Having a Blast in Bangkok

    After a tiring Russia trip in the middle of the year, we decided that we needed something slow paced, to relax and just chill. The wifey decided on Bangkok, Thailand. Thus we found ourselves checked into one of the best hotels around - the St. Regis, Bangkok. I'll let the pictures tell the story...

   The St. Regis lived up to its name with it's impeccable service. Although we had access to a full suite of services of a 24-hr butler, most of the time we only used it to order our coffee/ tea and biscuits. This we had several times a day. I found myself starting to drink lemongrass tea to balance the effect of too much cappuccino. The biscuits were simply irresistible.

English tea at the St. Regis Bangkok. Yummy!

The MBS-que pool of the St. Regis. We spent quite some time at the spa, herbal steam bath and hot jacuzzi.

First dinner in Bangkok. Some Thai restaurant. Food was great except for the kangkong which tasted like dried grass.

We didn't expect in-room dining to come with a table on wheels

Phad Thai the St Regis way. And it costs as much as that from Thai Express!

World's best Mango-Sticky-Rice. We actually had two portions of this. Check out the real gold flakes.

World famous London roast duck from Four Seasons Restaurant. Power!

 

The wifey trying out Ethiopian drip-coffee. 

Cheap and Good! Som Tam Nua restaurant.

Salmon and Wagyu sushi from Zen Cucina (Central World)

Matsuzaka sushi. Look how thin the layer of rice is, versus the ingredients.

    For Japanese food-lovers, Zen Cucina located in Central World is a must try. The restaurant remains pretty empty most of the time we were there, perhaps because the prices tend to "have wings". My wife's colleague told us that we probably ate one month's worth of some Thai's salary that night. In our defence, the Sing Dollar was strong.

We could see Central World from our room (the lighted billboard)

   This trip turned out to be more enjoyable than expected. I can't say I enjoy the shopping much but the food, hotel and pampering made up for it.

Phantastic Time at the Opera

   The Phantom of the Opera is in town and we caught the second-last show. I've watched the musical on television and at the movies, but this is my first time watching it "live". I commented that it was a pity that it's held in such a modern venue as MBS' theatre. Little did I know what was in store. The story opened with an auction scene, selling off trinkets from the "old theatre". Not to spoil the fun, let's just say, I got my wish when the set transformed into the opulent Parisian Opera that I expected of this musical.

Pre-musical dinner at Ma Maison

   I shan't delve into the plot as I presume most of us would have an idea about it. It was the first time I realize that the scores of "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You" are similar. Andrew Lloyd Webber's use of the same musical piece to contrast the obsession of the Phantom with Christine and the love of Raoul is a masterpiece; especially coupled with such heart-renting lyrics. Having been exposed to this musical numerous times, it was all I could do to keep myself from singing along.

Rare glimpse of the wifey in spectacles

Posing outside the Guggenheim-like facade of the MBS Theatre

   Sitting there, taking in the sight and music, I asked myself how a man, who has never felt love in his life, could claim that he loves another human being. Was it simply an obsession with possession? The dilemma that Christine had was excellently portrayed as well. How could the supposed promised (by her deceased father) "Angel of Music" turn out to be such a villain? Initially torn between her "Teacher" and her childhood sweetheart, it was a little disconcerting to see the quick decision Christine made to go with Raoul. Perhaps it's the short time we have in a musical.

   Nevertheless, it was indeed a "Phantastic" experience. Although I enjoyed the musical thoroughly, the icing on the cake certainly has to be watching it with the person dearest to me.