Many Visits to SEA ~~ First Report

Hello, Sandra, Thanks for starting a report. As many times as I've been to Bangkok, there are always new things to discover.

As you know, CM isn't my favorite place, but I do always enjoy SIngapore.

Keep us posted!

have fun.... we have used that immigration line a few times, having been moved there by an immigration officer... it is diplomatic too...

Welcome back Sandra!

Sandra,

You are off to a good start. Please keep it coming. I was especially interested in the information about the trains to and from the airport. Thanks for that!! I just may try it for my (not yet booked) impromptu trip to Georgetown Penang, if it comes to fruition.

Enjoy CM. I always do. I'll see you two at AS in a couple of weeks!

Carol

I am so glad that we decided to fly to CM rather than take the train. My do not think my body parts could take another 13-hour ride.

We had researched hotels in CM ad nauseum but pictures did not show the true Sirilanna. Because of minor health concerns I had requested a 1st-floor room ~~ months ago ~~ but they put us on the 3rd, then the 2nd. This was out of the question since they didn't have an elevator and the stairs were VERY steep. We ended up with a "make do" on the 1st floor, but it was not satisfactory. Enough complaining about this hotel in the Old City. TA raved about it, BTW.

Sometimes the most wonderful things come out of bad decisions and this was one of them. We are now at the Chedi, and it is one of the best hotels we have ever been in. It is quiet, very serene, and being on the Club Floor, we are being spoiled rotten and loving every minute of it. I am content just to stay here and forget seeing any more of CM!

Sorry this really isn't much of an exciting trip report. DH and I are both very private and quiet persons, so it is hard for me to know what to share with others. I am sure there will be enough, however.

DH plans to take the Flight of the Gibbons! I had seriously considered it, too, and would really enjoy the zip-lining, but then I saw the "bridges" included , and said "No, no, no!" This is one thing he will have to do alone. And I am sure I can find something to do ~~ spas and sleeping, here I come!

Time for bed ~~ neither of us can get out of this jetlag symdrome. Nobody ever told me it would be harder with age!!!!!

Looking forward to tomorrow and the days to come, and to whatever may come with them.

Happy Adventures to all!

Sandra

glad you flew... i can never understand WHY people take the train or a bus...except to save $$..

and good that you moved too... have fun at chedi..

see you on the 21st.. we are anxious to start our trip..

Hi Sandra! Glad you made the hotel switch. No one needs to be unhappy as there are just soooo many choices that could be better.

I recommend Doi Inthanon, if you have the time. It is probably an hour/hour and a half ride outside of CM. The gardens there are fabulous. And the waterfall and highest point in Thailand are very close by. I think you would enjoy all of it. No bridges, and the waterfall is very easy to walk to. I'm leery, as Maeng and I had to 'skip across' on a path of tree stumps one time in Krabi (I freaked out.. haha.. but managed it anyway), so I always expect the unexpected when going off the main track in Thailand!!

Also looking forward to meeting up in BKK at AS in a couple of weeks.

Carol

Forget it! I have tried to write a quick catch up and have hit some key that deleted it both times.

You will just have to wait until later to hear the trials and tribulations of the Sirilanna Hotel Chiang Mai.

Happy Adventures, wherever you are!

Sandra

Sandra,

Most of the highways and railways going North from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are now closed due to flood. Lucky you flew!

Thanks for the info, Hanuman. It isn't too bad where we are, but the hotel property fronting the Ping River is sandbagged. The river, itself, is running pretty swiftly.

Hope you and family will be able to GTG in Bangkok, but a holiday out of BKK sounds good for you, too. What is the holiday on the 24th?

More of a report when it isn't 4:30 am an DH is trying to sleep.

Sandra

Sandra the 24th October is King Chulalongkorn(Rama V) day.

I'm following along here too, Sandra. You're doing great. The advice everybody gives to budding authors is 'write about what you know' - I'd add to that, 'write about how you feel'; it makes for juicier trip reporting.

I think you're doing very well on both accounts.

So don't be nervous or worried about going over old ground - you can't possibly be boring - because your perceptions are yours. You are unique.

And, having met you - I can assure all other readers that you are, indeed, unique. lol lol lol. So relax and write lots more.

now i'm scared---"unique"??

Dogster: You said it all. Besides, I am finding that my perceptions of the same trips and things have changed. The 1st time we were in BKK many years ago, I was overwhelmed! Now, however, I understand the culture much better, and still find things charming.

