tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81202105262514936872012-02-16T17:36:22.322ZBraving the large world. Forget globalisation. Travel still comes with its adventures, marvels, awe, and mishaps. More so as a solo female traveler.Janenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-72570702999252044722010-08-26T15:09:00.000+01:002010-08-27T06:03:38.338+01:00

Use the new address: http://withoutstringstied.wordpress.com/ All posts will be imported to the new site so you can still read back. The transition will take a couple of months as I familiarise myself with WordPress and design the site for my liking. Any and all feedback are welcome.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-82353624786363192552010-08-10T18:16:00.000+01:002010-08-10T18:16:33.140+01:00

All the news about the Khmer Rouge trials have brought my impression of physical remnants of their sights back to the surface. Phnom Penh boasts of few attractions. Most people who choose to pass through instead of flying directly to Siem Reap to the Angkor ruins do so because of the Khmer Rouge sites. In my many trips back to PP for business, I constantly get bombarded  by tuktuk drivers trying

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-76059071042173848482010-08-09T18:08:00.002+01:002010-08-09T18:11:22.504+01:00

A couple of colleagues were off to Beijing this month and I told them to definitely try the white peaches. They are in season and if my recollection is worth its salt, the peaches are some of the best I've ever had. The guys emailed me.. "We can't find them anywhere." Then followed by an accusatory  "You should have said they were pink, not white!" What? How can you not know what a white peach

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-87952038908521596852010-08-07T19:37:00.000+01:002010-08-07T19:37:32.990+01:00

Following up with my quick blurb about hiking up Mount Katherine, I want to specifically mention Sinai. The peninsula is quite different from the rest of Egypt. Unlike the Nile-based culture, Sinai is home to the Bedouins, and offers completely different geology and climate. I felt silly bringing long sleeves until I put them all on once I got to Sinai. The cool winds brought temperatures down to

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-5431954234771438242010-08-02T16:47:00.000+01:002010-08-02T16:47:56.581+01:00

Watching a business traveler go down literally with food poisoning, I belatedly realised I never gave the region's biggest health danger proper note in this blog. As a friend said it best, "Food poisoning is a fact of life here. It's not a matter of if. It's a matter of when." Many locals mistaken the cause as being the extreme spice put in the local dishes. I didn't have the heart to correct

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-63787415888304108802010-07-26T18:01:00.002+01:002010-07-26T18:51:07.591+01:00

Koh Samui validated my ability, as unnatural as it felt, to enjoy a beach getaway. I generally am not a beach-goer. I have an inexplicable phobia of swimming in open water. During a family vacation to Maui years ago, my father was mortified to discover I hadn't the courage to go snorkeling, an outing he arranged especially for his swimmer daughter. I have long since tried to overcome my

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-83299120692999483102010-07-24T09:56:00.000+01:002010-07-24T09:56:53.765+01:00

Located in the ground floor of the Hyatt Hotel, it's a popular recommendation I give for our out-of-towners because of many of their fear of getting sick from the food. It's easy to miss, though, set in a corner of a little maze of hallways, it sits on a slight platform of raised hardwood which always gives me a sense of stepping onto a stage everytime I enter. There is no wall separating the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-58237372255583385112010-07-24T09:33:00.000+01:002010-07-24T09:33:46.341+01:00

Sea kayaking in Ang Thong Marine Park was hands down one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in my multiple trips to islands and beaches in Southeast Asia. The concept of a protected water are is so startling.. and even more so to find that the Thais generally do respect the restrictions. The water, although murky, was quite clear of litter. The islands gorgeously green and untouched. The

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-87067047985490217542010-07-18T04:37:00.001+01:002010-07-18T04:43:08.440+01:00

Many of you probably remember the National Geographic featuring the long-necked tribe in Sortheast Asia. Once I correlated the tribe with the region I am in, I was so excited to be able to go see them. The concept that we have tribes still practicing such exotic traditions in the world of global market and influence was so fascinating. A bit of background: The Karen tribe is originally from

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-71945670618304061602010-07-15T18:15:00.000+01:002010-07-15T18:15:51.004+01:00

We went with a group that turned out much larger than expected... 14 total with a grand sum of 6 rsvp'ing. Can I say how irritated I get when people don't respond? It is, to me, plain rude to not provide a host or organizer some perspective of how many s/he has to accommodate. It is not difficult to say "yes" or "no." In truth, I don't mind restaurant miscalculations as much as I mind house party

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-36575686438681895942010-07-14T14:31:00.000+01:002010-07-14T14:31:16.762+01:00

Dad and I passed a Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo. Dad, excited, declared that it is a very famous bookstore. I didn't bother popping his sense of discovery. He said he must go. I skeptically arranged to find him there after running an errand next door, wondering why he would care to see a bookstore chain. Meeting up with him fifteen minutes later, he sheepishly said "all the books are in

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-52489323732587829942010-07-12T16:03:00.001+01:002010-07-12T16:05:41.329+01:00

I celebrated my 30th birthday in grand style.. by rewarding myself with a ten-day vacation in a whole other continent with a girlfriend. And reminded myself that I'm still young, healthy, strong, and loving life by climbing up Egypt's highest peak, Mount Katherine. And, boy, was I hurting up there! By the last bit of the ascent, I could barely keep up with my 61 year-old guide who probably

