Category: Stories

Basically my stories

Travel: Erawan Waterfall – Seven Steps to Heaven (Updated till 7th level)

Travel: Erawan Waterfall – Seven Steps to Heaven (Updated till 7th level)

by eastasianlover ♥ 1 Comment

Alright, before starting, I need to say some things first. If you don’t want to hear my story and want to know about the the places I went in Kanchanaburi only, skip to third para. And if you specifically want to know about the waterfall, then you may skip to sixth para directly.

Hello all. It’s been a while. I’m taking break from blogging, coz I’ve got tons of work – final reports + A daily journal by college which has to be completed no matter what + last experiments + last sightseeings in Thailand. I’ve got 15 days left and now I want to cover as much Thailand (and work too) as possible. I haven’t visited any of the mainstream places nor have time for that now – Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi etc. etc. Last trip for me in Thailand would be Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, if we are able to reach there considering the protests going on all over Bangkok and other places.

Now, yesterday, we went to Kanchanaburi and our plan was as follows – Erawan Waterfall, Tiger Temple, Hin Dat Hot Springs, Hell Fire pass and River Kwai bridge. We started from Saraburi at around 6 a.m. and reached Kanchanaburi in about three hours. The roads were empty and it was possible to drive the car at a speed of 110 km/hr. The driver probably didn’t understand the name, so we first stopped at River Kwai Bridge. A beautiful bridge, made by prisoners of war. I also saw Japan’s “rising sun” flag.

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Here are many shops to buy souvenirs for your friends – lots of jewelary and showpieces and other things including hats etc. Then there is a mini train too, which takes you for a round. But we didn’t go in it, so I can’t tell you about fare and all. And if you’re hungry, there are tons of shops to eat your favorite non-veg food. Us, veg people, get many 7-eleven nearby, so we can get various eggless breads or che rice porridge or che mama.

We spent around one hour here. Then went to the nearest war cemetery which was 3km away from the bridge. You do get that sad feeling there – remains of prisoners of war are buried there. My friends were taking pics there but I just couldn’t dare to. So no pics from there.

After this, we went to Erawan waterfalls, which took us around one and half to two hours to reach by car. You need to pay an entrance fee of 200 Baht per person if you’re a foreigner who doesn’t work in Thailand and 40 Baht per person if you are working here. Car charges are separate – 30 baht. Nice parking, lots of people and lots of shops to eat. Better eat something before going to conquer the waterfall as it’s 2 km of climbing, not to mention the walkway which is made of stones and wood naturally and very undefined terrain. And if you’re looking for some more adventure, you can take dip in cold pure water and climb the seventh level from the sixth one on waterfall itself and not go on the conventional way.

Starting from the first level, following are the pics:

Level one and around

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Level two and around

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Level three and around

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Level four and around

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Ouch! I don’t think I have photos from further here. They are in my friends cam. I’ll update by today though if I get those.

Some advices

1. Don’t make the trip plan with Tiger temple if you’re planning to go upto 7th level since the waterfall closes at 3:30 p.m. and temple at 4 or 4:30 p.m. We had one day only and had plans for some 5-6 places but ended up enjoying this one place only.

2. Do take swimming suit along. There are washrooms at second level if you’re wondering where you’ll change. Had we known that, we would have taken too. From there, you can walk all the way up in those swimming suits only.

3. Don’t, if possible, take bags with you as they’ll just become hindrance. Just have a waterproof camera and you’re ready to go. You can take some money too in case you want some refreshing drinks. I would suggest leaving everything behind in the car or bus, whichever you take.

4. Try wearing sneakers (if you don’t feel yuck with wet shoes) or floaters as climbing the waterfall is same as climbing a hill – rocky muddy path.

PS for girls – If you have a boyfriend, take him with you for sure and if not, then make one. Coz if your friends leave you behind coz you’re slow and don’t even stop to look back for you, you’ll feel need for a boyfriend seeing so many couples there, guys helping their girls.

PS for boys who have girlfriends – Don’t leave your girls on your own and help her on the way (although, it’s given). Don’t let her hand go. She’ll feel loved and you’ll get her in one piece (no broken bones may be or even scratches) at the end of the journey. I had lots.

PS for people going in groups of two+ people – Don’t leave your groupmates behind just because they are slow. Wait for them. It may save your time because ultimately the rate of reaction depends on the slowest step (Sorry but I think I have gone nuts *shrugs*). And those who are the ones to be left behind, don’t let your anger come into play. Keep looking for them ahead.

