Have fun! I have a BA in translation and I am currently a proofreader for the federal government if you are hiring anybody to replace you in Bangkok. Just saying.

Eeeewwwwww... and I thought MY proofing was boring.......

So jealous, wishing I was on my way to BKK. Sigh.........

Have a wonderful time, Carol!

watching for your reports

tagging along too!

Aloha!

Hi Carol. Have a great time. Are you going to be in Thailand June/July this year. We'll be back late June to mid July (some Bkk and some Chiang Mai this year). Maybe we can catch up if you are there then.

I look forward to your shopping hints from this trip.

Hello from Narita. I've had a nice hot shower and feel very refreshed. On to BKK in about 2 hours. Wide awake and filling up on coffee right now... haha The flight over to NRT from ORD is one of the smoothest flights I've ever taken!! The pilot never turned on the seatbelt sign once!! Amazing! Even the FA commented on how smooth it was when I stopped to say how enjoyable it had been, when we were deplaning at NRT. Upper deck, very quiet, got some sleep and also some reading done. I only wasted my time for about 40 minutes on a movie (The Iron Lady) but stopped watching about halfway into it. Movies aren't like they used to be.

Mary, I'm looking at possibly July 19-25th in BKK. It will be part of a whirlwind trip that will include both BKK and SYD. All in a period of about 2 weeks! Yikes!! (but in first class on frequent flier miles.... so not so bad... haha)

I'm always happy to 'take my fellow fodorites along' with me on my BKK adventures. We're already off to a bit of a jolting start, as one of the newbies will be delayed 24 hours in ORD due to mechanicals on Cathay Pacific. Too bad!!! We'll still be there to greet her when she gets here 24 hours late, at BKK airport.

Weather here is cloudy and about 60 degrees. Looks like we could get a shower about the time we take off for BKK.

Now, back to my reading.

Welcome to Bangkok, where the temperature today, according to one program, 'feels' like 115F. Having been out around Siam (checked out the Lit Hotel - interesting) I have to say that estimate isn't as half-cocked as it may sound. It is %$#@ hot out there, folks!

Will probably miss you in Bkk in July then Carol. We fly home on 16th. I'm heading back to South Korea a week later most likely on 25th. Might go via Bkk but more likely Kuala Lumpur at this stage. Depends on fares.

Sounds as if Bangkok is going to be hot for your stay this time. Have fun.

Warm evening greetings Carol from our fine home of warm Singapore. Glad you're returning to beloved Bangkok (and many thanks again for your years of helping support the Thai economy).

As of ~ ten days back, BKK was as fine as ever; brief business trip, stayed at the St. Regis. If not already done so, will give a gentle promotion of the St. Regis' Terrace Bar area. Good views and great staff.

Also, any chance of enticing you back to our little slice of paradise, Singapore? (And you know the airline to fly.)

Enjoy your time in the City of Angels. I'm currently scheduled for more BKK meetings in mid-May; St. Regis, once again. Check that place out sometime, along with her forever sentimental neighbour, the Four Seasons.

Warm and early weekend wishes to all from SIN,

macintosh (robert)


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

The pilot announced that the temp at 11pm is/was 88 degrees. Balmy.... Michael, I'm not doubting you for a minute, that it will feel like 115 during the day (plus high humidity) so it's gonna be hot hot hot in BKK! I know what to expect. This is the 4th or 5th year in a row for a trip here in April, the hottest month of the year!

I made it to Adelphi and dropped my bags and then walked over to the (new) Pickled Liver for a chat with Nick. Thought DS would pop in, but alas, Samui has given him a cold. Too much beach time...eh? He was already in for the evening.

Anyway, I'm settled in, unpacked, and unwinding. I'm wide awake but will force myself to sleep for at least 4-5 hours before getting up for breakfast!

BKK seems quiet... and there seems to be more of a police presence at the airport. Security, I suppose? Are they anticipating "something" around here??

Immigration at BKK was slightly different. Rather than everyone rushing up the ramp to find a booth with a short line, there are now rope lines, where you are stopped before entering, and you have to show your passport and show that your entry document is completely filled out before they let you get into a line! It went quickly though, so I'm not complaining.

Taxi... 300baht to Suk soi 8. That's from 219 on the meter, plus 50 airport fee and tip from what is left over. Tolls were 25 and 45, so 70 baht, which I pay as the rider.

Sukhumvit was strangely quiet at 11:30pm. But then, it is only a Thursday night. Maeng's place is (officially???) closed. Lights turned out. Nick at PL says it has been that way for a few weeks now. Too bad!

