Street Side Somtam (Tua, Ya and Oil)

One night a week, we take a break by going downstairs to a Somtam stall near our office. We know that Somtam is the most favorite food in Thailand. So, we and our friends don’t mind to have that everyday.

Our favorite dishes are salted egg Somtam, grilled pork, deep fried chicken, bamboo shoot soup and sour and spicy soup with ribs. It’s all good and you can order it to your taste. Moreover, you can choose to eat there or take away, which we prefer to. But the price is a little bit more expensive than other street side stalls. The services they provide are not good enough, so we often do it ourselves to get our dishes to come more quickly. We recommend all of you to go earlier during 5pm to 6pm so that it won’t take you a long time to wait.

Overall, we think this stall is pretty good, the only

Restaurant Review: Zen Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand ( Malai, Yim and )

Zen restaurant is located mostly at Central Department Stores in Bangkok, Thailand. Zen is a Japanese restaurant. The food tastes good. They offer food both in sets and separate menu. One set consists of main dish, side dishes, and soup. We usually order cubed pork steak, shrimp tempura, salmon salad, and grilled chicken with sweet sauce, California maki, and Japanese sea weed. The average price per dish is around 200 baht. If you go there before 3.00 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays, they will serve you fruit and drink after the main course.

Most of the time, the service is quite bad if you go at peak times. However, if you go at less busy times the service is quite good. The decor is in Japanese style. The restaurant feels warm and inviting to sit on the floor on cushions, Japanese style. In addition, the waitresses wear Japanese Kimono which helps you feel like you are in Japan.

If we think about a Japanese restaurant, Zen is our first choice because the taste, price and atmosphere are excellent!!!

Restaurant Review: Swensen's Thailand (Porn, Lek, Nee)

There are many locations of Swensen’s in Thailand in department stores, for example, Siam Paragon, Central, The Mall, Tesco Lotus, etc.

At Swensen’s, there are various delicious ice cream things on the menu. For instance, ice cream, ice cream cake, floats, milk, coffee, and fruit juice. Also, there are many various tastes of ice cream e.g. rum raisin, cookie and cream, chocolate chip, green tea, bubble gum, etc. We have usually ordered an Earthquake, which is a kind of well-known ice cream that has 8 scoops with the toppings of strawberry jam, whip cream and cherries. All the cups are very delicious. Average price of the Earthquake is 250 baht, but for other types is approximately 100 baht.

The service is quick and nice, however, it’s too much service sometimes. The waiter usually asks you how delicious the ice cream is many times, or additionally offers other menu items.

Mostly, the atmosphere is quite pretty and so modern. The space in Swensen’s shops in most department stores is large, except for some areas in the superstores such as Tesco Lotus. It is crowded in almost all these places.

We go there often because it’s convenient, and there are many shops everywhere in Bangkok. Also, it’s not too expensive. In conclusion, Swensen’s is a good choice if you wish to be fresh and cheerful, like its slogan that says “Happiness never melt”.

Restaurant Review: Daiichi Japanese Buffet, Bangkok (Jib and Kla)

Where is the restaurant?
Daiichi is the Japanese Buffet Restaurant at Emerald Hotel, which is located on Rajchadapisek road, near Huay Kwang subway station in Bangkok.

What is the food like, what did you eat?
There are various kinds of food in Japanese and Thai styles, both buffet and a la carte. We have been there twice. We ate sushi, tempura, grilled seafood, and Thai desserts. Most of the food is delicious and good quality. One thing that satisfied us is that the staff also refills food in a few minutes when the food is running out.

What is the service like?
Staff is polite and has a service mind. You can choose your own seafood to be cooked while you wait. Even though many people order this at the same time, the food is still cooked very quickly.

What's the atmosphere Like?
It is mixed between Japanese and Thai decoration. The restaurant has a wide space with wide aisles so it’s easy for customers to navigate the restaurant and it also has private rooms for groups if you want. The atmosphere is relaxed. You can select to be seated in Japanese style on cushions on the floor, or on a normal chair.

