taiwangirl

When I use a limo service at the airport, I always use AOT. Never had a problem. Always a car available as a walk up, drivers have been good, etc.

Check the night markets where there are tourists. I cannot remember which market I saw them in in BKK, but they are there. Saw them also in Hua Hin, etc.

A it saves enormous time as you bypass the ticket machine lineups at the stations, especially at rush hour. You top up the cards as needed when you are at a low-traffic station. Each card lets you pass the turnstiles even if you only have a few baht on the card. You get a minus value and pay that on the next top-up. MRT is easiest, but I think BTS won't let you enter if you've less than a single station fare.

Agree with the above. Having the stored value cards is well worth it. All is it takes is one time being stuck in an long ticketing queue to pay for itself.

I know you specifically asked for non-Starbucks, but .......................

I like the Starbucks on Soi Lang Suan - about 400 meter down from Sukhumvit on the left side. Nice atmosphere and design, never too too crowded, varied type of seating (couches, tables with chairs, etc.). The only thing I am not sure of is the location of power outlets. The times I have been there using my computer have been with a full battery.

If it makes a difference to you, it is a Starbucks community store (the first outside of the USA),

Our first international location launched in 2013 in the Langsuan neighborhood of Bangkok, Thailand. This was celebrated as part of our 15 year anniversary in the country and the community store in Langsuan signifies our ongoing commitment to give back to communities, and support local coffee and farming communities in Northern Thailand. The contributions from this store will be directed to the building of a learning center in Mae KheeMukNoi and Kong Kai village’s, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai and, thereafter, will be dedicated to supporting sustainable education, health and irrigation projects.

I have flown KAL and Asiana to the US, as well as United. In the business class, they are all pretty comparable in terms of service. I know a lot of people complain about US airline service, but I am pretty low key and do not want much, so all three delivered. My one complaint was on a trip back - I cannot remember if it was KAL or Asiana, but they woke us up for breakfast about 5 hours before landing. I think they were trying to get the body adjusted, but I would have rather slept.

Unfortunately, the flight I had on KAL did not have the 180 lay flay, just the "recliner" style, so was not as nice. Asiana seats were comparable to United. (I am 5 feet and 3 inches FYI). For the United flights, I always left at around 0600-0700. For the Korean flights, I left at around 0100. I did not like leaving at that time, but as you mention, it does get in in the morning in the US. On the return, all planes left at about the same time, but the Korean planes get in a bit earlier as there is a shorter layover in Inchon.

More Asian material on the in flight entertainment, rather than US based as on United.

From the number of responses to my thread in the Economy forum, it would seem that no-one on TV has used the CITI ATMs in the last month or so. As with anything in Thailand, I have to wonder if they are even still operating.

I know the above post is a couple of months old, so I apologize if it has already been answered regarding CITI ATM's. I withdrew money from the CITI ATM at CITI bank Asok a week or so ago. It was difficult to get to as the main entry was closed off due to the demonstrators. Had to go around back, through an "alley" to the parking garage, show the guard my card, up some stairs, down some stairs and finally got to the ATM. The main reason I went to that hassle is I have a non-Thai CITI credit card, so there is no charge to take money out of any CITI ATM machine.

Are you looking at carry - on style luggage or bigger? I have had good success with FlightPro luggage - they sell to airline crews, but do not sell to outlet stores. So, i suppose I am not providing much help. Sorry.

JW Marriott (Soi 2) has a pretty good gym. They seem to have a lot of free weights, but since I dont use them, I am not sure how good they are for you.

They do offer short term membership, but I am not sure of the pricing.

If traffic is okay, plan on about 45 minutes or so from lower Sukhumvit. Was out in that area last Saturday and it took about that long. I do not know the price of a taxi as I was in a private car.

That would be a very, very long list ....

Agree. Most of the big companies have a five day work week. For example, PTT (which is the largest company in Thailand) and its' affiliates all have a five day work week.

Thanks guys, I'll take the taxi, how about the Thai Tobacco Monopoly drive through any one know?

The trick with the Thai Tobacco Monopoly drive through is to inform the security guards on the entrance that you are visiting a patient at the hospital in the grounds.

No problem!

CCC

Have used that shortcut many times. Never had the guard stop the car at all. Maybe because it is during normal working hours. Off hours may be a different story.

