Body odour, fart smells, bad breath, sweaty armpit stains, coughs that sound irritably loud and unsettlingly "phlegmy" and sneezes with droplets of saliva that parachute out of one's noses and literally, know no boundaries. We have all seen, heard and smelled it before within this shared public space known locally as the MRT.
Fate has a curious way of letting us discover what makes us comfortable and otherwise, simply by forcing us into compact little public spaces in close proximity with people whom we never know exist. Until. Well, you know such people exist.
Sitting on the MRT one fine, late weekday afternoon. It was off-peak hours and hence, I was happily sitting down, minding my own business when an old lady came in and sat right next to me. Minutes passed, and nothing happened. Then, she started fumbling in search for something in that deep, dark abyss of the handbag of hers. I thought nothing of it. UNTIL, a stray elbow jabbed me sharply on my upper forearm. I winced and looked at her, expecting an apology. However, she was still busy searching for something. (Gold, perhaps? Diamonds? Or maybe, her manners?) Who knows. I thought it was an accident and let it slide. Closing my eyes, I was about to return to my little snooze when another flying elbow comes again. Jab. Jab. Jab.
She couldnt find what she was looking for. And gave up, resting her arms above her handbag, her elbows spreading out much more than previously, and inevitably into my private space. I rolled my eyes and let it slide, again. As long as she stopped jabbing me, I am fine. A few seconds passed.
Maybe whatever she previously could not find might have suddenly reappeared in her handbag (like her manners, maybe?) miraculously and the elbow jabbing resumed again.
What did I do? Of course, I retaliated with a good, firm and mighty jab back at her shoulders. Heck, old lady or not. Rude is rude. She looked at me in shock, as if a sudden realisation had occurred that someone might actually be sitting right next to her. I stared firmly straight ahead, refusing to give eye contact. She paused.
I held my breath.
Will this be the start of the Battle of Elbows and Arms?
Nothing happened, for a short while. I let out a short breath. Suddenly, a jab came right into my forearm. More vindictive and purposeful, this time. Before I could react, the MRT doors opened.
And she was gone.
Damn you, old lady. Come back here! The war is not over till I say its over!
But my cries of silent outrage went unheard.
I lost the war.
The MRT door opened, a person stepped in.
Will he be my next contender?
I closed my eyes, poised and ready for a potential first attack.
xx
Loves,
Nices
Jan 26, 2015
Jan 19, 2015
Travel diary to Bangkok, Thailand - Fussing over tresses
My encounter at the Bangkok hairdresser was pretty interesting, I must say. Because I had my hair done by a tranny. I have always harboured a secret little notion of having my tresses or nails done by a tranny because I have only been near one in close proximity whereby they are either only prostitutes or bitchy salespersons. Therefore, having my hair done by a tranny was pretty cool because I got to see her (I shall call her that because thats the reason why he changed his gender for) touch my hair, comment about it and provide me some cool hair advice. Its like how we often see on television whereby the sassy tranny gives the protagonist girl some steadfast pieces of advice with an affectionate cluck of her tongue or a perfectly manicured finger. Okay, yeah right. Like that happens in real life all the time. But a girl can fantasize and dream right? Sometimes, we all cant help but wish for that magical person who could just whisk in at the right moment and answer all our doubts and questions, take away our troubles and make everything alright again. And I'm not even talking about a boyfriend or "friends" who figuratively 'makes everything better', but someone who really, literally, 'makes everything better' immediately. Uh well, but I digress.
As I wanted to dye my hair and do treatment, she suggested a hair colour that was more suitable for my hair, which was initially red but faded to really, light brown after some hair treatment that I previously did in another hair salon. She said it would blend well with my current hair colour so my hair would not have so much underlying colours due to previous dye jobs. But of course, she did not say all of the above in good English. She basically just pointed to a colour in the colour book and then, at my hair and said "okay!" confidently. So, in I went into the hair salon for a good 1.5 hours.
