The birthday party trip! BKK and SYD here I come.
Jul 18th, 2012, 04:00 AM
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The birthday party trip! BKK and SYD here I come.
I'm leaving for OHare in about an hour, for my 28th trip to Thailand I am covering a lot of miles on this trip, as it includes two of my most favorite cities, Bangkok and Sydney. I'm doing it all on a free first class ticket, so I'm sure it will at least be comfortable travels, on a combination of United and Thai flights. ORD-HKG-BKK, then BKK-SYD, and then SYD-SFO-ORD. All in two weeks time.
I've got 3 birthday parties on the agenda this time. The first one, a Thai friend's 30th, is in Bangkok, this coming Saturday night; and the other 2 are in the Sydney suburbs (Aussie husband and wife with birthdays just 2 days apart, both turning 30) the following Saturday!
I'll be trying out some new hotels on this trip. Four Points on Sukhumvit soi 15 will be my Bangkok location, and then Marriott Circular Quay is where I'll 'park' in Sydney. Hoping to try the new rooftop bar at Sofitel Sukhumvit, and the new night market Asiatique along the river, should time permit.
There will, of course, be a bit of time for shopping!! That's a given!!
Looking forward to this very special BKK/SYD trip!!
Carol
I've got 3 birthday parties on the agenda this time. The first one, a Thai friend's 30th, is in Bangkok, this coming Saturday night; and the other 2 are in the Sydney suburbs (Aussie husband and wife with birthdays just 2 days apart, both turning 30) the following Saturday!
I'll be trying out some new hotels on this trip. Four Points on Sukhumvit soi 15 will be my Bangkok location, and then Marriott Circular Quay is where I'll 'park' in Sydney. Hoping to try the new rooftop bar at Sofitel Sukhumvit, and the new night market Asiatique along the river, should time permit.
There will, of course, be a bit of time for shopping!! That's a given!!
Looking forward to this very special BKK/SYD trip!!
Carol
Jul 18th, 2012, 09:22 AM
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Thanks everyone for all of the well-wishes. I'm happy to 'take you all along' on yet another Bangkok adventure. I think some of you have been to Sydney, but even if you've not been there, I'll also share those adventures as well.
Craig, my 30th birthday is YEARS away... (waaay behind me...lol). But thanks for asking... And Hanuman, yes, if you ask my Thai friends who 'try' to go shopping with me... they can barely keep up. haha
Evelyne, we really need to coordinate our BKK time again sometime soon! I have enjoyed our meetings in the past.
DS (bradinbangkok) and I are sitting in the OHare Int'l First Class lounge waiting to board our 747 to Hong Kong. We are on time today (knock on wood... this ORD-HKG is notorious for being delayed). Good news is, the plane is sitting just outside the window where we are sitting. At least it's HERE. Gate Gourmet is done loading the food on board. That is a good sign.
Three hours in Hong Kong should be enough time to have a shower in the United first class lounge and then do some shopping! I have some HKG dollars with me, so I might pick up a souvenir or two there.
Seat 2A should give me a great view of Hong Kong as we approach the city. DS thinks seat 1A is the best... we shall see. In any case, a nice lie-flat bed, a couple of mimosas and some food now and then... life is good.
Ready to fly......
Craig, my 30th birthday is YEARS away... (waaay behind me...lol). But thanks for asking... And Hanuman, yes, if you ask my Thai friends who 'try' to go shopping with me... they can barely keep up. haha
Evelyne, we really need to coordinate our BKK time again sometime soon! I have enjoyed our meetings in the past.
DS (bradinbangkok) and I are sitting in the OHare Int'l First Class lounge waiting to board our 747 to Hong Kong. We are on time today (knock on wood... this ORD-HKG is notorious for being delayed). Good news is, the plane is sitting just outside the window where we are sitting. At least it's HERE. Gate Gourmet is done loading the food on board. That is a good sign.
Three hours in Hong Kong should be enough time to have a shower in the United first class lounge and then do some shopping! I have some HKG dollars with me, so I might pick up a souvenir or two there.
Seat 2A should give me a great view of Hong Kong as we approach the city. DS thinks seat 1A is the best... we shall see. In any case, a nice lie-flat bed, a couple of mimosas and some food now and then... life is good.
Ready to fly......
Jul 18th, 2012, 09:27 PM
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Have a great time Carol, I am sorry I won't be in Australia during your visit. Will be back in Siem Reap where I have been working and exploring. In Melbourne today it is 6 degrees and 4pm !!!! Hope Sydney will be an improvement on that though it has been very cold there too. Have just been back to Phnom Penh for six days and before that in Hong Kong again. Normally stay on the island but this time tried the Hyatt Regency out at Sha Tin. Very peaceful, close to MRT and given an enormous suite with ocean views so felt very spoilt. I was in Bangkok for 48 hours recently and went to see Odd for my hair, he was his usual charming self . Platinum very busy as always but still so good for business and all my regular suppliers pleased to see me and offer great bargains.
Look forward to reading your travels.
Look forward to reading your travels.