I went just ahead without looking for them and they stopped somewhere. I went ahead and reached my car. They had my phone and all. So no contact. I went to the driver of our car and the people (who were now left behind) thought I got lost. They waited for me, went back to look for me and what not. Real drama is, they got separated too and one of them who didn’t have my phone, went ahead. His phone’s battery went dead. And the third person who was girl, then went somewhere else. In short, we all got separated, couldn’t contact each other and wasted some one hour. Had we had that one hour, we could’ve visited tiger temple too. So please, keep on watchout.

Side Story 1 – As I stated earlier, I’m taking a break from blogging and plan to do so for some more time. This will not be the last post though. I need to finish the Koh Si Chang Series, I started earlier. Then, I know I’ll study at the last moment but I do need to remind myself again and again that I need to study. So, my posts (if any at all) will basically be reblogs or the photos I’ll take or have taken as last memories in Thailand.

Today’s Song – I’m back to the Side Story and Today’s song mode. But today – no song. I don’t have a song that goes well with this place yet. So, I don’t want to spoil the fun. Actually looking on the adventurous side, some very rocking dashing happy song would do, but right now, I don’t have any idea. If you have suggestions after seeing the photos, please do tell me.

Update 26th Dec 2013 – Alright! Time to finish the work. Last three level, here they come-

Level five and around-

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Level six and around –

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Well, the no. of photos is becoming less and less coz we were too busy in worrying about how to reach 7th level and go there or not. So you’ll have to bear even me in some photos. People were just climbing the waterfall itself and it was so slippery and scary. And the one who had nothing in his hands and could take photos was not even interested in taking photos without people (¬_¬”)

And the final level, the seventh level –

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Phew! Finally it’s complete! I hope you enjoy them (I apologize for the pics with too many people but I didn’t have any choice …….)

Travel: The fun filled Weekend at Koh Si Chang, Thailand – Part 2

Travel: The fun filled Weekend at Koh Si Chang, Thailand – Part 2

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

So, although we roamed a lot the night before , we still didn’t know about the pier from where ferry to the island went. We hired a TukTuk to drop us at the place. Turned out that the pier was the same place where the fair was going on the previous night and because of traffic, they didn’t take us even though there were 10 minutes left to the last ferry.

The first ferry to Koh Si Chang starts at 6 a.m. and then leaves every hour for 50 Baht per person. We took 7 a.m. one. The boat was small and crowded but I forgot everything, the moment I realized that the place I’m sitting at is filled with Japanese people who are going for fishing. Oh boy! For all 45 minutes journey + waiting time, I could hear Japanese. I couldn’t approach them. But it was really good to listen to and actually understand quite a few words 🙂

Anyways, so the ferry takes about 45 min to 1 hour to reach the destination. As soon as you set foot on land, you’re pestered by TukTuk drivers and motor bike renters to hire them to see the island. TukTuk driver was asking for 250 Baht for 2 hours for 4 places including beach. I mean, how can you enjoy the places, when you’ve a strict time limit on you? Also, we had half a day, that means around 6-8 hours. You can’t spend rest of your time on beach only.

And it wasn’t a place for motorbike. We had hired motorbikes in Koh Chang because that was big and difficult to cover on foot, not to mention the roller coaster ride like roads. So we weren’t in favor of motorbikes either. We had plans to go on foot from the starting.

But this one TukTuk driver was really persistent and followed us a bit. Somehow, we were able to leave him behind but realized that the Palace was too far to go on foot on the slanted roads, so ultimately we hired a TukTuk for 250 Baht for 5 hours. The person showed us four places – Chinese Temple, SeaView Point, The King’s Palace and at last beach.

First we went to the Chinese temple known as Saan Chao Pho Khao Yai, or Shrine of the Father Spirit of the Great Hill. There are a lot of small temples around the main temple. The temples are based in a cave and there are a lot of stairs – LOT OF! But it’s worth it! Also, one needs to light the incense sticks that too right no. (which is generally written over pots) and then strike the musical instruments – bells, drums etc. etc. in correct no. The caves are really imposing. Many have stuck their wishes on the walls of the temple too. Now I think about it, I should’ve done that too…..