She combed my really, really dried-out hair with a look of obvious disapproval and at the same time, talking in rapid Thai to the other hairdressers beside her. I suspected I have received the stamp of disapproval, much to my embarrassment. When she trimmed my hair, I saw my hair getting progressively shorter and panicked. Afraid of a disastrous haircut, I immediately told her to stop and she insisted "a little bit more" and I sank helplessly back into my chair. Luckily, the end result was not too bad. Thank heavens.
While waiting for the dye colour to soak into my hair, she made timely efforts to check the condition of my hair, picking at hair strands that got tangled during the dye job and tugging at out-of-place hair strands. At the same time saying "eww"s and looking at me kindly to assure me she did not mean any harm. I smiled back. Throughout the period, she gave me some Thai fashion magazines to look at and pointed to the pictures to indicate I could look at the pictures and illustrations to bid my time. I took them kindly and stared hard at the pictures till I think I got a headache. Now I think I kind of understand the pain and annoyance of illiterate people (those with valid reasons as to why they could not read, of course. Such as elderly folks). But either how, an hour and a half flew by and my hair was revealed to me. It was a nice shade of red and she said "Pretty!" and I just laughed.
I'm glad I got my hair done there although it wasnt of the best quality you could ever get because the colour faded after two weeks to soft brown (still pretty okay to me, so no gripes about that). Also, the assistant washing my hair felt like she was going to rip it from my head and drown my ears with water. But otherwise, it was a pretty new experience.
I guess new experiences dont need to be bold, big or outrageous. It can simply just be doing your hair in a foreign country. Now THAT, can be pretty crazy already. I would suggest anybody to go do your hair during your travels, just once. But keep it safe to maybe a hair dye, treatment or trim because sometimes, if not careful, getting lost in translation can be pretty disastrous for your innocent tresses.
Check out my travel adventures to Bangkok; the food and places by clicking the link here:
Travel Diary to Bangkok - Food & Places! (:
Till next time.
xx,
Loves,
Nices
Just look at that dry hair of mines :(
As I wanted to dye my hair and do treatment, she suggested a hair colour that was more suitable for my hair, which was initially red but faded to really, light brown after some hair treatment that I previously did in another hair salon. She said it would blend well with my current hair colour so my hair would not have so much underlying colours due to previous dye jobs. But of course, she did not say all of the above in good English. She basically just pointed to a colour in the colour book and then, at my hair and said "okay!" confidently. So, in I went into the hair salon for a good 1.5 hours.
She combed my really, really dried-out hair with a look of obvious disapproval and at the same time, talking in rapid Thai to the other hairdressers beside her. I suspected I have received the stamp of disapproval, much to my embarrassment. When she trimmed my hair, I saw my hair getting progressively shorter and panicked. Afraid of a disastrous haircut, I immediately told her to stop and she insisted "a little bit more" and I sank helplessly back into my chair. Luckily, the end result was not too bad. Thank heavens.
While waiting for the dye colour to soak into my hair, she made timely efforts to check the condition of my hair, picking at hair strands that got tangled during the dye job and tugging at out-of-place hair strands. At the same time saying "eww"s and looking at me kindly to assure me she did not mean any harm. I smiled back. Throughout the period, she gave me some Thai fashion magazines to look at and pointed to the pictures to indicate I could look at the pictures and illustrations to bid my time. I took them kindly and stared hard at the pictures till I think I got a headache. Now I think I kind of understand the pain and annoyance of illiterate people (those with valid reasons as to why they could not read, of course. Such as elderly folks). But either how, an hour and a half flew by and my hair was revealed to me. It was a nice shade of red and she said "Pretty!" and I just laughed.
I'm glad I got my hair done there although it wasnt of the best quality you could ever get because the colour faded after two weeks to soft brown (still pretty okay to me, so no gripes about that). Also, the assistant washing my hair felt like she was going to rip it from my head and drown my ears with water. But otherwise, it was a pretty new experience.
Using this photo because my other photos doesnt show the hair colour properly
I guess new experiences dont need to be bold, big or outrageous. It can simply just be doing your hair in a foreign country. Now THAT, can be pretty crazy already. I would suggest anybody to go do your hair during your travels, just once. But keep it safe to maybe a hair dye, treatment or trim because sometimes, if not careful, getting lost in translation can be pretty disastrous for your innocent tresses.