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-68465056654402212082010-07-12T15:57:00.000+01:002010-07-12T15:57:43.489+01:00

Getting on the elevator with neighboring kids. Ages probably 4 and 6. Things we say before our first cup of coffee. Me: Good morning, ladies! Girls: silent 6 y-o: Are you going to work? Me: Yes. pause 4 y-o:   Are you going to work? Me: Yes. pause pause 4 y-o: Why?? pause Me: Honey. I have no idea why.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-4911966515855726032010-06-10T15:33:00.000+01:002010-06-10T15:33:01.888+01:00

A recent conversation between a friend and a pharmacist in a country not to be named (it is not Thailand): Friend: Do you have any cipro? Pharmacist: Yes. Which would you want? Friend: What? Pharmacist: We have the Indian kind or the German one? Friend: Oh. German, please. Pharmacist: But the Indian is much cheaper. Friend: I w.a.n.t t.h.e G.e.r.m.a.n v.e.r.s.i.o.n Pharmacist: German very

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-40708300252437920432010-06-08T17:54:00.000+01:002010-06-08T17:54:27.996+01:00

Thanks to the closure of Ratchaparasong intersection and its surrounding businesses for almost two months, I am able to draw the focus of restaurants and pubs away from the city centre to further down the Sukhumvit area. Robin Hood we noticed on a drive by. The view from a car is distinctly different from the Skytrain. All this time, none of us knew of the place. It is literally right of the BTS

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-55628249467963880062010-06-07T14:54:00.000+01:002010-06-07T14:54:58.439+01:00

I have no bones about making you jealous. Of many of my social circle, I can- and do- brag having the best view from my apartment. So I see gorgeous sunsets pretty much daily, the rainy season yielding more dramatic colors with clouds. Along with approaching storms: Or really bad smog. And most recently, where the fires are.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-10945273219574984762010-06-06T16:27:00.001+01:002010-06-06T16:39:53.945+01:00

Greetings. I realise I've been quiet as of late. I decided not to blog about the protests but as they got serious it got rather hard to be flippant about the events going on around me. Friends were evacuated out of the hot zone, checkpoints and army officers started showing up in my end of town, the Skytrain stopped running, and smoke coming out of the horizon started to be a regular occurrence.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-38998146001310284592010-04-22T18:28:00.001+01:002010-04-22T18:41:12.483+01:00

News Update: Folks, I am safe. Those of you with mutual friends, we are all safe. It is indeed getting tense and scary at times and the action feels like it is often too close for comfort but we are all safe and sound and very alert of what's going on around us. (2300 hrs, 22 April 2010 local time) I am happy to report I made great progress in my Thai. In addition to having mastered "Taxi Thai"

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-28436151133096932682010-04-21T14:00:00.000+01:002010-04-21T14:00:20.760+01:00

"Hey Ma! I went to Chinatown today!" "Huh? I thought you said you're going to China, not Chinatown?" "I did! And I went to Chinatown." "In China?" "Yep! Chinatown in China." I spent Chinese New Year (February 18) in Shanghai. It's my first trip back to China in over a decade. I was excited to see China's most metropolitan and international city. My favourite part was the Ancient Chinese City.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-38295059152667631682010-04-20T17:51:00.000+01:002010-04-20T17:51:19.010+01:00

In no particular order but basic knowledge for taxi-riding in Bangkok. 10. Never get in a parked taxi. Flag one down. 09. Insist on the meter. Unless you know you'll get stuck in traffic. 08. Thais do not know how to read maps. Keeps yours in your pocket. 07. Tolls you pay. And they are worth the expense. 06. Drivers drive like crazy on the toll roads because they rarely have to chance to drive

Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-19100377972528560072010-04-19T06:37:00.005+01:002010-04-19T07:11:27.826+01:00

..within a city is apparently easy as long as you have the numbers. The red shirts are digging in, stubbornly.I was greeted upon my commute by the sight of an entire red village built up on the streets of Bangkok. Some sights to share:Food giveaway line:The kitchen behind it:Interestingly, monks are set up behind it.Makeshift shower stalls:Paraphernalia store:Tent city residences:Restaurants for

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-86172142898278417182010-04-18T17:27:00.004+01:002010-04-18T18:08:02.893+01:00

Out of sheer laziness, we ate at Basil in the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit because it was close to home. As hotel restaurants go, it was delicious and definitely more upscale that my usual budget prefers.I've overcome my personal dislike of hotel restaurants, at least in Thailand. I've come to accept that sometimes gourmet dining in Bangkok is best found in the five star hotels because the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-92155514662800907622010-04-17T04:19:00.004+01:002010-04-17T06:09:18.732+01:00

We ventured into the Italian villa Primo Posto by accident. We were given the recommendation by word-of-mouth but forgot to take down the name and spent half and hour trolling around looking for something that fits the description of an Italian villa.You would think there aren't many Italian villas in central Thailand, two hours away from Bangkok. Ha. The winery trend made a lot of resorts,

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-23824396595670385262010-04-16T13:59:00.003+01:002010-04-16T14:15:29.663+01:00

