Wide brim fedora from Jardine's Crescent, Hong Kong)
Three weeks ago, a couple of friends and I flew to Thailand for a fun music getaway!
We had a funny first night in Bangkok. We were all excited when we got out of the plane and had our first step at the Suvharnabhumi Airport and we kept saying we can't believe we're finally here after months of planning! But when we got to our hotel, jaws dropped. We know we booked the cheapest budget hotel online but I personally didn't expect it was like that. It wasn't the worst of the worst, I just had my hopes up a bit. But our rooms were pretty decent...
We had a funny first night in Bangkok. We were all excited when we got out of the plane and had our first step at the Suvharnabhumi Airport and we kept saying we can't believe we're finally here after months of planning! But when we got to our hotel, jaws dropped. We know we booked the cheapest budget hotel online but I personally didn't expect it was like that. It wasn't the worst of the worst, I just had my hopes up a bit. But our rooms were pretty decent...
Next day, we did a few tourist errands (money changing and arranging transportation for our trip to Pattaya the next day). This tuk-tuk driver named Ping Pong offered to "help" us. Little did we know, he wanted something in exchange. So, he kept suggesting some travel agencies where we can book our transportation. He was too nice and perky (which in that case is something strange for me. I sensed something wrong.) In the midst of going there, he suggested we check out this jewelry shop. He said we didn't need to buy, we can just look and he gets a free gas coupon in exchange. "You help me, I help you" was his favorite line. Imagine going to a jewelry shop and the salesman tells you shitload of stories about the origins of the ruby, the pearl, etcetera. It was interesting but buying jewelry costing not even half of all our pocket money combined was impossible. He kind of got a clue that we weren't going to buy anything and his mood suddenly changed. I thought he was going to get his shotgun under the counter and that would be the end of our Thailand trip. Luckily, he didn't. He just said, "If you're not going to buy anything, you can leave." Something like that. And so, we left uncomfortably and I bet that guy swore to us in Thai. That scenario happened twice because Ping Pong took us to another jewelry shop for his coupons and the same exact thing happened. So, we kinda got "gem scammed" BUT! we didn't lose anything but time.
After that wonderful experience, we went all-out shopping!!! My favorite part. What I loved most was the stuff they sell in the streets, those were the authentic ones.
We went to Platinum Mall which had five floors and each floor was sorted into shoes, bags, jewelry, etcetera. Crazy!
This leather store was my favorite! They had bags of real leather and suede which I couldn't buy because this was my last store stop and I had a few money left. I swear, this store was heaven. Leather, crochet, knit and I think they were selling antlers for decoration too. Love. I would buy that if only I wasn't traveling.
After shopping, we met up with our Indonesian friend, Chydie!
We talked about our plans for tomorrow's trip to mountain land, Pattaya!
We talked about our plans for tomorrow's trip to mountain land, Pattaya!
On day 2, Me, Lei and Ammi decided to wake up early for shopping! We heard that the street markets where all the cheap goodies were is open from 6am-8am. So we did! One thing that amazed me was seeing a monk roam around the stalls who was carrying a drum, I don't know what you call it, and he would preach to people and they would bow to him like it was a prayer ritual. I need to research on that. Seeing that was really endearing...
On our way back to our hotel, it rained so hard and we had no umbrellas with us. We had to run. Yes, we ran the streets of Bangkok at 8 in the morning. Adventure began from there...(hah)
On our way back to our hotel, it rained so hard and we had no umbrellas with us. We had to run. Yes, we ran the streets of Bangkok at 8 in the morning. Adventure began from there...(hah)
We had our beauty sleep and woke up just in time for checkout. Chydie met us up at our grungy hotel and we drove three-four hours from Bangkok to Pattaya.
Finally, we arrived at Dusit Thani hotel! It was beautiful! They had a rainforest INSIDE the hotel! It gave justice to our hotel in Bangkok. Hah
We grabbed a quick lunch outside and I had to order their famous Tom Yam soup which was delish!
That night was Chydie's birthday so we celebrated it at the hotel bar together with her friends Sara + her boyfriend.
And look who was there as well! DJ Chris Kilmore! So seeing Chris gave us an obvious hint that we were at the same hotel with Incubus! Chris is a really nice and accommodating guy. We chatted with him a bit and he told us to have fun but not too much fun!
Day 3, I woke up and Anne was there! Our friend Anne rebooked her flight due to work issues so she was two days late. We pretty much roamed around the hotel and explored it's beauty. Hah. We didn't want to waste energy too since the festival is happening that night.
(Nude inner tank top from InNOut, Hong Kong | Acid wash shorts from Hong Kong | Sheepskin suede bag from Hong Kong | Sandals from 168 | Round Lennon shades from H&M)
Me and Lei saw Brandon at the gym and got a hold of him right after his workout!
He was so nice and he even asked for our names. We introduced ourselves (again) and had a little chit-chat. Not that I'm assuming, but when I said my name "Bev", I saw a reaction from him...kinda like an "Aah, you." face. I hope he did remember me...despite meeting a whole lot of people.
Our friends Anne and Ammi told us they just met Brandon after we did and he is alone at the lounge. I just thought, wow that could be the "sit-down" moment I've been waiting for all my life! I really wanted to just go up there but I couldn't...I met him earlier and I wouldn't wanna be that creepy fangirl always in his face. But I continue to wonder how that would've been...probably surreal. But oh well, it wasn't the right time. Someday!
It's funny how this is all just a casual thing now. If I was my 14-year old self, this trip would probably end short with me hyperventilating. I guess people grow...but don't get me wrong, I'm still in awe whenever I see them. And forever will be...
