Day 38: Recharge @ Niman

DID: Looked like the weather was going to be crappy all day, perfect for scheduling massages (included with the room rate) and doing a cooking class.

Dropped off the laundry with a place across the street from the hotel – less than $10 to wash, dry, iron and fold – plus same day service. Can I bring them home with me?

Noticed a landmark change in Rhys today. After he finished eating his lunch he climbed into my lap and was asleep in less than 5 minutes. He never EVER would have done that at home - it was his crib or nothing!!

90-minute massage was a no-frills but heavenly affair. Jelly muscles and clear, relaxed mind cured instantly by an afternoon alone with GnR while Jason went off to his cooking class. Four hours, including market tour and 5 dishes of his choice to make. He prepared coconut-chicken soup (my favorite), green papaya salad, Gavin’s favorite noodles, green curry, and mango rice dessert. He said he’s got some refining to do but feels confident he can replicate at home!!

After a day of wandering around our hotel neighborhood, I like it even more. Lots in English but seems like mostly locals walking around. Tons of side streets (called Soi) with cool shops and stuff to explore. Don’t think I need to go back to the historic center with all this right here!

ATE: Breakfast at the hotel. GnR went for the Western menu (pancakes!) while Jason and I did trad Thai (he had congee, I had bbq pork and sticky rice). Beautiful fruit plate of pineapple, papaya, guava, that pink spiky fruit that’s white inside with black seeds, and lychee. Fresh squeezed juice of mysterious fruit (it was green like kiwi). Traditional thai dessert which some kind of salty/sweet coconutty pudding texture wrapped in banana (?) leaves. WOW.

Lunch: Noodle shop around the corner from the hotel, chosen on the spot due to the amazing aroma coming from it and the big picture of Gavin’s favorite, pad see ew. GnR and I all went with the noodles, Jason had fried pork with rice. All fantastic and again a meal for all of us for under a fiver.

Snack: Treats at Chocolate Fact café near the hotel. D-e-l-i-s-h. I had a chocolate + coconut shake, GnR split a banana split shake (wish I had a photo of the smile on Gavin’s face after the first sip!), Jason had a mocha frappe and a fudge brownie.

Dinner: GnR and I went to Kiat Num Café near the hotel (Jason ate with his cooking class). Another pad see ew for Gavin (and in my opinion the best one yet), cashew chicken + rice for Rhys, spicy coconut + chicken soup for me, and spring rolls for all. I could easily eat at this place every meal for the rest of our trip. Cute little joint with nice terrace + tables outside, and a family of 5 kittens that happily entertained Rhys. 

Kiat Num Cafe

SLEPT: Beautifully, except for the rude awakening an hour early thanks to Jason who set the alarm for breakfast but neglected to change the clock to local time. Grrrr.