Carol is back in Bangkok!

glad you arrived safe and sound....have fun and we'll see you at 'pickled liver' or on the 3rd whichever comes first...

and you got out of IL in time to miss the earthquake....

Glad you're back in Bangkok, Carol. Have a great time. And let us know about new finds!

carol...hanuman is unwilling to fill my orders from the special show going on next week....would you be willing to pick up 500-600 items for me? see his post...

do you get the sim cards at 7/11?

Carol
Have a super time, look forward to hearing all about your travels. Wish i was in BKK.

I got my SIM cards at D-TAC at Ploenchit Center. I wanted to get a service that I can KEEP my phone number this time, so I paid more. I'm sure you can get SIM cards at lots of places (not sure about 7-11). I know that I can top up my minutes at any 7-11 though.

Bob, I had two very heavy (50 lb+) bags on my way over, so what's a few hundred gift items... haha

Our German friends arrived at BKK and we are now back at Adelphi. They are getting settled in and DS is off to a pool tournament at Times Square. We will meet him there in a little while. German friends (K and G) seem very happy with their executive apartment here.

The olympic torch is here today. I'm not sure which route it is taking, but it's on CNN right now. There are some protestors but I doubt that there is much "trouble" as it wouldn't be allowed! Traffic should be extra horrid today, I suppose. Thank goodness for the skytrain.

Oh, a note about exchange rates. I looked at the exch counter just outside passport control at BKK and it was 30.65 per dollar last night. I did not exchange as I already had baht left over from my last trip. Instead, I exchanged at VASU (which is right down from soi 11, Sukhumvit) and got 31.30, which is a little bit better. Not great... but I'm not going to let that stop me from having a good time.

Bob, what earthquake are you talking about???????

Carol

Carol, keep up the faithful reporting. Eventually it will be one baht to the dollar. How did Brad do in the pool tourney?

Prompt post, no penalty.

wishing I were there. Have fun !!!

Have a great time, Carol! Enjoy your rain shower at the Adelphi Suites-- we loved it!

there was an earthquake in southern IL yesterday.....5.6

your shop roof is still in tact but the rest of your town is now referred to as a 'former town'......just kidding...

have fun.....don't forget to take the germans to GP....

Andy, thanks for your note about no penalty. There'd better not be one.... !! smile

Bob, I saw the news about the quake. I don't think it got as far as my town. I'm sure the roof is in great shape. (If it isn't, I'm not heading home to fix it...lol)

Note that the olympic torch relay went off without a hitch today in Bangkok. No, we didn't see any of it. Probably best to avoid that traffic and crowd. I think the remnants of it were on the BTS though, around 4pm. VERY crowded skytrain rides!

Tim and Liz, yes yes yes. I also LOVE the rainbath shower at Adelphi. So do my German friends.

Tonight we had dinner at Via Vai. It is immediately across the soi from Adelphi. I know I've mentioned this place before because this was maybe my 5th time to dine there. It's an Italian place. The pizza is really not bad. Our German friends enjoyed it too. And the red Italian wine we had (sorry I didn't write down the label info) was very nice. Six of us ate dinner for about $100, give or take.

Oh... we were walking down soi 8 to go to dinner and ran into an elephant, which we stopped to feed (for 100 baht for several bags of food... sugar cane maybe?)... anyway, where else can you do THAT in the middle of a huge city. Lots of photo ops, which we all enjoyed.

I've managed to stay awake my first day in the city until after 9pm. I'd say I'm doing pretty good. No late night for me tonight ... DS went to play pool again. He did very POORLY in the tourney today, which made him a little grumpy... but we all went to Paragon and enjoyed a look around. Brad wanted to show K the cars they sell there. I showed G some of the nice shops, plus the Jim Thompson store there. I'm sure G and I will do some serious shopping during this two week (+) trip, but first we have to hit MBK!!

I think we'll head to the GP and Watt Pho by river taxi, possibly tomorrow. There are no set plans... just go with the flow! That's my kind of travel.

More tomorrow!
Carol

An earthquake in Needham would be an improvement. Of course nothing there ever registers 5.6. Way too high.

hi carol, still raining in bangkok?

you can get a sim card at 7-11.

i affectionately call the guy at vasu the bhat nazi. he dictates, and bullys the nice lady who wanted to give me a better rate.

vasu in convinient and the rates are better than the banks, but less than super rich. if you are changing just a few dollars, then vasu in easy, but if you are changing thousands, then super rich might be worth the trouble.

going to beiruit?

Ken,
No rain in Bangkok yesterday, other than a very brief shower, not worth mentioning, while we were on the way to BKK to pick up friends. Today looks like another hot sticky day... yippee!! At home it's going to be about 55 and rain. DH can't drive his convertible... poor boy...

We are meeting for breakfast buffet in about an hour and half, so I've started a small load of wash. LOVE having the washing machine right at my finger tips. Makes it so easy to stay on top of the laundry. Not to mention, being able to pack much more lightly for a 19-day trip.

Looks like we will plan on Samui from April 28-May 2. Brad has a friend on Samui (another pool player) who has a resort. We're staying there, in beach bungalows. Will report on that place later. The website makes it look pretty good though. Details later. I promise.

MBK today! And then maybe Jim Thompson house since we'll be right in the neighborhood. G is anxious to look at the markets. K & G both are anxious to see Chatuchak. I think that will have to be next Saturday.

Not sure about the gift fair on Monday and Tuesday. I see it's out in the burbs... I make no promises on reporting back on this big event, as we may not make it there. Sorry Bob... We'll have to wait and see.

Have a great evening back on the other side of the dateline.

Carol

so now i have been blown off by two fodors friends....i'll have to ask some street person to go do my errands for me then....

andy, when you're in bkk, will you....

Did everyone note the ex-school teacher using the adverbial phrase "much more lightly"?

I'm exhausted! What a busy day! It started with breakfast buffet with German friends (K & G). K asked if we could go to the river since it looked like we might have nice weather (although very hot). I said "yes" as I always enjoy a visit to the river. DS had another pool tournament so he did not join us until dinner time.

K & G and I ended up on a 5 hour tour. Cost was 1200 baht per person, with a guide. We first went into the klongs for a look, then went to Wat Arun, followed by the Grand Palace! After all this sight seeing, we were "taken" to Gems International. This part was NOT mentioned in the schpeel the gal gave us at the tour counter at Saphan Taksin... but I really did not mind (nor did K & G) having a look at the jewelry. We did not buy anything, however.

Back to Adelphi by about 5:30. We went to Pickled Liver for dinner at about 7. DS showed up, as did our friend from Chicago, who is in the city until middle of next week unless he extends his vacation a bit. Maeng cooked pad Thai, garlic shrimp, green curry with chicken, and a vegetable dish in oyster sauce, and of course rice. I did not see the bill but I think K put 2000 baht on the plate (for all of us) and left the change for a tip. Everything was delicious!!!

After dinner and conversation and lots of laughs, until about 10:30, we walked from Pickled Liver down to soi 4 to catch up with DS's friend (a retired navy doctor) who has a fun pub. Lots more laughter and conversation, and then back to Adelphi, where I am now, ready to crash for the night!

I do not know what plans we will make for the daytime tomorrow, but K & G are maybe interested in the floating market and River Kwai sometime next week. We will have dinner w/Chicago friend at the Huntsman. I've mentioned this place before. It is in the basement level of the Landmark Hotel. Good food (not GREAT food, but definitely good) and a fantastic Phillipino girl band. Should be fun.

Andy... I'm RETIRED now, so my writing doesn't have to be perfect anymore... lol

Have a great day, everyone.

Carol

Carol
Glad you are enjoying your visit, will you be having a guide at the Gp? looking forward to hearing about more finds.
Smeagol

Your writing is PERFECT! It is interesting, you actually post as you go, and makes me perfectly jealous of you!

