Bangkok Week 198

April 12, 2012

A fun weekend with the whole cast of characters, in Trad.

On our way to Trad, stopping at our favorite green lunch spot.

Mum and Dad's riverside hotel in Trad, with artistically-folded towels.

The view from their balcony.

All dressed and ready for an afternoon on the town.

Namwan is curious to meet the new foreigner in her home.

Lots of attention being paid to the new person. Or is it the food.

Hybrid family portrait.

Marouy ignores his new best friend.

Dad inspects Top's fancy creation.

They're speechless.

Some local ants have made giant nests in one of the trees.

Going for a late afternoon walk around the older parts of downtown Trad.

One of Trad's original houses?

Almost a perfect reflection in the canal that cuts through town.

Can they pass as locals?

There were lots of beds and breakfast in this area.

This building is leftover from when the French were in town.

Time for a late-afternoom romp in the shady house.

Dinner at Seafood Restaurant #1 of many.

The next morning, the kids take shelter under the table from the morning sun.

Namwan still blends in well with her bed.

Some beautiful orchids at the house.

Marouy doesn't yet know what's in store for him today... but he can already tell that something is amiss!

Holding on, as I go for my inaugural ride in the back of a pickup.

Namwan feels safe in mom's arms.

"Uh oh. Where are we going?"

Minor issue: dead battery in the rental car. Good thing the stars aligned and we were able to replace it.

Luckily for him, the Hot Dog had a travel bowl at his disposal.

At the fruit farm, mum wonders again about the appeal of the durian.

She's convinced that the underside of a mangosteen would make a good stamp.

Posing with the mangosteen trees.

Yum yum, fresh off the farm!

Dad's enthusiastic, but you'd never know it.

Namwan is also not sure where she is, or why.

Sitting around chillaxin', while Top fixes some wiring in the background.

Another seafood meal -- this time, right on the ocean.

Som tum, served up fresh.

She's very focused on the calamari in front of her.

All smiles after the delicious meal.

Ladies' turn.

Did you know that there are dolphins off the coast of Chantaburi?

Next stop was a look-out point not far from the restaurant.

We did make it to a beach on this visit.

Looking back across the bay, toward the mainland.

Standing in the shade, the sane people they are.

Clearly the sensible thing to do is take a family portrait in the sun.

Marouy's had enough of this nonsense. He's ready to jump.

The Red Block Building in Chanthaburi was initially constructed in 1893 A.D. when the colonial French army invaded Chanthaburi and set up military headquarters here.

I guess this is an original French cannon.

The French used this aptly-dubbed "Chicken Poop Prison" to torture prisoners. The chickens lived on top, and pooped onto the poor people trapped below.

The smell remains today. In our heads, anyway.

Now onto the shrimp farm. He didn't have any shrimp in the ponds, at the time.

The Hot Dogs take another drink break. Too lazy to even get up.

The dogs are the center of attention.

Last stop: the home and shop of the same family.

This girl played with her cat as if it were a stuffed animal.

Dinner at yet another seafood place. We got there just in time for the beautiful sunset.

Nice clouds. Little did we know that a storm was rolling in.

Nice group shot, by a surprisingly skillful waiter.

Two sleepy boys, after an exhausting day on the road.

The next morning, Namwan is still tired from exhausting day before.

Mr. Lazy makes it very clear that he doesn't want another road trip today.

At Wat Pai Lom, the chickens are free-range.

There's a moat that runs around the premises.

Picturesque greens.

In the middle of the Wat is a giant, modern stupa covered in sparkly glass tiles.

The doors were suitably ornate.

Everyone admiring the glass tiles.

Too hot to stand around for too long!

Another group shot, this time in the shade.

Next local experience: Wat Buppharam, the first temple in Trad.

There was an odd-looking wooden buddha image...

Which was motorized, and would chant for you, upon inserting a 10-baht coin!

The Wat was built in 1648.

Inside one of the buildings was a very old reclining buddha.

My new doo. A true bowl cut.

The giant wheels of a giant ox cart.

Lazy, sleepy Marouy has to sleep on the toes of a person.

Final lunch in Trad: back at the same seafood place as the first night. Much nicer view this time, though.

The restaurant raises its own crabs in the natural canal that runs from the ocean into the province.

All smiles, but sad to be leaving.

Everyone digs in!

Dad, what are you up to?

One final family portrait.

Bangkok Week 197

April 5, 2012

A busy weekend with mum and dad in Bangkok. Theme? Floating markets.

Friday night dinner at one of our favorite Bangkok joints, Seven Spoons.

The next morning, heading off on an adventure: to Taling Chan floating market!

Do they scream "tourist" or what?

Waiting for our boat tour to start.

You could buy tiny baby turtles to release into the water for merit.

And we're off! It's a 2.5 hour boat tour of Bangkok's surviving canal network, on the other side of the river.

The area was really interesting. The buildings were built like a normal community -- but instead of roads, there were canals!

One of the many beautiful houses we saw along the tour.

Mum is scared of...

... the thousands of catfish flopping around outside our boat, waiting for food!

Dad decides to partake in the madness by buying a loaf of bread to throw in.

In it goes -- all in one piece.

A longtail boat parks... outside its owner's house?

We stopped at a local Wat. Here, applying the gold foil as part of the merit-making.

It takes a lot of focus to get it to stick properly.

Honing her skills.

And the tour continues.

This undulating sidewalk was taller in parts, so that boats could enter the side-canals and driveways.

We also stopped at an orchid farm, most of which was ruined during the floods.

None of the orchids was mature enough to buy yet.

But some of them were already beautiful.

I bet mum took over a hundred photos at that nursery.

She's gone cross-eyed from taking so many flower photos.

Back in the boat, heading back to our starting point.

It really was a long boat!

Now back on dry land, we stop to try some classic snacks.

This woman sold squashed, grilled bananas in a sweet syrup. Yum!

"Hey, these aren't bad!"

A late lunch at Dalad, our favorite local Vietnamese place.

Reaching over to her personal garden for some greens.

Chit chat, chit chat.

Another classy meal at Greyhound.

The next morning, we're off to Bangkok Tree House, in the green part across the river.

The ferry ride itself was only about 5 minutes, but we had to wait a while for everyone to board.

Something on the boat was awfully funny.

You can see the hotel from the boat. It's behind the old houses in the foreground.

Walking from the ferry to the hotel, through all the green.