We came to Chiang Mai hoping to discover an ex-pats group that we can identify with and maybe spend several months a year here ~~ alternating time between Thailand and the US. Even this has changed now, however. We still love Thailand to visit, but don't want to live here.

We love the Chedi Hotel! How wonderful that this beautiful hotel and surroundings came into our lives because of dissatisfaction with the 'other' hotel we had booked.

Without trying to run down the 'other' hotel, let me say that I booked it several months earlier after researching through several travel websites, and this is what where we chose. Bad choice!!!!!! Websites do NOT show the "real" pictures, but, of course, make the hotels look their best. Found this out the hard way. There was no room ready when we arrived as scheduled ~~ they even picked us up so they knew when we were expected. I told them earlier that due to minor health problems we would need a lower-floor room, so they upgraded us to a 2nd floor room ~~ no elevator and very steep steps. No way could I climb any level! Anyway, ended up with an unprepared 1st-floor ~~ musty smelling, the A/C did not cool, no extra tp (ran out) and no tissues. Even this disaster worked out okay, however; and, we immediately checked out!
It surprised that the older woman in charge was very un-Thai in her reaction ~~ she spoke nary a word once we checked out.

Oh, but the Chedi!!!!! We can't say enough nice things about this ultra-luxx hotel. If you have stayed here, you know what I mean; and if you haven't, at least give it a look (though it can be expensive). Bob, I have taken some pictures of the pool just for you ~~ hope they turn out. It is a gorgeous pool and huge ~~ maybe Olympic length.

We have scheduled a couple of tours with Sgt. Kai, Tong's friend here that she recommended. He is busy until next Monday so we are our own until then. Tuk-tuks are the way to go in CM, so when in "Chiang Mai, do as the others do."

Hope this goes through, as I have tried to post 4/5 times without it showing up. Have I offended someone at Fodor's? If so, seems that I would be in a very special Fodor's Club! Ha-ha!

Until the next lackluster episode ~~ or unique, as Dogster says ~~ Happy Adventures to you All!

Sandra

What a spectacular sight ~~ RAIN!

This is really something from this Texan who hasn't seen rain since last October ~~ yes, 2010.

Loving it!

Sandra

You are, indeed, unique, and your perspective on travel in and around Thailand and S E Asia is appreciated here.

I don't mind the rain in Thailand, although we did have what I'd call a monsoonal downpour once in BKK and Maeng and I looked like drowned rats, even with umbrellas.

I'll have to look at the Chedi, although my last several trips to CM have been of the one-day, shop 'til you drop, variety, with no overnight stay involved. CM would be too quiet for me, and I'm not a nightlife person at all.

Bottle the rain and send it home to Texas, if you can. lol

Carol

Hello, All!

This has been such a good day! It was so quiet and wonderful to hear the temple bells at 4:00, and then again this evening at 6:00.

I know I keep saying this, but the Chedi is exactly what DH and I needed. We did, however, walk down the street this afternoon to the 7-11 and the pharmacy to pick up some things.

I can't remember which of my posts made it through and which were deleted, so I may repeat myself along the way. But, when packing to catch the plane to CM I put all my hair spray, etc in the wrong suitcase, and the TSA agent threw it all away. What a sight I must be now to be going 'au naturale.'

Sitting on the balcony here, reading during the hr-long rain was so relaxing. I needed this!!!!!!! Sometimes, back at home, my life gets very hectic and busy, so it is a well needed rest that DH and I are getting at the Chedi. The Ping River is rushing pretty rapidly and the sandbags are all along the banks, but so far there have been no problems here. It is so sad, however, to read of the problems closer to Bangkok.

After our little sojourn down the street from here we enjoyed even more quiet time in the bar area, and then in the Club Lounge drinking our evening coffee and visiting with the hostess there. Her name is Tonya, and she is such a beauty, and so sweet! DH and I are so lucky to meet and visit with such wonderful people on our trips.

Our trip must seem too "unique" for those of you who enjoy the busy life, but it has been exactly what we needed ~~ a definite change from our lives in the US. But, I will admit we are looking forward to meeting others from the US in Bangkok in a couple of weeks, and visiting, eating and drinking with them. How nice it is to have friends from all parts of the world.

Until tomorrow then, Happy Adventures to All!

Sandra

sounds like fun... taking it slow is so rewarding instead of rushing around all the time..