Those Cambrigedians are so picky!!! What would he do in Hawaii with our phrases? Like, "My car more bettah than yours..."

That's Cantabridgeans,i.e., one who resides in Cambridge. We're not picky, just accurate.

Thanks lcuy... I'm glad somebody out there reads my thread because it's interesting, and not to critique it!! lol

Smeagol, yes we had a very good guide at the Grand Palace. He was the same person who took us to the klongs and to Wat Arun. He was very nice and did a good job.

It was another late night. I'm just getting into bed with my laptop at 1am BKK time.

Busy day it was!!! We finally made it to MBK. G loved it and wants to go back, as DS and K only gave us a little over one hour for a look. I did manage to buy 5 bags in that time though.

We also went to Central World Plaza. I usually don't buy there because I prefer to haggle in the market-type settings instead. DS's favorite cigar shop is now located there. It used to be at Gaysorn. I was happy to see some old friends there for a little visit, as well as showing G a bit of the mall. She was impressed.

We met up with friend Mr Mac, who has the tailor shop/mini mart where our family and friends go for tailor made clothing. He is very busy getting clients lined up in Europe, and making a good business out of it. His shop is located near the bottom of the Jim Thompson staircase exit at National Stadium BTS station, or next to the escalator UP, if you are just leaving JT house at Nat'l Stadium BTS.

We made our way to Siam@Siam Hotel today to have a midday snack. I asked room rates and to see a room and was shown around the place. Wow!! I can recommend this hotel to (um how do I say this...) our younger fodorites. I think the 30somethings would LOVE it. It's very chic Thai. The infinity pool on the 4th floor is awesome. I did not take photos, but trust me, this is a very nice (unique) hotel. The prices at the front desk start at about 5000 baht per night. Internet rates at asiarooms are better. The location, for those who do not know, is a stone's throw from the Jim Thompson house and the MBK mall and National Stadium BTS station.

I don't recall (and don't want to reread this thread) whether I related our latest "problem." We all love the Adelphi Suites. We assumed (big mistake) that we would be able to come back here after our jaunt to Samui next week from Monday to Friday. WRONG!! They are fully booked out! AAARRRRGHHH Well, we (K & G and myself) discussed what we might do for a new place to sleep our last few days in BKK. We had a list of 5 possibilities, that according to the internet were available for our needed dates. That list included the Ploenchit Holiday Inn, the Majestic Grande, the Omni Tower (where DS stays), the Business Inn on soi 11 (kuranosuke has stayed here) and the Sofitel Grande Sukhumvit. I have stayed at the first three and assured K & G that they would be good choices. Since the Sofitel is the closest one to Adelphi, we started our search there. We asked for the rates and to see a room. We need look no further. THIS is the PLACE. It is a beautiful hotel! The internet rates at their web site are quite a bit better than the rates at the front desk. So, we had a look, and then came back to Adelphi to my laptop to book what we want. The only problem with this hotel is the slightly less than great location. It is on soi 6. This is a small narrow one-way soi that makes a 90 degree turn onto the very busy Sukhumvit street can get backed up with stop and go traffic all the way from soi 4 to Sukhumvit. If you were in a big rush to get to an appointment or to the airport, you might want to allow some extra time, just to deal with possible traffic snarls. Other than that, it's a great choice. Sorry Bob, I won't be able to show you my apartment at Adelphi because I will have moved out by the time you get to BKK. And they will be fully booked so probably would not be able to give you a look at their 3 room types. All 3 of us would much prefer to return to Adelphi, but will settle for a really nice hotel room instead of an apartment.

BTW, everytime I've asked, I've been treated very nicely and shown room types, swimming pools, restaurants, spas, etc at the BKK hotels I've looked at. They are always happy to give you a tour!

We enjoyed a happy hour pitcher of margharites at Rojo, which is the lobby restaurant at Adelphi. It's really a great place to sit outside (they have the mist fans to keep it a little bit cooler outside, since it's sooooooooo hot). The people watching is quite good. Soi 8 is not nearly as busy as soi 4, but an interesting mix of folks walking by. Dinner was at 7:30, at the Huntsman. I've reported on this place before. It is an English pub sort of place, with a fantastic Phillipino band. The food is so-so (it's NOT a good place to order pizza), but the music makes up for that. The location is in the basement level of the Landmark Hotel on Sukhumvit, between soi 6 and soi 4 (a short walk from Adelphi).

After dinner we went back to see Maeng. She had made mango and sticky rice for us, so we were "expected" for dessert! It was delicious!!

One of our group (the Chicago guy) went to Bumrungrad this afternoon to see about a possible infection. He is supposed to (but doesn't want to) go home on Wednesday. Now he has a good excuse to stay... he is under a doctor's care... so I think he just might extend his stay a bit. We are trying to convince him to come to Samui with us next week as he has never been before.

Oh... we were right by the Hyatt and the Erewan shrine and shopping venue and we heard screeching cats. DS said, "cat fight..." We looked around and saw the biggest cat... I have no idea what breed, but it had a very short stubby tail. It could have been "lost" in a fight, or it could be a manx cat. BIG cat, in any case! I would not want to tangle with it.

Gotta get some sleep. No plans for tomorrow, other than dinner at a place on soi 11 called Zanzibar. It looks really interesting. Sort of a rain forest setting, with live music. Big place. Outdoor and indoor seating. Chicago guy has been there before and says it's good. I have no idea what type of food they serve. We'll find out!

DS's birthday is on Wednesday so we have a big group going to Tawandang to celebrate!

More later...

Carol

Andy...we all know you must not be picky...I mean, you have traveled with BOB!

Hi Carol- In Bkk again? Some people!

This time make sure you try the street food at the corners of Silom Road and Convent St. There are also a few hole-in-the-wall restaurants around there that are packed with Thais. If you are feeling for something different, try Kuppa (39 Sukhumvit Soi 16). It is a casual but upscale international restaurant. Food is very good and a nice place! If you go up the JJ market, Sofitel Centara has a great indoor/outdoor Thai restaurant called Suan Bua that is really good.

If you're feeling like a drink and a beautiful view of the Bkk skyline try the V9 wine bar. Very upscale and indoor. Its in the Sofitel Silom..you'll love it!

Have a great time!

Kurt

Be happy you are there...Its such a dreary, wet day here in Wash DC!!

Carol. I love your on the scene reports. It sounds like Adelphi has been "discovered." You'll have to book far in advance to get it now.

Carol thanks for the notes on Siam@Siam...have been seesawing on booking it for a few days in May. Want something new, different, and that sounds like the place. Any major downsides that you saw?

I'm up early this morning trying to get some laundry done, so time to get on the laptop while I wait to hang up a few items before they wrinkle. I'm going to try out the drying feature on some things that won't wrinkle or shrink!! If it works well, I'll try some of my tops and pants to see if they come out OK.

Thanks lcuy... those two silly "boys"... just means we girls gotta stick together! haha Thanks for the defense!! And tell Andy that I'm not writing books anymore, so perfection is not important. I'll bet he relies on the spell checker when he types. Probably uses Word, which also has a proper grammar feature. Actually, Beth probably proofs everything he writes... lol

Jim, I see no really big downsides for the Siam@Siam, unless you consider its location along a very busy street with lots of traffic. However, the hotel lobby is on the 4th floor (with the pool) and the rooms start on floor #14 (?) or at least they did on the elevator we took! So no real problem with traffic noise that I could detect, and I was there during the busy part of the daytime. I picked up their menu to keep. It's like a newspaper, so not something they would not want you to take along. The "headline" on the front page is "Everyday's a Party@Party House One." There are notes about a "pool BBQ" every Thursday @1500++ baht per person. Latino Sabotase classes (salsa dance) every Thursday. They have a Philippino house band named Powerjam that they say won the battle of the bands contest. Five "cool" guys and a girl called Satrina. Siam@Siam is definitely very hip, very new, very now. Give it a try! You can report back to let us know if it meets expectations.

