Carol is back in Bangkok!
Apr 23rd, 2008, 06:08 PM
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Hi guenmai... haven't seen you around "here" for a while. Thanks for popping in. And yes, I've seen some new Kipling. Not interested in buying any of it though. JT always has neat stuff. I've been looking, but don't know if or what I might buy. I bought a couple of their nice tote bags (as gifts) two months ago when I was here.
Well.... I gotta tell ya', last night's birthday bash was THEEE party in Bangkok. lol And no, there were no speedo's involved. We had the best time, and I've got about 100 photos to prove it. Tawandang is my favorite nightclub in Bangkok, and last night's party just reinforced that thought. Our German friends fell in love with the place. K was disappointed that he did not bring along his video camera to capture the evening.
For those of you who know the place, we had probably the best tables in the house. We were on the main floor, right at the stage. The entertainment contained the usual mix of music, played by the FANTASTIC house band and group of singers. There was also a bit of more traditional Thai music, but with a jazz fusion sort of twist.
There was also a group of acrobats who did some really amazing stunts. I wish I could explain the one that involved a guy and a "magnet." Amazing!! And then, there was a girl who could twirl about 6 hula hoops at the same time. Wow!!!
I would bet I'm the only one of last night's party group (15 or so) who is up early enough to do a load of laundry before breakfast.
Gotta run. The laundry is done and it's time to go get breakfast. We'll see if K and G show up to eat. I'll bet I don't see them until noon... haha
Carol
Well.... I gotta tell ya', last night's birthday bash was THEEE party in Bangkok. lol And no, there were no speedo's involved. We had the best time, and I've got about 100 photos to prove it. Tawandang is my favorite nightclub in Bangkok, and last night's party just reinforced that thought. Our German friends fell in love with the place. K was disappointed that he did not bring along his video camera to capture the evening.
For those of you who know the place, we had probably the best tables in the house. We were on the main floor, right at the stage. The entertainment contained the usual mix of music, played by the FANTASTIC house band and group of singers. There was also a bit of more traditional Thai music, but with a jazz fusion sort of twist.
There was also a group of acrobats who did some really amazing stunts. I wish I could explain the one that involved a guy and a "magnet." Amazing!! And then, there was a girl who could twirl about 6 hula hoops at the same time. Wow!!!
I would bet I'm the only one of last night's party group (15 or so) who is up early enough to do a load of laundry before breakfast.
Gotta run. The laundry is done and it's time to go get breakfast. We'll see if K and G show up to eat. I'll bet I don't see them until noon... haha
Carol
Apr 23rd, 2008, 10:38 PM
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Hi Carol,
I'm trying to finish packing for my MLA trip tomorrow but had to check in to see what new adventures you were up to. Tawandang sounds like fun with all the entertainment options. Any chance it's family friendly? With your guy & magnet story- I'm not quite sure.
Belated Bday greetings to Brad !!!
Mango- I loved those prepackaged sweetened pork sheets in MBK. I bought a lot of them to give as gifts to our friends & neighbors. The guy even gave me a real good discount.
Thanks for the ride Carol.
I'm trying to finish packing for my MLA trip tomorrow but had to check in to see what new adventures you were up to. Tawandang sounds like fun with all the entertainment options. Any chance it's family friendly? With your guy & magnet story- I'm not quite sure.
Belated Bday greetings to Brad !!!
Mango- I loved those prepackaged sweetened pork sheets in MBK. I bought a lot of them to give as gifts to our friends & neighbors. The guy even gave me a real good discount.
Thanks for the ride Carol.
Apr 24th, 2008, 03:15 AM
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Hi bmt. Thanks for checking in! And have a great time on your own trip.
Tawandang is usually packed with Thais well over the age of 15. It's not really a family place... mostly because it's a brewery and gets very loud and crowded when 100's of people are dancing in the aisles and singing along with the singer on the stage! GREAT party place! There were a few dance routines that were a little bit beyond what I would deem appropriate for a younger child, I would say. Nothing risque, mind you... just a little bit of adult humor and costuming. Not topless or anything like that!!! If you can feel secure in leaving youngsters with a sitter or something for an evening, you just might enjoy Tawandang.
We finally got shopping time today (G and me). MBK, Siam Discovery, Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Amarin, and Central World. I was in heaven (lol)...
I have to say that the Thai craft "opening" at Amarin this afternoon was nice. G and I were there to see part of the music and dance. We didn't understand a word of the conversation (in Thai of course) of people appearing on the stage.
I did find some really beautiful bags from northern Thailand. Exquisite handwork and leather trim. I'm excited about finding these. (but I paid too much... I have now been informed that these same bags are available in Pratunam and Indra for a cheaper price!!) Oh well, I'll enjoy these and not go out of my way to see how much I "could have paid" had I shopped elsewhere.
