Travelogue around Asia Pacific

Bangkok - Whilst waiting for our channel partner to turn up; Central Chidlom had a beautiful flower arrangement display through their departmental store. Central Chidlom is a seven-storey department store with a modern, friendly ambience. Well-stocked, each floor has a straightforward layout dedicated to urban lifestyles, including beauty products, shoes, handbags, lady’s fashion, men’s fashion, home décor, travel, toys, electronic gadgets, books and more. Central Department Store has several branches in Bangkok, but the flagship store in Chidlom is highly popular among affluent Thais, expats and regular visitors. It undergoes constant renovation to keep abreast with modern fashion and lifestyle trends, plus the location at the doorstep of the Chidlom BTS Skytrain ensures easy access from anywhere downtown.   It is about 10 minutes walking distance from our Hotel.

Bangkok - I wanted to know what the whole fuss about this 'popular' hotel that was feature in Hangover II. That was the scene at the top of the hotel.  So together with Lesley we took a taxi to this hotel.  It was not as impressive as many of the hotels in Bangkok as the Lobby is small and thus not grand.   Took the lift to Sirocco lounge and it's impressive bar with lots of people drinking and hanging around. That's the stairs the 3 actors where sitting on taken from the Sirocco lounge.   The security do not even allow you to take a photo at the top of the dome explaining some stupid reason.  On the whole, it was a let down and too much hype but a good view from the top. Visit once and that's it.

Bangkok - In the evening we went to Bangkok newest happening establishment for dinner - Asiatique The Waterfront .   We walked to the BTS that is behind our hotel to BTS Thaksin station and from there a free river shuttle from the ferry to Asiatique.   There were lots of people queuing to board the ferry and it surprises me that the boat operator allows passengers to stand as it was really crowded. Asiatique Ferry on Chao Praya River The sunset reflection on the Chao Praya River gives a idyllic feeling with the boat humming along. Finally we reach the pier of the Asiatique .... Old warehouses were converted into boutique dinning establishments and shopping areas dotted with eye catching art displays. Water tank art display Entrance using container doors After walking around, we went and found this Thai restaurant - Baan Khanitha .  When we approached the reception, one of the 'guest' approach me and directed me to the ...

Bangkok -   Recommended by our hotel staff, the best exchange rate in Bangkok offered by Super Rich exchange.  The exchange rate is really good - much better than in Singapore.   Superrich Money Changer 67-69 Rachadamri Road, Lumpini Patumwan, Bangkok www.superrich.co.th A short distance we walk to have our lunch at the food court.   Instant noodle with Pig's innards  This is a simple dish - mine was clear soup but Lesley's was spicy.  The only innard I don't eat is blood.  Orange Squash in glass bottle Durian Sticky rice This is a different style of Durian sticky rice dipped in a sweet soup base.  It taste very sweet.

Bangkok - In the evening we walked to this famous landmark - The Hotel Muse  along Langusuan and had a drink up on their sky bar.  From the top of the Hotel it was a lovely view of the city and the Langsuan street.  I can understand why the rave reviews of this hotel. Lobby of Hotel Muse  Near the Elevator landing  View from Hotel Muse Speakeasy Bar We then took the advice of the Hotel Muse reception and proceed to The Mango Tree Restaurant for dinner.   The taxi took us to the street and pointed us to walk down the street.  We walked and found no such restaurant so we ask one of the guards, who told us to walk further down.  Still cannot find - Lesley entered a hair salon and a Lady told us that it is across the street in the opposite direction.   So we walked in that direction, still cannot find we approached another restaurant guard standing outside and he told us it is in the next street (Soi) turn left - ...

Bangkok - I always like the food of My Home restaurant and so Lesley and I walk down the street to have our lunch. Stir fried spicy Mimosa leave and buds This is one of Thailand's popular dish which it is difficult to find in Singapore.  Apparently, mimosa leave and bud is eatible. The waitress delivered this dish to our table and immediately told her that we did not ordered this - it's free she said.  It's some homemade dumpling.   Thai Pineapple Seafood rice   Spicy Steamed Sea Bass fish  This is a very delicious fish dish and it's slight spicy.   The Sea Bass was very fresh and the meat is so tender.  The total bill was Baht 608 (S$ 24.32) very reasonably priced. After our apointment, whilst I was waiting for our customer to send us to the BTS station.  A kitten sneak up to me....

Kuala Lumpur - The silkair flight into KL landed late and when I reach the immigration counter, there was a long queue of passengers.  Many of them were Arabs coming to KL to avoid their hot summer and having a long vacation.  On clock work, I took the luggauge cleared customs and took the KLIA to Sentral station.   Le Meridien Hotel is undergoing massive renovation at the reception area and therefore I had to check-in at B3 instead of Level 1.   I was told the renovation would be completed by end of October 2012. For dinner, we went to Big Nose Restaurant off Jalan Kuchai Lama.   We chose the Kerai Fish which is a local fish.  Kerai Fish - the big fish on the left Infamous Tahu Otah dish The Otah is snugged between 2 slices of Tahu cooked with slices of petai (bitter beans). You can see the Otah between slices of Tahu Mantis Prawn fried with salted egg The Mantis Prawn fried with salted egg was crispy on...