Kathie, yes, the Adelphi has been discovered. Perhaps I should have kept quiet about this little gem back in February when I first stayed here. Oh well, I'll just have to book earlier. But I am anxious to try out the Sofitel. We can see the fancy pool area from our windows here on the back side of Adelphi. It's really nice. Can you believe breakfast buffet there (not included in our "good" internet price of 3170++) is 650 baht per person per day!!! YIKES!!! I think we'll try it once, but then I'll just get my yogurt and pastry at 7-11 after that! lol

Mango, thanks for the tips on new places. We will be going out to JJ this coming weekend so will keep your suggestion in mind. Also, DS will make sure we make it to V9 as he loves the place. I know we'll hit Sky Bar once. It also has that great view.

Our German friends really want to try street food, so we may have to do that. I'm a little bit more cautious so we'll see if I partake of anything. There is plenty to offer right here in Sukhumvit so we don't need to go to Silom to find street food stands. DS raves about a place that everyone says is the place to go for the best chicken on the street. It is located across from the Pratunam Center mall and opens up very late, I guess.

There is a really FANTASTIC honey pork that is cut in tiny pieces and served in a baggy with a wooden stick for picking up the pieces. It's right in JJ market and is excellent. I have not a clue of the location... too confusing inside the market. I just follow DS as he knows the way.

We have no set schedule each day, other than I know that I'm going to Tawandang the 23rd and to Samui the 28th to 2nd and home May 5. Other than that, it's completely flexible!

I'm rambling, I know, but did you read my type on the first-times thread? FOOD massage when I intended to type FOOT massage. An interesting concept... lol

Gotta run. Not sure where the road will take us today. I'll report back in later on tonight.

Have a great evening.

Carol

S@S certainly sounds different...maybe I'll indeed give it a whirl. Though you are making me want to stay at Adelphi now

j

Carol,
Your on the spot blogging is terrific. Its like the show, "You Are There." If the BKK tourist board hasn't put you on retainer yet - they should. Have a great time over there, and let us know if you find a really good banana flower salad. That is one thing, of many, you just can't find on this side of the date line. Have fun. Tengo

if HE uses spell check it must be broken....and the typing skills leave a lot to be desired....he likes those big words to try to confuse we common folk....

for the price you are paying at the new place you could be at the marriott....haha

Carol- Wow, you sound like you're living it up! Go for it!!

Funny you mention the pork (sun-dried?), as my wife was feeding me it tonight with khao neeow! (Fyi, the best kind is in MBK...Just go to one of those stores on that have all kinds of pre-packaged foods and you'll see the reddish-looking, dried sheets of sweet pork in clear plastic bags). While you're in MBK, if hungry, go to "Tha Siam" on the ground floor (You'll see the evil-looking pig sign). Their soup is fantastic, but you have to be sure to use the ingredients from the spice rack they give you (a scoop or two from each of four). We go there at least 4 times each trip!!

Enjoy!

Kurt

Hey Tengo, thanks for the really kind words about my on-the-spot blogging. I don't look at it that way... for me, it's just avoiding panda's penalty if I do it while I'm here!!! I prefer to write it as it's fresh in my mind rather than a week after I get home. I'm gettin' old and forgetful... lol!

Yes, Bob, I thought about the price of the Marriott. But my German friends (K & G) want to stay here in the Sukhumvit area. The river is "too far away from everything..." (their words) but maybe they will stay down there on a future trip. They will most definitely come back.

I needed to visit a salon today to get my hairdo trimmed up a bit, and DS was busy. So, K & G ventured out on their own and had a great time taking a tuk tuk to see the Golden Buddha. I think they got a good deal... 80 baht for the trip. The driver waited for them, and then brought them back to Paragon, where they then paid him. I talked to K on the phone (we have tri-bands with Thai SIM cards)and he sounded thrilled with their adventure. I'm pleased that they opted to venture out on their own.

We got our flights on Thai for Samui on the 28th. We leave really early in the am from BKK (new airport) and will fly home on Fri 2nd after 5pm. We'll have the better part of five days on the island. Should be lots of fun.

K & G want to go to floating market, River Kwai, Ayutayah on the bus/boat back. I'm game! I've never been, so I think I will enjoy going along with them. DS has to work a couple of days this week (poor boy) so probably won't be able to join us on these two day trips, unless he gets things done more quickly than we anticipate!

Mango (and others) we just heard about another Thai restaurant in the Suk area. I don't know the name yet, nor the address. It is supposed to be really fantastic. I'm pretty sure we are going to try it out in the next few days. I will tell you that all I know right now is that it is a short distance farther down soi 4 from the Omni Tower and then down a side street to the left, a little ways.

Mango, your soup at MBK sounds pretty good, but I don't do spicy. Glad your wife cooks Thai food for you. Wish I could get DH to do the same... haha

Jim, Adelphi is great, but so is Siam@Siam. I personally would probably not stay at Siam. It's for a younger crowd, IMO. But someone mentioned to me today that Siam is really a bit far away from all the activity in the Sukhumvit area. I had not thought of that before, when you asked me about the possible negative things about the place. If one wants night life, Siam has it, on site, but if you want to go elsewhere, then it is located in a pretty quiet area from what I could tell. Up to you, Jim. Adelphi has soooooo many plusses IMO. I'll be staying here again in Dec/Jan. I'll book it early, just to make sure I don't miss out.

I'm really anxious to find out about the PA primary going on back home. I'm not saying who I support (a few of you know) because I don't talk politics on fodors. Let's just say, this is a really exciting and interesting 2008 election!

More later... We're having dinner at the Zanzibar (I think) on soi 11. I'll have to give my report after I see what it's all about. It certainly does LOOK interesting from the streetside.

Carol

Look forward to hearing more, Carol. Btw, I think Soi 4 is really called Soi "Katoey" Be safe!

Kurt

carol...why don't you see if tong or ratt or one of the others would drive you out to floating market....its so much nicer to have the car to escape back too?? it makes for a very nice long day....

Just back from dinner at Zanzibar, on Sukhumvit soi 11. Thought I'd report in. I really liked the setting of this place, sort of like a rain forest outside, but there is also inside dining (which we did). Nice table linens and furniture. Very tastefully decorated. There is a nice little jazz band for entertainment which plays (outside)at a level that allows for conversation. I always appreciate that I can talk over the band, if I'm in the middle of conversation with someone.

We all liked the food a lot. Very tasty! Varied menu. There was a selection of Thai dishes as well as Italian pastas and pizza. Tonight is the night I should have had the pizza, not at Huntsman!!! German friend K tried it and said it was really quite good. Anyway, food was nicely presented and tasted delicious. Our bill was 6195 baht for five people (no bottle of wine). I did NOT like that the itemized bill was in Thai, so you could not tell what was what. Grrr!! I like to see what I ordered, and listed at the price I expected to pay. Couldn't tell!!! And I also did not like that there was a 7% VAT tax added to the bill. I don't think I've ever seen that tax on a food bill. What about the rest of you? Have you seen this before? May or may not return to Zanzibar in the future.

And now, SLEEP!!!

Carol

i'm not sure about the tax....all hotels add it....i think it is added on...maybe they are allowed to include it in the price per dish, so of a net net....

Mango
Yep, I've seen the katoeys. It's interesting that some people don't seem to pick up on someone's gender. Not that I have any issues with that!!! LOL

Bob, if other restaurants add the VAT, it isn't obvious (as in a separate listing on the bill) as it was last night at Zanzibar. In any case, the food was really good, the atmosphere was really very nice, even though on busy soi 11, and we all were pleased with the evening. The jazz music was a nice "quiet" mood enhancer. It was like an oasis in the chaotic city.

