Back in Thailand
Jan 30th, 2011, 06:50 AM
#62
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Ahhhhh... back in lovely Bangkok. Already getting sad at the thought of leaving soon. Back at the BKK Marriott R & S in a nice Jr Suite with a great River view. Several plans shaping up for the next few days. And I would really appreciate some input on a suitable gift to bring to a full day that we are being hosted by some Thai friends. We are to go to their home, followed by a visit to the husbands' offices and a river diner cruise in the evening. Any thoughts? Especially from someone who knows Thai tradition or protocol. I remember that Bob had had a cake made for some Thai friends but I think that was more business friends than a visit to a home. I believe that this is a rather prominent family so would like to take something appropriate. Suggestions appreciated.
Hanuman, will email you directly. The 3rd is our last day here but we would love to meet you.
Hanuman, will email you directly. The 3rd is our last day here but we would love to meet you.
Jan 30th, 2011, 07:13 AM
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Flowers are never wrong. It is kind of like bringing "coals to Newcastle", but it is the thought that counts. A nice bottle of liquor or wine , if they drink might be ok. It is very difficult to figure out what to bring. I like to give something that is American, but so often our thing are made in Asia. Good luck.
Jan 30th, 2011, 07:42 AM
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Excellent advice from Karen. In case your friends don't drink alcohol then I suggest some cakes(small variety of pieces) from a nice bakery like Lenotre or Dao.
http://www.lenotrethailand.com/
Re the GTG - email sent to you with my plans. Look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
http://www.lenotrethailand.com/
Re the GTG - email sent to you with my plans. Look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
Jan 30th, 2011, 08:25 AM
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sue one of our highlights on each bkk trip, in the last few years, is spending time with pook, dang and mony..... they are supurb hosts, not to mention lovely and interesting people.... did i mention dang's eggplant salad---its like going to heaven.... and an invite to their home is very special.
getting to meet ken is also a treat--a double wammy to meet both. it would be the frosting on the cake of your trip.
last time we went to a thai family home, we had the uno bakery folks (r&s) put together one of those little suitcases on display filled with goodies of karen's choosing. it was different and well received.
getting to meet ken is also a treat--a double wammy to meet both. it would be the frosting on the cake of your trip.
last time we went to a thai family home, we had the uno bakery folks (r&s) put together one of those little suitcases on display filled with goodies of karen's choosing. it was different and well received.
Jan 31st, 2011, 06:56 AM
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Monday evening, late
Blow out breakfast at the Marketplace this morning... All part of the Exec Lounge treatment, A couple of hours poolside, much better weather here than in Phuket at the moment. Off to the wholesale flower market. Oh what sights, what activity, the colors, the business, look up above at the living quarters for many Thais. Look into each shop, behind each stall. It's magical for me. Found a bunch of maybe 50 stems of green/purple orchids, a bunch of heavenly scented rose of sharon, two small bunches of white orchids all for 210 Bhat (about $7 !!! Then looked for and found a very attractive boquet arranged as a handheld posy all white tight roses and intricate greens with lace as part of our gift for our hosts tomorrow. Will also get a basket of unique pastries for gifting early tomorrow. Thanks all for the input on this.
Ended the evening with the evening buffet here at the Marriott. We are really full, watched the Thai dancing show with the meal, can't even think of breakfast in the morning, but it will have to be early as our Thai friend is picking us up at 9:30 am and tells us we won't be back at the hotel 'till 10:30 Pm at night. Also, looking forward to the mini GTG with Hanuman/Pook et al on Thursday evening.
Must get to bed
Goodnight
Sue
Blow out breakfast at the Marketplace this morning... All part of the Exec Lounge treatment, A couple of hours poolside, much better weather here than in Phuket at the moment. Off to the wholesale flower market. Oh what sights, what activity, the colors, the business, look up above at the living quarters for many Thais. Look into each shop, behind each stall. It's magical for me. Found a bunch of maybe 50 stems of green/purple orchids, a bunch of heavenly scented rose of sharon, two small bunches of white orchids all for 210 Bhat (about $7 !!! Then looked for and found a very attractive boquet arranged as a handheld posy all white tight roses and intricate greens with lace as part of our gift for our hosts tomorrow. Will also get a basket of unique pastries for gifting early tomorrow. Thanks all for the input on this.
