Christmas in Bangkok.

[Tropic]

Ooops sorry drron. Wrong thread!

 

[Quickstatus]

chest pain

nauseous

Cholecystitis?

 

[drron]

Arrived in to BLK on time. Mrsdrron had asked for a wheelchair on arrival and we were told to wait in our seats but the FA came as the last few in the business class were getting off.
And away we went. Was a good call by her as we were about as far from Immigration as could be. The fellow pushing her was in great shape and I had to use the moving foot ways to keep up.

I was a little worried when he went past the Fast Track entrance but it turned out he knew an even faster track for wheelchairs. Just 2 lanes but no one else there so straight through and we beat most of the J pax to the baggage carousel.

It took quite some time for the bags to appear and standing still was not making me feel good. There was one good thing that happened while waiting. My air tag told me it was close by. Even sitting waiting for the wheelchair it had said it was still in T2 in Singapore.

Our bag was in the first few to arrive. Then straight out to where the hotel reps wait. We then noticed the first change with the new GM. The car service has been outsourced to a limousine company. The fellow meeting us was employed by the limousine company.

A very quick trip to the SGS as very little traffic. Unfortunately we arrived at 2000 so missed happy hour. Not so bad as neither of us felt like eating or drinking. Mrsdrron slept well but I had no sleep at all with the chest pain.

 

[drron]

Cholecystitis?

A possibility but I don’t think it is. Maximum tenderness was over the callus of my previous lower right rib fracture.
The nausea I am sure was due to my stress. All I feel today is slight discomfort when laying on my right side.
I will get a stress echo when I return. I do have one every 4 to 5 years in view of the extended trips we do. The last was 4 years ago.

A few other things to check as well.

 

[Quickstatus]

wheelchairs

The miracle cure only occurs the other way round. Wheelchair to the aircraft not from…
……

Is cash the main method of transacting in Bangkok?

 

[Sprucegoose]

My condition was no part of my feeling that standards have slipped.
Automatic wine dispensers.
Small amounts of wine when large selected.
Just 3 wines available with only 1 red.
Our book the cook selections obviously not available.
Shambles at BNE check in.
Only 1 bag drop lane open 10- 15 minutes after check in had opened.
Not the SQ of our May and August trips.

I may have to change my policy of no ME airlines.

I must agree these are not SQ standards, nor has it been my previous experience (I was familiar with SQ standards as a PPS for five years).
They have always been meticulous in managing BTC, and never once in over 100 J+ flights did they get that wrong.
The ground experience could reflect the issues with airport management and contractors. In general, the demand for labour well exceeds the supply. A good example is BNE security at present.
The wine standards could be accountants getting into the act - a shame as SQ had a credible sky cellar, and their lounges were always comfortable.
Hopefully, this is a one-off; otherwise, you may need to consider the sandpit seriously.

 

[drron]

So our suite at the SGS. On one of the lowest floors but the best standard suite we have stayed in. We had actually seen it before some years ago when the GM on a Sunday morning on his weekend off took us to see 2 mock up rooms for a proposed renovation that didn’t go ahead. It was the room we liked best

 

[drron]

To us one of the best features was the view. We are used to having a high floor but the view from this room has lots of greenery which is rare in Bangkok.





And lovely orchids as decorations.

 

[drron]

On Monday we walked over to Terminal 21 mall. Had a Frappuccino at Starbucks, walked around the supermarket where prices had risen significantly. We do like mangosteens. Normally 40 to 70 baht per Kh in season which begins in May. Up to 200 baht out of season but today 550 baht per Kg.
Also went to the pharmac_ to see if they had a ppi which previously was OTC but not now.

We went without lunch as neither of us felt like it. But in the evening went to Happy hour in the Living Room. Our favourite thing here at the SGS. Sadly things have changed. When we came in May there were still 3 of the staff from pre Covid times. They have now gone. Only 2 of the new staff from May still hear. Not surprisingly service has gone down hill.

Even the senior bartender we had known for nearly 30 years had gone. The only people still present were the pianists who when they saw us came over and had a chat.

One good change was a large picture of Randy Cannon who was the jazz pianist for many years and had become a friend. He had numerous health problems not the least of which was alcohol. I would have long talks with him and over 12 months he had become abstinent and remained so. Unfortunately he died just before Covid.



You do get some canapés served as many times as you like but we only have the one and then a couple of dishes for our dinner. Tonight it was lemongrass salmon sticks and a pad Thai.



I was feeling a lot better and with 2 Panadol slept well.