Today is Brad's birthday. We will have a big party tonight at Tawandang. It might be up to 25 people coming! Should be a good time.

I'm not sure what K & G will want to do today. Now that they are not concerned about venturing out on their own, I might just get time to go without them to the secret market with Maeng!!! K & G can go exploring Wat Po or China Town or whatever suits their fancy. They are not "into" the shopping thing (yet...haha). DS has to go to the office today to get going on a couple of projects he has to accomplish on this trip.

PA polls have just closed and CNN is reporting how things are going. Interesting TV viewing as I prepare to venture out for the day in BKK.

Weather is HOT HOT HOT, but we have only had one shower, and that was last night, late, so it did not keep us from doing things in the city.

Oh, Chicago friend is on UA right now, headed back to ORD, unless he made a 180 turn around at the airport!!! Too bad.. but I understand he had things to do at home. His Bumrungrad visit resulted in some meds to take for a week or so, nothing serious.

Carol

please arrange for cool weather next week...

My Friend is in Pattaya at the moment and he said he has never known it so hot. A work collegue is in Samui and she said it is also hot hot hot......
WISH we were on ou way to the land of smiles....

My German friends and I went down to the river today and rode the Express Boat up and down. We stopped at Wat Po and at China Town. If you are on the river (on the shaded side of the boat) it isn't too bad. If you are sitting in the sun it gets really steamy! We did appreciate some nice breezes today, though. And then, getting a seat on the air conditioned skytrain ride from Saphan Taksin back to Nana was like a dream come true...lol.

Bob, I'll see if I can't arrange for it to be just a little bit cooler for your arrival! I promise to do my best.

Time to change for the big birthday party at Tawandang. This is my favorite nightclub in Bangkok. Such a fun way to spend an evening! Good food, good live entertainment, and great company tonight! Who could ask for anything more...

Carol

give brad a big birthday kiss for me.

Ken-an image we could have done without.

did he have a speedo on??

Any cool Kipling or JT? Happy Travels!

Hi guenmai... haven't seen you around "here" for a while. Thanks for popping in. And yes, I've seen some new Kipling. Not interested in buying any of it though. JT always has neat stuff. I've been looking, but don't know if or what I might buy. I bought a couple of their nice tote bags (as gifts) two months ago when I was here.

Well.... I gotta tell ya', last night's birthday bash was THEEE party in Bangkok. lol And no, there were no speedo's involved. We had the best time, and I've got about 100 photos to prove it. Tawandang is my favorite nightclub in Bangkok, and last night's party just reinforced that thought. Our German friends fell in love with the place. K was disappointed that he did not bring along his video camera to capture the evening.

For those of you who know the place, we had probably the best tables in the house. We were on the main floor, right at the stage. The entertainment contained the usual mix of music, played by the FANTASTIC house band and group of singers. There was also a bit of more traditional Thai music, but with a jazz fusion sort of twist.

There was also a group of acrobats who did some really amazing stunts. I wish I could explain the one that involved a guy and a "magnet." Amazing!! And then, there was a girl who could twirl about 6 hula hoops at the same time. Wow!!!

I would bet I'm the only one of last night's party group (15 or so) who is up early enough to do a load of laundry before breakfast.

Gotta run. The laundry is done and it's time to go get breakfast. We'll see if K and G show up to eat. I'll bet I don't see them until noon... haha

Carol

Hi Carol,
I'm trying to finish packing for my MLA trip tomorrow but had to check in to see what new adventures you were up to. Tawandang sounds like fun with all the entertainment options. Any chance it's family friendly? With your guy & magnet story- I'm not quite sure.
Belated Bday greetings to Brad !!!

Mango- I loved those prepackaged sweetened pork sheets in MBK. I bought a lot of them to give as gifts to our friends & neighbors. The guy even gave me a real good discount.

Thanks for the ride Carol.

Hi bmt. Thanks for checking in! And have a great time on your own trip.

Tawandang is usually packed with Thais well over the age of 15. It's not really a family place... mostly because it's a brewery and gets very loud and crowded when 100's of people are dancing in the aisles and singing along with the singer on the stage! GREAT party place! There were a few dance routines that were a little bit beyond what I would deem appropriate for a younger child, I would say. Nothing risque, mind you... just a little bit of adult humor and costuming. Not topless or anything like that!!! If you can feel secure in leaving youngsters with a sitter or something for an evening, you just might enjoy Tawandang.

We finally got shopping time today (G and me). MBK, Siam Discovery, Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Amarin, and Central World. I was in heaven (lol)...

I have to say that the Thai craft "opening" at Amarin this afternoon was nice. G and I were there to see part of the music and dance. We didn't understand a word of the conversation (in Thai of course) of people appearing on the stage.

I did find some really beautiful bags from northern Thailand. Exquisite handwork and leather trim. I'm excited about finding these. (but I paid too much... I have now been informed that these same bags are available in Pratunam and Indra for a cheaper price!!) Oh well, I'll enjoy these and not go out of my way to see how much I "could have paid" had I shopped elsewhere.

This Thai craft fair was sort of like a grand opening of what used to be NariPhand craft center. Lots of you have been to NariPhand I think... located behind Gaysorn Plaza. That location was closed, so what we saw today was the craft center moved into its new location at Amarin. It was very nice.

Maeng has supposedly prepared something special for us tonight so I guess we'll head off to the Pickled Liver for dinner. I thought we might be able to go to Kinnaree tonight, but guess not. That's OK. I love Maeng's cooking! And frankly, I'm ready for a quieter (early) evening! I think we are in for another thunder boomer very soon!

More later. Enjoy your day, wherever you are spending it.

Carol

Carol- Sounds like you are really living over there!

Which Tawandaeng did you go to?

Kurt

Thanks, Carol for the reply. I haven't been around for a while because I was in Paris the week before Easter.
While there, my 87-year old dad, was home...here in the States... and was hit by a car while walking back to his car. He'd driven up to the bakery near his house. A woman didn't see im and hit him.
So, down he went and the police arrived on the scene and an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital and into surgery.
He has a broken ankle and now can't care for himself at home where he lives alone. So, off to Assisted Living.
And on the same day that he left a message on my machine...the day after getting home from Paris... my mom was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. I was on the freeway headed for work. She'd called an ambulance so she wouldn't have to get a hold of me I guess.
I'd arrived home from Paris at 11PM, Easter Sunday, went to bed at 1:30AM and was up at 5:45AM and driving to work at 6AM. I was at work by 7:20AM.
So, when I got home, I found all of this on my answering machine. My dad lives out-of-state. So, last Friday, I flew there to take care of business and then was home Sunday night and back to work Monday morning. I wanted to go the week before last weekend, but the airlines were beyond a mess having pulled all of those American Airline planes. Although I was to be on United, it affected everything as American Airlines' hub is in the state my dad lives in. Everything was backed up. So, I sat and waited another week.
Thank goodness,my mom lives here.

So, that's why I've kind of been away from the forum. Take care and keep having a ball in BKK. I'll have
to cancel my August trip...didin't have a plane ticket yet anyhow, but had my apartment reservation guaranteed. I do have a plane ticket for Dec/Jan which I bought shortly after returning from BKK in Jan 2008. Happy Travels!

guen, so sorry to hear about all your trials and tribulations. I hope everything settles down for you. Sorry you have to cancel your August trip, but hopefully will see you in BKK in late Dec/early Jan 09.

Mango, we always go to the original Tawandang, the one on Rama III. I may be wrong about the III part.

Dinner tonight was wonderful. We ate at Kinnaree. Such a lovely place. Thai music, and an atmosphere that is like a house. Every dish was very tasty. We ate Thai style and shared a chicken satay, a fish in sauce, yellow curry shrimp and veggies, brown curry with lamb, and duck. I'm glad we finally got there for dinner because I remembered just how good this place is from my visit to BKK and Adelphi in February.

