DID: Today we took the day off from touring and tried to have a day much like a summer day would be at home (minus the annoying chores!) Started off with a long swim, then lunch and a play in Lumpini Park. Later, a few errands – one to try to get the laptop keyboard fixed. Apparently a hinge is broken on the “1” key so the entire keyboard needs to be replaced – not very sustainable, Apple! Also bought GnR some new Thai pajamas, very cute and also a necessity because Rhys has grown out of his over the course of the trip. And one last errand, back to the tailor for Jason’s first fitting. Love the fabric he picked, looking great!
Regarding shopping in Bangkok, it is seriously unbelievable. Five days is not enough to cover Siam Square, let alone the whole city. Any time anyone needs a shopping partner here, let me know - I’m in! The only downside is that here I’m a size L, and there have been a few times they haven’t had items that fit. But for shoes, my US size 7’s are perfect!
Regarding travelling with kids here, a bit more complicated than elsewhere. It is not a stroller friendly city. Sidewalks are not continuous, curbs can be really high/hard to get up down. Worst part is that in order to cross major streets you have to take a pedestrian bridge - most of the time this involves walking up/down a very long flight of stairs. Eating with forks is more common so that’s made things easier, but they don’t typically have either high chairs or place settings for kids (although stacking two chairs is a good trick, as long as they’re stable!) And a lot of the food is really spicy so finding appropriate meals can be tricky. Not much green space for impromptu running around/play breaks. On the up side, most of the bathrooms we’ve come across have western-style toilets. But haven’t seen much in the way of baby change facilities.
ATE: Breakfast poolside, pastries from the hotel café.
Lunch – we went for street food after original choice turned out to be a Vietnamese restaurant. Chose an ‘old Thai style’ place located in a converted garage. Should have turned around when Gavin said he saw a mouse when we walked in. Restaurant was spotless though, and there wasn’t much else around so we decided to stick with it. Ordered a roast pork and rice dish, fried wontons and noodle soup with fish dumplings, along with strawberry, grape and bubble tea drinks from the café next door. Drinks were great, old style food is apparently bland with ingredients of poor quality. Took the bevvies and left (but the meal including drinks cost 75 cents!!) Headed for some street vendors along a sidewalk next to a construction site across the street. Spicy vegetable fritters and fried chicken did the trick, and all for 50 cents. At these prices (and if not for all the shopping I’d be doing) Jason and I could retire now! Nearest discernable address was the Ambassador’s Court, 76/1 Lang Suan St. C’Art Coffee (on same side of street as Ambassador’s Court, a few steps closer to Lumpini Park) is great for drinks, but avoid the restaurant next door!
Snack – Cookies and drinks at Panta in the Siam Discovery Centre. (www.pantathailand.net) Café is in a furniture/furnishings store, selling the sort of stuff that would be perfect for when I have a pool house/spa room/vacation home!
Dinner – Thai restaurant in the Central Chidlom Department Store Food Hall. Jason had a noodle/beef soup, Gavin had pad see ew, Rhys had Thai tacos (pork, cabbage and cheese on top of chips), and I had…wait for it…green curry. Shocker, I know!! I tried Jason’s green curry on Friday night and it tasted very similar to the coconut soup I’ve been enjoying so much, so I decided to go for it. Wasn’t totally thrilled with it, I have to say, not sure I’ll order it again, but now I can say I’ve at least given it a good go. For sure Thai curry is a lot less challenging to my senses than an Indian curry!!
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