Wheels up..... it's off to BKK again!
Apr 21st, 2012, 11:56 AM
#21
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We didn't make it to Chatuchak today. Got sidetracked... you know how that is in Bangkok. How do you say it's STIFLING HOT here!!! I don't recall past Aprils being quite this HOT. We will go to Chatuchak tomorrow, and we will get an earlier start. Plus, we'll head to MBK and maybe Platinum too. Depends on how we handle the heat.
Today was the 40th birthday party of a very good Thai friend. The party was held at Thong Lo, soi 53 I think, at a party house called "Be Your Guest." A beautiful house! It is also a cooking school. The owner of the place if French. I don't know if that means that the cooking school teaches French cooking...?...but I would not be surprised. The food served was all finger foods, a mixture of European and Thai. We had salmon balls, chicken satay, mushroom quiche, pasta salad, bruschetta, etc. It was all very delicious. All were served in little single serving dishes, being carried around the house by a staff of maybe 6-8 servers. The party 'occupied' the first floor living area of the house, as well as the terrace area and swimming pool outside. A very nice setting for a birthday party. I don't think this place is open as a restaurant, but I could be wrong.
My jetlag is catching up with me. I had to call it a night very early tonight, after being out very late last night. I'm not sure where the rest of our big group was going to be headed after the b'day party, but I think it had to do with finding the location of the one-man band's act (from the first night at Pickled Liver) again tonight. He's playing not far from our area of Sukhumvit.
Did I mention that it is really HOT HOT in BKK this trip???
And now for a bit more sleep before I have to get up and go SHOPPING with the girls!! (I woke up at an odd hour and I'm wide awake, but will try very hard to get about 4 more hours of sleep...ah, jetlag... I expect it to catch up with our newbie friend on Sunday night)
Today was the 40th birthday party of a very good Thai friend. The party was held at Thong Lo, soi 53 I think, at a party house called "Be Your Guest." A beautiful house! It is also a cooking school. The owner of the place if French. I don't know if that means that the cooking school teaches French cooking...?...but I would not be surprised. The food served was all finger foods, a mixture of European and Thai. We had salmon balls, chicken satay, mushroom quiche, pasta salad, bruschetta, etc. It was all very delicious. All were served in little single serving dishes, being carried around the house by a staff of maybe 6-8 servers. The party 'occupied' the first floor living area of the house, as well as the terrace area and swimming pool outside. A very nice setting for a birthday party. I don't think this place is open as a restaurant, but I could be wrong.
My jetlag is catching up with me. I had to call it a night very early tonight, after being out very late last night. I'm not sure where the rest of our big group was going to be headed after the b'day party, but I think it had to do with finding the location of the one-man band's act (from the first night at Pickled Liver) again tonight. He's playing not far from our area of Sukhumvit.
Did I mention that it is really HOT HOT in BKK this trip???
And now for a bit more sleep before I have to get up and go SHOPPING with the girls!! (I woke up at an odd hour and I'm wide awake, but will try very hard to get about 4 more hours of sleep...ah, jetlag... I expect it to catch up with our newbie friend on Sunday night)
Apr 21st, 2012, 08:47 PM
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Hey Carol, if you make it to Platinum, there's a new mall across the street from it. I'm drawing a blank on the name, but it's Japanese. It's a little roomier than Platinum and has some nice shops.
Apr 22nd, 2012, 07:22 AM
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We'll have to make it to Platinum another day, Michael. But, yes, we'll get there. I did not know about a new mall in that area. Must have a look! Thanks for the tip.
Bob, I think too expensive, and they expect 'big parties' more like the BOS GTG than what you can put together in BKK.
Believe it or not, we headed to Chatuchak at 9:45 and we left the area at 3pm!! But I have to admit that we spent the last 3 hours plus at J J Mall, and not in the belly of the HOT HOT weekend market stalls! Newbie had a taste of what's to offer, and then we escaped the terrific heat.
The newbie had a ball. She bought soooooo much stuff... I think I have serious competition here! lol She can't wait to buy shoes at Platinum, Karen. I told her you always find 5-6 pairs of cute shoes there.
We had lunch at Black Canyon Coffee at J J Mall. Great place! They have very good Thai food, plus the iced coffee really hits the spot on such a hot day.
At 3:00 we hopped in a taxi and headed back to my apartment to drop off the goodies..... and then it was off to MBK!! Newbie bought lots more stuff at MBK! She will have to buy the very biggest suitcase she can find, to get it all home!! lol
It was a really fun day. Newbie can't wait to spend another day shopping. Tomorrow it's Grand Palace and Wat Pho. She will be blown away, I'm sure.