Dessert was at Maeng's. She had prepared mango and sticky rice. Mangosteen is in season now so we also had a couple plates of that.

It's another late night (12:00) and I really wanted to hit the sack early tonight! AAARRGGHH!

More later...

Carol

sounds yummy and yes it is rama 3 for the brewery

Thanks Bob...and Carol. I just looked at the Kinaree website and I'm salivating.

mango, it looks great...we can't wait to try it out....will be near the end of our trip however i think...

Guen- so sorry to hear about your parents and your trip!

Carol, you are having entirely too much fun!!And eating mangosteen!! I am green with envy, even though in two weeks I'll be eating them too!

Guen, so sorry to hear about your parents. Do take care of yourself through this stressful time.

Carol, it's fun to keep up with your activities in Bangkok. Glad Brad had a fun birthday bash!

who jumped out of the cake??

Bob, there was no cake. It was a dish of ice cream (large enough to share with all of us). Sorry to disappoint!

Today my friends and I had thought about going on a day trip, but we forgot to book something!!! Good thing though, because we have rain. K is checking on his computer right now for a museum of interest, and it might be a good day to take in a movie at one of the superlative gold class theaters (I've talked about these before).

lcuy, enjoy your trip with mari and others. I think you'll have a blast. More tales to tell at the next HNL GTG. Peter and Linda don't seem to be posting right now (?) so they must be in remote parts of Japan. Hope they are having a great time.

I was showing off the birthday bash photos yesterday. DS remembers most of it... he is not a dancer, usually, but he got up and joined in with the rest. His girlfriend has a video on her phone to prove it. Could be "used" someday as bounty?????

I look out my large floor to ceiling windows here at Adelphi and can see the pool area at the Sofitel Grand Sukhumvit (where we will stay AFTER Samui, in about a week). Looks really inviting today.

Anyone heard of the Crystal Mall in Bangkok? There was an item in today's Nation (insert section) about that mall. It certainly is a new name to me... and I thought I knew all the shopping places here.. haha!! Supposed to be the latest upscale shopping place. Guenmai... do you know about this one??

Gotta run!

Carol

Carol- I never thought of bringing a laptop to BKK. I may try it next time Have fun,

Mango

Carol - I think its here
The Crystal on Ekamai-Ramintra Road.

Mango, I love having my laptop with me. I can turn it on and tune into fodors and news from home, etc. in the morning while I have my coffee, in my jammies. Or I can click on when I get back to Adelphi late in the evening (like after a great birthday bash). I know that internet cafes are very easy to find here, and you can get internet access real cheap... but there is something about having your own computer, with your own favorites, and free wifi access is soooo easy to deal with! Plus, I download my photos everyday.

Thanks for the location help with Crystal, janew. If I can work it in, I'll try to check it out. It was K who noted an ad in a newspaper about a store with unique items, and that store location is Crystal Mall.

Today ended up being yet another shopping day. The day started out a little bit rainy, so we (German friends and I) thought it was probably good that we had not planned a day trip out of BKK in the rain. (DS was busy today and could not join us) Well, the rain didn't last all day. It quit by the time we were ready to venture out.

We tried to find a display that K had seen yesterday while with DS, "at a skytrain station" (but could not remember WHICH station). The display advertised an exhibit of various gifts given to the King. Do you think we could find that display? NO... and we checked all the skytrain stations between Nana and Ratchatewi (sp) plus National Stadium. No display. K was a bit disappointed, but we consoled him. There is always shopping!

Today's route included the Emporium, Pathip, Platinum, Central World and Paragon! Plus, there was an interesting little market right on the sidewalk in front of Central World today. It looked like some sort of Junior Achievement project or something similar, as the vendors were all maybe 16-18 years old. They were all sitting on the ground (on mats) with their wares spread out in front of them, in neat rows (about 6 of them). It got quite crowded walking in between the rows, which were only about 4 feet apart. The "lookers" were trying to squeeze through in both directions. Many of the products for sale were hand made. I assume that some of these teens were making their own unique products to sell. I priced a couple of items but did not buy anything.

There was also a live band playing on a stage in front of CW along with the little market. The market could not have been set up for more than a few hours, I don't believe. I'm glad I just happened onto it!

DS is having dinner with a friend tonight, a retired military doctor expat. It is ANZAC Day today, or something similar, and there is a special military dinner (I have no idea where... DS did not know either) so K and G and I are on our own. Since there appears to be another storm moving in, I think we might keep it simple and step about 20 feet across the soi to Via Vai, the Italian place, once again. I could go for a good pizza tonight.

Carol

Thanks folks. I'm hanging in there...the Energizer Bunny that I am...although quite sleep deprived. Smiles. I'm posting from an Apple store. Happy Travels!

Guen,

Just back in a place with internet access and catching up. Sorry to hear about your misfortunes. Hope all goes well for you and family. Linda and I send our sincere Aloha and prayers to you and your Mom and Dad.

Carol,

Sounds like your having a good time....will catch up with this report when we return.

Aloha!

guen.. we are all sending you BIG internet hugs! Hang in there!

Well, we had that big thunderboomer during dinner last night. What a downpour! We dined outside at Via Vai, but the terrace is covered by a roof and we were deep enough inside that we did not get wet. We enjoyed the fresh air very much. Dinner was excellent. I was hungry for a good pizza and I sure got one. We also had a lovely bottle of chianti (Bossi) which was 1800 baht.

There are two Italian guys working at Via Vai. One owns the place and the other one is there working for him. The worker Italian has just arrived about two weeks ago, and is amazed by the weather in Bangkok. He has just come from working in Berlin for 8 years. Of course my German friends and he enjoyed many a conversation in German during our dinner.

We ordered after dinner drinks (I had a grappa muscato and K and G had Havana). Then we had second drinks, me another grappa, and K and G had grappa as well. After we paid our bill, the (German) Italian gave us ONE MORE FREE grappa. Wow! When I got back across the soi to my room at Adelphi, I was just about asleep. I'm glad we were soooooo close to "home" after all that grappa. lol I slept like a baby!

There is another Via Vai restaurant, on Koh Samui! We will have to try to find it. We leave early on Monday morning for four nights on the beach. I'm anxious to see this resort that Brad's friend owns. It is on Chewang Beach. The name is Seascape.

We have a beautiful blue sky in BKK this morning. Can't wait to get outside. We will head to JJ today.

Carol

(Hello HT... glad you are still alive and well... lol)

i just looked at where you are going on samui...it looks nice...the bungalows remind me of where we stayed at bophut at peace resort, which james had suggested...

have fun

Yep, I thought so too, Bob. I'm not sure what kind of rooms we are getting, whether they are beach bungalows or more like hotel rooms. I'm hoping they are beach bungalows.

Weather looks to be rainy for about the next week. Don't be surprised if you get a bit wet when you reach BKK.

Carol

that's ok, it keeps it a bit cooler

please call the marriott and ask them to put the dome over the pool for us..

K and G really enjoyed the weekend market. We went by skytrain to Asok and then took the MRT. If you stop at the station just AFTER the one named Chatuchak Park, you will exit the MRT right into the market. It was very easy. The ride from Asok to JJ was 10 stops and cost 35 baht.

I bought a few little things. K and G bought nothing. G wished she had bought a strand of pearls that she saw. We, of course, could not find that stand when we tried, at the last minute, to go back and buy. I told G, if you see something at the market, you buy it THEN because you may never find it again. Now she understands.

A relaxing afternoon, watching from my apartment window as yet another rain shower came and went. It made for a nicer evening. We returned, with a friend of DS Brad, to Zanzibar. This friend says that the company for whom she works is trying to put a wine shop at the Marriott on the river.