Well, I didn't really partake in the water fights. I left Bangkok. While the official festivities in Bangkok were canceled, the government really can't stop kids from having a water fight. Still, we opted for three days away from the protests and drove up to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's version of Yellowstone Park.What I didn't realise when I chose our destination was that it was also the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-29533951752051536632010-04-13T10:55:00.004+01:002010-04-13T11:13:16.495+01:00

Seriously, I've been silent during the protests not because I have nothing to say. Au contraire, a couple of us normally apolitical folks are analyzing our surroundings by the hour. I as it happens have been on the road a lot, as usual, but for personal travel, missing every exciting weekend since the protests started. I don't feel I've missed much. I get enough of an idea in my weekdays.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-50945254617714846242010-04-06T16:32:00.002+01:002010-04-06T16:34:05.805+01:00

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-91559386130116878712010-04-03T16:25:00.003+01:002010-04-03T16:33:53.195+01:00

... you get on the elevator with a Thai fanning himself desperately complaining it's hot.... you find out he is only one of a whole native population whining about the climate.... your car door locks stick.... the Skytrain is jam packed all day and night.... Thais walk 1/4 of their already slow speed.... it takes longer than usual to get service and no one cares.... first thing you want is a cup

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-12553228452440206552010-03-02T15:43:00.004Z2010-03-02T15:55:13.222Z

Let's admit it. After a while, all wats start looking alike. And seeing another one bores more than impresses. A glimpse at the photo of the White Temple, though, bespoke of an unusual sight.What was just as stunning is the paintings inside the walls of the wat. Still under work with the artists drawing right under the tourists' legs, murals spoke some pretty political messages. Such as the World

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-22034742297294635882010-02-09T04:24:00.005Z2010-02-09T04:37:13.702Z

My car has been dead for six months.. almost seven now that I think about it. The battery was at the end of its life, 7 years old perhaps? Compounded by the fact that I have the sense to not drive often in traffic clogged Bangkok, the battery died.I don't know why I waited so long to get it replaced. It started out with my waiting for a period of time when I'd actually remain in Bangkok long

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-62280740412791012602010-02-01T14:19:00.003Z2010-02-01T14:51:05.603Z

I always get caught without my camera when I need it. I am extremely good about carrying it, too. This just hasn't been my weekend, I suppose.Someone has worse luck than me tonight. As I came out of Siam Paragon after paying a bill at the bank, I found myself stuck at the mall. People weren't allowed out to the street, the Skytrain was suspended, Sukhumvit was blocked off from ever motos, Skywalk

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-57982772646762941742010-01-28T16:11:00.003Z2010-01-28T16:20:17.979Z

I got back home earlier this week after a three-week absence. I made an unusual daytime arrival, while the lobby is staffed with the receptionists. The lady at the desk sees me get out of the airport limousine. As I haul my two roller suitcases, one big tote carry on in addition to a backpack and purse, I find her waiting for me by the elevators, presumably to greet me.Receptionist: Excuse me,

Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-91828249486597223342010-01-27T10:30:00.003Z2010-01-27T10:43:14.979Z

More power to the people who can and do spend months or even years on the road. Me, I'm a there's-a-time-for-the-road-and-there's-a-time-for-home person. In other words, I believe in the expression "home sweet home." I've been on the road for months at a time, but trips like those simply make me appreciate the creature comforts of home:- A kitchen- A whole bookshelf of books to read- Home

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-6286252309223691362010-01-25T16:27:00.002Z2010-01-25T16:36:49.185Z

... in a moto?So far, standing record sighted is 6. The question is how many human beings can these people squash into a single scooter or moto. We've figured out 4 is the upper limit for adults, but we wonder how far they will push it to stack their own kids on as well.On top of that, one can't just claim to have seen the number. It needs to be witnessed by someone else or provided evidence,

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-19881894612287907612010-01-22T16:02:00.003Z2010-01-22T16:11:00.160Z

Many of you parents have commented that your babies don't need $100 toys from Fisher Price and often prefer a mere pot from your kitchen cabinet or an empty jar. Bet your kid never did this:

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-54216869880048472762010-01-19T15:36:00.003Z2010-01-19T15:43:30.768Z

We're surrounded by abject poverty and very basic living conditions, if even that, but when this boat of kids pulled up alongside to beg, my only reaction is to laugh. Does that make me a bad person?We were touring one of the floating villages of Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, in Cambodia. The odd geological feature is that the water flows upstream to fill the lake during the dry

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-12341471095017758222010-01-11T15:39:00.003Z2010-01-11T16:25:00.056Z

My most recent airport passing:Me: gratefully finding an opening along the baggage claim after a couple vacated their spot. Me: felt someone grab my backpack- full strapped on my shoulders- as leverage to shove me aside.Dude: Make room.Me: annoyed at the rudeness and stepping back on my groundMe: I don't think soDude: I have status (pronounced STAY-tis)Me: So do IDude: Well, I flew in business.Me

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-10302431674724305992010-01-04T15:31:00.003Z2010-01-04T15:46:28.970Z

I treated my family to a holiday trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. For the folks, Cambodia was an eye opener. For all, Angkor was an impressive sight to behold.It wasn't Angkor Wat itself that struck us, but the enormity of the entire Angkor compounds. Old structures and temples always amaze me, especially when I try to envision how people had to build all this by true craftsmanship, and brutal