And now we're off to another floating market.

What are they so intently looking at?

It's a two-toned lizard, who's obviously had some problems changing back to his natural color.

The market was very busy, but it's still fairly authentic (and not touristy).

Stopping for some icy drinks.

They put laughing gas in mum's smoothie.

Stopping to try some jackfruit. Much tastier than its outside would suggest.

And buying some of our favorite Thai-style Rice Krispies.

This woman skillfully makes pancakes for my favorite Granny's Hair dessert (โรตีสายไหม).

Mum was intrigued.

Mum puzzles over a peculiar palm fruit.

Here's a fruit that's new to me.

Mum has her first drink in a bag!

Now back at Bangkok Tree House, getting the official tour.

Mum likes the stairs!

Trying Sunday Brunch at their restaurant, Reflect.

The table we sat at didn't have any chairs!

The amuse-bouche was a tasty paste on a slice of juicy pineapple.

Ready for his eggs benedict, after waking himself from a nap.

The bill comes on a leaf. Cute.

Reflect is true to its name!

We decided to head back to the other side of the river on a river taxi.

A view from the hotel's little dock.

Our boat driver was shocked when he saw the 4 people we intended to fit in his boat.

Mum's having second thoughts.

That pretty much sums up the ride.

Holding on tight. Also, we're pretty squeezed in there.

We celebrated someone's 60th birthday at Rang Mahal, the poshest Indian joint in town.

Everything was delish. And super filling.

Went out to take some skyline photos afterward. It has a great rooftop view of the Sukhumvit-Asoke area.

A huge ice cream cake back at our place. It had (the right number of candles)/10.

It was so frozen that it took three sets of hands to cut and serve.

A picturesque sunset over Balikpapan, Indonesia.

Finally! Our tickets arrived!

Looking through mum and dad's photos from Singapore, over some gins and tonic.

Patiently waiting.

Dinner at our default middle eastern joint in Nana.

Another delicious meal.

Bangkok Week 196

March 29, 2012

What a week! We move, we furnish, and we have two VIPs arrive!

After almost 4 years in our tiny room in Nomsap, it's time to say good-bye.

With all our crap out of there, it looks almost as good as when we arrived... except a little more worn.

Our life, in the back of a single (crowded) pick-up!

Let's hope we can organize this crap a bit.

First dinner in the new place -- with celebratory beer to commemorate the successful move.

The next morning, a crack-of-dawn trip to IKEA! Also, my first.

Never before have these two flags flown side-by-side.

This could be taken at Anystore, Anytown.

Lugging all our stuff -- including glasses and a full set of plates and bowls -- back on the BTS.

The finished product. Not too shabby. Plenty of storage!

The dogs now have a full couch on which to comfortably sit together.

Small dining area, and library area on the side.

Yay, mum and dad arrived safely! Prepare yourself for 3 weeks of exciting photos coming up.

Thursday night dinner in a papaya field. I mean, at a spicy somtam place.

Hot hot hot!

We'd better cool off with some ice cream.

Bangkok Week 195

March 22, 2012

Let's get a move on!

Celebrating Friday night with some quality Indian food.

In Paragon, there are 3 stores lined up in a row: Mother's Crepe, Daddy Dough and Beard Papa's. I guess this is the family department.

Self-portrait at Ratchatewi BTS.

Condos in a hotel.

Decided to go to the eco-materials exhibit matching the display.

This is super-neat eco-material jewelry.

So sad. Finally parting with my lifelong bed buddy of 27 years. No, really.

Friday morning rush hour in Jakarta, and the street is empty. This can only mean one thing: public holiday!

These poor people seem to be doing this everyday!

Bangkok Week 194

March 15, 2012

It's hot and steamy in Bangkok!

The hottest vegetarian lunch in Bangkok, at the Chula food court.

Our kitchen-to-be!

Our living room-to-be.

Wow! It's a garage sale in Thailand. How strange is that.

A hazy, rainy day over Jakarta.

Our new-fangled IKEA clothes hanger -- in preparation for no more clothes dryer.

Getting ready to go!

Bangkok Week 193

March 8, 2012

A true work week!

All the ladies of BCG Bangkok crowd out our newly-wedded colleague and his wife.

And aren't our gentlemen just so handsome?

This time, the ladies without the couple.

The door prizes were cute little animals made by charity.

Our very local team, at home in Jakarta!

Bangkok Week 192

March 1, 2012

"Bangkok Week 192" seems to be a misnomer. Should be Jakarta.

My week got off to a slightly-better-than-usual start with a flight in one of Thai's two Star Alliance Paint Scheme aircraft. (The interior was just as old as their other A330s.)

Headlights into the night in Jakarta.

It's the first time I notice the National Monument and Masjid Istiqlal (the largest mosque in SE Asia) out my hotel window.

Found a sneaky way to beat Jakarta traffic. Drive a fire truck!

Bangkok Week 191

February 23, 2012

A weekend with the doggies!

Rode the "express" train to the airport for the first time. The interior is more cozy than the local (which is done like a subway).

Someone drove all the way into the bus terminal on Friday night!

Namwaan is uncharacteristically camera-shy.

Further modifications have been made since we last saw the car. Now there's a giant growth coming out of the rear windshield.

Not quite the pretties that you'd normally see hanging off the side of cars.

Marouy is very interested in all the souvenirs that we brought back from Canada and Japan.

And both of them are interested in the dog cookies from Chris!

Namwaan ran off with the entire large biscuit -- paper sill on!

Marouy also expresses an interest in the page-a-day Dog calendar.

"Huh?"

And this is how he stays nice and plump.

These orchids bloom once a year. (That's 4 times as often as our orchid!)

And the propeller tree was also in full bloom.

Cooking up magic at Top Sound.

Two cuties, looking straight into the camera.

Pretending she's tall.

And she's stuck!

Sharing photos from Canada and Tokyo.

Perky ears!

An even bigger audience for the photos now.

What's so interesting down here?

Kind of big for a lap dog, but he can still pull it off.

Look! Namwaan is the same size as Marouy!

The Top-mobile at night. Trad's party center.

We're privileged to have another home-made feast!

Morning kisses.

What engaging company while having breakfast at the store.

Lazy Sunday morning, just lying in my PJs with my dolls on the cool floor.

Who's tallest?

Hot sun or cool shade? Hmm... tough decision.

Dog in a bag!