Bob: Have you been here? I have taken pics of the pool just for you. You would love it if you like the one at Marriott S/R.

A beautiful morning in northern Thailand. The sun is coming up over the mountains, and as we sang in "Sound of Music" ~~ this is among "a few of my favorite things." Can you spell "unique"? Thanks, Dogster ~~ this is a perfect description of me. But then, really, aren't we all unique in our own ways?

I know now why I never write trip reports. I don't do a lot of stuff ~~ rather, I just enjoy being a part of the world, and appreciate all its differences. Too much philosophizing (?) today? Sorry!

A visit to the Chiang Mai zoo is on today's agenda. This will be a special favorite for me, as anything involving nature ~~ animals, flora, water, etc ~~ is special.

We were talking with the Club Hostess yesterday who told us she wanted to visit the US one day. We tried to explain to her that seeing one city in the US was like visiting one place in Thailand and thinking you have seen the entire country. There is so much difference between NYC, Houston, LA, and the rural country of Gulf Coast America (where we live).

So, good day, my Fodorite friends. Happy Adventures and beautiful days wherever you are!

Sandra

Hi Sandra. Thanks for continuing your report. I'm rather the same when I get to BKK. I am not there for rushing around. I'm there to 'live' for a couple of weeks at a time. My Thai friends and other expat friends keep me coming back. I agree that having so many friends there makes a lovely difference in how enjoyable it is to spend any length of time there.

Just sat at the beach bar tonight and met a lovely couple from Germany... who go to BKK twice a year!!! Small world. I was telling them about Tawandang. They will try it next March! I'm soooo enjoying chilling on St Pete Beach right now.

Enjoy chilling in CM, Sandra, because I'm thinking BKK is going to be pretty busy for a few days!! See you soon.

Carol

Yup, we are all unique - but some are more unique than others. Indeed, some are too unique.

Some need a bit of effort to discover their uniquity...{yup, that's a new word], some are dreary and unique in equal measure. Some think they are more unique than they are, some think less. None of really know our specialness.

We need a mirror. Oddly, Fodor's provides that.

I never think it matters much where people are. It's how you feel about it. Without fail the dreariest places bring the greatest rewards.

And, like you, I've learnt to turn on a dime and get the hell outta there if my intuition tells me it ain't gonna work out. You've just seen the Chedi benefits. Imagine how these last two days would have been like if you'd just been stoic and sucked it up where you'd booked.

So, really, that's the story. There's the philosophy. You're spinning on the cosmic dime.

we have not been to chedi

Dogster: Any chance you will be able to join us in Bangkok the end of October. Carol is arriving on the 18th, we will be there on the 20th, and Bob and Karen will be there, too, on the 20th (I think). DH and I return to the US on the 26th. However, between the 20th and the 26th we have several things planned, including a GTG on the 22nd. Will also be watching the Royal Barge Procession on TV ~~ no sitting in the hot sun for us.

I am sure Carol and I will also stop in at Haagen Das. Sure would be nice if you can join us.

Happiness is wherever you are.

Sandra

Another gorgeous morning. So far we haven't had rain except for the one day, about an hour. The temp is so comfortable now ~~ but it will definitely get warm ~~ hot, even ~~ about mid-morning.

B'fast in the Club Lounge is always very good, but now can you excel upon a meal when it starts with Brie. Um=m=m=m!

We have a driver coming to pick us up later, with no specific agenda --just turn on dimes and go wherever it takes us.

Everyone keeps raving about the Sunday Walking Market, so it looks like something for us tonight.

Didn't make it to the zoo yesterday ~~ maybe today, maybe not. More cosmic dimes!!!!!!

More later. Happy Adventures to you all!

Sandra

doing it by the seat of your pants...sure is the best way..

are you loving CM or just tolerating it??

Alas no, Sandra, I'm in Egypt and/or Turkey. Leaving on Monday.

Bob: How are the floods going to affect your stay at the Marriott. We haven't seen or done too much in and around CM, and I will explain our thoughts of LOS when we see you and Karen. We do love Thailand, and if we lived anywhere else it would probably be in this country ~~ tho' don't know exactly where.

Dogster: Sounds like you will be having a terrific trip, but we will miss you in Bangkok.

Stay safe.

More about CM tomorrow.

Happy Adventures to All!

Sandra

Speaking of flooding, I saw on TA something about National Stadium (the actual stadium) might have to be changed as the venue for a football match, as the flooding is close to the field??