Ended the evening with the evening buffet here at the Marriott. We are really full, watched the Thai dancing show with the meal, can't even think of breakfast in the morning, but it will have to be early as our Thai friend is picking us up at 9:30 am and tells us we won't be back at the hotel 'till 10:30 Pm at night. Also, looking forward to the mini GTG with Hanuman/Pook et al on Thursday evening.
Must get to bed
Goodnight
Sue
Jan 31st, 2011, 07:46 AM
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sounds like a wonderful few days....
getting to visit with "natives" always makes for a much more meaninful visit to any country... enjoy every second of it...
i bet you find room to stuff some more breakfast.... haha
getting to visit with "natives" always makes for a much more meaninful visit to any country... enjoy every second of it...
i bet you find room to stuff some more breakfast.... haha
Feb 2nd, 2011, 07:05 AM
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Sue, STAY PUT!! Don't even THINK of coming back to the midwest anytime soon... maybe May? You've missed a really really really big BIG snowstorm. It may take a while to scoop out of this one! haha
Feb 5th, 2011, 07:13 AM
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a bit late with this report, as i had too much of a good time at the hanumans, and had a very early wake up call for my flt to singapore the next day. now i'm trying to catch up with my emails and two cents worth on fodors.
much mahalos to hanuman and his family for such a great time. there are a few of us of who have been there and experienced their great hospitality, so you know what i'm talking about. bob was well behaved that night.
it was nice to see fellow hawaiian tom, and is friend again. we talked about mutual friends, sex, politics, sex, neil abercombrie, sex, and about who was going to win the super bowl. me..... i like the steelers.
again, much mahalos for a great time.
much mahalos to hanuman and his family for such a great time. there are a few of us of who have been there and experienced their great hospitality, so you know what i'm talking about. bob was well behaved that night.
it was nice to see fellow hawaiian tom, and is friend again. we talked about mutual friends, sex, politics, sex, neil abercombrie, sex, and about who was going to win the super bowl. me..... i like the steelers.
again, much mahalos for a great time.
Feb 5th, 2011, 05:46 PM
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Sex, what sex talk? They, Ken and the other Hawaiians, were speaking(and Hula dancing) in their native tongues so I guess that was when the sex talk happened. The only conversation that I recall was about the weather and food.
Sue - I'm so sorry about the mishap!
Sue - I'm so sorry about the mishap!
Feb 6th, 2011, 12:39 PM
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Our last day in BKK was a terrible disappointment.
I will have time to update our last few days later this evening, (we are in Hawaii now) but in a nutshell,Pook was sending a driver to pick us all up for dinner at his home. We were very excited to get to meet everyone and actually meet Pook. Vince and I showed up at the Starbucks at Central World,( a long walk from Chidlom on the skybridge) instead of Central Dept Store. By the time we had visited two of the 4 Starbucks (our meeting place) at Cent World we found out we should have been at Central Dept Store, got a tuk tuk which got in awful traffic and arrived very late and missed everyone. I was close to tears, hot, worn out from all the running here and there, back and forth ( in high heels) We headed back to the hotel ( arrived back 3 hours after we had left) and still tried to make a go of getting to Hanuman's home but by then it was too late as our taxi starter at the Marriott told us it would be at least a one hour drive.
Pook had tried calling us at the hotel and sent an email (computer in hotel room) anyway it was a comedy of errors that was a very sad ending to our wonderful trip to Thailand.
Next post will tell about our last few days, prior to flying here to Lihue, HI where the weather has turned very rainy and overcast.