Dr Jack has been out and about. Really hoping to see first hand how he is doing now that he is back in BKK. I'm sure he is in much better spirits here than where he was in Arizona for about 6 months, where he was getting some medical treatments. He really truly missed this city, where everyone knows him and cares about him.

The newbie is on her way now, via NRT this time, instead of HKG. I'm assuming it's on AA rather than Cathay. Anyway, she is on her way!! Good news!!

Time to force myself to sleep! I'll be checking back in here regularly.

Oh I am so envious......good luck sleeping and looking forward to the live updates.

There have been a lot of complaints lately about immigration at the airport, especially outgoing. People are (or were) standing in line for hours to get through. The police have been under pressure to put more staff on to help with the problem (immigration is a part of the police force).

Bangkok is usually pretty quiet right after Songkran. It's the post holiday blues. A bunch of us are dining at La Monita tonight, if you'd like to join. Margaritas for everyone!

Sounds good, Michael, but we are meeting up with Dr Jack at the Pickled Liver tonight, and then we will head to the airport to welcome our newbie, who should be in Tokyo (NRT) now. Where is La Monita? I love margaritas!

La Monita is in Mahatun Plaza, right at the Ploenchit Skytrain station. It's in the shop-houses that face the office building, down the left side of the building as you're facing it. IMO they're the best Mexican you can get in Bangkok (which, OK, isn't saying much). They're better than Sunrise Tacos, which has gotten better recently, but I still think La Monita has a better range of 'real' Mexican food. It's really popular with local expats.

I have the feeling that I am probably the first one to be up and moving around this morning. The 'newbie' arrived BKK last night and we went to greet her and bring her into the city. She was hungry so we headed directly to the Pickled Liver, where there was a 1-man band performing. He was fantastic!! Our newbie had a bite to eat, and we ended up staying there the rest of the evening, which just ended not that many hours ago! A really great time! I think our newbie is already deciding she likes Bangkok... already planning "next year," so we're off to a good start.

Dr Jack came in. It was great to see him and see how he is doing.

Today, Chatuchak!

Hey Carol, I was planning to go to Chatuchak myself today. It's going to be hot!

Carol ..Anything new at Chatuchak? How hot was it?

We didn't make it to Chatuchak today. Got sidetracked... you know how that is in Bangkok. How do you say it's STIFLING HOT here!!! I don't recall past Aprils being quite this HOT. We will go to Chatuchak tomorrow, and we will get an earlier start. Plus, we'll head to MBK and maybe Platinum too. Depends on how we handle the heat.

Today was the 40th birthday party of a very good Thai friend. The party was held at Thong Lo, soi 53 I think, at a party house called "Be Your Guest." A beautiful house! It is also a cooking school. The owner of the place if French. I don't know if that means that the cooking school teaches French cooking...?...but I would not be surprised. The food served was all finger foods, a mixture of European and Thai. We had salmon balls, chicken satay, mushroom quiche, pasta salad, bruschetta, etc. It was all very delicious. All were served in little single serving dishes, being carried around the house by a staff of maybe 6-8 servers. The party 'occupied' the first floor living area of the house, as well as the terrace area and swimming pool outside. A very nice setting for a birthday party. I don't think this place is open as a restaurant, but I could be wrong.

My jetlag is catching up with me. I had to call it a night very early tonight, after being out very late last night. I'm not sure where the rest of our big group was going to be headed after the b'day party, but I think it had to do with finding the location of the one-man band's act (from the first night at Pickled Liver) again tonight. He's playing not far from our area of Sukhumvit.

Did I mention that it is really HOT HOT in BKK this trip???

And now for a bit more sleep before I have to get up and go SHOPPING with the girls!! (I woke up at an odd hour and I'm wide awake, but will try very hard to get about 4 more hours of sleep...ah, jetlag... I expect it to catch up with our newbie friend on Sunday night)

Hey Carol, if you make it to Platinum, there's a new mall across the street from it. I'm drawing a blank on the name, but it's Japanese. It's a little roomier than Platinum and has some nice shops.

would that house be a good place for a GTG?? or would it be too expensive??

We'll have to make it to Platinum another day, Michael. But, yes, we'll get there. I did not know about a new mall in that area. Must have a look! Thanks for the tip.

Bob, I think too expensive, and they expect 'big parties' more like the BOS GTG than what you can put together in BKK.