Best part I find about the temples here is that there is no restriction in clicking photos in or outside. I finally saw a Korean currency note too. And the dragons! I love dragons!! All in all, the place is peaceful and beautiful. At the top, you’ll indeed feel on the top of the world. And if you really decide to walk down the island, then, the temple is very near to the starting point. So, don’t get allured by the people trying to convince you to hire them. But if you want to see just the main attractions of the island, do go for TukTuk taxi.

Here are the pics-

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Travel: The fun filled weekend at Koh Si Chang, Thailand – Part 1

Travel: The fun filled weekend at Koh Si Chang, Thailand – Part 1

by eastasianlover ♥ 1 Comment

This weekend, we planned for a trip to Koh Si Chang. Actually, our plan was to go to Hua Hin, another island, but it was too big to cover in one day. So we decided for Koh Si Chang. I may have mentioned in my Koh Chang post too, Koh means Island, Chang means Elephant. They are famous for their shape as an elephant. Si means small and as the name suggests, it really is very small – around 17 km in length. Seems easy to cover in one day on foot, right? We thought so too.

Also, this time, I’ll cover the places we visited on the island one by one. So it will be a 4-5 part series probably.

Now, let’s start. We had plans to reach SriRacha to catch the ferry to Koh Si Chang in the night, but unfortunately, due to traffic, we couldn’t reach on time and the last ferry left. We had to stay in SriRacha and we’re glad we had to.

We took van from Victory Monument (also called Anu Savari) in Bangkok for Sri Racha. It is the place from where you get the ferry for not only Koh Si Chang but for very famous Pattaya also. The van took 120 Baht per person and about one and a half hour (without traffic) to reach the destination. They dropped us at Robinson and from there only you can get Tuk Tuk to take you to the pier. It was still 10 minutes to 8 (8 PM is the time for the last ferry to the island) but Tuk Tuk drivers refused to take us saying that it was too late. We later came to know the reason.

Anyways, upset, we entered Robinson to roam around but we were too disappointed and nothing was cheering us up. It had ruined our whole plan. Only one thing was in our mind, “How will we cover the whole island in half a day?” We were hungry too. This mall had our favourite veg pizza place – The Pizza Company. But by the time we finished the mall, every shop got closed too including the pizza shop (Bad day, I know). Again I decided, I would go for veg cup noodles (che mama) from Seven Eleven, but I don’t now why, my friends wanted to eat in a restaurant. The biggest tragedy was – more or less, all the restaurants were Japanese and I wasn’t expecting Veg food anywhere.

We hadn’t booked any hotel too neither at Koh Si Chang nor at Sri Racha (we were in adventurous mode). Devoid of any info, we were still looking for a place to have dinner and rest for sometime. We asked at many places and nowhere, there was veg available. This particular shop (Oops! I didn’t notice it’s name. How bad I am!) agreed to cook us veg food specially and the lady found us a hotel too. I saw on Google Earth and I found out the name – Bangkok Grill.

After filling ourselves, we started to look for accommodation. Now the hotels can be real expensive for students like me. They generally start from 1000 Baht. The first hotel we were suggested was SriChai hotel. We didn’t find that one but did come across SamChai hotel. She was offering us an AC room in 900 Baht and we were getting two rooms in 1500 Baht. Not a bad deal I guess. But we kept looking and this SriChai hotel was already full. Ultimately, we came back to Samchai and got the room in 1400 Baht! Satisfied!

It was already 10:30 in the night and we were tired. But the explorer inside wasn’t ready to keep quiet. So we went out and this huge Loi Krathong fair was going on. Loi Krathong is Thailand’s light festival. Many many lanterns in the sky, and candles afloat the water. Read more about Loi Krathong here. There were many shops ranging from clothes to accessories to eatables to shooting games to even pets and there were small rides also. And there was a concert going on too but since my two friends weren’t interested in listening to the songs they didn’t understand, they didn’t bother to take even a look. Dude! That was such cool music. Do you always understand rock songs when you listen them for the first time?

We clicked a lot of pics, played games, took rides and had lots of fun. When the people started closing the stalls, we had to leave too 😦

But it was super-fun. On the bridge over sea, calm waves, festive atmosphere, loud music. What else to enjoy the evening? (Ok, drinks may be? But unfortunately, I don’t drink so that’s it for me.) And thus ended an unforgettable night. Here are some pics from the festival. Enjoy!

