Carol is Blogging from Bangkok!
Aug 21st, 2008, 08:38 PM
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I'm in BKK right now too.
Beware any scraggy looking Australians with a mean look on their face. It could be me.
I'm trying out the new Centara Grand in Central World. Location, location, location - which is about all it's got going for it. I'm trapped in a hotel full to the rafters with package tourists from Hong Kong.
Beware any scraggy looking Australians with a mean look on their face. It could be me.
I'm trying out the new Centara Grand in Central World. Location, location, location - which is about all it's got going for it. I'm trapped in a hotel full to the rafters with package tourists from Hong Kong.
Aug 21st, 2008, 08:59 PM
#22
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dogster
So you're in the high(er) rent district. I've been in Central World once so far. Have not taken a look at the hotel. Location is good at Centara, yes. It's right smack in the midst of the biggest mall. But you have to hike a bit to get to the skytrain boarding ramp. I only walk for about 1 minute and I'm there!!
So I'm looking for a scraggly looking Ozzie. I'll keep that in mind. I'll be the tall one shopping with a less-than-5ft tall Thai lady. We do look like Mutt and Jeff... haha.
Do enjoy your stay here.
Carol
So you're in the high(er) rent district. I've been in Central World once so far. Have not taken a look at the hotel. Location is good at Centara, yes. It's right smack in the midst of the biggest mall. But you have to hike a bit to get to the skytrain boarding ramp. I only walk for about 1 minute and I'm there!!
So I'm looking for a scraggly looking Ozzie. I'll keep that in mind. I'll be the tall one shopping with a less-than-5ft tall Thai lady. We do look like Mutt and Jeff... haha.
Do enjoy your stay here.
Carol
Aug 21st, 2008, 09:11 PM
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Heh - 'hike' is too kind a word. It's an epic schlep along the walk-way to Siam skytrain. I think the assumption with this place is that once you're here the combined charms of Zen, Central World and Ista..[whatever it is] will keep you happily trapped in consumer heaven - with no need to go anywhere else at all.
Which, for the dog, after six weeks in India, might well be the case.
By the way, should you be passing, the S15 hotel at Soi 15, Sukumvit, [same soi as Dream Hotel] is worth a look. But, I know, you belong to the Adelphi - and, next time, so might I.
Count yourself lucky I didn't check out of here and move there - I nearly did last night. Only the 100% cancellation fee on pre-paid bookings at Centara Grand stopped me.
Which, for the dog, after six weeks in India, might well be the case.
By the way, should you be passing, the S15 hotel at Soi 15, Sukumvit, [same soi as Dream Hotel] is worth a look. But, I know, you belong to the Adelphi - and, next time, so might I.
Count yourself lucky I didn't check out of here and move there - I nearly did last night. Only the 100% cancellation fee on pre-paid bookings at Centara Grand stopped me.
Aug 21st, 2008, 09:29 PM
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Rahul...Thanks a lot. I'm sitting here packing right now and have packed every kind of jacket, hooded cape-style shawl, hooded zip- sweatshirt, rain poncho etc..that I own. Smiles.. I know how S.F. weather can be. I've been going there since I was a child.Well, if it gets too rainy, I can just stay in my room at the FS. I've just packed 4 DVDs. Since you said that it's 50-ish, I'm now going to throw in the gloves,too....true winter weather for those of us from L.A.! Happy Travels!
Aug 21st, 2008, 09:40 PM
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Gwen,
Just returned from our US trip which took KT, the kids & I to LA, Bakersfield ( no one laugh pls) to break his drive from LA to Capitola, Pacifica, San Jose, Elk Grove (109 when we were there) all in CA, Memphis, Tennessee, Fairbanks, Alaska, Sedona, Grand Canyon AZ via Las Vegas.
I must say that the SF leg of our trip was the coldest- around the mid 50's as we were by the beach. It was comparable to the very strange cold mid 50's rainy weather we had in Fairbank, AK. We stayed well, inspite the dips & highs of the temperature through our travels.
