Laurel and Hardy in Drag Do Bangkok
Nov 20th, 2017, 06:58 PM
#21
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Thanks Maryalice. We arrived at Logan by bus. Made it to South Station from Portland, Maine in 1 3/4 hours. We were at Logan in two hours flat. Amazing.
It was too early to check in so found a restaurant for a drink and salad. Now at gate waiting. Oh $30 each for Cobb Salad and a drink. Ouch!
It was too early to check in so found a restaurant for a drink and salad. Now at gate waiting. Oh $30 each for Cobb Salad and a drink. Ouch!
Nov 21st, 2017, 07:28 AM
#22
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Hi, sorry I missed this before you left, I went to Thailand last year at the same time, it's really hot there, lived in cotton dresses and of course bought a pair of elephant pants ($2.00) while I was there, they are also extremely comfortable and cool....
Hope you love Thailand as much as I did, the people, food, history, temples, loved it all, amazing country. If you get to Chaing Mai, make sure you go to the Elephant Sanctuary, one of the highlights of my trip.
I also flew through Hong Kong, long flight, but it's all worth it!
BTW, I used to be "owlwoman" and was very active on this board, but life got in the way, I'm back now!
Hope you love Thailand as much as I did, the people, food, history, temples, loved it all, amazing country. If you get to Chaing Mai, make sure you go to the Elephant Sanctuary, one of the highlights of my trip.
I also flew through Hong Kong, long flight, but it's all worth it!
BTW, I used to be "owlwoman" and was very active on this board, but life got in the way, I'm back now!
Nov 21st, 2017, 09:54 AM
#23
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Have a great time! I'm sure Bob and Karen will get you acclimated to Thailand in no time.
And FWIW, I've never had issues with the laundries. In Cambodia, they apologetically had to charge us $7 instead of $5 for our massive load of laundry, because they beautifully ironed all our clothes, including our socks.
And FWIW, I've never had issues with the laundries. In Cambodia, they apologetically had to charge us $7 instead of $5 for our massive load of laundry, because they beautifully ironed all our clothes, including our socks.
Nov 22nd, 2017, 02:52 PM
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We are finally in Bangkok. I was lucky in Boston, got upgraded to Business Class. Have no idea why. It was wonderful to get into prone position and best off all I do not have the dreaded kankles! Cathay Pacific has great Business Class. Push a button and are flat with plenty of leg room. Started off with champagne, then gin and tonic and light dinner. Although they had beef dish. Slept quite well so could stay up all next day. Hong Kong lovely airport. Lots of high end stores. Flight to Bangkok 2.5 hours. Sat next to very nice young man who came from a small town in Canada north of where I lived in Minnesota for 25 years. Small world.
Pick up driver in Bangkok took us to the wrong hotel. Went in, up to 11th floor, welcome drink, sat down and collapsed. We were supposed to be across the street at Anatara Riverside. Thai people are so very polite and got us on our way, and had our luggage deliverd to the correct hotel.
Of course Bob and Karen were waiting to greet us. Dropped luggage in our room and went back downstairs for lunch. Toured the lovely grounds. Our room has a balcony that looks over the pool and river.
Took cab to Sheraton for leg massages OMG wonderful. With neck and back included. Almost feel asleep. Definitely doing that again. Did some window shopping for jewelry. Went to visit Penny, the dressmaker. Her tops are absolutely beautiful. Wonderful seamstress. Will send some pictures of colors for linen and silk to my kids today. Took two boat rides on the River back to hotel for light dinner. I had my first Pai Tad Do not know how to spell it but it was delish. Also had a Mango smoothie. Must have shot my blood sugar to overload status but what a way to go. It was nine o'clock and we are all baked, served and done. It took every strength 65 and I had to find toothpaste and tooth brush and crawl into bed. Today Jim Thompson. Oh there is a Jim Thompson store in our hotel. They have the most beautiful silk bags and we priced those yesterday. Fairly pricy but lovely.
