From the Mersey to the Mekong.

[drron]

On the Thursday we walked a lot through the Ginza-had to,this was the night we were going to the Gordon ramsay restaurant.We were not in to eating-just as well with some of the Jinglish names of restaurants.Had no desire to eat at the cougherie,didnt feel like going in to Spasso's restaurant.I have described the GR restaurant in my Conrad review.
Friday we had a very late breakfast-along with virtually every other guest of the Conrad.We then walked up to Shimbashi station and caught the Asakusa suway to Asakusa!Walked around the Nakamise area-Japanese style shopping.Found 2 100 yen shops,a whale meat shop and lots of shops selling Japanese fabrics so mrsdrron was in Heaven.

The major attraction here is the Sensoji temple and Asakusajinja shrine.

Interesting though different symbols.

And this fellow decided to pose at the statue dedicated to Tokyo's pigeons.
Continues next.

 

[drron]

Once again this was surrounded by beautiful grounds with a variety of small shrines-

Next we get to have a traditional Suikiyaki.

 

[drron]

Whilst walking back to the subway we came acroos a traditional Suikiyaki restaurant-Chinya.It has specialised in this dish since 1903.In we walked,take of our shoes and wait.Our hostess comes to greet us and takes us up to the 4th floor where we are ushered into a private room-the Namuki room-

And when you want something you just ring using that lovely old phone.And fortunately this room had a table with chairs.

And to finish some traditional ice cream!

This was reasonably expensive-10000 Yen-$125 but it was an experience.They also though took DC and Amex!
We then walked down to the Sumida river-across it is the Asahi brewery headquaters.it is descibed as looking like a big glass of beer with a big gold thing outside-couldn't describe it any better-

Then back to the subway and the Conrad in time for Happy hour.
next last days in Tokyo.

 

[drron]

Saturday and the Bledisloe cup is on.papers say there are plenty of seats left but the cheapest we can find are $150 for very ordinary seats so we decide against going.Today is our brunch at China Blue which i reviewed in my report on the Conrad.
Sunday is our last full day.Catch the Ginza line train to Ometosando station and walk up the boulevarde to Harajuku station-past all the upmarket stores-note that QF009-past the stores!
We then walked around Yoyogi gardens-well we needed the exercise.At the entrance was a mullet convention-

We then went to the Meiji shrine.It was on the day of the first Meiji emperor's birthday so all were out in their best clobber-

The fellow in glasses was obviously important as everyone treated him with the greatest respect-

Then there was the procession,love the gear-

Continues next.

 

[drron]

Impressive entry to the Meiji shrine-

With casks of French Wine-

And barrels of sake-

All to be blessed and given to the Emperor.
Certainly the crowds were out-

We then walked on to Yoyogi station and caught the Oeido line back to the Conrad.Had a very late lunch at the China doll restaurant in the office block next to the Conrad.
At the lounge met an endocrinologist from Alabama and over a few too many wines we solved the worlds problems.
Next-of to the Land of smiles.

 

[drron]

Monday was an early checkout as we had to catch the 0715 limousine bus to NRT.Officially the exec lounge doesn't open until 0700 but they open it at 0630 for those on the first bus.no freshly cooked eggs but otherwise virtually the same selection as most mornings-8 of us there at 0630.A definite plus for Conrad management
Arrived at NRT at 0820,in Sakura lounge by 0845-sadly no F access in 2009.The lounge was full to overflowing.Managed to find a table to share.Having had brekkie I read the papers whilst mrsdrron checked her emails.
JL717.NRT-BKK.Boarding-1025.Actual-1025.ETD-1055.Pushback-1100.take off-1121.
ETA-1600.Actual-1540.
No champagne until after takeoff then 2 glasses.No idea of brand but it was light yellow and had bubbles.Then switched to the french white-Abbeye des Fontenay 2006 les Truites Macon Villages.Really nice.I then had the Japanese meal-not as good on these regional sectors but still nice with the main dish being Halibut.

