Keeps

Yes, I think Australian cheese isn't great, certainly not crap like Bega. I'm entitled to MY opinion, contrary to what you may think. Turns out the cheese originally mentioned is from New Zealand, not Australia so my point stands. Think I also said that there may be some good local producers who produce something half decent. I'll check with you next time to ensure any future comment complies with your stringent guidelines.

Not at all petal, so don't be so precious. I can't help it if you are not bright enough to even know where the cheese you are eating comes from (or even spell cheese correctly in your above post). I was merely commenting that in my humble opinion, in the main, cheese from Australia isn't generally considered the best. Some Aussies may even agree with this. Your post alluded to the fact that it was Australian cheese. Is that ok with you?

If you think Australian cheese is the best you have had then I am lost for words. There may be the odd local producer who can muster something half decent but the majority of it is like melted ceiling tiles. One thing the Aussies are not renowned for is their cheese (not the edible kind anyway). Perhaps the excellent bread is detracting from the taste of the cheese.

If I'm here for a while I bring a good bit with me. Normally a bit of strong English cheddar and a bit of Parmesan. As arithai12 said, rimping other side of the iron bridge has a good selection, but it can be eye wateringly expensive. I normally stay in a hotel near suvarnabhumi for a night before my onward journey. The large supermarket at paseo shopping mall (not sure if it is a Villa Mart) has a good range and sometimes some bargains (reduced or buy 1 get one free)

When speaking to the owner of the apartments I stay at in Chiang Mai she said both companies we are speaking about take 30 percent so they actively encourage a direct booking. Sometimes though the staff at a hotel when you contact them directly do not have the authority to match the deals on offer via these booking sites so take the easy option. If you turn up with your hotel voucher they cannot quibble.

Both owned by the same company apparently? Limited experience of booking.com was similar prices but I assume due to my loyalty with Agoda, I got better deals with Agoda. I quite like the redeem cash back with Agoda which I seem to get with almost every booking. Sometimes it's a couple of quid but other times, if I've stayed somewhere for two weeks or so it's enough to book a hotel room in Bangkok near the airport for a night before an onward trip which suits me perfectly. As I recall, booking.com rewards were equivalent to one free night as a reward (in selective hotels, subject to availability) for every 10 nights booked. Agoda works for me personally but I have used them extensively over the years.

Somebody doesn't get sarcasm or is being a knob and I strongly suspect who that is.

Totally agree. Have made well over 200 bookings with Agoda and not once experienced a problem. I have had hotels recommend going via Agoda when trying to extend a stay as they are not prepared/able to match the price. Also, I have a regular apartment I stay at in Chiang Mai who will always do me a 'tickle' beneath the Agoda price despite it being less than half the standard price quoted on their own website. The other plus point with Agoda is I accumulate cash to redeem and get VIP prices and upgrades.

I think it's great when they start to sweat and black dye starts running down their forehead. Somebody discreetly mentions it and they are desperately trying to mop it up. Lost all mine in my early 20's - what a game of cards that was. Never played since.

I absolutely love your pragmatism Bob.

I am not a committee member so not best placed to comment. Do you feel you could make a difference? Do you actually want to make a difference? Are there major problems you want to or could fix? If none of the above you could be opening yourself up to a whole world of pain.

I would send a fax or telegram if I want people to know what I'm up to - which I don't.

I'm with you on that stoner. Instabook and facegram or whatever they are called are for 12 year old girls. Why would you want everyone to know what nefarious shenanigans you are up to?

Thank you OneMoreFarang and soi3Eddie for the responses I was looking for. Much appreciated. Still don't know how to copy your @monikers without quoting your posts.

As per my question above yours, isn't the price higher for jewellery than the advertised price which I assume is the ingot rate? I'm not being facetious, I would appreciate a clarification that this is the case.

Consider yourself lucky that you don't have Parkinson's. You would end up with half a pint every time you pour a glass. On the other hand, if you fancy a tug, it can be a bonus. I know - I'm going to hell....

Am I correct in thinking that the price per baht shown on the digital boards inside/outside shops is the 'bullion/ingot' price? It can often fluctuate by a few hundred, even thousand(s) baht from time to time. There is a premium applied to buying necklaces/bracelets/rings etc due to the workmanship involved? When selling/upgrading an item of jewellery I assume you get the bullion/ingot price minus the 'spread' (usually around 100 baht). Also, in response to one of the OP questions - Thais love a bit of gold. They view it as money in the bank. When times are hard, very easy to pawn/sell an item. Tends to hold it's value very well and most likely increase over time.

Just cooking this at the moment. Cumberland ring. Will fry some onions in the sausage fat and have some (or all) in a baguette with English mustard. Then probably a trip to the hospital tomorrow to have my arteries scraped clean. It is Saturday though......

If Rod Hull had his hand up it's arse it was emu. If Bernie Clifton was riding around on it then it was ostrich. Sadly, this is what counted as prime time Saturday night entertainment in the UK during the 70's and 80's.

Are you going to give us a clue who the other two are? I have my strong suspicions.......

Nice to see the Dutch stepping in and taking a bit of heat off of everyone else

How can a topic swerve so off piste? Yes, you can take it back. I do 3 times a year and much worse from a pungency point of view. I've been pulled by customs (got one of them faces) and no problems. Triple bag it and tuck it away in your suitcase.

Personal experience bignok?

No you don't.

That's 2 out of the half a dozen you know