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-43687422714626934002009-11-11T17:50:00.001Z2009-11-11T14:30:19.796Z

My grandfather passed away this spring and it had been the end of a very emotional roller coaster for my mother. We all flew back to Taiwan on short notice from our various ends of the earth to participate in the Buddhist funeral rites.The rites consisted of laying the body for three weeks while people came to pay their respects. The incense was kept burning 24-7 for his soul, resulting in a 24-

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-53576547879878497572009-11-07T17:16:00.003Z2009-11-08T04:02:47.239Z

Tonight, tapas.First, full disclosure. I'm tipsy as I type right now. I just came from a girls' night out at a tapas bar featuring South American wine pairings and the night had run a lot later than any of us expected. Almost two hours later.Tapas Y Vino is a tapas and wine (as the name suggests) bar/lounge/restaurant on the second level of the Grand Millenium Sukhumvit hotel. Drawn by the blurb

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-47594681371077176482009-11-07T06:55:00.004Z2009-11-07T06:59:42.579Z

As an American, I chuckled at this sight.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-34716371113826899882009-11-04T12:39:00.002Z2009-11-04T12:47:17.501Z

An email I sent to my family this morning:It's very cold the past couple days... I think it is actually below 80, adding on a gusty wind(chill) of 10degrees off. So don't forget to pack your mittens and parkas when you come to Thailand in Dec.My father replied with a flash of rare wit:It's very cold the past couple days... I think it is actually below 40, adding on a gusty wind(chill) of

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-27167231293412684472009-11-03T17:41:00.002Z2009-11-03T18:35:00.090Z

Living here in Thailand, one has to face that more often than not, the only way forward is just conceding and saying "mai pen rai" and mutter "whatever." Sometimes, one just has to take whatever is dished out to them, however wrong or unfair it seems and bear it with a grin.I drew the line with my passive aggressive billing battle with the Internet provider.In August, the bill stopped arriving. I

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-22086185870121951182009-11-02T17:18:00.002Z2009-11-02T17:52:59.046Z

Tonight (2 Nov) was the Loy Kathong Festival, marking the end of the wet season. It is the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually coinciding with the end of the rainy season. Traditionally, the waters along lakes, rivers would be flowing high from the long rainy season. Thais put out floats made from banana leaves usually holding a candle and an offering such as some money. They would

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-63302746802498675712009-10-14T18:53:00.002+01:002009-10-14T18:54:30.034+01:00

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-2626456654555605852009-10-13T19:31:00.006+01:002009-10-13T20:04:59.322+01:00

I was stuck in Manila when the first of a recent series of major typhoons blew through. We know Storm Ondoy (pronounced "on-Do-Oi"), internationally known as Ketsana, was approaching but reporting had treated it like a heavy rain storm that will blow through without event. In reality, yes, it was just that. A long heavy shower. No one just realised how heavy it would be.We attempted to go

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-4339277620423838292009-10-04T03:59:00.003+01:002009-10-04T04:30:08.306+01:00

Asia is not a coffee-drinking continent, at all. The prevalence and success of coffee shops in the region is more a bandwagon do-the-Western-thing fuel trend than a genuine growth of coffee drinkers. My breakdown of my coffee drinkingThailand:- Bangkok: - Never had I imagine Dunkin' Donuts can be butchered up. I'm mortified. - Starbucks actually tastes like Starbucks, even with the crazy

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-62887998347550927642009-10-01T06:48:00.006+01:002009-10-01T07:03:27.228+01:00

I did it! For once, when approached by a Thai for directions, not only did I understand his request, I literally pointed him the right direction. After all the Thais mistakening me as one of them, I finally am able to actually contribute.I can't say I used much Thai. I just pointed. Then tapped him on his shoulder and directed him. It was on the Skytrain. No knowing how to explain that he needed

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-47488904247196138942009-09-29T06:09:00.003+01:002009-09-29T06:33:24.782+01:00

I just breezed through security with a full bottle of water in my backpack. Hm. I have yet to go to the gate so perhaps there's another security check-point. One hopes.It's not that I think bringing a bottle of water is bad. I prefer to be able to keep it. But I went in knowing full well I would have to toss it if I didn't get thirsty first.As a frequent traveler, I have the dilemma of trying to

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-43810475087551823372009-09-25T16:33:00.003+01:002009-09-25T16:59:52.362+01:00

One of my many wish list items is to ski in New Zealand. I forget where and who I heard about it from, but it has been a long desired activity, one that I pursued this past NZ winter. And I have absolutely no regrets.Most of my trip was overcast to rainy. Until I went to the slopes. Despite the mountains being much smaller in scale than the ones in North America, the view was just as spectacular.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-88620383889473992009-09-24T15:42:00.003+01:002009-09-24T16:15:51.177+01:00

I wish. I cringed at the thought of using public restrooms in Asia, because some places still use squat toilets, and in others I'd be lucky if one even flushes. Toilet paper? Don't count on finding a roll, let alone multiple back ups, stored on the roller. And there usually are rollers in the stall. Funny how that happens isn't it?Maybe it's because people may abscond with a whole stash since

