2010 Holiday season on Bangkok
Dec 21st, 2010, 06:29 PM
#61
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
we have found that most taxi drivers know where platinum is... have your doorman tell them....it is on the nancy chandler map..
as for jim thompson, it is very easy....go out sukhumvit to soi 93 on your left....go down it about a block and you will see the jim thompson brown sign on your left...have the driver turn in... 5 floors of fabric and goodies..
when you are ready to leave the doorman or one of the clerks will get a taxi for you...
sky bar is interesting because you are up so high in the total open air, hanging over bangkok...its totally different from the other places in bkk...yes same building for both..
totally different from hilton... the club does have that open area but i think you are much higher at state building...
as for jim thompson, it is very easy....go out sukhumvit to soi 93 on your left....go down it about a block and you will see the jim thompson brown sign on your left...have the driver turn in... 5 floors of fabric and goodies..
when you are ready to leave the doorman or one of the clerks will get a taxi for you...
sky bar is interesting because you are up so high in the total open air, hanging over bangkok...its totally different from the other places in bkk...yes same building for both..
totally different from hilton... the club does have that open area but i think you are much higher at state building...
Dec 21st, 2010, 06:29 PM
#62
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
we have found that most taxi drivers know where platinum is... have your doorman tell them....it is on the nancy chandler map..
as for jim thompson, it is very easy....go out sukhumvit to soi 93 on your left....go down it about a block and you will see the jim thompson brown sign on your left...have the driver turn in... 5 floors of fabric and goodies..
when you are ready to leave the doorman or one of the clerks will get a taxi for you...
sky bar is interesting because you are up so high in the total open air, hanging over bangkok...its totally different from the other places in bkk...yes same building for both..
totally different from hilton... the club does have that open area but i think you are much higher at state building...
as for jim thompson, it is very easy....go out sukhumvit to soi 93 on your left....go down it about a block and you will see the jim thompson brown sign on your left...have the driver turn in... 5 floors of fabric and goodies..
when you are ready to leave the doorman or one of the clerks will get a taxi for you...
sky bar is interesting because you are up so high in the total open air, hanging over bangkok...its totally different from the other places in bkk...yes same building for both..
totally different from hilton... the club does have that open area but i think you are much higher at state building...
Dec 21st, 2010, 09:58 PM
#63
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I'm not sure what Monsoon has done that is 'right' and the others did it 'wrong'... I'm just happy for Monsoon. It is a nice place to sit and dine and people watch along soi 8.'
Yes, it is. Great food at a fair price. Service is also good. I hope they do well.
Yes, it is. Great food at a fair price. Service is also good. I hope they do well.
Dec 22nd, 2010, 03:41 PM
#64
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good morning, all.
Yesterday with Maeng was delightful, as always. She called me to say that the best plan for getting to the Erewan Museum (3-headed elephant) would be to get a taxi from On Nut (BTS station). BKK traffic would slow us down a considerable bit. So I hopped on the skytrain and met Maeng at On Nut. We got a taxi right away and headed out to the museum.
This 3-headed elephant is HUGE (think about 14-16 stories tall). I was pretty much the only falong in the place. Everyone else was Thai. We got flowers and insense for saying prayers before entering the elephant. We also got lotus flowers to send down the makeshift river, for sending our troubles/sins away. What a lovely idea!
The base of the elephant is the museum, which has examples of furniture and pottery from various times/places in Thailand. It is part of the collection of the man who built the elephant some 15 years ago. He has passed away and his family is now taking over the upkeep.
After a quick look in the museum, you proceed to walk up the marble staircase and into the main hall, also in the base of the elephant. The detail in the decoration is always impressive. Dragons, elephants, Buddhas, etc. are all quite elaborate.
A quick elevator ride (inside one of the elephant's legs) takes you to a very small room where there is one tiny window for looking outside. This window is in the 'belly' of the elephant.
One last set of stairs and you are up inside the middle head (of 3) of the elephant. This area is like entering a temple, with more Buddhas and elaborate decoration. The 'room' inside the elephant's head is really quite large! Amazing to imagine where you are when standing in this room. This room is a representation of the heavens. The 'main hall' seemed to be life on earth. There were four large support beams/pillars with carvings on them representing four religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a Chinese one (?) which I cannot name.