Check out my travel adventures to Bangkok; the food and places by clicking the link here:
Travel Diary to Bangkok - Food & Places! (:
Till next time.
xx,
Loves,
Nices
Jan 15, 2015
Travel diary to Bangkok, Thailand - Food & Places
So I recently just been to Bangkok, Thailand for a five day getaway before the final semester of my four years in University officially starts. It was pretty awesome because all I literally did throughout this trip was to eat, sleep, massage, shop and take vain pictures of everything. Difficult life choices were reduced to choosing between getting that cute skirt for 390baht or getting it in two different colours, but for 600baht. Waking up early in the morning was not a chore because you are actually (surprisingly) pretty motivated to get up early and make your day 'fulfilling'.
Without further ado, here's a little more indepth information as to what I did during my five days. Not that it really matters, given all that spam I did on my Instagram account.
*Disclaimer: This is not an official travel guide so opinions, reviews and instructions are subjected to biases, memory lapses and the occasional side-track rambling.*
WHAT I ATE:
(Not gonna mention all of it of course. I'm not that crazy.)
Morning Glory spicy crispy salad @Yum Saap
Of course I ate more than that at Yum Saap, but these awesome pieces of vegetables fried with crisp, sweet chilli and coconut was the SEX and the main highlight. I dont know what else they put in there, or maybe they put other stuff that tasted identically like all the aforementioned ingredients, but who cares? Tasted awesome and I didnt get a stomachache from it. So yay! A must-have when you eat at Yum Saap restaurants. Oh, and the shrimp pad thai was pretty good too.
Location(s): Yum Saap can be found in quite a number of places, but I never really bothered to take note. Had it for lunch at the top floor of the main tower of Platinum Fashion Mall in the midst of madness shopping.
How to order: No speak Thai? Just point in the menu. Picture menus for the win!
Kanom Coke Bolan @Talad Rot Fai Train Night Market's local foodie stall
I did not know of its actual name because the description of the food was in Thai when we walked past it at the night market. What got us attracted to it? Not online food reviews swearing by its awesome flavour, not local crowds, not long queues but simply by its smell. It smelled like delicious waffles when we walked past it. So, we got it on a whim. Aaaannddd also because there were seats available and we were tired hahah. I only got to know of its name because one of my half-Thai friends told me of its name when I posted the picture on my Instagram (How useful hurrah! You learn something new everyday from the social media!)
Location(s): Talad Rot Fai Train Night Market, Siam Square local food stall
How to order: Point and say you wanna try everything! There are, quite possibly, 3 flavours that we managed to distinguish the taste. Coconut, banana and probably, plain/original. I'm not too sure. If someone manages to get the flavours, please do enlighten me!
Quail eggs @ Chatuchak Weekend Market local foodie stall
I dont think this requires much explanation. It's just basically, eggs cooked in funny little shape containers and presented, stacked neatly on top of each other for cameras and mouths to feast on. Oh, and let's not forget the other local foods, that whilst names forgotten, definitely worth a little risk-taking to grab an additional packet to munch on under that hot, hot sun.
Coconut Ice-cream @Chatuchak Weekend Market local foodie stall
Coconut ice-cream can be found quite sparingly at many places but seem to sprung up at higher frequency here. It is refreshing, yummy and sweet, especially after shopping under the hot sun for a long time. Even though shops are sheltered, the heat can still get to us. So grab one and gobble those ice-cream up! They typically placed it inside coconut shells and some even provide you with a cup of coconut water free-of-charge.
Tip: Some of my friends say that its better to get coconut ice-cream from stalls that open up the coconut right in front of you. That way, you know its pretty hygienic because some stalls are rumoured to reuse old coconut shells. (A clean freak or fussy person shudders at this thought)
And I sincerely apologise for this picture with my varicose hands. Yes, my hands are not as smooth as most ladies. Well, what can I say? I live a tough life heheh. (Chinese saying for those with varicose hands)
Roast chicken, mushroom soup @Roast Cafe & Eatery
Local foodie stalls aside, Thailand cafes are also worth a visit. We have heard so much rave reviews about this cafe's coffee and food, we simply had to try it. Unfortunately, when we reached the place at night, they ran out of the food on the all-day breakfast menu. So, we tried the roast chicken (enough for 2-4 people, depending) that was on the dinner list and the mushroom soup.