Bob, are you and K packed yet?

Dogster, we'll miss you. Are you coming to BKK for Christmas again??? Hope to 'do' Maeng's new place for dinner, but we'll have to wait and see how her business is doing by that time.

I think I'm in Kerala for Christmas, Carol, having a very Hindu Xmas so celebrations in Bkk will have to proceed without me. I'm sure you'll cope. lol. One more sleep and I'm off. I should be packing, not typing.

bookchick is here for the weekend and after she leaves later today we will pack in earnest...k does it all these days as she can fit stuff in cases so well..

we have most of our stuff laid out, but will regroup it during the coming week (cutting back) and then be totally packed by the end of the week for a Tuesday departure...

we pick up a one way rental car on monday PM for our drive to JFK on Tuesday.... our Finn Air flight is at 1740. we have a full day layover in Helsinki on the 19th with a 2330 flight that night to Bangkok. We will have a room for the day at the Holiday Inn at the airport in Helsinki (106 E), allowing us to laze around all day and have a nice dinner there before we continue on the the night flight to BKK arriving mid-afternoon on the 20th.

We have our Finn Air seats and hopefully they will not change them on us... 27 J&L for all 4 segments (2 seater on air buses). We fly jfk to helsinki to bangkok and then the return is delhi to helsinki to jfk with a full day layover in helsinki. We will stay in the city at the Kamp Hotel for our layover on the way home..

Don't forget the toothbrush Bob!

pook, it works really well... when i went to the dentist this week they asked why my teeth looked better than ever...

Good Afternoon, Fodorites!

Yesterday was a good day. We took a trip into the mountains, but didn't go to Doi Suthep, as we have already been there. We did, however, go to Bhubing Palace, and thought it was quite interesting. All the flowers were blooming ~~ or so it seemed to us ~~ and we were impressed with the sizes of the bamboo trees and trees from India.

Then we had to driver take us to the Mae Rim. There were only a couple of places that we wanted to stop and visit. In deference to DH, we did see the Snake Show. I don't like snakes, so this was a real effort for me. Then we stopped at the Siam Insect Zoo, which was fascinating. Some of the insects were the same or similar to ~~ just with different names ~~ to ones in the US, but a lot of them were indigenous to this part of the world. A quick drive through the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, with equally beautiful flowers, and development of current and new species, completed our trip.

We were exhausted so never made it to the Sunday Walking Market. I don't think I could have lasted 10 minutes. We did, however, have the BEST Italian meal at the retaurant directly across the street from the Chedi. It is the Piccolo Roma Restaurant. I don't think I have had Fetuccine Alfredo any where in the world that was better. The chef was Italian and served us himself. I can highly recommend this restaurant if you are ever in CM.

Then, today was the stuff of dreams!!!!!! We began visiting with a very nice young couple at b'fast, and it turns out that he is the new (first day today) GM of the Chedi CM. He and his wife were both so pleasant, and I have visited with her a couple of times today as we met in the hallways.

Our tour today was with Kai ~~ Tong's friend. We turned the day over to him and our only request is that we weren't interested in 'touristy' things. And he took us at his word!!!

He just began driving outside of the city and when we got really 'away' he would turn to investigate Thai villages. He had never been to them, either, and told us not to ask to go there again, as he wouldn't be able to find it. Kai would stop whenever he saw someone and just visit. It was so much fun just to see how the Thais really live ~~ no vendors, etc. and noone spoke one word of English!!!! Now this was really the real Thailand ~~ and we loved it!!!!! This is our kind of traveling.

I have been wanting a set of Celadon tableware so we went to Siam Celadon and Baan Celedon this afternoon. Baan caught my attention, but there was so much there that I couldn't make up my mind, and left empty-handed (for me, anyway). I did get some smaller things for our children and will probably add to it as we continue our travels.

Time for a quick rest before checking in at the Club Lounge. A cup of tea sounds pretty good right now.

Tomorrow is another rest day, but Wednesday we are going to Doi Icthanon with Kai. It will be another great day, I am sure.

Happy Adventures to you All!

Sandra

















































~~

Sounds like a very lovely time for you. I'm so glad you are going to Doi Inthanon. I'll be anxious to get your reaction. Will you also do the waterfall and the highest point in Thailand?

Bob, tell bookchick we miss her.