Believe it or not, we headed to Chatuchak at 9:45 and we left the area at 3pm!! But I have to admit that we spent the last 3 hours plus at J J Mall, and not in the belly of the HOT HOT weekend market stalls! Newbie had a taste of what's to offer, and then we escaped the terrific heat.

The newbie had a ball. She bought soooooo much stuff... I think I have serious competition here! lol She can't wait to buy shoes at Platinum, Karen. I told her you always find 5-6 pairs of cute shoes there.

We had lunch at Black Canyon Coffee at J J Mall. Great place! They have very good Thai food, plus the iced coffee really hits the spot on such a hot day.

At 3:00 we hopped in a taxi and headed back to my apartment to drop off the goodies..... and then it was off to MBK!! Newbie bought lots more stuff at MBK! She will have to buy the very biggest suitcase she can find, to get it all home!! lol

It was a really fun day. Newbie can't wait to spend another day shopping. Tomorrow it's Grand Palace and Wat Pho. She will be blown away, I'm sure.

Dinner tonight was on soi 4 at Hanrahan's. Nothing to write home about (we had a variety of items since there were 9 of us). But the beer was cold!

Everyone has an early-to-bed plan for tonight. We must have all the energy we can muster for the big birthday bash at Tawandang tomorrow night. MichaelBKK... come on out, if you can. You can join in the party. It's always a great time.

Tell Brad Happy Birthday ...Enjoy your party. We will be thinking about you all sweating whil we ar shivering here in the cold rainy NE.

I'll take the heat, Karen. We did have a nice rain shower that started about 5:30 this morning. It came down pretty heavy for a good half hour. Right now it isn't raining, but who knows. That will maybe cool things down slightly today for the birthday bash. I'll give Brad your birthday wishes. Thanks! I think we need to go to the office today, while newbie and Thai friend (both teachers, so they have a lot in common) go to Grand Palace and Wat Pho. I just hope they don't get rained on while they are trying to tour. This is the first rain we have had. Might know it would happen on the day they want to go and see tourist places. Oh well, maybe the rain has stopped for now. We'll see.

i think visiting the GP in the rain might be perfect... it is always so damn hot there..

I got stuck in the Grand Palace in the rain about a year ago. Hid out in the Ramakien Gallery while the main compound around the Emerald Buddha filled with water - I'm not kidding, it was around a foot deep in parts. As the rain finally let up I picked my way around the gallery to get out into the center court, which wasn't all that wet compared to the shrine. I wouldn't really recommend it, although that was the one and only time I've seen the changing of the guard at the palace.

Good morning from Bangkok! I'm being very lazy this morning after yesterday's activity. I had a chance to do some 'me time' at the malls. I also got a fresh haircut and color, done by my friend OD, behind Central Chitlom Department Store, not my friend Ya on soi 8. I have not seen Ya yet.

The birthday party at Tawandang was so much fun. The food was great, as was the beer; the entertainment was excellent; the party group was maybe 40-45 people? Not sure how many turned up. A great time for everyone. I am always recommending an evening at Tawandang, if you want to party with the locals.

Today we take it easy. We are thinking about taking in a movie at Paragon, and then we have a 7:00 dinner at an Indian restaurant. I'll report in later as to where this restaurant is, as well as the food. It is a favorite restaurant of one of our Indian friends here in Bangkok, so I'm guessing it is going to be good!

MichaelBKK, would have loved to see you at the party last night. Maybe I'll run into you at Terminal 21, like I did last October!

i'm always keen on indian in bkk, let us know the particulars...

It will be a simple place, I'm sure. But the food will be 5* and very authentic.

Karen (rmk), you've met your match as far as buying shoes at Platinum Fashion Mall. Newbie bought about 10 pairs today, and wants to go back and keep looking!!

There is no end to shoe buying...and I know. Tell her that in the end they are bulkey and heavy to get get home. Each pair is light and can flatten down, but colletivly they add up...think luggage charge (or is she like you and can have unlimited suitcases and weight?) Glad she is having fun.

Karen you are soooo right about the luggage. The last time we traveled abroad- 2 years ago- we could check 2 bags up to 70lbs each at no charge. Now it seems you only get 1 bag and at 50lbs. Second bag- $70. Unless of course your are a premier flyer (which we are not). So the next time we travel out of the country we have to be careful about what we buy weight wise.

One bag free? Maybe on Southwest.....

well linda can take her usual 3

BillT......"So the next time we travel out of the country we have to be careful about what we buy weight wise."