The mushroom soup was surprisingly scrumptous. The bread crispy and tasty, and the mushroom soup creamy and full of flavour. Huge thumbs up for that! Roast chicken was meh.
We came back again the next day in the morning to try their coffee and breakfast. My rosti's serving was small but I like it that way, because this meant I had more stomach space for other food! The pasta (some truffle thingy? We forgot the name) was not that memorable. The coffee was pretty good, so coffee-lovers do take note!
Location: Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13
How to get there: BTS Station Thonglor, walk for 20 mins along Sukhumvit Road 49, look for Soi 13 as you walk and then turn into the street. Located near Samitivecj Hospital. Advise to take a taxi.
Dessert @ Mr. Jones Orphanage
I really mad love this little quaint space with its velvet blue chairs, wooden tables, heavy blue curtains, teddy bears and toy airplanes hanging above. Leave room for dessert, they always say. Whoever said that is definitely very smart. We had pretty good dessert there and the pint of vanilla milk I had was a tad pricey for its size, but fresh and wholesome. 50baht gone and no regrets.
Location: Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13 (Roast Cafe is on L2, Mr. Jones is on L1 near an open bar space)
Desserts @ After You Cafe
Oooohhh my gawd the Shibuya Honey toast is the bomb. Its soo good and for the lack of a better word, yummy. Must-try! The 'World's Best Iced Chocolate' was not really the 'best' Ice chocolate I had ever tasted. It was too sweet. Or maybe because we had the honey toast, so the iced chocolate's sweetness was too much, to the brink of overload.
We also tried Chocolate sphere with caramel crumb ice-cream. It was pretty good but not totally mind-blowing. Frankly, we ordered it because we just wanted to see the hot chocolate pour all over onto the chocolate sphere and melt to reveal the ice-cream inside. Really worth to capture it on video though hahaha.
Location: Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13 (Opposite the road from Roast Cafe)
Inter @ Siam Square
This was probably a place that we went based on the recommendation on LadyIronChef's old Bangkok foodie list. It had pretty decent local Thai food and we ate to our hearts' content. It had become a must to order Thai fried fishcake whenever we ate at a local Thai eatery, and so we did. It was pretty okay, so here's a pretty-okay picture of what we ate. Just 2 people's share worth.
Location: Siam Square Soi 9
Rocking Doll Thai Food @ Asia Tique Riverfront
Because we were so hungry, we simply settled down for anything that looks relatively decent and not too pricey as the place was strewn with bars and uptown restaurants catered for the well-heeled tourist or tourists who prefer to chill with a couple of beers and wine. The only dish we ordered that I must rave about is their Green Curry (with a choice of either pork/chicken) which was really good.
Mookata Buffet @ Pla Tong Mookata
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED OMG. SGD$6.50 mookata buffet is really. I cant even. We ate till we explode, of course. One of my friends commented that my face became rounder after that. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT.
Coke was literally the 'water' there because its more worth it to get that then just plain water. But if the healthy nutcrack in you rebels, just pick the water. Starts at 4pm. My advice is to go there early around 430pm-5pm when the crowd (and the flies) have not started swarming in yet and the food set out are still pretty fresh. You get to have the first dig, in other words.
Location: Take BTS to Victoria Monument, walk towards Century Movie Plaza.
Ramen @ Chabuton
I dont know why we even drop by this place. The ramen was just so-so only. But we decided to try it because according to 'some food reviews', it was raving. Seriously... *rolls eyes* So here's a meh photo of the food.
Location: Terminal 21
Desserts @ Hello Kitty House Bangkok
The desserts seemed all pretty sugar-packed, including the green tea matcha cake that I ordered. Hence, to me, the desserts were just average. However, was pretty impressed with the 3 storey Hello Kitty concept whereby the place was decked all in pink and Hello Kitty hardware. Basement floor was a souvenir shop together with a Hello Kitty spa and manicure. Though I am not a Hello Kitty fan, cant help but be swooned over by all things pink and girly.