And SPLAT. She lands with her neck in a most uncomfortable position.

Bangkok Week 190

February 16, 2012

A quick dinner and wedding.

Friday night dinner at our favorite 3-table restaurant: Seven Spoons.

Finally cleaning my 12-year-old watch, link-by-link.

At a friend's wedding, they had the closest equivalent to Bridesmaids that we've seen in Thailand -- but they were asked to dance down the aisle.

The bride and groom were excused from the dancing. But we had front-row seats!

Bangkok Week 189

February 9, 2012

A busy weekend of dining and more dining.

Friday night dinner at one of them most popular Mexican joints in town.

This salsa truly lived up to its name, "John's super hot salsa."

These manequins are "dressed up" for Valentines Day?

My new little rollie! So light, you can hoist it up one-handed.

Celebrating Sittha's 32nd on top of Bangkok, courtesy of Mum and Dad.

It's the nicest Indian place in town -- but it is a little weird that they serve your food for you.

Ahhh! 32 years old already??

Back in Jakarta, I finally get a roundabout view!

And have now been privileged enough to have all three key roundabout views.

Bangkok Week 188

February 2, 2012

A busy, busy week! Friday was spent with Habitat for Humanity in Lopburi province. Saturday night, we stayed and the much-hyped Bangkok Treehouse hotel across the river. And then, off to Jakarta for the week!

We're off to Lopburi province for our Habitat for Humanity build! Our planned departure time was 7am. Some people arrived late. Then a downpour hit. So a 7:30 start wasn't that bad, considering.

Is Tak dressed like a ninja, or a true laborer?

At the site, after a 3-hour drive -- the extended family whose houses we were rebuilding had lots of cute dogs.

Robert is puzzled... as to why Thomas came dressed for a day at the office!

Got our work gloves! Now we're set.

Getting a briefing from the Habitat for Humanity staff. Look at the house in the background. See the water line at the height of the top of the front door?

The head of the sub-district greets our group.

And Pam (our head Partner) gives an intro, too.

Having the shade of that tent was a lifesaver!

Our donations will go to the building of a new house on this plot, too. But we didn't have time to start the construction ourselves.

Plenty of hardhats for those working under overhead work.

Our safety briefing.

And some warm-up exercises. Of questionable utility.

Also part of the warm-up: massage the back of the person in front of you!

The elevated row houses that our donations paid for. It will be three individual units for an extended family.

This is what I did all day: shovel gravel into buckets, for spreading evenly throughout the underside of the house.

This little boy was very hard-working. He helped us all day, by returning the empty buckets to the shovelers.

We were sweating buckets after only 30 minutes. Good thing we had so much water on hand.

My fellow dedicated shovelers, Keaw and Robert (also an MIT alum).

There was another group who had it worse-off than us: digging holes for septic tanks.

Working or chatting?

Time for a well-deserved lunch break.

The young men relax as they bathe in their sweat.

Pooped and hot -- but the ice on the head was quite refreshing.

The men in black relax.

Pui and I can still stand! Barely.

A scrumptious lunch, prepared by local villagers.

And lots of fresh local fruit, too.

Our support staff came in matching stylish grey.

The interior walls of the houses are made with these pre-fabricated fiber cement boards. The local laborers who were also on site were able to carry these sheets single-handedly...

...but we needed four people per sheet.

Giant trucks carrying sugar cane kept whizzing by.

A local ice cream vendor made a killing when he stopped by our site.

Matt (also an MIT alum) was really intrigued by the ice cream truck. He'd never seen one before! The kids were probably really confused.

Ice cream break for all!

This dog is wondering who all these people are at his home!

While we were taking our break, our little helper decided he'd resume where we left off.

Both are pooped.

Upstairs, some more intellectually-stimulating work was going on.

Ali (our chief organizer) was attaching walls to the steel frame.

Elsewhere, there was a much larger screwing crew.

The septic tank diggers are still going... but now, I think it's only the laborers left.

Ble, our IT guy, gets to put more than just his fingertips to use.

What a beautiful view they'll have from their new home!

Luckily, none of these hats were actually needed.

The family had recently had puppies! They were only 10 days old.

The mum was white, and the dad was black. Seems like it was a litter of 4.

This cutie got a mix of his parents' coloring.

These two don't look related!

Can I bring one back as a souvenir?

Before we left, the Habitat staff wanted a picture taken with my colleague -- who's a former soap opera actor.

More beautiful rice fields.

Could live up here! Reminds me of Bali.

The life of the consultant: always with a suitcase.

Still with energy to smile!

We were some of the only few who stayed awake on the drive back.

The rest of the bus was fast asleep.

The birthday boy gets a new aluminum Swatch for his 32nd.

On Saturday, we were invited to stay the night at a new hotel on the other side of the river. The ferries depart from a river-side temple.

The ferry is the easiest way for motorcyclists to cross the river.

Lots of students use it, too.

Here's one of the mighty Chao Phraya tug boats -- he's resting up before his next long haul.

Standing room only on this popular boat.

On the other side of the river, cyclists queue up for the next ferry's arrival. See the refinery in the background?

The ferry dock on the other side of the river is also at a temple. This one has a jolly buddha.

Here we are: Bangkok Tree House. It opens officially sometime in February.

Since it hasn't officially opened yet, we're the only guests this Saturday night. Still, they have freshly-made local juice for us.

We stayed in a "Tree Top Nest" -- a 2-story unit with lounge chairs on the roof.

The rooms have one of 4 natural themes. We got... an ant room!

It's a very cute idea, if you're not creeped out.

The ants are hand-made in Chiang Mai.

The hotel makes good use of mirrors throughout its property. This mirror is also the doorway at the top of the 2nd floor.

The landing at the top of the stairs is solid glass -- and the river is right below your feet (at high tide, anyway).

This may just be the most natural environment you've ever peed in. Don't look down!

The shower (on the ground floor) can open to the outside. They told us -- open or shut, whichever you prefer!

Here's a view of the 4-person family next -- with deluxe bathroom for all the world to see! (He'll put up curtains soon.)

This was going to be a tree house, until the tree fell down in a storm! So for now, it's a yoga area.

Here's the main lobby and restaurant (above). The bamboo hanging from the ceiling is leftover scaffolding.

The walkways throughout the property are lined with these mini-gardens -- which grow the restaurant's herbs.

Here you can get a sense for the maze-like feel of the property. It'll look nice once it's grown in a bit more.