This Thai craft fair was sort of like a grand opening of what used to be NariPhand craft center. Lots of you have been to NariPhand I think... located behind Gaysorn Plaza. That location was closed, so what we saw today was the craft center moved into its new location at Amarin. It was very nice.
Maeng has supposedly prepared something special for us tonight so I guess we'll head off to the Pickled Liver for dinner. I thought we might be able to go to Kinnaree tonight, but guess not. That's OK. I love Maeng's cooking! And frankly, I'm ready for a quieter (early) evening! I think we are in for another thunder boomer very soon!
More later. Enjoy your day, wherever you are spending it.
Carol
Tawandang is usually packed with Thais well over the age of 15. It's not really a family place... mostly because it's a brewery and gets very loud and crowded when 100's of people are dancing in the aisles and singing along with the singer on the stage! GREAT party place! There were a few dance routines that were a little bit beyond what I would deem appropriate for a younger child, I would say. Nothing risque, mind you... just a little bit of adult humor and costuming. Not topless or anything like that!!! If you can feel secure in leaving youngsters with a sitter or something for an evening, you just might enjoy Tawandang.
We finally got shopping time today (G and me). MBK, Siam Discovery, Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Amarin, and Central World. I was in heaven (lol)...
I have to say that the Thai craft "opening" at Amarin this afternoon was nice. G and I were there to see part of the music and dance. We didn't understand a word of the conversation (in Thai of course) of people appearing on the stage.
I did find some really beautiful bags from northern Thailand. Exquisite handwork and leather trim. I'm excited about finding these. (but I paid too much... I have now been informed that these same bags are available in Pratunam and Indra for a cheaper price!!) Oh well, I'll enjoy these and not go out of my way to see how much I "could have paid" had I shopped elsewhere.
This Thai craft fair was sort of like a grand opening of what used to be NariPhand craft center. Lots of you have been to NariPhand I think... located behind Gaysorn Plaza. That location was closed, so what we saw today was the craft center moved into its new location at Amarin. It was very nice.
Maeng has supposedly prepared something special for us tonight so I guess we'll head off to the Pickled Liver for dinner. I thought we might be able to go to Kinnaree tonight, but guess not. That's OK. I love Maeng's cooking! And frankly, I'm ready for a quieter (early) evening! I think we are in for another thunder boomer very soon!
More later. Enjoy your day, wherever you are spending it.
Carol
Apr 24th, 2008, 07:56 AM
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Thanks, Carol for the reply. I haven't been around for a while because I was in Paris the week before Easter.
While there, my 87-year old dad, was home...here in the States... and was hit by a car while walking back to his car. He'd driven up to the bakery near his house. A woman didn't see im and hit him.
So, down he went and the police arrived on the scene and an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital and into surgery.
He has a broken ankle and now can't care for himself at home where he lives alone. So, off to Assisted Living.
And on the same day that he left a message on my machine...the day after getting home from Paris... my mom was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. I was on the freeway headed for work. She'd called an ambulance so she wouldn't have to get a hold of me I guess.
I'd arrived home from Paris at 11PM, Easter Sunday, went to bed at 1:30AM and was up at 5:45AM and driving to work at 6AM. I was at work by 7:20AM.
So, when I got home, I found all of this on my answering machine. My dad lives out-of-state. So, last Friday, I flew there to take care of business and then was home Sunday night and back to work Monday morning. I wanted to go the week before last weekend, but the airlines were beyond a mess having pulled all of those American Airline planes. Although I was to be on United, it affected everything as American Airlines' hub is in the state my dad lives in. Everything was backed up. So, I sat and waited another week.
Thank goodness,my mom lives here.
So, that's why I've kind of been away from the forum. Take care and keep having a ball in BKK. I'll have
to cancel my August trip...didin't have a plane ticket yet anyhow, but had my apartment reservation guaranteed. I do have a plane ticket for Dec/Jan which I bought shortly after returning from BKK in Jan 2008. Happy Travels!
While there, my 87-year old dad, was home...here in the States... and was hit by a car while walking back to his car. He'd driven up to the bakery near his house. A woman didn't see im and hit him.
So, down he went and the police arrived on the scene and an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital and into surgery.
He has a broken ankle and now can't care for himself at home where he lives alone. So, off to Assisted Living.
And on the same day that he left a message on my machine...the day after getting home from Paris... my mom was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. I was on the freeway headed for work. She'd called an ambulance so she wouldn't have to get a hold of me I guess.
I'd arrived home from Paris at 11PM, Easter Sunday, went to bed at 1:30AM and was up at 5:45AM and driving to work at 6AM. I was at work by 7:20AM.
