (50 baht) + expressway fee

Car Rental

This option is good IF, you carry a lot of baggages, at least 5 people in the group, and the place where you'll be staying is far.

They offer a flat rate, regardless, where your destination will be, for as long as it is in Bangkok. You may also choose between a sedan and a van.

Airport Rail Link

The airport provides 2 transit options:

Subway Link (Blue Line)

Pretchaburi Station to MRT (Subway)

Sky Train

Phayathai Station for BTS Sukhumvit Line

This option is considerably, faster and cheaper.

photo from Simply Thailand Tours

Head over to google maps to check if your location's near any of the stations of the rail link.

Around the city

Tuktuk and Taxi

One is a locale transportation medium, capable of giving you an unhindered view while dabbling the mixed air and pollution of the city. The other one, is modern and can lift your heavy items with ease. 

As to which is the better, I highly suggest the latter.

When riding taxis, ALWAYS, ALWAYS tell the driver to use the meter. Otherwise, they're going to give you a price, high enough to build another Temple of Dawn.

They do not ask for tips and they give you the best route possible, for as long as you and I understand each other with regard to the route.

Out-of-town trips

From Bangkok to Pattaya, the most convenient way would be is to rent a van. A must tip is that the driver should know how to speak both in Thai and English. Second, he must know all the possible routes and the places. Lastly, his services must not have an additional hidden charges.

Our driver happened to be a fellow kababayan, who has been living in Bangkok for 12 years. He's multilingual (Tagalog, Thai, English) and he's the one who plotted our itinerary to save us time. Our first itinerary was much of a fail because we were trying to squeeze in several places within 8 hours, including the travel time. Plus, he gave us the best package possible.

If you're coming to Thailand, he offers lots of packages, so be sure to check him out.

Etc

• Ask for a card from the hotel receptionist of the hotel where you're staying. Keep it and show it to the taxi/tuktuk driver so he'll know where to drop you off.
• Save a copy of the places where you'll be staying, in your phone or have it printed on a paper. Make sure it's readable. Remember, the name of the place must be in both in Thai and English language. Unless, you can speak their mother tongue or you want to exempt yourself from all the headaches of having to do all the gestures.

photo from google maps

• Do not litter
• If you're going to Thailand for the sole purpose of importing goods to your country, then I suggest to pick a place anywhere in the vicinity of Pratunam. Located there are the malls and market stalls that offer their products at a low price.
• Bangkok is a busy yet developing country. Expect traffic at 12 midnight.

          Our first morning in Thailand was spent in Pattaya, the van that would take us there arrived at exactly 6am. It was a close call because I had just finished my egg's ben when we were informed of its arrival. While waiting, I took a shot of the the part of the open-bar that captured my attention.

           It was a 2 hour drive from the capital, so I just decided to put on my headphones and get a shuteye. On the way, I was awakened by my mom to disembark the vehicle while pumping it with gas. We would would need to stay at the shed a few meters away from the gasoline station. The reason was simple, it is a safety precaution so that when some hazardous event occurs at the gasoline station, the people will be far from harm.

          Not only was I impressed of their concern to the public but I've also witnessed that Thai people are organised too. It is manifested by making the cars fall in line while waiting for their turn to be serviced at the station.






         
          Since the Khaow Kheow Open Zoo is the nearest from the border, we decided to prioritise it on the itinerary. The word, 'open' itself already tells you something about the place. Some animals like the deers are free to roam around the area, so that people may interact with them. If you get too close though, they move away. Don't worry, they will not lay a hoof even on the tiniest strand of your hair.

          Maps are given at the entrance. Just by looking at the map may easily fool one individual into thinking that the size of the land is 'pretty alright'. However, the entire land where the zoo is situated is actually more than 2000 acres. It is quite unimaginable to tour the place by foot, so the best bet for one to enjoy their stay and make the most out of it, is through a vehicle. 

         I was really there for the penguins and kangaroos, so I was devastated when this illustration welcomed me. If I was a kid, I'd probably cry or throw rocks on this wall.

Then, there were monkeys. One of them even showcased his skills.

Meerkats love the camera #teammerkat

Drained ostrich eggs, hand painted by the locales are sold for 350THB. 

And this guy just tested for himself the toughness of an ostrich egg

The next stop is the Pattaya Floating Market. Famous for people who love to take shopping to a new experience. The vendors and the goods are on a boat instead of a stall. The management even offers a ride for a few bucks to tour around the place using a boat. The downside of the market is that you'll have to cough out 300THB before they will let you enter the place. That being said, we chose to just look around and not proceed inside the market, and on the way I met these cute little guys:

 The Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is not far from the market. We arrived at the location just in time for the festive buffet. Upon entering, you would notice the beautiful, well-maintained garden which expands up to 500 acres. The aerial view is stunning, so if you have a drone, I highly suggest you rent a bike and try to maintain your balance while controlling your flying toy.

Although the owner is a female, she is into sports cars. In fact, she has a huge garage dedicated to her collection ranging from hummers, classic mobiles and mini cooper. For sure you won't miss the garage because it is located near the entrance.

Kids who are by nature, hyper and playful have a specific spot too where they can run and be free.

A little after the feast, I managed to sneak out of the group while waiting for the cultural show to start, so that I can snap a few photos. For the duration of the stay in Nong Nooch, I intentionally did not take photos simply because I wanted to enjoy the show and absorb everything. At least I can say that I was able to take in information and trample down the misconception that Thailand is all about Muay Thai and elephants.

If you are in the area, a day is not enough to roam around Nong Nooch. Nevertheless, if you don't feel like going to the Elephant Village to interact with the elephants, I highly suggest you pay an extra fee to experience what it's like riding the gigantic, 4-legged, brainy mammals. Also, do not miss out on the cultural show and elephant show. They are educating and at the same time entertaining that is a sure way to remove the bad vibes.

Also, if you are looking for a driver who is well-versed in Thai, English and Tagalog, I suggest you give him Mr. Rendie Valenzuela a call. He's a Filipino who emigrated from General Santos City to Bangkok, 14 years ago. He owns a travel company dedicated to places in Thailand. He offers a bang-for-the-buck packaged deals like a $350USD per pax, minimum of 10 people