Our dinner was out of this world... Place is quirky, but tons of fun.

Travel agent is: Lorraine TRAVEL Bureau; 377 Alhambra Circle; Coral Gables, FL 33134-50; I use Maria Rodriquez--- [email protected]
She is very accommodating.


Sunday


Breakfast beside the river again. Laundry pick-up out front on street (1 day service).

Nut came for the ladies and they are off to the Week-end Market for a couple of hours--- how do you say perspiration and more perspiration....

I am enjoying the suite and river views in a/c, although it has been wonderfully cool here for bangkok.

FYI?... at 1:45 PM, it is 88 degrees F and only 45% huxmidity---fantastic for Bangkok-- not sure I believe humdidity...

It's 4:12 PM, it is 36 degrees with 7 inches of snow on the ground in Connecticut - probably not much humidity...

I just found that you are traveling in my favorite place. Your post always make me feel that I am right there with you. Have fun the rest of the trip and keep posting!!!

The ladies spent about 2+ hours at the weekend market. They bought a few things including wrapping paper, Celedon pottery, spirit house decorations, etc.
They saw some fabulous furniture.
Nut did a very good job of getting them right to the sections they wanted to be in.
Hot as hell, they left at the perfect time.

They returned to Thai Stone Jewelry to pick up their loot, and all were very very pleased with what had been created for them. B bought the most beautiful sapphire and diamond ring-- it fits her to a "t". P bought several sapphire items, custom designed and K ordered a plain silver pendant on a black silk cord in an unusual irregular shape.

They returned to the Penn just before our 3PM res for high tea (included in our hotel package, otherwise 1400 B).
On a large plate were 3 or 4 types of finger sandwiches. On the stacking rack were 3 plates of very fancy chocolates, petite-fours (sp), and heavily decorated pastries. On a separate plate was a slice of Xmas Pantone bread and a slice of stollen.

Each of us had a choice of several beverages, or champagne (surcharge), but we each chose tea (I had red tea, P had lemongrass tea, and the others chose other kinds). This served as a very delicious and extremely filling lunch.

The tea is served in glistening silver pots and fine china and all teas are loose tea, requiring a silver strainer.

The room has a large fresh Christmas tree in the center, beautifully decorated with presents under it. A pianist played lovely music on and off during our tea. We enjoyed the lovely fresh smell from the tree. Our table was right beside a large window with a view out to the river.

B invited me to walk the hotel shops with her... among other shops was a very nice jewelry shop, a Jim Thompson shop and a private collection shop (expensive Indian items).

At 6 we took a taxi to Asiatique, the new night market down the river from the Penn, on the opposite side. We had 7:30 res for the Calypso Cabaret show (lady-boys). It is a lip shink form of music(both western and Asian). The show is very energetic, loud and fun. I was singled out twice for special attention by one of the ladies (even receiving a kiss on my cheek)--- we were in the front row. I booked our tickets months ago on the internet-- reasonable.

We walked thru parts of Asiatique--- now this is touristy and commercial and sprinkled with restaurants... at the riverfront we lined up for the hotel boats--- we took the Shangri-la boat. At that hotel I asked security to call a Penn boat for us and in 5 minutes it arrived. Btw, the river is beautiful at night.

Arriving back at the Penn we had some supper at the cafe along the riverside-- the weather was breezy and comfortable. I had pad thai, K had a club sandwich, P had pad thai and B had ??.


MONDAY

Wake up call at 6.

Quick breakfast downstairs. Girls left at 7 AM for the Train and Floating markets with Jerry from Tong's group.
They loved both places.

They returned by 11:30. (4000 B).

Now we are going to the pool for lunch and the afternoon of leisure time.

My husband and I love that riverside cafe at the Penn. Picturing you there with the orchids, candle and torch lights, hum of river traffic, view across the ChaoPraya. The view here in Boston is of grey skies and snow...