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-76820781226549565702009-09-17T13:45:00.002+01:002009-09-17T13:49:41.268+01:00

Learning foreign languages amuse me.. because, inevitably, I'm bound to run into a misunderstanding that it's too funny to not make.This post: "Excuse me."In Thai: kor tot ka/kap.Except, if you don't pronounce "tot" right, it might come out as "todt" which means fart. I can't even hear the difference.And I'm dying to see someone yell that while squeezing through a crowd.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-53866853020598376762009-09-10T18:59:00.003+01:002009-09-10T19:12:39.379+01:00

I'm no German foodie. I've been to Germany only once and I spent most of it stuffing my face with street-side bretzel vendors so I was usually too full to eat a proper sitdown meal. So all that trip taught me was 1) soft pretzels are truly my favourite snack and 2) I have an odd affinity towards street vendors.Well, perhaps fortunately for me (or maybe it doesn't matter?), I'm surrounded by

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-34992331044546833692009-09-08T18:47:00.003+01:002009-09-08T19:11:34.322+01:00

Seen in a recent ad campaign to sell international products in a high-end supermarket atop one of the biggest shopping malls in the city... Anyone spot the factual problems? They actually had a billboard for this promotion. Unfortunately, the taxi whizzed by too quickly for me to register let alone react and have the camera out.Clearly, they haven't heard about Americans' obesity problem, despite

Janenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-28745720389851204972009-09-01T18:18:00.003+01:002009-09-01T18:21:42.789+01:00

... but I prefer them removed, not repaired.Seen on the directory listing by the elevator in the Emporium mall.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-78094419305906708222009-08-31T12:58:00.004+01:002009-11-15T15:36:56.004Z

After a year of living in Bangkok, I find I haven't tired of Thai food. I don't think I ever will. I'll sure of some restaurants, but not the food itself.Café Chili is a Thai restaurant on the ground floor of the Siam Paragon shopping mall. Despite that address, it is actually tucked away in the far corner of the mall, away from the hustle and bustle of the food court and supermarket areas. The

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-14226560084417090332009-08-30T16:47:00.007+01:002009-08-30T17:09:45.023+01:00

An incident this afternoon:I was on an escalator inside a building, and got off behind a couple- an older Caucasian male and his pint-size Thai girlfriend who is probably in her early 20s. They came to a stop at the entrance doorway and turned around and looked expectantly at me as I was just a few steps behind them. They waited. I approached, stopped, and returned a quizzical look.Man: Do you

Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-41454957543697480562009-08-29T07:43:00.001+01:002009-08-29T07:45:46.705+01:00

Someone tried to talk to me, presumably asking for directions. I replied with"Dichan mai dis pasat thai."Well, I guess I could say that I did say "I don't speak Thai." Except "dis" is speak in French. One one hand, I could be glad I still remember my French vocabulary and conjugations to blurt it out without thinking, but, seriously.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-19530424112130227332009-08-28T16:19:00.003+01:002009-08-28T17:15:05.176+01:00

One thing this city isn't lacking as far as food is concerned: Italian. And many of them quite good.Foiled on our original plan to attend one of the most raved about Italian restaurants in the city, I chose an alternate place from the Miele Guide, a resource I have turned into a checklist. The choice: La Scala, Italian restaurant attached to the Sukhothai Hotel.Typically, I won't go to

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-22070007445333623492009-08-27T15:01:00.004+01:002009-08-27T15:13:19.025+01:00

A colleague called in late this morning, confessing to having forgotten to set his alarm clock last night. Too amused to let him get away with it, I composed a list of10 Better Excuses for Why You are Late- The A/C broke down and I had to take three Benadryl pills to pass out in the heat.- I was rowing down the klong to work when I got swamped by a speeding fishtail boat's wake.- The BTS was held

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-53850137571266160182009-08-26T13:29:00.005+01:002009-09-01T17:52:55.515+01:00

Seriously, that chicken broth post got such a reaction it needs a follow-up.Ironically, while my brother almost gagged at the broth, he laughed at this. And Mum, on the other hand, visibly grimaced... even though she was the one who consumed the broth!Apologies for the blurriness of the photo.. I took it in a rush without flash. I'll take another to on my next trip back!

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-19292488729582920942009-08-08T15:04:00.002+01:002009-08-08T15:07:16.901+01:00

I was browsing the street vendors on my way to work this week.. and found a lady who sells rice porridge where you can tell her what toppings to put in as she poured it in a bag. On her cart, she also had an assortment of bean soups, some of my favourite desserts as a child. I got the green bean soup for 10baht. It was just enough to fill the huge coffee mug I keep at work, which I sipped all day

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-19150487811874180282009-08-06T15:29:00.005+01:002009-08-06T18:46:32.124+01:00

Perhaps one of the coolest places I had the opportunity to venture off to amidst my many work trips in the region is Borobudur, a Buddhist relic in the now Muslim country of Indonesia. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries, this shrine is old. I mean OLD. But obviously very much reconstructed by modern restoration, given the smooth and finished quality of most of the stones, although they haven't

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-55549570197566631132009-08-05T17:31:00.003+01:002009-08-05T17:39:50.582+01:00

Another example why having bad hearing is not conducive to learning a foreign language:Instructor: BpõoMe: (writing and muttering) bpõoMe: (quizzical look)Instructor: CrabMe: (Incredulous) Crap?Instructor: Chai. Crab.Me (thinking: he just said crap!)Instructor: bpõosidamMe (really hung up on the fact that he said "crap"): bpõo. I'm going to remember this one!Instructor: You like crab?Me: Huh?