Enjoy SF !!! That was home to us before we got to TKY.
Just returned from our US trip which took KT, the kids & I to LA, Bakersfield ( no one laugh pls) to break his drive from LA to Capitola, Pacifica, San Jose, Elk Grove (109 when we were there) all in CA, Memphis, Tennessee, Fairbanks, Alaska, Sedona, Grand Canyon AZ via Las Vegas.
I must say that the SF leg of our trip was the coldest- around the mid 50's as we were by the beach. It was comparable to the very strange cold mid 50's rainy weather we had in Fairbank, AK. We stayed well, inspite the dips & highs of the temperature through our travels.
Enjoy SF !!! That was home to us before we got to TKY.
Aug 22nd, 2008, 06:21 AM
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Gwen, I was almost laughing when I read what you've packed for your SF trip 
However, right by your hotel is the MOMA and they have the Frida Kahlo show on right now. The Asian Art museum has exhibits from the Ming dynasty (if you're into museums..).
However, right by your hotel is the MOMA and they have the Frida Kahlo show on right now. The Asian Art museum has exhibits from the Ming dynasty (if you're into museums..).
Aug 22nd, 2008, 07:21 AM
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Arrrgh! I want to be there too, Carol. I had to cancel my trip in October for business reasons, nothing I can do. Lost $1,000 since I had to cancel Thai Airways domestic flights that were special promotions. We are planning to go in April now, which will be nice since the h20 festival is then.
One thing I like to do after I get unpacked is to hit the street food markets to engage in some serious eating, walk around the markets and then go to the 7-11 on the way back to buy lots of the strange juices and sodas that they have (tamarind, Fanta, coconut juice, sugar cane, Thai sport drinks, etc.)
Have a great time for us! Do something crazy this time!!
Kurt
One thing I like to do after I get unpacked is to hit the street food markets to engage in some serious eating, walk around the markets and then go to the 7-11 on the way back to buy lots of the strange juices and sodas that they have (tamarind, Fanta, coconut juice, sugar cane, Thai sport drinks, etc.)
Have a great time for us! Do something crazy this time!!
Kurt
Aug 22nd, 2008, 04:04 PM
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Jetlag can be awful! I fell asleep on my couch last night around 7:30. How much fun is that!! I did a lot of walking around Sukhumvit and Siam areas so was pretty beat by early evening. Slept in to 6:30 this morning, so I'm getting closer to a normal schedule for me.
Mcbeanie... I'll just miss you. I leave BKK on Jan 7! Darn!
Mango7, April is a possibility for me. DS's birthday is in April. I was here for his party this year. What a FUN time. We did Tawandang in fine style. Eating, dancing, drinking German beer... a fun evening for everyone there. I hope to do his party in BKK again sometime. Maybe 09?
Off to the weekend market this morning at 9. Will take skytrain to interchange station and then hop on the subway. The Subway stops right inside the market. Could not be handier. Will probably taxi back because Maeng will have some large packages to manage. Hopefully, I too will have my hands full of new items!
We are booked for Chiang Mai on Tuesday. It's a day trip to go to Hang Dong and Bosong and night markets. Bosong is actually the best one for me, but we will visit a friend at Hang Dong, so must take time to go there. We will have the same driver I always get in CM. I have his phone number so we can call the day before. His name is Jit. He is just driver, not a guide. He speaks "some" English. I'm glad I've got Maeng along to interpret!!!
Vasu exchange rate was 33.82 yesterday. Better than other places I noted, which were more like 33.6. Vasu is located on Sukhumvit around soi 7-9. Quite handy to Adelphi. There is no need to hop on the skytrain to get there.
Weather has been sunny during the day. I keep thinking we will get rain in the late afternoon, but so far have not seen any. Hong Kong was just dealing with a really big storm. I don't think it is headed in our direction.
Carol
Mcbeanie... I'll just miss you. I leave BKK on Jan 7! Darn!