Or make sure you take me with you! I can still have 3 70lb bags free on UA. I'm going to be bringing home some of newbie's shoes and purses and silk pillows, I'd guess... haha She will have to drive up to my 'burg from St Louis, but it's not that bad of a drive for her.

We went to the make up brush store (If you've not been, you would LOVE these brushes!!!)... so funny. Newbie saw a brush on the shelf, reached for it, and knocked over almost an entire display! (haha) Then, she saw another one she wanted, and again... the display was toppled, like dominoes! Wish we had a photo... The owner of the shop picked up, and re-set her display twice... but she didn't complain when Newbie bought about 6 of her beautiful brushes (she would point them out rather than grab for them). They do make great gifts for women. The cases have a bit of bling on the outside. Some are travel brushes in collapsible cases (you ladies will know what I mean). Anyway, this shop is just down from Coco Banana not very far.

Last night's dinner was really excellent. The restaurant is called Mrs Balbir's Indian Cuisine. The location is just off of Sukhumvit, on soi 11/1 (not plain soi 11)... it's the next one down from soi 11. The decor is really nice. I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of Indian food, but at least 3 in our party of 8 said it was the best they had had. Must've been exceptional. I did like the bread and sauces (we had a lentil dip and a lamb dip). There were a couple of chicken dishes (one of them a bit spicy for my taste) and of course a variety of the wonderful breads. We had some vegetarian dishes as well, and they were yummy. I can recommend Mrs Balbir's on soi 11/1. Make a reservation if you can. The place filled up very quickly. There were a number of large parties that came in, as well as couples.

Today, I'm going to take two Thai friends shopping! (what else???) I think Newbie and her Thai friend Nok (both are teachers...did I mention that... met on facebook through my DS) are going to take a klong tour. We will catch up later in the day. Tonight we look for the one-man band again. He is playing in the neighborhood! For sure he will remember us.

Three of our "group" left for the USA this morning, so we are a little bit smaller. One friend, the one who took us to dinner last night, returned to Chiang Mai this morning. Yet another friend returned to Koh Samui Tuesday, where he owns a resort. Newbie goes home on Sunday. We are a very diverse group!

Time for a shower and then breakfast. I was too lazy yesterday to make it downstairs to eat buffet. I won't make that mistake today. I need energy for shopping! haha

Carol

i do know that indian rest. but have never been there.. it is well regarded by old bkk friends..

i'm sure pook knows it too

i've dined at mrs b's old and new location several times, and it was always very good. she is now opened on a more consistent basis at her new location.

a few shops down from the restaurant, across from the grand business inn, is my favorite massage shop, bai po. go see put or yuu for a great foot massage.

(Ken, Grand Business is on soi 11. This restaurant is 11/1. Does Grand Bus have a 'back entrance' on soi 11?)

I guess the temp in BKK reached over 100 yesterday (40c). Did I say it has been HOT HOT HOT here? Glad I was mostly inside.

Shopping for more shoes and bags and clothes yesterday, at Platinum...is there anywhere else?? I had the pleasure of taking two female Thai friends. One kept saying that the items I bought for her were expensive (this is PLATINUM, not Paragon). She works very hard for her money and will buy what she needs on the street. She had never been inside Platinum Mall before. Very sweet girl.

Newbie had her own very rewarding experience with her Thai teacher friend. They went to an orphanage to make a donation. Newbie had collected money back in the USA and yesterday she had the opportunity to go and donate. I think it is something she will long remember. The rest of us would have loved to go, but the notification that the orphanage could see her came at the last minute. She and her Thai friend were on their way to the river for a klong tour when the message came. I'm so glad newbie got to do this. The klong tour will wait.

Lunch yesterday was a selection of street food, selected by my two Thai friends. I was a little bit leery, but everything tasted very good. No tummy problems this morning...!

The one man band was playing at Hanrahans last night, so we had dinner there (a mix of Thai, Mexican and American...lol) and enjoyed Lee Shamrock's show. A bit of dancing and then off to bed by about midnight.

Not sure what today holds, but night is quiz night at the PL, so we will for sure be there! Michaelbkk, would love to see you if you can make it (end of soi 7/1). You can help our poor pathetic team!!

Shopping today was mostly successful. I managed to fulfill some promises to friends back home.

An interesting note on exchange rates: at MBK alone, where there are multiple walk-ups, the rates were all the way from 30.67 to 30.53. Along Sukhumvit Rd the rate I noted was 30.41. I did not check VASU today, but they would have had a better rate than the 30.67 rate. It pays to look around.

