Wheels up..... it's off to BKK again!

Old Apr 18th, 2012, 08:06 AM
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Wheels up..... it's off to BKK again!

I know, I know, I just left Bangkok in January! But it's time to return. I make an April trip every year to help DS celebrate his birthday bash at Tawandang, our favorite Bangkok night club. This promises to be yet another one for the record books. Last year we had 53 attending. Who knows how many will be there this time! We have managed to convince some friends from home to come on over and join in on the fun..

I'm flying UA from ORD-NRT-BKK once again, in biz class. My upgrades cleared quite some time ago, so I'm all set for some sleep in a nice comfy lie-flat 'bed' all the way there, and all the way back, just shy of two weeks from now.

What is it about going to BKK that I always seem to have work to do. I have two manuscripts to finish proofing. Hoping to get them done on the way over (when I'm not sleeping) so I can free up my time for shopping and showing the newbies around BKK a bit.

Ken (kuranosuke) I am sorry I'm going to miss seeing you. Have a safe journey back to HNL. I'll maybe catch up with you in HNL in September. I just may have the very mysterious DH with me this time. He celebrates a 'big' birthday this summer and I've suggested he join me on Oahu for a week. He just might take me up on it..... we'll see.

John (mag385) let me know if there is anything in particular I should try to get, for Leny. I'll be in the markets a lot, and I don't mind looking around for something. Just let me know.

Weather today in Chicago is pleasant. Looks like a great day for flying! Hoping for a smooth ride all the way. Come on along if you want to read about the markets, the birthday bash, another visit to an orphanage, a new restaurant or two, a second big birthday party for a Thai friend who turns 40 this weekend, and whatever else I might have to write about. I'm back to Adelphi Suites, so no new hotel to review; but I might have to take a look at a couple of new places that might be of interest for the future.

It'll be wheels up in about an hour.... wheels down in BKK on Thursday about NOON Illinois time...... a loooonnnggg ride, but worth every minute of it.

Carol
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 08:30 AM
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Have fun! I have a BA in translation and I am currently a proofreader for the federal government if you are hiring anybody to replace you in Bangkok. Just saying.
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 08:38 AM
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Eeeewwwwww... and I thought MY proofing was boring.......
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 11:03 AM
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So jealous, wishing I was on my way to BKK. Sigh.........
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 12:00 PM
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Have a wonderful time, Carol!
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 12:43 PM
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watching for your reports
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 02:03 PM
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tagging along too!

Aloha!
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Old Apr 18th, 2012, 09:12 PM
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Hi Carol. Have a great time. Are you going to be in Thailand June/July this year. We'll be back late June to mid July (some Bkk and some Chiang Mai this year). Maybe we can catch up if you are there then.

I look forward to your shopping hints from this trip.
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 12:12 AM
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Hello from Narita. I've had a nice hot shower and feel very refreshed. On to BKK in about 2 hours. Wide awake and filling up on coffee right now... haha The flight over to NRT from ORD is one of the smoothest flights I've ever taken!! The pilot never turned on the seatbelt sign once!! Amazing! Even the FA commented on how smooth it was when I stopped to say how enjoyable it had been, when we were deplaning at NRT. Upper deck, very quiet, got some sleep and also some reading done. I only wasted my time for about 40 minutes on a movie (The Iron Lady) but stopped watching about halfway into it. Movies aren't like they used to be.

Mary, I'm looking at possibly July 19-25th in BKK. It will be part of a whirlwind trip that will include both BKK and SYD. All in a period of about 2 weeks! Yikes!! (but in first class on frequent flier miles.... so not so bad... haha)

I'm always happy to 'take my fellow fodorites along' with me on my BKK adventures. We're already off to a bit of a jolting start, as one of the newbies will be delayed 24 hours in ORD due to mechanicals on Cathay Pacific. Too bad!!! We'll still be there to greet her when she gets here 24 hours late, at BKK airport.

Weather here is cloudy and about 60 degrees. Looks like we could get a shower about the time we take off for BKK.

Now, back to my reading.
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 02:01 AM
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Welcome to Bangkok, where the temperature today, according to one program, 'feels' like 115F. Having been out around Siam (checked out the Lit Hotel - interesting) I have to say that estimate isn't as half-cocked as it may sound. It is %$#@ hot out there, folks!
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 05:13 AM
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Will probably miss you in Bkk in July then Carol. We fly home on 16th. I'm heading back to South Korea a week later most likely on 25th. Might go via Bkk but more likely Kuala Lumpur at this stage. Depends on fares.

Sounds as if Bangkok is going to be hot for your stay this time. Have fun.
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 05:50 AM
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Warm evening greetings Carol from our fine home of warm Singapore. Glad you're returning to beloved Bangkok (and many thanks again for your years of helping support the Thai economy).

