Hey Mr. DJ,

put the record on. I wanna dance w/ my baby!

Unfortunately, he didn't.

But fortunately, he gave us two CDs that he often plays when working. I'm listening to one of them right now. Very tribal. Just perfect for the red wine that is permeating and lubricating my soul as we speak.

This evening, I came home to find one of our guests to be a prominent DJ from Sydney. Wow!

I don't wanna name names but he dj's for a famous club on Oxford Street in Sydney. We feel so honored to have him stay w/ us, even for just one night.

Tomorrow, he's off to Europe, but he promises to come back for an extended stay in Bangkok. Last time he was here, it was a decade ago, and he is baffled w/ all the new things that Bangkok has to offer. The trip before here was in Angkor Wat, Cambodia. See? No matter where you've been to or you're going to, Bangkok is a transit city not to miss.

At dinner, we ordered naches from Coyote, which probably is the best Mexican bar in Bangkok. Edward de New York City is back for about ten days, so it was such a diamond time to get everyone together.

We ended up exploring various accents in the world as we had an Aussie, a New Yorker, a Canadian, and a Thai person at the table. In one of my future posts, I'm gonna discuss various accents in Thailand and how they are all outshone by the haughty one which is based right here in Bangkok.

Next party will be for our friend from Hawaii. She's going to stay w/ us for about a week. We're going to throw a memorable party for her. We're going to surprise her w/ a Bangkok 'delicacy.'

I don't wanna point out what it is but it does get mentioned in one of my former posts. Hint: August 24, 08.

Go read, and don't be scandalized!

Guitlessly-intoxicated Joe

Another Tough Time

The city of Bangkok seemed normal today. Tourists were everywhere. The subway and skytrain that I took were packed. The malls were busy. Bangkok "dolls" still had her boyfriend or her lady in waiting follow them around the town w/ a digital camera. I went around doing my banking as I had done any other Saturday (in Thailand, many banks have their branches in the malls and are open 7 days a week, very convenient.)

That's a part of the city oblivious to something that matters more. Another part of Bangkok sings a totally different tune.

Right now as we speak, there is a huge ongoing protest against the government, at the Government House. The disgruntled people call themselves PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy). But, they have been barking against the democratically-elected government.

Last night the police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, only to see more of them. Labor unions shut train services across the country, in addition to 3 airports in the south. Madness!!!!

By tomorrow evening, we will know if Prime Minister Samak will stay or not. He is reported to be meeting w/ His Majesty the King right now. Whatever His Majesty graciously advises, the premier will have to oblige.

Personally, I am not particularly fond of the chili cart being upset. The government has been in office for less than a year and the economy keeps growing while we have seen the nearly impossible; the unemployment rate sank from last year 1.5 to currently 1.4.

Still, PAD can't stand the fact that the government is linked to the ousted former prime minister. Heard of Thaksin Shinawatra? He's now in England, reportedly trying to seek a political asylum there. PAD want the government out. Some people just don't know when to stop.

But my husband is in favor of the unruly citizens. He compares and contrasts it to the lack of actions by one nation that should have spoken in a grand manner against her leader for stealing the election twice and hurling the country into a nasty, trapped war. Sounds familiar?

Randy went on w/ his reasons to validate the chaos and convince me that it is all ok. I just want my fabulous, peaceful Bangkok (the whole of her) back as soon as possible.

Looks like "as soon as possible" is really naive on my part. But I will uphold my naivety by hoping that the government will not use any more tear gas or any force but allow the freedom of (mad) speech to blossom until the backing resources are depleted.

We'll see who's gonna last - police who work in shifts or the fools who strand themselves in front of the house of government. You know, Thai people in general are very fickle and get bored very easily. The way I see it, it's a game of wait and see on both sides, a strategy of trying to wear your opponent out. Well it's working, at least on me - I'm worn out on this whole issue already!

Starry-eyed Joe

Staying & Studying Thai? - Part II: Have never said No!

It's true we never say no even when we mean it.