Jul 19th, 2012, 03:11 AM
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Hello from Hong Kong first class lounge. Food and drink (and Haagen Dazs ice cream) and a shower, and I'm ready to move on!! The flight to HGK was a bit bumpy at times, but food, a couple of movies and LOTS of sleep, was just what I wanted! Now, on to BKK in about an hour.
Carol
Carol
Jul 19th, 2012, 10:13 AM
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Made it to Bangkok. Went around to say hi to some friends, and now will unpack and try to sleep a little bit.
Lights are ON at Side Pocket, but word is that Maeng sold the place to some new buyers. I will probably not go there at all. I will go to Pickled Liver however, and see my friends there. I hope to see Maeng on soi 11, where she is setting up a cooking school. More info as I get it!
Now sleep........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Carol
Lights are ON at Side Pocket, but word is that Maeng sold the place to some new buyers. I will probably not go there at all. I will go to Pickled Liver however, and see my friends there. I hope to see Maeng on soi 11, where she is setting up a cooking school. More info as I get it!
Now sleep........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Carol
Jul 19th, 2012, 07:36 PM
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OK, here is the first report on my new abode. My rate for a junior suite is approximate $170 per night. Handiness of the location (BTS), yet to be determined. It IS right across the street from Sports Academy, where I will spend a lot of time. SA is a pool player place (DS, you know) and I have several friends here. The 30th birthday party is for someone who works here. SA replaces the Pickled Liver and/or Side Pocket for my go-to place to see friends.
OK, the bathroom is HUGE. Gotta love it!! Twice the size, or more, of my Adelphi Suites bathroom, which I always raved about. I have double sinks, a separate soaking tub and shower stall. The loo is in its own stall in the bathroom. Loads of space on the counter for make up and hair junk and cosmetic bags, etc. Two people sharing the suite would love the space! No need to shove each other out of the way to get to the sink. One whole wall of the bathroom is pretty much mirrors. But that said, the lighting is not very good for make up application. Why can't hotels seem to get THAT lighting right???!!!
The bed if comfy. I actually had a pretty good sleep for about 4-5 hours, and then got up at 7:15 this morning and turned on the TV. The usual selection of English channels. Oh, my TV swivels on a wooden base so it is viewable from my bed and from the 'livingroom' area of the suite, and also from the bathroom. There is a sliding door that opens up the bathroom to full exposure (it's an Asian thing) and you can even look out the window from the tub if you would want to (no view).
The view is nothing to write home about. Adelphi's view is much better. I have a good view of the new Sofitel (on Sukhumvit... I thought about trying to stay there, but rates were higher than here at Four Points). I have heard great reviews of the Sofitel, and their breakfast selection looks great! If one can swing it, a club floor room would be the way to go at this new hotel (opened in early April 2012).
Speaking of breakfast, the one here at Four Points is very good. Plenty of hot and cold selections. I don't eat a huge breakfast (cereal, fruit, yogurt, bacon/eggs, coffee) and probably did not get my baht's worth. I have a suite rate that does NOT include breakfast, so I'm paying 650 baht/day to eat breakfast. I did not get a breakfast included rate because I had thought I'd go to 7-11 or the gourmet market at Terminal 21 and get a few things for the fridge (yogurt, milk for cereal, etc). BUT, the fridge holds all the mini bar cold selection, and there really isn't room for any snacks of my own... that is one fault I have with fridge size here.
Coffee making facilities are in the room. But I can also get a free cup of coffee in the lobby breakfast restaurant or upstairs on the 8th floor at the poolside lounge anytime. I will take advantage of that! It comes with the suite??
Wifi in the room costs by the hour or day. I forget the rates, but the wifi in the lobby is free, so that is where I am sitting right now. There is a more 'private' room for people using computers. There are also a couple of free hotel computers, but I prefer using my own.
I'm going to check out the pool and rooftop facilities and will post what I find. I'll try to post photos on facebook (I have no idea how to make a link here... so sorry!!!) later on today or tomorrow.
Today is relaxation time. I will maybe head over to Platinum Mall or MBK for a look around. I'm not on a buying trip (but if I see something I like... well,... you know.....)
Friend Lars is cooking dinner tonight so we will be dining at his (and Pong's) apartment instead of in a restaurant.
Time to get moving! More later.
Carol
OK, the bathroom is HUGE. Gotta love it!! Twice the size, or more, of my Adelphi Suites bathroom, which I always raved about. I have double sinks, a separate soaking tub and shower stall. The loo is in its own stall in the bathroom. Loads of space on the counter for make up and hair junk and cosmetic bags, etc. Two people sharing the suite would love the space! No need to shove each other out of the way to get to the sink. One whole wall of the bathroom is pretty much mirrors. But that said, the lighting is not very good for make up application. Why can't hotels seem to get THAT lighting right???!!!
The bed if comfy. I actually had a pretty good sleep for about 4-5 hours, and then got up at 7:15 this morning and turned on the TV. The usual selection of English channels. Oh, my TV swivels on a wooden base so it is viewable from my bed and from the 'livingroom' area of the suite, and also from the bathroom. There is a sliding door that opens up the bathroom to full exposure (it's an Asian thing) and you can even look out the window from the tub if you would want to (no view).