Dinner was at Via Vai tonight (finally...I've been here for a week and had not eaten there yet). It was excellent, as always. One beef though... they did not have a caprese salad. They were out of buffalo mozzarella. The pizzas we ordered we delicious though. The bruschetta was also very good. The chianti... Banfi... very tasty.

I have to say that quiz night tonight was a real dud. I always enjoy the experience, but the quiz master tonight was really quite pathetic. She needs to do something different with her time. She failed to hold her audience. The sound system was fine, but she could not be heard or understood. She was mispronouncing a number of names! Anyway, a bit of a letdown. I'm sorry we made sure that newbie and our other group members were 'subjected' to quiz night... actually, they bailed before the last couple of rounds. Can't blame them.

Early to bed tonight! What a pleasant situation to be in.

so is the new p/l a dud too?

any word from maeng?

Re: exchange rates- I'm glad that I held on to my extra Baht from my last trip to BKK 2 years ago. I have 60,000 Baht to use whenever we get the chance to get back to the land of smiles!

Bob, the new PL is doing OK. It gets busy in the evening. I think Nick is doing fine. He says there are things that he notices, like people not going out more than 1-2 times a week instead of more often, and they limit their beer or whatever to just a couple. The economy is having an impact on business.

No word on Maeng. Nothing. We've asked a number of people who know here well. Side Pocket appears to be completely closed. I really hoped she would be successful but.....

BillT, smart move. I do the same with baht, and also with euros and swiss francs, since we travel there so often. I am usually happy that I did it!

43C yesterday... I suppose today will be just as hot. I think a movie at the gold class theaters will be a good idea. That, and shopping/looking at Paragon. We'll see what the group wants to do, once they are up and moving around. Not everyone is up at 7am like me!

What did I miss, has Maeng disappeared?
Sigh... I love early mornings in hot countries ( especially in a place like Bangkok)

Hey Carol, I popped into Terminal 21 today for a few groceries and noticed they had a huge shoe sale going on, so I was surprised I didn't bump into you there!

If you're looking for something 'new' to see/do you might check out Asiatique, a new riverside mall/entertainment center. It's been soft opened for a while, but the grand opening is today (Friday). There are lots of restaurants, and the place will apparently be the new home base for both the Calypso ladyboy show and the Joe Louis puppet theater. It's downriver towards the former Mariott. There's a free shuttle boat from the Sathorn bridge pier. Note that it doesn't open until 4 or 5 pm. I plan to have a look on Saturday or Sunday.

Hi Micheal, sorry I didn't make it to Terminal 21 yet on this trip. My newbie friend has absolutely fallen in love with shopping at MBK and Platinum. We noted Paladium, which used to be Pratunam Center mall. Looking like something was going on there last night. Lots of lights, lots of traffic.

The Asiatique sounds interesting, but I have a feeling it will not get on the schedule this trip. Newbie's last day here is today, and we will try to accomplish what she would like to do before heading back home tomorrow morning.

We had a nice time at the Paragon yesterday, checking out watches and cars (did not make any purchases...haha) and then off to see a movie in the gold class (or whatever you call it) theater. The movie was "Safe" and it was not bad. We had wine and popcorn for snacks. We had hoped to go bowling after the movie, but there was no space until 10pm and it was only 6 when the movie was done.

So instead, we headed up to Red Sky for dinner. I just can't wrap my mind around their menu for some reason, but I had two appetizers, which were fine, instead of a main course. I had a Caesar salad and a porcini ravioli. Both tasted very good. I don't quite know what to call the menu here... it's not Italian, it is not Thai for sure, maybe you'd call it gourmet "Western/European" ?? The view is nice (but not as nice as Sky Bar) and the price is much more reasonable, IMO, at Red Sky. A glass of red wine at Sky Bar (just a glass, not a bottle) can cost you $25 and up.

Smeagol, it would appear that Maeng has dropped out of the Sukhumvit scene. Her bar, Side Pocket, did not make it. I really hoped she would succeed in her business venture, but alas, this did not happen. I have not spoken to her, nor have my friends who know her. Some say she has had medical problems, but I don't know if anyone has seen her face-to-face to get the scoop first hand. It's too bad.

I'm ready for today, whatever it brings. I doubt we do more shopping as newbie's bags are full full full!!! Hoping to go on the skytrain, end to end, and end to end, so she can get a glimpse of more than the Sukhumvit/Siam area of the city! BKK has so much more to offer. She'll be back, in any case. The people here have won her over.