Back down the stairs/elevator/stairs and out. Time for another taxi ride. This time to Ancient Siam. Maeng calls it the Ancient City, but that's not its real name. This place is really huge! 600 rai... not sure how that compares to acres. The section of land is 'carved out' in the shape of the country of Thailand.
You can opt to rent a bicycle, rent a golf cart, rent a larger 8-10 person cart with guide, or hop on the free shuttle to get around the massive park. We opted for the free shuttle. It has a guide who gives details of what we are seeing, in Thai. Maeng did some quick interpreting for me when needed.
The place is most definitely too large to navigate on foot. If you rent a golf cart or bicycle, you can stop as often as you like, to have a look. You could spend many hours here! There are small (not miniature) copies of famous wats and sample homes and businesses from around the country of Thailand. The location of the various buildings in the park is in direct relationship to its actual location within the country. So if you want to see Chiang Mai buildings/wats/homes, etc. you make your way to the northern part of this 600 rai park. Isaan is in the east, as is a 'monument' (mountain) which symbolizes a war with Cambodia. I enjoyed seeing the examples of the King's barges floating in a much smaller Chao Phraya River. This is not Thailand in miniature. Not at all. All buildings are large enough that you can enter them and walk around.
The free 2-hour shuttle ride stopped in three places in the park. One of the stops was at a sample floating market. We opted to have lunch here as well as have a look in the shops.
Lots of school children of all ages were touring the park yesterday. They were mostly well behaved and polite. I did not see many teachers or chaparones.... but I assume they were there somewhere!
The location of Ancient Siam is very close to BKK airport. If one is taking off during the daytime, and has a window seat, you could possibly look down and see the park.
Maeng and I were back at On Nut BTS station around 4:30. It had been a busy day. A most enjoyable time!
Maeng says that the next time we go to Ancient Siam, we will rent a golf cart and I will do the driving! Now that would be an adventure!
Nothing on the schedule today, other than quiz night tonight at the PL and Brad's arrival, late. A day to do a bit of laundry, wrap gifts that I brought for various friends here in Bangkok, and get ready for our overnight trip to Banbeung for Christmas Eve (and a traditional Danish meal) with our Danish/Thai friends and their young daughter. We always enjoy this time together.
The weather yesterday seemed a bit hotter. Today I am seeing a very hazy Bangkok... it looks like it could rain maybe. Muggy. Sticky. Humid. Good for shopping inside, in the air con, rather than wandering the hot, crowded and narrow aisles of Pratunam Market. Maybe a Haagen Dazs...?
Carol
Yesterday with Maeng was delightful, as always. She called me to say that the best plan for getting to the Erewan Museum (3-headed elephant) would be to get a taxi from On Nut (BTS station). BKK traffic would slow us down a considerable bit. So I hopped on the skytrain and met Maeng at On Nut. We got a taxi right away and headed out to the museum.
This 3-headed elephant is HUGE (think about 14-16 stories tall). I was pretty much the only falong in the place. Everyone else was Thai. We got flowers and insense for saying prayers before entering the elephant. We also got lotus flowers to send down the makeshift river, for sending our troubles/sins away. What a lovely idea!
The base of the elephant is the museum, which has examples of furniture and pottery from various times/places in Thailand. It is part of the collection of the man who built the elephant some 15 years ago. He has passed away and his family is now taking over the upkeep.
After a quick look in the museum, you proceed to walk up the marble staircase and into the main hall, also in the base of the elephant. The detail in the decoration is always impressive. Dragons, elephants, Buddhas, etc. are all quite elaborate.
A quick elevator ride (inside one of the elephant's legs) takes you to a very small room where there is one tiny window for looking outside. This window is in the 'belly' of the elephant.
One last set of stairs and you are up inside the middle head (of 3) of the elephant. This area is like entering a temple, with more Buddhas and elaborate decoration. The 'room' inside the elephant's head is really quite large! Amazing to imagine where you are when standing in this room. This room is a representation of the heavens. The 'main hall' seemed to be life on earth. There were four large support beams/pillars with carvings on them representing four religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a Chinese one (?) which I cannot name.
Back down the stairs/elevator/stairs and out. Time for another taxi ride. This time to Ancient Siam. Maeng calls it the Ancient City, but that's not its real name. This place is really huge! 600 rai... not sure how that compares to acres. The section of land is 'carved out' in the shape of the country of Thailand.
