One Afternoon in Bangkok Chinatown

Unlike our hometown Singapore, where many places shut down for the first few days of Chinese New Year, it was pretty much business as usual here in Bangkok. In fact, most establishments took the opportunity to do more business related to the festive season. A key section in Chinatown was closed to traffic on the first and second day of Chinese New Year - 14 and 15 Feb 2010 - so that tourists and locals could walk along the streets and soak in the ambiance.

Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the world, set up by Chinese traders who came to trade with Siam during the Rattanakosin period, over 200 years ago. Thanon Yaowarat, the main street in today's Chinatown, was built in the reign of King Rama V in 1891. The crowded street winds through the bustling heart of Chinatown like a mythical dragon rearing its head at the Odean Gate. Many people queued patiently to have a chance to say a short prayer beneath the arches.

The first landmark we passed on the way to Yaowarat was Wat Traimit, home of the Golden Buddha, the world's biggest solid gold statue.

We did not have a proper lunch, so everyone was hungry. When Daddy spied some folks eating a familiar snack on the road side, he decided to buy some for us. While the Chwee Kuay looked similar to the ones back home, they were smaller and came in both white and purple. The texture was too hard, and the chili way too spicy for me.

We must have passed hundreds of vendors selling these "Dragon Drums". Daddy was really tempted to buy one for me, but Mommy reminded him that I would want to get my hands all over it and destroy it in no time.

Here was a celebrity in the flesh... Khao San Road's very own Mr. Thailand! Wearing his trademark oversized sunglasses, he went all out this time, ditching his usual colonial outfit, and featuring at least 5 different advertisements using his costume and saamlor (rickshaw).

Yaowarat literally turned into food street for this festival. There were all kinds of sweet and savoury snacks, Thai, Chinese and many ethnic minority fare.

But our favourite food for the afternoon was handmade fish balls, served pipping hot out of the steamer. In fact, we literally parked ourselves in front of the stall for a good ten minutes, while I savoured my delectable afternoon snack.

Unfortunately for me, all these yummy refreshments were just eye candy for us. "Too much sugar! We'll get diabetes!" repeated Mommy, everywhere we went. So all we had to quench our thirsts were coconut juice and plain water. How about next time when Mommy is not watching, ok Daddy?

A Delightful Weekend

We were expecting the "worst", a quiet festive weekend. But things took a positive turn at the last moment... Uncle Zhirong called Dad in the afternoon, and they quickly confirmed plans for the two families to have Reunion Dinner at Hongmin Restaurant. Although we again missed a crab feast, we did get to order the festive dinner set. Perhaps it was meant for 8 adults, but with Janelle and me not really eating our full shares, there was way too much for everyone else. The occasion lived up to its name: friends and family gathering to share a joyous occasion...

Because of a flight delay, Uncle Bob and Auntie Lyn flew in quite late on Saturday night; they came with her sister's family to "chill", away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. We scrapped plans for brunch and switched to lunch at the FoodLoft at Central Chidlom. There was a baby girl in their group, Caitlin, who was a little younger than I, but we both clung to our parents and did not get a chance to play together.

This is basically a high-end food court. But I do enjoy the little touches of service. Like the personal delivery after placing your order. Or this roving clown. She sculptured a Mini Mouse each for Caitlin and me.

While the adults chatted away after eating, I got restless. Mommy took me around and this caught our eye: a lady preparing Vietnamese spring rolls...

Mommy was most impressed that she used her bare hands to shell the prawns that were just boiled!

Soon, Moomy got tired and let me down, allowing me to get to my usual mischief, such as this series of  Jackie Chan moves using the chairs and tables. Not to worry, I didn't break anything!

Late last night, Auntie Valerie sent us an invitation for tea, to celebrate Chinese New Year and the first month of her baby girl, Michelle. Mommy didn't read the message till this morning! Anyway, we said yes, so we had to bid adieu to the Sayers and head home for the second gathering. Still, we stopped midway, so I could say hello to my little friends at the Build-a-Bear Workshop.

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and prosperous Year of the Tiger!