How to have a cool summer day / 夏天裡

最好坐在木造的泰式屋子裡，什麼也不做，發呆吹風‧‧‧‧‧‧

Sit in a wooden Thai-style house, doing nothing, and then you'll feel the cool breeze...

Wat Niwet Tham Prawat in Ayutthaya / 大城安娜教堂

明明就是個佛寺，安娜教堂的外表非常西化。要到教堂得搭纜車過河。

Wat Niwet Tham Prawat in Ayutthaya is a temple with a westernized style. First we have to take a gondola ride to cross the river. 

不管是西式或泰式外表，都很療癒人心！ 

Despite its westernized facade, the place is soothing all the same. 

Don Wai Floating Market / 海椰寺水上市場

我的朋友百方住在海椰寺水上市場附近，來到這裡不吃一晚鴨肉麵好像很不道地！

My friend Bai-fang lives near Don Wai Floating Market. It seems a must-do to eat a bowl of duck noodles here.

        我非常喜歡市場裡各種顏色的蔬菜，綠的紅的，用塑膠袋包得鼓鼓的，是視覺的饗宴！

     I love vegetables of various colors in the market placed in inflated plastic bags. What a feast for the eyes!

        水上有賣水果的小販，但不像觀光水上市場那樣競爭激烈。

     There are vendors on the river, and fortunately, not so many as in other touristy floating markets.

        坐船遊河可以一覽泰國人生活的風景，塔金河上的風光平靜寫意，這個地方輕輕鬆鬆成為我最愛的景點之一了！ 

     The cruise gives me an opportunity to take a peek into Thais' daily lives. The views along Tajin River are serene and graceful. Well, this place has become one of my favorite spots in Thailand!

        河邊有從主流分叉出去的小河，有高架小屋。

     There are mysterious streams leading from the river as well as water chalets. 

        有文青風的咖啡館，泰式民宿和破舊的民房。

     Also, really poetic modern cafes, Thai guesthouses and shabby old houses.

Night market in Ayothaya / 大城夜市

小販們和工作人員穿著古典服飾在夜市裡穿梭，令人有時空錯亂感！

Food vendors and the staff dressed in traditional Thai costumes dot the market, and somehow I feel I am in the ancient Thailand! 

Hospitable Thais / 我的泰姐泰妹

去年到曼谷旅行時，在碼哈拉碼頭寫明信片之際，遇見了百方，是個二十出頭的女孩，我們隨便哈啦了一下，他對我說：你這樣自由自在旅行，又會畫圖，你是我的偶像。我們因此成為臉書之友，不過連絡了一陣子，百方就不見了，直到我今年又要去曼谷之前，百方剛好連絡我，我們就這麼又搭上線。

I ran into Bai-fang last year when writing postcards at Maharaj Pier in Bangkok. Bai-fang is a super friendly and sincere twentish young girl. I was touched and surprised by what she said to me back then, "I really envy you for being able to travel alone so freely. I also love your drawings. You are my idol!" We thus became Facebook pals though she kind of disappeared halfway through. However, right before my trip to Thailand this past winter, she popped up again. And that's how we came to meet again this time. 

        這次百方帶我到她在佛統府的家，我也認識了百方媽尼莎，第一次見面尼莎就阿莎力地說好第二天要帶我到開車三小時的北碧，我真的被百方一家的熱情感動到說不出話來。去完北碧回來，百方和姐姐百芬準備好熱騰騰的酸辣海鮮湯和飯菜等著我們，這真的是好泰式的體驗啊！ 

     Baifang took me to her hometown Nakhon Pathom. I had the pleasure to meet Baifang's whole family, including Nisa, Baifang's mom. We had barely met for five minutes when Nisa offered to drive me to Kachanaburi the following day. I was totally impressed by the hospitable family! At the end of the long drive from Kachanaburi back to Nakhon Pathom, Baifang and her big sis Baifern had prepared hot and yummy dinner for us. This is a very Thai experience for me! 

        百方帶我到家附近的海椰寺水上市場遊船，這裡的鄉村風情有典型的泰式風格，比在曼谷的昭披耶河的遊船之旅更有泰國人的生活感。

     Baifang took me to Donwai Floating Market near her home on a river cruise. It was so peaceful and quiet, which definitely feels more Thai than the cruise on Chaopraya River in Bangkok.  