You can opt to rent a bicycle, rent a golf cart, rent a larger 8-10 person cart with guide, or hop on the free shuttle to get around the massive park. We opted for the free shuttle. It has a guide who gives details of what we are seeing, in Thai. Maeng did some quick interpreting for me when needed.
The place is most definitely too large to navigate on foot. If you rent a golf cart or bicycle, you can stop as often as you like, to have a look. You could spend many hours here! There are small (not miniature) copies of famous wats and sample homes and businesses from around the country of Thailand. The location of the various buildings in the park is in direct relationship to its actual location within the country. So if you want to see Chiang Mai buildings/wats/homes, etc. you make your way to the northern part of this 600 rai park. Isaan is in the east, as is a 'monument' (mountain) which symbolizes a war with Cambodia. I enjoyed seeing the examples of the King's barges floating in a much smaller Chao Phraya River. This is not Thailand in miniature. Not at all. All buildings are large enough that you can enter them and walk around.
The free 2-hour shuttle ride stopped in three places in the park. One of the stops was at a sample floating market. We opted to have lunch here as well as have a look in the shops.
Lots of school children of all ages were touring the park yesterday. They were mostly well behaved and polite. I did not see many teachers or chaparones.... but I assume they were there somewhere!
The location of Ancient Siam is very close to BKK airport. If one is taking off during the daytime, and has a window seat, you could possibly look down and see the park.
Maeng and I were back at On Nut BTS station around 4:30. It had been a busy day. A most enjoyable time!
Maeng says that the next time we go to Ancient Siam, we will rent a golf cart and I will do the driving! Now that would be an adventure!
Nothing on the schedule today, other than quiz night tonight at the PL and Brad's arrival, late. A day to do a bit of laundry, wrap gifts that I brought for various friends here in Bangkok, and get ready for our overnight trip to Banbeung for Christmas Eve (and a traditional Danish meal) with our Danish/Thai friends and their young daughter. We always enjoy this time together.
The weather yesterday seemed a bit hotter. Today I am seeing a very hazy Bangkok... it looks like it could rain maybe. Muggy. Sticky. Humid. Good for shopping inside, in the air con, rather than wandering the hot, crowded and narrow aisles of Pratunam Market. Maybe a Haagen Dazs...?
Carol
Dec 22nd, 2010, 04:47 PM
#65
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good morning Carol!
Yes it has gotten hotter the past few days, back to normal I would say. At least the humidity is still quite low for Thailand. It will be cool still if you go up North.
Thanks for the heads up about the Banyan(French restaurant in Soi 8). I was thinking of eating there as I have a craving for pressed duck! Where to go for reasonably priced French food?
Yes it has gotten hotter the past few days, back to normal I would say. At least the humidity is still quite low for Thailand. It will be cool still if you go up North.
Thanks for the heads up about the Banyan(French restaurant in Soi 8). I was thinking of eating there as I have a craving for pressed duck! Where to go for reasonably priced French food?
Dec 22nd, 2010, 05:40 PM
#66
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
isn't the elephant park a nice take.... we went there perhaps 3 or 4 years ago....i don't remember any elevator...i do remember huge staircases however...
i remember also floating something in the pond for good luck...
have fun in the country....has lars moved out of bkk permanently? or is this just a retreat place...?
i remember also floating something in the pond for good luck...
have fun in the country....has lars moved out of bkk permanently? or is this just a retreat place...?
Dec 22nd, 2010, 06:33 PM
#67
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hanuman, have you tried Indigo, down in the Silom area? I've not been there yet, but DH and Brad and our Samui friend really loved the place. It's French.
I'm having my breakfast inside today rather than out on the patio. A bit nicer in the aircon today. It has been very foggy this morning, but I think some of it is lifting now.
We are watching with great interest our favorite, Via Vai, as it is undergoing renovation. The restaurant is still open for business (mostly take out) but it's a bit noisy with saws and pounding, and the smell of sealant would bother me if eating there right now. We think they are enlarging the outside dining area. It appears they have moved a wall/removed a wall/which makes the diningroom much more visible from the street. Crews are working day and night to get the job done! Can't wait to see it.