Dinner tonight was on soi 4 at Hanrahan's. Nothing to write home about (we had a variety of items since there were 9 of us). But the beer was cold!
Everyone has an early-to-bed plan for tonight. We must have all the energy we can muster for the big birthday bash at Tawandang tomorrow night. MichaelBKK... come on out, if you can. You can join in the party. It's always a great time.
Bob, I think too expensive, and they expect 'big parties' more like the BOS GTG than what you can put together in BKK.
Believe it or not, we headed to Chatuchak at 9:45 and we left the area at 3pm!! But I have to admit that we spent the last 3 hours plus at J J Mall, and not in the belly of the HOT HOT weekend market stalls! Newbie had a taste of what's to offer, and then we escaped the terrific heat.
The newbie had a ball. She bought soooooo much stuff... I think I have serious competition here! lol She can't wait to buy shoes at Platinum, Karen. I told her you always find 5-6 pairs of cute shoes there.
We had lunch at Black Canyon Coffee at J J Mall. Great place! They have very good Thai food, plus the iced coffee really hits the spot on such a hot day.
At 3:00 we hopped in a taxi and headed back to my apartment to drop off the goodies..... and then it was off to MBK!! Newbie bought lots more stuff at MBK! She will have to buy the very biggest suitcase she can find, to get it all home!! lol
It was a really fun day. Newbie can't wait to spend another day shopping. Tomorrow it's Grand Palace and Wat Pho. She will be blown away, I'm sure.
Dinner tonight was on soi 4 at Hanrahan's. Nothing to write home about (we had a variety of items since there were 9 of us). But the beer was cold!
Everyone has an early-to-bed plan for tonight. We must have all the energy we can muster for the big birthday bash at Tawandang tomorrow night. MichaelBKK... come on out, if you can. You can join in the party. It's always a great time.
Apr 22nd, 2012, 05:07 PM
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I'll take the heat, Karen. We did have a nice rain shower that started about 5:30 this morning. It came down pretty heavy for a good half hour. Right now it isn't raining, but who knows. That will maybe cool things down slightly today for the birthday bash. I'll give Brad your birthday wishes. Thanks! I think we need to go to the office today, while newbie and Thai friend (both teachers, so they have a lot in common) go to Grand Palace and Wat Pho. I just hope they don't get rained on while they are trying to tour. This is the first rain we have had. Might know it would happen on the day they want to go and see tourist places. Oh well, maybe the rain has stopped for now. We'll see.
Apr 23rd, 2012, 03:15 AM
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I got stuck in the Grand Palace in the rain about a year ago. Hid out in the Ramakien Gallery while the main compound around the Emerald Buddha filled with water - I'm not kidding, it was around a foot deep in parts. As the rain finally let up I picked my way around the gallery to get out into the center court, which wasn't all that wet compared to the shrine. I wouldn't really recommend it, although that was the one and only time I've seen the changing of the guard at the palace.
Apr 23rd, 2012, 07:02 PM
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Good morning from Bangkok! I'm being very lazy this morning after yesterday's activity. I had a chance to do some 'me time' at the malls. I also got a fresh haircut and color, done by my friend OD, behind Central Chitlom Department Store, not my friend Ya on soi 8. I have not seen Ya yet.
The birthday party at Tawandang was so much fun. The food was great, as was the beer; the entertainment was excellent; the party group was maybe 40-45 people? Not sure how many turned up. A great time for everyone. I am always recommending an evening at Tawandang, if you want to party with the locals.
Today we take it easy. We are thinking about taking in a movie at Paragon, and then we have a 7:00 dinner at an Indian restaurant. I'll report in later as to where this restaurant is, as well as the food. It is a favorite restaurant of one of our Indian friends here in Bangkok, so I'm guessing it is going to be good!
MichaelBKK, would have loved to see you at the party last night. Maybe I'll run into you at Terminal 21, like I did last October!
The birthday party at Tawandang was so much fun. The food was great, as was the beer; the entertainment was excellent; the party group was maybe 40-45 people? Not sure how many turned up. A great time for everyone. I am always recommending an evening at Tawandang, if you want to party with the locals.
Today we take it easy. We are thinking about taking in a movie at Paragon, and then we have a 7:00 dinner at an Indian restaurant. I'll report in later as to where this restaurant is, as well as the food. It is a favorite restaurant of one of our Indian friends here in Bangkok, so I'm guessing it is going to be good!