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Oh, and next time, I’ll tell about irritating Tuk Tuk drivers and motor bike renters and the really beautiful Chinese Temple.

Studying Japanese from Genki + Time management

Studying Japanese from Genki + Time management

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

So, I managed to grab an e-copy of Genki Integrated Elementary Japanese I and II from a friend and I’m glad I did. I probably haven’t given any time to a textbook like I’m giving to this one in my four years. It is a good practice for me. The workbook covers everything taught in the book extensively apart from the exercises in the book itself. I am printing and practicing everyday. Thus my reading, writing and listening skills are getting better.

The best thing is, it is providing a definite shape to my Japanese studies. I had always been clueless as to where to start from, after Hiragana and Katakana. Kanji has always been an obstacle for me. But now I’m finally starting to grasp the things. Loving the book totally!

I wish to get a Korean book like this too. Although I do own a lot of e-books and I’m doing what I can from Basic Korean – A Grammar and Workbook, I don’t have much to practice my writing with. I need some workbooks for that but I’m broke nowadays to buy any book. Ah! I need some money or some source of free e-books.

Now, the time management thingie. I’m pretty much satisfied with the pace my Korean and Japanese are going on. I’m at least giving time to them daily (excluding Sundays since very less time is left for me to give to Thailand). Now that my mentor has gone to Japan and I don’t have many projects at hand, I have a lot more time. But sometimes, I feel that the time is just flowing by and I’m not able to do much productive work. I’ve been neglecting my blog too.

Only one month more to go and I’ll be in India. My stay in Thailand is coming to an end and I think I am getting depressed about that. If only I had the books, my new phone for awesome apps and GoGo Korean Beginners course from Pegasus Society and very inspiring fellow bloggers who are learning languages themselves earlier, I would’ve been one level up by now in both the languages. But I don’t want to regret and fret over the things, hence I’m trying to accomplish more in the given time. But even then, the time is flying too fast. In a blink of an eye, it is lunch time!

***After Lunch***

Ah! Why do we need to eat food? Why was this thing called stomach given to us? If only, we had the power to make food from sunlight like plants. Wastes a lot of time! This is going to happen again – I’ll become sleepy – then sleep for probably half an hour and it will be 3! Then in last two hours, I’ll study some Korean and waste some more time considering the body becomes so sluggish. I don’t have concept like Power Nap – a big tragedy in my life. Better chug down some coffee again and not sleep at all. I wonder, what I will do in my college if I get addicted again here…….

Side Story 1 – Day before yesterday, we went to the Platinum Fashion mall (This particular mall in Bangkok is just full of clothes and anything you name. I call it heaven for girls) again for probably 5th-6th time. There was a shop with traditional Chinese dresses that I saw for the first time yesterday. Those red and black beautiful dresses! I wanted to buy but I was running low on cash, so I had to postpone it. ㅠ_ㅠ

Side Story 2 – I’m sure, from my talks about money in this or other posts, you may think I’m stingy. I admit to the fact, I am. I tend to be very careful while spending money. But my friend here managed to convince me that, this whole trip of mine is being sponsored by me myself (credits to the company of course). Hence I should not think much. Moreover the clothes and accessories have far greater variety here than in India and are cheaper too. I have collected a lot now.

Side Story 3 – Now that I’ve mentioned in above story, clothes and accessories, I feel like writing about the fact that I’ve completely changed with regards to shopping attitude. I was never even interested in accessories, let alone buying them. But my friend has made me such a shopaholic that I want to take whatever I like including bags, earrings, lockets etc. etc. I shouldn’t become that spendthrift but when she says – In India, these are very expensive and you’ll need them when you start your office, even if you can’t use them in the deserted isolated college – BITS Pilani, of yours – I get allured by it.

Today’s song – Since, in my last post I said, I was listening to OSTs, I’ll post one again. In my school related dramas post I mentioned this anime and I just love such a peppy song. Again there are TV size and full size versions. Hope you enjoy this one –

What do actors do anyway?

What do actors do anyway?

by eastasianlover ♥ 3 Comments

So today, there was a heated discussion going on on the lunch table and all they were saying was “What do actors do by the way?” “They are probably earning way more than they work.” “See us, we work so hard and yet we don’t get what we deserve.” “What is their social contribution?” “They only entertain people, making fool out of them.” and so on and so forth.

