Tuesday 30 April 2013

April 29th. Bangkok Bits

We are winding down this week and time to slip into something comfortable, ie retail therapy mode. Here are Images from our day, with the last being the most interesting. George was craving mashed potatoes and purchased some to mash at home. He came home with 'Safety' Potatoes - are these the potatoes you eat when you don't want to get pregnant?











Monday 29 April 2013

April 28th. This Little Piggy Went to Market..

Today's photos are a combination of photos from two markets, and yes I confess, spread over two days. The local markets are fascinating with a mix of weird, wonderful and wacky.

Saturday evening we made our way to the Railway Train Night Market (Talad Rot Fai). This market is huge, as in when we went to leave we had difficulty in finding our way out. It is a mix of predominantly Vintage Retro - think antiques Thai style and old telephones as an example - new, good food and just between you and me the piece de resistance, the Wop Bar - sitting on wee stools at tables outside a shipping container, watching the crowd go by whilst 'sipping' our Gin, Soda and Lemons and the boys a beer. What started out as a one drink stop extended to a few more whilst singing 50s and 60s hits.

I have attached photos of snacks available for purchase. I'll stick to the nuts thank you!

Sunday morning loomed. This time we made our way to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market - a market rarely frequented by tourists. George indulged in whole fish. Plus one came home for dinner and a 'road kill' chicken, ie a while chickened butterflied and flattened, covered in spices and charcoal barbecued on a small tin grill. Fat Prawns, that really should be at a Weight Watchers Meeting, and finally scallops and mussels. Fresh fruit shakes and a beautiful green tea kiwi fruit bubble tea ensued. What was there to do when we got back to Bangkok - siesta time! Come On! We are on holiday thank you.












Sunday 28 April 2013

April 27th. Good Bye Chiang Mai

Time to bid goodbye to Chiang Mai and return to Bangkok. At the airport we indulged in Khao Soi Noodles - a northern Thailand specialty.

Interestingly we only discovered them by chance last year. We ate at a Hole in the Wall restaurant last year here in Bangkok, and they were advertised on the wall of our hole in the wall (sadly it has closed, a fact which caused us great consternation on hearing the news). George wondered what they were and ordered a bowl - well 3 bowls later and with him kindly sharing with me, we were sold on them.

So if you venture to Northern Thailand a culinary must try is.... Drum roll please.... Khao Soi Noodles. We did find some at a local street restaurant one evening, so that was dinner. And for airport prices we threw caution to the wind and indulged as a departure gift and farewell to Chiang Mai.

A non eventful one hour flight to Bangkok ensued. The only highlight being a Flight Attendant who could not wake up after landing (maybe she ate too many bowls of Khao Soi noodles?)

Back to Bangkok and after a necessary arrival revival, ie G & T, time for a swim. I wonder what the poor people are doing? Wait!! We are here in Bangkok









Saturday 27 April 2013

April 26th. From Hmongs to Buddha

Today we visited a Hmong Market, and finished off at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple. You will notice a photo of our names, written by us, on a piece of gold cloth. When completed this cloth will be wrapped around the Pagoda. Our evening comprised a River Dinner Cruise with an interesting mural at the toilet entrance!
































Friday 26 April 2013

April 25th. Tigers, Orchids, Caves and Hill tribes

Today was one of those days where if you had a bucket list, you would be ticking off items. I only have a small selection of pictures from my phone as we used the super duper cam, so these will have to do for blog purposes

I never thought in my life I would be lying down cuddled up to a 200kg Tiger, with three other tigers around me. George and I were both tearful at such a unique experience (he loves Tigers as much as I love Elephants) and it was truly amazing. I was surprised as I thought their fur would be like a cat's fur but it actually reminded me of a short haired dog's coat.

Prior to the Tigers, we visited an Orchid farm (we both adore Orchids). The balance of the day comprised visiting Hill Tribes, ie the Karen Long Neck ( ladies wear bronze rings up to 5kg on their necks and some on their legs, Akha Tribe (No photos allowed. Only single woman wear white and we were warned to watch our wallets!), Lisu, and the Big Ears.

We also visited Chiang Dao Caves, a limestone cave complex with a massive array of stalactites, and Buddhas carved in the rock. One interesting find was a very large statue of a Buddha lying on his back but at foot level - almost in a natural drain that coursed through the caves - the caves do flood with 2 metres being the largest recorded level. This Buddha was found within the Caves and it was considered bad luck to move him, so there he stayed,

I can only describe this day as jaw dropping and amazing to the nth degree. And I didn't mention lunch. Shall I just leave you with Yum Yum!!



































Wednesday 24 April 2013

April 23rd. #2 With A View

Shopping at Terminal 21 today. Most impressive, apart from the retail therapy, were the loos. The skyscraper views were from within the loos (Kiwi slang for restrooms) and I thought I would include a traffic shot as well. But the loos are unbelievable. Heated seats, a mini upwards shower for your froo froo, then a bidet wash for your moo moo, and a final dry with a high five!