Social Life in Bangkok

Now that we have left Phuket, we often talk about the things we miss: fresh air, countless stars in the night sky, wide open spaces, no traffic jam... But one thing is for sure, we have a lot more social life here in the nation's capital.

Last weekend, even before we finished unpacking, we received our first dinner invitation. We went to Prem Mansion on Sukhumvit Soi 12, where Uncle Zhirong, Auntie Angela and William had lived the last 7 years. It was an older apartment, and the place was huge. In fact, as soon as we walked in the door, right smack between the living and dining rooms, there was a full sized ping pong table! The men and boys worked up a sweat before dinner, while we ladies munched on hors d'oeuvres and snacks. Dinner was some kind of Thai-Chinese fusion, but I did not eat much as I had stuffed myself with enough appetizers. Hee Hee!

Last night, we went to Uncle Chiet and Auntie Yuriko's apartment. Daddy and Uncle Chiet are literally nextdoor neighbors at work. We also happen to live in the same block, Ebony Tower at President Park. They had bought the apartment about 2 years ago and had done major renovations. The decorations were tastefully arty. You see, over the years, Uncle Chiet had accumulated lots from the Banyan Tree Gallery, which they used liberally throughout the apartment. All very nice, most very fragile. I got everyone all stressed up, because I was the proverbial bull in the china shop. Uncle Chiet's Mom had sent some special soup mix from Singapore, so we had delicious Bak Kut Teh for dinner. I like Auntie Yuriko best, because she carried me and kept giving me soft toys to play with. But my favorite "toy" was the iGallop machine they had in the TV room. It was as much fun and safer than a real horse... giddy up!