MaryW

Hi Carol. Welcome back. Glad you enjoyed Singapore.

Call if you feel like meeting up again before you go back. We're out to Chinatown tonight and I know you are busy too but just let us know. Hopefully the rain will stay off for the evening.
Mary

mag318

Carol, Gene and Mary just departed ORD this AM heading to HK. Atfew days there and they'll be in BKK. You guys are always like ships passing at sea, but ones of these trips you'll both be in BKK at the same time.
I hope you took a photo of Angelee, she is a cutie who luckily got her looks from Pong. Stay safe and don't hurry home.

Kathie

I'm glad you enjoyed Singapore so much. I've always thought it was a place I could live. Not as exotic as Bangkok, but a delightful city nonetheless.

simpsonc510

I forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the terminal 2 Silver Kris Lounge at SIN airport. An amazing array of food items, both hot and cold. Enough to make a meal, for sure. No need to eat on the plane... haha

Mary, there is a retirement party I've been invited to tonight, but not yet sure that I'm going to go. The plan today is to hit the Jim Thompson outlet on Soi 93. I am looking for specific items for friends back home. Don't know if they will still be available, but I'll find out. I might also make it to Platinum Mall today. More stuff for friends. I get requests from friends when they see what I've bought! I am in BKK until Sunday night, probably leaving for the airport around 9:45pm. What about Sunday afternoon??? I would love to see your apartment on the river.

Bangkok is a bit overcast this morning, at about 7am. We had a downpour yesteray afternoon that was so heavy I could not see the tall buildings on the next soi over. It didn't last more than maybe an hour, or maybe less. Wow... lots of rain. Streets did not flood though. I've been here when we had flooded streets. Not much fun.

John, sorry I'll miss Gene and Mary AGAIN. We need to do a better job of coordinating our travel plans. I'm sure they will have a good time here. Would love to show Mary some of my shopping haunts sometime.

I saw Maeng's new place last night. It is still a work in progress. It is on the second floor of the corner of Sukhumvit and soi 5. It is above a food court place. She is really very happy and excited to be opening her own place. I just hope she can make it successful. She and Nick had a good thing going with the PL. Too bad that had to end. But I can also understand what Maeng has been wanting. I hope to see Nick and the new PL today sometime. His new location is at the end of Suk soi 7/1, on the righthand side.

I'm in a deluxe one bedroom apartment at AS rather than my usual executive apartment. This one is really not too bad. The room configuration isn't as 'open' as the executive, also not as many square feet in size. But for just me, it'll do. I have my washing machine, and that's what counts!

I have not talked politics much, since the Thai elections. The handful of people I have talked to seem to have settled or are happy with the idea of Taksin's sister taking over. Women seem especially happy to have a fellow female in charge.

BUT upon reading the Nation while waiting for my room to be ready yesterday afternoon, I see that the headlines are saying that Ms Shinawatra has been suspended as a candidate, as well as some of her newly elected colleagues from her party. To make things balance, there are also suspended candidates from the opposition side! Not enough members to make a quorum. I guess this sort of thing is not all that unusual here in Thailand, but this time it seems to go a little beyond the norm. The red shirts are saying they will not have their big victory celebration next week, but will instead 'be preparing' for another demonstration should Ms Shinawatra NOT be sworn in as the new PM next week. (Michaelbkk, hanuman, what can you add about this situation?)

Maybe it's a good thing I'm leaving in a few days???

Time to shower and go downstairs for breakfast. The AS has a totally full house for the next few days. It might be a good idea to beat the crowd to the fresh fruit and hot foods!

More later!

Carol

MaryW

Carol. I think Sunday afternoon will work. Just waiting to hear from Dan's sister who flys in on Saturday night and out again (by train to Vientianne) Sunday night. Her plan is to meet Sunday morning for breakfast but I think it will be more like early lunch. I'll ring you and talk.

We went on the Bangkok Food Tours "Chinatown" trip last night. It was interesting. I'll write up something for everyone soon.

Have a good day.

Hanuman

Carol,

Slightly wrong information. There is a possibility that a few elected MPs and those on the party list will be suspended due to breaking the election laws and yes Yingluk is on the list. The only problem that I see as troublesome and might cause a protest is the winning's party trying to re-neg on their promises like increasing the minimum wage etc.

simpsonc510

Mary, I will look forward to Sunday afternoon, if it works out. If not, no problem.

Today was busy. I think I'm done with my shopping. After breakfast, I started out at the Jim Thompson outlet on soi 93. I was planning to walk there from the BTS at On Nut, but we began to get a bit of a shower, so I hopped in a taxi instead, by the On Nut station. I picked up osme lovely prints at JT. I just love their fabrics! I had requests for elephant prints and strips and such, and in various styles.

I exchanged some dollars today. Vasu was paying 29.95. the walk-ups were just under that rate at 29.80. Then I wandered down soi 7/1 to visit Nick's new PL bar. He was not there, so I did not stick around. The carpenter was busy working on constructing the new bar. It looked nice. He will no doubt open in a couple of weeks.