Bob, did you go up into the elephant's massive head? There is also a narrow wooden circular stairway going up, but I prefer the elevator. If you only remember big staircases, you may or may not have gotten to go all the way up to the head at that time.
We're taking a day trip to CM on Tuesday. Will be there about 10 hours for shopping/visiting friends/dining. Should be fun. Maeng is coming along, and looking forward to it. She has been working too hard! One of these days I will give updated information on the situation with the PL. I'm pretty sure it will be re-locating in the near future.
Lars and Pong have the house that belonged to her father. It was a wedding gift (?) to them; but it required some fixing up, which took quite a bit of time to complete. They go there as often as they can... a (very large) weekend house sort of place. They still have their condo in the city, and they run their business from BKK so need to be here most of the time. They would eventually like to be in Banbueng a lot more of the time. It's very quiet. The town is small, interesting to walk around. A good place for fresh air and playing outside for their little girl.
Sandra, I think you are returning to BKK today sometime from CM. I will maybe be off-line while over nighting in Banbueng, so will just plan on seeing you at the PL for Christmas Day turkey dinner. I'm thinking around 4:30ish... will email you if that time changes. I'll be seeing Maeng later on today, so will confirm the time and post it here.
Carol
I'm having my breakfast inside today rather than out on the patio. A bit nicer in the aircon today. It has been very foggy this morning, but I think some of it is lifting now.
We are watching with great interest our favorite, Via Vai, as it is undergoing renovation. The restaurant is still open for business (mostly take out) but it's a bit noisy with saws and pounding, and the smell of sealant would bother me if eating there right now. We think they are enlarging the outside dining area. It appears they have moved a wall/removed a wall/which makes the diningroom much more visible from the street. Crews are working day and night to get the job done! Can't wait to see it.
Bob, did you go up into the elephant's massive head? There is also a narrow wooden circular stairway going up, but I prefer the elevator. If you only remember big staircases, you may or may not have gotten to go all the way up to the head at that time.
We're taking a day trip to CM on Tuesday. Will be there about 10 hours for shopping/visiting friends/dining. Should be fun. Maeng is coming along, and looking forward to it. She has been working too hard! One of these days I will give updated information on the situation with the PL. I'm pretty sure it will be re-locating in the near future.
Lars and Pong have the house that belonged to her father. It was a wedding gift (?) to them; but it required some fixing up, which took quite a bit of time to complete. They go there as often as they can... a (very large) weekend house sort of place. They still have their condo in the city, and they run their business from BKK so need to be here most of the time. They would eventually like to be in Banbueng a lot more of the time. It's very quiet. The town is small, interesting to walk around. A good place for fresh air and playing outside for their little girl.
Sandra, I think you are returning to BKK today sometime from CM. I will maybe be off-line while over nighting in Banbueng, so will just plan on seeing you at the PL for Christmas Day turkey dinner. I'm thinking around 4:30ish... will email you if that time changes. I'll be seeing Maeng later on today, so will confirm the time and post it here.
Carol
Dec 22nd, 2010, 07:02 PM
#68
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes, now i also remember the circular staircase....it was an out of world experience up there... i took pics which i am sure i shared at the time...
i've managed to sneak a few thailand days (10) into my trip next fall...mostly it will be india and nepal however.... going to try finn air i think this time....A/A FF miles will be earned... just over a thousand dollars for the inclusive fare, into bkk and out of delhi... great flying times too... and agreeable arr. and dep times also... and 2X4X2 seating... what could be better?
i've managed to sneak a few thailand days (10) into my trip next fall...mostly it will be india and nepal however.... going to try finn air i think this time....A/A FF miles will be earned... just over a thousand dollars for the inclusive fare, into bkk and out of delhi... great flying times too... and agreeable arr. and dep times also... and 2X4X2 seating... what could be better?
Dec 23rd, 2010, 01:34 AM
#71
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Caprese salad: pretty much what Smeagol said. Tomato slices, topped with slices of (hopefully buffalo) mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and sometimes served on a bed of lettuce. The salad is drizzled with balsamic vinegar/olive oil dressing. Salt and pepper to taste, as needed. Delicious! (yes, Italian)
Just wanted to post here that Chrismas Day dinner at Maeng;s will be at 6:30 instead of 4:30. It has been 4:30 the last two years we have attended, so I assumed that it would remain the same time. (you know what happens when you assume...) Anyway, I wanted to get the time straightened out here. I've also sent email to Sandra and dogster, in case they do not check in here.
