Good Morning, Bangkok!

We celebrated our first full week in Bangkok with Sunday Brunch at Romsai Restaurant in Banyan Tree Bangkok. The restaurant was very child-friendly: there was a special corner just for toddlers like me, with soft cushions and toys, and there were entertainment items just for us as well.

When the magician came around to our table to perform these funny tricks,

I literally shrieked from delight.

Everyone took turns to play with me, while the others enjoyed the scrumptious buffet spread.
The magician's buddies made balloon sculptures into different shapes and animals. We brought home three, but my favourite was a bird on a stand. I was so happy that I stuffed it immediately into my mouth. Mommy had a fright when she saw my mouth covered in blue marker ink! Luckily, a few wipes later, I was as good as new. There was a little nature haven for those who prefer dining outdoors. Daddy brought me out to see the terrapins and fishes. The crumbs from my hand sure brought out the "beast" in some of these fishes, especially the big fat koi...

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!

Farewell, Phuket!

Uncle Bob and Auntie Lyn invited us for a farewell dinner; we were leaving Phuket on the same day, Aug 19. We decided to go to the new restaurant that "popped up" at the traffic junction just outside Laguna Phuket, called Crêpes Village. It was an interesting meal, but I quickly got bored of eating at the table. Janelle and Andre saw a basketball court for patrons' use, so they entertained me with their imitation of the Harlem Globetrotters, albeit a much less skillful version.

I felt exhausted at my usual bedtime, so I made my request known, very loudly and annoyingly. The whole group squeezed into the Toyota Altis - Andre in the trunk! - and went to our villa to let the dogs out for a breather. We piled back in again soon thereafter and headed back to Dusit. I went for my bath and bed, while Daddy enjoyed some wine and conversation with our guests.

Good night, Phuket... would I be dreaming of Bangkok?