Off to Platinum Fashion Mall to look for the big bling rings that a friend had asked about. I bought a selection of them. They certainly do come in all sizes, prices, and styles. I bought adjustable ones rather than specific sizes. A lot of the rings are in specific sizes, usually 6 and 7; but I did not want sized ones.

I had time for a hot fudge sundae at Swensons (not as good as Haagen-dazs IMO). The place was busy. Today was a holiday (tomorrow is too, I hear) so office people were off today, and many have a 4-day weekend. Platinum Mall was packed!

I took the skytrain back to Nana station and then had a bit of a rest in my apartment. Dinner was at Monsoon tonight. I had my usual caprese salad and watermelon smoothie. Monsoon was not very busy tonight, but then, it is a 'dry' night and bars/hotels/restaurants cannot serve alcohol.

Maeng got the new pool tables installed at her place today. They look very nice. Pool players will have a new place to go to hit some balls.

Now I'm tired and ready to hit the sack. No plans tomorrow, other than seeing Dr Jack once more before I leave Sunday night. I might ride the skytrain end to end to end to end. There are interesting local markets at some of the stops! (but I'm really DONE shopping)

Hanuman, thanks for the explanation of the political situation. I just hope there is no need for any big demonstrations, although it's hard to see how raising the minimum wage could not bankrupt the country!

mrwunrfl

I checked on MTW this week at united for F saver award availability for BKK-ORD. On Monday, the 12-17th were available, but not 18-22nd. On Tues the 17th and 19th ok, but not 18th or 20-22nd. On Wed, the 17th and 19-20 ok, but not 18th.

I checked again today (Friday) and BKK-NRT-ORD in F on UA is now available on the 18th. CO shows F available for BKK-FRA-ORD on LH/UA on the 18th but the conncection is almost 7 hours.

So your plan of booking the week before departure would have worked, but it would have come down to 2 or maybe 3 days before departure.

MaryW

Carol. I've emailed you re Sunday

simpsonc510

Mary, I got your email and have replied!

Bill, wow, you really have been searching. You can see that the last minute possibilities are there. I'm glad I have my ticket thru FRA for late Sunday night departure, arriving back in ORD on Monday morning. Tokyo is going to be hit with a strong typhoon! It's in the news right now. I'm very happy to avoid that!!!

No special plans for today. Probably hit the malls, for window shopping only. My suitcases are full. I'm only checking two bags this time, believe it or not. Not my usual 3. I have bought enough things to make everyone at home happy.

Time for breakfast!

Smeagol

Have a great day window shopping ( and dare say a stop at your favourite ice cream place???)

simpsonc510

No chatuchak visit today. That's a first!!! My Saturday mornings in BKK are always spent there.

Well, turns out sales were pretty good at Central World. I've 'discovered' ZARA. I've seen it in Zurich all the time, but never really did see anything that I wanted to try on. I did find a couple of items at ZARA Central World.

Paragon and Central Chitlom were both interesting for looking, a bit of trying on, but nothing to buy. I looked at the collection of Fit Flops (shoes) in a couple of stores. My favorite brand of shoe (thanks to hanuman's wife) and did try on one pair, but no go. Prices in BKK are higher than at home.

I did, indeed, have my favorite Haagen-Dazs treat at Paragon this afternoon. Shopping is hard work and it requires some extra energy food! Does that excuse do??? haha

We've had a good downpour this evening. It started while I was inside at Central World and then came up yet again while I was heading to Paragon on the skybridge. I was going to go visit Dr Jack, but called him instead. I will see him tomorrow, before having to head to the airport. Can't believe it's already time to head home. This has been a short trip (or did it just seem that way because I was in three cities... HKG, SIN, and BKK... in 12 days). I have enjoyed every bit of it.

Speaking of the skybridge... I noted interesting signage. Does anyone do 'proofing' before they make these signs??? The signs between Central World and Paragone give directions to Siam SquaVe... rather than Siam SquaRe. There were at least three of these signs! And they are big. I was going to take a photo but opted not to... folks might think I was strange.

And speaking of Siam SquaVe or SquaRe, it's a really great place to window shop. No falong sizes to speak of, but I was there today as well. The young Thai designers show off their stuff here, in tiny little shops, where they don't have to pay much rent and overhead. A good way to get their product out in view. The Thais are always wandering around this area for shopping. Some of the Thai girls I've met say they have never been inside at Paragon. They walk by, but do not go inside. They do, however, shop at Siam Square.

And now I'm anxious to try out yet another first class lounge or two. I'm not sure which one I'll be invited to visit at BKK airport... maybe the Thai lounge? It's fabulous! At FRA I'm sure there will be a nice lounge for my short time between flights.

I had my dinner at a Black Canyon Coffee place. I like their food. I had Thai noodles and minced pork and tofu in broth. Very tasty.

And now a bit of TV before hitting the sack.