I remember years ago when I started learning English in the primary school the funny trouble in answering a certain kind of question. Something like "So, you're not coming?" or "Don't you like mango?"

In Thai, to confirm to the above question that you're not coming or that you're not fond of the fruit, you say "Chai" which literally means yes.

In English, you say No to confirm, right?

So, if you study Thai and want to hit things right, say Yes to mean yes and also Yes to mean no. Make sure you don't confuse yourself. That's all.

So, what's the implication of all this?

Well, we Thais are nice and kind. We don't break people's heart, esp. at night when the heart is rather "fragile.' We say yes to everything.

Or, if you'd rather phrase it as "convenient," you're probably spot on!

Will be back for more on this wonderfully weird language. Off to a night out 'cause Bangkok is impatiently waiting for me!

Hopefully there will be someone out there to whom I can say yes all the way.

Joe

How Foreigners Are Contributing to the Way Thais Interact

If you have been to Thailand, you might already have seen the way Thais greet, thank, aplogize and say good bye. Joining the palms in the middle of your chest and nodding or slightly bowing. It seems as simple as that, doesn't it?

Yes, it does but it's not.

What westerners might deem insignificant or even ridiculous but is one of the wheels that keep Thai society functional is hierachy and seniority. And, this applies to just about everybody - someone in your family, people at work, folks in your circle, and of course complete strangers. Really.

When you meet someone who you're certain is older than you, you greet them by joining your palms at chest level and slightly bowing. The person you greet will return your graciousness by joining their palms also at chest level but only w/ nodding. As a younger person, you have to greet them first.

When you meet someone who is apparently younger, you automatically expect them to be gracious young people, and you're obligated to be a respectable older person. If the kid fails to do what he's required to do, you have all the right in the world to go around saying he has no manner or his parents did a terrible job. Nobody will contest. But then, as the older one, if you fail to acknowledge and return the graciousness that the younger person initiated, you yourself will also be viewed badly, or worse.

Still, that's just the basic.

The dynamic changes and age doesn't quite matter when superiority in terms of social standing, profession, or work position comes into play.

For us, it is so okay (and actually a very decent thing) to feel inferior to others because what others have is apparently better or they are of a higher rank than us.

Here, doctors and teachers get graciousness from people all the time, regardless of either person's age. A mother will fully bow to a doctor of her son's age if her son's life has just been saved by that doctor. A man will willingly bow to his daughter's teacher who is 15 years his junior just because that is what you do to a teacher.

But by wanting to be polite or fit into Thai society, tourists and expats are slowly and unknowingly adding something to this dynamic. We will discuss this in Part II of this post.

Joe

Guests Speak Out! - Jay reveals himself.

Almost all of the long-term guests at BangkokSong are invited over for a dinner at Apt A5 before they leave. Randy enjoys cooking and being guaranteed compliments from those invited.

That's the part I do not enjoy. "Wow, this is delicious!" "Absolutely amazing!" "This tastes so good." "What is your recipe?" But then, what else can a guest do?

Enjoyable Part! Conversations that ensues!

The night before, Jay talked religion! It started w/ the theory of evolution.

Randy doesn't buy the evolution theory because he can't see how it would give us a soul. To him, the idea that we are created by God is more credible. But then, he can't bring himself to believe in the latter either. He can't get over that phrase. You know, "....men who lie w/ men......."

Then, Jay said he's a Christian who prays to God every night.

Surprise of the night!

I mean, we've known him since April and never had a clue, and Jay is BEYOND gay!

He said his mom used to be a Buddhist but later converted to Catholicism during stormy times. The Virgin Madonna spoke to her twice before she decided that Buddhism was no longer her thing. But, Jay prays directly to Him.

Jay's interpretation of what He approves of and what he likes in bed is very interesting and personal. I totally respect that.

As for Randy, my man, his religion is kindness. Oh well, poor are our guests who have to sit through "the monologue."

As for me, I'm a Buddhist because I enjoy living w/ the idea that last time I did this, so this time I am this, and next time I should come back like that. I don't pray even though prayer is part of the practice too.