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-80904387058779228622009-08-04T04:05:00.001+01:002009-08-04T04:45:58.864+01:00

Has anyone else noticed the prevalence of books telling you want you need to do "before you die"? Especially in the travel section?Examples:1,000 Places to See Before You Die, obviously one of the most notable examples1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You DieUnforgettable Things to Do Before You DieUnforgettable Journeys to Take Before You DieUnforgettable Walks to Take Before You

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-36919504566829093662009-08-03T18:43:00.004+01:002009-08-03T19:11:07.156+01:00

Just to remind you all that, while I tend to be a more serious and reserved person, I do have a sense of adventure and a healthy dose of spunk.My philosophy in travel lately has been to do things instead of regretting that I didn't do them later. When I found myself in the birthplace of the bungy (note, Americans, it's spelt "bungy" not "bungee") in Queenstown, New Zealand, I knew I had to do the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-40147106960365097722009-08-02T13:02:00.006+01:002009-08-02T13:46:03.365+01:00

I took my Thai instructor by surprise when I plopped myself down in the classroom and started by saying I want to start learning how to read Thai. His surprise should have been clue number 1.His reply: sure, why not? But, then he spent ten minutes shuffling around between the classroom and the office getting classroom materials together. Clue number 2.Clue number 3. "Are you sure?"Clue number 4.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-29321061054633919252009-07-31T17:16:00.009+01:002009-07-31T18:12:15.065+01:00

I spent the last hour in what would have otherwise been a good foot massage session trying to figure out the gender of my masseuse.Nick and Baby Bro came up with the term "shim" while they were traveling throughout Asia earlier this year. They use it for people whose gender they truly cannot determine. Not because of the prevalence of sex change operations in Thailand but because of the tendency

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-56734930657141643002009-07-31T13:27:00.003+01:002009-07-31T13:49:32.465+01:00

Three locations, one an actual restaurant on Sukhumvit between Soi 12-14, next door to Times Square. The other two are mini-eatery style in the basement food level of Siam Paragon and on the fifth floor of the Emporium.The only one I've been to is the basement of the Siam Paragon. The office had ordered for cater in a couple of times. I feel like the catering is better than the eatery. Not

Janenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-49364351286491172412009-07-27T09:02:00.003+01:002009-07-27T09:09:36.246+01:00

No one other than me seemed particularly perturbed to see a gigantic head sticking out of the ground in front of Central World this weekend.What was even better? Of all the photos in the Planet Ocean photographic exhibition around it, they just had to chose this one to juxtapose against the figurehead.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-72973657145754028312009-07-24T17:37:00.004+01:002009-07-24T18:04:41.941+01:00

I recently spent a week's holiday in New Zealand, primarily to ski.After one long day off from the slopes to go horse riding, sightseeing, jumping, and wine tasting, I settled back into my room for the night. Spread across the bed with brochures and reading materials, I thought I felt some rumbling. Looking up, I would have sworn the clothes and laundry bag hanging off hangers were swinging. Damn

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-32295127801222814872009-07-23T13:18:00.002+01:002009-07-23T13:26:12.650+01:00

... you're surrounded by Taiwanese tourists on summer break.We don't really have seasons in Thailand or many parts of Southeast Asia. The year in Thailand can be broken down into:- Extremely hot: February through May- Rainy: June through November- Dry: December and JanuaryTo work with that, the Thai academic year runs from May through February.So the sense of seasons, for those of us used to the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-53344806632160060372009-07-22T18:42:00.002+01:002009-07-23T01:50:05.188+01:00

A friend's recent conversion from public transportation to biking for commute reminded me of the one dilemma I've been struggling with for almost a year. To bike or not to bike. Her conversion was relatively easy. She lives in Washington DC and between her and her girlfriend, they had four bikes that I saw when I visited. My scenario, not so simple.Despite the fact that we are talking about an

Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-40759648603213890602009-07-21T12:55:00.004+01:002009-07-25T19:13:46.810+01:00

This is fast becoming a popular lunchtime favourite for some of us.Coco Curry House serves Japanese curry. It's a very simply process, really. Once you're seated, you select which the meat for your dish (all fried assortments), select the level of spiciness for your curry, and the amount of rice in your plate. That's it. The menu is only good for helping you see what the meat options are. Next

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-28823704019993171712009-07-20T14:55:00.005+01:002009-07-20T15:14:33.082+01:00

... Thais performing YMCA. So I'll let you see for yourself. Apologies for the unusually shaky filming. I was laughing so hard I'm surprised the camera picked up any music at all.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-55850168402732011122009-05-30T19:15:00.002+01:002009-05-30T19:27:01.390+01:00

DOS:1. Do realise that if she calls you she likes you.2. Do invite her for dinner and a movie on your first date.3. Do buy her small inexpensive gifts from time to time, she'll know that you are thinking about her.4. Do be clean and dress neatly (Thai ppl take shower twice a da) she wants you to smell and look nice.5. Do ask her about her mom and dad and her family she wants you to care about

