Kylie Live! Part 1

I could finally see one of my favorite artists in concert -- Kylie Minogue. ^_^ Saturday, June 25th, she came to Bangkok with the Aphrodite Tour.

In my excitement, I took pictures of everything! (laugh)

The Tour Card (I have one! ^_^):

The concert was held at Impact Arena Muang Thong. The best way to get there is:
1. Take the BTS to Mo Chit station, Exit 4 OR MRT Chatduchak, Exit 3.
2. Walk through the parking lot to the large blue banner "Impact Shuttle".
3. When the van arrives, get on. The trip will take 30 minutes.
NOTE!
- The Impact website says this shuttle is free. This is not true. The van costs 30 Baht one way. You pay when you get off at Impact. (30 Baht=¥90/ 90 cents)

The shuttle:


When I arrived inside, a DJ was warming up the crowd:

Finally, the show began! The theme was Greek/Roman myths and water. The back screen videos were amazing!


Kylie arrived onstage in a giant shell, but I really liked her second arrival (after a costume change)-- on a winged horse!

She sang "Illusion" from the Aphrodite album here. In the middle of this song, she does a really cute dance. You can see the video below...



More tomorrow.... ^_^

**BONUS**

Today is Canada Day!! Canada is 144 years old. Happy Birthday to my birth country! My heart will always be in Asia, though. (big smile)

Car Show

Back in mid-June, I was walking through Central World department store and came across this car show. So many cars that I can't afford, but their beauty called to me, so I took a photo:



I could identify some of the cars -- Porsche 911, BMW M6 convertible, Cooper Mini... and there was one I really liked...Can anyone identify it?

Identity unknown:


I did some research and found one possibility: Porsche 911 Carrera GT Cabriolet. Hmm..but the rear engine is flat and doesn't quite match the design. Maybe someone out there can help?

The funny thing about me is: I don't really like driving, but I love being a passenger. My favorite childhood memories are all about car trips. My family traveled for 2 weeks across Canada by car; we did another 2 week road trip from California, to Nevada, Utah and Arizona when I was a teenager. I think the freedom of being able to stop at unique spots along the way -- makes traveling by car so appealing. ^_^

So, after I get the money to buy the white Porsche above, let's go driving? (laughing) I should be ready in about 20 years or so...

Cabbages & Condoms

If you can think past the name, Cabbages & Condoms is perhaps the MOST famous restaurant in Bangkok. It was started by a charity group that wanted to promote safe sex, lower the birth rate in Thailand and educate others in AIDS prevention. It's a really beautiful spot; at night, the garden area is full of small lights. It's highly recommended to take a date! ^_^

Garden seating area:


Inside dining room:


I made a reservation for my sunny friend, Ms. D and I on a Tuesday afternoon. We enjoy eating Pad Thai, spring rolls and an "ancient Thai appetizer". I'm sorry I forgot the name, but this appetizer had a unique taste: toasted coconut, with peanuts, sweet onions, bits of lime and to eat it, the staff told us to roll up the leaf and stuff that into our mouths! It was really delicious!

The Thai appetizer with toasted coconut:


Cabbages & Condoms is located on Sukhumvit Soi 12. BTS Asoke, take the sky walk to Times Square, walk about 5 minutes. Menu is Thai food only. Everything is delicious! English speaking staff. Reservations are recommended -- especially at night. Website HERE. Tables outside in the garden or on a patio. Inside dining also available. Prices range from 100 Baht and up. (¥300~/$3~)

Lavana Spa

My friend Ms. D reserved a foot massage for us here on a Tuesday morning. I was still a bit hungover from a long night, but I managed to make it to our morning appointment.

She recommended and reserved this spa: Lavana, on Sukhumvit Soi 12. While the outside of the building doesn't look so special...


...the inside is amazing!


We were treated to cold towels and tea upon entering.


I snapped photos of their huge selection of bath soaps, oils and lotions:


When we finished our massages, we were treated with a delicious dessert -- strawberry mousse with pistachio nuts:


Our foot massages were a little bit more expensive than other places in the city, but we could have a private room and the strength of the massage was not too strong. Excellent!

Lavana Spa is located on Sukhumvit Soi 12. BTS Asoke, walk about 3 minutes from Times Square. Prices from 400 Baht and up. The shop's website can be found HERE (with lovely music!)

栄ちゃん/ Ae Chan

There is a cheap Japanese izukaya (pub) restaurant hidden down a side street off Soi Sukhumvit 22. It's called "Ae Chan". The Thai staff all speak Japanese and the menu is extensive. It's the place I take my foreign friends if I want to educate them on Japanese food -- there is more to Japanese cuisine than just sushi! ^_^

The shop's entrance...with noren! (a kind of entrance curtain)


I took my friend who is half Russian/ half African here. She had never tried Japanese food, so I was excited hear her opinions. I ordered fairly safe things:

- rice
- salmon sashimi
- daikon salad
- edamame (beans)

- cold tofu


- gobo salad (my favorite!)