Had to get a new phone today, 4th floor MBK. My old outdated Motorola ran out of steam. The new battery I put in it at MBK when I first got here this trip doesn't keep the phone ON! So a new cheap red Samsung flip phone was just the right choice. It's just a phone. No frills! Seems easy enough to use. I was able to move all of my stored phone numbers and SIM card. Seems to be working OK.
The idea of a nap sounds good right about now, so that I can stay awake for Brad's arrival late tonight. Not sure about participating in quiz night, but I will be at the bar while it is going on. DH is not sure if he will go or not. I want to eat some of Maeng's fantastic chili. I'm sure of that.
A rather quiet day today... a bit of shopping... a Haagen dazs sundae... a new phone... a nice visit with Maeng... and Brad's arrival tonight.
Just wanted to post here that Chrismas Day dinner at Maeng;s will be at 6:30 instead of 4:30. It has been 4:30 the last two years we have attended, so I assumed that it would remain the same time. (you know what happens when you assume...) Anyway, I wanted to get the time straightened out here. I've also sent email to Sandra and dogster, in case they do not check in here.
Had to get a new phone today, 4th floor MBK. My old outdated Motorola ran out of steam. The new battery I put in it at MBK when I first got here this trip doesn't keep the phone ON! So a new cheap red Samsung flip phone was just the right choice. It's just a phone. No frills! Seems easy enough to use. I was able to move all of my stored phone numbers and SIM card. Seems to be working OK.
The idea of a nap sounds good right about now, so that I can stay awake for Brad's arrival late tonight. Not sure about participating in quiz night, but I will be at the bar while it is going on. DH is not sure if he will go or not. I want to eat some of Maeng's fantastic chili. I'm sure of that.
A rather quiet day today... a bit of shopping... a Haagen dazs sundae... a new phone... a nice visit with Maeng... and Brad's arrival tonight.
Dec 23rd, 2010, 02:29 AM
#72
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, Carol ~~ we arrived back from CM this morning. It is really a nice city ~~ and the weather was perfect ~~ not cool but not as hot as BKK ~~ just right. I will write more about CM and Luang Prabang later ~~ how much later remains to be seen.
Tomorrow I am having a comprehensive physical at Bumrungrad. Since I have had problems with my stomach since getting to BKK and the OPC dr. thinks it may be ulcers ~~ a recurring problem with me ~~ the sonogram, etc. seems like the thing to do.
But, we will see you all for Christmas Dinner at 6;30-ish. Food, friends and fellowship ~~ it doesn't get any better than this!
Hanuman ~~ it doesn't look like we will meet this year. Our flight back to the US is 03-01-2011. Enjoy your holiday! I stopped by to see Tongtip while I was at the hospital making appointments today, but she had just left for the day.
Dogster ~~ looking forward to meeting you for dinner, also. and discussing the lovely Aussie couple we met in CM. BTW. they are familiar with your work! Small world!
I have never written a "trip report" but may try it this time, as we discovered so many things about the Laotians that have not been mentioned before ~~ at least not that I have read.
Time to close ~~ up early tomorrow to be at the hospital before 8:00. For this retired Texan, this is early!
Good night, all! Mery Christmas from these two Buddhist Christians from Texas, US
Sandra (McBeanie) and DH
Tomorrow I am having a comprehensive physical at Bumrungrad. Since I have had problems with my stomach since getting to BKK and the OPC dr. thinks it may be ulcers ~~ a recurring problem with me ~~ the sonogram, etc. seems like the thing to do.
But, we will see you all for Christmas Dinner at 6;30-ish. Food, friends and fellowship ~~ it doesn't get any better than this!
Hanuman ~~ it doesn't look like we will meet this year. Our flight back to the US is 03-01-2011. Enjoy your holiday! I stopped by to see Tongtip while I was at the hospital making appointments today, but she had just left for the day.
Dogster ~~ looking forward to meeting you for dinner, also. and discussing the lovely Aussie couple we met in CM. BTW. they are familiar with your work! Small world!
I have never written a "trip report" but may try it this time, as we discovered so many things about the Laotians that have not been mentioned before ~~ at least not that I have read.
Time to close ~~ up early tomorrow to be at the hospital before 8:00. For this retired Texan, this is early!