        佛統府產又大又甜的柚子，所以市場裡到處都可以看到柚子！

     Nakhon Pathom is famous for big and fat pomelos, so they can be seen everywhere in the market. 

        雖然實體的旅行結束了，每天下班畫一張泰國的圖，就可以延續在泰國旅行的幸福感！而且每過一天，就離回到泰國見泰媽泰姐的日子又近了一天！ 

     Though the trip seems over, I am in the habit of drawing a picture about my trip in Thailand. This surely keeps my passion for Thailand alive. What's more, as days go by, I am nearer the goal of traveling back to Thailand! 

Thailand healed me / 泰國療癒了我

在泰國旅行的連續好幾天，每天回旅館打開信箱時，赫然發現自己失去了想要的機會，雖然當下很傷心，不過在充滿希望的國度裡，我很快就被療癒了‧‧‧‧‧‧

For several days on end during the trip, I received bad news about the opportunities that I wanted very much. It was heartbreaking at the moment, but traveling in a country with Buddha to keep me company, I was soon healed... 

Mango with sticky rice / 芒果糯米

我的泰國旅行就像芒果糯米那樣甜蜜，覺得自己整個淪陷在泰國的美好裡！

My trip to Thailand was as sweet as mango with sticky rice. I totally fall for the charm of the country and its people!

Faith / 信念

有信念是世界上最美好的事！ 

Having faith is one of the most beautiful things in the world! 

Amazing Thailand / 泰式驚喜

泰國真是個充滿驚喜的地方，有各種可能性可以共存，難怪我會一直想回去！

Thailand is a place full of so many surprises that what you don't believe can coexist do. That explains why I never get tired of the country. 

        雖然旅行一開始發現大家為了悼念泰王，還是多半穿黑衣，滿身繽紛的我自覺很突兀，不過大家會說：你是觀光客嘛！正如大家接受我東倒西歪的泰文。最後像我這麼銅牆鐵壁的人，走在路上都交得到朋友，我也因此看到自己的潛能！

     I discover on the first day of the trip that most people still dress in black in memory of King Bumibol, and thus my colorful clothes are very "eye-catching," but people would say, "That doesn't matter. You are a tourist." They don't give me judging looks just as they put up with my sloppy Thai. In the end, I find someone so reserved like me can make friends even when walking on the streets. Thailand helps me to see my potential! 

Growth / 成長

去年這個時候幫泰文老師畫了一些泰國文化的插圖，雖然很可惜最後沒用到這些圖，今年又回頭看時，覺得自己可以畫得更有風格，這也是我的成長吧！

Last year at this time I was illustrating a book on Thai culture for my teacher, but unfortunately, the project was canceled halfway. When I look back now, I feel that I can come up with more stylized pictures, which I think indicates my growth. 

         明天又要去曼谷旅行了，可以吃吃看畫過但還沒體驗過的食物，我自己很期待喔！ 

     I am traveling to Bangkok again tomorrow. I am looking forward to sampling food that I have illustrated but haven't tasted yet! 

The Bangkok Book 4 / 曼谷之書 4

設計的視覺語言

The Visual Language of Design

曼谷市中心每一個空中輕軌站都有一個以上的百貨公司，至於最中心的一級戰區則是百貨公司林立。雖然商業氣味濃厚，但每個系列的商場都有強烈的設計風格，例如奇隆站的天橋圍欄有一連串的平面設計，給我許多靈感。

Along each BTS station is at least one department store while there is more than one mall next to the most crowded stations. Despite the commercialized feel, I have to say that each series impresses me with their distinctive design style. For example, the graphic design decorating the overpass that connects Chit Lom and Siam stations give me ample inspirations. 

        百貨公司內的這些圖像除了視覺上很討喜外，也傳播很正面的生命訊息。

     The images in the mall are not only pleasing to the eye but also convey very positive messages about life. 

        暹羅中心的廁所很有意思！

     The graphic design in Siam Center makes it a joy to go to the restroom! 

        Emporium系列從捷運站就開始用文字和圖像作宣傳，其實看久了會被感動到喔！我不知不覺記下來很煽情的一句話：如果你需要擁抱，請來Em區！

     Emporium extends their advertising to the space in the BTS station with designs in all forms. They must speak to me even though in the beginning I didn't take them seriously. Now I can say one slogan right off the top of my head, "If you need a hug, come to the Em district!" 