I spent the AM in the room, sleeping till 10:30. K arrived back about 11:30.

We had a nice lunch at the pool... B returned to Emporium for more shopping... We loved the time at the pool. The staff is so friendly and attentive. Ice water glasses constantly filled.
Pool is actually 3 narrow connected pools at 3 levels with lots of day bed loungers and perhaps 20 covered day beds. The river is at the base of the pools.

We had a 7PM res at Issaya Siamese Club for dinner. Located in a 1950's thai house surrounded by gardens this is a lovely setting.

Taxi ride was one that you prefer to forget. Driver only knew area of location, not the exact soi. Had no cell phone... Comical in a way. I did not pay him the full amoun-- he was mad and spun his tires...

Our corner table inside on the ground floor was very comfortable. We decided to choose from the a la Carter menu. 3 apps: sweet delicious pork ribs, pomelo salad served in a flower pot with shrimp, seared yellow fin tuna. Mains: flaming at the table grilled chicken-- slices and a leg; black cod with thai basil pesto, tiger prawns, laab Gai and additional slices of chicken, bok choy with garlic.

We thought we had died and gone to heaven.

If that wasn't enough, when we came in, I had asked for the "special" dessert-- broken bucket... two small banana leaves are spread on the table. The presenter brings forward 2 trays laden with filled dishes (coconut cream, dried sweetened coconut pieces, mulberry foam, lemon foam, white chocolate cookie crumble with crispy rice and a 1/2 of a large chocolate orb). These are put in four corners of the leaves and mixed around a bit.
All of a sudden the presenter smashes the orb onto the leaves and the pieces scatter. The orb had been sitting a silver tray on dry ice to keep it frozen, so some liquid also scattered about the table.

B and P were startled,amazed and delighted with the dramatics. The presenter proceeded to mix the goop up before serving it to us.

Following this the manager presented two more dramatic desserts. First was mango sticky rice, but that was an illusion-- the mango was a frozen white chocolate shaped and colored like a mango with rice underneath-- the mango was then smashed.

Lastly a small pink pig was presented and the manager hit it with a small hammer...it was merrangue.

Quite the evening. Quick taxi ride home to the hotel.

TUESDAY

The ladies last full day...

Enjoyable breakfast on the terrace riverside. So many good offerings, soup to nuts.

We had a mix up and our driver failed to show (for sure my mistake). We took the Penn boat across the river to the Oriental Hotel. Walked thru the Famous Authors Lounge, admired the new Xmas decorations (mostly flowers) in the main lobby and walked across the drive to China House Restaurant for a dim sum feast.

We had a nice table and very good service. I chose from the dim sum menu for all of us (B/P had never had dim sum). It was all very fresh and delicious.

Following lunch we walked thru OP Mall to Lim silversmith on the side soi. (same soi where tong thai used to be--- there are 3 Lim shops in this area and we now prefer this one.

After some purchases, they called us a taxi and we went slowly across town to Platinum Fashion Mall. Hit some cheap jewelry shops, a natural cotton shop (lots of purchases made) and K's 1st pair of shoes for this trip.

Taxi back to hotel.

Everyone came to our suite for room service. Lots of laughs and goodbyes as B/P are leaving at 7:30AM.

Heeding their wishes we stayed in bed.


Wednesday

We slept later and had a late breakfast on the terrace. Kthen went to the pool and I stayed in the room for two hours and then joined her.

We checked out of the Penn about 2. We had to take 2 taxis to the Park Hyatt because our luggage would not fit in one. Long trip across town.

Our odd shaped room is on the 22nd floor and seems small after the suites (hey it is free--new Hyatt credit card reward. Hotel is on the former site of the massive British Embassy, contained within the new embassy mall. Best described as stark and minimalistic it is so different from all hotels we have stayed at this trip.
The large picture windows offer a great view out in the direction of Suhhumvit Rd.

We walked out into the mall a bit and shared a sandwich at Dean and Deluca.

