A Japanese Christmas and a Thai New year.

[drron]

Dips that were very nice. The Hummus was really good.


The cheeses especially the blue were also very nice.

 

[drron]

Some night views from the club.






And some of the decorations.






One of the reasons we came back to Bangkok this time was to find a hotel That would become our new base. We have stayed at several hotels over the years but the last 20 or so years we have used the Sheraton grande Sukhumvit as our base. We have had 101 stays there. The GM was one of a kind. Knew what was going on. Talked to the guests, loved by his staff and an excellent teacher. All his Assistant GMs have gone on to be GMs and most we have gone to stay with as we got on very well with them. Another positive was the Jazz at night in the Living room. We knew all the pianists and one became a very good friend. Sadly he didn't make it through the pandemic.
Now in December last year we had our stay number 101 with the new GM. The whole atmosphere had changed. The staff were not happy and quite a few had left. Since then we have tried 4 other hotels. 3 of them were this month. The first was last September when we spent 6 nights at the Kimpton. The rooms are lovely but we are not the target demographic of Kimptons. No lounge, dogs everywhere including in restaurants and in one sitting on chairs and climbing on to tables. breakfast was very good but always bedlam.

So first this month was the Westin Grande Sukhumvit. The GM was from the SGS as one of the Asst. GMs. He obviously had improved the place. The staff were happy but as well friendly and competent. The lounge was good and the food there of a good standard. However the rooms are dark especially the bathrooms and it has high noise levels.

Next up was the Royal Orchid Sheraton where we had several stays in the early days. We got a suite upgrade. Don't think we have missed one since Plat with SPG. The river location is great if you are new to Bangkok. Watching the river is fascinating. It was again the first couple of days but then....ho hum. Also have to mention the doormen there consistently good and we appreciate how they deal with taxis. But the problem was the lounge. A real zoo. And although a large display of food there was not much variety. The food was certainly inferior to that of the Westin lounge. also never saw a manager. On top of that Mrsdrron wanted to go to Iconsiam. Unfortunately it basically has priced itself out of consideration.

So now it is the Intercontinental Bangkok. It was refurbed last year and it has been done well. Large room,lots of light and well serviced. The lounge however is probably the best we have experienced. Lots of staff. High quality food and a lot of variety. As well as the buffet options there are dishes you can order of the menu. We don't do afternoon tea but went up to the lounge today when our room was being serviced. A spectacular array of food. We just had a coffee.
The main thing was that we had a booking back at the SGS in April to give it a last chance. I looked up the rates and the Ic is only 275 baht - $A12 more a night than the SGS. So now our April stay is the Intercontinental.

 

[drron]

Breakfast in the lounge is a pretty good buffet.

 

[drron]

But they also hsave a menu you can order from and not limited to one dish.




Of course there are also those folks that want something not on the menu or have to make substitutions. A couple sitting near us one morning both ordered Eggs Benedict on a day it wasn't on the menu. That was then agreed to by the staff. but then were the changes. They both wanted their eggs Benedict on a croissant not a muffin. As well he wanted his served with a particular Thai spicy sauce instead of Hollandaise. Was told that the sauce was not available. But they have it in your restaurant downstairs. Yes sir they have it for lunch and dinner but not for breakfast.
No pleasing some people.

 

[drron]

So to finish breakfast. Over easy eggs ain't so easy.


But this became one of my favourites at brekkie.


Makdous eggplant. Maybe because there were 3 Lebanese gentlemen there all the time we were there and obviously regular guests.

Later t hat day we went over to Central World to have lunch at Nara our favourite Thai restaurant. First the drinks, a butterfly pea and lemongrass drink. their water comes in a nice bottle.




They now bring you an Amuse bouche to start. just a little spicy.


Then the dish we always have - Pomelo salad with prawns. Really lovely dish.


And I ordered Khao soi a new dish for Nara. Pretty good but not the best I have had.

 

[drron]

After lunch we had a walk around some of central world. Mrsdrron visited some of her favourites - Na Ra Ya and Marimekko. Then a walk around their supermarket and food court. This caught my eye.


Great selection of beers and mixed drinks.


We both love Kyoho grapes.






But this was all they had from Australia.


And the shrines outside central world.




