The next generation ringing in the new year in this year's must-have preens

In the past decade, I started my first job (technically Dec 99), got married in 2002, had Zach in 2006 and Aidan 2008. In between, I moved to a different country, became a SAHM before changing career, started Mummylicious, travelled, made new friends and learnt more about God and His plans for me. It is only when I look back that I see how God has provided for me. I hope to learn to trust Him more in the next decade and to learn to pray more instead of worrying.

Here's to being a better servant for God! Happy new decade!

We decided to visit my brother in Bangkok and thought that we should bring Zach along and leave Aidan behind. Sorry Aidan! You can come with us next time when you're older.

Friday


He wanted to carry his backpack throughout the journey even though it was heavy (had his water bottle and toys inside)

We flew by Air-Asia and arrived in time for dinner at Mahanaga Thai Fusion restaurant (Sukhumvit). We dined out in a charming, romantic courtyard with silk ribbons dangling from trees and twinkly lights. The food was exquisite. Unfortunately, the minute I fed Zach his pineapple rice, he told me, "my mouth is pain". I immediately thought, "Ack! An ulcer!". He had a few mouthfuls of rice, then told me he wanted to go back to his uncle's "house" to watch TV. So, that was the end of a relaxing dinner. I had to entertain him, walk him around etc. At least he enjoyed his strawberry shake. The place is pretty child friendly though as they can wander around the courtyard area.

Saturday

Beef noodles at Chatuchak - one of the best I've ever tasted!

The morning was spent wandering around Chatuchak market. I foolishly thought that the market will be like the Petaling-street equivalent but I was so WRONG. Chatuchak is actually well-organised (although it's really easy to get lost inside) with shops grouped into their respective sections - pets, household, art, clothes. And they don't sell only fake goods as I initially thought. You can find proper shops selling proper ware.



Smelling the colourful handmade soaps


The Thais are extremely talented and I had fun browsing and uncovering the cool local designers. I now understand why people can spend the whole day at Chatuchak. Too bad the little boy was grumbling (BIG mistake not to have brought the stroller), so we headed to Siam Paragon for lunch.

Zach went with daddy and my brother to Underwater World whilst I happily walked around Siam Paragon. The shops were pretty much the same as the ones in Singapore, so I didn't get anything. They have a fantastic toy department though with kiddy rides and plenty of Thomas goodies. I made a mental note to bring Zach back. When I went to meet up with Zach, they had just left the 4D show. They lasted all of 2 mins before he cried when they sprayed water on his face.


Choc malt cake at Coffee Beans by Dao

We walked over to Central World Mall for some tea at Coffee Beans by Dao. The cakes are a must-try according to my brother especially their white chocolate cheesecake. Divine.



I bought the Batman costume at Chatuchak and Zach insisted on wearing it immediately. It was my best buy of the trip! Yea...matches his Crocs nicely.


Zach was getting sleepy at this point, so daddy tried to walk him around outside but he was too mesmerized by the Christmas décor to sleep. He finally fell asleep on the way to the German Beer Garden and daddy had to carry him throughout the dinner whilst he ate some pork knuckles and sausages with one hand.



So tired, he slept through dinner


Zach awoke after dinner and refused to eat a single bite. He dozed off again in the car-ride to Suan Lum Night Bazaar and poor daddy had to carry him around. The guys ended up in a bar somewhere whilst the ladies shopped. Suan Lum had many knick-knacks and I ended up with an FBI plus camo pants for Aidan, a pair of shoes for myself and bottles of lotion from a swanky spa/skin-care shop.

Sunday
It was a free and easy day for us. We shopped at Platinum Mall which is a wholesale clothes market and every shopper's dream come true. I especially liked this shop that only sold Mr Men clothes. But with a little one in tow, I only managed to cover 2 floors before we had lunch at the food court upstairs. The boy had KFC *rolls eyes*. In the end, the only Thai food he tried was pineapple rice.

I wanted to go for a spa session but Zach didn't want to nap without me, so I stayed at the hotel with him whilst the rest went for spa and coffee. Whilst he was still napping, sis-in law and I sneaked off to Chatuchak for a last hurrah, thinking that the market will surely close late at night since it only opens during weekends. We were WRONG, the market closes at 6pm. So we were rushing around whilst shops were packing up.

We met up with everyone at Ban Khun Mae and Zach excitedly told me about his thrilling "tuk-tuk" ride. I think the tuk-tuks were definitely the highlight of his trip. The restaurant was filled with Sporeans/Msians! After dinner, we strolled to Siam Paragon to admire the Christmas lights. I think that the deco in Bangkok is nicer than Singapore's. Zach had a fun time oohing and aahing over the toys at Siam Paragon. We took a tuk-tuk back and Zach went "whoaaaaaaa" all the way.

Train ride at Siam Paragon

Monday
Some duty-free shopping before heading home.

When I asked Zach if he wanted to go back to Bangkok, he responded with a resounding YES. Apart from not eating much, I think he enjoyed himself. I guess it's not really fun for him when the adults are shopping or sight-seeing. Gone are the days when he used to wait patiently whilst we shopped. The great thing about him is that he will only whine softly and not throw a full-blown tantrum, so it's quite easy to travel with him.

On the way home, I told hubs that I definitely want to return to Bangkok without the kid so that I can try the spas and walk around in peace. Hah.

Labels: travel