The one thing I notice in the restaurants is how precise the waitress is when setting the table. They take their time in placing things in front of you. Nothing like Becky's in Portland, Maine. It certainly makes the meal more enjoyable, at least it does for me. Time for morning coffee.
Oh something else, Bob and Karen are such incredible tour directors. They know so much about the area and we are learning things at every turn in the road. Making this a very special and unique experience for the two of us.
Pick up driver in Bangkok took us to the wrong hotel. Went in, up to 11th floor, welcome drink, sat down and collapsed. We were supposed to be across the street at Anatara Riverside. Thai people are so very polite and got us on our way, and had our luggage deliverd to the correct hotel.
Of course Bob and Karen were waiting to greet us. Dropped luggage in our room and went back downstairs for lunch. Toured the lovely grounds. Our room has a balcony that looks over the pool and river.
Took cab to Sheraton for leg massages OMG wonderful. With neck and back included. Almost feel asleep. Definitely doing that again. Did some window shopping for jewelry. Went to visit Penny, the dressmaker. Her tops are absolutely beautiful. Wonderful seamstress. Will send some pictures of colors for linen and silk to my kids today. Took two boat rides on the River back to hotel for light dinner. I had my first Pai Tad Do not know how to spell it but it was delish. Also had a Mango smoothie. Must have shot my blood sugar to overload status but what a way to go. It was nine o'clock and we are all baked, served and done. It took every strength 65 and I had to find toothpaste and tooth brush and crawl into bed. Today Jim Thompson. Oh there is a Jim Thompson store in our hotel. They have the most beautiful silk bags and we priced those yesterday. Fairly pricy but lovely.
The one thing I notice in the restaurants is how precise the waitress is when setting the table. They take their time in placing things in front of you. Nothing like Becky's in Portland, Maine. It certainly makes the meal more enjoyable, at least it does for me. Time for morning coffee.
Oh something else, Bob and Karen are such incredible tour directors. They know so much about the area and we are learning things at every turn in the road. Making this a very special and unique experience for the two of us.
Nov 23rd, 2017, 08:09 AM
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Thanksgiving Day. Bob had made arrangements to have Ratt pick us up this morning but she was unavailable and her son, Nut, drove us today. He is about 35 years old and extremely knowledgeable about Bangkok. Went to Jim Thompson. The most beautiful silk items I have ever seen. Each colored item was more beautiful than the previous one. Had lunch there at Jim Thompson's main store. More Pad Thai with a salad, cannot remember the name, but some kind of grapefruit, with coconut, peanuts. Absolutely delicious. I could have eaten several bowls of that salad. Then off to Jim Thompson's outlet store. Since the traffic is so terrible it takes a long time to get anywhere. Another stop at Penny the dressmaker, 1 hour trip back to hotel, ten minute change of clothes for dinner, back in car and off to Anatara Siam for dinner at Biscotti. Used to be the Four Seasons. Biscotti is an Italian restaurant, but not really Italian. Absolutely wonderful food and 69 and I had Karen's favorite dessert, Caramel dessert with dry ice-what a presentation, outstanding.
It is so interesting to see the poverty next to all the high rise buildings. Very strange sight.
Today, after lunch at Jim's. we walked down the street to see some street food stalls. I had just eaten but the smell was wonderful. I can see why people love the street food.
It is so interesting to see the poverty next to all the high rise buildings. Very strange sight.
Today, after lunch at Jim's. we walked down the street to see some street food stalls. I had just eaten but the smell was wonderful. I can see why people love the street food.
Nov 27th, 2017, 08:30 AM
#29
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Am following too. Great TR so far, very descriptive. You are lucky for that upgrade especially on Cathay.
I read that the government wanted to relocate the street vendors to hawker centers. Have you noticed this?
Carry on!
I read that the government wanted to relocate the street vendors to hawker centers. Have you noticed this?
Carry on!
Nov 28th, 2017, 06:11 AM
#32
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I have missed a few days because we have been so busy. Bob and Karen have kept us really moving.
