filmwill's musings (live) from thailand
Dec 8th, 2008, 06:48 PM
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It's so nice to hear from someone who's just arrived there when everyone's talking about getting out!
I like Antique House in CM. Mahanaga was stunning decor, food just ok, and expensive for Thailand. But a really nice place for a special dinner.
I'm looking forward to hearing about Pai and the Quarter Hotel.
I like Antique House in CM. Mahanaga was stunning decor, food just ok, and expensive for Thailand. But a really nice place for a special dinner.
I'm looking forward to hearing about Pai and the Quarter Hotel.
Dec 8th, 2008, 07:24 PM
#23
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Hi Will-
So glad you made it there and are having a good time.
One of the dishes CM is known for is Khao Soi, a curry noodle dish, with more fried noodles on top.
My mom went to one place last year called The Gallery at 25-29 Charoenrat Road and said it was good.
Some other places I read about on Chowhound are Huen Phen and Lamduan.
So glad you made it there and are having a good time.
One of the dishes CM is known for is Khao Soi, a curry noodle dish, with more fried noodles on top.
My mom went to one place last year called The Gallery at 25-29 Charoenrat Road and said it was good.
Some other places I read about on Chowhound are Huen Phen and Lamduan.
Dec 9th, 2008, 12:07 AM
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Bob, I talked to a few folks up here who obviously seem a bit more sympathetic to the democrats side...but in general there was a feeling, even in Bangkok, that by blocking the airport, the PAD has effectively shot themselves in the foot. The closure hurt so many businesses (and the average Joe) that they've lost a lost of sympathy, even from their closet supporters.
I've tried not to immerse myself too much in the topic, as it seems a bit sore for everyone to talk about in general.
Thanks for all the restaurant recommendations, folks. We sure have the lot to pick from tonight! After dropping some dough on furniture for the new house, we may be eating at KFC. All depends what the DH allows or not.
John, looking forward to our trip to Pai as well (though, admittedly, I can't wait to get to the relative solace of Fern Resort, where we go tomorrow!) The guys at the front desk at Dream in Bangkok knew The Quarter well, though, and seemed really excited that we were going there...said it was really, really nice.
Kristina, thanks for the heads-up on kao soi. Learned about it last night after I devoured a bowl of it at our hotel for dinner. Hello?! I smell a new addiction brewing.
More to come--but maybe at a bit more reserved pace. Not much (if any) of an internet connection at our place in MHS.
By the way, have I mentioned how much I love Thailand? Just so happy to finally be back at our home away from home again.
I've tried not to immerse myself too much in the topic, as it seems a bit sore for everyone to talk about in general.
Thanks for all the restaurant recommendations, folks. We sure have the lot to pick from tonight! After dropping some dough on furniture for the new house, we may be eating at KFC. All depends what the DH allows or not.
John, looking forward to our trip to Pai as well (though, admittedly, I can't wait to get to the relative solace of Fern Resort, where we go tomorrow!) The guys at the front desk at Dream in Bangkok knew The Quarter well, though, and seemed really excited that we were going there...said it was really, really nice.
Kristina, thanks for the heads-up on kao soi. Learned about it last night after I devoured a bowl of it at our hotel for dinner. Hello?! I smell a new addiction brewing.
More to come--but maybe at a bit more reserved pace. Not much (if any) of an internet connection at our place in MHS.
By the way, have I mentioned how much I love Thailand? Just so happy to finally be back at our home away from home again.
Dec 9th, 2008, 03:32 AM
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" I talked to a few folks up here who obviously seem a bit more sympathetic to the democrats side"
Far from obvious, this is Taksin country! Brave guys if they were speaking out for the democrats.
Far from obvious, this is Taksin country! Brave guys if they were speaking out for the democrats.
Dec 9th, 2008, 08:02 AM
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I was also wondering what the local people might have to say about the political situation.
(I'm going home to ILLINOIS tomorrow, to the place where our illustrious governor has just been arrested by the FBI for trying to SELL Obama's senate seat.... it's gonna get interesting folks)
See you in BKK soon.
