Benitakaren Goes to Asia
Jan 19th, 2020, 04:30 PM
#61
The new mall is Iconsiam. It is very glitzy ,high end, and entertainment, dinning center. You can buy any thing from a tooth pick to a car. Ground floor has a floating market/ street food area. Very well done. Taxi line is the most organized one I have seen....even has chairs to wait in.
We’re staying at the Hilton Millennium, which is right next to that mall. Looking forward to seeing it.
Jan 20th, 2020, 07:48 AM
#63
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Bobby--shut-up!!!!
Same breakfast. Every conceivable food you can imagine. Thai, American, Korean, Chinese, Japanese and lots of breads, cereal, French toast, pancakes.Waffles, lots of egg dishes. Something for every one. There is even a table for kids, decorated food that would appeal to them. I ask for Mangos every morning. Guess therein an up charge for mangoes, so Karen orders it (no charge for them). They are my favorite and so tasty. We cannot get anything close to it in the US.
Picked up at 9:30 by Ratt. First stop was an old warehouse where ships came into. It is now a temple, place for special events and small shops of different artists selling lovely scarves, silver jewelry, etc. Lovely items but was starting to get hot as hell again. Up to 93 today and muggy again. Back in car to cool off-had air conditioner on high. Next stop was the flower market. Must have been about 6 to ten football fields of people selling flowers. A bouquet of 24 small roses about $10.00. Women sitting on stools putting small buds on wires to make offerings that people buy to honor ancestors, Budda, etc. Smell was wonderful. Truck loads of flowers being delivered. Amazing place.
Next stop Chinatown market. Ratt left us off at one end of the alley and met us at the other end. We were in the wholesale area. They would sell to individuals but only in multiple numbers. Tons of shoe stores. We would have to buy a dozen shoes, one design, one size. Did not get any business from us.
Then onto the Golden Buddha. Years ago the Buddha was found and they thought it was a treasure so brought it back to Bangkok-it was encased in cement. It got dropped and the concrete broke off-realized it was solid gold. Weight is 5.5 tons. Absolutely gorgeous. All I wanted was just a small shaving to take home!
By now, we are all exhausted. Back to hotel for 2 pm lunch, pool time and out for an Italian dinner.
I had wanted to have fish baked in salt - I didn't get it last time I was here - It is brought out encased in salt and then scrape the salt off and debone the fish. A few bites were salty but very delicious.
On cab ride back to hotel, saw lots of girls waiting for customers at bars. I rather liike to see the seedy way of life here. It is so hidden in the US but here it is just the way of life. Maybe they were all Lady Boys, I don't know.
Same breakfast. Every conceivable food you can imagine. Thai, American, Korean, Chinese, Japanese and lots of breads, cereal, French toast, pancakes.Waffles, lots of egg dishes. Something for every one. There is even a table for kids, decorated food that would appeal to them. I ask for Mangos every morning. Guess therein an up charge for mangoes, so Karen orders it (no charge for them). They are my favorite and so tasty. We cannot get anything close to it in the US.
Picked up at 9:30 by Ratt. First stop was an old warehouse where ships came into. It is now a temple, place for special events and small shops of different artists selling lovely scarves, silver jewelry, etc. Lovely items but was starting to get hot as hell again. Up to 93 today and muggy again. Back in car to cool off-had air conditioner on high. Next stop was the flower market. Must have been about 6 to ten football fields of people selling flowers. A bouquet of 24 small roses about $10.00. Women sitting on stools putting small buds on wires to make offerings that people buy to honor ancestors, Budda, etc. Smell was wonderful. Truck loads of flowers being delivered. Amazing place.
Next stop Chinatown market. Ratt left us off at one end of the alley and met us at the other end. We were in the wholesale area. They would sell to individuals but only in multiple numbers. Tons of shoe stores. We would have to buy a dozen shoes, one design, one size. Did not get any business from us.
Then onto the Golden Buddha. Years ago the Buddha was found and they thought it was a treasure so brought it back to Bangkok-it was encased in cement. It got dropped and the concrete broke off-realized it was solid gold. Weight is 5.5 tons. Absolutely gorgeous. All I wanted was just a small shaving to take home!
By now, we are all exhausted. Back to hotel for 2 pm lunch, pool time and out for an Italian dinner.
