Hey Carol, I trust you found Daengs okay. I was just there at the end of October getting a bunch of goodies for my mom, which she loved. As for me, I decided to go to Chatuchak today. Haven't been there for a while, and as you've noted the weather is nice out. In fact, the sun was so bright this morning that for a change it was more comfortable in those narrow aisles than out in the sun on the ring road.

I also walked across to the farmers market. They've finally opened the shopping arcade in the subway station, so you can now get to the market quite comfortably. Just go down into the station in Chatuchak, walk through the arcade (hardly any shops there) and then back up in the farmers market. Over the last year or so they've upgraded the farmers market with a new tile floor and nicer stalls. It's now much better that it was before, and even seems to have attracted a lot more vendors. The place was packed with Thais shopping for holiday baskets of fruits and sweets.

Michael, I've been to that farmers' market with Maeng. Yes, it's a really nice one. Maeng calls it "O-Top" because it has some of the best quality fruits and veggies. Quite an interesting market to visit. It sure isn't food from west central Illinois!!! haha

I found Khun Daeng, and managed to buy a big bag full of things. They have some really nice items; and I like their fabric choices.

I shopped at MBK and Central Chitlom department store today. This was stuff for ME... (smile). Guenmai, I was checking out the stock of British India today. I picked up a man-style shirt made of a really nice soft cotton; light weight; long sleeves that could roll up; very nice. I also picked up some items from the "Journal" clothing line. Very similar to British India style and comfort. Good travel clothing for SE Asia heat and humidity.

Went to see OD at the beauty salon in Central, behind the Little Kitchen restaurant, second floor. All I needed was a bit of a trim. My hair feels much better.. not so "heavy"now, as it is thick.

The guys played pool almost all afternoon and into the evening. I had my dinner at Maeng's since the guys got food at the pool hall. The Pickled Liver was very lively tonight, with soccer games on the flat screen TVs. I noted a group of four 30-something gals, maybe Americans? They were probably staying at Suk 11. Maeng gets some of the Suk 11 patrons coming in for the food. Reasonable, fresh, and good tasting.

Tomorrow I'm checking out the daytime market in Silom area. This is a market located around the big Bangkok Bank building. Supposed to be good quality merchandise. We'll see.

I'll check in here tomorrow. I hope everyone ejoys their day.

Carol

Another fabulously beautiful day in Bangkok! I have not heard anymore about the weather in and around the midwest. Anyone care to report live from, say, Chicago? I still have a week and a half before having to put up with snow and ice once again.

Shopping with Maeng at 10 this morning. It will be in a new area for me to visit. We shall see if it becomes one of my regular stops!

Carol

I don't know about the mid-west, Carol, but here in Seattle most of the snow has melted - finally. Still, I'd rather be in Bangkok!

It's been crazy in Chicago. Going from snow snow and snow and deep freeze to yesterday a massive meltoff and if you can believe it in the high 50's.
We too are concerned about the Midwest weather and selfishly hope that our flight from Chicago to Narita-BKK will leave with enough time for the connection.

All I shall say is, you have picked the most perfect time to be in Thailand and not be in the US Midwest!!!

corn is already knee high

and it looks like it's climbing clear up to the sky...

Now, all together...

"oh, what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day... I've got a beautiful feeling, everything's goin' my way...."

The Silom market area was quite interesting. Maeng would call a lot of it "Hi-so" (meaning high society) shopping. There was not ONE SINGLE FARANG there. Just ME. This market is only open from about 11-2 (lunch time) and it caters to the people who work in the offices in the Silom area.

You can buy jeans for 100 bt a pair; you can find some tops for 59 bt each! But there are also some brand names (think copies) for some pretty big bucks. Very high quality stuff.

Maeng and I did not come back to Sukhumvit empty-handed. We each had several bags.

We did lunch at Nooddee (a chain of noodle restaurants) and it was quite good.

Has anyone tried the tiny little oranges that are barely bigger than a ping-pong ball? MichaelBKK, I'm sure you have. But for those of you who haven't tried them... they are really yummy!!! Easy to peal, and small enough that you could put the entire thing in your mouth at once, and not just break off the sections. They are seedless. You can buy them on the street right now. I bought a bag to keep in the apartment for a quick snack.

I'm not sure what DH and I will do for dinner tonight. We're on our own... no special plans at all. Maybe we'll head back to Via Vai for a pizza.

