We traveled to Thailand with my mother, Norma, my sister, Stella, and her friend, Mimi, to attend the Lions International OSEAL Convention. Departing Microtel MOA at 4:00 a.m. for our 7:25 a.m. flight was a smart choice, as the luggage drop and immigration lines were crowded. My PWD assistance helped us skip ahead, though it’s not something anyone prefers to rely on.
The tourism industry is undoubtedly demanding; airport staff, immigration officers, and restaurant personnel interact with millions of travelers each year. Our flight took off unnoticed by my wife China. Mid-flight snacks were served, and a child’s ear pain momentarily disrupted the calm until his mother comforted him.
Pastor Reniel Lasap met us at the airport, referred by Nadia, a friend from Bacolod now in Thailand. We had lunch at Sukunya Thai Foods, where China rated the food and service a perfect 10/10. Pastor Reniel recommended this restaurant over nearby al fresco options that could have been uncomfortable.
He guided us to Phra Nakhon Si, meaning “Sacred City of the Good and Invincible One,” where we explored ancient palaces. The city of Ayutthaya fell to Burmese forces in 1767 after a prolonged siege, marking the end of its 417-year kingdom.
To avoid the afternoon traffic rush, we returned to Bangkok and invited Pastor Reniel to dinner with Pastor Jonard Orcullo and his wife, Quenie. We were principal sponsors at their wedding decades ago. We dined at Kinlom Chon Sa Phan, which coincidentally was also reserved by my mother and sister for dinner. Although we initially declined their invitation, we ended up at the same restaurant. Before taking us to our hotel, Pastor Reniel offered a nighttime tour of the palace. Despite our fatigue, we appreciated the gesture and were amazed by the palace’s beauty illuminated at night.
The following morning, Nhong, a local friend of my sister’s, picked us up before heading to their hotel for breakfast at Ryoku Cafe; unfortunately, it was closed for a private event. Instead, we enjoyed breakfast at Chu, another restaurant that satisfied our appetites.
Next, we visited Ancient City, where my wife drove a golf cart around the grounds for picture-taking among various ancient structures. They ensured that drivers had licenses from their home countries. We were awed by the stunning facades we encountered.
Afterward, we headed to Erawan Museum to see the largest three-headed elephant statue. This reminded me of our experience feeding and photographing an elephant the previous day—what if this enormous statue needed feeding too?
We had a late lunch at Asiatique The Riverfront, a complex featuring restaurants and shops selling clothes and accessories. I bought my son Osmund some Muay Thai boxing shorts while Stella purchased rubber shoes for her nieces and nephews from an outlet store offering 40-60% discounts.
As we wrapped up our day, Stella asked Nhong to stop by a mall so she could buy supplies for our upcoming trip to Pattaya before our next adventure at the Lions International forum. It was indeed a one-day trip worth remembering down memory lane. ||