I don’t understand how can people just bash someone else’s profession? (Seems like my tag line has changed from “they are also human beings” to “how can they do this to others?”) I so wanted to say these things – Then can you act? Can you keep awake more than one day consecutively like they do? Is it so easy to become someone else? If they are making fool out of people, then public is idiot too. Moreover, you people are the one who say “Let’s go to watch that movie, it’s got awesome reviews.” That time you don’t think that they are fooling you? If they are sucking out your money, then whose fault is it? Theirs? Then just don’t go, don’t watch them.

Social Contribution you ask? Imagine a world without the dramas and movies – What? Can you watch News and Sports all the time? Talk about engineers (I’m one too so no offence). Aren’t they making fool out of people – introducing new technologies day by day – just making few changes here and there and you get a new product – happening so much nowadays?

If they are not there, who would I fangirl over? Who would introduce me to their countries’ culture? How would I learn my languages. Taking their countries to an international level, isn’t that a social contribution? At so many instances, they are bringing glory to their land, just like sports players, then would you say same thing about the players too? Do you even know, how much hardwork goes in just maintaining themselves, according to YOU – you, who think they are doing useless work?

I mean, I can think of so many things. I can’t even imagine what they really go through, just to entertain the audience. But again on a table of eight, if seven people are in agreement, what could the last person, who has no standing among those seven, do? I only left the table as soon as I could, which I think was the best decision. If only, people would grow up and start thinking about others. I guess, the world would be a lot better place.

Side Story 1 – I finally came to a decision as to what I should ask my mentor to bring from Japan. I asked her to buy me manga for elementary students so that I may learn Kanji and one for an acquaintance of mine who asked me to bring something Japanese as a souvenir from Thailand. Unfortunately, I’m not getting anything original Japanese or Korean here which suits me. So, now I just hope, she gets what I want

Side Story 2 – If I had known earlier that she had plans to go to Japan, I would have introduced her to J and K pop. In four months, she would have become a total fan. I’m sure, now she’ll get to meet so many idols but she would never know they are one. I would’ve asked for autographs and all.

Side Story 3 – I finished Sungkyunkwan Scandal in three days. But because of that, the current shows I was following – The Suspicious Housekeeper, The Future’s Choice and The Heirs – lagged behind. But I don’t want to resume them now because, they’ll take my variety shows time then. I don’t know what to do……

Side Story 4 – I’ve again come back to Japanese songs. This will go on for probably one week. I have been listening to OSTs of Cardcaptor Sakura, Gintama, One Piece, Naruto, Inuyasha, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Angel Beats, Natsume Yuujinchou, Mirmo, and many many more. With each of them, my college memories are associated and it comes back like it happened just yesterday.

Today’s song – Then, I would post an OST today. Oh! Because, I’m writing this in lunch time from my office and I can’t play it, I don’t know if the larger one has video or not or if the smaller one is the TV size one or not. So I’ll post both. I’m sure many have watched the anime. Just revisiting the  childhood –

Travel: Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam – Tranquility at its best

Travel: Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam – Tranquility at its best

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Although the post is one week late, that means I got to visit this place on last Wednesday, but this place does need a bragging.

Also known as Khlong Tha Dan Dam, this dam is situated in Nakhon Nayok. Since we went there directly from Ayutthya, I have no idea about the time required or the distance from Saraburi (or Ayutthaya as a matter of fact). All I can tell you is that in a minute, the pics will speak for themselves and that no bus goes to this area. All you can hire is a rental car. But if you’re in above three areas mentioned, this place is worth a visit. Read more here.

Surrounded by hills, the roads are too curvy (and fun until and unless you’re not driving). You can feel the atmosphere from a large distance. And when you reach there, it’s like the world has been divided by that bridge (the dam) – one side you’ve a vast ocean and other side a beautiful valley. One cannot describe the change in mood and feelings inside as we roll from one side to the other. We went when it was cloudy, so it reminded me of starting of winters in India. We were wearing summer clothes though.

The winds are different too. Since it was a holiday, many people were there – many indeed. But call it weather or call of the winds, it was just peaceful. The noises were getting dissolved in the serenity of the place. All you could feel there was relaxed. Seeing so many people, I was expecting a lot of ruckus and I don’t like that. But I was wrong indeed.

Also, on foot, you’ve a limit of distance you can walk on the bridge. You’ve to take a special bus for whole round and the guide keeps telling you things. It could be good but we didn’t take that so I can’t tell you much about that.