Good night, all! Mery Christmas from these two Buddhist Christians from Texas, US
Sandra (McBeanie) and DH
Dec 23rd, 2010, 05:14 AM
#73
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i hear bells, look to the sky, i think it is santa about to arrive at PL just in time for xmas dinner and a few beers....don't forget about tidbits for the raindeer!! or maybe they would prefer maeng's garlic shrimp...
Dec 23rd, 2010, 07:57 AM
#74
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Glad you're having a great time, Carol. This is when I'm usually in Bangkok, for 2-3 weeks in December/January. It's my favorite time to be there although November, of last year, was also really nice. It felt like a ghost town to me last November, as it wasn't crowded at all. So, keep having a ball, and the next time I'm there, I'll have to try out some of your new places. Happy Travels!
Dec 23rd, 2010, 04:45 PM
#77
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He's here! Brad arrived last night. I waited at PL until midnight, but then had to give up and go to sleep. He called from the shuttle bus, between the plane and the terminal. He said I should not wait up, so I went back to my apt to sleep. I had not been up this late since arriving here!!! Anyway, so glad the whole family is now safe and sound here in warm Bangkok, and not stranded at home in Illinois in 10" of snow!
I went to the PL last night for quiz night. Very difficult questions last night! I knew maybe 3 answers....that's it. DH stayed at the apt, opting to get some sleep after being poked and prodded for yet another day at Bumrungrad. I'll be glad when HE's done with all of his appts today! A person should not be spending so much time in the hospital while on VACATION....... but good to know that, in the end, all is well, healthwise.
(Sandra, hope your own check up goes well today)
Anyway, saw Dr Jack last night and gave him my usual donation of 'stuff' for his rounds seeing patients of all ages who have so very little. Glad to be of some help.
I had a bowl of Maeng's chili last night. She had also made some mango and sticky rice yesterday! YUMMMMMMM!
A strange thing happened at PL. I was talking w/Dr Jack. A nice lady with her family who were sitting at the next table leaned over to me and asked "Are you Carol?" I said yes. She said, "I follow you on fodors." (wow) I asked her 'name' but she said she is only a reader (lurker) and not a poster. I encouraged her to register and start posting! We'll see if she does.
Anyway, she is a very nice lady from DC who is in BKK and then on to India on holiday before going back to the USA in a couple of weeks. They were at the PL because she read about the place on fodors! (glad to help Maeng with new customers) I think it was a very positive experience for this family. I hope she will write about it here.
She asked which one was Maeng and I pointed her out. The DC lady asked about the chili, which I said was delicious. Her family was eating Thai last night, although she had wanted to try chili. She also asked about mango and sticky rice. I called to Maeng behind the bar, told here that this was a friend from the internet, and could her family please have some of 'my' mango and sticky rice, and Maeng was happy to oblige. The family enjoyed it very much. And now, I hope we will 'see' this lurker here on fodors, registering and giving us a trip report!
I met a British guy (he knows Brad) and his girlfriend, who were also at PL last night. They were here on holiday. Managed to get out of the UK before the snow put travel plans on hold. Good for them!! Nice couple. He spends time here, on business I believe. His girlfriend is a first-timer to Bangkok, so I enjoyed talking to her (woman to woman) about life in Thailand.
We agreed that it is a culture very different from our own 'western' world. The main thing we talked about is the 'control' the Thai women have over men, in general. It is, at first, a bit unnerving to see very old men with young Thai girls... but it is part of the culture, and the girls are most definitely in control in the situation. Anyway, we had an interesting discussion about it. I think the British girlfriend is having a good first-time in Bangkok and will be returning in the future.
We agreed that it is not possible to go back home and try to 'explain' Bangkok!!! It is a city that must be experienced LIVE... (I think most, if not all, of you reading here would agree with that statement) Bangkok is impossible to describe to someone who has not travelled to other cultures. I am always asked about WHY I keep coming back here. Impossible to explain.
DH is off to Bumrungrad for his last day of appts (I think); today is just basically the recap of all of his previous appts. And then, we can be off to Ban Bueng for Christmas Eve with our dear friends. Once we are on the road, I will probably be off line for about 24 hours. I'll post if I can.... but don't be surprised if I'm AWOL for a short time.