Mango7, April is a possibility for me. DS's birthday is in April. I was here for his party this year. What a FUN time. We did Tawandang in fine style. Eating, dancing, drinking German beer... a fun evening for everyone there. I hope to do his party in BKK again sometime. Maybe 09?
Off to the weekend market this morning at 9. Will take skytrain to interchange station and then hop on the subway. The Subway stops right inside the market. Could not be handier. Will probably taxi back because Maeng will have some large packages to manage. Hopefully, I too will have my hands full of new items!
We are booked for Chiang Mai on Tuesday. It's a day trip to go to Hang Dong and Bosong and night markets. Bosong is actually the best one for me, but we will visit a friend at Hang Dong, so must take time to go there. We will have the same driver I always get in CM. I have his phone number so we can call the day before. His name is Jit. He is just driver, not a guide. He speaks "some" English. I'm glad I've got Maeng along to interpret!!!
Vasu exchange rate was 33.82 yesterday. Better than other places I noted, which were more like 33.6. Vasu is located on Sukhumvit around soi 7-9. Quite handy to Adelphi. There is no need to hop on the skytrain to get there.
Weather has been sunny during the day. I keep thinking we will get rain in the late afternoon, but so far have not seen any. Hong Kong was just dealing with a really big storm. I don't think it is headed in our direction.
Carol
Aug 22nd, 2008, 07:02 PM
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... welcome back to the City of Angels! (One of our little cherished and budget busting homes.) ...
... (and, by the way: any chance you were at the NRT UA RCC (C Lounge) this past Wednesday afternoon? I quickly ducked in to meet a friend and shamelessly flirt with my favourite "shower girl" before departing for my normal NRT hang-out, the NH lounges; so love those ANA ladies. (I was in my normal "uniform": dark grey coloured suit, black dress shoes, white shirt, black carry-on, small Jim Thompson gift bag, and once leaving the NH lounges, eyes peeled for certain Singapore Girls getting ready to work a certain SIA flight.)
Now, understand you are holed up at the Adelphi Suites. Have never stayed there, but do wish to let you know a certain all-time cherished pre-mrs. m massage parlour is rather close by, Aviva Massage. Oh my, some of the kindest and sweetest girls in the world. Mind you, I always arranged with the special Khun "P" for the masseuses to be sent to my various softly-lit hotel rooms; always a fine way to end Bangkok business days.
Have it from the highest authorities and friends (thanks forever "D" and gentlemen, for some fine times on your Asian adult travel site) that the Adelphi is adequately friendly. (And for those of you out there wondering, "well, could I pull off such a feat at the Peninsula, or even the Old Duchess, the Oriental? ... (Well, let's just say, maximum discretion highly advised. Oh yes, a bit of a change in the Dame's "visitor policy" ever since the Peninsula came on line in '98; but please don't tell Mr. "K" you heard it from me.)
Finally, Carol(e); don't you just miss the original "AO"? Rather endearing woman; I'll do my best to carry on her legacy with massage suggestions, escorts, and yes, a certain Asian airline.
Cherish your joyous Thai times, and in future, perhaps that special carrier ...
macintosh (robert)
... "We're losing too many of our best business guests to the Peninsula." ...
(Khun _, Oriental Bangkok "driver", extraordinaire)
Aug 23rd, 2008, 02:30 AM
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Hello again!
AO, you do keep things interesting here! By the way, regarding the comment of the Oriental driver: I also prefer the Pen over the Oriental. I've stayed at both.
Lucy, looking forward to seeing you also next month. Should be a good time.
Maeng and I spent 6 hours at Chatuchak today!! Can you even imagine??? We had fun. So many bags, we had to hire one of the push carts to take everything to a waiting taxi! As we shopped, we carried our goodies to a stand where they were keeping everything for us so we did not have to lug it around. We managed to fill up the small trunk of our taxi!
JJ Mall (adjacent to Chatuchak) has really taken off and is bustling now. I went there a year and half ago and it wasn't busy at all. In fact, there were open spaces with no vendors. Not anymore!! I think people like to escape the heat of Chatuchak for a bit of shopping in AC. JJ Mall is three floors, and is much like Platinum Mall in the Pratunam area.