We had so much fun. She knows about my blog, and how I keep everything anonymous. I asked her what she would like her nickname to be. She said: "How about 'Bella'?" Okay! ^_^

Something curious: we were the ONLY girls in the shop. It was crowded with Japanese businessmen. This was amusing...when I ordered food or spoke to the waitress, I always used Japanese. Whenever I spoke, the room suddenly became quiet ... I guess those businessmen have never met a cute, blonde girl who speaks Japanese? (laugh) It's my special secret power...

Ae Chan is located on Sukhumvit Soi 22. From BTS Asoke or Phrom Phong. Walk about 10 minutes, to the side street, Soi sai Nam Thip 2. You will see a red sign written in Japanese that says: "栄ちゃん　100M". Prices from 50 baht and up. Our dinner for two only cost 600 baht! (=1,800JPY/ $18).

Greyhound Cafe @ Central Chitlom

Greyhound cafe is a staple restaurant in many Central Department stores in Thailand.

Two friends and I popped in after our Thai class wrapped up. I acted the crazy foreigner again...snapping pictures of the shop, while my friends laughed:

The inside:




I splurged and ordered a lot of food and spent waaay too much money. Ah well. If you're going to go down, go down on a full stomach. ^_^

French onion soup:


Toast and pate (liverwurst):


My fruit drink -- pineapple, grape juice and lemon:


And a coffee latte:


My friends ordered some yummy things too....Salsa chips and Garlic/Cheese bread (sorry, no pictures..).

One classmate had lived in Udon Tani (a northern province in Thailand), and she talked about her experience there. It's quite different from life in Bangkok! She said she really appreciated the food/ restaurants here in the city.^_^

Greyhound Cafe is located in Central Chitlom 4F. BTS Chitlom. Prices from 120 Baht + (360JPY/ $3.50). Menu: pasta, pizza, appetizers, soups, some Thai dishes. Everything is delicious!

The Terrazz Cafe

This is a favorite cafe of mine due to the nice location, interior and great service. It's located near BTS Ratchadamri station, inside an apartment condominium complex.

They offer two set lunches per day, each day's selections are different. I like to spend my weekends as "me time" --no friends, no appointments-- and I enjoyed a nice, private lunch by myself on a lazy Sunday.

I ordered a very British dish, "Fish & Chips", which came with a Greek salad, fruit and (the waiter remembered my love for..) iced tea. ^_^

Fish & Chips (with curly fries!):



Fruit & Salad (and yes! I DID eat those tomatoes!!):


You can read a selection of English and Japanese newspapers here; there is also a Mac computer for internet lovers. It's a nice place to feel relaxed and laugh over things your friends said during the week. At least, that's what I do. ^_^

The Terrazz Cafe is located down a soi next to BTS Ratchadamri. Walk toward Villa Market -- the cafe is on your left. The set lunch costs only 240 baht. Tables outside and indoors. Information HERE.

Cafe 1912

This is a small cafe restaurant located inside the Alliance Francaise building. The menu is all in French, so good luck (if you can't read French!).

The inside:


I ate here after my flute lesson, and was surprised: it's really freakin' expensive!!

I ordered one dish -- cheese gratin -- and it cost 170 baht! (=440 JPY/ $4.40). It was good, filled with ham, pasta and lots of cheese, but that's all I ate. No water, no salad.

My expensive gratin:


The food is quite good, but the Thai staff will tease you if you order in English. It's expensive -- be sure to bring money.

Cafe 1912 is located inside the Alliance Francaise. Walk past the information office, turn left. Glass doors open to the cafe. Alliance Francaise is located on Thanon Sathorn. Walk 15 minutes from BTS Sala Daeng, taking Soi Sala Daeng. Menu: salad bar, set lunches, bread, desserts. 100 baht ++. Site HERE.

Bar Italia

My sunny friend, Ms. D, and I met for yet another lunch on Thursday.

We were looking for a place that I had found on the net that many people recommended: "Butler's", but the shop was no longer there. We headed to another place, "Bar Italia" instead...


The service was amazing! The maitre 'd pulled out our chairs, placed napkins in our laps, etc. Girls love chivalry, what can I say?