Each unit has a rooftop bed for stargazing at night.

Here you can see his wind turbine. He also has solar panels, that heat all the warm water.

See all the herbs growing at the edge of the walkways?

This is the staircase leading up to the entrance of the Family Nest.

Vines will soon be grown on the bamboo siding.

Here's the famous swimming pond -- still a work in progress.

Hmm. Not sure if it's ready to swim in yet. (He's testing if the plans really keep the bacteria in the water at safe levels. Ultimately, the plants will only be grown in half the pool.)

They have bikes for their guests to borrow. We're off to the floating market!

These elevated walkways are a bit precarious. Don't loose your balance, or you'll end up in the mangroves!

Unfortunately, the floating market was wrapping up for the day. Here, a seller is paddling home.

This noodle vendor is still open for business. The market's not at all catered toward tourists, which is refreshing.

Um, excuse me.

You can also walk or bike alongside the river. (This is not the Chao Praya, by the way, but a smaller canal that winds through the area.)

We found a more major rode, and went for a peddle.

Here we go, through the jungle and back to the hotel. You can see how they've recently elevated all the walkways by an additional couple feet.

Lots of fruit trees (of many varieties) lined the paths.

A mesmerizing palm.

At night, we tried out the constellation app on the iPad. Success! It tells us that we see the moon!

The next morning, a family who lives in the house next door comes out to pick fresh coconuts for breakfast.

A giant lizard is out bathing in the morning sun.

We go for a stroll along the river. Quite scenic!

And wait -- is that a giant cruise ship looming on the horizon? Why yes!

A romantic breakfast table for two, overlooking the Chao Phraya.

Lots of fresh local fruit and juice!

That's a veggie sausage next to the omelette and toast.

Joey, the owner of the hotel, shows us the solar cooker they just bought, which will be used for BBQing at lunch time.

Mid-week in Jakarta, we had a team dinner. This is the biggest lobster I've never eaten!

Thursday is Batik Shirt Day at our client... so we're joining in. It's definitely a new look for me!

Bangkok Week 187

January 26, 2012

Happy Lunar New Year! (And BTW, when did that become the PC term for Chinese New Year, anyway?)

Hard to believe this night sky was for real!

Friday night out at our local pizza joint.

Care for a salad on your pizza?

The stylish apparel of the Information Desk girls at Paragon.

Did they convert this from a giant red Christmas ornament?

Happy Lunar New Year!

No missing the holiday inside Terminal 21.

Three shades of green?

Bangkok Week 186

January 19, 2012

Getting back into the swing of things in Bangkok... with a trip to Singapore?

Christmas is really over now. The Grinch is taking down the tree.

You have to feel bad for these dancers in pink, promoting a new restaurant in Siam Square.

A quick mid-week trip down to Singapore. Stayed for the first time at St. Regis -- too luxurious for my tastes!

One relatively unique perk of this hotel.

Imagine the value of this central Singapore property!

A view looking away from downtown. New condos going up in every direction!

Bangkok Week 185

January 12, 2012

Whoops!

Didn't take any photos this week. Whoops.

Christmas 2011 Week 2

January 7, 2012

And in this second installment of Season 4, the family makes the most of the new year.

My, what floppy french toast you have.

Having our annual french toast fix.

Since last time we've visited, Grandma's gotten a plump new addition to her apartment.

I could hug him forever.

Annual all-you-can-eat sushi dinner with Bronwyn and Andre.

The first Chevy Volt that I've seen in the wild!

The Nissan Leaf has a slightly more clever charging interface.

This arena at the Brickworks barely qualified as an ice rink.

From 1889 to the 1980s the Don Valley Brick Works was one of Canada’s pre-eminent brickyards.

This is the wall of a treehouse made entirely of recycled materials.

Now, the Evergreen Brick Works is a community environmental center with exhibit space and some pioneering architecture.

When was the last time they dusted?

More industrial atmosphere at the Brick Works.

Stairway to heaven.

Mao (or his slightly Caucasian cousin) is watching you.

Long and artfully decorated corridor.

Google would like me to label this face. Any ideas?

Who's this potato head behind glass?

A very neat depiction of the waterways of the GTA.

The parkland in the lower Don River watershed.

Time to bring Sushi to life! This candy shop owner was pretty shocked!

He's ALIVE!

Oh my.

Sushi made himself right at home.

See the resemblance?

Hmm. Can't tell what's puzzle and what's tablecloth.

Visiting Grandpa on New Year's Eve -- and getting a special concert treat.

Why, it's Keiko! And she and I are wearing matching sweaters tonight.

Dave tries his hand at Sushi's controls.

No, she whimpers silently. I don't want to leave.

She was right at home.

Annual reunion -- into which Sushi snuck.

Putting the finishing touches on the sweetest puzzle I've ever done.

How many hands does it take to complete a 1000-piece puzzle?

The sleepiest youtube viewing I've ever seen.

Now it's mum's turn to drive Sushi.

And Jasmine's turn.

Wait, who's steering this guy?

Great Chinese food on New Years Day -- with (part of) our favorite Chinese family!

Found another guy who's too busy chowing down to notice the camera.

Doing the leftover Christmas cracker. Is it really that painful?

Trying to melt the Frozen Dairy Product. FAIL.

The neatest addition to supermarkets since sliced bread.

Don't forget this important step!

Mum and dad ride up the escalator with their newly-adopted cart.

Swanky bread from one of the swankiest bakeries in town.

When they say "presentation is everything," they mean it!

Would you like proper SPAM, or just no-frills luncheon meat?

When Heinz says 57 varieties, is this what they mean?

Another revamped industrial site: the Distillery Historic District.

Faces waiting to be used again in the spring.

The Distillery Historic District opened in 2003 and today it is widely regarded as Canada's premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. According to its website, anyway.

And this was the last we saw of dad.

Mission #3: Another Korean dinner. Check.

These dumplings are eye-poppingly good!

I've been waiting all year for this Bibimbap!

Back in Bracebridge, one week later, ice has started to form and there's a fresh layer of snow on everything.

The bluest sky we saw while in Canada.

Again, Granny's too excited about her lunch -- this time, a quarter chicken dinner -- to notice the paparazzi.

Huh?

Colby's special RADAR ears can detect any piece of food -- no matter how sad -- within lunging distance.

Colby also enjoys Granny's bed. Or is it the mohair blanket that she likes?