Tuesday-today-Up at six am and a very nice leisurely breakfast at the Anatara. Driver at 10:30 am to airport for flight to Hanoi. We had our bags wrapped for 150 Baht per bag ($4.00 each). The guy used more than $4.00 in tape. Great way to save your luggage. No waiting line at Qatar but was glad Bob took care of checking in. They needed to see our Vietnam visa before issuing boarding pass. Bob and I got wheelchairs and we were off. Actually took us directly to the plane door. 69 and I had a seat between us. Comfortable and quick flight. 1 1/2 hours.
After deplaneing had to go thru health counter. Filled out paper on plane to state we were not sick then on to Visa area. They take your visa with passport and you wait until your name and picture appear on screen. Then you give them $25 and they give you your Passport back. Next stop immigration. pick up baggage and wait for van.
Trip to hotel about 45 minutes. The traffic here is the most incredible I have ever seen. Thousands of motorbikes going in every direction, cutting in front of van, inches away, driving on sidewalks. Very smoggy here. Everyone on bikes wears a mask. Hope we find some so the four of us can have a picture with them on. Every conceivable color.
We are staying on the Club Level, so breakfast and drinks with food in the evening are included.
We were hungry so had dinner (tons of food offered) with a gin and tonic for me and 65 had wine. They ask how you want it poured-they offer 50/50 but 20/80 was fine for me.
Bob and Karen were upgraded to a suite. They are at some heavenly level and get all the perks. After dinner we went to see their suite. OMG-long hallway, half bath off of that, desk area, two couch living room, gigantic bedroom, enormous bath, toilet, shower, massive tub and big walk in closet. Oh, bath had a tv as well as bedroom, and living room. Stayed and visited for a few minutes and then off to our cozy room which we love. They didn't have twin beds so we have a king which we had in Paris. Were were told we could move tomorrow. But we do not want to gather up all our stuff for only three nights.
We have a tour guide and driver for the next three days.
Tuesday-today-Up at six am and a very nice leisurely breakfast at the Anatara. Driver at 10:30 am to airport for flight to Hanoi. We had our bags wrapped for 150 Baht per bag ($4.00 each). The guy used more than $4.00 in tape. Great way to save your luggage. No waiting line at Qatar but was glad Bob took care of checking in. They needed to see our Vietnam visa before issuing boarding pass. Bob and I got wheelchairs and we were off. Actually took us directly to the plane door. 69 and I had a seat between us. Comfortable and quick flight. 1 1/2 hours.
After deplaneing had to go thru health counter. Filled out paper on plane to state we were not sick then on to Visa area. They take your visa with passport and you wait until your name and picture appear on screen. Then you give them $25 and they give you your Passport back. Next stop immigration. pick up baggage and wait for van.
Trip to hotel about 45 minutes. The traffic here is the most incredible I have ever seen. Thousands of motorbikes going in every direction, cutting in front of van, inches away, driving on sidewalks. Very smoggy here. Everyone on bikes wears a mask. Hope we find some so the four of us can have a picture with them on. Every conceivable color.
We are staying on the Club Level, so breakfast and drinks with food in the evening are included.
We were hungry so had dinner (tons of food offered) with a gin and tonic for me and 65 had wine. They ask how you want it poured-they offer 50/50 but 20/80 was fine for me.
Bob and Karen were upgraded to a suite. They are at some heavenly level and get all the perks. After dinner we went to see their suite. OMG-long hallway, half bath off of that, desk area, two couch living room, gigantic bedroom, enormous bath, toilet, shower, massive tub and big walk in closet. Oh, bath had a tv as well as bedroom, and living room. Stayed and visited for a few minutes and then off to our cozy room which we love. They didn't have twin beds so we have a king which we had in Paris. Were were told we could move tomorrow. But we do not want to gather up all our stuff for only three nights.
We have a tour guide and driver for the next three days.
