My Bangkok

A week ago, I was on my way to Bangkok for Thailand Open 2007. The event promised a showcase of the top tennis players in world and I was so excited to be a part of it all. I took the bait- hook, line and sinker- even though I cannot even call myself an amateur player. I expected so much but I felt I was cheated out of something I was entitled to. Huhuhuhuhu..... Life certainly has an insane, and quite costly, way of showing you her lessons, doesn't she? It's not fair!!!

1. Expect the unexpected.

- Two, Rafa and Andy R., of my most favorite players to watch during the Open pulled out from the tournament. Bad luck, good luck, who knows? Verdasco and Becker were good to watch, though and they were a nice consolation.

2. Travel with somebody you're in sync with, else travel alone.

- I don't really know much about MeeMee, my companion. But he's a tennis player in the Manila arena and I thought his excitement would equal mine during the games. I thought wrong. Seems like he was just watching live tennis on TV!!! What a total bummer.

- During our preparations for the trip, MeeMee was as diligent as could be expected of an excited traveller: have we got reservation for air and tournament tickets? about hotel accommodations? places to go after the games? etc... his questions were irritating at times when he'd catch me during my toxic moments at work but I felt I should be patient and understanding with a first-time tourist. I even psyched myself that I should lessen my adventurous side because I thought MeeMee was quite a planning freak with his daily calls. Ha! Little did I know that these calls were a facade for his indecision. At crunch time, I was not able to rely on him to make responsible choices for our safety. Double bummer.

- MeeMee, my nickname for him, defines the things we always talk about. Him, and him, and him. Triple bummer. Come to think of it, all the things he bought in Bangkok were for himself! Oh yeah, he did manage to buy a couple of pillowcase sets for his mom and girlfriend after 10 minutes of convincing.

- Two days of watching games, and I thought we were ready to do a little sightseeing on the 3rd day. "Yes! It would be good to sleep for a whole morning after watching those games, don' t you think?", he asked me. Huh??? I did not come to Thailand just to sleep away the day!

- The majesty of the Grand Palace was really stunning for me, as a non-Buddhist. Even though it was quite hot, but the artful paintings and buildings were quite mersmerizing. "Hey! Let's take a picture... Where is he???" ...and I find him waiting for me on the shade, not even looking at the paintings on the wall where most tourist were watching with apparent interest. Should I say more? Nah, I better stop. I'm getting myself worked up in an angry fit again, thinking back...

- I was at my happiest when we decided to part ways and just meet at the hotel. It was really a lot better wandering IT City and Siam alone.

My travel to Bangkok would have turned out a lot better if I'd had better company. I truly cannot say I was good company for him too, given the fact that I'd given in to many angry moments. We didn't have the qualities to mesh well for this trip. I've been to many places in my home country; I've been to two other countries, too; and, I've been into many unplanned adventures with other people. But this was a first that I've been very disappointed. It proved to be quite costly too. Experience is the best teacher, no? What more can I do.