MichaelBKK, would have loved to see you at the party last night. Maybe I'll run into you at Terminal 21, like I did last October!
Apr 24th, 2012, 04:47 AM
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There is no end to shoe buying...and I know. Tell her that in the end they are bulkey and heavy to get get home. Each pair is light and can flatten down, but colletivly they add up...think luggage charge (or is she like you and can have unlimited suitcases and weight?) Glad she is having fun.
Apr 24th, 2012, 05:19 AM
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Karen you are soooo right about the luggage. The last time we traveled abroad- 2 years ago- we could check 2 bags up to 70lbs each at no charge. Now it seems you only get 1 bag and at 50lbs. Second bag- $70. Unless of course your are a premier flyer (which we are not). So the next time we travel out of the country we have to be careful about what we buy weight wise.
Apr 24th, 2012, 05:03 PM
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BillT......"So the next time we travel out of the country we have to be careful about what we buy weight wise."
Or make sure you take me with you! I can still have 3 70lb bags free on UA. I'm going to be bringing home some of newbie's shoes and purses and silk pillows, I'd guess... haha She will have to drive up to my 'burg from St Louis, but it's not that bad of a drive for her.
We went to the make up brush store (If you've not been, you would LOVE these brushes!!!)... so funny. Newbie saw a brush on the shelf, reached for it, and knocked over almost an entire display! (haha) Then, she saw another one she wanted, and again... the display was toppled, like dominoes! Wish we had a photo... The owner of the shop picked up, and re-set her display twice... but she didn't complain when Newbie bought about 6 of her beautiful brushes (she would point them out rather than grab for them). They do make great gifts for women. The cases have a bit of bling on the outside. Some are travel brushes in collapsible cases (you ladies will know what I mean). Anyway, this shop is just down from Coco Banana not very far.
Last night's dinner was really excellent. The restaurant is called Mrs Balbir's Indian Cuisine. The location is just off of Sukhumvit, on soi 11/1 (not plain soi 11)... it's the next one down from soi 11. The decor is really nice. I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of Indian food, but at least 3 in our party of 8 said it was the best they had had. Must've been exceptional. I did like the bread and sauces (we had a lentil dip and a lamb dip). There were a couple of chicken dishes (one of them a bit spicy for my taste) and of course a variety of the wonderful breads. We had some vegetarian dishes as well, and they were yummy. I can recommend Mrs Balbir's on soi 11/1. Make a reservation if you can. The place filled up very quickly. There were a number of large parties that came in, as well as couples.
Today, I'm going to take two Thai friends shopping! (what else???) I think Newbie and her Thai friend Nok (both are teachers...did I mention that... met on facebook through my DS) are going to take a klong tour. We will catch up later in the day. Tonight we look for the one-man band again. He is playing in the neighborhood! For sure he will remember us.
Three of our "group" left for the USA this morning, so we are a little bit smaller. One friend, the one who took us to dinner last night, returned to Chiang Mai this morning. Yet another friend returned to Koh Samui Tuesday, where he owns a resort. Newbie goes home on Sunday. We are a very diverse group!
Time for a shower and then breakfast. I was too lazy yesterday to make it downstairs to eat buffet. I won't make that mistake today. I need energy for shopping! haha
Carol
Or make sure you take me with you! I can still have 3 70lb bags free on UA. I'm going to be bringing home some of newbie's shoes and purses and silk pillows, I'd guess... haha She will have to drive up to my 'burg from St Louis, but it's not that bad of a drive for her.
We went to the make up brush store (If you've not been, you would LOVE these brushes!!!)... so funny. Newbie saw a brush on the shelf, reached for it, and knocked over almost an entire display! (haha) Then, she saw another one she wanted, and again... the display was toppled, like dominoes! Wish we had a photo... The owner of the shop picked up, and re-set her display twice... but she didn't complain when Newbie bought about 6 of her beautiful brushes (she would point them out rather than grab for them). They do make great gifts for women. The cases have a bit of bling on the outside. Some are travel brushes in collapsible cases (you ladies will know what I mean). Anyway, this shop is just down from Coco Banana not very far.