 

[drron]

Tuesday and down to Rossinis for breakfast. This was really good pre Covid but on Monday it was a zoo and total free for all. Apparently it was a public holiday here.
Today though they were checking room numbers at the entrance and many were directed downstairs. They tried that on me but I didn’t accept that and we soon were let in. The problem is that none of the staff there are from pre Covid times.

This shows in the service. Mrsdrron got the wrong omelet and they forgot my baked eggs. The excuse was because it takes 8 minutes to cook but I had been waiting 25 minutes.

The breakfast menu.

Later in the morning we went to the Robinsons building and the supermarket downstairs. We bought some lunch.



A few things about what is on at the hotel.

 

[drron]

After our lunch I went for a short walk. It is about 30C maximum with humidity today 4%. I walked on the walkway under the BTS to the Sofitel then back down Sukhumvit to the SGS. Typical Sukhumvit traffic.

A little way back and I found Korea town. If you like Korean BBQ you would love this place. At least 20 of them here.


The Christmas trees are up.


And the Spirit houses at the SGS.

 

[drron]

Back to the Living Room at 1800. You get a little plate of canapés each. The night’s selection.


We then usually have something of one of the restaurants menus. Tonight it was from Rossinis the Italian restaurant. Hokkaido scallops with a green apple sauce and mushroom risotto.



We enjoy the music and tonight stayed on for the jazz trio.



A good night.

 

[Quickstatus]

@drron what was the cost of the jackfruit?

 

[drron]

79 baht . Just over $3.

 

[drron]

Wednesday and another Executive breakfast at Rossinis. They got Mrsdrron’s order right but not mine. I ordered 2 eggs over easy with 2 grilled tomatoes. I had to go and rustle up the extras and was delighted to find the Iberico ham was back.



Then we went over to Terminal 21 as our favourite nail place has returned though now on the top floor. Mrsdrron just had a pedicure and I had a pedicure plus manicure. This was the first time in nearly 4 years. The only problem was that Mrsdrron had my favourite doing her toes. They do a great job and certainly I feel totally relaxed afterwards . This is the place.


The workers probably had a miserable time in the pandemic as the original clinic was still closed in May when we were there. But they were happy as I doubled the usual tip we used to give.
We had to wait 45 minutes before we could get done so went to the food court and had a coconut ice cream each. It was jumping and it was only midday.


The Terminal 21 Christmas tree.

 

[drron]

Then we went and had lunch at Fuji a Japanese restaurant that we like in Terminal 21. Began with mushrooms wrapped in bacon then a regular tempura serve.



Next salmon sashimi and mushrooms in an oyster and garlic sauce.



Finally salmon eggs.


Very tasty.

 

[drron]

I then went for a walk. Past Asoke station and entered the Citibank building. A little walk around then out and walked up a side street.
It was quite a seedy road. Lots of bars with many grey haired old white men drinking and an equal number of massage places with the young women sitting outside. At one an attractive young woman rubbed my stomach. I had a one word answer for her - Lao? She was so I rubbed my stomach and said Happy Buddha. So she rubbed it again. It brings luck and I am happy to oblige.

Here is the street.




And if you see this building you know you are on the right or wrong street as the case may be.


Some new development.


I then went down a side street to the main road that crosses Sukhumvit.

 

[drron]

I then walked down a side street to the main road that crosses Sukhumvit. There was a sad sight across the road which I will come back to.
It concerns this building which is the Siam Society.



But first a couple of sights including the electrical wiring.




I then had to cross over the road so picked a crossing controlled by lights. That doesn’t mean it is without risk. The cars may stop but the bikes are likely not to. So I positioned myself with 7 people on my left and 6 on my right. Safely across. Back down to the Siam Society.


Probably about 10 years ago we came to a living museum here with old classical Northern style buildings. It was very interesting and a peaceful oasis surrounded by greenery. The surrounding land has all been built upon. Although you can still get into those buildings you couldn’t today because of a function. So what I could see.




Very sad.

 

[drron]

So continued to walk back to Sukhumvit and passed a well known name.



Then I got to the Sukhumvit road intersection which gives a good insight into Bangkok traffic. The motorcycles will always get in front of the cars.


But even though their lights will be red for some time it doesn’t stop them


Some do wait for their turn.


But even though their light is now green the cars will be turning against the red for at least another minute.


I never want to drive in Bangkok.

 

[drron]

The last little bit back to the SGS. A new hotel’s spirit house.

And in the background the SGS car park.



And some more great examples of electrical wiring Bangkok style.