Carol (last night in Zurich)
(I'm going home to ILLINOIS tomorrow, to the place where our illustrious governor has just been arrested by the FBI for trying to SELL Obama's senate seat.... it's gonna get interesting folks)
See you in BKK soon.
Carol (last night in Zurich)
Dec 10th, 2008, 01:58 AM
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okay, okay, enough about greasy politicians. on to my trip report:
Update from Mae Hong Son:
After quite the white-knuckle plane ride into Mae Hong Son, we arrived safe and sound, I think (I keep touching the ground to make sure I’m on it.) For those of you who haven't had the pleasure...think of navigating a small propeller plane through a mountain canyon, tipping the wings far left and far right on final approach to avoid hitting anything. I hear the approach to Bhutan is similar.
Fern Resort is just exactly what we expected and oh so much more. It really is paradise defined. Set about 7km outside Mae Hong Son, it features about 30 cottages each either facing the resort’s amazing rice patties or the stream that runs through the property. No TVs, no phones, only internet is here (in the lobby) for a few hours a day. They really want you to unplug and I love that. There’s a gorgeous pool, a bocce court (hmm, may have to try that out!) and some really nice campfires to sit around at night when I can only imagine it’s a bit on the chilly side, given the temperatures during the day. The hotel, I believe, was a government-funded project and the people who work here are all local tribespeople who use this as training ground for the hospitality industry. It's a completely green resort in every aspect (David is thrilled about this.) The staff are wonderful—and the really do try their best to make you feel welcome. Not that uber-slick Bangkok hospitality…but that’s not what we’re looking for.
Ran into town shortly after arriving to rent a scooter (per many folks' suggestions) and zip around to see some local wats and Hmong day markets around the lake. Took some convincing to get the DH to hop on the back of what barely passed for a motorbike. A bit of a wobbly start, but my reckless days in high school came back quickly and we were off soon enough, zipping through the narrow streets, cool breeze blowing against your face. At the lake we bought a few things for friends back home, grabbed a quick lunch and headed back to chill out and take in the utter peace and quiet back at the resort.
Sitting here on the veranda now sipping a Singha, with 2 of the resort's guide dogs sitting literally on my feet (they're awesome and they will also serve as our guides on the hiking trails tomorrow--seriously!)
Don’t know what else to say, except I may not want to leave here in 3 days. In fact, I’m quite sure of it. Every time I come to this country. There’s always one defining unique experience for our trip. I think this may, indeed, be it. If there’s a place that’s “us”, this is it.
Update from Mae Hong Son:
After quite the white-knuckle plane ride into Mae Hong Son, we arrived safe and sound, I think (I keep touching the ground to make sure I’m on it.) For those of you who haven't had the pleasure...think of navigating a small propeller plane through a mountain canyon, tipping the wings far left and far right on final approach to avoid hitting anything. I hear the approach to Bhutan is similar.
Fern Resort is just exactly what we expected and oh so much more. It really is paradise defined. Set about 7km outside Mae Hong Son, it features about 30 cottages each either facing the resort’s amazing rice patties or the stream that runs through the property. No TVs, no phones, only internet is here (in the lobby) for a few hours a day. They really want you to unplug and I love that. There’s a gorgeous pool, a bocce court (hmm, may have to try that out!) and some really nice campfires to sit around at night when I can only imagine it’s a bit on the chilly side, given the temperatures during the day. The hotel, I believe, was a government-funded project and the people who work here are all local tribespeople who use this as training ground for the hospitality industry. It's a completely green resort in every aspect (David is thrilled about this.) The staff are wonderful—and the really do try their best to make you feel welcome. Not that uber-slick Bangkok hospitality…but that’s not what we’re looking for.