But I do clamor for Like A Prayer and kneel before the Like-A-Virgin Madonna.

Joe

Coming for Sex?

Once, I heard somebody say that quite a number of people in the west believed that every woman in Thailand was a prostitute.

Well, they, I'd say, missed one point - they should have believed that everybody, men or women, is a prostitute. You know, here, go-go boys are huge as well. When you go on the extreme, why stop half way?

Here's what John Burdett, the author of Bangkok 8, says in his Author's Note "......The sex industry in Thailand is smaller per capita than in Taiwan, the Philippines or the United States...." I take this as a well-researched fact.

To those coming from the 3 countries mentioned, sorry guys, I didn't invent the statistics.

But, for those who still believe that every woman in Thailand sleeps w/ strangers for a living, I'd say "Right on folks, fact or fiction is all up to you. Whatever floats your boat."

What I'd like to suggest in case you're pondering a sex tour in Thailand is this - Sex is a coordination. Sex, although you can buy it, can never be bought. Sex is a two-way street.

If you think that with the money you have you can buy sex anywhere in Thailand whether it be Bangkok, Pattaya, Chaingmai, Phuket, wherever, you're incredibly naive, because what you will get is not sex but another day-job performance of the 'red-collar workers." Trust me! It's such a waaaaste of time.

Here are some tips for sex to be worth your 'investment ' ;-

if you're bald, get your head shaven because that's a whole lot sexier,

if you're old, take a viagra because that goes a long way,

if you're fat, act kind and pleasant because that's easier to get started,

if your breath is bad, avoid kissing at any cost,

if your body odor is prominent, refrain from meat and cheese for a while,

if you're not well-endowned, peruse Kama Sutra or practise yoga,

etc.

If you fall into one of the above categories and still can't bother w/ the code, kindly be advised to stay at home and 'flirt' w/ yourself.

But, if you are willing to practise the preached and be w/ someone else, I'd say "Welcome to Thailand."


Joe, Would-Be Sex Guru

Thai Mentality – Strolling Nation

Dinner w/ Jeffrey and David delighted me in many ways. Free food and smooth wine! And, what else?

While Jeffrey is about to finish decorating his condo in Bangkok, David has been living here for 2 years. The two Americans, from Irvine, Califfonia, and Houston, Texas respectively, are in love w/ the city and plan to make it their permanent home.

They raved about their new home in many ways, but there's one thing so far that drives them nuts. The pace of Bangkok!

People are often in their way and neither of them are able to bring themselves to say "it's ok." Imagine Jeffrey racing against time furniture shopping for his place or David rushing to meet his bf knowing he is already half an hour late.

Two of the issues they mentioned are people not forming a single line when using an escalator or blocking the already crowded sidewalks by standing and talking on their cellphone, always, it seems, in the most inopportune spot!

Explanation: (but don't take it as the whole reason why Thailand is, and likely will remain, a strolling nation. I believe what I'm going to say is only part of the picture, but a very noteworthy one.)

Once upon the time, Thailand was an agricultural nation. The majority of people worked their rice paddies with a water buffalo.

Right now,Thailand has changed a lot but the mindset of the people remains from before.

We don't walk fast, not because we're not in a hurry or because we don't want to finish things and get over w/ them. But somewhere in our consciousness we are told to take it slowly, and in the eye of many westerners, it becomes strolling instead of walking. But we do walk, I contest.

However there is one matter we are programed to consider, and it's called 'manners." If you walk as fast as some westerners might want you to, people will ask you this question w/ their piercing eyes.

"Have you lost your buffalo? Why are you walking like that?"

Although the vast majority of Thai people, especially in Bangkok, have never owned a water buffalo, none of us would ever want to exhibit behavior that would cause others to wonder if we have, indeed, lost our buffalo.

P.S. Scroll down a bit to read "Thai Mentality - Introduction"

Staying & Studying Thai?

Not only can a person come to Thailand to teach English or any other language for that matter, but they can also come and be a student.

What to study? Cooking? Meditation? Message? Muay Thai?