>>>Today is another travel day. We are headed to Chiang Mai for a couple of weeks, and then to Singapore for a week, before coming back to Bangkok. I am excited about these places, having never been to Singapore.<<<


Warm greetings to you again, Sandra!

Always a pleasure to read your posts, and it's wonderful you will be spending some time in our cherished home of Singapore. (And, if my memory serves correct, you once flew the all-sensational Singapore Airlines in/out of Changi.)

Have fun in Bangkok. If time allows, the 12th floor bar/terrace at the St. Regis was as fine as ever last Thursday evening. Superb staff and beautiful hotel and views; great property for work and leisure.

Finally, enjoy Singapore! Special place.

Joyous travels to you,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

HM-M-M! I must have been more tired last night than I though. Don't know how the blank space ended up in the middle of a thread. Maybe it's there for a rest and a break!

Robert: You are right on all accounts, and we will be flying SQ again between Singapore and Bangkok. DH is still talking about those 'Singapore Girls' on our last year's trip from IAH. Would do the SQ61/62 flight again and again except for the 33+ hrs. What a great airline!

Now, on with today!

Sandra

keep the reports coming...

Good Last Day from Chiang Mai!

Yesterday was a very good day, but very long. It was an all-day trip to Doi Ithanon and was worth every minute of it. On the way Kai took us to Lamphun where we were able to see the weaving set up. Unfortunately, however, there was only one lady working. Yesterday was the end of the Buddhist lenten (rainy) season and the other workers had gone to the local temple. It really was fascinating to watch the one lady create this beautiful fabric with an old-fashion (in our eyes) weaving loom. Her work was gorgeous! Carol, in your honor, I did buy a couple of things since I actually saw them made!

On up the mountain and Kai turned off on some pretty narrow, muddy roads; but Kai is a very careful driver and the sides of the roads with the thousand-foot dropoffs weren't too scary. Especially since I didn't look left or right, and certainly NOT down! He took us to a Karen village (again, no vendors!!!!!) and we saw where and how they lived, and how they produce the crops which sustain them. We grow a lot of rice in Texas, but none of it has been on terraced mountain sides.

We also stopped along the way at a Hmong tribe market, but deidn't see their village.

Doi Ithanon is spectacular! I can't even begin to describe it, as it's beauty is overwhelming. I am not even sure our pics will do it justice. While the Doi Ithanon Park is owned by Thailand, the area of the stupas and gardens is owned and maintained by the Royal Thai Air Force. At least, this is my understanding.

Today is our last day at the Chedi Chiang Mai, and I leave here with a degree of sadness. It has been a time of serenity and reflection for DH and for me, too, and was exactly what we needed. We have met some very interesting people along the way, and look forward to meeting others in our travels.

Today, now, is a day of packing. I always vow to pack lighter, but it never happens. And, on top of it all, there are things that I have bought. Hm-m-m-m! Organization is the buzz word of the day!

Take care, all, and make every adventure count.

Sandra

Sandra, so glad you enjoyed Doi Inthanon! Yes, the gardens are gorgeous. You don't mention the highest point in Thailand and the nearby waterfall... yes? No? They were also nice (but not gorgeous). And I agree that buying something after you've just seen it being made is special.

Have a good time in Singapore. I hope to get back there sometime soon. It is clean and green!

BKK, here I come, Monday morning! (arriving Tues night)

Carol

We are in Singapore for the next few days. The Silk flight yesterday was very nice and the food was good. And the people were so nice and helpful. A group of Singaporeans sat down next to us in the CM airport and they were delighted to share "their" Singapore with us. Come to find out one of the ladies was a tour guide, and was most helpful. She even stopped us in the Singapore airport and helped us find exactly where we needed to be. It is such an easy airport to navigate. Our seat partner was a younger Singaporean, had lived in the US, and looked out for us until we found the taxis. Even the Silk attendants stopped us in the airport to see if there was anything they could do. I have said so many times that our travels are made up of meeting so many interesting people, and this venture into Singapore was no exception.

The InterContinental here is quite different from any other we have visited. It is beautiful and very vibrant. As soon as I catch my breath (and my wits) we will begin our adventures in Singapore. More on this as the days go by.

Time to get out and about, so saving any other reviews, comments, etc. until later.

Make it a great day, everyone!

Sandra

I do hope you two enjoy Singapore. The IC is a very nice hotel. Are you able to go into the Club Lounge there? That is a really nice plus, if you can. B'fast, and canapes and drinks in the early evening!!