I had wanted to have fish baked in salt - I didn't get it last time I was here - It is brought out encased in salt and then scrape the salt off and debone the fish. A few bites were salty but very delicious.
On cab ride back to hotel, saw lots of girls waiting for customers at bars. I rather liike to see the seedy way of life here. It is so hidden in the US but here it is just the way of life. Maybe they were all Lady Boys, I don't know.
Jan 21st, 2020, 02:32 AM
#64
I hope you can go the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, too. We loved both that and the Temple of the Golden Buddha. I just published a blog about both. https://www.twoboomersabroad.com/pos...clining-buddha
Will you be able to go to the Grand Palace? That was the highlight for us!
Will you be able to go to the Grand Palace? That was the highlight for us!
Jan 21st, 2020, 05:41 PM
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Went to Platinum Mall yesterday. Basically wholesale but can buy whatever amount you want. Two buildings, six floors of everything and anything you might want. Got a pair of elephant pants to wear to my next Weight Watchers meeting. Stayed there several hours, back to hotel for packing and pool time.
Had Indian food last night. Very good. On way to HuaHin this morning for relaxing before coming home. About a three hour trip. Again, very hot 90's and muggy.
When we were looking for a cab at Iconsiam mall the other night, you have to get in a line. There are about ten chairs lined up and every time someone gets in a cab, this guy with a microphone and very loud speaker is telling everyone where you are going and maybe doing a comedian show - was in Thai. He laughed at himself and was having a very good time. He then motions everyone to stand up and move down the line to another chair. We had to get up about four times and move down. It was sort of a musical chairs situation, Thailand version.
Had Indian food last night. Very good. On way to HuaHin this morning for relaxing before coming home. About a three hour trip. Again, very hot 90's and muggy.
When we were looking for a cab at Iconsiam mall the other night, you have to get in a line. There are about ten chairs lined up and every time someone gets in a cab, this guy with a microphone and very loud speaker is telling everyone where you are going and maybe doing a comedian show - was in Thai. He laughed at himself and was having a very good time. He then motions everyone to stand up and move down the line to another chair. We had to get up about four times and move down. It was sort of a musical chairs situation, Thailand version.
Jan 22nd, 2020, 02:14 AM
#67
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Nice lunch at hotel and pool time. Our room is second floor and Bobby has a room with a deck and steps into a long winding pool around the adult pool. It is time for 2 for 1 drinks. We are planning on eating at hotel tonight. Breakfast did not come with our room rate but Bobby gave us his 1,000 points to get us breakfast with them. And we have all been invited to a party tomorrow night.
We had an eleven passenger van to bring us here. Lots of luggage to bring along. Took only 2 a half hours to get here and that was with alot of stop and go traffic out of Bangkok. I slept part of way here. Saw lots of salt fields. The salt is for the fish when it is shipped.
Last night I wanted to go back to the silver shop before we went for fitting at Penny's. Bobby told me we could but I would have to pay for extra cab fare. I was more than willing to pay. He only gave me five minutes in the shop while cab waited - I only took 4 minutes. Then off to Shangri-la hotel to see Penny. Traffic is horrible and it took us over an hour to go about a half mile. Taxi's are cheap and only had to pay about $6.40.
We had an eleven passenger van to bring us here. Lots of luggage to bring along. Took only 2 a half hours to get here and that was with alot of stop and go traffic out of Bangkok. I slept part of way here. Saw lots of salt fields. The salt is for the fish when it is shipped.
Last night I wanted to go back to the silver shop before we went for fitting at Penny's. Bobby told me we could but I would have to pay for extra cab fare. I was more than willing to pay. He only gave me five minutes in the shop while cab waited - I only took 4 minutes. Then off to Shangri-la hotel to see Penny. Traffic is horrible and it took us over an hour to go about a half mile. Taxi's are cheap and only had to pay about $6.40.
Jan 22nd, 2020, 09:34 PM
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2 for 1 drinks at the beach was wonderful. Warm breeze-lots of mosquitoes-server gave us spray to use. Dinner here at hotel. Breakfast nice but very busy with families and lots of children. It is Chinese New Year on Saturday. We have been told there is going to be a dragon and firecrackers on Friday night. Should be noisy and fun.