Ran into town shortly after arriving to rent a scooter (per many folks' suggestions) and zip around to see some local wats and Hmong day markets around the lake. Took some convincing to get the DH to hop on the back of what barely passed for a motorbike. A bit of a wobbly start, but my reckless days in high school came back quickly and we were off soon enough, zipping through the narrow streets, cool breeze blowing against your face. At the lake we bought a few things for friends back home, grabbed a quick lunch and headed back to chill out and take in the utter peace and quiet back at the resort.
Sitting here on the veranda now sipping a Singha, with 2 of the resort's guide dogs sitting literally on my feet (they're awesome and they will also serve as our guides on the hiking trails tomorrow--seriously!)
Don’t know what else to say, except I may not want to leave here in 3 days. In fact, I’m quite sure of it. Every time I come to this country. There’s always one defining unique experience for our trip. I think this may, indeed, be it. If there’s a place that’s “us”, this is it.
Dec 10th, 2008, 02:23 AM
#33
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It sounds truly lovely, filmwill. So much better than Zurich, which is right now getting a bit of snow. My flight to ORD is delayed one hour due to weather... icky. BKK weather will be much nicer, next week. DH and DS are on their way to BKK today!
My hairiest flt was on a twin prop with seats that literally folded down out of the wall. It was in a storm. I really thought we were all toast... but I guess we made it!
See you soon.
Carol
My hairiest flt was on a twin prop with seats that literally folded down out of the wall. It was in a storm. I really thought we were all toast... but I guess we made it!
See you soon.
Carol
Dec 12th, 2008, 11:26 PM
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Very quick update:
Now in Pai. Took the bus from Mae Hong Son this morning. Kind of reminded me of the bus Joan Wilder took in Cartagena (if anyone remembers Romancing the Stone, hopefully you'll get the reference.) A lovely reminder to all who dare take the journey: as gorgeous as the views were going through the mountains, down LOTS of dramamine. I'm not prone to motion sickness at all (grew up on a boat) and have never been carsick, but I was holding on to my stomach trying to keep on my best poker face. Luckily the stars were aligned and I made it here without hurling.
Staying at The Quarter hotel now...and it's just absolutely gorgeous. Never would have expected such a little oasis here. Pai is kind of a little hippie town with lots of cute little shops and art galleries (and plenty of backpackers and stoners to boot.) It's actually really charming. The hotels just get better and better I have to say, though. I'm kicking myself a bit for not staying here longer. We leave tomorrow for our flight back to Chiang Mai (20 minutes in a 10-seater...God help me, when I decide to go Indiana Jones?!)
Will post more once we arrive in Ko Racha (have a 1 night stopover in Chiang Mai, then onto the beach!)
And we're off again...
Now in Pai. Took the bus from Mae Hong Son this morning. Kind of reminded me of the bus Joan Wilder took in Cartagena (if anyone remembers Romancing the Stone, hopefully you'll get the reference.) A lovely reminder to all who dare take the journey: as gorgeous as the views were going through the mountains, down LOTS of dramamine. I'm not prone to motion sickness at all (grew up on a boat) and have never been carsick, but I was holding on to my stomach trying to keep on my best poker face. Luckily the stars were aligned and I made it here without hurling.
Staying at The Quarter hotel now...and it's just absolutely gorgeous. Never would have expected such a little oasis here. Pai is kind of a little hippie town with lots of cute little shops and art galleries (and plenty of backpackers and stoners to boot.) It's actually really charming. The hotels just get better and better I have to say, though. I'm kicking myself a bit for not staying here longer. We leave tomorrow for our flight back to Chiang Mai (20 minutes in a 10-seater...God help me, when I decide to go Indiana Jones?!)
Will post more once we arrive in Ko Racha (have a 1 night stopover in Chiang Mai, then onto the beach!)
And we're off again...
Dec 13th, 2008, 03:10 AM
#40
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Your adventure sounds really great! Thanks for keeping us posted "live." I love your reference to the bus ride from "Romancing the Stone" .... one of my favorite movies. And how is the weather holding out?
See you on the 21st.
Carol
See you on the 21st.
Carol