That, that, that, and that too! And, the latest hot trend is studying Thai.

The biggest obstacle that every foreigner seems to complain about is the tones.

In Thai, we have five tones so we can have four more meanings from what seem to come from just one word. Watch this!

"Pa" pronounced w/ the medium tone means "throw."

When said w/ a slightly lower one, it becomes another whole new word meaning "forest."

If you reach the second highest tone, you'll be meaning 'aunt."

As if that was not enough. A lot of Thai-Chinese kids call their father "Pa," hitting the word w/ the hignest note.

Then, we've got the lowest one of all. The lowest "Pa" means a middle-aged man who keeps a mistress or those who can afford to be a philanderer.

So make sure not to confuse your aunt w/ that type of middle-aged men. But hey, don't give up before you even start. Not every word has five tones. Many of them have only four!

Foreign students studying Thai agonize over the tones and ask us if we have ever made a mistake. Well, when we're drunk, maybe! Or, when you originated provincially and haven't quite blended in the capital city yet. (Aren't I haughty here?)

Anyway, schools that teach Thai to foreigners seem to be mushrooming, and you wouldn't have a problem finding a suitable one for yourself. I know one because a really good friend of mine teaches and coordinates courses there. Inquire, and I'll tell you where to go.

Regards,

Joe

P.S. My name comes in the second highest tone. There are three for "Joe" and they creates three different persons.

Encounter

Gayle and Todd came over to view our place last night.

Todd, who's originally from LA, wanted a room to nap in the afternoon, on a regular basis. Just that! Gayle, whose former home city is Toronto, was here to accompany her pal.

Todd is a moonlighter and so he has two schedules - morning until early afternoon, and late afternoon until nine. He thought it would be ideal to have a place to chill between shifts.

Randall and I showed him one of our apartments, A5, where he could take the main bedroom. New York's Richard is in the Philippines again, and he gave us permission to show or even rent the room out to anyone while he's not there. It is very sweet of him. We'll see if an arrangement w/ Todd will materialize. Just to nap in the afternoon and go back to his house on the other side of the river when the night falls.

People say if you want to keep in touch with the psyche of Bangkok's upper working class, become a taxi driver 'cause you will get to hear every single thing as if you weren't there.

Doing vacation rental/rooms for rent might not allow you an access to the mind of your tenants, but it does lead you to meet and even become friend w/ interesting people, and there's a lot of them out there.

Thai Mentality – Introduction

Guys,

Let me introduce a new feature in my blog so you have better info whether it's your first visit to Thailand or one of many. Traveling w/ real understanding is way more fun, isn’t it? I mean no matter how long or short your stay might be, knowing what you’re seeing is way better than otherwise, right?

I name this new feature “Thai Mentality” because it cannot be anything else. No yawning here, I promise!

I humbly hope that after reading the blogs under this topic, you folks will be able to say (or wax poetic, if you prefer) why, for example, why there are so many “openly-cheerful” creatures in this country, why escalator users never bother to form a single file on one side so “super- hurry” people can race and charge through the other, why the fabulously well-to-do and those living in abject poverty seem to co-exist pretty beautifully, and why a shrink's business will probably never ever prosper here, just to name a few.

Also, this can be a golden opportunity to bring to light countless beliefs that foreigners seem to hold, such as Thais automatically assuming that being white means being rich. Heard of "bird sh*t farang"?

But, I’m no expert here, and neither do I want to be.

Me being just an aging boy who has seen a lot and loves to share. That’s all.

And, if you think I miss anything in my “analysis,” feel free to spank me.....hard!

Joe

Airport Rail Link Part II

Photo time!

As a follow up to the Airport Rail Link post on August 11, here's a photo that I took the other day.


What we're seeing is Ratchaprarop (meaning Royal Word) Station, the next-to-the-last station.

From here, a main shopping center, Ratchaprasong (meaning Royal Suggestion) Intersection, is only ten minutes away on foot.

