After a while, gym can get boring. If I do this everyday, I would certainly live longer, I think, given the number of calories I burn everytime I hit the treadmill, and after having consumed in the past three days plenty of fruits and vegetables. (Whatever the nutritionists say however, this is an expensive life). But this privilege of space and quiet here at Virgin Active lounge, Siam Discovery bldg. — at least in the morning because in the afternoon, it’s too noisy out here — is one other precious blessing (the gym is also a blessing) that I have indulged in through the kindness of Josil and Nor these past three days. Here I can have free coffee as I wait or blog or bum around after my quick exercise (treadmill 10 mins. Salt room 15 mins. Stretching 1min). I yet have to see some sights because after tonight, I will be done with the malls. What strikes me is that I can buy many clothes here at very cheap prices and then sell them for profit back in Manila. But right now, Cebu Pacific allows me only 7 kilos of luggage.

I had planned to write some of the dissertation proposal during this week-long holiday, but I have not done that of course, given the schedule Nor has provided with her working during the day. Tomorrow I will visit some sights and see some palaces. I will take pictures at Lumpini then I will go around the City. But tonight I need to buy my navy blue dress (but I wonder if this is more to please Nor than to satisfy myself.)

I’m seeing Bangkok, the “City of Angels”. Two days ago, I was mesmerized by the lights framing the Siam Building Square. I envy the railway tracks and walkways, so clean and systematic. I think about my daily train ride back in Manila, and I feel shortchanged. But then again, the lines here won’t be able to show me some real pictures about the heart of the people, the same corruption, the same impatience towards others, the same fight against poverty for some through illegal means. However progressive, Bangkok still have the pickpockets and the bag snatchers (beware of bag snatchers posts are installed so permanently on sidewalks) scouring the city for vulnerable locals and foreigners, child traficking and prostitution, and uncaring taxi drivers.

In Indonesia, I saw Art, but that’s because I went to Bali. I wonder what Jakarta had to offer. In Singapore what impressed me was the almost excessive compulsive orderliness. Public transportation is so efficient, and trash is nowhere to be found. In Cambodia, I saw maimed beggars, and heard sad stories of those who suffered under the Polpot regime.  In Sri Lanka I saw crows and other black things which somehow made it seem gloomy; during the time (2008) civil war was ongoing and I could feel the depression.

So countries can leave me only quick impressions which may not always be true. Yet what will always remain in memory is the kindness extended to visitors, the hospitality. I’m meeting Achera, an acquaintance, at 11 AM. I will take the BTS and I should be on my way now so I can leave allowances for getting lost and other contingencies. But I’m quite excited that this is going to be a break in a three day routine. My hosts are wonderful. And Nor said I should be back by 5pm so we could go to Platinum mall early. That is probably a tall order since I have no idea what Achera has in mind for me. But I’m going to comply.  I should at least make it easy for Nor who has given me plenty of time. Without Nor and Josil’s generosity and selflessness, this trip would have been completely meaningless. I’m going now — let me see a little bit more of Bangkok.