Our appetizer arrived -- onion bread:


My friend's dish -- grilled chicken:


My choice -- risotto (in Thailand, cheese is VERY VERY expensive):


Our drinks..
(Iced Cappuccino):


(a shaken ice cappuccino with sugar):

This lunch was the most expensive I have experienced in BKK --- 1,200 baht (= 3,600 JPY/$36 for two). o_O

Ms. D requested to go out and explore more restaurants together. I'm happy to oblige. ^_^

Bar Italia is located in Gaysorn Plaza, 1F. BTS Chitlom and walk on the skywalk. Prices range from 100 ~ 500 baht per dish. Menu: Pasta, pizza, desserts, etc. 10% service charge.

Provence

Provence is cafe located in Gaysorn Plaza near Siam Square. I met my super funny friend, Ms. D, here for some lunch before we both headed off to Thai school.

The cafe's entrance:


This shop is inspired by the Provincial area in France. Tables are covered in white and blue and the shop is surrounded with greenery. There are also heaps of magazines, so if you come alone, you can read and enjoy some private time.

We ordered...

An appetizer -- shrimp crackers with tuna/garlic spread:


A main dish -- a tuna sandwich -- what can I say? Cats love tuna! ^_^:


And a cafe latte to finish:


The coffee was probably a bad idea. I became incredibly hyper and proceded to giggle and make crazy comments during our Thai language class. I think the teacher wondered if I had lost my mind. (laughing) Damn sugar & caffeine!

Provence is located in Gaysorn Plaza, 2F. BTS Chitlom, follow the Skywalk towards Rajaprasong. Dishes from 70 ~ 170 Baht (210 yen/ $2.10 ~ 400 yen/$4). 10% service charge.

My BKK apartment

I think a lot of my friends wonder "What are the apartments/condos like in Bangkok?" Well, I thought I would show you my place.

I live in the CBD (Central Business District), which is very quiet at night. The downside is that there are few restaurants and shops -- I am within walking distance to many major shopping malls, however.

My condo is on the 7th floor. There are 21 floors in total. My building includes: a pool, a gym, a snooker table room, a meeting room, mail room, 24 maintenance service and 24 security. There is also a hairdresser in the building.

My condo is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath. My bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower.

Here are the rooms:

The living room:


The main bedroom:


The full kitchen (this is unusual in BKK -- most apartments have a small kitchen.):


The balcony:


All the furniture, utensils, plates and dishes, cleaning supplies, bedding, pillows, etc. were included. When I moved in, the landlord even had shampoo and soap ready!

Average prices for condos range from 12,000 baht ~ 30,000 baht ($360~$900/ month) depending on the location, age of the building and size. Leases are usually 1 year, but you can rent month-to-month, although that is rare. You need a valid passport, Thai visa and a deposit of two month's rent in advance.

Melt Me @ Central World

After ice skating, I took Ms. A up to Melt Me cafe, which has a shop in Central World, 7F, across from the cinemas.

We ordered the same two flavors:

The brown one is coffee and the yellow is...... RED BULL!!! I have NEVER tried/drank Red Bull in my life, but this gelato was so amazing. And I became ridiculously hyper after eating it; Ms. A and I laughed hysterically over my new German word: "wasser mit kohlensaure", which means only "carbonated water". It's an inside joke... I can't explain it to you. But it did involve an interesting pick up line. (laugh)

The Cafe:



Melt Me is a Chocolates & Gelato shop in Bangkok. This branch is located in Central World on the 7F. A small cup with two flavors costs 99 baht. (300 JPY/ $3)

Skating...in action

I now have a routine every Friday afternoon -- I go ice skating at the mall. How cool is that? As a Canadian girl, I need to be near the cold now and then. The Rink at Central World is the perfect place to get my fix.

Me...skating!


My new friend, Ms. A and I met for some skating and a lot of chatting. It was so much fun. While she took a break, I gave her my camera and she took lots of pictures... including one of the staff.

Staff skating:

He's Thai and really good at skating...which seems odd to me for some reason. A country where the weather is 34 C everyday and he skates...like...a Canadian! (laughing)

There were a lot of little kiddies on this day. These two girls are using the little "support penguins". Cute eh?


The Rink is located in Central World, 1F, near the B2S bookstore. Open from 10.00 ~ 22.00. Cost 250 Baht for 1.5 hours (skates included). I had my skates sharpened here for 100 baht. (=300 JPY/ $3)

Jazz studio

If you follow my Twitter feed, you'd have noticed that I found a jazz flute teacher in Bangkok. A friend once suggested that I, a purely classically trained flautist, should give jazz a try. I surprised myself by finally taking that advice.

Improvisation is so difficult and I am quite sure I cannot pull it off, but I'm willing to try something new.

The studio is located in building C on the grounds of the Alliance Francaise school complex. My teacher will be Mr. Vong, a French guy who can play the piano, guitar and flute. He specializes in Jazz, but knew all the major classical flute techniques/schools too. ^_^

Should be fun. I will start next Friday.

The studio (apologies for the dark picture):