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.

New Kid On The Block

That Apt A2 is!

After Paul left (we miss and wish him well,) I lost Randy to his new baby. Dinners have never been so insignificant.

I hope my photo does the justice.

Joe

Change is constant

We've heard about this from day one, haven't we?

Change is always there, subtle when we analyze it, obvious when we didn't expect it. The latter kind is happening to our community right now.

First of all, Paul of Apt A2 is returning to England due to family committment. He's hoping to come back within 6 months though.

Next is Mani, another dear friend who a few months ago moved to Manila, planning to spend the rest of his life there. He's returning to live in Bangkok again starting this coming Sunday.

The last change that's already happened is very obvious and yet expected. Allow me to proudly reveal the new face of Apt A5 (B & B) here.


There's good space behind the wall units. Very useful indeed. Wanna know what it's for?

Joe

What's that dark red thingy?

You're forgiven if you mistake it for red wine. But yes, the bottle used to harbor wine.

The thingy's name is roselle. If you haven't heard of it, feel free to wikipedia (gosh, I owe this site a daily good night kiss.)

In Thai, we call it "Kra-Jiab."

Kra-Jiab is very sour and therefore charged w/ Vitamine C (pls condone my logic here.) Anyway, in summary, roselle juice is uber good for you. Proof - my scurvy has never wished to see me ever again since Randy stumbled upon roselle buds in a Thai herb store in our neighborhood.

I've made this juice for some of the guests before. Some said they enjoyed the taste of it. Some even said it seemed to calm their stomach.

I promise I'll make Joe-brewed roselle part of every BangkokSong stay from now on.

Joe

Latest Link

For 3 nights from June 20 to 23, we had such a lovely family staying w/ us at A6. Nate & Krista, Tayah (8,) Max (6,) and Sera (3.) They're from Saipan Island.



Saipan is the largest island in the western Pacific Ocean, about 200 km north of Guam, and also a popular tourist destination. (www.wikipedia.org)

It was the first trip to the Big Mango for the family, and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Now, they've sent us their blog http://saipanhawleys.blogspot.com/ Feel free to check it out.

Joe

p.s. the bottom of this page also hosts blogs/website of our other guests.

Hoping

Seeing Bangkoksong ads on craiglist, Califonian Jeffrey emailed us one day asking if we'd be interested in managing his apartment as a part-time vacation rental.

After a couple of emails, Jeffrey invited us over a dinner at Vincent's on Rama IV. Here's what we learned about his Bangkok's pad.

It's a two-bedroom unit located on the other side of the Chaopraya River (the Rivers of the Kings.) The building is called Life @ Tah-Phra. Jeff and his partner Bret bought it so they can divide time between the two cities. Enviable life, isn't it? The transfer is about to be finalized. Next is furnishing.

We haven't seen the unit yet, but we're hooked already. Now, we can only hope that Jeffrey likes us too!

Randall & Joe

Well done, Bangkok!

We hope it is not too late to congratulate Bangkok, our favorite city in the whole world, for the world's best city title from Travel & Leisure Magazine for 2008.

See? No more hesitation if you've only heard about but not yet seen, touched, smelled, felt or basked in this wondrous jungle.

All Bangkokians and expats hail the world's crown jewel!

Well at least for this year (and hopefully beyond!)


Randall, Ed & Joe

Taking Apt A1?

Randy talked A1 again today at the dinner. He said Ed and he would totally go for the apartment when it becomes available sometime in September.

When taking A2 in June, we all joked 'there are only 2 more apartments (A1 & A3) to go before the whole floor is ours." About 2 weeks later, A1 tenants notified their tentative moveout to Khun Bell, the manager of the building. Lovely Khun Bell passed the news to Randy almost immediately.

Neither Ed or my man has seen the inside of A1 yet, but the latter is sure he can work it and seems really excited.

As for me, I can only say I'm gonna enjoy July and August and not thinking much about September. But alas, time does fly, doesn't it?

Good night,

Joe

Mirror on the wall.......not

Here comes the time when Ed has to leave. He's leaving for Singapore and then back home which is New York and which is to change soon.

Here also comes a time when he leaves BangkokSong a gift.

It is something for everyone to reflect on. How thoughtful! Well, if everyone wants to ponder their reflection.

Ed's idea is to hang this rectangular framed mirror on the wall, above the living room couch. Randy let it hang in there for as long as 10 minutes. He said he preferred vertical.

So, while Ed's gone, the mirrow will be standing on the floor, against the opposite living room wall. To make up for the betrayal, Randy will have some things nailed on the deserted wall. Something Cambodian!

Listen Ed, Randy's really sorry!!