Last night's dinner was really excellent. The restaurant is called Mrs Balbir's Indian Cuisine. The location is just off of Sukhumvit, on soi 11/1 (not plain soi 11)... it's the next one down from soi 11. The decor is really nice. I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of Indian food, but at least 3 in our party of 8 said it was the best they had had. Must've been exceptional. I did like the bread and sauces (we had a lentil dip and a lamb dip). There were a couple of chicken dishes (one of them a bit spicy for my taste) and of course a variety of the wonderful breads. We had some vegetarian dishes as well, and they were yummy. I can recommend Mrs Balbir's on soi 11/1. Make a reservation if you can. The place filled up very quickly. There were a number of large parties that came in, as well as couples.
Today, I'm going to take two Thai friends shopping! (what else???) I think Newbie and her Thai friend Nok (both are teachers...did I mention that... met on facebook through my DS) are going to take a klong tour. We will catch up later in the day. Tonight we look for the one-man band again. He is playing in the neighborhood! For sure he will remember us.
Three of our "group" left for the USA this morning, so we are a little bit smaller. One friend, the one who took us to dinner last night, returned to Chiang Mai this morning. Yet another friend returned to Koh Samui Tuesday, where he owns a resort. Newbie goes home on Sunday. We are a very diverse group!
Time for a shower and then breakfast. I was too lazy yesterday to make it downstairs to eat buffet. I won't make that mistake today. I need energy for shopping! haha
Carol
Apr 24th, 2012, 10:11 PM
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i've dined at mrs b's old and new location several times, and it was always very good. she is now opened on a more consistent basis at her new location.
a few shops down from the restaurant, across from the grand business inn, is my favorite massage shop, bai po. go see put or yuu for a great foot massage.
a few shops down from the restaurant, across from the grand business inn, is my favorite massage shop, bai po. go see put or yuu for a great foot massage.
Apr 25th, 2012, 05:03 PM
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(Ken, Grand Business is on soi 11. This restaurant is 11/1. Does Grand Bus have a 'back entrance' on soi 11?)
I guess the temp in BKK reached over 100 yesterday (40c). Did I say it has been HOT HOT HOT here? Glad I was mostly inside.
Shopping for more shoes and bags and clothes yesterday, at Platinum...is there anywhere else?? I had the pleasure of taking two female Thai friends. One kept saying that the items I bought for her were expensive (this is PLATINUM, not Paragon). She works very hard for her money and will buy what she needs on the street. She had never been inside Platinum Mall before. Very sweet girl.
Newbie had her own very rewarding experience with her Thai teacher friend. They went to an orphanage to make a donation. Newbie had collected money back in the USA and yesterday she had the opportunity to go and donate. I think it is something she will long remember. The rest of us would have loved to go, but the notification that the orphanage could see her came at the last minute. She and her Thai friend were on their way to the river for a klong tour when the message came. I'm so glad newbie got to do this. The klong tour will wait.
Lunch yesterday was a selection of street food, selected by my two Thai friends. I was a little bit leery, but everything tasted very good. No tummy problems this morning...!
The one man band was playing at Hanrahans last night, so we had dinner there (a mix of Thai, Mexican and American...lol) and enjoyed Lee Shamrock's show. A bit of dancing and then off to bed by about midnight.
Not sure what today holds, but night is quiz night at the PL, so we will for sure be there! Michaelbkk, would love to see you if you can make it (end of soi 7/1). You can help our poor pathetic team!!
I guess the temp in BKK reached over 100 yesterday (40c). Did I say it has been HOT HOT HOT here? Glad I was mostly inside.
Shopping for more shoes and bags and clothes yesterday, at Platinum...is there anywhere else?? I had the pleasure of taking two female Thai friends. One kept saying that the items I bought for her were expensive (this is PLATINUM, not Paragon). She works very hard for her money and will buy what she needs on the street. She had never been inside Platinum Mall before. Very sweet girl.
Newbie had her own very rewarding experience with her Thai teacher friend. They went to an orphanage to make a donation. Newbie had collected money back in the USA and yesterday she had the opportunity to go and donate. I think it is something she will long remember. The rest of us would have loved to go, but the notification that the orphanage could see her came at the last minute. She and her Thai friend were on their way to the river for a klong tour when the message came. I'm so glad newbie got to do this. The klong tour will wait.
Lunch yesterday was a selection of street food, selected by my two Thai friends. I was a little bit leery, but everything tasted very good. No tummy problems this morning...!
The one man band was playing at Hanrahans last night, so we had dinner there (a mix of Thai, Mexican and American...lol) and enjoyed Lee Shamrock's show. A bit of dancing and then off to bed by about midnight.
Not sure what today holds, but night is quiz night at the PL, so we will for sure be there! Michaelbkk, would love to see you if you can make it (end of soi 7/1). You can help our poor pathetic team!!
