Yellow Birds, an oil painting by betsisanders

Title:  Yellow Birds

Size:  8 x 11 inches

Medium:  Acrylic on Canvas

Artist:  betsisanders 2014

Four kinds of friends, according to Buddha:

The "helper" can be identified by four things: by protecting you when you are vulnerable, and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid, and in various tasks providing double what is requested.

The "enduring friend" can be identified by four things: by telling you secrets, guarding your own secrets closely, not abandoning you in misfortune, and even dying for you.

The "mentor" can be identified by four things: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you towards good actions, telling you what you ought to know, and showing you the path to samsaric heavens.

The "compassionate" friend can be identified by four things: by not rejoicing in your misfortune, delighting in your good fortune, preventing others from speaking ill of you, and encouraging others who praise your good qualities.

Which one are you?

48 hours in Bangkok

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Just arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly after midnight.

The first batch of travel buddies. 

Two more ladies arriving the next day.

We purchased our tickets about 8 months ago and 

 booked our hotel only a few days before our departure.

We were monitoring the political situation in Bangkok

and were a bit hesitant to continue with our trip after

news of martial rule and coup d'etat in Thailand.

When the curfew was lifted, there was no stopping

the travel buddies from this "excursion / outing / lamierda /

pig out / shopping spree / get away" in Bangkok.

***

Our transport ...  Bubs and I didn't book with the travel agency

which arranged for the transfers.  Airport taxi would cost THB 1400.

Angela was able to haggle with the driver and we only paid THB 700.

***

This is our hotel, Novotel Platinum.

Five years ago, when the travel buddies first traveled together, 

our first destination was Bangkok and we stayed at Novotel Siam Center.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/novotel-platinum-bangkok-thailand.html

***

I only had 48 hours in Bangkok. 

Took me a couple more hours to get settled in our room

 and as usual, I hardly slept. That is what I usually do when

on short trips.  I don't sleep much and was 

probably excited, hungry and looking forward to breakfast.

***

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/international-buffet-breakfast-at.html

***

Right after breakfast, the girls headed to Central Embassy Shopping Mall, 

a high end luxury mall which just recently opened last May 2014.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/central-embassy-shopping-mall-bangkok.html

***

My salted caramel ice cream. Heaven in a cup!

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/tropical-monkey-boutique-ice-cream-cafe.html

***

Lunch was at this Michellin star restaurant, Din Tai Fung.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/din-tai-fung-central-embassy-bangkok.html

***

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/while-walking-on-foot-bridge-in-bangkok.html

Glad I had the chance to see this shrine and watch the dancers

from the top of the foot bridge.  Just a glimpse of Thai culture

amidst the energetic confusion that surrounds this shrine.

***

Bangkok Street Food

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/bangkok-street-food.html

***

Fast food lunch at Platinum after bargain shopping.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/fast-food-lunch-at-platinum-mall-bangkok.html

***

Big C Grocery Shopping, always a fun experience.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/grocery-shopping-at-big-c-bangkok.html

***

Just some photos with the girls before I head back to the

airport.  Thanks to Bubut and Yayo for bringing me to the

airport.  I was quite anxious taking a cab at night in Bangkok 

 plus taking a plane ride by myself are just some idiosyncrasies,

quirks and oddities that an old girl like me have.

Janet goofing around.

Now, that's so much better!

The ladies' photo opportunity  at the hotel lobby.

Thanks ladies for the fun five years of travelling together

... plus eating, shopping, laughing and so much more!

Wish to do this again in Bangkok after five years.

***

Took photos at the airport.

 ... and there has to be flowers!!!

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/07/flowers-in-bangkok.html

***

June 2014 Photo Gallery

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/06/bubuts-birthday-june-2014.html

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http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/06/joy-ride-to-calatagan-batangas.html

***

Happy Father's Day B!!!

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-fathers-day-2014.html

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-big-bang-milky-way.html

***

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/06/dads-world-buffet-sm-megamall.html

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