WHY INDIA, PART II, THAILAND AND NEPAL
Oct 24th, 2011, 04:41 PM
#64
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dgunbug, the flood waters are not in the city center, where it is dry and sunny once again today. But, the signs seem to be getting more ominous that flood waters will breech some of the walls/dikes/canals and will hit this amazing place. I hope that does not happen. But I am thinking of leaving in a couple of days, and will stay away until it is time for me to head home on Halloween.
Oct 24th, 2011, 05:41 PM
#65
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I, too, hope all of you have safely left Bangkok. It is surreal reading this thread after seeing many dire reports on the internet and speaking to friends who left days ago. The weather has nothing to do with the impending floods; the problem has to do with faulty levees and the inability to control waters coming from the north. My thoughts are with all of you, as well as with those who have lost their homes.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-1...d-of-1995.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-1...d-of-1995.html
Oct 25th, 2011, 12:12 PM
#71
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hope you made it out of BKK without too much of a problem. Guess you made a final farewell to the trusty Marriott on the river, henceforth will be known as the Anantara. Seems though that SOMETHING untoward happened at the airport. We'll stay tuned to learn more.
Smooth sailing
Smooth sailing
Oct 25th, 2011, 06:22 PM
#72
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Khao Lak is a bit overcast today, but it is dry. Infact things look like they could use some rain/water down here. Just went to breakfast and we are going for a swim before we go to get Carol in Phukett.
Oct 25th, 2011, 07:57 PM
#74
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tuesday Oct 25
Sadly our time in bkk is finished, but luckily we are getting out of dodge before the water comes to the central city, which seems an almost certainty…
We slept really well but were up early. We dressed, put “andy” in a small platic bag and were off to the ROS (that is the dreaded Royal Orchid Sheraton). By “andy” I mean a few of his ashes. We also took with us 2 beautiful purple orchids. Our intent was to leave a bit of him as a memorial gesture at his favorite hotel.
We got the 7:15 marriott boat to taskin, but of course the lame Sheraton boat from there does not run before 10AM---guess they think no one goes anyplace before mid-morning---DUH… We took a taxi to the hotel from taskin pier.
We learned upon arrival at ROS that the fab pool area in the grounds of the Portuguese embassy is closed for a couple of days… this was a fav area for gpanda to swim and smoke cigars and we wanted to leave a bit of him there, but we found other areas to do so.
We launched one of the flowers into the river with some ashes on it; we put more ashes by the base of a huge tree at ROS; and lastly we placed the other orchid with some ashes on it at the offering site at the ROS spirit house near to the river.
WE FELT SO HAPPY DOING THIS.
We returned to the Marriott by taxi, went directly down for another huge breakfast and some good-byes to the restaurant staff (read $$). We shared our meal with our new English friends from Essex.
We spent the rest of the morning just hanging out and repacking. About 11 we left for the airport. THIS IS WHERE THINGS BEGAN TO CHANGE FOR THE WORSE.
Our driver was a mad man!! He was high on some sort of drink from a small square brown bottle. By the time we discovered this we were on the highway already. He was speeding like a madman… moved from one lane to another, zoomed up onto people’s tails…. I told him to slow down—did not work.. it was a bit scary. In a 40 zone he was going 80-100 near to the airport. WE MADE IT HOWEVER.
Next was checkin to thai air to phuket. Not that many people in line. She asked for my credit card—the one I had charged the tickets on. I knew I needed it but I guess I did not bring it. We were sent to customer service where we spent one hour in line… They made me buy a new ticket and in 30 days I will get a full refund on the old ticket---same price. A lot of paperwork for nothing.. 60 minutes later all was fixed..
Boarding was swift. I had checked in the night before online, but did not have boarding passes…. 65 minutes later we were in Phuket. Our luggage came out fast and the car company rep was outside waiting for us. I have used Pure Car Rentals in and around Phuket a number of times in the past.
This time we have a mid-sized Honda 5 door with automatic for 1000 B a day---great deal I think. It is well powered and comfortable. About 12,000 miles. They deliver and pickup from the airport and other places.
We drove north for about 75 minutes, thru 2 heavy rain showers to KL and the JW Marriott, which is a fantastic 260+ room lagoon, surrounded beachfront resort. This is our second visit here.
We were treated as VIP’s based on my platinum Marriott status. Our pool access room---3 steps down into the lagoon, is nicely appointed with high ceilings, a huge bathroom (toilet room/shower room/huge stone tub/double sinks), a king bed, a chaise lounge and a sofa….
We were greeted with a 3000 B bottle of vintage cab which is like velvet, and tons of flowers in the room and an elephant made from white towels. We feel very much at home.
We ate in the Italian restaurant and were entertained by 4 singers—3 women and a man on key board who also sang. A nice start to our beach stay.
Some tv in the room and then early to bed again… very firm beds.
This morning I look out from my desk at a lovely patio with two easy chairs and ottomans, a drying rack, a 10 foot wide 3.5-4 foot deep lagoon with a blue tile lining, a ‘wall’ with yellowish/green banana plants growing for privacy, and the top two floors of the penthouse rooms with peaked style thai roofs in the background… In short a lush and lovely scene.
Our group of buildings is close to the beach and the themed restaurants making this a #1 location on the property.
Just as last year we are very happy here!! A lazy day is on offering.
Sadly our time in bkk is finished, but luckily we are getting out of dodge before the water comes to the central city, which seems an almost certainty…
We slept really well but were up early. We dressed, put “andy” in a small platic bag and were off to the ROS (that is the dreaded Royal Orchid Sheraton). By “andy” I mean a few of his ashes. We also took with us 2 beautiful purple orchids. Our intent was to leave a bit of him as a memorial gesture at his favorite hotel.
