Bangkok High Life
This was our Thailand trip back in January. I am probably one of least worldly among my friends. Christine easily doubles the countries I have visited just counting her teenage years. Andy is a world traveler, master of the hidden arts of award points programs, think George Clooney in “Up In The Air“, making friends with completely random people in his travels. Only Sam and I are newbies to Thailand, and we were luckily in the hands of pros.
Even before getting to Thailand, Andy gave us taste of his international travels, and how he puts up with his constant traveling for work at IBM. The truth is… the perks are quite convincing. Think restaurant-quality food, all you can drink liquor, beer, and Haagen Daazs ice cream. Did I mention for free? It doesn’t end there: leather sofas, no crowds, LCD televisions, integrated gate information as you watched TV, and showers if you wish. We took a glimpse at the secret world of first class airport lounges hidden away inside drab international airports.
Andy’s friend Lek worked at the JW Marriott in Bangkok as manager of the executive lounge. She was gracious enough to put us in a gigantic suite and full access to the executive lounge where food and drinks are available 24 hours a day. The meals there were so good, we were tempted to never leave the hotel. When we did find our way out into the city:
- Andy and Sam went to get custom-tailored suits at a local tailor. Some of the shop’s tailors were quite obviously gay men; it was interesing meeting gay culture in another country. The suits turned out very nice on Andy and Sam.
- I frequently get sick when traveling. My stomach is quite weak, so I approached the street food with trepidation. Nothing happened to me after eating some excellent street satays, street noodles, and Thai mall food.
- Andy took us to the electronic store section of a local mall. Imagine 100 booths and stores selling cellular phone accessories next to each other. Quite a different look at the consumer tech culture in another country.
- Thank you Lek for delivering some authentic Thai Iced Tea to us. It was quite a refreshing surprise!
- Due to Sam’s curiosity, we went to a lady boy bar.
Yes I’m putting the blame on you Sam. Upon entering, we were escorted to our seats. Luckily for me, I had a beautiful lady boy with me, and I had a good time chatting with him. Sam’s lady boy was more of a “man lady” who was quite rough on the eyes. After a brief time in the bar, Sam kept asking Andy and I, “You guys ok? We can go if you want.” This was so Sam. - Thailand girls have amazing legs! Arguably better than Taiwanese girls.
Thank you Lek and Andy, what a fantastic trip. The only bad thing is that every time we go to the airport, we think about the first-class lounge. Every hotel room we will compare with the JW Marriott. Thanks for spoiling us!