Would you go there again?
The buffet price is fair and reasonable. We would like to go again and recommend it if you want to have lunch or dinner with your family or have a small party with your friends.

Japanese Rabbits For Teacher (Kla)

My name is Kla and I work in an office in Bangkok. Now, our office has English class for staff for an hour a week.

This is my first time to write an article in a blog. My teacher likes rabbits so much so I chose an interesting photo about rabbits. These photos are taken from a temple in Japan. This is to demonstrate how to use a dipper to take the water. From the pictures from left to right, you take the water by using the dipper in your right hand and then pour water on your left hand. After that, you change in the opposite way to pour water on your right hand. Then, you take water in your left hand to your mouth (I am not sure whether we should drink or just wash our mouth?). For the last step, you should give respect to the spirit or something else with your two hands as a Wai in Thai tradition.

With my little bit of Japanese language and my even less research, I cannot tell you exactly what is the real meaning of doing this in Japan. I will update you after I have studied more Japanese and researched more.

Thee Lor Su Waterfall (Porn)

Let me introduce myself first. My name is Porn. I currently work in an international company. I usually have a trip inside Thailand once a year, so took a trip to Thee Lor Su in November 2005. I would like to share my experience of travelling in Thailand with you all.

Thee Lor Su is Burmese language for “largeness”. It is a large, fascinating waterfall in Tak province, in the northwest of Thailand. I had known its reputation for a long time, but had no chance to visit, until 3 years ago when my friend and I selected to travel to this national park. The way to go is very hard as there are winding roads with more than 1,000 curves and it takes around 8 hours to get there. My travel started at 10 pm. on Friday night, 4 November 2005, at my university. We went by van. During the trip in the van, most of us, including me, were dizzy and vomited due to the winding roads, even though we all took anti-motion sickness pills. However, I thought it’s my happy time and I am proud to join the hard trip.

We got there about 6 am on Saturday. We stayed at a resort, but I cannot remember its name. In my memory, the resort is quite pretty surrounded by many trees and mountains. We went to Thee Lor Jor waterfall first, by boat, because we had to pass this waterfall before reaching Thee Lor Su. It’s very nice.


Afterwards, we took the van again to Thee Lor Su. When the van arrived at the waterfall, we cannot see the waterfall right away, since we needed to walk up the mountain among the trees about 2 kilometers. Ultimately, when we reached the top of the mountain, Thee Lor Su is there. We heard the sound of the waterfall crashing against the rocks very loudly. The waterfall is very beautiful and huge. The water is so clear, clean and cool and of course we didn’t miss taking many photos which I am showing here for your information. =^_^=

"Tonkla" - Helping Others (Num and Por)

Some of our group with kids from the village - aren't they cute?

This is me, Num (the sign says 'Tonkla' in Thai :-)

Once upon a time, there was a small group of people who came together to work on spiritual things. They looked for people that wanted to do little things to help our society and the "Tonkla" was born. This was the beginning of the Tonkla's journey.

In December 2007, we took a long journey to a little hilltribe village in Nan province, a small province in the north of Thailand. We started our journey by bus for 10 hours, then changed to a six-wheel truck that ran along the winding road to the mountains. Higher and higher we went. Then we arrived at a small off-road, the way to the village. From here, we had to walk through the forest, past a waterfall and climbed up to the top of the hill. We walked for about 4 hours and it was a tiring but valuable journey when we reached our destination, Kor Koung village.

We lived at the village for 9 days and built 15 toilets for the villagers. As well as the construction, together with the villagers, we did a lot of activities, i.e. teaching the way to make fertilizer, fixing the tables and chairs in the school, making new blackboards for the children and lighting candles to give tribute to our king.

We got a warm and impressive welcome from the villagers. They arranged the Baysri (a Thai tradition to welcome guests) for us. So, this difficult journey was changed to a good memory and a valuable experience for us.

Really miss you. My Tonkla. Forever...


** "Tonkla" is the name we gave the group who does charity work to help others. A 'Tonkla' is a small plant - so the idea is to plant a small plant and help it grow into a big one.