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-73707302871944902642009-05-28T17:57:00.002+01:002009-05-28T18:13:09.888+01:00

dating and relationship with Thai girlfrom the "about: bangkok" 'the ultimately free commuter guide' v 23 Feb 09. I couldn't find an online site for this publication otherwise I would have posted a link instead of fat-fingering this out. This list is aimed at farang men who want to date a "proper Thai girl." Funny preface that author uses for that proper Thai girl is an introduction of "I am a

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-9570725115054754282009-05-26T05:07:00.004+01:002009-05-26T05:25:17.569+01:00

Solely to make you all jealous, I'm posing a couple of snapshots of sites from my weekend. I had celebrated Memorial Day which usually coincides with my birthday like a typical American- escaping to the beach. Only the beach I visited is Phuket, a popular and pretty famous beach destination, especially amongst Europeans. My weekend composed of doing nothing but sitting by a pool all day, learning

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-21423457723283052432009-05-17T13:35:00.005+01:002009-05-17T14:18:06.110+01:00

... You don't feel obligated to tip.... You can estimate the temperature in Celsius quite accurately.... You pay everything in cash and don't even carry a credit card.... You decide whether to go out or not based on the haze.... You expect bed turndown service in hotels.... You take off your shoes at the threshold, even to a store.... You walk around an elephant on the sidewalk without skipping a

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-23527504361676586882009-05-16T15:45:00.004+01:002009-05-16T17:07:51.951+01:00

For those of you more familiar with my misadventures last year... remember all those attempts to pet some sort of an non-domesticated animal? Swim with the manatees in Fort Myers, pet a buffalo in Montana, or swim with the dolphins in Miami? None of which came to fruition and I had to settle with a tentative petting of a stinky goat in Mount Vernon.Well, here's a single day of my life in Chiang

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-22690624376844887012009-05-15T03:40:00.003+01:002009-05-15T03:43:07.336+01:00

And I haven't seen the sun since.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-71684997085292572822009-05-08T07:09:00.006+01:002009-05-08T07:21:25.973+01:00

A recent chat with a friend who visits Bangkok often:Friend: How's it going in Bangkok, with all the protests.Me: Quieted down. The day I got back, they lifted the state of emergency.Friend: They really know how to screw themselves.Me: It's almost like they are inclined to do it.Friend: Take over the government building...Me: loose some money.Friend: Take over the airport during peak season...Me:

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-78706109893314643072009-05-08T06:41:00.005+01:002009-05-08T07:04:16.882+01:00

Also known as Buddha Day.This week has been scattered with holidays. Thai Labour Day was last Friday, though we did not have it off. Our local staff were a bit surly, having to work, but given that they have both American as well as most Thai holidays, it is hard to sympathise. Tuesday this week was Coronation Day, during which the country's ailing king did make an appearance. Today, Buddha.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-49458702100108238702009-05-05T10:29:00.003+01:002009-05-05T10:39:08.995+01:00

Guess what. I'm reviewing a TexMex place. A TexMex restaurant in Bangkok.I *love* TexMex, Mexican (or what I think is Mexican), Peruvian, Cuban, basically anything Latin. I don't know how that love affair started. It certainly wasn't grown out of childhood- Dad complained there wasn't seafood when we went to Chili's. But, somewhere, over the years in the end of and after university, I developed a

Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-89934249857901607722009-04-23T16:54:00.003+01:002009-04-24T08:39:40.423+01:00

As it goes in a majority of Asia, you need to haggle for your prices.And I've learned there are different styles depending on where you are.I grew up in a Taiwanese household. Haggling is a loud, competitive, sometimes even insulting sport. The players treat it almost as a competition, to see who can hold out longer. And whose bluffs to really call.I learned really quickly it doesn't work in

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-60406761423653609492009-04-23T02:53:00.007+01:002009-07-23T13:57:59.028+01:00

A group of us took a day trip to the Ancient City just outside the city. No, it's not an ancient city. Rather, it is a park that has replicas of most, if not all, the major architectural or historical sites in Thailand. Some lifesize, some miniature. Basically, all of Thailand in a single plot of land. So, if you are hardpressed for time as well as money, this is the place to go.It sounds hokey,

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-88233036635838831622009-03-01T15:14:00.003Z2009-03-01T15:25:55.067Z

Yes, Italian.Italian and Japanese restaurants are plentiful here.. and actually quite good.This is one is a favourite lunchtime place for me. I've often brought out of town coworkers who don't eat Thai food here as well. (to some of their defence- having shellfish allergies don't bode well with visiting Thailand, where baby shimp or fish sauce is often used in Thai cuisine)The ambiance is nice,

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-38119995745323008452009-02-28T00:52:00.003Z2009-02-28T01:29:42.740Z

You know in large crowds on sidewalks in major cities, generally, there's one side for each direction of pedestrian traffic. We stick to the right, like the roads. And within the single direction of traffic, not as cleanly, there may be a side that is also used by faster walkers, dodging in and out of slower clumps of pedestrians.Not in Bangkok. There's no trend whatsoever. Even escalators are