Granny gets ready to see us off at the elevator.

More snow in Bracebridge.

And it's the new TV! We got the last TV at Costco in Ontario! WHOOO. Look, it's downloading software updates.

Celebratory pizza dinner.

No dinner at Euclid is complete without red wine.

And no trip to Toronto is complete without a healthy helping of Tims.

One drawback about the new TV: it's outside.

Painstakingly shutting all the doors for safekeeping until next December. Except that 24, which he'll leave wide open.

Lunch with mother.

One view that will never be blocked by all the new condos: that from the CN tower.

Spotted among the cheese and sausages at the St. Lawrence market.

These guys have probably had better days.

Back at Euclid, making the annual Thai dinner -- with ingredients left over from last year!

Dig in!

Is this spicy?

This is definitely not spicy.

Bundling up to watch their favorite shows.

So big, they need to sit across the room.

Visiting Grandpa in his room. It's plenty spacious!

Enjoying his kielbasa and seeing what's on the frame. It's better than TV.

Who am I, again?

Off for a stroll on a balmy Friday afternoon.

The multi-faceted houses of Toronto.

After hurling me down their stairs in an attempt to keep us in Toronto, they try to make it up to me with a Korean dinner. Nice try guys.

Mission # 4: Yet another Korean dinner. Check.

Why's she so happy to see us go?

He's less giddy, but still inadequately upset.

The veggie food on the way back was considerably better than on the way there.

Passing over ice in Hudson Bay. Spot any bears?

Christmas 2011 Week 1

December 29, 2011

It's another festive family starring in this 2011 holiday hit: "Christmas in Toronto! - Part IV"

And we're off to Toronto! Fine wining and dining in Executive First!

Glass of wine? This is more like a can of wine.

Mission #1: Get her hooked on the iPad. Check.

The ornament tree makes a re-appearance in Toronto.

A very festive living room on Euclid.

That mac-n-cheese must've been pretty funny.

Using his utmost concentration for the iPad. He hasn't thought this hard in a long time.

Now, trying out his undiscovered skills as a professional Citroen racer.

A creative lunch of rice noodles and shiitake. And funny faces.

The bomb of a birthday cake.

Present from -- can you guess where?

Egg salad sandwich on sesame egg bread. Delish!

Wow, is it that painfully good?

Why, it's hand-flappingly good!

This is not black-and-white, believe it or not.

Mission # 2: One Korean dinner. Check.

Cute coke bottles wait to be picked up for recycling.

These men have their mouths full of falafel!

Eating the middle eastern food, Japanese-style.

The great Christmas Eve spread.

The tree's looking nice and plump. With lots of gifts to watch over.

Sparkly ornaments in the setting winter sun.

How many guests were fooled into thinking that the Mexican balls were part of the artwork?

Father and son, enjoying the renovated room.

Too bad that room's burning down.

Annual cousins' shot - in descending order.

Whose kids are these?

Enjoying the presence of his eldest son?

Really creative vegetarian sushi!

Like father, like daughter -- equally blown out by the flash.

"Ah-ha-ha-ha. Look how I've worn pink every Christmas for the past 7 years."

"Why, it's me!"

A scrumptious plate of sweets. I'm still recovering.

Just grabbing some quick shut-eye.

Grandpa didn't get the memo: only greys and blacks allowed at holiday festivities.

"Woah! A really tiny plant!"

Which one am I, again?

Cute shirt from Bangkok.

A good one to wear babysitting.

Just like sisters. Except one is yellow.

Another Tomczak Christmas: an exciting evening of googling and yawning.

Mum's happy to have both her daughters back at her side!

Okay, that's it for the energy. It's bedtime for all three.

Do we qualify?

Enough yaa dom to last a nose a lifetime.

A traditional little Thai Christmas House.

Can you guess what's inside?

The Christmas gift of a lifetime.

Does he have a name yet???

5 little stockings, hung all in a row. These stockings, he'll grinch, will be the first things to go!

Sporting my Christmas Best for breakfast on the morning of the 25th.

Is Colby happy to see us? Hard to tell.

She's still not quite sure what to think. Excited? Indifferent?

He comes bearing gifts!

Granny leads us out of the Pines, in her festiveware, back to Chris's for Christmas dinner.

Taking a breather before heading downstairs.

Colby shows off one of her latest tricks. But -- is she excited about it?

Chris opens up her bright new shopping bag. Stylish!

Granny's amazed by the new quilt in the giant package.

Trying to hide from all this Christmas madness.

Granny opens her ever-resilient, all-weather cactus.

And the rickshaw made of a Thai beer can.

Colby's response to Chris's new dog calendar? "Meh."

Granny, won't you please share your orange with me? Please?

The annual Christmas Day drive out to the cottage.

Barely white this year! It's the first time in memory that we didn't have to throw ourselves over a snow bank to get inside.

But the snow that was falling was perfect for snowballs.

Here's the makings of a stir-fry dinner.

Is it really safe to stand on the ice?

This dog's out for some Christmas Day quiet time.

Favorable sledding conditions? Hardly!

What are they doing?

How festive. Pines and snow.

The table, all set for a proper holiday feast.

No no, Granny, that's not how you read a book.

Granny, can't I have some shortbread, too? PLEASE?

And then Granny realizes that Colby's parked herself there. Indifferently.

The Ye Olde Grande Christmastyme Buffet. (Complete with tofurkey.)

What a diverse spread.

A good test of bone strength.

Son-in-law abuse!

What a resemblance!

Red is in trend up in Bracebridge!

Colby's patience finally pays off.

The water may be flowing, but the view's still a winter one.

Wow. Does she feel sheepish or what?

The one time her expression changes -- to one of embarrassment.

Long-lost twins!

Movie of the season! Glad we could see it.

Dramatic striped sky over Bracebridge on Boxing Day.

Colby shows off her unbreakable attention!

This guy wasn't quite as unbreakable.

Shh. Don't tell Chris she got to join us for breakfast. (Oh, the things I'll do to win her affection.)

No, Chris, no! Don't put Christmas away!

The lights on the bridge are still visible in daylight.

And back to Toronto we go.

After one last stop for fine Bracebridge sushi.

Granny's way too excited to stop and look at the camera!

And these guys are enjoying what they're seeing across the table.

Trying to blend in with his environment.

The centerpiece of the AGO -- which we somehow missed last year.

Could sit and watch all day.