And mrsdrron selected the Western fish meal-

After that there were no movies I was interested in but their game selection included Sudoku so I did sudoku,slept,read,slept,sudoku,slept and read.About an hour before arrival there was a snack served-the FA had a basket and you could have a plastic wrapped sanger,croissant with ham and cheese or a small vanilla icecream.Didn't look great so only had the ice cream.
After landing at BKK and seeing about half the gates empty we were remotely parked on the tarmac and bussed to the terminal.The fellow down the steps in front of me was warmly greeted by JAL staff and whisked off in a Merc.Looked like a Japanese popstar.
A little slow through immigration but our bags appeared in the first few as we walked to the carousel-great as there were 2 full J cabins.Straight out and met by the SGS rep-since getting their limo last time this is the way mrsdrron wants it from now.Yes pay a lot but much easier and infinitely more comfortable-especially when we got caught in a real traffic jam coming off the expressway.
Next-the SGS and off to Siem Reap.

 

[drron]

Our second visit to the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.Once again registration papers filled out in car and on arrival taken straight to our upgraded suite.Unpacked then down to the Living Room for happy hour.We enjoy the Jazz trio.Then into their Thai restaurant,Basil.Once again great food.We have chicken in pandan leaves,soft shell crab,lobster(whole) with mushrooms and shallots and a seafood pad thai(melt in you mouth seafood).Quite expensive-with wine B5400.But to us was worth every baht.
The next day a late start as always in BKK.A great breakfast in the Orchid cafe(also free for plats).Back to the room and watched the Melbourne Cup(was still morning here).My Quadrella came in 1,2,3 and 6-missed it by that much.
Then the skytrain to the Paragon Mall for a little retail therapy for mrsdrron.Bought a fair bit at Jim Thompsons then down to the food court.Had the best pork satay ever,mango and sticky rice and coconut ice cream served up in a young coconut.All up B325.About 1500 headed back to the SGS for the obligatory nanny nap.That meant we were in fine form for happy hour.For dinner we just had 2 serves of soft shell crab whilst having our complimentary wines.
About 8pm we were approached by the finance director and asked for our opinions on how the experience could be improved as they plan renovations in the next 12 months to bring the rooms up to a modern standard.We agreed this was necessary for the younger crowd though we were happy as it is as obviously maintenance is very good.I did add at the end that if they make it funky they may get a few of the younger AFFers here-see thought of you QF009.
Had early brekky on the wednesday~0700(it starts at 0530).Unfortunately the mango peeler only starts at 0730.Checkout a breeze,arrange to leave some luggage for our return in a week.Then arrange taxi to the airport.
Doorman tells driver exactly what he expects-writes down drivers and cabs numbers as well as his name and makes sure driver is aware we have it and the complaints number.Our best cab trip ever to or from BKK.Meter was B219 plus B70 tolls.Rounded it up to B300 last of the big tippers.:shock:
Next Bangkok airways to Siem Reap.

 

[drron]

Check in at Bangkok Aiways-no problems and we are allocated 3A,B.Our bag weighs16.4kg so we are pleased we have been able to get down to this weight for a week's trip-no HCO for us!A little wait to get through Immigration then on to security.now I have always had a soft spot for Thai women and their smiles,here though I met one who was intent on doing an imitation of a stormtrooper-she certainly hadn't heard of the Land of Smiles slogan.She barks at me to completely empty my pockets-I show her only a hankerchief which surely wont set the alarm off.She decides I must be taught a lesson for my insolence so watch,shoes,belt and glasses are ordered to be taken off-I am starting to think how far will this go remembering the old Rio ad.Finally I am through.
We wandered around the shops-mrsdrron loves looking at the Queen Mothers shop and their are a few other members of the Royal Family that have shops there.What surprises us is that on this occasions the staff have Kingpower uniforms on-looks like they control everything here.At least in the Jim Thompson shop the staff have jim Thompson uniforms on but does this mean anything?Mrsdrron gets rid of a few more Baht here.
Wandered to the gate but it is only opened 10 minutes before boarding-fortunately that is not too long.Hand carries are gone through as we are let into gate area.
PG905 BKK-REP.Boarding 1055.Actual-1115.ETD-1135.
Push back-1129.Takeoff-1142.ETA-1235.Actual-1220.
Boarded by rows from the back.Row 3 on this A320 is just in front of the curtain which was closed after take off.No difference in seats to those to the back of the curtain.However we convince ourselves we are premium pax.So the classic foot shot and our snack-great seeing the elapsed time was just 40 minutes.