Or, you can ignore this station and get off at the next one, Phayathai, and change to the BTS Skytrain so you can go indulge yourself at what probably is the world's biggest weekend market, Jatujak, which is only 4-5 stations away.

Shopping is harder said than done here, isn't it? Or, is it easier done than said?

Earth From Above

Apart from the rainbow that graced Bangkok sky in the afternoon, another highlight of my day is in the evening.... at Earth From Above.



This unique outdoor exhibition is currently on show at Central World Plaza (just across the street and connected by a bridge from Gaysorn Plaza)

Here, we have a French maestro, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, as the man behind the camera. He had been so fascinated with the beauty of Mother Nature that he decided to conserve Her. He did so w/ such majestic works, taken from 30 to 30,000 meters above the ground to reveal an unconventional perspective of Hers.

Also check out the gigantic spread out world map that accurately details each and every geological landmark. Gear up for a world tour!

Saturday Surprise!!!

Rare moment for all city slickers! Rainbow......as seen from Gaysorn Plaza.

This is totally unexpected. People took out their coolest camera to capture the caught creature.

I felt such urge to follow the rainbow 'cause I knew the pot of gold was waiting for me. In fact, there's a pot of gold for everyone in Bangkok, residents and tourists alike.

I found mine when I got home.

One night in Bangkok

It's Friday night here and most people I know are not at home.

Randy just went out for Sauna Mania. It's open until 6 o'clock in the morning.

Watit should still be at the Aksara Theatre, enjoying tango from Argentina.

Calvin and Raymond are on their way to DJ Station. It is supposed to be most packed every Friday. Just the way they want.

Den just called and raved about a new restaurant and a gorgoeus dinner w/ his high school friends. It's on the river and across the water from Wat Arun. He called to confirm our trip to Jatujak Market on Sunday.

If there hasn't been any change in schedule, my mom should still be at a set of a new film. According to her, today is a scene at Hua Lumphong, the hub station for all trains to and from provinces. Today she's playing a mother seeing her son off to some war. She said that after the set, she would try Rut & Lek, a city-renowned seafood restaurant in Chinatown which is a few steps from where she's working.

Jume, my colleague, is experiencing her first day at TRUE FITNESS at Exchange Tower on Asoke. She had wanted me to be a member too, so we could hang out more. But I'm far from wishing to work out to air-conditioners.

It seems I'm the only person I know who's staying at home.

Well, what else can a sick boy do?

ill but fine Joe

Bangkok Warning

Today in the afternoon my company sent me to attend a seminar on global warming at Courtyard by Marriott. The event is called Spirit to Serve Communities.

It's all "we've heard it all before." Green House Effect. melting polar ice, drought in certain parts of the globe, flood in many regions of the world, and of course, to-be-under-water Bangkok.

Who said this city is not coastal?

Bangkok has indeed a district open to the sea. But sadly speaking, it is a delta, so we've got no beach to brag about.

It is a hard fact that Bangkok might eventually be under water. For a record, she is slowly sinking every year, and the sea level is apparently gaining ground.

So, moral lesson is.......come see the dry version of the city before it's no longer here. But, if you don't make it for whatever reason, there will still be a wet and wavy face of hers for you to savor. But am I just naively optimistic?

Come on, this city is far too fun to let go. For one thing, we've already installed the skytrains. See? We can go from there!


Prepared Joe

Street Vendors - What they could do

One thing that used to turn me off so much about Bangkok is street vendors. They are a big reason why the streets in the city are so messy.

All kinds of merchants can be found here. Let's start w/ food, fruits, juice, clothes, accessories, lotteries, phone cards, CDs/DVDs, and the list goes on.

They make the already unwalkable narrow, terrible footpaths even more so. Many food vendors also do their dishes there and dump the dirty load into the public sewage.

Someone close once offered consolation though. 'But they add character to the city. Without them, Bangkok would be like any big city in the world, boring." And, I would go, albeit silently, "Yeah right, you white people will never ever outgrow Exotic.'

But, tonight we had the same discussion and he shared more of his two cents.