We got the 7:15 marriott boat to taskin, but of course the lame Sheraton boat from there does not run before 10AM---guess they think no one goes anyplace before mid-morning---DUH… We took a taxi to the hotel from taskin pier.
We learned upon arrival at ROS that the fab pool area in the grounds of the Portuguese embassy is closed for a couple of days… this was a fav area for gpanda to swim and smoke cigars and we wanted to leave a bit of him there, but we found other areas to do so.
We launched one of the flowers into the river with some ashes on it; we put more ashes by the base of a huge tree at ROS; and lastly we placed the other orchid with some ashes on it at the offering site at the ROS spirit house near to the river.
WE FELT SO HAPPY DOING THIS.
We returned to the Marriott by taxi, went directly down for another huge breakfast and some good-byes to the restaurant staff (read $$). We shared our meal with our new English friends from Essex.
We spent the rest of the morning just hanging out and repacking. About 11 we left for the airport. THIS IS WHERE THINGS BEGAN TO CHANGE FOR THE WORSE.
Our driver was a mad man!! He was high on some sort of drink from a small square brown bottle. By the time we discovered this we were on the highway already. He was speeding like a madman… moved from one lane to another, zoomed up onto people’s tails…. I told him to slow down—did not work.. it was a bit scary. In a 40 zone he was going 80-100 near to the airport. WE MADE IT HOWEVER.
Next was checkin to thai air to phuket. Not that many people in line. She asked for my credit card—the one I had charged the tickets on. I knew I needed it but I guess I did not bring it. We were sent to customer service where we spent one hour in line… They made me buy a new ticket and in 30 days I will get a full refund on the old ticket---same price. A lot of paperwork for nothing.. 60 minutes later all was fixed..
Boarding was swift. I had checked in the night before online, but did not have boarding passes…. 65 minutes later we were in Phuket. Our luggage came out fast and the car company rep was outside waiting for us. I have used Pure Car Rentals in and around Phuket a number of times in the past.
This time we have a mid-sized Honda 5 door with automatic for 1000 B a day---great deal I think. It is well powered and comfortable. About 12,000 miles. They deliver and pickup from the airport and other places.
We drove north for about 75 minutes, thru 2 heavy rain showers to KL and the JW Marriott, which is a fantastic 260+ room lagoon, surrounded beachfront resort. This is our second visit here.
We were treated as VIP’s based on my platinum Marriott status. Our pool access room---3 steps down into the lagoon, is nicely appointed with high ceilings, a huge bathroom (toilet room/shower room/huge stone tub/double sinks), a king bed, a chaise lounge and a sofa….
We were greeted with a 3000 B bottle of vintage cab which is like velvet, and tons of flowers in the room and an elephant made from white towels. We feel very much at home.
We ate in the Italian restaurant and were entertained by 4 singers—3 women and a man on key board who also sang. A nice start to our beach stay.
Some tv in the room and then early to bed again… very firm beds.
This morning I look out from my desk at a lovely patio with two easy chairs and ottomans, a drying rack, a 10 foot wide 3.5-4 foot deep lagoon with a blue tile lining, a ‘wall’ with yellowish/green banana plants growing for privacy, and the top two floors of the penthouse rooms with peaked style thai roofs in the background… In short a lush and lovely scene.
Our group of buildings is close to the beach and the themed restaurants making this a #1 location on the property.
Just as last year we are very happy here!! A lazy day is on offering.
Oct 25th, 2011, 11:11 PM
#75
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds purrrrfect!! Can't wait to get there tomorrow. And thanks again for the offer to come to pick me up. Much appreciated!!! You two are reallly special friends.
Brad says that 'they' (who ever 'they' might be) are saying that Sukhumvit and Silom (city center) should be/will be spared from flood waters. Not sure how they figure that??? But hope it is true, none the less.
Are there shaded areas around the lagoon...? What about hammocks swinging between two palm trees??? I'm not a sun person, you know. Pls have the butler staff prepare something for me... haha
Brad says that 'they' (who ever 'they' might be) are saying that Sukhumvit and Silom (city center) should be/will be spared from flood waters. Not sure how they figure that??? But hope it is true, none the less.
Are there shaded areas around the lagoon...? What about hammocks swinging between two palm trees??? I'm not a sun person, you know. Pls have the butler staff prepare something for me... haha
Oct 26th, 2011, 12:04 AM
#77
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Had a very interesting AM out at the beach. After my walk on the beach a woman came running toward me to get her children out of the sea. She was shouting "a monkey....a monkey." As if that is an unusaly occurence here in Thailand. Any way , it way a trained monkey on a very long lead. His job is to climb the coconut trees and pick the big ones before they fall on us tourist sitting on the beach. The gardeners then cracked them open and we all got fresh coconut milk. It was good for a half hour's entertainment anyway. Back to the pool.
Oct 26th, 2011, 03:43 AM
#78
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
there are limited shade areas but there are some... umbrellas too and your porch will have a partial overhang...
i've been cutting carrots all afternoon in anticipation of your arrival...
i've been cutting carrots all afternoon in anticipation of your arrival...
Oct 26th, 2011, 01:41 PM
#80
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How very special that you brought Andy back to the ROS. I was smiling at the thought of you both doing that. How appropriate.
That is a very nice property you are at now, we drove there from the other Phuket Marriott in January to take a look around and have lunch. Are they still offering "soft" opening rates?
That is a very nice property you are at now, we drove there from the other Phuket Marriott in January to take a look around and have lunch. Are they still offering "soft" opening rates?