I'm going to dine on Maeng's garlic shrimp this evening. I think I'll be able to stay awake later than 7pm tonight. Maybe even 9 or 10pm! Jetlag might be over. Whew!
Adelphi is such a nice mix of people, from Europe, India, the US, Australia, and many families with children. It's nice to sit in the lobby and chat with people. I talked with a family of four from Australia and a couple from India just this morning while waiting for Maeng to arrive. We talked about Chatuchak. They had not been there, so they were interested in hearing about the market, and how best to get there.
I prefer taking the subway to Chatuchak. From the Asok interchange station to Kamphaeng Phet (inside Chatuchak) costs 35 baht. The subway, by the way, is getting busier than it was when I first took a ride on it. Same way with the skytrain. Not many Thais would ride it when it first opened. Now, you have a hard time finding a place to sit down because it is so crowded.
There is lots of new construction in the Sukhumvit area. Maeng is concerned that they are building too many buildings and that they will not fill up the condos and offices with occupants. When I first came to BKK, there were some empty buildings that had been abandoned when the economy took a nose dive back in the 90's (?). Hope it doesn't happen again!
I am not very tech savvy, I admit. But today we did something that I'm not sure you can do at home in the US. I needed to pay for the Chiang Mai tickets for Tuesday. It was not possible to make it to the travel office by 1:00, as it was 12:20 and Maeng and I were at JJ Mall when the travel agent called to confirm the tickets. They needed to be purchased today.
Maeng said we could send the money to the travel agent using a machine similar to an ATM, but it is for cash deposits. We found a branch of the Bangkok Bank and Maeng got on the phone and talked with the travel agent, who gave Maeng the account number for the travel agency, and I was able to put cash into the machine, it counts it three times, and then spits out a receipt that shows what you paid and to what account! Can we do that at home??? I have NO idea!!! Maeng does banking for the Pickled Liver on the weekends, using the cash deposit machines. I learn something new everyday!
Today's exchange rate at a place in JJ Mall was 33.57.
CNN is keeping me informed on the politics at home... interesting! I knew it would not be Hillary!
Have a great day, everyone.
Carol
AO, you do keep things interesting here! By the way, regarding the comment of the Oriental driver: I also prefer the Pen over the Oriental. I've stayed at both.
Lucy, looking forward to seeing you also next month. Should be a good time.
Maeng and I spent 6 hours at Chatuchak today!! Can you even imagine??? We had fun. So many bags, we had to hire one of the push carts to take everything to a waiting taxi! As we shopped, we carried our goodies to a stand where they were keeping everything for us so we did not have to lug it around. We managed to fill up the small trunk of our taxi!
JJ Mall (adjacent to Chatuchak) has really taken off and is bustling now. I went there a year and half ago and it wasn't busy at all. In fact, there were open spaces with no vendors. Not anymore!! I think people like to escape the heat of Chatuchak for a bit of shopping in AC. JJ Mall is three floors, and is much like Platinum Mall in the Pratunam area.
I'm going to dine on Maeng's garlic shrimp this evening. I think I'll be able to stay awake later than 7pm tonight. Maybe even 9 or 10pm! Jetlag might be over. Whew!
Adelphi is such a nice mix of people, from Europe, India, the US, Australia, and many families with children. It's nice to sit in the lobby and chat with people. I talked with a family of four from Australia and a couple from India just this morning while waiting for Maeng to arrive. We talked about Chatuchak. They had not been there, so they were interested in hearing about the market, and how best to get there.
I prefer taking the subway to Chatuchak. From the Asok interchange station to Kamphaeng Phet (inside Chatuchak) costs 35 baht. The subway, by the way, is getting busier than it was when I first took a ride on it. Same way with the skytrain. Not many Thais would ride it when it first opened. Now, you have a hard time finding a place to sit down because it is so crowded.