I have been to the one in the Hyatt Erawan with work colleagues. I am not a smoker, so not that much fun for me. But, from the couple of times I have been there, it is more of a place to go with friends and colleagues. I always saw others in groups, not alone, so do not think it is a good place to meet people. If you want to meet people, there is the 494 wine bar right out the door of the cigar club and that is a better spot to meet people.

I should say that I have not been to any other P&L clubs in BKK.

Let me give a bit of female perspective from someone who has actually been on the site (gasp!). All too often, guys just don't have any patience. I am not a model or beauty queen by any means, but it is surprising the types of mail that I get from guys. I mean, come on, at least take the time to read the profile. If you are looking for just sex, then I think the approach that a lot of the posters here say probably will work. Guess it all depends upon what you are looking for.

Why would anyone read the profile, it's usually just lies.

As the men are only looking for sex, might as well ask everyone and try for the instant sex.

As I said, I guess it depends on what a person is looking for. As for reading the profile, I guess the same statement is true. 5555

Let me give a bit of female perspective from someone who has actually been on the site (gasp!). All too often, guys just don't have any patience. I am not a model or beauty queen by any means, but it is surprising the types of mail that I get from guys. I mean, come on, at least take the time to read the profile. If you are looking for just sex, then I think the approach that a lot of the posters here say probably will work. Guess it all depends upon what you are looking for.

Taiwanese, Mandarin, English, and okay Cantonese. I have tried to learn bits and pieces of other languages but have not tried hard enough.

Any specific type you are looking for - woodwinds, strings, etc?

If your kids are serious about piano, I would recommend getting a real piano. Digital pianos are nice, but there are still some differences.

However, since you asked about digital pianos. In no particular order, I think that the closest digital pianos to a real piano are probably the following

Kawai:
CA Series
CS Series
MP-10/6

Yamaha:
AvantGrands
NU1
CLP/CVP Series

Roland:
V-Piano/Grand
FP-7F
RD-700NX
HP Series

Of the above, the top two are probably the Yamaha AvantGrands and the Roland V-Piano, but those are several thousand dollars each.

Assuming that you have a lower price range, you will probably want to invest in a separate pair of speakers. Most of the digital pianos in the $1000-$2000 price range have a good sound when using headphones, but their built in speakers are not so good. Not sure if you have a price set range in mind.

Sorry I cannot provide information on getting a piano to Phuket.

I really want a scooter, for doing trips, like to Pattaya, and grocery shopping, not to cruise around town. It's like a back up mode of transportation.

I grew up in Taiwan, where scooters are everywhere and have been driving them since a little kid. However, I would not recommend them for long distance driving. The small wheels and small wheelbase can make them pretty uncomfortable on uneven roads, etc. And, depending upon the size of the motor, they can be kind of slow for highway driving.

I like walking too, and Bangkok is very hot and humid during the summertime. However, if you are ending up back at your apartment where you can take a shower and relax in some A/C, then it should not be a problem.

Just be careful about walking to an appointment. In that case, I would think about taking a taxi or Sky Train. It is not so much fun to arrive at an appointment all hot and sweaty.

... or maybe some Cocktails at the 'Long Table'.

Near the junction of Asoke and Sukhumvit Rd's

Romantic, great atmosphere, not crazy prices.

EDIT ... they also do food ... but I've never tried it there.

I did not think that the food was that great, but as you say, the atmosphere is great and that made up for it.

I actually first read this as ".... bitten by a Caucasian lady"!! I guess the actual was not quite as interesting. But, to answer your question - no.

I know that there is a whiskey bar at the basement of the Grand Hyatt Erawan. They have a lot of different types of whiskeys there and you can buy bottles, but I am not sure if you can buy it to take home. However, if you can't, they may be able to provide you with information on where to buy take away.

Very few single east Asian women here besides tourists.

They don't really don't have very man job opportunities and can make more money in their home countries.

This is true. Out of the Taiwanese woman I know, most are here as wives of Taiwan expatriates. I am one of the few that is not.

I always thought the following was interesting:

If you combine the weight of all ants in the world, it will be more than the combined weight of all humans!!

I don't think many of us took him seriously. I thought he only wanted to brag and tell everyone else they were below him having Asian women and so on......

Well, his loss then.