Nov 29th, 2017, 01:23 AM
#33
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Wednesday 29th - Breakfast 9 a.m. in Club Room-driver pick-up at 10 a.m. First stop at Educational Temple. There were high school kids getting group pictures for graduation. Thank heavens our driver, Dong, got us safely across street. Fair Trade Store for shopping. Lunch at Koto, Know One Teach One. A Vietnam Australian has a restaurant where students learn hospitality and cooking industry so they can find a job after graduation. Great concept and wonderful food. Another store for lacquer ware.
Went to mausoleum for Ho Chi Min. His body was being reworked so was not open until this Friday. We were told there will be a two hour wait when it reopens.
Toured around some lakes and back to hotel. The staff here is unbelievable.
The adorable young bellmen will bring your bags to your room so we could all visit the Club for tea and fabulous chocolate desserts. Then 65 and I had to find our guy who took the bags to the room to tip him. Went to jewelry shop to look. Found spa on 8th floor. Workout room with wonderful view, swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Very impressive. Staff here are exceptional.
We are eating again tonight in Club Room with heavy snacks and drinks.
Went to mausoleum for Ho Chi Min. His body was being reworked so was not open until this Friday. We were told there will be a two hour wait when it reopens.
Toured around some lakes and back to hotel. The staff here is unbelievable.
The adorable young bellmen will bring your bags to your room so we could all visit the Club for tea and fabulous chocolate desserts. Then 65 and I had to find our guy who took the bags to the room to tip him. Went to jewelry shop to look. Found spa on 8th floor. Workout room with wonderful view, swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Very impressive. Staff here are exceptional.
We are eating again tonight in Club Room with heavy snacks and drinks.
Nov 30th, 2017, 02:07 AM
#34
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Thursday - Breakfast in Club and picked up by Dong at 10 a.m. Went for two hour cyclo ride. Amazing sights and smells. Stopped by an original Vietnam house and stopped at red bridge. Lunch was typical street food under controlled environment. Wonderful spring rolls with three sauces. I also had sweet sticky rice wth coconut. Really good. Sat at large table with Dr. from England who was traveling by himself. Very nice-does not like the Middleton's-likes Camilla because she keeps her mouth shut.
Went to Hanoi Hilton. Very interesting. Most pictures of American soldiers captured show them playing volleyball, basketball, cooking Christmas dinner, etc. Saw some letters they wrote saying how wonderful Vietnam is and how very sorry they were and asking for forgiveness. Then saw an original guillotine - very erie Quite creepy.
69 and Karen went to Temple by red bridge and Bob and I stayed in van and watched about 20 men playing Chinese Chess on the sidewalk. Actually men were playing chess all over the city.
Back to hotel for tea, snacks, drinks, dinner and bed.
Comments: Vietnam people eat snakes, dogs, cats, insects, rats and birds. Hence there are not many stray dogs, cats and birds in Hanoi.
During the cyclo trip we saw people washing glasses and dishes out by the street. Chickens walking on the sidewalk (assuming they were waiting for last rites), fur coats in stores. people getting haircuts on the sidewalk. a lady getting a perm on the sidewalk. Lots of street food. Vietnam people sit in very small stools at small tables on the sidewalk to eat. If I sat down I would not be able to get back up. Lots of clothes that are all copy labels. Tons of shoes. Street full of Christmas decorations (suppose a string of Christmas lights would be pennies). lady cutting up a chicken on cardboard on the ground. Stimulus city. Great smells from street of spices. Every conceivable item for sale, Sinks, metal shelves, someone welding on sidewalk (no eye protection).
But the most amazing thing is, the hospitals are so full, there are two people to a bed. Unbelievable. In the cancer hospital there are three to a bed.
The motorbikes carry food, furniture, big 5 feet tall vases on each side on a metal platform. ladders, long pipes, a family of five (two adults and three children). Saw lots of hostels-$5.00 dollars a night in 10 bed dorm.
I am sure I will think of more.
