2010 BKK

I'm back from BKK! This time, with the same bunch minus piggy plus P and Steffi! Different group but just as fun as ever! We were really glad that we got to go, as it hadn't been too long since the red shirts protests, and we were worried that the riots may start again during the Thailand by-election. The trip was on tenterhooks right up to the last minute, and boy am I glad that we made it there and back safely!

The new BKK gang

Due to time constraints, we focused our energies on shopping, massage and eating (just like our last trip). Once again, I was impressed with the service at Healthland spa. On Day 1, I did a full body aromatherapy massage and on day 2, a therapeutic massage that focused on the neck and shoulders (due to my stiff neck problem). Both were excellent and the knots on my shoulders are now somewhat loosened...which may have contributed to my deep slumber for the past few nights.

We stayed at the Ascott Sathorn, which was located right opposite Healthland. As there were 5 of us, we booked a 3 bedroom unit. Seriously, the apartment was HUGE - we could easily hold a party for 20 there! The bedrooms and bathrooms were all immaculately furnished. Our unit on the 18th floor commanded a view of the busy streets of BKK. I would definitely stay here again the next time I visit!

The spacious hotel lobby with high ceiling

Views from our 18th floor apartment


We shopped at the usual places - Platinum for cheap wholesale clothes and Chatuchak (CTC) market for everything else. I managed to snag some dresses from Platinum, and cheap tees and singlets from CTC. No homeware this time as there just wasn't enough time to browse through the entire complex at both places! We also visited the posh Emporium at Sukhumvit to shop for groceries and people watch (I think this is where the rich and good-looking hang out). And MBK where we spent most of our time (and lotsa money) at Boots the pharmacy stocking up on handcreams, body lotions, lip balm, skincare, etc. They were giving away 250 Baht voucher for every 500 Baht spend, so it was damn worth it!

Outside Platinum waiting for a taxi

We had our meals at the usual places - Platinum food court for Thai fare, Chinatown for seafood and this new place for yummy grilled meat:

Sushicyu BBQ Carnival yakiniku @ Eight Thonglor

Yakiniku is extremely pricey in Singapore. If you've been to either Gyu-kaku or Yakiniku Daidomon in SG, you'd know that a delicious meal of grilled meat can set you back by about S$100. Sushicyu was actually a recommendation by J's friend so we decided to try it out. Service was attentive and the meats were really good. Best of all, you can count on paying only a fraction of the price here! A word of advice, go for the ala carte items rather than the set items, as they are more value for money. We paid about S$40 per pax but it could have been a lot cheaper if we had gone ala carte!

We love grilled meat!

Fresh seafood @ Chinatown. According to Jason, this fresh catch cost only S$8!

The must-tries for my next BKK trip - Nara restaurant with its eclectic decor (also at Eight Thonglor) and China House for dim sum brunch @ Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Last but not least, a visit to the flower market for Mr J to stock up on his goods. Love the pics taken here as they are so colourful and cheery :)

Perennial neck ache

Neck problems of late - sign of old age? It sucks to not be able to lift your head and walk with your head held high. P commented that I look like I'm guilty of something with my head hung so low.

I don't really know what caused it but my guess is the rather deflated memory pillow that I've been sleeping on since early last year. There are nights I'll sleep on my back and not turn at all during the night - and coupled with a pillow that offered little support for my neck, I must have sprained it somehow. Initially, both sides of the neck were painful but the pain in the right side has subsided and I am now left with a dull ache on the left side.

Should I see a sinseh? I don't know...I've seen my regular doctor who prescribed cream and painkillers but I don't think they're "curing" the problem. Hmmmm I'm partly worried that inaction on my part to get the problem fixed will lead to greater problems in the future, such as rheumatism, etc *shudders*

Meanwhile, please do not be offended if I don't turn my head to talk to you, as I'm trying to minimise unnecessary movement as far as possible.

1 year older, none the wiser

I grow a year older today.

Birthday celebrations officially started last Tuesday with my dear pal CX at Marmalade Pantry, Ion. I was a big fan of MP - used to frequent the one at Palais Renaissance but due to their limited menu, I stopped going there a few years back. To my delight, the food is just as good as ever; I had the aglio olio sakura ebi cappellini which was very simple but unusual. Think fried "hae-bi" spaghetti drenched in olive oil - yums! CX had Thai basil rice, which she enjoyed too. MP was having a drinks promotion so I ordered a glass of lychee Bellini to accompany my meal for only $6/glass. Ladies will be happy to know that they offer a 20% discount for ladies night...I am not sure if every night is a ladies night so best to call up and check.

Second celebration was a family night out at our favourite western restaurant in JB - TGIF. Daddy, little bro, P and I indulged in the Jack Daniel's back ribs while Hayden had a medium-rare JD steak. I never used to be a ribs person, but I'm now a convert! The meat fell off the bone at the slightest tug and every mouthful created an explosion of taste and flavour! P and I were debating if the TGIF or Applebees ribs tasted better. I'd say TGIF wins because of that special sweet JD sauce! The bros had very thoughtfully bought me a Baskin Robbins chocolate ice cream cake in the shape of a heart, which I heart!


Sunday night was a BBQ party at an ex-colleague's lush pad @ River Valley with the SATC gang. Dear S has an awesome electric BBQ pit that churned out well-roasted meat that retained all its natural juices. We had beef, pork, banana leaf otah, sausages and chicken wings, all browned to perfection by none other than chef J - crispy on the outside, succulent and juicy on the inside. All that sinful food followed by the highly-raved about cake from Swiss bake - Paradiso and ice cream from Udders. Thank you dear friends! :)


Monday was dinner with my dear P. Since it was my birthday, P acceded to my whim to watch Despicable Me (he usually avoids cartoons). I loved it! I think P loved it too as he was smiling a lot during the show and laughing away at the cute yellow characters. Very good cartoon that will definitely make you laugh, unless you have no sense of humour! Movie was followed by dinner at Kuriya dining @ GWC - pricey but very very good quality Japanese food. To me, one of the finest and comparable to our excellent dining experience at Sumitomo building, Tokyo in 2008. Sweet P presented me with a wad of Singtel vouchers, and set his rule that the vouchers can only be used to purchase the iPhone! Ahhh, what a dictator, so looks like I'll be jumping on the iPhone bandwagon shortly!