I have had 3 tuk tuk rides thus far... (just had to insert that)... haha

Actually still following along, Carol. Too bad you won't get to Asiatique - it would be nice for someone to give us a report before we spend our one night in Bangkok next November...

3 tuk-tuk rides? You are a wild woman

Carol..what is in Paladium?

greetings from denver... our balcony looks out over the snow caped mountains... way cooler than bkk.

I have not been to Paladium. It is in the old Pratunam Center mall building on the corner. It is now a "Japanese" mall...?? I do not know what that means. Maybe Japanese-made products?

Newbie is on a plane headed home to the USA right now. Another newbie friend from home arrived yesterday morning at 2am (on a business trip) and came out with us last night. Two more folks arrived from Europe yesterday afternoon (business clients/friends of ours) and we will now be busy with work-related entertaining, starting this morning. That probably doesn't allow for Asiatique or Paladium.... drat! Although, DS says that the wife does like a bargain, so we'll see! She and I are going shopping today while the guys talk business. I figured Paragon and Emporium and Central World. I've known this wife for many years, and she is very British and loves her H & M and Marks & Spencer. Doubt that Coco Banana would be of interest... I'll report back later!

Newbie and her Thai roommate/teacher/friend went for a klong tour yesterday, her last day in the city. She really enjoyed that a lot. I'm glad she made it down to the river, as we have not had the time to get there prior to yesterday! It's been too busy right here in Sukhumvit and Siam area!

Me... I hopped on the skytrain and went down to On Nut. No, I didn't go to the Jim Thompson outlet this time. I just popped into the Tesco/Lotus mall that is attached to the skytrain station for a look around. I have bought some interesting (cheap) jewelry in a shop here, but it is no longer here. The food court was busy. I thought (hoped) I might run into Maeng, as she lives very close to this mall, but did not run into her.

Across the street is a 'night market' sort of venue, and they were busy gearing up for some entertainment there last night. They were making a sound stage and doing sound checks. Looks like the locals would be having a good time last night.

I made a stop at Terminal 21. Yep, they were having a shoes and bags sale, big time. I didn't purchase anything, but it was fun looking. And I found a Haagen-Dazs at Terminal 21. It is on the Japan floor, in the corner where the 'tube' escalator goes up to 4th or 5th floor. I sat for coffee and a sundae. I'm not sure if this HD has always been here, or if it is a new one. It was tasty in any case, and my feet were ready for a break by this time.

So, for newbie's last night in BKK, we headed down to soi 38 to Face for dinner. It was excellent, as always; although one Thai girl said it was too sweet for her (not spicy enough). I think it is westernized Thai... She stopped along the street for some 'real' food after we left the restaurant and were walking down soi 38 to the BTS...lol.

Then we headed to Sheraton Four Points (very nice!!) on soi 15 for the one-man band (yes, again... he's really good) and he was singing and entertaining a big group of teachers from various international schools. I believe this group had all worked and met in BKK at some point. We met a gal (a bagpiper) from Scotland. Another gal, from Nova Scotia (another bagpiper) who was teaching in BKK but is now located in Doha. I think they must be a group that meets up and parties together once a year or something like that. They were having a good time. A lively crowd. I danced with a guy who was there by himself, not part of the big group, but certainly partying with them. Picture on facebook later????? DS snapped one, so we'll see.

Smeagol, I know you saw newbie's picture on facebook. Yep, she is a shopper. I showed her where to find the best bargains and she just kept buying and buying. I hope the extra bag/weight didn't cost her toooooo much money this morning when she checked in for her flights home! She's travelled a lot, so she knows to expect to pay for her shopping!! haha

Bob, send some of that cool mountain air in this direction! What takes you and K to Denver? Lovely city.

Off to entertain clients today..... more later......

I just did a google search for palladium, and did not turn up much, other than it is yet another retail/wholesale market place in the Pratunam area. Asiatique, on the other hand, brings up a nine minute youtube video production. Makes it look quite impressive....

Wish we'd have time!

I think the place you're calling Palladium is the new "Japanese" place I mentioned. It's not called Palladium but has a Japanese name (some district in Tokyo, I think). The goods inside are all Thai, like Platinum, etc. There are some nice shops there, and it's a bit roomier than Platinum, I think.

Michael, Palladium is the name in huge lettering on the side of the building. I probably won't get there tomorrow, but we'll see. My British friend understands that I'm on somewhat of a mission tomorrow, so that means going to shopping venues that she might not be considering visiting... (but she'll like it).