Anxious to get your report on this part of your trip.

See you next week.

we loved the hop on hop off bus and there is a stop directly across the street from the side door of your hotel... their boat trip on the river is fun and gives a great view of the water areas...

We took the hop-on hop-off bus today, but just stayed on the bus for the tour of the city. Now, at least, I have an idea of where everything is.

Carol: I did forget the waterfall and the highest point on my Doi Inthanon trip. I left the waterfall drenched, but it was beautiful. The highest point was really busy when we were there, but it was interesting. I can tell you lots more about it when I see you next week.

I am still looking forward to the GTG with whomever is able to make it. It will be fun no matter what.

Sandra

From Luxor: following along here, Sandra. Great stuff. It's also great to see you grow in confidence [writing-wise] - it's something I found when I first came in here: the support and interest was a great spur to better writing. I see it's happened to you too. Smooch from Karnak. I'm kinda busy and will soon be on the high seas in my sweet super-felucca - if the Nile can be called the high seas... just know that the dawg is hiding in your handbag, watching every move.

Hello dawg... nice to 'see' you here! Give us some tidbits here about your trip. I don't want to try to find you on the Africa forums...

Sandra, yes, the hop on hop off bus is a good deal. I, like you, did the full tour, but then I did a couple of stops on the second go-round. It was easy to do.

See you soon.

Carol

Hi Sandra - just catching up with you. Isn't the Singapore IC great? Haven't been to CM since 2000 but unfortunately we were newbies back then and did visit the snake farm...

Now Dr Jack loves the snake farms. He collects venom (or at least he used to) as he is a specialist in jungle medicine. I can forego the snake farms myself. lol

Well, a long post was just deleted ~ argh-h-h-h! Guess I had better go get b'fast and wake up.

Besides, there should be more exciting and interesting things to report later.

Happy Days and Adventures! See you in Bangkok soon!

Sandra

Let's try this again after a shower and a semblence of awakeness. I keep backtracking on our trip because I forget certain things until one of you reminds me ~~ thanks. The CM snake show wasn't too bad ~~ and I am definitely NOT a fan of "nakes" as my grandson used to day. I did learn, too , that they can't see directly ahead, only to the sides. So, the day wasn't completely wasted! I get excited about all animals and things of nature ~~ except "nakes."

Dawg, your comments mean more than you can realize. This isn't my first attempt at writing. I did some in my professional capacity, but somehow always managed to receive a rejection letter. One of these days I will let you all in on the reasons, but not now. Looking back they were absolutely true ~~ and funny, as I look in the rearview mirror. Hope Egypt is being good to you, but know that we will all miss you in Bangkok this year!!!!!!

Craig, yes, the IC is very nice. It is partly due to yours and Jeane's report that we are here. BTW, my name is also Jeane, with a second "n" ~~ Jeanne. You don't find too many of us with the extra 'N' and "e." We are really enjoying the b'fast and the evening "appetizers" (really a full meal) in the CL. Saves a lot on food!

Carol, will Dr. Jack be in Bangkok next week, or has he already left? I hope we get to see him again. What a fascinating gentleman!

I am so glad that DH travels with me. He is the "tour guide" and plans our time outside the hotel. I am not adventurous on my own, but love doing things that others plan. I remember one time in Madrid that I was alone with two of our daughters, and we spent the first two or three days in our hotel room because I was afraid to get out. Then, gently, we eased out ~~ and had a wonderful time. I have grown in this aspect thru' the years, but not much. I am still somewhat apprehensious about the unknown. Thanks to all my travel friends, however, I am getting better. Here's to Fodorites!!!!

Today is probaby going to be an easy day, with a visit to the Night Safari this evening. This is a must for me!!!!

DH is ready, so I will close now and enjoy b'fast at the IC.

Again, dear Fodorite friends, make today the best that you can.

Sandra

Hi Sandra,
Yes, Dr Jack will be in BKK. He leaves after I head back home, so no problem getting to visit with him again, I would think. Maybe I can get him to come to Maeng's when we have our GTG. Karen would find him interesting, since she is a retired nurse.

I didn't do the night safari, but really did enjoy the zoo!! If you have time, you should try to get there. The orangs have a great enclosure. I think they are the coolest animals.

Enjoy your day.