        我對百貨公司沒有研究，可是Emporium讓我感覺是眼界頗遠大的公司，有為兒童設計的區域，同時之前提過的設計中心也在Emporium裡。

     I am not an expert on department stores, but I feel Emporium has vision. There is a playground designed for children. Also, TCDC, the design center mentioned in my earlier post, is located in Emporium as well. 

        空中輕軌站的視覺宣傳很簡潔有力，因為曼谷的外國遊客多到爆，採用簡單的英文和容易理解的圖像有它的道理。

     The visual design of BTS is neat and to the point. Bangkok is packed with foreign tourists, so it's very crucial to use simple English and understandable visual language. 

        讓座的圖像設計看起來很俐落。

     Even the sticker that tells passengers to yield priority seats is slick. 

        九號碼頭有一家我很喜歡的設計書店，對於空間的裝潢很用心。

     This is a bookstore selling books on designs near the No.9 pier. I love the small yet beautiful shop. 

生活的視覺語言

The Visual Language of Life

        只要出了八號碼頭，都會被這個按摩的漫畫吸引，實在太有力了！

     Anyone that walks out of the No. 8 pier will be attracted by this advertisement of massage. It's hilarious and lively! 

        乍都乍市集有吃有喝，但也要看畫！

     Art is a part of Chatukcha Weekend Market as well! 

        有些畫有濃濃的歷史感，讓我無法抗拒。

     Some paintings are reminiscent of the old ways of living in Thailand, which I find irresistible. 

人物風景

Portraits 

        曼谷人對於理髮的不同詮釋。

     The old and new ways of barbering in Bangkok. 

        我很喜歡新舊文化並存的畫面。

     It's not hard to find the old and the new co-existing in the big city. 

        曼谷神奇之處在於程市裡塞滿了各種顏色，居然也透露一種很難得的和諧感！

     The magic of  Bangkok lies in that its numerous colors create a rare visual harmony! 

The Bangkok Book 3 / 曼谷之書 3

小吃攤

Food Stands 

小吃攤可說是泰式料理的重點，每個巷口少說有幾攤，多的話可以到一整排，帶來色香味各方面的饗宴，雖然我不吃路邊攤，我很愛路邊攤的氛圍。早餐時間看著自在的老外拉了張椅子，入境隨俗地叫碗麵當早餐；下班時間，上班族、甚至外國人兩三人叫滿一桌的菜色，配上冰涼的飲品，這是多麼道地的泰式生活！

     Street food plays a very important part in Thai cuisine. Food stands can be found at roadsides or along the alleyways either alone or in a group, satisfying people's appetites of all senses. I don't eat street food, but I just love the atmosphere. In the morning, both the locals and foreigners can be seen to order a bowl of noodles and take their time to eat under the sun. After work, two or three friends would chat over a table of food along with chilling drinks. This is the beauty of the Thai style of life! 

        有天早晨正在速寫小吃攤時，遇見了一位德國老先生，他說目前居住在曼谷，我問了一句：「你要永遠住在這裡嗎？」他答：「我已經七十六歲了，對我來說什麼是永遠呢？」遇見他之後，我也忍不住想，我的人生也過了一半了，我要趕快好好把握時間做我想做的事！

     One morning when I am sketching a food stand, I draw the attention of an old German gentleman. He says that he's currently dwelling in Bangkok. I ask, "Are you going to stay here forever?" He answers, "I am 76 years old. What is 'forever' for me?" After our talk, I can't help thinking, I am turning 40 in half a year, and that means I have only half of my life left, if I am lucky. I should seize the time to do what I feel like doing!  

        手搖飲料很受歡迎，看老闆倒不同的粉狀物進杯子裡，攪拌完後淋在一整杯冰塊上，我的上海朋友喝了一大口後忍不住說：「好爽！」

     Beverages are extremely popular. The vendors pour different kinds of powder into the cups. After stirring, they would pour the liquid into a whole cup of ice cubes. My new friend from Shanghai describes the taste of Thai milk tea as "so cool!"  

        嘟嘟車也可以變身成小攤子，其實這可能是甜點攤！

     The tuk-tuk can be turned into a stall. I am wondering if he's selling desserts. 