Dropped off laundry and up the street and stopped right next door for massages. Bobby and Pat had a foot message and Karen and i had a full body massage. Best message of my life. Then you are given ginger tea on outside porch and pay your bill. $26 for hour massage including tip. Planning on another one tomorrow, next day and day after that.
Pool time now. 94 degrees outside. Uffda!!!
Dropped off laundry and up the street and stopped right next door for massages. Bobby and Pat had a foot message and Karen and i had a full body massage. Best message of my life. Then you are given ginger tea on outside porch and pay your bill. $26 for hour massage including tip. Planning on another one tomorrow, next day and day after that.
Pool time now. 94 degrees outside. Uffda!!!
Jan 22nd, 2020, 09:48 PM
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Lots of Chinese families here. Pushy a bit but I have experienced much worse.
Had same massage lady as two years ago—- she remembered me. Great mini lunch at hotel’s cafe.
Thinking about a swim before GM’s cocktail party tonight. Dinner tonight up the road at Andreas’ Italian Restaurant...
Very nice to just hang around resort.
Had same massage lady as two years ago—- she remembered me. Great mini lunch at hotel’s cafe.
Thinking about a swim before GM’s cocktail party tonight. Dinner tonight up the road at Andreas’ Italian Restaurant...
Very nice to just hang around resort.
Jan 23rd, 2020, 05:28 AM
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Great Manager's party tonight. Drinks and wonderful appetizers. Dinner at Italian Restaurant was wonderful. I have come to love Snowfish. Super wonderful dessert. Went to mall next door for 30 minutes. Back at hotel. Going to see elephants tomorrow a.m. Hopefully another massage, pool and Chinese dragon show.
Jan 23rd, 2020, 05:32 AM
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rhkkmk - once you are back in the frozen northeast are there any plans for a Boston area GTT in the foreseeable future? I would love to hear about this trip in person.
Can't wait to hear about the elephants
Can't wait to hear about the elephants
Jan 24th, 2020, 01:27 AM
#73
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Great day!! Breakfast by water. Tall glass windows - felt like I was on a ship. Then took cab to Elephant Sanctuary. Admission charge was about $33. They gave us a package of Jasmine rice and an elephant key chain. We got the 30 minute tour which was perfect. After getting into the elephant area, they sat us down and gave us each a basket of bananas, and a bottle of water. Water was for us. They brought our elephant out and there was a mahout for the elephant. A gentleman from England walked with us and told us about our elephant. She was 50 plus years and had a broken leg and was left in the street. This place is run by volunteers and the English man volunteers twice a week. The mahout lives with their respective elephant and watches over her 24 hours a day. We could only walk in front of the elephant, not beside her. We would stop every few minutes to feed her bananas. She knew what we had in our baskets and was looking for the bananas. After about a 20 minute walk we came to her holding area and we were able to hose her down. Her mahout would give her verbal commands and she turned around so we could spray her entire body. Of course, we took tons of pictures.
Then they sat us down again and another mahout brought another elephant for us to have pictures with. On verbal command the elephant wrapped her trunk around our waists for a photo op. Then she kissed us on the cheek. It was great. Then, of course, she brings over the tip basket and we put money in her trunk and she would place it in the tip basket. She then raised her trunk with a sound as if to say thank you. The mahouts only use verbal commands.
By the end of 30-40 minutes, even though I had a hat on, sweat was dripping into my eyes so it was difficult to see. Wonderful experience.
Back to hotel for smoothies for lunch, pool time - 91 degrees out felt like 97 degrees according to my phone.
Had another 1 hour oil massage-made appointment for tomorrow-picked up laundry and are now waiting for dragon to appear for the New Year.
Then they sat us down again and another mahout brought another elephant for us to have pictures with. On verbal command the elephant wrapped her trunk around our waists for a photo op. Then she kissed us on the cheek. It was great. Then, of course, she brings over the tip basket and we put money in her trunk and she would place it in the tip basket. She then raised her trunk with a sound as if to say thank you. The mahouts only use verbal commands.
By the end of 30-40 minutes, even though I had a hat on, sweat was dripping into my eyes so it was difficult to see. Wonderful experience.