We are happy as seats C,D in the first 3 rows are empty.Coming into Siem Reap there is water everywhere-2 typhoons have come over in the last 2 weeks but whilst we were there blue skies so hot and humid.On the plane we filled out the visa application form plus entry and customs forms.On arrival though we were given a health form which also had to be filled out.
Then you line up,hand over your forms and $US20 and wait for your names to be called.We were amongst the last to hand over our forms due to bad manners by other pax pushing in but our names were amongst the first to be called-I was just referred to as Ronald-funny I dont remember meeting any Cambodian Immigration officer before.
Unfortunately although we picked the shortest queue at Immigration the fellow in front of us is an old American carrying a guitar.His passport was full and his answers weren't pleasing the officers so we end up being nearly last to the baggage.our bag therefore was waiting for us.So our plane on the tarmac at REP-

And the terminal-

Then it was to the taxi desk and we were allocated a driver-customs was non existent.Fixed price $US7 to Le Meridien Angkor.Now your taxi driver will tout for your business during your stay.We had read up on Trip Advisor and a car and driver were $US20-30 a day and $US50 for the distant temples.Our fellow is $30 and only $40 for the distant temples.He speaks reasonable English so we accept his offer-and have no regrets he was very good.His name was Sohan and I do have his card somewhere at home if i can find it!
My review of the LM Angkor is here-
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...ces-and-reviews/le-meridien-angkor-20131.html
Next-temples,temples and more temples.

 

[drron]

As I mentioned in my review of the hotel we were overwhelmed by the reception-the GM took at least 30 minutes to explain the ins and outs of Siem reap.After unpacking we needed a drink.Mrsdrron had young coconut juice and I had the local specialty-

We then meet Sohan at 1630 to go to Phnom Bakheng for sunset.Pay our $US20 at the ticket office for a 24 hour pass-this will be valid for the next day.This temple is reccomended for sunset-means a crowd of people and if you have any mobility problems just not worth it.A walk uphill in the heat-or you can ride an elephant.At the top you only get a view climbimg the ruins-I started but the steps are so narrow my huge feet just didn't fit an with a d*cky knee it just wasn't going to happen.Anyway a few shots of the ruins-

So personally i would give this a miss unless you are young and mobile.There are much better experiences ahead.

 

[drron]

After a few photos we beat the crowd downhill.You then have to run the gaunlet of women and kids selling rubbish and all the beggars.back to the hotel and shower and decide to have dinner in the hotel.We went to the Royal Angkor cafe.3 course dinner is $US15 a head so for 2~$A38 after taxes.A bottle of French white costs the same.The food was really tasted and well presented.service was good and friendly.
I started off with spicy glass noodles with seafood,pork curry and a selection of Khmer sweets-

Mrsdrron had Apsara salad with duckbreast,pork tenderloin with a garlic and tamarind sauce and a trio of creme brulees-magnificent-

Can totally recommend eating here,it really was good.
next-a big day at the ruins.

 

[drron]

Sohan has recommended an early start.He suggested 5-5.30 to avoid the crowds.Now at home I will get up early but on holidays-no I like my brekkie first.So we had brekkie at hotel-starts 0600 and picked up at 0630.Breakfast was good-not to the standard of the SGS but more than reasonable-

These are the jean-george Vongichteren signature drinks which need to be ordered at most LMs but here part of the buffet.

It was a really beautiful morning.The other benefit of an early start is that it is not nearly so hot.We are off to the Angkor Thom complex and Bayon-

As you can see no crowds at the entrance to Angkor Thom.
Now for Bayon-definitely have this on your list-

Next-Bayon continued.

 

[drron]

Bayon-

The other benefit of going early is the light.
Next-the rest of Angkor Thom.

 

[drron]

From Bayon we walked the rest of the Angkor Thom grounds.The crowds were starting to build and the first tour bus had arrived-most started at Bayon so we were still uncrowded.Next door is Baphuon.The French have been renovating this for some time now-you cant go crawling all over it but it is different to the other ruins so worth a visit.Spectacular approach-

And drron had a little rest-note the guide book in his hand.A tip get a good guide book and hope for a good driver-Sohan was excellent.The guide book i had was Angkor by Dawn Rooney-more a description with history of all the temples.A couple of times we were in earshot of guides and it seemed word for word from this book.As well we were able to do everything at our own pace and not be diverted by the guide.It gave tips of where to stand to get best views and was invaluable.