The King of Thailand (Nee)

60th Anniversary on the throne celebrations










The King with his family

I am pleased to show you these pictures, which you may have never seen anywhere before of "The King of Thailand: King Bhumibol Adulyadej."



The King and the Queen of Thailand

He was born on Monday 5th December 1927, and currently, he is 81 years old. His birthday is approaching, therefore, the Thai people will celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday with great pride.


The King of Thailand as a young boy

I would also like to invite you to visit Thailand for celebration of our King Bhumibol's birthday.

welcome to Thailand any time,







Nee

Friendship (Lek)

I believe that everyone has good memories and still remembers always, although something has passed a long time ago. When I was a child around fifteen years old, I studied as a senior in high school at “Nakornsawan School” in Nakornsawan province, northern Thailand.

I made many new friends in this school, with lots of love, fun, smiling, laughing or sadness for 3 years. I still remember everything in this school i.e. sports day, extra learning, traveling, teachers, home room etc. Although it's now more than 20 years ago, we still meet if available and join with all for marriage celebrations. Included in the visits always is everybody (i.e. father, mother, sister, brother etc.) even until now.

Now, I know that friendship is important for me and never lost. I would like to tell my all friends in “6/2 Nakornsawan School” that “I LOVE YOU ALL”.

Our In-Style "Maneki Neko" Collection (Da, Nut2, Bam, Koy and Aon)

These are some of the Meneki Neko we have in our collection - aren't they pretty?

While shopping at the flea market near our office, we saw a stall which sold lucky cats called “Maneki Neko”, the Beckoning Cat. They are Japanese sculptures, often made of porcelain or ceramic. Some are made of cloth. It is believed to bring good luck, wealth, health, love, happiness and success to the owner. The Maneki Neko comes in different colors and styles. Each has its own specific attribute.

We would love to get all those good things in our lives, so we buy one after another. Now we have a nice collection of Maneki Neko and are expecting all those things to come knocking on our doors!!

For more information, you can read: Wikepedia - Maneki Neko or Namaii.com

Obsessed with “Shoes” (Tua)

Shoes may be not an interesting issue for anyone but me. I’m just a girl obsessed with shoes, as I have almost 60 pairs of shoes right now in my house.

And this is the latest pair I bought yesterday from the market in the back of my office building.

Suddenly I saw them, and I don't care if they are second hand shoes. It was like I fell in love with them. I think it’s very exciting to wonder if I can fit in them. I used to say every time I decided to buy the second hand shoes that “If they're born to be mine, they will be mine”. But if they're not, just forget about them and move on. Find your new soul mate!! You may think that I’m so crazy talking about shoes like they're alive, right? Who knows, maybe I am.

Maybe you’re wondering why I’m so obsessed with shoes. I tell you the truth that I actually don’t know. I just can’t control myself when I see nice, cute, tons of color, different design, flat or high heel shoes. They have to be mine, that’s what I think. I think it doesn’t matter if the nice pairs of shoes are brand name or not. It does matter if you feel comfortable and confident to wear them. And you girls, shoes can make you feel more confident and pretty. Believe me because I’m an expert. You know, I’m still excited every morning when I try them on and see them looking perfect on my feet.

Hope you enjoy my story and can find your ‘sole’ mates. They’re waiting for you somewhere, somehow!!!

Nice Coffee Shop in a Suburb of Bangkok (Pae)

I have found a new coffee shop that's opened near my house. It’s surprising for me that there is a modern decorated coffee shop located in a suburb of Bangkok. I went there with my friend on my weekend. The coffee shop is named “Coffee Kiss”; there is a beautiful white wood walkway across the waterway to the shop.

It’s very cute inside the shop. It’s decorated with comfortable red sofas and beautiful flowers. The outside of the shop is decorated with the little white wood tables. My order was “Ice Mocha Coffee”. My friend ordered “Ice Yoghurt”. Its taste was nice and it is not too expensive.

I like this lovely coffee shop so much. It’s near my house. I spend about 15 minutes to get there. I can sit, relax and spend my free time there on my weekend after I have finished my busy work time.