We had a really nice dinner tonight at Long Table. The Thai food here is very flavorful. Portions are large. We selected 4 different dishes, to share Thai style, and we could not eat all of it. We had beef massaman, duck red curry, river prawns, and a spring chicken dish, with white rice, and we also had a bottle of red wine.

I'm going to get into bed earlier tonight that I have been doing (yippee). Tomorrow will be an earlier start than I've been getting as well. It's off to the office for a while, and then shopping with my British friend.

Right now I'm really tired. I think I'll be ready to get on a plane on Tuesday and SLEEP all the way home (biz class).

Shibuya 19

Video of Shibuya 19
(location is kind of across the street from Pantip Mall)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKJCYXBHj8Y

It's a smaller version of Platinum Mall and not as crowded so it's roomier when you walk around as the aisles are wider. Foodcourt is on the top floor.

Carol, I am exhausted just reading this and looking at your many photos on FB. Enjoy the remainder of your stay and get some rest on those bc flights home.

for us just a weekend away..

Isis, thanks for that video. I must try to find this place next time I'm in BKK. Today is my last day in the city for this trip. And yes, Craig, I plan to sleep most of the way home! lol

I'm going to the office for a visit (maybe half hour, 45 minutes) and then I'm picking up British friend for shopping. I will have to play it by ear, as far as where we might go. Would love to hit some of my faves, but... I'm sure it will not be the same as shopping MBK/Platinum/JJ with newbie!! But I will still enjoy it. My suitcases are not at all full, so I can buy whatever I want!

Newbie bought the cutest 3-pc luggage set (carry-on, tote, purse), which I'd love to find (and stuff into my biggest bag) to take home. So cute for those weekend trips I often take w/DH/DS on business.

Newbie should be getting back home to Cardinal Country (STL) sometime in the next few hours. Hope she isn't too exhausted to go back to work tomorrow!! (I used to have to do that all the time, before I retired from my teaching position)

Time's a wastin'...gotta get movin'.... More later.

Carol

Shibuya 19, that's it.

And Palladium has finally tumbled. That's the place CATTY-CORNER from Platinum - a minor semantic difference but it had me completely confused. Definitely not worth looking at right now. Was in there a few weeks ago and there was nothing but a few mobile shops and souvenir stalls. Hardly anything occupied. That project was abandoned in 1997 and stood idle for many years. It may come alive now that the residential towers are open, and there were quite a few 'coming soon' signs around to suggest that. I think one of the towers is a hotel, but not a name brand (was supposed to be a Hilton, but they had to find another place when the project failed).

Well....what a pleasant surprise. My very British shopping friend was delighted to go to Platinum Fashion Mall and MBK and that sort of places today. She smiled with delight as she picked out jewelry at Coco Banana!! Such fun.

And we FOUND Shibuya!!! I loved it!!! I will most certainly go back there again (and again). There are clothing items that would actually fit a farang. I bought a couple of unique tops there. I also had my eye on a skirt or two, but did not buy them yet. There were also shoes and bags, the usual assortment. Prices were very good, I thought. And Michael, you (or whomever) were right... much more manageable than Platinum, but because it is smaller, there is also not quite the selection. I would not give up going to Platinum. I've just got another place to add to my itinerary when I'm in that area of the city.

Dinner tonight will be at the Swissotel Nai Lert Park on Wireless Road, where our British friends are staying. I will need to be getting a move on pretty soon, to get there on time, as the traffic right now is horrendous out there. I think I'll pop on the skytrain and then walk from Phloenchit station!

Did I ever mention that it is really bloody hot here!!!???

Newbie made it home with all of her treasures. I'm so glad she had such a great time here. She'll be back. The Thai people have won her over.

Don't know how much sleep I'll get tonight. My taxi is scheduled for 3:45am. I have not yet packed, but since I've not bought much on this trip, that won't take very long.

If I don't check in later tonight, I'll say farewell, and I'll probably check in here while I'm at Narita.

Where is Shibuya? Sizes for even me? Good sleeping on the trip home.

I will add Shibuya also next june on my shopping trip Carol, thanks for the info. Have a safe trip back

Have a good trip Carol, thanks for taking us along.

Shibuya is across the street and down from Platinum. It's more or less across the street from Panthip Plaza. I very nearly bought a jacket in there, since I'm visiting the states in a couple of weeks, so they have foreign sizes (although I'm not as foreign-sized as I used to be).

Hello from Narita! The BKK-NRT hop was uneventful; the usual food and sleep for me. Just what I needed.

I'm not opting for a shower this time through NRT since the hop from BKK is a short one at 5 3/4 hours today.

