Upon knowing that I had a chance to go to Bangkok, only one thing came to mind: SHOPPING. For the trip, I packed just a few things in my luggage since i knew i'd be doing a lot of retail therapy once i set foot in Platinum or MBK so suitcase space is essential. While dragging my almost-empty suitcase, my companion was asking if I wanted to go to the tour that was included in our travel package. I agreed as long as we were able to go to Platinum first, since shopping was really my objective in going. A girl has to know her priorities, I told her.

So after scouring the city for fab fashion finds, I was surprised to find the spare time to go to that tour she mentioned. We went on a Sunday morning, the sun was soooo hot! Rivals the heat of Manila, I tell you. I kept on complaining quietly to myself since I really cannot stand the heat and the fact that for sure I'd get a very uneven tan afterward. From a person who lives in a tropical country, I found the weather to be scorching and unbearable. But as we walked further into place where we were to start our tour, I was amazed to see so many shiny things atop these fascinating architectural structures that I suddenly paid no attention to the heat and the glaring rays of the sun. The guide explained the history and the culture of the place, which happens to be the Grand Palace that houses the Emerald Buddha (trivia: the Buddha is actually thin and not fat and round as most people perceive it to be). They have a small version of the Ankor Wat that the king made built and a lot of idols, among many others. Also, as we went in, I was fascinated to see that the sides of the structures were very detailled as gold and other semi-precious stones were found in the walls and even the steps.

The tour was very informative and I certainly had loads of fun. It was all worth the sweat and extra melanin. On the trip back to Manila, I promised myself that I would be back. For more shopping and historical tours, that's for sure.