Tomorrow is my last day in BKK for this trip. I'll try to make every moment count.

Carol

Hanuman

I'm still in Hua Hin and will not get to see you again on this trip Carol. Hope you will have a really enjoyable first class experience back home!

Smeagol

Bon voyage Carol, have a good trip back.

SueHuml

I echo all the good wishes for luxurious first class lounge samplings and dreamy first class flights back to ORD. Just curious, do you drive all the way home from ORD after the loooong flight, or, do you sleep at an ORD Hotel to be refreshed for the drive?
Whatever, I so hope it is a good and uneventful trip home. Have really enjoyed your whirlwind,busy and full trip report,right as it happens. Thanks for taking us all along.
Sue

simpsonc510

Thanks for the good wishes. Sue, I will drive home from ORD when I arrive at 10:30 in the morning. Hopefully I will be well rested after nearly 24 hours in seats that lie flat for sleeping.

Hanuman, enjoy Hua Hin. Will see you next time I'm in BKK. It might be in October. There is a fairly good chance of that. Otherwise, for sure for Christmas time.

Will report on today's doings later.

Carol

SueHuml

Oh Carol, I'm impressed. Even though we too lie flat and sleep on board, I'm always so discombobulated when I get off a long haul flight and could not imagine driving a rather long distance afterwards. You must be proficient at it by now though, so just take it easy and get home safely.

I'll bet you are already working on your next visit -October?
Hope to meet up with you someday, either Chicago or, BKK.
Sue

kuranosuke

black canyon, i think the fried curry crab is the best deal in town. delicious, and very reasonable. hopefully, it doesn't collide with your food allergies.

where is maengs place? just in case i'm in town, i would like to see her again. i wonder how many of the of pl gang is with her?

mcbeanie

Good Morning, Carol!

You may be well on your way back to ORD by now. Safe travels!
I, too, want to know where Maeng's new place is. DH and I will be in BKK for 4/5 days the middle of September before heading to CM, and will be back after the 20th of October for another 4/5 days. Any chance you will be there then? We will be at AS in Sept and probably in Oct, too, if they aren't full. It won't be Christmas this year except in spirit with those at Maeng's, but maybe we'll meet up in Oct. I have a couple of questions but I'll send them on e-mail rather than make this longer.

Take care, my friend!

Sandra

simpsonc510

It's nearly time to head to the airport for my flight at just before midnight. It has been a busy day, indeed. Last minute things to do and people to see.

Ken, Maeng's new place is on the second floor of the corner of Sukhumvit and soi 5. She is above the food court, and directly across from the Landmark. There is a stairway to climb, and it is a bit tricky to find. It is directly next to a big tatoo parlor sign. You walk back about 20 feet, down a hallway, and then the stairway up in on the left. I hope Maeng puts up some good signage to get to the place.
She has orange lighting, installed just today, that calls attention to her place. She says she will open the end of next week. She has a bit of work to do to make that happen, but the carpenters and electricians will be done with everything tomorrow night. The place is really going to be nice! I love sitting outside on the 'smokers porch'... no, I'm not a smoker.... and since the business isn't yet open, there aren't any smokers there yet. I told Maeng, when I come back, I want an outside table with a bowl of her fabulous chili waiting for me! She is such a dear. I want only the very best for her. She has worked hard her whole life... more hours than anyone else I know. Period.

I did not ride the BTS end to end to end to end today, even though I had thought I might do that. I did, however, head down to the river. No boat ride. Just a quick look, and then into Robinson's to use the restroom before heading back into the city. Thought about stopping at Silom area, but don't know enough about that area to explore on my own. I'd just be wasting valuable time on my last day here.

Ya (Tub Tim, soi 8)did a quick shampoo for me today, so my hair is clean and styled. Ya will send me photos of her wedding the end of this month, to her boyfriend from Finland. I wish them the very best! I only hope he finds work in BKK so Ya doesn't have to move to Finland! Yikes... talk about a temperature shock! He's finishing up an MBA and can speak and write excellent English, which is a good thing to have in BKK.

I mentioned Maeng... I was there tonight after dinner, at her new bar. She was too busy to leave the new place to eat out. I understand perfectly, so I ate before arriving there. Then off to see Dr Jack one last time. He is always full of stories that amaze and amuse me, so I'm leaving on a happy note.

I'm checking only two bags this trip. One is my biggest wheeled duffel, which I bought here in BKK a year or so ago. It can carry everything but the kitchen sink! And then one smaller duffel without wheels. My carry on bag is a very small bag that holds my computer and reading material. That's it! I'm travelling light! (haha)

Will touch base when I get home, safe and sound.

Enjoy your day! I'm hoping to enjoy my flights in first class! Lufthansa BKK-FRA and then UA FRA-ORD. Hoping for lots of sleep. And yes, Sue, I will drive home! I've done this before, a number of times. DH knows that if I can't make it all the way home, I'll stop and rest and give him a call to let him know to look for me the next day!

Carol