It's funny how this is all just a casual thing now. If I was my 14-year old self, this trip would probably end short with me hyperventilating. I guess people grow...but don't get me wrong, I'm still in awe whenever I see them. And forever will be...
We also met Simon of Young Guns when we were at the lobby waiting for the other girls! Anne told Simon we went to Thailand to see them! And he was buying it! It was so funny because we don't even know them! But he was nice...he actually kinda invited us to go out with them after the festival.
We went out and grabbed a quick lunch to make sure we had enough energy for the festival...
We decided to leave the hotel around 7-ish since we were only up for Incubus' performance and they said they were last. While waiting for our taxi at the lobby, we saw the guys come down one by one. We were hesitating if we should come up to them since we're seeing them at the Meet and Greet but Anne, being the biggest Jose Pasillas fan couldn't help but talk to Jose and she had her little fangirl moment right there. It was cute...
We just talked to them anyways since they're just there standing and waiting in silence.
We just talked to them anyways since they're just there standing and waiting in silence.
I got a bit shy to talk to Brandon again since we just saw him a few hours ago. But I couldn't help it, he was wearing this really cute backpack and I just had to compliment it. "Brandon, I like your bag." he replied with, "Yeah, works well too!"
(Click HERE for my Silverlake Music Festival blog post!)
After the festival, we were having troubles communicating with our taxi driver. He couldn't understand where he would meet us. Chydie went up to this guy and asked if he could help us. So he did! He talked to our driver in Thai and everything was fixed. We went at the back of his car and started murmuring like little high school girls. The dude was gorgeous I must admit. He went out (upon hearing us talking about how cute he was.) and asked for a cigarette. We chatted a bit and he told us he's a drum teacher and his name is Yot but we can call him Yosi. Our driver finally arrived and we had to bid Yot goodbye! We forgot to get his number or have a picture with him! Now, he will only remain a memory in our heads.
We went back to our hotel with shoes covered with mud! I'm so happy I finally got my iPod signed! I've been wishing for it ever since I bought it 5 years ago! What an accomplishment!
On our last day, we had an early check-out so we just waited for our taxi at the lobby after having breakfast. It was finally sinking in that this trip is almost over and guess what, we all got emotional! Hah
While waiting at the lobby, some of the other bands from the festival were there as well. We met this band from Pennsylvania called Anti-Flag.
Justin, the official photographer and crew member of Incubus became a good friend of ours. He was really nice and accommodating. When we bid goodbye, we all had a group hug with him. So Justin if you're reading this, we miss you!
We saw the guys come down and I had one last photo before we bid them goodbye...
It was a bit emotional at the airport too since we had to say goodbye to Chydie as well. She was heading for another trip in Cambodia and it was back to reality for us...
But we did had a few funny moments at the airport which I am just going to leave it at that. Haha
(Vintage hand-me-down blazer from Mom | Brown skinny jeans from Hong Kong |
Bowler hat from Platinum Mall, Bangkok | Sandals from 168)
Even though things didn't go as planned, I don't have any reason to regret or be lonely. I consider myself blessed enough for having another chance. Things doesn't always go your way and whatever happens happens. I'm still smiling :)
Here's a little video I made that gives you a little peak of our whole adventure in Thailand! Enjoy!
Photos by
Bev Kho
Ammi Postrero
Anne Mortega
Lei Europa
Chydie Darmodihardjo
Oh, and today is Brandon Boyd's birthday! Happy Birthday Brandon!
After the festival, we were having troubles communicating with our taxi driver. He couldn't understand where he would meet us. Chydie went up to this guy and asked if he could help us. So he did! He talked to our driver in Thai and everything was fixed. We went at the back of his car and started murmuring like little high school girls. The dude was gorgeous I must admit. He went out (upon hearing us talking about how cute he was.) and asked for a cigarette. We chatted a bit and he told us he's a drum teacher and his name is Yot but we can call him Yosi. Our driver finally arrived and we had to bid Yot goodbye! We forgot to get his number or have a picture with him! Now, he will only remain a memory in our heads.
We went back to our hotel with shoes covered with mud! I'm so happy I finally got my iPod signed! I've been wishing for it ever since I bought it 5 years ago! What an accomplishment!
On our last day, we had an early check-out so we just waited for our taxi at the lobby after having breakfast. It was finally sinking in that this trip is almost over and guess what, we all got emotional! Hah
While waiting at the lobby, some of the other bands from the festival were there as well. We met this band from Pennsylvania called Anti-Flag.
Justin, the official photographer and crew member of Incubus became a good friend of ours. He was really nice and accommodating. When we bid goodbye, we all had a group hug with him. So Justin if you're reading this, we miss you!
We saw the guys come down and I had one last photo before we bid them goodbye...
It was a bit emotional at the airport too since we had to say goodbye to Chydie as well. She was heading for another trip in Cambodia and it was back to reality for us...
But we did had a few funny moments at the airport which I am just going to leave it at that. Haha
Bowler hat from Platinum Mall, Bangkok | Sandals from 168)
Even though things didn't go as planned, I don't have any reason to regret or be lonely. I consider myself blessed enough for having another chance. Things doesn't always go your way and whatever happens happens. I'm still smiling :)
Here's a little video I made that gives you a little peak of our whole adventure in Thailand! Enjoy!
Photos by
Bev Kho
Ammi Postrero
Anne Mortega
Lei Europa
Chydie Darmodihardjo
Oh, and today is Brandon Boyd's birthday! Happy Birthday Brandon!
∞B
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