Sue already missing Thailand
I will have time to update our last few days later this evening, (we are in Hawaii now) but in a nutshell,Pook was sending a driver to pick us all up for dinner at his home. We were very excited to get to meet everyone and actually meet Pook. Vince and I showed up at the Starbucks at Central World,( a long walk from Chidlom on the skybridge) instead of Central Dept Store. By the time we had visited two of the 4 Starbucks (our meeting place) at Cent World we found out we should have been at Central Dept Store, got a tuk tuk which got in awful traffic and arrived very late and missed everyone. I was close to tears, hot, worn out from all the running here and there, back and forth ( in high heels) We headed back to the hotel ( arrived back 3 hours after we had left) and still tried to make a go of getting to Hanuman's home but by then it was too late as our taxi starter at the Marriott told us it would be at least a one hour drive.
Pook had tried calling us at the hotel and sent an email (computer in hotel room) anyway it was a comedy of errors that was a very sad ending to our wonderful trip to Thailand.
Next post will tell about our last few days, prior to flying here to Lihue, HI where the weather has turned very rainy and overcast.
Sue already missing Thailand
Feb 6th, 2011, 01:41 PM
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Sue, turn around and go back to Bangkok instead of Chicago! We still have tons of snow in Illinois! You won't like it at all...
So sorry to hear about the missed connection, so you did not get to meet Pook and his lovely family. Next time!
Enjoy Hawaii as long as you can. Stay until April if you can manage it (yeah, right)!
Carol
So sorry to hear about the missed connection, so you did not get to meet Pook and his lovely family. Next time!
Enjoy Hawaii as long as you can. Stay until April if you can manage it (yeah, right)!
Carol
Feb 6th, 2011, 05:42 PM
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oh such a shame... but hopefully things will work out for a repeat invite... while meeting pook and the others is a real treat, missing the eggplant was your real failure...
and yes the drive from marriott is an hour if you don't get lost...
and yes the drive from marriott is an hour if you don't get lost...
Feb 7th, 2011, 11:10 PM
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Backing up here as the last evening was a real downer, but haven't had a chance to update our full day with our Thai hosts. So the morning of Feb 1st, yes Bob, we did manage to force down some of that buffet breakfast... I'm not looking forward to getting on the scales, even though I did visit the gym a few times over the last few weeks. At home I'm very satisfied by a single poached egg on toast, but here at the Marriott I think our caloric intake is at least quadruple that. Michelle Obama would not approve!!!
So we were in the lobby at 9:30 am and our friend that we first met in Chicago Sutthana (nickname Tim) arrived in the lobby. We exchanged hugs and I gave her the flowers and the basket of fancy baked goods, which I think were well received- thanks for all the suggestions - and took us out to the car. It was a POLICE car! She knew we would be surprised as ferrying guests around Chicago in a police car would be unheard of. A police sargent was the driver, and we set off to her home, which we think was close to Pook's home, about an hour's drive somewhat near the Old Airport.
Tim's husband (nickname G) was at the home to greet us and presented us with a bottle of wine at the door and said "welcome to our home".
G had delayed going to the office so that he could meet us, but there had had to be a change of their plans for us as he had been called to be with the Prince, who apparently has a high level police officer with him at all times. Tim took us around her home and her sons had also asked that we see their rooms as they had Chicago memorobelia in them. Tim had all kinds of special Thai food treats for us and it was a struggle to politely eat anymore after that Marriott breakfast, but we did. We found it interesting that at the top of the stairway in their home was a big open landing with a large Thai altar and many budhas with offerings, lotus and incense. I asked several questions about what each of the items stood for, and about the significance of the lotus flower.
G. had to leave and went off to be with the Prince, and in an hour, Tim, Vince and I went again, in the police car with the driver/bodyguard to again meet up with G, who had taken his private car. We were on a Thai Air Force Base, G changed out of his uniform, we all switched to his car, and we were taken to their local favorite Thai restaurant. We were served tons of great Thai food, and I had my first ever fresh coconut milk/drink. in the shell. Also had 3 new to us Thai foods all of which we liked.