Weather looks great today. Very sunny, hopefully not hummid.
Looking forward to seeing dogster and Sandra/DH at PL on Christmas Day for Maeng's turkey dinner. It will be a good time. I can guarantee it!
Carol
I went to the PL last night for quiz night. Very difficult questions last night! I knew maybe 3 answers....that's it. DH stayed at the apt, opting to get some sleep after being poked and prodded for yet another day at Bumrungrad. I'll be glad when HE's done with all of his appts today! A person should not be spending so much time in the hospital while on VACATION....... but good to know that, in the end, all is well, healthwise.
(Sandra, hope your own check up goes well today)
Anyway, saw Dr Jack last night and gave him my usual donation of 'stuff' for his rounds seeing patients of all ages who have so very little. Glad to be of some help.
I had a bowl of Maeng's chili last night. She had also made some mango and sticky rice yesterday! YUMMMMMMM!
A strange thing happened at PL. I was talking w/Dr Jack. A nice lady with her family who were sitting at the next table leaned over to me and asked "Are you Carol?" I said yes. She said, "I follow you on fodors." (wow) I asked her 'name' but she said she is only a reader (lurker) and not a poster. I encouraged her to register and start posting! We'll see if she does.
Anyway, she is a very nice lady from DC who is in BKK and then on to India on holiday before going back to the USA in a couple of weeks. They were at the PL because she read about the place on fodors! (glad to help Maeng with new customers) I think it was a very positive experience for this family. I hope she will write about it here.
She asked which one was Maeng and I pointed her out. The DC lady asked about the chili, which I said was delicious. Her family was eating Thai last night, although she had wanted to try chili. She also asked about mango and sticky rice. I called to Maeng behind the bar, told here that this was a friend from the internet, and could her family please have some of 'my' mango and sticky rice, and Maeng was happy to oblige. The family enjoyed it very much. And now, I hope we will 'see' this lurker here on fodors, registering and giving us a trip report!
I met a British guy (he knows Brad) and his girlfriend, who were also at PL last night. They were here on holiday. Managed to get out of the UK before the snow put travel plans on hold. Good for them!! Nice couple. He spends time here, on business I believe. His girlfriend is a first-timer to Bangkok, so I enjoyed talking to her (woman to woman) about life in Thailand.
We agreed that it is a culture very different from our own 'western' world. The main thing we talked about is the 'control' the Thai women have over men, in general. It is, at first, a bit unnerving to see very old men with young Thai girls... but it is part of the culture, and the girls are most definitely in control in the situation. Anyway, we had an interesting discussion about it. I think the British girlfriend is having a good first-time in Bangkok and will be returning in the future.
We agreed that it is not possible to go back home and try to 'explain' Bangkok!!! It is a city that must be experienced LIVE... (I think most, if not all, of you reading here would agree with that statement) Bangkok is impossible to describe to someone who has not travelled to other cultures. I am always asked about WHY I keep coming back here. Impossible to explain.
DH is off to Bumrungrad for his last day of appts (I think); today is just basically the recap of all of his previous appts. And then, we can be off to Ban Bueng for Christmas Eve with our dear friends. Once we are on the road, I will probably be off line for about 24 hours. I'll post if I can.... but don't be surprised if I'm AWOL for a short time.
Weather looks great today. Very sunny, hopefully not hummid.
Looking forward to seeing dogster and Sandra/DH at PL on Christmas Day for Maeng's turkey dinner. It will be a good time. I can guarantee it!
Carol
Dec 24th, 2010, 12:43 AM
#78
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr. Dogster certainly approves of balsamic, Mango. As you know, the word <i>balsamico</i> means "balsam-like" in the sense of "restorative" or "curative".
You might be interested to learn of a new Food Spa in town where a gourmet client can have <i>aceto balsamico</i> dribbled slowly on their nether regions. It's an unusual experience, to say the least.
Unfortunately ever since, each time I pass an Italian restaurant all the Capresians rush out and try to squeeze me over their tomato, basil and Mozarella.
You might be interested to learn of a new Food Spa in town where a gourmet client can have <i>aceto balsamico</i> dribbled slowly on their nether regions. It's an unusual experience, to say the least.
Unfortunately ever since, each time I pass an Italian restaurant all the Capresians rush out and try to squeeze me over their tomato, basil and Mozarella.