Back to hotel for smoothies for lunch, pool time - 91 degrees out felt like 97 degrees according to my phone.
Had another 1 hour oil massage-made appointment for tomorrow-picked up laundry and are now waiting for dragon to appear for the New Year.
Jan 25th, 2020, 12:32 AM
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Jan 25th, 2020, 06:07 PM
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Breakfast is an experience in people watching. Some folks put fruit and whatever they can fit in their purses to take with them. Some people try to sneak extra people at their table so they don't have to pay.for the $30 breakfast.
Went to mall after breakfast-took Tuc Tuc-then back for lunch - water for me -had2 hour massage - body scrub for hour - took shower - then hour oil massage. Back to another mall for a couple hours.
Dinner was at a lovely sea side restaurant. We ate outside- they have hot coils under the table for mosquitoes and they also put a bottle of lotion to use.
I had sea bass in a lime sauce - was so hot my lips were stinging but was delicious. Then, of course, the obligatory mangos, sticky rice, ice cream and caramel sauce.
Karen said I should use the bathroom. What an experience. After following the path for a while, you walk across a floating walkway over the pond. Thank heavens I was not too drunk. Bathroom sinks are outside by pond and then when in the toilet. you are sitting next to the pond. Entirely open. If you fall off the toilet seat you are in the pond. What a wondeerful way to pee!
Went to mall after breakfast-took Tuc Tuc-then back for lunch - water for me -had2 hour massage - body scrub for hour - took shower - then hour oil massage. Back to another mall for a couple hours.
Dinner was at a lovely sea side restaurant. We ate outside- they have hot coils under the table for mosquitoes and they also put a bottle of lotion to use.
I had sea bass in a lime sauce - was so hot my lips were stinging but was delicious. Then, of course, the obligatory mangos, sticky rice, ice cream and caramel sauce.
Karen said I should use the bathroom. What an experience. After following the path for a while, you walk across a floating walkway over the pond. Thank heavens I was not too drunk. Bathroom sinks are outside by pond and then when in the toilet. you are sitting next to the pond. Entirely open. If you fall off the toilet seat you are in the pond. What a wondeerful way to pee!
Jan 26th, 2020, 06:32 AM
#79
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Karen came to my rescue tonight-she is the most amazing packer I have ever seen. I never would have gotten everything home without her help. She should teach a class. Thank you again Bob and Karen for your help.
After breakfast this morning I took a Tuc Tuc down the street to the Hilton hotel. I wanted to see a jewelry shop of a designer that had some jewelry here at the Marriott. After that went to Mall, then back to hotel for another one hour massage. It was wonderful.
Pool time and stayed here at hotel for dinner. I had fish again Lake Trout that was caught today. I had it steamed in banana leaves with Thai herbs. Super good and a wonderful last evening of our trip. Back to Bangkok tomorrow, pick up few items and off to airport. This has been an amazing trip and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
After breakfast this morning I took a Tuc Tuc down the street to the Hilton hotel. I wanted to see a jewelry shop of a designer that had some jewelry here at the Marriott. After that went to Mall, then back to hotel for another one hour massage. It was wonderful.
Pool time and stayed here at hotel for dinner. I had fish again Lake Trout that was caught today. I had it steamed in banana leaves with Thai herbs. Super good and a wonderful last evening of our trip. Back to Bangkok tomorrow, pick up few items and off to airport. This has been an amazing trip and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Jan 27th, 2020, 03:29 AM
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After breakfast by water, I walked to water's s edge just to see how warm the water was. Quite lovely beach and quite a lot warmer than the Atlantic.
Picked up at 10 am. Took us four hours to get to Bangkok. He took the back roads, interesting views - lots of salt fields. Kept our luggage at Bob and Karen's hotel. Dr. Nut picked us up and we made our stops at eye glass store, Penny's and jewelry store. Back to hotel for room service in Bobby's suite. Picked up at 8:30 pm for one hour trip to airport.
Picked up at 10 am. Took us four hours to get to Bangkok. He took the back roads, interesting views - lots of salt fields. Kept our luggage at Bob and Karen's hotel. Dr. Nut picked us up and we made our stops at eye glass store, Penny's and jewelry store. Back to hotel for room service in Bobby's suite. Picked up at 8:30 pm for one hour trip to airport.