As of ~ ten days back, BKK was as fine as ever; brief business trip, stayed at the St. Regis. If not already done so, will give a gentle promotion of the St. Regis' Terrace Bar area. Good views and great staff.

Also, any chance of enticing you back to our little slice of paradise, Singapore? (And you know the airline to fly.)

Enjoy your time in the City of Angels. I'm currently scheduled for more BKK meetings in mid-May; St. Regis, once again. Check that place out sometime, along with her forever sentimental neighbour, the Four Seasons.

Warm and early weekend wishes to all from SIN,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 11:38 AM
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The pilot announced that the temp at 11pm is/was 88 degrees. Balmy.... Michael, I'm not doubting you for a minute, that it will feel like 115 during the day (plus high humidity) so it's gonna be hot hot hot in BKK! I know what to expect. This is the 4th or 5th year in a row for a trip here in April, the hottest month of the year!

I made it to Adelphi and dropped my bags and then walked over to the (new) Pickled Liver for a chat with Nick. Thought DS would pop in, but alas, Samui has given him a cold. Too much beach time...eh? He was already in for the evening.

Anyway, I'm settled in, unpacked, and unwinding. I'm wide awake but will force myself to sleep for at least 4-5 hours before getting up for breakfast!

BKK seems quiet... and there seems to be more of a police presence at the airport. Security, I suppose? Are they anticipating "something" around here??

Immigration at BKK was slightly different. Rather than everyone rushing up the ramp to find a booth with a short line, there are now rope lines, where you are stopped before entering, and you have to show your passport and show that your entry document is completely filled out before they let you get into a line! It went quickly though, so I'm not complaining.

Taxi... 300baht to Suk soi 8. That's from 219 on the meter, plus 50 airport fee and tip from what is left over. Tolls were 25 and 45, so 70 baht, which I pay as the rider.

Sukhumvit was strangely quiet at 11:30pm. But then, it is only a Thursday night. Maeng's place is (officially???) closed. Lights turned out. Nick at PL says it has been that way for a few weeks now. Too bad!

Dr Jack has been out and about. Really hoping to see first hand how he is doing now that he is back in BKK. I'm sure he is in much better spirits here than where he was in Arizona for about 6 months, where he was getting some medical treatments. He really truly missed this city, where everyone knows him and cares about him.

The newbie is on her way now, via NRT this time, instead of HKG. I'm assuming it's on AA rather than Cathay. Anyway, she is on her way!! Good news!!

Time to force myself to sleep! I'll be checking back in here regularly.
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 12:09 PM
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Oh I am so envious......good luck sleeping and looking forward to the live updates.
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 11:52 PM
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There have been a lot of complaints lately about immigration at the airport, especially outgoing. People are (or were) standing in line for hours to get through. The police have been under pressure to put more staff on to help with the problem (immigration is a part of the police force).

Bangkok is usually pretty quiet right after Songkran. It's the post holiday blues. A bunch of us are dining at La Monita tonight, if you'd like to join. Margaritas for everyone!
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Old Apr 19th, 2012, 11:57 PM
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Sounds good, Michael, but we are meeting up with Dr Jack at the Pickled Liver tonight, and then we will head to the airport to welcome our newbie, who should be in Tokyo (NRT) now. Where is La Monita? I love margaritas!
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Old Apr 20th, 2012, 02:00 AM
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La Monita is in Mahatun Plaza, right at the Ploenchit Skytrain station. It's in the shop-houses that face the office building, down the left side of the building as you're facing it. IMO they're the best Mexican you can get in Bangkok (which, OK, isn't saying much). They're better than Sunrise Tacos, which has gotten better recently, but I still think La Monita has a better range of 'real' Mexican food. It's really popular with local expats.
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Old Apr 20th, 2012, 06:08 PM
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I have the feeling that I am probably the first one to be up and moving around this morning. The 'newbie' arrived BKK last night and we went to greet her and bring her into the city. She was hungry so we headed directly to the Pickled Liver, where there was a 1-man band performing. He was fantastic!! Our newbie had a bite to eat, and we ended up staying there the rest of the evening, which just ended not that many hours ago! A really great time! I think our newbie is already deciding she likes Bangkok... already planning "next year," so we're off to a good start.

Dr Jack came in. It was great to see him and see how he is doing.

Today, Chatuchak!
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Old Apr 20th, 2012, 06:18 PM
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Hey Carol, I was planning to go to Chatuchak myself today. It's going to be hot!
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Old Apr 21st, 2012, 05:00 AM
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Carol ..Anything new at Chatuchak? How hot was it?
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