Amazing Thailand
That’s what people know Thailand as…..Amazing Thailand…
Why? Because of its diverse Vibrant city life, Beaches, Elephants, Buddhas, Temples and smiling people. The Thai people happily work hard to please. They make their jobs look easy because they are so happy.
For me, the first time I visited Thailand and stayed in the Sheraton Hotel on the River Chao Phraya, in Bangkok, I thought, now we have come to a far off place….!! We watched as the ferry’s off loaded hundreds of people early each morning in their black skirts and white shirts, many of which were students, others on their way to work. Men and Women commuting from their homes located across the river or up or down stream. Everyone pouring into the streets of Bangkok going in every direction….That was fascinating.
It reminded me of the ferry’s that land each morning along the East or Hudson River in Manhattan where hundreds also commute into the city for work. Only this was Thailand. Maybe that's why Bangkok is referred to as the Manhattan of Asia!
The River moves natives, tourists, cargo floating markets and long tail boats all day and night long. People live along this river. Some very poor, while Opulent Grand Palaces and Temples adorn the River banks as well. The River and I connected. I found the Long Tail Boat Taxis to be a fun way to get around on the River.
Next, visited Puckett and enjoyed the Beaches near there, with Riley Beach being our favorite. We took Elephant rides and feasted on fresh Papaya Salad, Mango Sticky Rice, and fresh fruit every day. We also enjoyed great weather. Not too hot or not too cold. Just right.
When our daughter and son in law moved to Bangkok we had ample opportunities to go back and revisit many times. Katie and Colin shared their love of the City with all of us and now we love to come and go as often as we can.
I especially love the “Foot Massage.” Our favorite place in the world is Nuch Massage: 1/8 Soi Sukhumvit 24, across from the Emporium mall. You can get this amazing spa treatment done for one-hour costing $6 American dollars. Now that’s a deal and another reason we love Bangkok!
Their money which is called Bot goes a long way for us Americans in most places in Thailand. Of course, fancy Steak Houses, and Gourmet Chinese meal, or Thai Food Restaurants can be pricy. The daily fare in a moderate restaurant, however, is very inexpensive. You can spend as little or as much as you like in Thailand.
We can't miss Chatuchak Market…better known to locals as JJ’s Market on the weekends. Here you can buy anything. Love this place. Great restaurants there too. Ask the locals where to eat.
China town is fun to visit too. We had great street food there!!! Very clean and delicious! We actually took a Street food tour of China Town and I definitely recommend it.
Something else we love is to eat at the Navy Club Restaurant sitting outside along the River. www.kruakhunkung.com This time we ate our usual Cashew Chicken (the best in the world) and the Sea Bass. There fruit drinks are amazing as well.
On this trip, we stayed at the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit which we would recommend to anyone. The BEST!!! Great location as well.
They have the best staff and wonderful food!! (Just ask my Sisters, they ordered room-service a couple of times of day) haha!
The Bangkok Malls are some of the finest in the World. Just to name my favorites: The Emporium, Siam Paragan Mall, Central Department Store Food Court, Central World for the movie theatres in the 7thfloor and best dessert just next door to the theatre is called Kakigori which is a Japanese shaved ice dessert..TDF! Best dumplings are Din Tai Fung…..Try them !!
India
Our quick trip to New Deli India was also great! We enjoyed New Deli, found it mostly to be rough is spots but very interesting. The driving is utterly insane and I cannot imagine how they get along driving so crazy all day long !
We drove with a guide to Agra where the Taj Mahal was located. That was a dream to see. All that ornate in-lay with real stones covering the entire structure was breathtaking. Beautiful! It took 22 years to build and 20 thousand workers.
It was a very interesting 4 hour drive to the Taj. We saw grass huts, white horses, sprawling countryside, and village after village. We even stopped at a Starbucks early in the morning for a hot chocolate and croissant. We visited Rug stores and had lunch at the Marriott Hotel. It was delicious.
We stayed at the Sheraton in New Deli, which was off, but nice. If you get a chance to go to India don’t stay at a chain Hotel. Do some research and get a nice Indian ran hotel. You will save hundreds of dollars and will get a chance to get the real experience of India. It would have been fun to see the Tigers, but we did not have time this trip.
France
And for my next stop, it was back to France. We again visited Paris, La Baule and Guerande. This time in Paris we stayed at the Marriott Renaissance Republica, which we loved. The location is right in the heart of Paris. Loved everything about the location and enjoyed the Hotel very much. Great 5 Star Hotel with beautiful rooms, and a wonderful staff.
For our next stop in LaBaule we stayed at the Hotel Saint Christophe. This Hotel is simply dreamy in every way. Now we have two favorite Hotels in La Baule. The Barrie Hermitage Hotel and the Saint Chrisophe. Soon we will be taking our Fannies to the 5 star Hermitage which is unforgettable. It is worth traveling to La Baule just to stay in either of these Hotels, both of which have incredible restaurants.
We ate at Nina a la plague on the Beach this time in La Baule. The Best Steak and Sauce we have ever eaten in France. We also ate the best French Fries we have ever eaten in a tiny village along the road side. We ate the finest pastries at the oldest Bakery in Paris, the Bouingerie Stohrer. Louis the 15th wife started this Bakery. Her name is Marie de Lezincka ,the first Pastry Chef in Paris is what we were told. This is located on Montorgueil Street, my favorite street in all of Paris!
We visited the Paris Market the Les Pules De St Ouen. Wonderful for antiques of every kind and old Paris wears. Love to shop at Mora for Kitchen things and E. Dehillerin (Julia Childs favorite). It is magical.
Love Paris, Love everything French!!!
xoxoxoxo