From there we drove for another 1/2 hour and were taken to the Golden Teak Temple. The teak was priceless and one of the main salons had huge, massive trunks of teak trees as the main supports. We were told that several members of the Thai Royal Family come to this temple, it was so well maintained and manicured, absolutely wonderful marble pathways in many colored marbles. There were also two rooms where there were lifesize wax authentic monks portrayed from the first monk to obtain complete enlightenment to the most recent who has died. Our hosts did a lot of kneeling and offering, and, we were given folded lotus flowers in golden bowls to present at the first shrine. There were some massive portraits of the King and Queen and we all had our photos taken with these. We were the only vistors here and it appeared that we had a private visit. Next we were taken to the offices/ administrative building, where arrangements had been made for a private audience with Tim and G (kneeling) and Vince and I in chairs, with the head monk. (we were told he was the highest level monk in BKK) After the monk had spoken with, and blessed Tim and G, he presented us with a book all about this Watt and him and the Royal Family and their connection to this Watt.
At the entrance to this Watt was a metal three headed Elephant and our Thai Hosts stood in a shiny metal stand in front of the elephant and recited a prayer and then made a wish. We were encouraged to do likewise, however, not being Thai we did not have to say the prayer part but stood in the stand and made the wish.
Following this, G had to again go back to the office as he had an exam he had to pass regarding a new law that had gone into effect. I had mentioned that I still needed to do a little shopping mostly for Singha and Chang T. Shirts. The police bodyguard took over driving and "protecting" us and we went to a long big street (no motor traffic) forget the name of the area, it was really tourist, mostly Europeans, it felt really odd though walking along with Tim and we had a uniformed / armed police officer walking with us all the way. We found some shirts which were just what we had been looking for.
Back in the police car with Tim to another restaurant. This one was in a very nice setting, right on the River, next to the Rama 8 (?) bridge. Specializing in seafood, a live trio playing today's songs. Mostly Thai diners, though there were a few Europeans. It was a huge place. More food, and all was very good. They also had whole fish encrusted with a salt shell and grilled on open flame. I'll try to find the card from the place. Vince and I really had a hard time eating again as we had eaten so much that day but I would say it was really a nice setting and good food. After we had finished eating, G drove his car over from his office and joined us. ( I don't think he got any dinner and just shared a cup of tea with us).. Our driver/guard had not joined us at the table but had been in contact and kept us in his sight.
It was now about 9:45Pm and we were really tired. Tim had written down an entire timetable of all she had planned on she and G doing with us for the next two days. They were so hospitable so kind. It was really hard to convey that we already had plans for our two final days in Bangkok. So it was time to say goodbye. A touching thing also was that our police guard brought out his camera, and asked if he could have a photo of him with us... That was so sweet. We said goodbye to "our guard", and G drove us back to the Marriott in his car and we said our final goodbyes. We took a welcome shower and dropped into bed exhausted but happy that we'd had such a friendly, full, interesting, informative, day. Tim was so so happy that as she said often, "I'm so happy I have a friend in Chicago, you are like my cousin!" Tim will be back in Chicago in August and G will be coming over next year for their son's graduation from our local high school. G will be a Police General at that time, and he and Vince will be going golfing. Tim will be taking us to her local Thai Temple and for some Thai holiday gatherings within our area.
The following day, we did the big breakfast again!!!, followed by a spell at the pool, a workout at the gym, a trip on the Marriott boat to buy some scotch to take to Pooks the following evening, back to the Marriott for wine and scotch in the Ecec Lounge (no canapes for us tonight) followed by another buffett dinner riverside at the Marriott (with Thai dancing and music) compliments of the wonderful Irish couple we met in Phuket, who gave us a comp dinner for two certificate. The food was so so good and it was a great day.
Our last day didn't turn out as we had hoped and planned. I wrote about it on Feb 6th. Such a pity. Pook sent me a photo of what we missed. It looked like a good time was had by all. That night we needed to get to bed early as we had a wake up call at 4:30 am to get to the airport for our flight to Narita- Honolulu.
