Hey there...
You know that I've been capturing moments and beauty of this beautiful world since but very few know that I'm a travel freak person. In upcoming stories and photos I'll describe, my first international tour , a trip to Thailand. Nu Many of my friends had visited it and I heard many stories from them about Thailand. Later on , finally I got a chance to visit Thailand.
Usually I visit travel a lot to near by places but this time I was about to, go to a completely new place, meet new people and to experience totally a different culture. I was so excited because I love to dare and do such things for which I'm crazy. So I decided to visit Thailand. That's it, I got booked my ticket and was ready to fly.
With so much of excitement I entered into the Gate no.2 at Sardar international airport, Ahmedabad. I boarded into the flight at 10 pm and Luckily I got window seat but it's useless as in the darkness of the night no one was there in the cloud to increase 'exposure'.
Heart beats of my heart were getting faster and faster with the raising speed of the flight and within a minute I was in the air. The vision from the sky was exquisite. The city looked like a universe sparkling with the stars.
Ultimately after some hours I landed on SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT BANGKOK airport, Thailand at around 2'o clock in night. After the long process of visa and Immigration I was finally ready to enter in Thailand.
My cab driver was waiting for me outside and I was all set for the long drive to Grand Bella hotel in Pattaya city.
Thailand is celebrated in the entire world for its spa massages, beaches, Buddhist temples and night life. One of the major reasons one may have to visit Pattaya is to enjoy the crazy night life. As the sun sets the city turns into dream destination for the party animals. The ambience of the night here is as energetic as live wire. However in the day time the city is very peaceful.
While moving towards my hotel I saw one garage which reminded me of "Fast and Furious 3- Tokyo Drift". The sexy Nissan GTR was there in the garage which movie has also shown. The It was like I'm in that movie itself. I'm sure FF's fans will connect with this.
After couple of minutes I reached at my hotel, Grand Bella. I must admit. It is a huge, hygienic and well-maintained hotel. There two big swimming pools, one is on the roof top and another one is at garden side area.
After taking one power nap, I was ready to explore the streets of Pattaya. Frankly speaking I couldn't believe that I'm living my dream. It was overall different experience for me. Like India, the afternoons are hot and humid. So I decided to spend my time in the pool as what any typical Indian would have done😂. In the evening I was supposed to attend The Alcazar Cabaret show. It was performed by the transgenders. It was one hell of an experience. What an amazing show. I just loved it. You can experience amazing breathtaking performance and can't take your eyes away from the stage. You are not allowed to shoot video there but you can click photos with the artists after the show.
I strongly recommend this to all the travelers who are willing to visit Pattaya. Though I'm a photographer what I personally believe is that moments which are caught and enjoyed by the eyes are more live than the photographs.
It was around 10'o clock and I was roaming on the shore of the sea. While walking I saw one eye-catching sign board on small mountain, sparkling with neon lights. I wanted to be there but it's just my first day here so I kept it for the next day.
I was very excited on that day because for the very first time I was going to see the ocean with blue water 😂. I know, I know that water is colorless but it was completely different experience what i usually have in India. Even I took a boat ride. There are many adventurous activities which can be there such as parasailing, water-ski, sea walking, Banana ride snorkeling and yes you can also lie on the sand like a sloth bear. Wait a minute, a sloth bear on the beach would look awkward, isn't it ?😂😂 So I decided to visit coral island.
I was ready to go there. One side of the road which leads to the destination has ocean and another side you can see clubs, malls and restaurants. The road is like a border between man made beauty and Natural beauty. Each has its own significance.
With the help of one localite I reached on the top of the mountain. I must say the people of Pattaya are very helpful. Oh God, it is impossible to describe the view in the words and you will agree with this when you will see that photograph.
There is a one small café on the top. If you arrive here in the evening you can see the beautiful sunset with a cup of coffee. It's one of those moments which stays in your heart forever and ever.
After having a great time at the top of the mountain, I came down. Near by that place some people were doing preparation for the new year count down concert. I think some of you may know the characters of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime from the transformers movie. The actual model of them were being created by them from the real car materials. Then I walked down to the " Walking Street".
It's a heaven for sea-food lovers. It is totally different from India where we have variety of food corners at one place. Apart from non-vegetarian stalls there are some Indian restaurants which serve typical Indian food. So even vegetarians can also have many options there.
If I honestly say, except photography and travel, there is one thing for which I'm addicted to which is EDM music. Oh ! I can't tell you how much I'm crazy about this. On that day I was introduced to the Thai EDM music which has been played in bars and restaurants. Till today I listen that music though I don't understand a single word from it.😂😂
Walking Street is the paradise for photographers who love to capture night life. Such an illuminated place with so many things to be captured.
All of us know one proverb in English,
" Don't judge a book by its cover."
And that day it's been proved to me. Pattaya, Thailand is among the most notorious spots in Asia for prostitution. It can't seem to shake it's reputation as a hub for sex tourism and prostitution. I don't deny this fact but there is lot more than this thing. It is just that you need a better vision than others to see it. There is always something which can be explored when you will get yourself into it. There is lot more to explore than having sex.
I saw many artists on the streets who were doing amazing work. One thing I learnt that day is that never rely someone else's opinion, go and make it your own.
I am sure you will feel the same whenever you'll be there.
It's 4 am in the morning.
The sunset view of previous day has awaken curiosity in me to capture the sunrise as well.
It is my fantasy to drive a bike in every city that I'll explore. So it was perfect time to do it but it was a pillion rider as I hired a bike taxi. And even I didn't want to miss sunrise, bike taxi was the best option.
I personally believe that If you want to know the real life style of any place then you should experience its night-life and early morning-life.
After watching and capturing the rise, I went to one near by garden. It's a quite and well-maintained, located on hill side area.
I saw some old men with the age of around 70-80. It was so embarrassing that they looked more fit than many of us. They were jogging. So I decided to take a walk around the garden. It's huge. After sweating it out, I found one bench and sat there for some time.
You know... Magical things in your life happen unexpectedly. I got the answer of a question which I used to ask myself since long.
" Why do I a lot of sacrifices for my passion?"
And at that time the answer was the view that I was having from that wooden bench.
It was so satisfying that I forgot all the struggle that I did in the process of becoming a professional. When you love the journey, you don't really care about destination. And I realised that I'm in the love with this endless journey and not with any destination.
Ups and downs will be there but when you are determined then nothing can stop you.
It boosted me up at least for next 2-3 years minimum 😂😂.
When I was about to leave, I happened to meet one British tourist. He was also walking here and there like me. I'm so sorry but I don't remember his name right now. He saw camera in my hand and came to me.
We had a long conversation about city.
He had clicked some photos from his phone. I also showed my clicks to him. It was nice being with him.
As I had some other plans for the later half of the day, I left the place soon.
Okay..so for the later part of the day...I was supposed to visit "Sriracha Tiger Zoo", located at Lawn Chabang. It's like I was thrown to my childhood when I used to visit zoo with my family. Worth visit it. You will have a unique experience. It is totally a different zoo that you might have seen.
There are several shows which are performed by various animals. Though it is named after Tiger there are other animals as well.
Apart from having a treat of watching the animals, you will have an opportunity to watch the great performances from the intelligent animals such as tiger, crocodiles, elephants.
When I was there, little boy and girl also did some brave tricks with animals.
Even you can touch tiger. I also got a chance to touch him and have a photograph.
It's a good place for photography as well. It is decorated so beautifully with the plants. I would highly recommend you this place not only for children but for adults too. Clean premises and the animals were treated and taken care nicely by the officials.
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