So, when I got home, I found all of this on my answering machine. My dad lives out-of-state. So, last Friday, I flew there to take care of business and then was home Sunday night and back to work Monday morning. I wanted to go the week before last weekend, but the airlines were beyond a mess having pulled all of those American Airline planes. Although I was to be on United, it affected everything as American Airlines' hub is in the state my dad lives in. Everything was backed up. So, I sat and waited another week.
Thank goodness,my mom lives here.
So, that's why I've kind of been away from the forum. Take care and keep having a ball in BKK. I'll have
to cancel my August trip...didin't have a plane ticket yet anyhow, but had my apartment reservation guaranteed. I do have a plane ticket for Dec/Jan which I bought shortly after returning from BKK in Jan 2008. Happy Travels!
Apr 24th, 2008, 09:08 AM
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guen, so sorry to hear about all your trials and tribulations. I hope everything settles down for you. Sorry you have to cancel your August trip, but hopefully will see you in BKK in late Dec/early Jan 09.
Mango, we always go to the original Tawandang, the one on Rama III. I may be wrong about the III part.
Dinner tonight was wonderful. We ate at Kinnaree. Such a lovely place. Thai music, and an atmosphere that is like a house. Every dish was very tasty. We ate Thai style and shared a chicken satay, a fish in sauce, yellow curry shrimp and veggies, brown curry with lamb, and duck. I'm glad we finally got there for dinner because I remembered just how good this place is from my visit to BKK and Adelphi in February.
Dessert was at Maeng's. She had prepared mango and sticky rice. Mangosteen is in season now so we also had a couple plates of that.
It's another late night (12:00) and I really wanted to hit the sack early tonight! AAARRGGHH!
More later...
Carol
Mango, we always go to the original Tawandang, the one on Rama III. I may be wrong about the III part.
Dinner tonight was wonderful. We ate at Kinnaree. Such a lovely place. Thai music, and an atmosphere that is like a house. Every dish was very tasty. We ate Thai style and shared a chicken satay, a fish in sauce, yellow curry shrimp and veggies, brown curry with lamb, and duck. I'm glad we finally got there for dinner because I remembered just how good this place is from my visit to BKK and Adelphi in February.
Dessert was at Maeng's. She had prepared mango and sticky rice. Mangosteen is in season now so we also had a couple plates of that.
It's another late night (12:00) and I really wanted to hit the sack early tonight! AAARRGGHH!
More later...
Carol
Apr 24th, 2008, 05:34 PM
#54
Guen- so sorry to hear about your parents and your trip!
Carol, you are having entirely too much fun!!And eating mangosteen!! I am green with envy, even though in two weeks I'll be eating them too!
Carol, you are having entirely too much fun!!And eating mangosteen!! I am green with envy, even though in two weeks I'll be eating them too!
Apr 24th, 2008, 07:39 PM
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Bob, there was no cake. It was a dish of ice cream (large enough to share with all of us). Sorry to disappoint!
Today my friends and I had thought about going on a day trip, but we forgot to book something!!! Good thing though, because we have rain. K is checking on his computer right now for a museum of interest, and it might be a good day to take in a movie at one of the superlative gold class theaters (I've talked about these before).
lcuy, enjoy your trip with mari and others. I think you'll have a blast. More tales to tell at the next HNL GTG. Peter and Linda don't seem to be posting right now (?) so they must be in remote parts of Japan. Hope they are having a great time.
I was showing off the birthday bash photos yesterday. DS remembers most of it... he is not a dancer, usually, but he got up and joined in with the rest. His girlfriend has a video on her phone to prove it. Could be "used" someday as bounty?????
I look out my large floor to ceiling windows here at Adelphi and can see the pool area at the Sofitel Grand Sukhumvit (where we will stay AFTER Samui, in about a week). Looks really inviting today.
Anyone heard of the Crystal Mall in Bangkok? There was an item in today's Nation (insert section) about that mall. It certainly is a new name to me... and I thought I knew all the shopping places here.. haha!! Supposed to be the latest upscale shopping place. Guenmai... do you know about this one??
Gotta run!
Carol
Today my friends and I had thought about going on a day trip, but we forgot to book something!!! Good thing though, because we have rain. K is checking on his computer right now for a museum of interest, and it might be a good day to take in a movie at one of the superlative gold class theaters (I've talked about these before).
lcuy, enjoy your trip with mari and others. I think you'll have a blast. More tales to tell at the next HNL GTG. Peter and Linda don't seem to be posting right now (?) so they must be in remote parts of Japan. Hope they are having a great time.
I was showing off the birthday bash photos yesterday. DS remembers most of it... he is not a dancer, usually, but he got up and joined in with the rest. His girlfriend has a video on her phone to prove it. Could be "used" someday as bounty?????