All the lux stores are in this mall and some smaller individual shops as well...Nicky heaven.

Dinner tonight will be in the mall at a place that serves street food in a hygienic controlled way... it is located in the basement. You are given a card and vendors record what you ordered on the card and you pay when you leave--- like the Loft at Central Chitlom next door.

So we now have 3 days to ourselves before our youngest daughter and her family arrive for Christmas and New Years.

Chug in venue for dinner... ate at a sushi place in mall...sushi for me and pork chop for K... went to pastry place for yummies

What fun! We ate at a place like that in a mall - with the card - when we were there. It was fun and very good. Maybe it is the same place, but I imagine there is more than one. You are making me crave Thai food now...may have to pick some up tonight!

It's been too long since we were in Asia. Glad we are going to Malaysia at the end of January!

I remember that club we got lost last time we went there too lol! That dinner and the desserts were divine. I remember that frozen choco orb too cool.

When does the family arrive?

Aloha!

Thanks for all you did for B and P. We are awaiting their arrival in Portland shortly. You are both the best of the best. Have a wonderful time with your family. Wish I could have experienced it with you. Looking forward to getting together on your return. Love you both, NASA

"Dinner tonight will be in the mall at a place that serves street food in a hygienic controlled way.." just about somes up the trip.....do you ever get out of your hotel or car?

Drufus--- we are out and about all the time... read more carefully and be more sensitive to a 73 year old with mobility issues!!!

I guess this must bore you, so stop reading it...

Kids arrive Sat AM early.

FYI, this Park Hyatt is no Park Hyatt Tokyo... it is nice, minalmistic and all that entails. Must change elevators twice to get to room--annoying. Lobby on 10, we are on 22.

Rained yesterday afternoon and again today mid day. No problem, we had already moved here yesterday and today we are staying in.

We had soooooo much fun with B/P. They were game for anything. In a short time we really accomplished a lot. B has broad shoulders and put up with the s--t I dished out to her. P is fun and very amenable.

After lunch K has gone next door to shop for an item or two, one a plastic box to put breakables in in a suitcase. Huge Dept. store.

I forgot to mention that at 10 on Tuesday night our jeweler came to the Penn to drop off a couple of things and to give B/P small silver elephants on a chain. She is so thoughtful. Guess they must have spent a ton-- you think?

Nancy, we just plain missed you!!

Change in dinner venue. Karen spotted Nara in the Embassy Mall today and we went there for a great dinner tonight-- Thai, reasonable. Floor 5.

Friday


Breakfast in the room this AM--- pastry bought in Embassy Mall- yummy.

Changed hotels about noon... back to Anantara Riverside.

I prepaid for two Jr suites starting tomorrow when our daUghter arrives. I asked if we might have the suite tonight so we would not have to change-- no problem. I had pre-paid for a reg. room only.

While waiting for K to arrive-- we had to take 2 taxis-- too much luggage for a Toyota Corolla, the GM came out to welcome us as well as the director of rooms. K arrived and we had a nice chat about the hotel, Minor Corp expansion (hotel owners) and new offerings here.
I immediately jumped on one new offering: breakfast served on one of the rice boats while sailing (7:30-9:00 AM)--1500 B or 960 B if your room includes breakfast.

Sorry B/P that we didn't know about this.

We had some lunch at Numero UNO-- good sandwiches.

Next we went over to the mall for massages, we each had a 60 minute foot and leg massage, which concluded with some arm, shoulder and neck massage. 500 B each--- that is 200 B more than at river city, but this is a nicer facility.
We loved it.

Dinner tonight will be at the mall in a Japanese place.

Loving the details. So you have become a massage person now hmmmmm. I have created a monster haha

Seems like Drufus was made up seven years ago to berate your reports. His only two contributions over 7 years on this site are to give you a hard time. You have a fan base haha!

Aloha!

I did not look D up...must be a troll or dumb lurker