We had a lovely dinner, mostly Italian dishes. DS and K said the lasagne was quite good. DS's Thai friend had Thai food. The music was not nearly so pleasant as what we heard there the last time we went, but it was still an enjoyable dinner.

Zanzibar is just a very short 1-2 minute walk to Pickled Liver, so we stopped by to see Maeng after dinner. It ended up being another late night, as I put my head on the pillow a bit after 2am.

Since we leave very early in the morning for Samui tomorrow, we will be taking our bulky excess luggage to Brad's apartment at Omni Tower. It should be easy to pack light for Samui.

K would still like to see the floating market and is talking about going there this afternoon; however, Brad's Thai friend says that it really is the best in the morning. So, maybe that trip will have to wait for K's return to BKK. He and G can go on a tour after I go home, as they have two more days in Bangkok than I do. Wish I could stay longer!

Carol

why don't they hire one of the guides to take them...it will not cost much more than the tour and will be far more comfortable and enjoyable....tong, cherry or ratt or just hire a taxi to take them...

I'm sure they would enjoy the company of Tong or Ratt or other guide, but I'm not sure it can be booked at this late date. K and G enjoy exploring on their own, now that they are familiar with BTS and MRT and tuk tuks (yes, they've taken tuk tuks several times). I'm sure they will be fine. They will get to see as much as they desire to.

Selective packing is done. At noon, we are rolling our stored items over to Brad's apartment for the 5 days we are on Samui. My stored bag is much bigger than K and G's, as I've been buying items in the markets. If it weren't for all of my purchases, I could really travel light here!!! haha

Really looking forward to 5 days on Samui. When I return to BKK I will have only two days to do last minute shopping! Yikes! Time flies when you are having this much fun.

Carol

We had a busy day today! I wish I knew how many miles we walked in this heat. It was really really hot to start off, but thank goodness, it did seem to cool down, even if only slightly, during the day.

We headed first to Jim Thompson house. What a nice tour that was. From there, we walked over to Baiyoke Tower for the view from the 77th and 83rd floors. It's nice to go up and look down on familiar buildings. This is something to do after you've been in Bangkok for a few days, IMO, rather than BEFORE you start exploring. Gives it a whole new feeling when you see places with which you are already familiar.

From Baiyoke, we walked over to Central World, by way of Pratunam Market. K and G were amazed at the activity in the market. Crowded walk ways, lots of people buying things, an interesting place to observe. I did not do any buying today, because my bag to store is already at Omni Tower, and I have no way to add more goods to it before we go to Samui in the morning. Normally, Pratunam is one of my more frequent "haunts" for good bargains.

K bought 6 pairs of slippers,for 20 baht each... they are the kind that hotels and airlines use. Nothing special, but what a bargain! K and G are comparing Thai Baht to Euros and the exchange they get is very favorable when compared to my meager dollars!

At Central World we sat down in the air con for a Haagan Dazs ice cream treat and a bit of rest from the heat of the day.

There was some sort of band warming up in the big courtyard on the front side of the mall. I have no idea who, but there were hundreds of young Thai girls screaming and waiting in anticipation for whomever to appear on the big stage they had set up.

Back to Adelphi for a quick break and then off to dinner. We tried Sacz tonight, at Majestic Grande Hotel on soi 2. It was delicious! The restaurant was almost empty. A group with electric piano was singing and playing, and taking requests. Since we were practically the only ones in the place, they were happy to play our few requested songs. We were invited to get up and dance but did not.

An early evening is in order since we have arranged for a van to pick us up for transfer to the airport at 5:40 in the morning. (UGH) I have a wake-up call, but have also set my cell phone alarm! 4:40 is an awful hour to have to rise and shine. But Samui awaits!!!

Lights out shortly. I know, for most of you, your day is just getting started and mine is pretty much ending. Enjoy it, where ever you are.

I'll report from Samui when possible.

Carol

i too just completed my packing....well karen supervised packing....i forgot shorts after we had the case closed...they fit in fine and i am under 50 lbs, i think by the bathroom scale...

He means his suitcase is under 50 lbs...not him!!!See you in a few days k

K... lol...

Hello all from Ko Samui. It is really hot and steamy here! Wow!! We are staying at the Seascape Resort. It is located right next door to Poppie's, for those who know Chewang Beach.

The resort is basic 3 star. Clean, comfortable. K and G and I opted to stay in the "motel" section of this place rather than the more basic bungalows. I prefer a bath with a tub rather than a "space" behind a door where there is a sink, toilet, and an area with a shower head... maybe I'm too pampered by the likes of the Penn and the Adelphi Suites in BKK!! haha

Anyway, we have rented a four door car for our 4 days here. The cost is 4800 baht all in. Not a bad price. We have had our first drive around the island ysterday after arriving in the mid morning. We stopped at a beachside restaurant for lunch of Thai food. Very fresh, very cheap!! Very basic place. DS says he loves to drive around and find out of the way places like this for fresh food. He is right... it was really good. And really cheap. We had chili fish, shrimp curry and steamed vegetables in some sauce, with rice of course, and lots of water.

We stopped at a water fall, which was quite a walk from the parking lot. We could not determine just HOW far, and the walk was a difficult trek, so we turned around after maybe 20 minutes. We had a jungle walk, for sure!! There was the option of an elephant ride to the waterfall... in hindsight, this would have been the way to do it.

Next, Big Buddha! We looked around the shops in this area a little while.

After a walk around the shopping street in Chewang, we rested a bit, and then had a delicious dinner at Poppies. The restaurant is located beachside and is lovely. The food and presentation, excellent. The rain kept us from enjoying a beach view, however.

Today, I slept in until after 8. Breakfast buffet beachside, and then the good news that wifi is FREE here!

I'll catch up with all of you later. More exploring as soon as DS manages to wake up!

I assume Karen and Bob are on their way to BKK by this time. Have a safe trip, and I'll see you in a few days.

Carol

Hi Carol -

I'm planning my first trip to Thailand tentatively for November of this year. Would you recommend Adelphi for a first-timer? The Marriott looks lovely, but it is $$$ compared to Adelphi...but on the other hand, I want to ease into BKK. What are your thoughts on Adelphi for a first-timer?

thanks!

Beanweb24-many of us on this forum think staying on the river is best. It provides a sort of refuge from the insanity of BKK. If you can stretch your budget, I would stay at the Marriott.

beanweb, panda and many others here prefer the river; many stay on the river everytime they come to BKK. I have stayed on the river 3 times, and now I've moved into Sukhumvit and will stay there. I visit the river for a klong tour, or to have a dinner boat ride or see the sights with newbies. Other than that, the river is somewhere that is too far away from the places I visit. If you are in and out of Bangkok a couple of times on your trip, stay on the river the first time, and then move into Sukhumvit area at the end of your trip! A lot of BKK travelers come in, stay a few days, then go elsewhere (beach, Chiang Mai, Cambodia, etc) and then come back into BKK for a couple of days, before flying home. If you do that, you can try both the river and the Suk area. I think you would be very happy with Adelphi Suites. I only wish I could return there after Samui, but alas, it is fully booked. I am having to stay at the Sofitel Sukhumvit, which is OK but would not be my first choice.

Back to my live report...
Sawadee kah from another hot and steamy day on Samui! We had a lovely time last night, visiting DS's friend at his new house. Very nice!! Nice pool, 3 bedrooms, 4 bath, pool table... (DS loves that). We played with and were entertained by two dogs (golden retriever, and smaller poodle mix) and very young persian kitten. The three were soooooo much fun to watch.

Anyway, DS and friend played a few games of pool and then we all went to dinner at a place called La Dolce Vita on Chaweng Beach (Italian obviously, plus some Thai items on the menu). The food was really excellent. The egg plant parmesean was the best! After dinner, we stopped by Q Bar on Samui. There is another Q Bar in Bangkok. The location on Samui is up on a steep hillside, so the view is really awesome. The decor is very futuristic, much like The Bed Supper club in Bangkok.