Location: Siam Square
Other foodies? Mango sticky rice, fruits like juicy sweet pomelo and seared fish @ local foodie stalls
There are days when we retire early back to our hotel (Berkeley Hotel) because we were so exhausted from being outside the entire day. So, we bought food from street stalls and 'dabao' back. Fruits like pomelo was surprisingly awesome.
WHAT I DID & PLACES I WENT:
Talad Rot Fai Train Night Market
Best night market ever! It was so super huge with so many things to shop and eat. Despite the place swarming with people, we still have plenty of space to shop and walk around. The night market also had plenty of chill out bars for friends to gather and hang out. So be sure to go there if you are on a holiday with a group of friends!
Opening hours: Thurs-Sun; 5pm-midnight
Location: Behind Seacon Square shopping mall
Tip: Best to go during the weekends because most shops are closed on Thursday.
Road to the Train Night market, outside Seacon Square was lovely. Just wanted to share. (:
Asia Tique Riverfront
I really like this location not because of the usual typical factors of cheap food and apparel, but because of its pretty laidback ambience as you walk around. Its quite 'touristy' and hence, the food and apparels can be quite pricey. But if you walk around a bit, you might still be able to find a bargain or two. I really like the huge-ass ferris wheel! Only snap pictures of it though.
Platinum Fashion Mall
Really. Need I say more? Mostly wholesale. A perfect excuse to buy more of that dress you love. (:
MBK
I dont even need to give this place a picture. Everyone who went to Bangkok should know of it. If you want to buy back the local snacks, my advice is to buy from here. They are relatively cheaper than anywhere else. Not sure what to buy? The coconut crepe (sweet/salty), coconut chips, pork floss rice cracker, dried longan, pork floss rolls/ 'gao sai' (trust me, its colloquially known as that) are pretty good options. DO NOT get from Chatuchak Market because we kinda got some of the snacks at a higher price over there, being over-eager tourists.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Sorry for all the selfies but that's all I have to show for this place. So many things to shop! But the weather wasnt really very forgiving. Buy or bring a hat to shield your head from the sun. Lower your expectations and dont expect to be able to conquer everything in one day. There really isn't a point in that. A holiday is for you to relax and enjoy yourself. Chill and buy yourself a coconut ice-cream yo.
Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13
We went there for the uptown cafe food that locals patronize. A lot of good food, and pretty girls to see too (or was it coincidentally, just that night for us, I wonder?) Hahhaaa. What? Cant a girl see too?
Centrepoint Terminal 21
Just went there to take a look at the shops as every storey was a different 'country'. Pretty interesting concepts, but the apparels were expensive so don't expect to be able to shop much there.
Healthland, Spa, Beauty & Personal Care @ Nearby Centrepoint Terminal 21
We did a traditional Thai massage at 500baht for 2 hours. Waited about an hour before we could get our massage, so might prove useful if you call in early to book an appointment. Lounging around the spacious waiting room with a magazine and a glass of water offered by them.
Thai massage was pretty decent but not really worth the 1 hour wait, in my opinion. I could have easily gotten such services at those local small massage parlours. The row of massage parlours opposite Berkeley Hotel are pretty decent so do drop by the area if you happen to be around.
Directions: Ask the Customer Service at Terminal 21 for directions how to get there, they have maps!
Did my hair at Century Movie plaza while waiting for Pla Tong Mookata to open. I cant remember the shop but it was called 'Love..' something. Wanted to do my hair at Phonatip which was highly recommended by online reviewers but, the boss only entertains appointments and he charged 3000baht for wash + hair dye +treatment + haircut. Over here, they charged me 2500baht for the same services.
EXTRA TIPS FOR THE TRIP:
1. Learn a bit of Thai as the taxi drivers are less likely to insist on quoting you a high price and more likely to let you go by the cab meter.
2. Tip your masseurs because you never know if they will curse you out of rage and anger. Just kidding. They dont earn much, so even a min. of 40baht goes a long way for them.
3. Remember to bargain and flash that prettiest smile of yours when you do!
4. Bring your passport when you want to change money.
To end off, the trip was awesome. I had lots of fun and did lots of shopping (Surprise, surprise) and came back a happy, fat kid, much to the frequent reminders of my cheer teammates.