Went to Hanoi Hilton. Very interesting. Most pictures of American soldiers captured show them playing volleyball, basketball, cooking Christmas dinner, etc. Saw some letters they wrote saying how wonderful Vietnam is and how very sorry they were and asking for forgiveness. Then saw an original guillotine - very erie Quite creepy.
69 and Karen went to Temple by red bridge and Bob and I stayed in van and watched about 20 men playing Chinese Chess on the sidewalk. Actually men were playing chess all over the city.
Back to hotel for tea, snacks, drinks, dinner and bed.
Comments: Vietnam people eat snakes, dogs, cats, insects, rats and birds. Hence there are not many stray dogs, cats and birds in Hanoi.
During the cyclo trip we saw people washing glasses and dishes out by the street. Chickens walking on the sidewalk (assuming they were waiting for last rites), fur coats in stores. people getting haircuts on the sidewalk. a lady getting a perm on the sidewalk. Lots of street food. Vietnam people sit in very small stools at small tables on the sidewalk to eat. If I sat down I would not be able to get back up. Lots of clothes that are all copy labels. Tons of shoes. Street full of Christmas decorations (suppose a string of Christmas lights would be pennies). lady cutting up a chicken on cardboard on the ground. Stimulus city. Great smells from street of spices. Every conceivable item for sale, Sinks, metal shelves, someone welding on sidewalk (no eye protection).
But the most amazing thing is, the hospitals are so full, there are two people to a bed. Unbelievable. In the cancer hospital there are three to a bed.
The motorbikes carry food, furniture, big 5 feet tall vases on each side on a metal platform. ladders, long pipes, a family of five (two adults and three children). Saw lots of hostels-$5.00 dollars a night in 10 bed dorm.
I am sure I will think of more.
Nov 30th, 2017, 01:07 PM
#35
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Following along and enjoying your report. The Kimball's are FUN people to travel with. I see Bob has a companion to stay in the car with him. You are taking my job away lol. Have fun and looking forward to more.
Aloha!
Aloha!
Nov 30th, 2017, 05:29 PM
#36
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I'm following along too: commiserated with your packing nightmare, and am enjoying the descriptions of your destinations . I'm curious how you compare Hanoi (where I have been) with Bangkok( not yet been). If possible, after you're home and the trip is mentally/emotionally"digested" I'd love your thoughts on this.
Agree, "Hanoi Hilton" is creepy in many ways--not just for the guillotine. Of course, always and tragically "War is Hell" and each side colors its stories, but to read the words in the Hoa Lo prison of how well U.S. p.o.w.s were treated was hard to take. Here, if interested, is a less biased description:
https://nypost.com/2014/02/15/tortur...e-unbreakable/
If you go with the Rhkkmks to the beautiful Hanoi Metropole,strongly recommend the Bunker Tour, conducted, for hotel guests only, at 5:30 pm and 6 :30 pm from the lobby of the "historic" wing. When i was there, they suggested signing up in advance, and confirming tour times, as I believe not every evening has two tours. The guide we had was wonderful. Unlike some other war-related sites, there's an even-handed gracious approach. St the tour's conclusion, you're given a free drink at the bar above the bunker, which was discovered during excavations for that bar.
Agree, "Hanoi Hilton" is creepy in many ways--not just for the guillotine. Of course, always and tragically "War is Hell" and each side colors its stories, but to read the words in the Hoa Lo prison of how well U.S. p.o.w.s were treated was hard to take. Here, if interested, is a less biased description:
https://nypost.com/2014/02/15/tortur...e-unbreakable/
If you go with the Rhkkmks to the beautiful Hanoi Metropole,strongly recommend the Bunker Tour, conducted, for hotel guests only, at 5:30 pm and 6 :30 pm from the lobby of the "historic" wing. When i was there, they suggested signing up in advance, and confirming tour times, as I believe not every evening has two tours. The guide we had was wonderful. Unlike some other war-related sites, there's an even-handed gracious approach. St the tour's conclusion, you're given a free drink at the bar above the bunker, which was discovered during excavations for that bar.