Our next call was the Royal palace area-Phimeanakas.

 

[drron]

There is not much in the grounds of the Phimeanakas-a small temple-

And a camp of locals who hadn't really stirred so only got the souvenir hassling once.In fact as we walked in here this was the main location for the touts,beggars etc-a lack of activity,much different later-

fronting the road in front of the Royal palace area is the terrace of the Elephants-

Next to this is the terrace of the Leper King(which has nothing to do with leprosy)-

There qare also some more ruins and we walked around North Kleang,Preah Pithu and Preah Palilay.But it was getting very hot-now after1000.So back to the air conditioned car and a short drive to Preah Khan.
That is next.

 

[drron]

Preah Khan is a smaller complex that was going to be left unrenovated but is now being assessed for renovation.Fortunately shady so that not as hot.Narrow passageways so only encountered one small japanese tour group.One feature was a lot of butterflies-this from mrsdrron-

We are exhausted so ask to be dropped back at the LM for a shower and lunch.to be picked up at 1230 to go to Angkor Wat.Sohan explains the big tour groups are at lunch 1230 to 1430 so the best time to go especially as the light here is better in the afternoon.Once again he is spot on.
That is next

 

[coolumbla]

was an experience.They also though took DC and Amex!
We then walked down to the Sumida river-across it is the Asahi brewery headquaters.it is descibed as looking like a big glass of beer with a big gold thing outside-couldn't describe it any better-

My delinquents described that as a giant flying booger

c

 

[drron]

My delinquents described that as a giant flying booger

I'd love to see that nose:shock:
Well back to the LM and lunch.Now you dont expect to not have pics of our meal do you.Mrsdrron is Khemered out so has a club sandwhich-

And I had a khmer curry really hot but great flavours,I chose the pork-

Then it was off to Angkor Wat.Truly magnificent-

And you can see that the advice to start at 1300 was spot on-

Next more of Angkor Wat.

 

[drron]

First the outer buildings-

Then approaching the main temple-

And the village to the side-

Next inside Angkor.

 

[drron]

Angkor Wat continued-

Next we venture into town.

 

[drron]

We are templed out for the day so we get Sohan to drop us of at the Foreign correspondents Club for drinkies.It is virtually deserted.Mrsdrron has her usual white wine,I have a mojito-$US13 so expensive.

Drron chilling out at the FCC.
We then walked down the river to town-not far.Passing the hospital an official ceremony taking place-we were told Hun sen and the king-we were not allowed closer-

After this we walked through the markets.A lot of junk that you find everywhere through Asia.Here though many hadn't bothered to cut off the Made In China labels-and all these tourists thinking they are getting wonderfully cheap local made goods!Just as in Vietnam it appears that they believe you have come all this way just to buy from their stall.
We decide to eat in town.Sit down at the Khmer kitchen but when we see the meals that are being served we move to the Central cafe.We have chicken on Lemongrass.It is OK but nothing special-these were the 2 places recommended on Trip advisor as well.Really not much cheaper than the LM with distinctly lesser quality food.So we get Tuk Tuk back to LM.
A few disquieting things in LM.Whilst sitting outside the Central Cafe-a legless fellow crawls along the footpath and asks the Aussie family at the next table for money-they give him some local currency and he throws it back asking for real money($US).Later we see him going nice and quick with his walking sticks and prostheses.
At the market a young girl holding a baby comes up to me(she looks about 10).You give me money,I give you what you want.
Then an obnoxious old Aussie with 2 young local women who he orders to walk behind him,get him a beer and generally behaves like a cough.Sc*mbag.
The tuk tuk ride back to the LM is a scream-although you can be quoted anything they will always accept$US2.The road is in a shocking state.We bounce everywhere.When we get back some nice maccaroons awaiting us.after a shower we go down to the Naga bar for a snack-both dishes the same price as the dish at the Central cafe($5.50) but more food and better.Mrsdrron has a mixede satay plate-prawns,duck,chicken and beef-

And i have a mixed entree plate-well presented and the only problem was the Tempura batter was too thick-

Mrsdrron washed hers down with a white wine and I had a Naga Fresh-rum,young coconut juice,midori,lime and mint-it is refreshing.After this we feel absolutely exhausted and retire for the night.
Next-more temples.