What creepy tree trunk carvings!

This ice was crystallizing right in front of our eyes. And made the clouds look like paint strokes.

I've been waiting all year for this (flavor).

Annual group shot! Although this year, we've added one!

Bangkok Week 182

December 21, 2011

A brief tour of Bangkok's Christmas offerings.

Paragon has changed its decorating scheme this year -- fewer giant red balls, more gold.

But all species can participate in the festivities.

This is the first year that you could take your photo with Santa outside -- sponsored by MasterCard.

Wow! Temperature suddenly dropped in Bangkok!

It's classicly tacky decorations at MBK.

The scary santas are back!

Tokyo 1 week!

December 18, 2011

An exciting, extensive, and exhausting one-week adventure in one of the most explosive cities in the world: Tokyo! Yokoso Japan!

And he's off to Narita for the first time that's not a layover!

I follow 2 days later; here, have made it to the JR-operated Narita Express.

I find the man at a cafe in Shibuya Station, enjoying Japanese-style French toast.

Voila - here's his very very compact hotel room.

These pastries in Tokyu look delish!

Shibuya is as hopping at night as you'd expect!

The masses cross the famous Shibuya intersection when the light says "go!"

Lots of people seem to be out to stroll in the evening, even in the wintertime.

Finally at a Uniqlo in Japan... but the stock look surprisingly like what we saw in Bangkok.

At Tokyu Hands, you can buy models of every Shinkansen train.

You can even buy model department stores and office buildings!

These are some really tiny Christmas outfits.

Shibuya's very picturesque at night, even in winter.

This group of tourists knew how to stand out in the crowds.

An overwhelming selection of Japanese sauces.

These cereal boxes all look familiar... but something's not quite right.

Dinner the first night, bought entirely from a convenience store -- since it was late by the time we were done exploring.

Yum yum, a natto roll.

The view from the hotel in the morning, while the moon's still in the sky. Prime Shibuya real estate.

I think this was milk I was drinking for breakfast...

A modern building right next door to the hotel.

Graffiti is universal!

My first stop is the waterside neighborhood near Mita and Tamachi stations.

As I walk toward the harbor, the Haneda monorail zooms by. It was packed at rush hour!

Canals throughout the neighborhoods near the water.

This could be a refreshing area in which to live.

One of the many mom-mobiles out on the street at the start of the day. One kid's already been dropped off.

Two Japanese-style clown bikes.

I'm pretty sure I just crossed this canal over at that other bridge.

The official rainbow pigeon of east Tokyo.

Christmas decorations were up throughout the city -- where you would, and wouldn't, expect them.

Aha, my true destination: the Rainbow Bridge.

The Rainbow Bridge (レインボーブリッジ) is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront development.

In the winter, pedestrians are allowed to cross by foot between 10am and 6pm; there are walking paths on the lower deck, on both sides of the bridge.

I chose the northern path, since the sun was too harsh on the south side. Here, a great view of the ports on the "Tokyo" side.

Tokyo Taawaa.

A river taxi whisks passengers downstream.

Another view of Tokyo's development.

Uh oh! A 5% is rolling down the street up ahead!

This brave construction worker performs some maintenance on the outer side of the bridge.

View from the Odaiba side. By the way, it's called the Rainbow Bridge because it's illuminated in rainbow colors at night, by solar energy obtained during the day.

Some of the latest attractions in Odaiba, plus evidence of nearby Haneda airport!

The rather quiet beach and Odaiba Seaside Park.

Frighteningly, this is a cat pet shop.

Did you know that Lady Liberty vacations in Tokyo in the winter months?

The complex Fuji TV building.

The building is the headquarters of Fuji Television, but also open to the public.

This robot thinks he's missing something... but can't quite put his finger on what...

Bike parking!

The Daikanransha, a 115 meter tall ferris wheel that's part of a giant mall complex on the island.

The shopping complex is called "Palette Town" -- perhaps that explains the colored cars.

Another interesting stop on the island -- Toyota's "Megaweb", a giant show room for it's latest and greatest products.

Here, you can opt to test drive any of it's current models.

There's a super-neat test drive track that snakes through the showroom, and the adjoining property outside.

Here, they demonstrate the accessibility features of their newest models.

Toyota's new plug-in Prius is cut open to show its innards -- and how it works, of course.

Everyone can afford to bring home their favorite model!

This was only the first of many "flushing toilet" masking sound generators I saw. Too bad it sounded more like a dying duck.

An ice cream vending machine! I tried the mint choc chip, of course.

Back on the mainland, it's lunch time -- and these businessmen are hungry!

One of many lines at the popular lunch joints.

I'm heading to Zojoji Temple, the head temple of the Jodo sect of buddhism.

There seemed to be a big event -- a funeral? -- going on, so I didn't get much closer.

There are many Jizo statues throughout the temple grounds.

They line the perimeter of at least 2 sides of the temple.

Next up: a treck up to Tokyo Tower, to finally see it in person. No need to go up though.

Cute souvenir socks... probably the least tacky of all the souvenirs for sale.

A pioneering green building, complete with tree design.

A more traditional Tokyo office and apartment building.

The neighborhoods around Tokyo tower are fairly commercial and otherwise unremarkable.

And so, it's time to hit the subway to check out someplace else. I'm pretty sure sleeping is contagious in Tokyo subway cars.

The Ameyoko market is a hopping area right under the Yamanote line, between Okachimachi and Ueno stations.

The streets in the immediate vicinity are closed to vehicles.

Hmm. Pickled octopus?

In addition to Bangkok-style cheap clothes sellers, there were lots of fresh food vendors too.

It was mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, but everyone seemed to be out and about.

Granny selects her dinner.

This seaweed seller seems to be deep in thought... or has an itchy nose.

Only the finest mikan for sale in Tokyo.

My big purchase of the afternoon: a fat taiyaki.

Here's how they sell fruit in a Japanese market: on a skewer, for 100 Yen. In Bangkok, you'd get the whole pineapple for that price!

Where two shopping streets converge.

Not sure what this guy's mission is.

A bustling intersection on the edge of Ueno Park.

A cute little girl hones her photography skills using mom's mobile phone.

Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, inside Ueno Park.

I wonder if this guy sees fewer people during the winter months.

Apparently, this temple is particularly popular among women hoping to have children! Hmm.

A real contrast of colors.

Winter in the park: the days are shorter, and the shadows longer.