Well, it has been almost a month since the last report, and we are back in the US. After Chiang Mai it was hard for me to describe anything else that meant so much to DH and me.

The Silk flight from Chiang Mai to Singapore was as good as anything we could have wanted. There weren't any complaints about Silk, and other airlines should take notice. Of course, the fact that it is a part of Singapore Airlines doesn't hurt!!!!!!

We splurged and stayed at the InterContinental Hotel, and even though it was totally different from the Chedi in Chiang Mai, it was an awesome week spent there. Again, we opted for the Club (concierge) Lounge and believe me ~~ food was always available. We started the day with such a wonderful b'fast buffet ~~ I got really spoiled with brie for every meal ~~ but then there was coffee, tea and soft drinks all day, with High Tea in the afternoon. I am still drooling just thinking of the scones with whipped cream and jam!!! Um-m-m-m! High Tea was barely over before evening cocktails and hor d'erves were served. This was also a buffet, and made a wonderful evening meal. Again, brie!

The InterContinental is an "old-world" hotel that is exquisite. It fits the Singapore environment perfectly. So far as Singapore was concerned, we made two bus trips around the city. The busses were clean and efficient, and well worth the costs. We were content just to sit back and watch the Singapore world go by. One night we took a tour to the Night Safari, which was somewhat disappointing. First of all, it was very crowded at the Safari Park, even though the lines moved rather quickly. And secondly, it was difficult to see the animals in their habitats. There seemed to me to be an over-abundance of different types of deer, and not enough of the larger animals. Oh, well!

We can't say enough good things about the infrastructure of Singapore. It is such a clean, well-run city that one can't help but enjoy it.

After six days here, however, we went back to Bangkok for several days before flying home. Since we have been to Bangkok on numerous occassions, and since I am not a "shopper" our time there was very calm. We had dinner the first night there with simpsonc510 and the rhkkmks, and watched it rain while we enjoyed a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant ~~ Monsoon. Because of the floods our plans for the next several days were canceled, with hopes of resuming them in the future. These were shopping trips for the orphanage in Kanchanaburi, and delivery of these items to them. This will be a memorial to GPanda in the future.

We experienced Indian food at the Rembrandt Hotel 25th floor Indian buffet. Thanks, rhkkmks, for introducting us to this delightful cuisine. This was a very pleasant experience for us.

However, with all the flooding and devastation surrounding Bangkok while we were there, I will not dwell on the things that we did, and emphasize, instead, our concern for the Thais. This has been total devastation for many of them, and our hearts go out to them.

On our way to the airport, leaving at 3 AM that day, I watched 4 teenagers (13-15) playing kickball in a vacant lot. My first reaction was that they were out in the middle of the night; but, then, as I watched them and saw the smiles on their faces, and the fun they were having, it symbolized to me the stamina and perserverence of the Thais. They are resilient ~~ no matter what. Throughout devastation they are able to continue smiling! Thank you, Thailand, for teaching me a lesson!

Happy Adventures every day, wherever you may be Everyone!

Sandra

sandra, we loved spending time with you two and getting to know you a bit...

please plan to come to the boston GTG, probably on columbus day weekend, oct, 2012.... AND then follow that with our shopping for the orphanage in thailand in november...

B&K from kathmandu

>>>Robert: You are right on all accounts, and we will be flying SQ again between Singapore and Bangkok. DH is still talking about those 'Singapore Girls' on our last year's trip from IAH. Would do the SQ61/62 flight again and again except for the 33+ hrs. What a great airline!<<<


Warm greetings again Sandra!

Just catching up with this truly wonderful trip report of yours. You are a gifted writer; a pleasure to savour your thoughts. Glad you and your husband enjoy flying that sensational Singaporean airline; no complaints from me over the years. Stay abreast of future offers via the always evolving singaporeair website.

Hope you return soon to our fine home of Singapore. (And should you ever decide to fly to Asia out of our other home/work base of San Francisco, SQ has some fine flights to get you there in good comfort.)

A healthy and joyous holiday season to you Sandra and to your husband. Should various meeting schedules hold, I'll soon be raising a toast to you and others from an all-time cherished Bangkok riverside hotel.

Thanks again and keep on flying,

robert


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Thanks for your comments and support, RM. We are already checking the SQ flights for late 2012 -- going somewhere, just haven't decided where! I would like to upgrade, but so far haven't spent "indepth" time on the website to figure out how.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Sandra

sandra--we survived it--24 and counting..