Basically, he pointed out that allowing street vendors is like allowing thousands of people w/ almost no education to stay employed. And, that's how you keep, for example, crime rates low.

That makes sense. Never once in my entire life have I, walking the busy streets of Bangkok, felt that I'm in danger or that I might see my valuables snatched away. I'm not suggesting that it will never happen, but you've got to be really unlucky.

Ok, maybe it is wise to listen to what westerners say sometimes.

Bye for now guys, off to buy spicy minced pork w/ Thai basils on steamed jasmine rice. The one next to the international phone booth in our neighborhood is really good!

Grateful Joe

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Airport Rail Link, what else will be linked as well?

A lot of people have patiently been waiting for the rail link connecting our new airport - Suvarnnabhumi - to the city of Bangkok to finish. It is not a big surprise that this mega project has sufferred delay after delay. Isn't it always the case w/ every other big project in this country?

Anyway, looks like the dream-come-true day is near, as we can see the construction is well approaching completion.

Without a doubt, tourists will greatly benefit from this fast train. The flat-fee fare is said to be 150 Baht (around 4.5 US dollars or 3 Euros.) Good ol' meter taxis cost around 400-500 Baht including toll way.

What else will be linked as well?

Well, while one train will not stop until it reaches the airpot or the city, the other will be allowing ordinary people to up- and unloading themselves along the way. There will be six stations in total, and thousands of Bangkokians will have a new, upgraded way to commute. Then, we will see changes and new additions on the streets and malls of Bangkok.

I still remember vividly when the subway was opened some 4 years ago. I remember being surprised seeing on a train how many provincial-looking people the capital apparently harbored (call me a snob, if you will, but I insist I'm observant.)

It was such a far cry from the metropolitan passengers on the skytrains that had been in use for about 4-5 years already.

The subway that was once opening up a less polished part of Bangkok is now helping expand what is considered cool sections of the city. Appearance-wise underground commuters are catching up w/ those on the elevated trains. No kidding!

The airport rail link (28-kilometer or 17.4 mile long) will have impact the way the BTS skytrain and the MRT subway have. For one thing, you will never be deprived of beauty product ads and commercials whichever direction you're taking. Especially skin whitening cream!

A European friend of mine once said Bangkok people have a lot of attitudes even though the city is not that great. Well, great or not quite, be prepared for more people like that, my friend, 'cause after all.....you are what you ride, right?

Especially when what you ride is infested w/ what 'should" make you look right!

Kiss,
Boy de Bangkok

Coming for a Medical Reason?

I've heard of medical tourism for long while but didn't really pay attention until guest after guest of ours was here for a medical treatment. This "third world" country of mine surprises me sometimes.

There is no shortage of hospitals in Bangkok that conspicuously exist to serve foreigners. Certainly, all of them are private. Heard of Bumrungrad, BNH etc? I've been to one of those and so I can say 'nifty lobby."

A little bird told me that private hospitals are not allowed in some countries like Canada because hospitals should be there for everybody. So, in Canada the rich and the not so rich are guaranteed a place to mingle. Here in Thailand, we operate according to our fortune (or the lack thereof.)

Ask me what I think is the big picture. As of now, I can only say I don't know. Seems like you have to wait until I'm alot older and therefore sufficiently wiser, if that will ever happen. All I can say right now is more power to the wealthy. If you can afford it, so be it.

Wishing excellent health to all of you and, myself,
Joe

Outdoor Living Room

Weekend finally! It's Saturday morning here and I still don't have plans for today (shouldn't have cancelled the trip to Koh Kret in Nonthaburi that my colleagues and I had hoped to visit.)

Today is also one of those rare days when Apt A4 is available. Maybe getting engrossed w/ this blog or a book at its tropical balcony is not an idea too vanilla. This spacious outdoor living room overlooking part of our neighborhood has been everybody's darling since her debut.

It's pretty usual, I think, that when you're on a holiday, a lazy dayoff from those going-out-and-about's is somehow required.

When that happens, A4 occupants can always relocate themselves to this private outdoor hideaway.

