i am perplexed....why not go into a restaurant that has few people in it when you have rave reviews from fodorites?/ just curious??

I know it sounds funny, but I don't like eating in a restaurant that's empty- it's too quiet.

And part of what I want when eating out is the feeling of conviviality and the people-watching that you have in a crowded place. The atmosphere feels more comfortable to me when a restaurant is full of people.

ok---reasonable

Gloria...what's this about Thai opening suitcases on non-stop flights to the States? I had a Thai non-stop to L.A. a few weeks ago and nothing was opened. I even checked in three suitcases although I was only supposed to be allowed two. I was checked in in about 20 minutes and that was it. Happy Travels!

Odd- guen. Did you leave from terminal 2? It seems to be standard on the JFK nonstop.

The thai nonstop to JFK was a pleasure even though I had to change airports to fly to Chicago. We left at 1:05 AM which meant that since I didn't have to check out until 9PM I essentially had a free day in Bangkok. Business class was about 80% full but the other sections were pretty empty. I found the timing of the flight to be super. They served drinks and a light meal immediately upon take off. I had some wine and a bit to eat and was asleep by 2AM. Woke up at 5AM to go to the bathroom and fell back asleep until 8. They served breakfast at 9 and I went back to sleep for a couple more hours. They served water, drinks and snacks whenever you wanted them but the next meal was served two hours before landing and it was dinner. Personally I wish dinner had been the second meal and breakfast the third but I guess it doesn't much matter. Food is ok but not nearly as good as Malaysia last year.

I find the seats very comfortable but it takes some adjusting and playing with it to get it to the most comfortable position for you -- I found the completely flat position to be less comfortable than some other ones for sleeping. Flight is about 17 hours. We landed at about 6:20AM. I was through immigration, customs and had my luggage by 6:50 and caught a 7:00AM bus to LaGuardia (cost is $13). Got to LaGuardia at 8AM and was able to change my 11AM flight to the 9AM flight to Chicago. Landed in Chicago at 10AM and was home by 11AM. Not bad. Now I have the whole day to unpack, get my dogs, relax and get ready to go back to work tomorrow. I'd take this flight again anytime.

don't forget to go see mom.... oh maybe she had the dogs i forget...

wait till the office sees you in your new duds...

welcome home...

gloria....karen wants to know, did cotton house supply all of the fabric?? including the wools...??

That's interesting what you said about Tongue Thai as we ALMOST left when we got there as we were the ONLY people there. After we ordered though, lo and behold, the place started filling up until when we left it had only 1 table free.

I could never figure out the timing of when people really eat in bangkok though??

aloha,
gaz

Bob-- yes, Cotton House provided all the fabric including the wool. Once I told them what I wanted they brought some additional fabric samples to the store.

For newbies who like Jim Thompson fabric I want to urge you to go to the outlet. We went twice and they had a lot of different things each time. The price difference is generally around 50% so a huge saving.

gloria...did you go to both outlets??

Welcome home, Gloria! I look forward to hearing more about your trip when you have some time to recover a bit.

Gloria
I'm glad you made it home safe and sound. Hope the dogs and your mom got along without you...

Now you can start planning the Chicago GTG!! lol I know you'll be busy and also trying to adjust to the new time after such a lengthy stay in Thailand.

I'm on my way to Chiang Mai this morning for an overnight visit. Not sure what I'm going to buy there... if anything. I'll know it when(and if) I see it.

Carol

I'll come up with some possible weekends for the Chicago GTG and post them in the next few days.

Bob-- I only went to the outlet out of the city center since I wasn't looking for fabric but was buying placemats, napkins, handbags, ties and other gift items.

WHAT DID YOU GET ME??? I'M SO EXCITED?? OK SO YOU DIDN'T GET ME ANYTHING.... how about a piece of soap from the oriental?? or a napkin or an ashtray...??

was your esperience at lord jim the same as always?? some have reported it slipping....i can't imagine it...i do think someone said they did not like the new decor---maybe that was you...

B ob-- I LOVE the new decor at Lord jim-- think it;s spectacular and both the lunch buffet and dinner was superb. It had always been my least favorite restaurant at the hotel but now I love it -- although it is American prices so expensive. I think the food is much better than in the past and others must agree -- in the past it used to be empty but it's packed these days with both tourists and locals.

It's the new decor of the Verandah that I don't like.

I agree. The food was very good and the place looks very nice. I ate dinner there the night that I stayed at the Oriental in Aug 2005. The prices though were over the top. Happy Travels!

I agree about the prices -- it's in the American price range for restaurants -- although still cheaper than Sirocco. It does have some "reasonable" entrees -- mine was 650 baht--so prices can be kept down but it is definitely expensive. Unless money is not an issue, it should be saved for a special evening. The lunch buffet, however,is an excellent value and the food and selection is spectacular.