Cheers,

Joe

p.s. it's Apt A6 we're talking about

New York City Boyz

Our dearest friend Ed is back, and along came Andrew & Jeff. While Ed reclaimed his maiden's pad, A4, we put the fun pair in A6. In our own A5, there's Richard Adams, who just returned from a two-week adventure in Manila. So, what do these 4 boyz have in common?

Yep, the answer's in the title. The fab four are from New York City. The light jungle in the photo that is the public terrace of our apartments was where they gathered and contributed to banters after banters.

But three of them haven't seen Sex & The City The Movie yet. So, me the Bangkok Boy in their mist will have to have a plan for them this weekend.

Cheers,
Joe

Muuuusic Makes the People Come Together

As every Apt has a music system, let me shyly present our humble yet enjoyable collection of CDs here.

Most of what we have is club-driven which is just perfect for your indoor warm-up prior to a night out in this "naughty" city. In times of gathering at home, what we've got isn't bad for an entertaining purpose either.

Feel free to check out our stacks at Apt A5 and borrow what you like. No formality hassel here. Just tell us what you've picked.

Cheers,
Joe

Who Lives in Our Neighborhood?

Suanplu is a well-known Soi (or lane/alley.) One of the residences used to be that of a late Prime Minister of Thailand (now an interesting tourist attraction.)



We must say our neighborhood is very Thai, in a sense that it is a mixed bag where everything co-exists - baptist school, mid-price condo people, town-house folks, low-income earners, high-end condo dwellers, and us, ordinary people who hope tomorrow will be better.

If you wonder how this type of neighborhood is possible, we can only tell you that it does happen!

Building Photo

Ok, while waiting for an A2 photo, how about one showing the front of our building, Prasart Court?

We are taking Apt A2

That's right! Its tenant has moved out, and the building handymen are working on it now. However, the work will not stop there 'cause Randy will step in and make it better.

Timeframe for this improvement and redecoration should be about 4 to 6 weeks. Interestingly, our tenant, Paul, will not be waiting that long. He'll be moving in this coming Thursday (June 5) or so. That would mean he'll be coming home to see something new and nice in his apartment everyday.

We are thrilled about this. Two more units before we take the whole floor. Photos will be available later.

Cheers,

Randall & Joe

Deluxe Next Door

Our delightful one bedroom apartment will surpass all your expectations! Not a tiny, cramped hotel room but truly a home away from home with everything you need to enjoy your stay in Bangkok.

The small but efficient kitchen comes fully equipped. The apartment features cable TV, DVD player and stylish music system. The new luxury king-size mattress along with hotel quality linens and towels will give you a sense of pampering found only in top hotels. Ambient lighting throughout the apartment allows you to set just the right mood anytime of day or night.

And now for the best part – your own private tropical outdoor living room to chill with friends over a glass of wine or laze in the afternoon sun with a favorite book. Our location – just off the green embassy area, 10 – 15 minutes by taxi to all major shopping malls, close to Suan Lum Night Bazaar and Lumpini Park.

Ever-Changing Apt A5

Hosted by a happily-married White-Asian male couple, Apt A5 is ideal for a guy or a girl looking for a cheap but charming room in the heart of Bangkok.

Why is it constantly-changing? Well, it is Randy who's incapable of sitting still.

Here, we give you a bedroom, a shared bathroom, a balcony, a terrace, complimentary breakfast, laundry and Wi-Fi. We immensely enjoy having company. Don't hesitate!

Apt A6 Proudly Presented

Stylish 2-bedroom apartment (which can also convert to a 1-bedroom type at a lower rate,) tastefully furnished in a minimalist contemporary Asian style. Spotlessly clean, comfortable mattresses and pillows, luxury linens and towels, small fully equipped kitchen, modern bathroom with shower only (bathroom has 2 entrances so ideal for sharing).

Each bedroom has its own TV and DVD player (no cable or satellite), quiet aircon, ceiling fan, built in character wardrobes, and secure lockbox (bring your own padlock). Large living room with comfortable sofa/daybed that also sleeps one person. Also, the living room boasts a CD player w/ an MP3 jack. Small kitchen with gas stove equipped for light meals and entertaining.

This is absolutely a non-smoking space in all rooms but smokers are welcome to chill on the deck or balcony where they can smoke anytime. Complimentary tea/coffee, filtered drinking water, while breakfast (B n B) and laundry service are available upon request at a small additional cost.

For our gay guests, the apartment is a 2 minute walk to Babylon, and a 15 minute walk to DJ Station (or a short cheap taxi ride.) Also, we are 8-10 minutes to the nearest MRT (Lumpini) and 15 minutes to Saladaeng BTS. A must see is the Suan Lum Night market beside the Lumpini MRT. One more thing! Bring your laptop ‘cause we have free Wi-Fi!