So, when I, an authorized intruder, finish this post, I'm gonna still linger here. I'm so being in love w/ More Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin.

Until we chat again,
Joe

Newest Toy

Thai people especially spoiled folks of Bangkokians can never live without fun. No matter what we do, fun has be an element. "If you don't have fun at work anymore, why would you linger?" "I don't wanna lunch w/ her anymore, she's no fun!." "Speeches at the protest are pretty funny and spot on! You should come when you have time."

Mr. Apirak, the current governor of Bangkok, seems to have a lot of time for this Thai trait. He has come up w/ projects aimed to create "ultra convenience" for all beloved residents - genuis traffic billboards, genuis taxi stops, super smart this, super brilliant that.

Now, it's time for the term "Wireless." No no, it's not about taking down the eyesore electrical and telephone wires hanging all over place. It is about connecting to the www's in a cordless manner!

Bangkok's new promoted name is "Wi-Fi Capital of Asia." The ongoing campaign boasts more than 15,000 spots across the metropolis where the connection sans cable is guaranteed.

The other day at Central World Plaza, I was given 3 pin numbers that I can use to register for a Wi-Fi account and look cool across town. I'm not hotly hooked but still.....it could be fun! The 3 accounts that I can apply for will be good until end of September. I guess I'd better hurry up.

Back to BangkokSong, we provide free Wifi too. The radius is said to be 30 meters, meaning you can go online anywhere within our veritible vacation community. Plus, if you come prior to September's end, you will be able to experience 'fun" anywhere in the city too.

See you real soon,
Joe

Plentiful

Bangkok may be infamous for her horrendous traffic, soul-killing pollutions and all that, and in the process coming across as a city where healthy lifestyle is impossible. Here we will kindly rebutt that.

Despite all of her flaws, this exciting metropolis is blessed w/a lot of features that alllow for good health. Let us elaborate one that almost single-handedly forms well-being - good food.

Good in our book means nutritious and affordable. This "sinful" city can feed you w/ fruits, veggie, and herbs all year round. Mango, Pine Apple, Water Melon, Magosteen, Banana, Bok Choy, Clauliflower, Asparagus, Mushroom, Basil, Chilli, Peppers, Lemongrass. You name some of them and this city will find you all of them. It is just non-stop. From high-end supermarkets to extremely reasonable vendors on the streets, it is all clear we will never be denied of what we badly need.


Most recommended at this hour is juice from young coconut. Pls do not confuse it w/ coconut milk which should be avoided. An Indian naturopath has successfully used young coconut juice to stop death at an AIDS orphanage here in Bangkok. Yes, it's that good!

Price range: 40 Baht at Siam Paragon's food court, 35 Baht at Maneeya's, 25 Baht at Central World's, 20 Baht at vendors on various streets but only 10 Baht at the fresh market in our neighborhood. See? Another good reason to stay at BangkokSong.

Cheers,
Randall & Joe

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Apt A2 described

When you open the door that says A2, you will see a handy kitchen on your right. The gas stove is there so you can have a proper cup of coffee/tea or meal anytime you wish. The cabinets and drawers are packed w/ necessary utensils. On your left hand side is the living room. There we have a cozy lounge where decor and lighting endlessly flirt w/ each other.


When it comes to bedtime, only enter the next room whose main color can only be described as bold. Placed in an Asian style, the firm-yet-soft mattress confortably sleeps 2 people. There are three types of cooling that everyone can choose from - aircon, ceiling fan, or a breezy night by opening the windows. Those who travel w/ bulky suitcases need not worry since our large built-in cabinet will take care of that. You will also be entertained w/ a set of TV/DVD player and a music system.


The other door of the bedroom opens to a cute little balcony where you will be tempted to spend some quality time chilling. Now, where is the bathroom? Just go back inside, pass the bedroom, back into the living space, and there it is. Interestingly located, our wet area here is clean and shiny. Be prepared to enjoy fun lighting and creative touch throughout. If this space fits you and your budget, feel free to contact us referencing A2. Thank you.