A good night's sleep and we're up and at it once again this morning. K and G are taking their usual beach walk. Me, I stay out of the sun as much as possible, so I'm in the shade on a verandah. We saw grandfather rock yesterday, and we had lunch at a place called Beverly Hills Restaurant. The view from this restaurant is fabulous, looking out over Chaweng Beach.

I am not sure of today's agenda (we just go with the flow around here). We have spotted several places that look interesting for dinner. We'll see what happens.

This is not peak season on Samui, but our resort is still 80% capacity. There are a number of families here, speaking many languages; there is a lady who sunbathes topless everyday... I'm sorry, but if NO ONE ELSE does it, why would this woman? Am I a prude? OK... end of soapbox...

There are shops and shops and more shops on Chaweng and other beach areas. Plenty of souvenirs, but more expensive than in BKK. I'll not shop here... only for a t-shirt or something.

Will stay in touch.

Carol

(Welcome to BKK, Bob and Karen, I think you are about to land in the next 30 minutes or so)

Thanks Gpanda and Carol! Splitting time between the two is a great idea...will definitely check into that.

I agree that you could just split it up and stay on the river and in Sukhumvit. I'm a Sukhumvit person myself...although I've also stayed on the river and other areas.
On my first trip, a decade ago, I stayed in the heart of town at the Siam Intercontinental Hotel...now the site that the Paragon Mall sits on. I had absolutely no problem not staying at a river location. I really liked it where I was...this was before the skytrain was built and I walked almost everywhere.
So, give both a try. Happy Travels!

Sawadee kah from Samui. Our last full day here. We return to BKK tomorrow afternoon.

Yesterday we took in a lovely waterfall. Namuang I waterfall is easy to get to. You can park your car very close by, and then if you can maneuver some slippery rocks, you can get a nice view. You can also take an elephant trek into the falls (maybe 15 minute ride). We did not trek so I don't know what the cost is. But a short elephant ride is better than a long one... that board seat get hard on your backside...

We visited DS's favorite resort on Samui to have lunch and check out the rooms. Crystal Bay is really a wonderful place!! If you are willing to rent a motorbike or car or jeep, this is such a great place, and a real bargain! The best room in the house is 2200 baht off season, and has a huge verandah overlooking the sea. The Thai decor is really lovely! I'd love to be staying there right now, rather than where we are in the Chaweng Beach traffic headache!!

We had a fabulous dinner last night at a place called The Cliff. It is a newer restaurant with a nice view. Outside dining, overlooking the sea. We had four salads, four mains, four desserts, and two bottles of a Chilean wine for about 7500 baht. The food presentation was worthy of photos! Beautiful!

We will have more rain today. We seem to get a midday shower everyday, but it doesn't last very long. I understand that this is unusual weather for Samui at this time of the year.

I think I am ready to head back to BKK. Wish we were returning to Adelphi on soi 8, but alas, they are fully booked so we will be staying at Sofitel instead. I'm sure it's lovely. We had a look at a couple of rooms there before deciding to book it. It just is not my first choice.

Have a great day. I heard from home that there was SNOW a day or two ago!!! I'm going home Monday and do NOT want to have to dig out my winter duds again. AAARRGGHHHH!

Carol

Carol- Glad you're having a great time. In fact, I got so tired of hearing about you people living it up, I'm off to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces, NM! Our next trip to Thailand is October and I'm getting antsy! Please continue having fun,

Kurt

Thanks, Mango. We ARE having a lot of fun. And please enjoy your trip as well.

We came back on BKK on Thai last night on the 5:45 flight. Time to check in to the Sofitel Grand Sukhumvit (nice place). I had booked a room for one person, but am staying in a suite with kitchen, living, bedroom, and nice bath. I hope I still get the rate I booked. This is obviously an upgrade!!!

We dropped our bags and went to the Londoner, where we were meeting up with friends for the rest of the evening. DS played drums with the house band on four songs. He did a good job. Snacks were tasty, conversation witty, and then there was also dancing in the aisles! A fun time.

We really enjoyed our trip to Samui. We tried a restaurant called The Library on Chaweng Beach our last night. Interesting, but not something I'd return to. The food was good but not great. The atmosphere of the place is interesting though. Must have been designed by a Dane. Very Danish modern in appearance. The theme of the library follows through as you walk to "The Page" restaurant, past statues of people reading books, past The Contents (front desk). The rooms at this place (it is also a resort) are 12,000 baht. Woooooooow... way too much, I'd say, although I did not have a look.

Samui has lost some of its charm when it had just a grass hut sort of airport. The airport now has 3 gates, still only one runway, which you land AND taxi on. They are in the process of adding shops, maybe a dozen or so, that you pass as you make your way to departure gates. All shops are outside. The airport still has an outside feel to it. No concrete walls to close you in at all. But it is definitely bigger than it was when I was last here. A bigger airport means more tourists are coming here. That means more of the big resorts are trying to lease some of the best spots to build new facilites. It's changing here... but I'd still return.

We returned once more to Crystal Bay to enjoy lunch and the view from the diningroom terrace for a couple of hours our last day in Samui. Next time, this is where I will be staying! For sure! Much more peaceful than Chaweng. Nice smaller beach area, nice rooms for a bargain price. The biggest drawback of this place is that you really need to have a bike or car to get around. Taxis and tsongtaus abound, but it would not be fun to stand along the roadside and wait for one to come along and offer a ride... (oh, and Bob, the place doesn't have a pool... only the gorgeous quiet bay with calm water)

Today we are off to Chatuchak. I'm still looking for a few items, although my extra bag is already full!

Looking forward to the GTG this afternoon and finally connecting names to faces.

Carol

see you shortly

B&K

The GTG was great fun. It was great to see everyone. And putting names and faces together is always a big plus!

After the GTG, we got into a taxi to go back to soi 4/6 to gather German friends so we could go to the home of a Danish friend (whose wedding to a Thai girl we attended a couple of years ago). We hopped into the next taxi that pulled up at the Royal Sports Club. Little did we know that we were getting into the SUPER TAXI!!

Super taxi? Yep... there is only ONE like it in Bangkok. The driver is very witty and smart. He has equipt his taxi with everything you might need for sitting in BKK traffic (or for a taxi ride to the airport). He has a microwave and can fix you coffee! He has a karaoke machine so you can sing if you wish. He has a VCR so you can watch movies. He has a short movie clip about his SUPER TAXI as it was featured in a local news program. He has paper and colored pencils should you wish to doodle while sitting in traffic.

When I arrived at the Sofitel, I asked the super taxi driver to wait for me, as we would be using his taxi service to get to dinner at a friend's house, just beyond the Emporium, on soi 41. He waited, and K and G got to enjoy his witty sense of humor. K and G will call him when they need to go to the airport on Wednesday. I just may give him a call for Monday morning at 4:30 am... (ugh)

For 700 baht you can ride to the airport and the taxi driver will provide you with coffee, breakfast, a massage, anything is possible in the super taxi.

If you want me to post this guy's phone number, I'll be happy to. I think you might enjoy giving him a call and using his taxi service. He charges just the usual meter fee for jaunts around Bangkok! But I'm sure he gets good tips as he is such an entertaining fellow!

Dinner at our friends' house was lovely. There was much laughter and oooh-ing and awwww-ing at the host's sweet baby girl of six months. There was a tour of the new house they've just moved into, after having lived at Omni Tower (where DS met them) until just days ago.

Tomorrow is my last day in BKK. DS is here for another 3 weeks. K and G (from Germany) have two more days. I'm sure they will enjoy them, even if they have to venture out on their own part of the time, while ds has work to take care of.

V9 and Sky Bar are on the agenda for tomorrow night! We're hoping that hanuman and Mrs. hanuman will be able to join us!

More later...