The gingko trees were dropping their leaves all over the city.

Shinobazu Pond is overcome by dead lotuses who are patiently waiting for next spring.

Nearby, school kids enjoy the end of the day.

An old house, in a quiet old neighborhood.

Japanese Maples are also beautiful at this time of year.

One of the entrance gates to the University of Tokyo's Hongo campus.

Every university needs a co-op shop!

Yasuda Auditorium looks quite grand -- and almost evil -- in the late afternoon lighting.

Grand, ivy league-esque walkway on campus.

Reserved parking -- for bicycles!

Outside the university's hospital, taxis queue up to take patients home. This one's a hybrid!

Freshly made rice crackers tempt passers-by.

It's a bit presumptuous for this booth to call itself an "Official ID Studio."

It's bad news when a subway line requires a complicated key to explain how it works.

Hey, some of these passengers are actually awake!

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has a free observatory on its 45th floor.

Unfortunately, it's indoors, so there's a glare -- but it offers some impressive views.

Based on the buildings' sizes, you can guess which direction this faces.

Shinkansen chopsticks! They had 5 or 6 different models.

At night in Shinjuku, it's really easy to spot dad's Yodobashi Camera.

Shibuya's equally bright.

These are definitely the largest *real* traffic cones I've ever encountered.

Tonight, we're out to explore the seedier side of Shibuya.

This area is aptly named "Love Hotel Hill."

Hmm... shall we "rest", or "stay" the night?

Hopping night life.

One of the funnier billboards.

Lots of neat 2012 planners were on sale at book stores.

Our attempt at vegetarian dinner at a real restaurant: first, veggie tempura.

Okra -- okay, that's a recognizable vegetable.

Next, udon with a giant umeboshi and other non-meat goodies.

Excited for the non-convenience-store Japanese food.

No winter trip to Japan is complete without fresh mikan.

The ties that they use to seal the bags are pretty neat -- they snap shut.

The Shinagawa area is pretty bleak on a dreary, overcast winter day.

But luckily, Santa's here to spread some holiday spirit.

Some narrow little buildings got squashed in between giants.

The Sengakuji Temple is hopping on December 14th, when an annual ceremony is held to commemorate the 47 ronin's avenge.

Just like any other temple fair, there are special stalls selling all sorts of goodies.

I guess they're expecting kids?

The graveyard that commemorates the 47 ronin is off to the side of the temple.

It was still fairly quiet when I was there in the early morning, but crowds became increasingly heavy even while I was there.

Inside the graveyard area, each visitor first picks up a tin of incense sticks -- at least one for each grave.

Then visitors walk around placing one incense stick at the base of each grave. It can get very smoky!

There are other areas to place the incense, too.

Businessmen and grannies alike came out for the festival.

Some of the graves of the 47 ronin.

The temple expects thousands of visitors each year on this date.

Incense and offerings.

Another Granny -- who, perhaps wisely, came with a face mask.

More visitors.

It's getting smoky, alright.

A much-needed gang of security patrol, to keep the rowdy grandmothers and businessmen in check.

Special gifts for sale.

A fishing game for kids... except I didn't see a single kid while I was there.

Stopping in front of the main temple building too.

Near the temple, lots of traditional souvenirs for sale.

Here, sellers of hand-made bamboo wares. The man chats while his wife weaves a basket in the background.

Peculiar, and somewhat sad-looking snacks.

Not sure what this building is! Looks like some kind of auditorium.

A massive 5-way intersection in the Shinagawa environs.

Surprise! It's our buddy Tokyo Taawaa again!

Up in the Sugamo neighborhood, solar panels line either side of the main street.

This is the Jizo Dori shopping street, which is affectionately known as the "Old Ladies' Harajuku." That's not too far off!

I was easily the tallest person there by two head heights.

Oh no! Did a granny fall down?

A seller of glutinous rice balls is very popular... even among the elderly population. I guess their teeth are still in good working order.

Cute little charms.

Colorful Japanese handkerchiefs.

Clever socks, made specifically for wearing under Japanese sandals.

Another major Granny attraction... I couldn't get close enough to see!

This pickle seller is enjoying the attention from all the ladies!

Giant cabbage-seafood pancakes?

More veggie-friendly pancake snacks, with several different fillings.

Whatever this is, it's definitely an entire meal, not just a snack!

More Grannies out for the day.

People were enjoying hot, fresh fermented rice drink. So I joined them!

The famed Takadanobaba Station!

It's quite hopping up there now -- and tastefully decorated.

Nearby, the lunch line at a hot spot continues on the other side of the parking lot.

I wonder if the water level in this canal ever gets any higher.

My destination: the Toden Arakawa Line, a streetcar line in northern Tokyo.

It operates 5 different series of rolling stock -- some more classic looking than the others.

One terminal is in the middle of the street in Waseda.

It's just a single car, with minimal seating and lots of standing room.

The car never does a U-turn, so there's a place for the driver to sit at either end.

By traveling the length of this route, you get to see a lot of quieter, more traditional Tokyo neighborhoods.

These travelers have to stop and wait for us to pass.

When the gates go up, the people scurry across.

The other terminal is at Minowabashi in north east Tokyo.

There, there's a long covered market.

The backs of homes are quite plain.

Did I mention that this trolley is also a Granny Mobile?

Back in Shibuya, the game's afoot!

Heading out at night, to go do some explorin'.

A super-useful feature on the JR trains -- diagrams showing where the various platform exits are, relative to the train cars. And of course, it tells you the car you're in!

Roppongi at night -- even more hopping than during the day.

They say it's for rich foreigners, but we didn't see much evidence of extra effort to cater to farang.

A big duty-free shop certainly knows how to attract attention.

Why, it's our Tokyo Taawaa buddy again.

Did I mention that cowichan sweaters are one of the fashion crazes right now?

Overwhelming?

At most noodle shops, you first pay for your meal at a vending machine, and then you take the ticket stub to the counter to be prepared.

Here, we seem to have successfully ordered meat-free udon.

Perfect for a cold night.

A pristine zebra crossing, on a pristine city road. Not sure how they do it.

My new friends.

Riding a bus back to Shibuya. Only ever figured out that one bus line.

The next day, took a trip down to Kamakura. Here, waiting for the electric train at Fujisawa station.

It's 4 cars long -- two two-car trains adjoined. For most of the line's length, it's a single track. Trains can only pass each other in designated stations and double-tracked areas.