Enjoy your day. I hope it's a beautiful one. Sue, I hope your flight is on time out of ORD! I'm going to post on the GTG thread because Maeng says we should plan on coming to the Pickled Liver and sitting outside!! Sounds OK to me.

Carol

DH and I ended up at Zanzibar on soi 11 for dinner. It was really very pleasant. We each had a pizza, plus we shared a bottle of wine and then grappa (one each) and a brownie ice cream dessert. The bill was under $100 for all that! I know, I know, Sir Hal, you can eat a lot cheaper than that. But we were up for a nice dinner in a pleasant setting. Zanzibar was perfect. The pizza was really quite good (not qute as good as Via Vai... but still quite good). DH had never been to Zanzibar before. I think this is a place he would consider returning to, for sure.

Carol

We found out last night that our Danish (husband) and Thai (wife) friends will also be going to Pattaya for the New Year. We will be celebrating together tomorrow night with dinner at a place called Manhattans. Since the husband is an excellent cook, he is always searching for good restaurants. He has selected Manhattans and we trust his judgement. The 5-course menu on the web site looks good. I'm sure we'll have a great time in any case.

I'm back to the office today to do some more work on the latest publishing project. Hope it doesn't take up too much of my day. It's too nice to be stuck inside!

Let us know about Manhattan's. Always on the lookout for good restaurants.

Oh, Carol - I'm just completely pissed off that I'm not there. I know it'll be all bright and amazing right now. Damn you, woman. Every word you write is a stab to my heart.

heh.

Totally agree Dog. especially as we couldnt even get there due to the Airport situation and we ended up staying longer in Penang (although it did mean i ended up buying some fab jewellery from a great shop in Georgetown...every cloud and all that!!!)

of course smeagol you may have done that but we don't know because there has not been a trip report yet??

dog, I really don't mean to break anyone's heart... I'm just reporting the facts! Yes, you should be here! Smeagol, you too!!

Looking forward to Manhattans tomorrow night. I hope I can stay awake to greet the new year. I'm into a sleeping/waking pattern like at home (up at 7 and to be about 10).

DH and met up with DS and his friend who flew in last night. We had pizza at Via Vai. The discussion was about Thailand and the airport situation of a few weeks ago, and politics (Illinois especially) since we are all from the USA. Can't help but discuss the economy, Obama, our gov Blago and his mess, and the bailout of the auto industry. Interesting conversation but I found myself getting sleepier and sleepier so I bailed. The "boys" can talk all night (or until Via Vai throws them out).

Looking forward to heading to Pattay at noon tomorrow, if the van we hired is on time.

I'll report in from Pattaya if I can get internet. Don't know why I would not be able to connect...

Carol

Bob

You are of course right, i really should get started on my report... i have been meaning too (i only hope Gpanda will go easy on me!!!!)

Carol-Hi. I haven't had time to read this trip report as I'm just getting back into things, but I'll read through it soon. I'm sure you're having a great time and keep having a great time. Hope to see you in L.A. in March. You, know, there's been talk of a Shanghai Tang store opening here in L.A. I'll check it out and see if it's opened or not. We can go shopping when you get into town! Happy Travels!

carol....go out the back door/front door really of the marriott and cross the street...go slightly to the left and near to pascals there is a very good internet shop...cheap and fast...

ttt to read later

guenmai, welcome home. I'm sure you enjoyed your trip to BsAs. I enjoyed your report. I'm sure I'll hear more in March. Would love to go shopping together!

Bob, thanks for the internet tip. I'm taking the little baby laptop with me, but if it's expensive at the Marriott, I may visit your suggested shop in Pattaya.

It seemed a bit more humid last night as we dined outside at Via Vai. We've not had any rain, other than a few drops that you could not even call sprinkles.

I've noticed more elephants in BKK on this trip (3 so far). One is just average size. Then, there is one that is really really BIG that I've seen wandering (with mahut of course) our soi and also on soi 11 when I go to Maeng's. Last night there was a little one on soi 8. The elephants are usually silent, but I've noted this time that the mahuts make them "whimper" (in hopes of getting someone to buy them some food?). The big elephant makes a very loud whimper that we are able to hear from our apartment window on the 7th floor!

Leaving for Pattaya in 3 hours so I need to think about what to take.

I'll be in touch.

Carol