I love them, but they can be so horrible sometimes. Bleah :P
xx
Loves,
Nices
Without further ado, here's a little more indepth information as to what I did during my five days. Not that it really matters, given all that spam I did on my Instagram account.
*Disclaimer: This is not an official travel guide so opinions, reviews and instructions are subjected to biases, memory lapses and the occasional side-track rambling.*
WHAT I ATE:
(Not gonna mention all of it of course. I'm not that crazy.)
Morning Glory spicy crispy salad @Yum Saap
Of course I ate more than that at Yum Saap, but these awesome pieces of vegetables fried with crisp, sweet chilli and coconut was the SEX and the main highlight. I dont know what else they put in there, or maybe they put other stuff that tasted identically like all the aforementioned ingredients, but who cares? Tasted awesome and I didnt get a stomachache from it. So yay! A must-have when you eat at Yum Saap restaurants. Oh, and the shrimp pad thai was pretty good too.
Location(s): Yum Saap can be found in quite a number of places, but I never really bothered to take note. Had it for lunch at the top floor of the main tower of Platinum Fashion Mall in the midst of madness shopping.
How to order: No speak Thai? Just point in the menu. Picture menus for the win!
Kanom Coke Bolan @Talad Rot Fai Train Night Market's local foodie stall
I did not know of its actual name because the description of the food was in Thai when we walked past it at the night market. What got us attracted to it? Not online food reviews swearing by its awesome flavour, not local crowds, not long queues but simply by its smell. It smelled like delicious waffles when we walked past it. So, we got it on a whim. Aaaannddd also because there were seats available and we were tired hahah. I only got to know of its name because one of my half-Thai friends told me of its name when I posted the picture on my Instagram (How useful hurrah! You learn something new everyday from the social media!)
Location(s): Talad Rot Fai Train Night Market, Siam Square local food stall
How to order: Point and say you wanna try everything! There are, quite possibly, 3 flavours that we managed to distinguish the taste. Coconut, banana and probably, plain/original. I'm not too sure. If someone manages to get the flavours, please do enlighten me!
Quail eggs @ Chatuchak Weekend Market local foodie stall
I dont think this requires much explanation. It's just basically, eggs cooked in funny little shape containers and presented, stacked neatly on top of each other for cameras and mouths to feast on. Oh, and let's not forget the other local foods, that whilst names forgotten, definitely worth a little risk-taking to grab an additional packet to munch on under that hot, hot sun.
Coconut Ice-cream @Chatuchak Weekend Market local foodie stall
Coconut ice-cream can be found quite sparingly at many places but seem to sprung up at higher frequency here. It is refreshing, yummy and sweet, especially after shopping under the hot sun for a long time. Even though shops are sheltered, the heat can still get to us. So grab one and gobble those ice-cream up! They typically placed it inside coconut shells and some even provide you with a cup of coconut water free-of-charge.
Tip: Some of my friends say that its better to get coconut ice-cream from stalls that open up the coconut right in front of you. That way, you know its pretty hygienic because some stalls are rumoured to reuse old coconut shells. (A clean freak or fussy person shudders at this thought)
And I sincerely apologise for this picture with my varicose hands. Yes, my hands are not as smooth as most ladies. Well, what can I say? I live a tough life heheh. (Chinese saying for those with varicose hands)
Roast chicken, mushroom soup @Roast Cafe & Eatery
Local foodie stalls aside, Thailand cafes are also worth a visit. We have heard so much rave reviews about this cafe's coffee and food, we simply had to try it. Unfortunately, when we reached the place at night, they ran out of the food on the all-day breakfast menu. So, we tried the roast chicken (enough for 2-4 people, depending) that was on the dinner list and the mushroom soup.
The mushroom soup was surprisingly scrumptous. The bread crispy and tasty, and the mushroom soup creamy and full of flavour. Huge thumbs up for that! Roast chicken was meh.