More about the place which we didn’t do. So they are just points to let you know. I cannot provide much information on those either.

  • You can do mountain biking there. You can hire bicycles but I don’t know the price. I did see many people do mountain biking and before the hilly area starts, there are a lot of shops.
  • There are many water falls near the place – Sarika waterfall being the one of those for which I remember the name.
  • We could see the motorboats too, so I’m sure there is a provision for that too.

Now the pics –

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We just went there out of the blue. If you want to give time to everything around, do keep one day for it. We just couldn’t find time for nearby places. And it has way for Khao Yai also (which was the first place I visited as a tourist in Thailand and I haven’t posted review for it) which mostly has Italian styled famous parks or streets and waterfalls in and around the Khao Yai national park. So if you’re planning a trip for here, you can as well take out 2-3 days and enjoy the beauty and different experience this whole area has to offer.

Side Story 1 – I need to post about Ayutthaya too, soon. Otherwise it’ll become pending same as my Khao Yai trip. Not that I’ll not post about it. But it will take time to be immersed in the same feelings again. I hope I get time to visit the place again with some new places in the side.

Side Story 2 – Now only four Sundays are left and me and my friend, who is an employee here, are planning extensively for the rest. She has been here for like more than one year, but she hasn’t been able to go out much and I want her to cover as much as she can before I go. The other person is never interested in planning. All I hear as an answer is “I have no problem. You can plan for wherever you want to go.” I have stopped asking him now and hence, there have been many places where he couldn’t go including the above one. Oh well! It was my above mentioned friend’s colleague who took us and she was with her family. She couldn’t accommodate more people anyway.

And today’s song is not going to be an MV but just a track from EXO’s album – 

Underestimating a language

Underestimating a language

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Some two months ago, I had this strange experience. What happened was, I was asking the word for “home” from a Thai person and got confused with the ending of the word. The word is ‘Baan’. I just wanted to know if it is ‘Baal’ or ‘Baan’. I didn’t ask the Thai lady if it was Baan or Baal. I said something like this – Is it Baa ”n” or “l”? And the guy was sitting in the same room listening to us. The conversation from then on went as follows:

Him: They can’t perceive how you are saying. You shouldn’t ask like this.

Me: Why? They do have alphabets right?

Him: But still they won’t get it. Theirs is a different language and they just can’t understand like that.

Me: But ‘क’ (reads as ‘cu’ as in ‘cut’ in Hindi) will remain that only, right? It will be in English also, Hindi also and Thai as well

Him: But still

Me: Arey? Ok, tell me this. If a Japanese person comes to you and say ‘か’ (read as ‘ka’ in ‘kappa’ in Hiragana), you’ll think ‘ka’ (as in k+a in English) only right?

Him: That’s because I know English, they don’t.

Me (Still desperately trying): Then they’ll think in Thai alphabets..…

Him: They don’t have alphabets like that.

Me: How do you know? Do you know the alphabets?

Him: Because they can’t perceive it.

Me: Your thinking na, I don’t know what to do with it. (Was it a little harsh to say?)

Me to lady: Tell me, is it Baa ‘n’ or ‘l’?

Lady: Baan

Me to him: See? They got it.

Him: I wasn’t saying that.

Me: But I was saying this only. I don’t know what you were……

Him: Don’t argue on everything……….

……. And the door slams.

It was our time to go home and Thai people start saying “go home, go home” almost half an hour before the prescribed time. I still don’t know his side of story and I’m not asking you to judge the guy. Just that the fact that a language was being underestimated for not having some trivial capability infuriated me. Have you gone to their mind and see how they think? Come on!

Ok, I’ll admit. I did feel pretty bad afterwards thinking if it was mistake on my part. May be. May be I was wrong. While thinking of the things over again, I found out why I did that. The languages are the only passion I have in my life. Language learning is like my first love. I surely, don’t give that much time to actual learning but I get pretty excited on the thought of another language or culture (and Indian people here, my friends, get pretty amused on seeing my face suddenly light up when they talk to send me to South Korea and Japan, even when I know that they are joking).