        城市裡有許多傳統麵店，我很喜歡這家位於沙拉當路上前往BTS站的麵店，速寫的同時發現他們家的生意很不錯。

     There are many traditional noodle shops in the city. On my way to Sala Daeng BTS station every day, I can't help stopping to take a look at this place. While sketching, I find that they have quite a number of customers. 

        麵店看起來也許有些老舊，可是內部都是木頭傢俱，很有味道。

     It might look kind of old on the outside, but inside it is decorated with wooden tables and chairs, which has a retro feel. 

        過沒幾天，我終於走進去吃豬肉粿條，老闆和伙計們都非常有人情味，我還把之前的麵店速寫圖給老闆娘看，他們也幫我複習泰文。

     A few days later I finally walk inside for a bowl of pork noodles. The owners and staff are extremely friendly. I even show my previous sketch of the shop to the lady owner. They, meanwhile, help me to review Thai. 

食

Food 

        每張桌子上一定都有四種調味料，泰國人加料不手軟！

     Four jars of condiments can be found on each table. Thais do not hesitate to add more sugar or chili powder  to their food! 

        我並不是一開始就記錄每餐吃的食物，有一晚突然覺得很寂寞，就拿出畫具來，畫一畫就好了，而且我因此對於食材有了入微的觀察，泰國人挺愛吃鹹蛋，綠咖哩炒飯也要配鹹蛋。

     I do not record what I eat right from the beginning. One evening I suddenly feel very lonely when eating all by myself, so I just take out my book and pens. Strangely, my loneliness evaporates right away. I also get to have detailed observations of the ingredients. For one thing, I discover that salted eggs go with fried rice. 

        Mama牌泡麵很火紅，可搭沙拉吃，也可當炒麵、湯麵吃。邊畫圖邊吃飯的好處包括可以讓我慢慢吃，還有很好的藉口可以久坐在餐廳裡。

     Mama instant noodles are fairly popular. They can be eaten as salad. They can also be turned into stir-fried or soup noodles. One of the advantages to draw and eat at the same time is that I eat more slowly. I also have a perfect excuse to sit for a long time in a restaurant. 

        我的第一碗菜市場粿條，味道很甜，但是坐我對面的顧客又加了一湯匙的糖！這一小碗只要十三銖。

     This is my first bowl of noodles in a market. It tastes very sweet, but the customer sitting opposite me seasons it with one more spoon of sugar! It costs only 13 bahts, which is much cheaper than the cheap street food in Bangkok. 

        好吃的海南雞配炸雞飯，最主要是飯有調味過，很有味道。

     Yummy mixed chicken rice. I love the well-seasoned rice. 

        旅行前幾天傻傻不知道要提醒店家不要辣，導致我得把辣椒末挑出來，後來學乖了，都點安全的選擇如炒飯。

     During the first few days of the trip, I am too careless to remind the server that I want no chili in my food, so my tongue is literally on fire. Later, I mostly go for stir-fried rice, which is a very safe choice. 

        炒蛋蓋飯也很紅！

     The omelette rice is another conservative option.

便利商店牌

Fami Mart 

        會淪落到吃便利商店的食物還真是悲傷，有時是為了衝回旅館看泰劇！但是大間的全家還有現煮熱食區喔！ 

     I find it pathetic to have to eat food from a convenience store. Sometimes it's because I want to watch Thai lakorns in my hotel room on time. Interestingly, bigger Fami marts have a small restaurant in them offering hot food. 

        早餐也是全家系列，至於之前的Seven系列就更悲傷了，所以沒有費心記載。

     My breakfast sponsor is also Fami Mart. I did not bother to record the 7-11 series, which is even sadder. 

        我個人是覺得邊畫邊吃早餐還挺有樂趣的，感覺自己很像美食家。

     I personally find it fun to draw and sketch breakfast. I feel like a professional gourmet. 

        最後一晚買了菠蘿蜜甜點系列來試吃，只能說都像在糖蜜裡醃過一樣！

     On the last day I buy a box of jackfruit desserts, which are very very very sweet! 

        下次再回去泰國時，我還要用我不是很強健的胃挑戰更多美食！

     Next time when I go back to Thailand, I will try more kinds of food with my not-so-strong stomach!