We so enjoyed our 6th trip to Thailand. We had a wonderful time. I just LOVE it there. I'm already needling Vince to agree to do it again next year.
Thanks to all of you wonderful Fodorites who gave us directions, places to visit, good info. You really helped make this trip really great. Too bad about our misshap at the end - not meeting up with the GTG group and missing out on dinner with Pook at his home.
Uneventful good biz flts with JAL, but a bit disappointed that there were no shell seats on our Narita to Honolulu leg.
We are now at Poipu,Kauai, Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club for two weeks. Can you believe that Hawaii seems "flat" after Thailand! Look I'm not complaining, don't want to be in Chicago from what I've heard about the weather.
If I think of any other details re the Thai part of the trip I'll add them later.
Aloha
Sue
So we were in the lobby at 9:30 am and our friend that we first met in Chicago Sutthana (nickname Tim) arrived in the lobby. We exchanged hugs and I gave her the flowers and the basket of fancy baked goods, which I think were well received- thanks for all the suggestions - and took us out to the car. It was a POLICE car! She knew we would be surprised as ferrying guests around Chicago in a police car would be unheard of. A police sargent was the driver, and we set off to her home, which we think was close to Pook's home, about an hour's drive somewhat near the Old Airport.
Tim's husband (nickname G) was at the home to greet us and presented us with a bottle of wine at the door and said "welcome to our home".
G had delayed going to the office so that he could meet us, but there had had to be a change of their plans for us as he had been called to be with the Prince, who apparently has a high level police officer with him at all times. Tim took us around her home and her sons had also asked that we see their rooms as they had Chicago memorobelia in them. Tim had all kinds of special Thai food treats for us and it was a struggle to politely eat anymore after that Marriott breakfast, but we did. We found it interesting that at the top of the stairway in their home was a big open landing with a large Thai altar and many budhas with offerings, lotus and incense. I asked several questions about what each of the items stood for, and about the significance of the lotus flower.
G. had to leave and went off to be with the Prince, and in an hour, Tim, Vince and I went again, in the police car with the driver/bodyguard to again meet up with G, who had taken his private car. We were on a Thai Air Force Base, G changed out of his uniform, we all switched to his car, and we were taken to their local favorite Thai restaurant. We were served tons of great Thai food, and I had my first ever fresh coconut milk/drink. in the shell. Also had 3 new to us Thai foods all of which we liked.
From there we drove for another 1/2 hour and were taken to the Golden Teak Temple. The teak was priceless and one of the main salons had huge, massive trunks of teak trees as the main supports. We were told that several members of the Thai Royal Family come to this temple, it was so well maintained and manicured, absolutely wonderful marble pathways in many colored marbles. There were also two rooms where there were lifesize wax authentic monks portrayed from the first monk to obtain complete enlightenment to the most recent who has died. Our hosts did a lot of kneeling and offering, and, we were given folded lotus flowers in golden bowls to present at the first shrine. There were some massive portraits of the King and Queen and we all had our photos taken with these. We were the only vistors here and it appeared that we had a private visit. Next we were taken to the offices/ administrative building, where arrangements had been made for a private audience with Tim and G (kneeling) and Vince and I in chairs, with the head monk. (we were told he was the highest level monk in BKK) After the monk had spoken with, and blessed Tim and G, he presented us with a book all about this Watt and him and the Royal Family and their connection to this Watt.
At the entrance to this Watt was a metal three headed Elephant and our Thai Hosts stood in a shiny metal stand in front of the elephant and recited a prayer and then made a wish. We were encouraged to do likewise, however, not being Thai we did not have to say the prayer part but stood in the stand and made the wish.
Following this, G had to again go back to the office as he had an exam he had to pass regarding a new law that had gone into effect. I had mentioned that I still needed to do a little shopping mostly for Singha and Chang T. Shirts. The police bodyguard took over driving and "protecting" us and we went to a long big street (no motor traffic) forget the name of the area, it was really tourist, mostly Europeans, it felt really odd though walking along with Tim and we had a uniformed / armed police officer walking with us all the way. We found some shirts which were just what we had been looking for.