We came back again the next day in the morning to try their coffee and breakfast. My rosti's serving was small but I like it that way, because this meant I had more stomach space for other food! The pasta (some truffle thingy? We forgot the name) was not that memorable. The coffee was pretty good, so coffee-lovers do take note!
Location: Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13
How to get there: BTS Station Thonglor, walk for 20 mins along Sukhumvit Road 49, look for Soi 13 as you walk and then turn into the street. Located near Samitivecj Hospital. Advise to take a taxi.
Dessert @ Mr. Jones Orphanage
I really mad love this little quaint space with its velvet blue chairs, wooden tables, heavy blue curtains, teddy bears and toy airplanes hanging above. Leave room for dessert, they always say. Whoever said that is definitely very smart. We had pretty good dessert there and the pint of vanilla milk I had was a tad pricey for its size, but fresh and wholesome. 50baht gone and no regrets.
Location: Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13 (Roast Cafe is on L2, Mr. Jones is on L1 near an open bar space)
Desserts @ After You Cafe
Oooohhh my gawd the Shibuya Honey toast is the bomb. Its soo good and for the lack of a better word, yummy. Must-try! The 'World's Best Iced Chocolate' was not really the 'best' Ice chocolate I had ever tasted. It was too sweet. Or maybe because we had the honey toast, so the iced chocolate's sweetness was too much, to the brink of overload.
We also tried Chocolate sphere with caramel crumb ice-cream. It was pretty good but not totally mind-blowing. Frankly, we ordered it because we just wanted to see the hot chocolate pour all over onto the chocolate sphere and melt to reveal the ice-cream inside. Really worth to capture it on video though hahaha.
Location: Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13 (Opposite the road from Roast Cafe)
Inter @ Siam Square
This was probably a place that we went based on the recommendation on LadyIronChef's old Bangkok foodie list. It had pretty decent local Thai food and we ate to our hearts' content. It had become a must to order Thai fried fishcake whenever we ate at a local Thai eatery, and so we did. It was pretty okay, so here's a pretty-okay picture of what we ate. Just 2 people's share worth.
Location: Siam Square Soi 9
Rocking Doll Thai Food @ Asia Tique Riverfront
Because we were so hungry, we simply settled down for anything that looks relatively decent and not too pricey as the place was strewn with bars and uptown restaurants catered for the well-heeled tourist or tourists who prefer to chill with a couple of beers and wine. The only dish we ordered that I must rave about is their Green Curry (with a choice of either pork/chicken) which was really good.
Mookata Buffet @ Pla Tong Mookata
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED OMG. SGD$6.50 mookata buffet is really. I cant even. We ate till we explode, of course. One of my friends commented that my face became rounder after that. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT.
Coke was literally the 'water' there because its more worth it to get that then just plain water. But if the healthy nutcrack in you rebels, just pick the water. Starts at 4pm. My advice is to go there early around 430pm-5pm when the crowd (and the flies) have not started swarming in yet and the food set out are still pretty fresh. You get to have the first dig, in other words.
Location: Take BTS to Victoria Monument, walk towards Century Movie Plaza.
Ramen @ Chabuton
I dont know why we even drop by this place. The ramen was just so-so only. But we decided to try it because according to 'some food reviews', it was raving. Seriously... *rolls eyes* So here's a meh photo of the food.
Location: Terminal 21
Desserts @ Hello Kitty House Bangkok
The desserts seemed all pretty sugar-packed, including the green tea matcha cake that I ordered. Hence, to me, the desserts were just average. However, was pretty impressed with the 3 storey Hello Kitty concept whereby the place was decked all in pink and Hello Kitty hardware. Basement floor was a souvenir shop together with a Hello Kitty spa and manicure. Though I am not a Hello Kitty fan, cant help but be swooned over by all things pink and girly.
Location: Siam Square
Other foodies? Mango sticky rice, fruits like juicy sweet pomelo and seared fish @ local foodie stalls
There are days when we retire early back to our hotel (Berkeley Hotel) because we were so exhausted from being outside the entire day. So, we bought food from street stalls and 'dabao' back. Fruits like pomelo was surprisingly awesome.