The view is nothing to write home about. Adelphi's view is much better. I have a good view of the new Sofitel (on Sukhumvit... I thought about trying to stay there, but rates were higher than here at Four Points). I have heard great reviews of the Sofitel, and their breakfast selection looks great! If one can swing it, a club floor room would be the way to go at this new hotel (opened in early April 2012).
Speaking of breakfast, the one here at Four Points is very good. Plenty of hot and cold selections. I don't eat a huge breakfast (cereal, fruit, yogurt, bacon/eggs, coffee) and probably did not get my baht's worth. I have a suite rate that does NOT include breakfast, so I'm paying 650 baht/day to eat breakfast. I did not get a breakfast included rate because I had thought I'd go to 7-11 or the gourmet market at Terminal 21 and get a few things for the fridge (yogurt, milk for cereal, etc). BUT, the fridge holds all the mini bar cold selection, and there really isn't room for any snacks of my own... that is one fault I have with fridge size here.
Coffee making facilities are in the room. But I can also get a free cup of coffee in the lobby breakfast restaurant or upstairs on the 8th floor at the poolside lounge anytime. I will take advantage of that! It comes with the suite??
Wifi in the room costs by the hour or day. I forget the rates, but the wifi in the lobby is free, so that is where I am sitting right now. There is a more 'private' room for people using computers. There are also a couple of free hotel computers, but I prefer using my own.
I'm going to check out the pool and rooftop facilities and will post what I find. I'll try to post photos on facebook (I have no idea how to make a link here... so sorry!!!) later on today or tomorrow.
Today is relaxation time. I will maybe head over to Platinum Mall or MBK for a look around. I'm not on a buying trip (but if I see something I like... well,... you know.....)
Friend Lars is cooking dinner tonight so we will be dining at his (and Pong's) apartment instead of in a restaurant.
Time to get moving! More later.
Carol
Jul 20th, 2012, 05:59 AM
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But it's a junior suite, Bob. Photos now up on facebook... have a look.
I timed myself today. It took 10 minutes (not a fast pace) to walk to VASU for exchange (rate was 31.67 today). Part of the time is weaving thru the foot traffic and the vender stalls on Sukhumvit, mind you.
Then, I timed myself from my hotel to Terminal 21. Again, a normal pace. It was more like 5 minutes. I did go into the gourmet market for a look and bought a few items that do not need refrigeration.
BillT, if you are reading along, you will love the Westin location with respect to Terminal 21. They are right across from each other... just cross soi 19 and walk right in the door. Very very handy for you and Olive.
Now, the new Sofitel would be right smack in between Nana and Asok BTS stations, possibly a slight bit closer to Asok.
I met up with my dear (teacher) friend, Nok, this afternoon and we spent time visiting in my suite, and then went to dinner with DS and another expat friend, at Soi 8 Pub. It felt like 'home' walking down soi 8!! I nice pork ball and tofu soup and a cold Tiger beer for me. Not too heavy a meal, since I want to get to sleep early tonight (by 10ish).
Lars, as it turns out, was not available tonight. We will see him tomorrow, and then again at the 30th birthday party tomorrow night. Should be a fun day. I need to rest up!
Nok and I have made our shopping plans for Sunday!! Yippee!
Carol
I timed myself today. It took 10 minutes (not a fast pace) to walk to VASU for exchange (rate was 31.67 today). Part of the time is weaving thru the foot traffic and the vender stalls on Sukhumvit, mind you.
Then, I timed myself from my hotel to Terminal 21. Again, a normal pace. It was more like 5 minutes. I did go into the gourmet market for a look and bought a few items that do not need refrigeration.
BillT, if you are reading along, you will love the Westin location with respect to Terminal 21. They are right across from each other... just cross soi 19 and walk right in the door. Very very handy for you and Olive.
Now, the new Sofitel would be right smack in between Nana and Asok BTS stations, possibly a slight bit closer to Asok.
I met up with my dear (teacher) friend, Nok, this afternoon and we spent time visiting in my suite, and then went to dinner with DS and another expat friend, at Soi 8 Pub. It felt like 'home' walking down soi 8!! I nice pork ball and tofu soup and a cold Tiger beer for me. Not too heavy a meal, since I want to get to sleep early tonight (by 10ish).
Lars, as it turns out, was not available tonight. We will see him tomorrow, and then again at the 30th birthday party tomorrow night. Should be a fun day. I need to rest up!
Nok and I have made our shopping plans for Sunday!! Yippee!
Carol
Jul 20th, 2012, 04:03 PM
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Carol -if you get a chance can you check out Terminal 21 for breakfast places? We will not be eating at the Westin so I'm hoping there are a few decent breakfast places there. Yes I think the Westin is going to work out just fine for us.
One more question- what is the name of the MRT stop that puts you right inside the weekend market?
One more question- what is the name of the MRT stop that puts you right inside the weekend market?