Shibuya does have farang sizes. I was pleasantly surprised...and long skirts and long dresses! Karen, you'd just have to have a look to see if anything suits you/your fit. I really liked the long skirts, but I didn't buy one. They came to my ankles!!! I asked my British friend, "..for whom are they making these clothes? Surely not the petite Thai size!" The design of this place is a central escalator with an easy-to-walk around main hallway that circles the escalators. You won't get lost in this place, which I often did do in Platinum, until I started to get my bearings.

Across from Pantip is a good description of where Shibuya is located. If travelling with someone who wants to spend time in Pantip, all you have to do is take the skywalk across the street and then walk a short distance in the direction of Platinum and you'll find Shibuya. It is not BIG and BOLD looking like some places, so hopefully you don't accidentally walk right on by... there is a Starbucks right out front. I'm guessing it's 9 floors, as I recall seeing a food court sign for 9th floor. We 'did' maybe 4 floors, so there's still lots more for me to see the next time.

Well, the special "rubber" coin purses I fell in love with are silicone! I just bought another collection of them here at NRT in the duty free shop. They are soooooo colorful! They have a "kisslock" if you know what that is (the old way of snapping a purse shut... typical of coin holders). I bought 3 more of the size that holds my Thai baht, as I have a (large) collection of currencies to keep separated! I've been using Chinese silk wallets in various colors to do this, but will not begin using my colorful silicone purses instead! I also bought two that could be considered for shopping purses, although they do not have a shoulder strap. Anyway, I'm delighted with them!! Can you tell?? I don't need Prada or LV or the likes of that... silicone will do!! lol (I do think they are a Japanese product)

Well, this trip entailed two "big" birthday parties. One was a "40th" celebration, always a special one, and the other one was DS's big bash at Tawandang. My next trip (July) will be for not one, not two, but THREE birthdays, and they are "big" ones. They are all for friends turning 30 years old. One of the parties will be in Bangkok, and the other one (a 2 for 1)will be in SYDNEY! A whirlwind 2-week trip, for sure! No ticket yet, but I'm at the 99% "sure" I'll be doing this one, using frequent flier miles for first class. I just need to hit 'purchase' one of these times.

I've had food here in the lounge, and now it is time to have a walk around before getting on the long haul flight to ORD.

Thanks for coming along with me. I've enjoyed this trip, even though I am NOT taking home my usual 3 suitcases of 'stuff' from BKK. This time 2 suitcases was plenty of room. I'm not the one who bought all the pairs of shoes and bags and scarves and jewelry (well, maybe I bought jewelry) this time! haha

Carol

Hi Carol,

I am sorry that we missed you. We arrived in Bangkok on Thursday night and had intended to get in touch but after some big day time shopping trips in the heat, we didn't really have the energy for much night-time activity.

We were staying at the new Novotel which is right on top of Platinum Mall. I have only just read through your reports and can only assume that we would have been in the mall at similar times. I am kicking myself that I didn't at least try and catch up for a Sundae at one of the many ice-creameries that surround the centre!

As you fly home, we have just arrived in Nong Khai where we will spend the next 10 days before heading back to Bangkok to catch up with Tong and then have 2 weeks of lazing around the beach in Koh Phangan. We haven't managed to get to Thailand for almost 3 years so we have extended this trip out as much as possible.

You are right about the heat. Even we of Aussie Outback stock are feeling it this trip. It has been very dry too. I cant remember being in Bangkok for 4 days without seeing rain. It hasn't even looked likely with hardly a cloud to speak of.

Anyway, have a safe journey home and push that "purchase" button ASAP.

enjoyed the ride

NRT-ORD flight uneventful. Food, sleep, movies. Arrived early, but after clearing customs and immigration (which took one hour today... 3-4+ 'big birds' arriving at same time at int'l terminal 5... so there were long slow lines), and was told I'd missed my connection. Huh??? It isn't until 5pm and it's only 3 when I'm finished with formalities of getting my bags and rechecking them. Seems my 5ish is cancelled, so 'they' booked me on a 3pm, which I had no idea about, or I might have tried to skip ahead in the immigration line! So now I'm booked for 9pm. Ugh... I hate sitting around the lounge for hours on end. This is why we almost always just fly in/out of ORD rather than the smaller 'local' airport(s). Weather delays are quite frequent.

Hoping to get all the way home to my own house tonight!!! We'll see....

Finally made it home to my house last night, about 11:30pm. It was good to put my head on my own pillow again. This was a good trip!