WHAT I DID & PLACES I WENT:
Talad Rot Fai Train Night Market
Best night market ever! It was so super huge with so many things to shop and eat. Despite the place swarming with people, we still have plenty of space to shop and walk around. The night market also had plenty of chill out bars for friends to gather and hang out. So be sure to go there if you are on a holiday with a group of friends!
Opening hours: Thurs-Sun; 5pm-midnight
Location: Behind Seacon Square shopping mall
Tip: Best to go during the weekends because most shops are closed on Thursday.
Road to the Train Night market, outside Seacon Square was lovely. Just wanted to share. (:
Asia Tique Riverfront
I really like this location not because of the usual typical factors of cheap food and apparel, but because of its pretty laidback ambience as you walk around. Its quite 'touristy' and hence, the food and apparels can be quite pricey. But if you walk around a bit, you might still be able to find a bargain or two. I really like the huge-ass ferris wheel! Only snap pictures of it though.
Platinum Fashion Mall
Really. Need I say more? Mostly wholesale. A perfect excuse to buy more of that dress you love. (:
MBK
I dont even need to give this place a picture. Everyone who went to Bangkok should know of it. If you want to buy back the local snacks, my advice is to buy from here. They are relatively cheaper than anywhere else. Not sure what to buy? The coconut crepe (sweet/salty), coconut chips, pork floss rice cracker, dried longan, pork floss rolls/ 'gao sai' (trust me, its colloquially known as that) are pretty good options. DO NOT get from Chatuchak Market because we kinda got some of the snacks at a higher price over there, being over-eager tourists.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Sorry for all the selfies but that's all I have to show for this place. So many things to shop! But the weather wasnt really very forgiving. Buy or bring a hat to shield your head from the sun. Lower your expectations and dont expect to be able to conquer everything in one day. There really isn't a point in that. A holiday is for you to relax and enjoy yourself. Chill and buy yourself a coconut ice-cream yo.
Seen Space @ Thonglor Soi 13
We went there for the uptown cafe food that locals patronize. A lot of good food, and pretty girls to see too (or was it coincidentally, just that night for us, I wonder?) Hahhaaa. What? Cant a girl see too?
Centrepoint Terminal 21
Just went there to take a look at the shops as every storey was a different 'country'. Pretty interesting concepts, but the apparels were expensive so don't expect to be able to shop much there.
Healthland, Spa, Beauty & Personal Care @ Nearby Centrepoint Terminal 21
We did a traditional Thai massage at 500baht for 2 hours. Waited about an hour before we could get our massage, so might prove useful if you call in early to book an appointment. Lounging around the spacious waiting room with a magazine and a glass of water offered by them.
Thai massage was pretty decent but not really worth the 1 hour wait, in my opinion. I could have easily gotten such services at those local small massage parlours. The row of massage parlours opposite Berkeley Hotel are pretty decent so do drop by the area if you happen to be around.
Directions: Ask the Customer Service at Terminal 21 for directions how to get there, they have maps!
Did my hair at Century Movie plaza while waiting for Pla Tong Mookata to open. I cant remember the shop but it was called 'Love..' something. Wanted to do my hair at Phonatip which was highly recommended by online reviewers but, the boss only entertains appointments and he charged 3000baht for wash + hair dye +treatment + haircut. Over here, they charged me 2500baht for the same services.
Before-picture of my horribly dry tresses :(
I have saved my account on my trip to the hairdresser for another post because its really worth something to write and laugh about. For more information, look here: Travel Diary to Bangkok, Thailand - Fussing over tresses (:
EXTRA TIPS FOR THE TRIP:
1. Learn a bit of Thai as the taxi drivers are less likely to insist on quoting you a high price and more likely to let you go by the cab meter.
2. Tip your masseurs because you never know if they will curse you out of rage and anger. Just kidding. They dont earn much, so even a min. of 40baht goes a long way for them.
3. Remember to bargain and flash that prettiest smile of yours when you do!
4. Bring your passport when you want to change money.
To end off, the trip was awesome. I had lots of fun and did lots of shopping (Surprise, surprise) and came back a happy, fat kid, much to the frequent reminders of my cheer teammates.
I love them, but they can be so horrible sometimes. Bleah :P
xx
Loves,
Nices
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