And you get back to the IC by the elevated walkway and Gaysorn Village. Don't see too many Steinway shops.

 

[drron]

So back to the lounge for our evening meal.
















And the lamb dish from the menu. tasty and melt in your mouth.

 

[drron]

The night scenes from the other side of the lounge.








And in the morning.


The eggs Benedict were good.

 

[Seat0B]

The eggs Benedict were good.

What, no croissant or special sauce????

 

[drron]

After breakfast I took a walk up the Chit Lom alley on the other side of Chit Lom station. You cross the same canal as before but this time one of the ferries was doing a 5 point turn.








They certainly accelerate quickly.


The view once you cross the canal.

 

[drron]

There was a ferry stop near the bridge over the canal so I walked down to that. People are living under the bridge.


Ans some canal side art.













Then a watch place in the Gaysorn village.


And if you want to dress up like a Parisian this label is just the thing.

 

[drron]

The buffet offerings that night. Although there were things such as sushi,dips,meats and salads that were offered each night they changed in the variety of those offerings.

 

[drron]

Plus the menu for the night.


Mrsdrron had the beef cheeks and baby potatoes and loved it.


Whereas I had the Tom Kha Kai with just beautiful combination of spices.


And then the pork Curry. Lovely.

 

[drron]

The next day we walked around the more downmarket mall close by with the BigC supermarket. Has been gussied up a bit since I was last in there. This supermarket is much more for locals so many interesting products. But also gold and jewellery stores.


Interesting chips.




Don't think thyis would get through Customs.






Mind you I did eat a packet of Tom Yum flavoured popcorn and quite liked it.

 

[drron]

Now I never knew prawns had chins.




Now you could taste the next 2 and I liked them.








Now I used to buy these packets of curry but they used to cost 11 baht but now 15 baht on special.




And a cafe that wouldn't appeal to everyone.

 

[drron]

When we got back to the hotel housekeeping had just started our room so we went up to the lounge and it was afternoon tea time. And what a spread. The classic high tea though no champagne. Here is the menu.


And yes you get the lot. We really couldn't have fitted that in so just had a coffee each. Of course we were back there at 5.30pm.


Mrsdrron had the duck breast and I the mushroom soup. Both really nice.




And the different salads on the buffet.

 

[drron]

We had a very easy day the next day as Mrsdrron just wasn't feeling well. Fortunately she sparked up by late afternoon and so we were able to go to the lounge again that evening.


Mrsdrron had the lamb shank which she enjoyed. a picture was posted earlier. I had the Tom yum soup which was very good and not overly chilli hot.


Now just some of the desserts we had. they were of good quality though we both enjoyed the creme brulee as our favourite.

 

[drron]

Once again I walked up past Central World heading for the Pratunam Market which ewas the area we stayed in for the first 3 visits to Bangkok in the 1970s. Crossing the canal again and saw a canal ferry on either side doing their 5 point terms. But what captured my attention was the garbage boat. They were much more efficient than those on the Chao Praya river.




I walked through the Platinum Mall where I purchased my lovely blue jacket on our last trip. However this time i was going to go straight through. Found out that was not as easy as it seemed with doors randomly plced. Finally out on the street and lots of street food vendors.


Then crossed the road and strolled up the alley to the market.


Dangerous on occasions as at the far end is a car parking station. So often cars both ways plus the foot traffic that was forced onto the road. But eventually into the market. Bedlam.


A much improved place to what it was in the 70s with a proper sort of roof and the dirt floors covered. On the outside of the market some shops with some familiar names.


And then the hotel where we stayed the first 3 visits to Bangkok - the Indra Regent.






And a little bit of greenery outside.

 

[drron]

Now I began Walking back down Ratchadamri road. Clogged with traffic.




And these guys have a difficult job. Ambulance drivers in Bangkok. basically no one pulls over for them.


Looking back into the market. less crowded this side.




Back to the corner of the road and the Platinum Mall. Two food outlets across the footpath from each other.




But 10 metres away.


And back to the canal.

 

[drron]

The footpath along the canal has collapsed.


But what is left is perfect for a motorcycle parking lot.


And past the park i visited last time.


It is now time to replace the water lilies and lotus. Though some of the lotus plants don't look that healthy.