Thai Spirit Houses and Chinese Shrines - (Yim)

This is an old-style Thai wooden houseThis is where the post is in my house Hopea wood Thai spirit housesTee-Joo-Lya Chinese shrine

Check out Thai World View for more information about these shrines and spirit houses.

Hi, my name is Yim and I work in Bangkok. Today, I want to tell you about Thai spirit houses and Chinese shrines, as we have both in Thailand.

In Thailand, there are spirit houses and there are shrines. Most Thais and Thai-Chinese have these in their homes. The Thai-Chinese usually have a grounded shrine, which has a red color (and is called Tee-Joo-Lya ) and ethnic Thais have a spirit house that stands on a large post (which is called Sarn-Pra-Poom ). These shrines and houses belong to the religious beliefs of the Chinese and the Thai respectively. Ethnic Thais will usually have a spirit house but Thai-Chinese might have both a spirit house and a shrine.

In addition, in Thailand the old Thai style houses had wooden posts where spirits also resided. In the past, Thai houses were made of wood. One type of wood, Hopea (scientific name) was used and the Thai belief was that it was the residence of a female spirit (in Thai called Nang-Ta-Khian.) Nang is for 'Ms'.

For me, although my own house is a modern Thai style house there is still a big square concrete post in the middle of my house. A spirit medium (a lady who sits with crossed legs and closes her eyes to connect to a male spirit and lets him enter her body) told me that a spirit also dwells in there.

Believe it or not?

Happy Times At DisneyLand, Hong Kong (Yoo, Bow, Pat and Yim)

The Disneyland train. It has Mickey Mouse windows. So cute!!!
Entrance to Disneyland. We were in rain coats and umbrellas. ^_____^

Small World and the gang. *-^

Yimmy and Mickey. Say Cheese…….ee.
But where is Minnie??

Adventure in Space Mountain. Scary picture o___ o

Finally, we can reach our dream, Disneyland!

The gang consists of Yoo, Bow, Pat, Yim and others.

At the beginning of July, we went abroad to Hong Kong. The first place in our mind was Disneyland, which is wonderland for every child. We were excited to go there. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day but it was not an obstacle for us since we had both rain coats and umbrellas. We were impressed by everything and felt like children again.

I Like To Photograph Interesting Things (Jib)

My name is Jib. I am a Thai woman who works in an office in Bangkok.

Day to Day photos
I like to photograph interesting things I find with my telephone. Don’t wonder that my interesting objects are actually quite normal. Most of them are things that you can see in day to day life. I think everything is interesting but it depends on our feeling during each day. So I take many photos with my mobile phone, and sometimes I am amazed that it is a more beautiful view than I have seen with my eyes.

Blue Sky Picture
I took this photograph in the morning of a day when I drove to work. On that day, I felt that the sky is fresh with white clouds in a blue sky, no feeling of Bangkok pollution, and no view of any high buildings in my picture.

Flowers
These are my Dad's flowers. I photographed these orchids at my home. My dad likes to plant and now he is retired, so he has time to take care of flowers that he loves. Every morning I hurry to go to work, but one day I saw a big white orchid near my parked car. So every time I leave now, I try to find a beautiful flower in the garden of my home to give me full energy for my day.

Learning English Over Coffee (Kla, Jib, Jeab, Jane)

Kla is on the left, with Jib next to him, on the right Jeab is at the back and Jane in front - cute, eh? :-)

Here we all are learning Social English at a coffee shop near our office with our teacher, Michelle (she's not in the photo!). Sometimes it's fun to get out of work for a while and learn while drinking coffee :-)

Relaxed Time (Jiew)

Beautiful flowers at the resort in Pranburi province

We loved our handwoven bathroom door

Photos of the view from our balcony and our bathroom - so beautiful










Our room was so lovely







Swimming Pool at our resort

Hi, everybody. My name is Jiew. I work in a large office in Bangkok. Today I would like to show you my pictures, which I shot with my mobile phone. They are views of the sea at Pranburi province in Thailand, which I visited with my friends on our latest office outing. In my opinion, it is a very nice place - peaceful and personal for a real rest. The room decoration looks simple yet was very comfortable. Hope you enjoy it.