 

Another such encounter happened sometime back. Thai has same thing for ‘r’ and ‘l’ as happens in Japanese and Korean. They have only one alphabet which lies in between “r” and “l”. Now, they sometimes use proper “r” sound and sometimes proper “l” sound as and when they feel comfortable. That’s how they have been living and using it. I was asking the meaning of word “aloy” (meaning delicious in Thai) from my mentor when another person (not the same one as above) says “It’s alright in pronunciation but it is wrong otherwise. The spellings are “a” “r” “o” “y” and hence should be pronounced like that.”

FACEPALM.

Tomorrow you’ll say since in English, “g” is pronounced both as “g” in “got” and “g” in “rage” and Hindi has two different alphabets for the two different pronunciations – ‘ग’ for first one and ‘ज’ for second one, hence, the English language is wrong.

I just don’t understand, how can someone be so ignorant and rude to consider the whole language itself to be wrong or inadequate. People, that is their problem and their easiness, how they understand things. It is enough to communicate. Please, don’t disregard others’ language. They are one of the most important part of the culture and at least I can’t bear this behaviour. But I’m helpless too. I can’t do much in that regard can I, besides defending? But that may be difficult too, especially when they are my seniors. But such things, I can’t take out of my mind. I don’t know what to do anymore……

Side Story 1 – Right now, I just don’t want to do anything besides learning languages. I want to immerse myself in that. I did do pretty good last week. But as my internship is nearing its end, I am getting a little more load and little more stress of going back and appearing for interviews. But, even still I want to just learn my languages and do nothing else.

Side Story 2 – I wanted to write a post about the place I got to visit on Wednesday, but I’m still waiting for the photos. And it was such a surprise thing. I had no plan for that holiday. Suddenly my friend called at 8 am and asked me if I could get ready by 8:30. It was such a hassle but we did get to go. But, guess I’ll have to postpone it a little. Even this post is a little late. I was preparing another manga review when the second story happened and I just felt the need to write it out.

I’ll listen to this song again and calm down – 

K-movie: Secretly Greatly

K-movie: Secretly Greatly

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I read the synopsis and I knew it was going to be a sad movie. But they put it as a comedy. May be, may be this one has a happy ending?  With this heart, I started watching it. It started on a very serious note. Will it be of my taste? Should I just stop here?  But still I continued. I had heard a lot about it, so I was going to give it a chance. And the comedy part indeed started. I was happy. I had had a bad day today and it was all dissolving in the fun I was having. At the same time, a lot of thoughts were running in my mind. And then the time came. The sad part – the reunions, the deaths, breaking of bonds, facing the realities. I couldn’t stop my tears from flowing, mixed with the feelings I had experienced earlier in the day and which I had not been able to let out, yet.

Why does life becomes so cruel for some? Why doesn’t life give opportunities to those who really wish to live? And people keep wasting their lives over some petty issues, ultimately taking this precious gift away from themselves. Don’t they see the misery of such people? Why is the true face humanity so ugly? Not just these two countries, on which the movie or the webtoon to be more precise is based. Right now, how many people may be facing the same condition ? I don’t know. But this movie did set me thinking much more than this. And probably, the thoughts will keep haunting me forever. But would I be able to do something about it? I wonder…….

Anyways, you enjoy it here – http://www.gooddrama.net/korean-movie/secretly-greatly-2013

Falling in love with EXO

Falling in love with EXO

by eastasianlover ♥ 1 Comment

I may have said this before too, but it takes me time to like a song. The song which I don’t like today may become the only song in my playlist tomorrow. And then starts the journey to explore about the concerned K-pop group. Same thing I’m experiencing this time. And the group’s name is EXO! Although I’ve heard only one song – Growl, but these handsome boys never fail to enchant me with their dance and looks. I’m becoming like those crazy fan girls!!! >.< I have watched the MV again and again over 100 times! I like their dance…….

But they haven’t appeared on many variety shows in Korea which I generally watch and many of them have not been subbed yet or I couldn’t find them. TT_TT I once again finished everything in 3 hours and now I want more. It’s fun! Learning the names and faces through such shows. And a faster and effective way for people like me who can’t remember easily. I’ve done the same with other idol groups too especially bigger ones – SuJu, Girls Generation, Shinee, f(x), DBSK (I know I know, they all are SM groups and last three are not that big but I’m writing other names too!), KARA, SS501, 2PM and I love it!

Anyways, they look so cool in MVs and are sooo cute on screen acting all silly. Then will come other songs (I know I go opposite to what is normally done but I can’t help it, can I?)