I look out my large floor to ceiling windows here at Adelphi and can see the pool area at the Sofitel Grand Sukhumvit (where we will stay AFTER Samui, in about a week). Looks really inviting today.
Anyone heard of the Crystal Mall in Bangkok? There was an item in today's Nation (insert section) about that mall. It certainly is a new name to me... and I thought I knew all the shopping places here.. haha!! Supposed to be the latest upscale shopping place. Guenmai... do you know about this one??
Gotta run!
Carol
Apr 25th, 2008, 04:00 AM
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Mango, I love having my laptop with me. I can turn it on and tune into fodors and news from home, etc. in the morning while I have my coffee, in my jammies. Or I can click on when I get back to Adelphi late in the evening (like after a great birthday bash). I know that internet cafes are very easy to find here, and you can get internet access real cheap... but there is something about having your own computer, with your own favorites, and free wifi access is soooo easy to deal with! Plus, I download my photos everyday.
Thanks for the location help with Crystal, janew. If I can work it in, I'll try to check it out. It was K who noted an ad in a newspaper about a store with unique items, and that store location is Crystal Mall.
Today ended up being yet another shopping day. The day started out a little bit rainy, so we (German friends and I) thought it was probably good that we had not planned a day trip out of BKK in the rain. (DS was busy today and could not join us) Well, the rain didn't last all day. It quit by the time we were ready to venture out.
We tried to find a display that K had seen yesterday while with DS, "at a skytrain station" (but could not remember WHICH station). The display advertised an exhibit of various gifts given to the King. Do you think we could find that display? NO... and we checked all the skytrain stations between Nana and Ratchatewi (sp) plus National Stadium. No display. K was a bit disappointed, but we consoled him. There is always shopping!
Today's route included the Emporium, Pathip, Platinum, Central World and Paragon! Plus, there was an interesting little market right on the sidewalk in front of Central World today. It looked like some sort of Junior Achievement project or something similar, as the vendors were all maybe 16-18 years old. They were all sitting on the ground (on mats) with their wares spread out in front of them, in neat rows (about 6 of them). It got quite crowded walking in between the rows, which were only about 4 feet apart. The "lookers" were trying to squeeze through in both directions. Many of the products for sale were hand made. I assume that some of these teens were making their own unique products to sell. I priced a couple of items but did not buy anything.
There was also a live band playing on a stage in front of CW along with the little market. The market could not have been set up for more than a few hours, I don't believe. I'm glad I just happened onto it!
DS is having dinner with a friend tonight, a retired military doctor expat. It is ANZAC Day today, or something similar, and there is a special military dinner (I have no idea where... DS did not know either) so K and G and I are on our own. Since there appears to be another storm moving in, I think we might keep it simple and step about 20 feet across the soi to Via Vai, the Italian place, once again. I could go for a good pizza tonight.
Carol
Thanks for the location help with Crystal, janew. If I can work it in, I'll try to check it out. It was K who noted an ad in a newspaper about a store with unique items, and that store location is Crystal Mall.
Today ended up being yet another shopping day. The day started out a little bit rainy, so we (German friends and I) thought it was probably good that we had not planned a day trip out of BKK in the rain. (DS was busy today and could not join us) Well, the rain didn't last all day. It quit by the time we were ready to venture out.
We tried to find a display that K had seen yesterday while with DS, "at a skytrain station" (but could not remember WHICH station). The display advertised an exhibit of various gifts given to the King. Do you think we could find that display? NO... and we checked all the skytrain stations between Nana and Ratchatewi (sp) plus National Stadium. No display. K was a bit disappointed, but we consoled him. There is always shopping!
Today's route included the Emporium, Pathip, Platinum, Central World and Paragon! Plus, there was an interesting little market right on the sidewalk in front of Central World today. It looked like some sort of Junior Achievement project or something similar, as the vendors were all maybe 16-18 years old. They were all sitting on the ground (on mats) with their wares spread out in front of them, in neat rows (about 6 of them). It got quite crowded walking in between the rows, which were only about 4 feet apart. The "lookers" were trying to squeeze through in both directions. Many of the products for sale were hand made. I assume that some of these teens were making their own unique products to sell. I priced a couple of items but did not buy anything.
There was also a live band playing on a stage in front of CW along with the little market. The market could not have been set up for more than a few hours, I don't believe. I'm glad I just happened onto it!
DS is having dinner with a friend tonight, a retired military doctor expat. It is ANZAC Day today, or something similar, and there is a special military dinner (I have no idea where... DS did not know either) so K and G and I are on our own. Since there appears to be another storm moving in, I think we might keep it simple and step about 20 feet across the soi to Via Vai, the Italian place, once again. I could go for a good pizza tonight.
Carol
