Ban Khun Mae (BKK)

 Here we are on Day 2 at Bkk, on 7 October 2018, after our Chatuchak Shopping of around 2 hours. It was time for lunch. Ban Khun Mae is located at the heart of the city - the Siam Square area - known for its authentic Thai food

 The prices are reasonable and food is good

 Lemon Grass Drinks

 Pad Thai

 Thai Curry

 Spicy Glass Noodles

Sticky Rice with Mango

Rundale Palace (Part 2)

 

The Rundale Palace is set amidst the fertile Zemgale Plains in the south of Latvia. Most of the interior decorations were created between 1765 and 1768 when a sculptor from Berlin Johann Michael Graff, and Italian painters from St. Petersburg Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi worked at the palace.

 

In the eastern wing of the palace – the Gilt Hall, the White Hall, and the Great Gallery – are open to the public. The central block accommodates the Duke's suite with reception parlours and private rooms, and the eastern block – a fully restored suite of Duchess's rooms.

 

What is a Baroque palace without the French garden, an elaborate architectural framework devised of green plantings that should manifest the triumph of art over nature. The park spreads out to the south of the palace, and Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed it together with the palace building. We could only see from a distance as it was extra cost and we did not have the time.

Rundale Palace ( Latvia) (Part 1)

 

Rundale Palace is a true treasury of Baroque and Rococo Art. Built as a grand residence for the Duke of Courland, this magnificent palace is a monument to 18th-century aristocratic ostentatiousness, and rural Latvia's architectural highlight.

 Such blue skies

 

Rundale Palace reminded me of Hermitage Palace in Russia – the settings, the paintings and the gardens. It is a pity as it was on a package tour, I wished I had more time to explore Rundale Palace.

 Our Guide telling us the story of the palace

 Ticket to enter

 

It was designed by Italian baroque genius Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who is best known for the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. About 40 of the palace's 138 rooms are open to visitors, as are the wonderful formal gardens, inspired by those at Versailles.

Burger & Lobster (BKK)

 All set for a feast

Burger and Lobster was opened in September 2017. Located at Gaysorn Plaza, just across Erawan Shrine, the nearest BTS station would be Chit Lom. From Chit Lom BTS station, it is just a short two-minute walk to Gaysorn Plaza.

 The menu

 Lemonade

 Coconut Drink

 Pat & Joan resting our legs after our shopping trip 

 

I have seen several Instagram posts of this place and wanted to try the food there, since I am a fan of lobster and seafood. Food was delicious, however I have to admit, the prices are not cheap. The lobster can be the same price as that in Singapore.

 Original Lobster 1500baht - we chose the grilled version

 Lobster croquettes @350baht

Spicy Crispy Calamari @250 baht  (Simply Addictive)

It was only when we returned back to our hotel room that night, did we realized we spent a lot just on food for our first day at BKK. It was worth it, at least we tried and we enjoyed the food. 

Tints of Blue ( BKK)

 

Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood of Sukhumvit 27, ‘Tints of Blue’ was where we stayed at our recent BKK trip in Oct 2018. A quaint place which gives one a rustic feeling. Pleasant and friendly and good service. I loved the morning breakfast – an option of either the local delight of the day or the western meal.  

The only drawback of the hotel is that it is an average of 10 minute walk to the main street. Transfer to the main road is free of charge. There is Tuk Tuk from the hotel if you wish to go out. However on your way back to the hotel, the Tuk Tuk only arrives hourly at an appointed spot till 10pm. Hence we had to time our daily arrival back to the hotels at night. We definitely would not walk the distance at night on the road. 

 Our bedroom

 Complimentary coffee/ tea/ milo

Photo credit - Tints of Blue website

Photo credit - Tints of Blue website

As a means to reflect the beauty of differences, the hotel decorated the rooms in seven themes. We chose the theme of Blues where the room was influenced by the atmosphere of New Orleans. The décor was a mix of French influence reflecting the warmth and fun of the local. A cosy three night stay for Joan and Pat.