Back in the police car with Tim to another restaurant. This one was in a very nice setting, right on the River, next to the Rama 8 (?) bridge. Specializing in seafood, a live trio playing today's songs. Mostly Thai diners, though there were a few Europeans. It was a huge place. More food, and all was very good. They also had whole fish encrusted with a salt shell and grilled on open flame. I'll try to find the card from the place. Vince and I really had a hard time eating again as we had eaten so much that day but I would say it was really a nice setting and good food. After we had finished eating, G drove his car over from his office and joined us. ( I don't think he got any dinner and just shared a cup of tea with us).. Our driver/guard had not joined us at the table but had been in contact and kept us in his sight.
It was now about 9:45Pm and we were really tired. Tim had written down an entire timetable of all she had planned on she and G doing with us for the next two days. They were so hospitable so kind. It was really hard to convey that we already had plans for our two final days in Bangkok. So it was time to say goodbye. A touching thing also was that our police guard brought out his camera, and asked if he could have a photo of him with us... That was so sweet. We said goodbye to "our guard", and G drove us back to the Marriott in his car and we said our final goodbyes. We took a welcome shower and dropped into bed exhausted but happy that we'd had such a friendly, full, interesting, informative, day. Tim was so so happy that as she said often, "I'm so happy I have a friend in Chicago, you are like my cousin!" Tim will be back in Chicago in August and G will be coming over next year for their son's graduation from our local high school. G will be a Police General at that time, and he and Vince will be going golfing. Tim will be taking us to her local Thai Temple and for some Thai holiday gatherings within our area.
The following day, we did the big breakfast again!!!, followed by a spell at the pool, a workout at the gym, a trip on the Marriott boat to buy some scotch to take to Pooks the following evening, back to the Marriott for wine and scotch in the Ecec Lounge (no canapes for us tonight) followed by another buffett dinner riverside at the Marriott (with Thai dancing and music) compliments of the wonderful Irish couple we met in Phuket, who gave us a comp dinner for two certificate. The food was so so good and it was a great day.
Our last day didn't turn out as we had hoped and planned. I wrote about it on Feb 6th. Such a pity. Pook sent me a photo of what we missed. It looked like a good time was had by all. That night we needed to get to bed early as we had a wake up call at 4:30 am to get to the airport for our flight to Narita- Honolulu.
We so enjoyed our 6th trip to Thailand. We had a wonderful time. I just LOVE it there. I'm already needling Vince to agree to do it again next year.
Thanks to all of you wonderful Fodorites who gave us directions, places to visit, good info. You really helped make this trip really great. Too bad about our misshap at the end - not meeting up with the GTG group and missing out on dinner with Pook at his home.
Uneventful good biz flts with JAL, but a bit disappointed that there were no shell seats on our Narita to Honolulu leg.
We are now at Poipu,Kauai, Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club for two weeks. Can you believe that Hawaii seems "flat" after Thailand! Look I'm not complaining, don't want to be in Chicago from what I've heard about the weather.
If I think of any other details re the Thai part of the trip I'll add them later.
Aloha
Sue
You still haven't meet Pook and family.
Feb 8th, 2011, 02:26 PM
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Just remembered, G as part of his job dealt with the Yellow and Red shirts spokespeople daily. He listens to their messages and tries to help keep the peace.
We were told that a really large Yellow Shirt demonstration is scheduled for 13th February. They think it may last for several days.
Will be interested in what happens.
Sue
We were told that a really large Yellow Shirt demonstration is scheduled for 13th February. They think it may last for several days.
Will be interested in what happens.
Sue
Feb 10th, 2011, 02:08 AM
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Bob, Bob, Bob! I hold the rank of Admiral in the combined Air Force and Border Patrol Police Special Catering and Wine Tasting Command and I can say that there is no corruption beyond the acceptable American CIA approved code for third world and continental USA as long as we agree with everything America does.