Should I post links to what all I watched today?

Beatles Code 2 (130826)

Kangta on I live alone EXO cut

I 

(Credits to the respective owners)

And many more!!!!!

I know, I should watch Chinese programmes next. If I can have some more fun. In the mean time, enjoy!

Hence, it is so obvious that today’s song will be EXO’s

Time to be serious

Time to be serious

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October has started and I didn’t realize that. Now it’s time to get serious about studies for placement. I don’t have much time left and have a lot of coursework to do. Added to that is learning swimming, serious Thai lessons and much more…… I have to prepare gifts for everyone too. And I will possibly be giving English lessons to daughter of one of the workers.

So I’ve decided upon some things. I’ll write posts twice a week only – one on Wednesdays or Thursdays and one on Saturdays or Sundays. I’ll keep sharing other things as I find them but they would probably be quick posts. This does give my heart a rest. Now my writing schedule will become regular too.

I do have a lot of things to talk about. A lot of places to write about and a lot of manga, anime and dramas names stacked up in my list. But I seriously need to balance everything, now that the time is drawing near.

That reminds me, in the final presentation by the assessors providing summary of their thoughts about the company, the starting went by like this – “One should give importance to his/her strengths and try to strengthen them even more because that does 90% work for you. One should not forget about his/her weaknesses but working on strengths can be more fruitful.” So I’ve decided to make languages my strengths. Not that I’m forgetting about my Chemical Engineering studies but languages will certainly give an edge to me. So I’m taking them seriously now, even learning Thai. Strangest thing is I was so afraid of tones, on the top of that Thai has 5 tones! But one of my seniors, who is Thailand born Indian said, “So what? Hindi has two tones. What’s the problem with 5 tones?” And I was like, “How could I forget that?” I became so oblivious to my native language that I forgot even we start with tones! This new perspective has made learning Thai easier. Today I discovered, they have same sounds as in our language. If only, I had realized that earlier! Sigh!

Anyways, I can put new and more efforts now.

In the end, today’s song – 

Finally….

Finally….

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Finally, the audit has ended. And I got a compensatory leave today because I had been working hard and even spent last sunday at office as I told in this post. So, I’m enjoying and I’ve slept for whole day till now.

In India, a 10 day festival called ‘Navratri’ has started. During this time, people worship different ‘avatars’ of Goddess Durga and young girls in real life. The diet becomes strict too – no onions, garlic etc. Many people keep fast ranging from one day to all nine days. The tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra.

But since I’m in Thailand, leave food for fast, I can’t have onionless food too. And thus I learn of one more compromising situation. Well I should be thankful that I’m at least getting Indian veg food.

But I’m happy that I can start with my studies now.

Today’s song –

After one of the workers at company told me she went to Big Bang’s concert yesterday, only this song is coming to my mind. I’m not a big Big Bang fan. I have never liked their songs but both the recent singles by GD and Seungri were catchy. Added them to my playlist.

Fast Update – Very Busy

Fast Update – Very Busy

by eastasianlover ♥ 1 Comment

There is an audit going on now at the company and everyone is so very busy. We worked yesterday, yup, Sunday, till 12 midnight (not complaining, I’m flaunting, yes, flaunting). It was my choice though. I was asked to go home at 7 in the evening but I said, I wanted to help in any way I could. I know I’m an intern and ultimately, my mentor has to revise every document she makes me work on. But her work reduces too. I am helping her with designing work also. Countdown posters and small small animations. I have been asked to design banners for the company now! I’m glad, I’m doing all sorts of work.

But even now I don’t have time to write the essays, where the deadline is today itself. I tried to find time but couldn’t. I’m happy about the work. We have a lot of fun in between, making jokes, clicking photos, eating, and celebrating when even the smallest task gets completed. But my Korean studies are suffering and GoGo course is coming to an end soon. How am I going to take the exam!! I already couldn’t attend the online classes thus missing so many things. I get so tired in the night, that I enter the house and then no memory remains. I just walk out of the bed in the morning, even forgetting how I reached home (though I come myself by bicycle).

Today, not even some song is coming to my mind. I’m running out of songs now? My life is going down it seems. Anyways, I need to find some good new K-pop songs. Recently I wrote a post on Monkey Majik, so I guess, today I’ll post a Japanese song instead of Korean (hope I haven’t posted that already, in some other post of mine) –