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-21040222853625676572009-02-27T17:59:00.004Z2009-02-27T18:33:17.201Z

Last fall, I had a short stint playing with the local ultimate frisbee team, the Soi Dawgz. Finding them was difficult- their webpage was under construction. Their advertised email was non-existent. It took a brain fart for me to think to look them up on Facebook. Bingo.Armed with a vague map and vague directions, directions that said "hope on a motocycle taxi and say you want to go to the Big

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-44478771774829919122009-02-26T17:36:00.005Z2009-02-26T17:43:31.258Z

In a recent transaction with a marketplace vendor, I fell into a friendly light mixed-Thai-English conversation. She probably gave me the most opportunity outside language class to practise my Thai, mixing English to help me and gladly answering my questions of how to say specific words or translate expressions she zinged out in her thousandsylabolspersecondspeaking.Somehow, by the end of the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-16077318859374704342009-02-26T15:12:00.002Z2009-02-26T15:18:45.141Z

As far as I can tell from my limited tracking, it is now generally a huge department store/mall-wide "end of season" (what season?) sale time. Clothing that are generally overpriced even on American standards are marked down as much as 75%.Warning, though, the lower marked clothing are not available to try on. So you either better be a very good guesser of sizing or a professional shopper to

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-81738200991145998932009-02-21T17:20:00.003Z2009-02-22T01:50:47.761Z

.. that elephants can dance?

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-18404280111953092122009-02-20T14:10:00.005Z2009-02-20T14:45:55.834Z

I haven't forgotten. Just gotten busy.Harraton, TPG and I went up to Ayuthaya as a daytrip last month. Really just an afternoon trip. By the time I finished running errands and we hopped into the car, harraton was munching on a chocolate bar as her lunch.It was an hour's drive away from town, most of it spend extricating ourselves from the Bangkok inner city traffic. Don't get me started on the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-45506553728348349272009-02-12T17:13:00.004Z2009-02-12T17:42:20.514Z

Well, it's a restaurant also but there's no way I'm paying for a meal up there. Should I date anyone when living in Bangkok, he can score brownie points by taking me up there.It's a rooftop bar/restaurant. The food, never tried. The drinks, most good, except the pina colada. But given it's high end status, the bar tenders know their drinks. Unlike many bars where the menu lists whatever the Thai

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-64220563586166732502009-02-10T00:04:00.002Z2009-02-10T00:09:45.444Z

Remember those spanking brand new shoes I bought on my trip back to the States? Here's what they look like after four days of walking in the streets of Bangkok.

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-30288765857813029732009-02-08T14:56:00.003Z2009-02-08T15:01:25.470Z

On Saturday's language lesson, the instructor was explaining to me that "Kha" at the end of the sentence primarily is to make the speaking polite.So, in theory, I can politely say something like:You f-ing s-hole, khaaa. (insert wide Thai smile here)I think. I'll have to ask in my next class. Because I'll bet my next 40Baht meal that that's what a lot of Thais are saying to our farang backs. And

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-69015925140531316022009-02-08T14:39:00.003Z2009-02-08T14:49:14.006Z

Despite having the pest control spray my apartment on Friday, I'm finding it is apparently now Ant Season. Being in the tropical climate, I shouldn't be surprised but I was spoiled in not having to deal with it until now.It seems that if I leave any food lying about for any extended period of time, I'll come back to find a swarm of ants around it. I found out the hard way when I dozed off on the

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-78160467309230103392009-02-07T17:13:00.003Z2009-02-08T10:29:44.051Z

Back in the midst of the PAD protests and overtaking the airport, we also witnessed an astrological event, Earthshine, to also be aligned with Venus and Jupiter, making a smiling face. As corny as all the claims of how people feel like smiling when they see it, it's true. When I saw it, I couldn't resist admiring and smiling back. Not being a spiritual person by any stretch of the imagination, I

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-71616670650242658632009-02-07T01:32:00.005Z2009-02-07T02:55:27.060Z

Such an experiment always required follow-up. So I did the same for breakfast yesterday morning. My findings were more substantial.Explained:- Freshly squeezed orange juice for 20baht.- Half a pineapple, sliced and ready to eat for 10baht.- Thai breakfast sandwich, served diced (?!) for 10baht. Don't ask. I've never had it before. I just saw it on the street vendor and said to myself, "There's no

Janenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-13670389978541156262009-02-06T15:31:00.004Z2009-02-06T17:40:20.448Z

I went down the street last night to go to my regular massage place... and found it closed. I decided to pop in the grocery store across the street before going back home. I then realised all I had in my pocket was 40 baht, just enough to tip the masseuse.I talked myself into trying create a meal with the 40 baht in my pocket. My outcome:It's not a good sign when I say this, but I feel like I

Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120210526251493687.post-27475519834256746182009-02-05T14:35:00.002Z2009-02-05T14:40:29.254Z

I froze my pretty tush off in my week in Taiwan. Before you groan and roll your eyes, do my weather challenge. Turn your thermostat to 50. Fahrenheit. Don't get cute on me.And sleep in that for a whole week. No space heaters allowed. You can wear as many layers and double up as many comforters as you wish.Once you made through 7 nights of that, you can snigger.That's what it's like over there.

Janenoreply@blogger.com2