Carol

My last day in Bangkok is almost over. Dinner tonight will be at V9, with cocktails at Sky Bar, weather permitting. Looks like we could get rain at the moment. We shall see how it is in a few hours.

Maeng and I went to Chatuchak today. If anyone knows how to find things at the weekend market, it is Maeng. I was wanting some beads, for making my own necklace creations. She had the perfect place! 180 baht and I walked away with lots and lots of beads of all sizes and colors. I will have fun playing with jewelry on the flight home! haha

Friends from Germany still have two more days here, so hopefully DS will take good care of them. I think they are already trying to plan their return to Bangkok... two more people totally enamoured with this place (smile).

I will catch up with everyone once I am stateside once again. To Bob and Karen, have a great vacation in S E Asia. I hope the two of you, plus Andy and Beth, have a lovely time together in Bali.

Carol

Very nice meeting you and Brad at the GTG. Sorry we can't join you tonight and I want to wish you a safe flight back home!

thanks carol....safe flight

hanuman, sorry, too, that we could not see you at V9. It was really lovely. We had a "Thai tree" for 4 people. Great selection of goodies. From there, we went up to Sky Bar. Perfect weather, nice breeze, gorgeous view. As promised, the pkg will be delivered to the address on the business card. My friend Maeng may be the delivery person... Hope you enjoy it! Hope you will consider coming over to HNL in September for the GTG.

Bob, Karen, enjoy your vacation! I'm heading home now. I'm sitting in the Thai lounge enjoying coffee and sandwiches. No one else on this side of the world is up yet, unless catching a 6am plane.

Carol

I'm back in the midwest once again. Flights were good. In fact, the long flight from NRT to ORD was great! There were only a dozen people in economy + so we each had a row to ourselves, pretty much. I flipped up the armrests across the 5 seats in row 23 and managed to sleep most of that flight. Lovely!! It was very quiet!!

Anyway, I'm home and starting to look at mail and tidying up after DH was here alone for 2 1/2 weeks (smile). Thank goodness for my weekly cleaning lady!

Carol

Hello Carol, thanks for an entertaining and intesting on-the-spot report, I did enjoy reading it. Thanks also for your efforts to locate the silk-filled duvets for me. I have just received two queen size duvets I ordered on eBay, (littleyinger761)is the seller in Shanghai if you're interested. I tried the Spring/Fall weight one on the bed last night and found it very light and warm. I also got a Summer weight so that if it's a cold winter (we don't have snow where I live!)I can put them together.
We are now looking forward to leaving here on May 24 for BKK (and the warm weather) armed with all the extra info and tips you and others have provided.
Glad you had such a great time.

Hi Carol. Welcome back! What was the most interesting thing you saw? What's the most fun you had there? Hope your jet lag isn't too bad!

Mango7

Welcome home, Carol!

Glad you had such a good time. I enjoyed reading your posts and enjoyed all your good suggestions for things to do in BKK.

I'll have to ask DS about a new place in Bangkok that he and German friends tried for dinner after I left for home. The name is The Long Table. I guess it was really very good. A Thai friend of DS's, who always knows the latest greatest places, suggested it to us while I was still in town, but we had other plans at that time. I'm glad DS and German friends got to try it out. It is along Sukhumvit, maybe in the vicinity of the Emporium?? I'll have to confirm the location. DS's note indicated that it was really a good place, in any case.

German friends are back home. I am anxious to get email from them with their impressions!

Carol

Thanks, everyone.

Mango, Just noticed your questions!

The most fun has to have been the big birthday bash at Tawandang. We had such a good time, singing, dancing in the aisles, and of course savoring a few of those great German brews!!

Most interesting? That's a tougher question. I always find a klong ride to be interesting, but so was spending time at the weekend market (with Maeng) in aisles I've not explored before. Wish I could have seen the exhibit of the King's Treasures. That would have been interesting.

Jetlag was pretty awful day before yesterday. Sleep was almost impossible. Last night, 9 hours of it!! I think I'm about "back to normal" again.

Carol

Just had a call from German friends who are now back home. K could not remember the name of the hotel where the Long Table Restaurant is located (maybe TOWER?) but he said it was really very nice! The view at the 36th floor was wonderful and the Thai food was delicious. There is dining inside and out. There is a nice bar inside, with great wine selection. I'm sorry I missed it!

There is a web site for the exhibit of King's treasures. It is giftsoftheking.com, but I've not checked it out. Hope that is correct.

Carol

Sorry for the typo..

The site should be
giftsofthekingdom.com

That last link did not work either. I guess my German friend did not know the correct one when he phoned earlier today. I took his word for it. My mistake...

Carol

Carol-
Could this be the place you're talking about?

FOR THE TRENDY DINER
The newest ‘chic’ dining spot is the Long Table on the 25th floor of The Column Residence, immediately before Foodland on Sukhumvit Soi 16 (F1), serving Thai fusion on sofa beds or at a long table that stretches through the room, with a distinctive bar too (Tel: : 02-302-2557-9).

I found this as an update for the Nancy Chandler map.

Susan,
I'm sure that's it! Thanks for the information. Appreciate it!
Carol

Carol

I have been following your travels and enjoyed your reports. I hav ealso asked some questions about hotels and you suggested Siam@Siam for my 22 yo daughter.(I am funding 4 nights in mid June in Bangkok as her birthday present, as she makes her way back home to Sydney)

I read somewhere that it would be better to stay in ?Sumkwhit area(sp)as Siam is a little isolated- what is your view? I know you liked Adelphi Suites - would that be preferable or for the 22 year old Siam would fit better?

I probably shouldn't obssess but I don't want to plonk her somewhere where she will be either unsafe or bored silly in a business type hotel. Mind you knowing her she will meet hundreds of people in one day !

angel
Tough call. I think Siam@Siam is a really "cool" new hotel for the younger set. Lots of opportunities to meet people IN the hotel. That said, it is not located in a nightlife area if you want to go out onto the streets, which are safe.

Adelphi Suites is within a very easy and safe walk to soi 11 where your daughter could EASILY meet lots of people. I love Adelphi Suites. I think a studio would be great for your daughter. She would not require a 1-bedroom apartment IMO, since she is there for only a short stay. I like the apartment for longer stays as I can keep up with my laundry right there, with the washer in the kitchen.

Adelphi Suites is a smaller hotel, and the staff tend to get to know you. At least they remember you from day to day...

I mention soi 11. Great place to meet people. From Adelphi, you simple walk up to Sukhumvit and go ACROSS Sukhumvit. Soi 11 is right on the other side of Sukhumvit from soi 8.

Your daughter should try to find the Pickled Liver. There is always a lively crowd there, some Thai, some falongs, a nice mix. Maeng is my dear friend and is very sweet. She manages the place and is always behind the counter. Mention that you are a friend of Carol and she will welcome you with open arms. She's also a great cook!!

There is a bar in that same area on soi 11, called Cheap Charlie's. There are always lots of younger people sitting at CC's (it's an outside bar) drinking beer and chatting. Another good place to meet people.

Also on soi 11 is the hotel Suk 11. I have not seen the rooms here, but the whole atmosphere is not something I would personally enjoy... it's not backpackers, but maybe upwardly mobile "hippies"...?? But lots of younger people stay here and they are always out and about in the evening along soi 11.

That said, this area of soi 11 is not "right ON soi 11". You have to walk down soi 11 from Sukhumvit, pass the Zanzibar Restaurant, and then look for a very small alley to the LEFT that goes in a "U" behind soi 11. Cheap Charlies is just inside that "U" on the right side, as you go around to the right. Further into the "U" on the left is the Pickled Liver. The Suk 11 Hotel is just as you make the other curve in the "U", before going back out the the real soi 11. Does this make any sense the way I describe it? I don't mean to confuse...

I'd probably do Adelphi Suites!!

Carol