There is lots of new construction in the Sukhumvit area. Maeng is concerned that they are building too many buildings and that they will not fill up the condos and offices with occupants. When I first came to BKK, there were some empty buildings that had been abandoned when the economy took a nose dive back in the 90's (?). Hope it doesn't happen again!
I am not very tech savvy, I admit. But today we did something that I'm not sure you can do at home in the US. I needed to pay for the Chiang Mai tickets for Tuesday. It was not possible to make it to the travel office by 1:00, as it was 12:20 and Maeng and I were at JJ Mall when the travel agent called to confirm the tickets. They needed to be purchased today.
Maeng said we could send the money to the travel agent using a machine similar to an ATM, but it is for cash deposits. We found a branch of the Bangkok Bank and Maeng got on the phone and talked with the travel agent, who gave Maeng the account number for the travel agency, and I was able to put cash into the machine, it counts it three times, and then spits out a receipt that shows what you paid and to what account! Can we do that at home??? I have NO idea!!! Maeng does banking for the Pickled Liver on the weekends, using the cash deposit machines. I learn something new everyday!
Today's exchange rate at a place in JJ Mall was 33.57.
CNN is keeping me informed on the politics at home... interesting! I knew it would not be Hillary!
Have a great day, everyone.
Carol
Aug 23rd, 2008, 04:32 AM
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I am just back from eating Maeng's delicious garlic shrimp, plus a chili con carne w/chips.
I should have taken a camera with me this evening. I could have taken many "people" pictures.
All around Sukhumvit, there are TV's (some very small portable ones at market stalls) turned on to watch the Thai boxers win gold at the olympics. As you walk along, you see groups gathered around TVs; some people are standing outside of restaurants/bars that have TV's inside. Every now and then, a big whooping cheer can be heard from here, there, and everywhere, as the Thais cheer for their boxers.
I know of at least one gold medal as a result. The gold medalist, instead of waving a flag of his country, held up a picture of the King!
There was an elephant on soi 8; the mahut was sitting atop, looking in the window of a shop that had a TV turned on.
I guess I think of Thais as going on about their business without a lot of interest of news of the world. But they certainly ALL know that their boxers are doing well at the olympics in Beijing.
I just thought it interesting...
Carol
I should have taken a camera with me this evening. I could have taken many "people" pictures.
All around Sukhumvit, there are TV's (some very small portable ones at market stalls) turned on to watch the Thai boxers win gold at the olympics. As you walk along, you see groups gathered around TVs; some people are standing outside of restaurants/bars that have TV's inside. Every now and then, a big whooping cheer can be heard from here, there, and everywhere, as the Thais cheer for their boxers.
I know of at least one gold medal as a result. The gold medalist, instead of waving a flag of his country, held up a picture of the King!
There was an elephant on soi 8; the mahut was sitting atop, looking in the window of a shop that had a TV turned on.
I guess I think of Thais as going on about their business without a lot of interest of news of the world. But they certainly ALL know that their boxers are doing well at the olympics in Beijing.
I just thought it interesting...
Carol
Aug 23rd, 2008, 05:46 AM
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Perhaps not interested in world news - but certainly world sports! I saw a similar thing happen on Sukhumvit in the 02 Football World Cup - everyone was watching the England game on portable televisions down Sukhumvit and getting very excited whenever a goal was scored! I was having a tailor fitting and tried to cancel the apptment to watch the game - no problem I was told, the game will be on in the shop and every 10 yards from your hotel to here and back - and it was!
I find that even if a taxi driver speaks very little English, he can almost certainly tell me which English team he supports - normally Manchester United
BB
I find that even if a taxi driver speaks very little English, he can almost certainly tell me which English team he supports - normally Manchester United
BB
Aug 23rd, 2008, 06:30 AM
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Carol, couch surfing again? We just take the skytrain to JJ market. It's fun to walk along with all the people.
AO2-keep it up. You'll never replace the original, but you are very amusing. I'm sure SQ has you as their number one fan.
AO2-keep it up. You'll never replace the original, but you are very amusing. I'm sure SQ has you as their number one fan.