First stop at Hase -- the famous Daibutsu.

Don't forget to wash your hands first.

Have to say, compared to Thailand's giant buddhas, this guy was a bit underwhelming.

There were lots of school kids out for a visit.

He seems to lead a peaceful life by the sea.

And he has no lack of visitors.

Wow. I think his sandals might just be bigger than mine.

Unlike Thai giant buddhas, you can climb inside this one! They say the statue was cast in 30 separate stages.

The leaves were beautiful in Kamakura, too.

Especially with the right winter light.

Next popular stop on the tour: the Hasedera.

The Hasedera is a temple of the Jodo sect, built up on a hill overlooking the sea.

There's a beautiful landscaped garden at the base of the temple.

Visitors write their new year wishes on paper, and then tie them up.

At one of the many shrines within the temple.

Colorful flags.

The main temple buildings are up a hill, about 20 meters above the entrance.

Ornate decoration.

Colorful incense burn outside the main building. Japanese incense don't seem to have a handle.

But they are much more colorful than Thai incense sticks.

This reclining Tuesday buddha...

Is made entirely of corrugated cardboard! Cool.

The temple does afford beautiful views of the sea.

Under an umbrella nearby the observation deck.

Giant bamboo that are easily 3 stories tall.

Why not go for some more stairs? Up the Prospect Road we go.

Only once you reach the top do they warn you of the impending bees and snakes.

I find it very neat how the town wraps around the hill.

More views of the sea, and the mountainous landscape in the background.

Here, they show you what you would've seen, if only you'd come to visit in the summer.

This is a rotating book case... but they no longer demonstrate its rotating abilities.

Nevertheless, it's impressively ornate.

Sticky rice balls!

This is quite the warning sign.

A cheery statue.

Here's the entrance to a small cave on the temple property.

Inside, you can light candles...

...or leave behind tiny little sculptures with messages on the back.

I can only imagine the accidental domino effect.

Even photographing was difficult, because they were perched everywhere in the cave -- on walls, on the ceiling... it made steadying myself very difficult.

It took me a second to realize that it was unusual that I could read this message!

Outside the temple, a neat looking traditional building.

The seaside was not too inviting...

...but that didn't stop everyone!

There were lots of crazy winter surfers out in the water.

This ice cream won't cool you down, but it'll keep you coolish.

Heading back to the Enoshima Electric Railway, to travel from Hase to Kamakura station.

Apparently they still use rickshaws in Kamakura. At least, the tourists do.

Funny.

This stroller is not for a baby -- but for the big white lab walking next to it!

One of Kamakura's main attractions is a busy walking street.

You can imagine the woman who makes these dolls...

...and she probably looks just like this!

This fat cat's in the holiday spirit.

Selling umeboshi individually... and at 200 yen apiece!

Wow, this cross walk shames even Shibuya's!

This is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, an important Shinto shrine.

Please, no bonfires.

The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura, which has largely grown around it.

More stairs!

Not too many here, though.

The shrine used to house a 1000-year-old gingko tree, but it was uprooted in a snowstorm last year.

It's guarded by two colorful warriors.

A group of schoolboys collectively writes a wish on a placard.

Back in town on the shopping street, more colorful Japanese prints.

Now, I'm off to Enoshima Island, which is connected to the mainland by a long bridge. BTW, those dots in the water are surfers!

Here, a surf shop is open for business as usual, in the middle of the winter!

Japanese recycling is very complex. Not only do you separate plastic, cans and glass, but you also separate the plastic cap from the rest of the bottle!

This poodle's out for a walk in style.

Surf's up in Enoshima!

The early afternoon sun was pretty harsh though.

There were a small handful of fishermen in the area -- but I didn't see a single one catch anything.

Appropriate warning signs posted along the beach.

Here's the long walkway out to the island. You can also take a public bus.

Another Mom Mobile and her four kids (including the 2 in front) go by.

Once you reach the island, you find the entrance to a temple, the approach to which is on a steep hill lined with shops.

Freshly-made rice crackers, at tourist prices!

These two chefs are preparing mochi balls.

Here's the Enoshima Shrine, which comprises 3 separate shrines and is built all the way up the hill.

Needless to say, this one's going to involve lots of stairs.

At the first shrine, there's a special new year's circle -- I saw the Japanese visitors walking a figure-8 through it.

But if the stairs are too much for you...

... you can always opt to take the hill-side escalators up!

The temple affords a beautiful view of the mainland.

The walk continues in a little garden.

These flowers look like they were planted only the day before.

Still not done hanging the new year's lanterns.

Further up, an even higher view! Here, all the island's (fishing?) boats.

More wishes.

And still more stairs!

Finally at the summit -- where a fat cat waits to greet climbers.

This is as high as you can go, without paying to go up the lighthouse.

These two grandpas were so involved in comparing their photos that they didn't notice they were being photographed!

These two pups are eager to get to the top!

Another view as the sun sets on Enoshima.

Talk about having all your boats in a row!

Heading back to Tokyo on an express train -- it took about an hour and 20 minutes.

Back in Tokyo, some sculptures jump rope on the side of a national theater building.

Wow, this cake looks more posh than most jewelry displays.

Super excited by the whole- and organic- foods grocery store that we stumbled upon.

HOLY TUNA SUSHI! It's "for vegetarian"! The first acknowledgement we'd seen in the country that some people may not in fact eat animals!

Other people were more interested in the organic Japanese beer.

Omotesando looks beautiful at night with its lit trees.

To make matters better, we then stumbled on a vegetarian cafe for dinner! Too many options!

This fresh tofu salad was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. The tofu practically melted when touched.

This cute tofu burger was deceptively filling!

A giant Christmas grenade at the side of one shopping complex.

Wow, too many signs to choose.

The famous Harajuku station, at night.

Hmm. Those destination stamps that I attempted to collect 20 years ago are still being used!

This is the office buliding that houses BCG's Tokyo office.

A nearby river was very reflective in the winter sun.

These coin lockers in Tokyo station accept the same Suica cash card that works in all the train networks.

This taxi one-ups the new Prius cabs: it's a zero-emission taxi.

I came to see the famous Tokyo station, but instead saw the scaffolding that hides a multi-year construction overhaul. Maybe next time!

In the past 5 years, there's been lots of construction to the immediate west of Tokyo station, including several multi-use (mall-and-office) buildings. This is the Shin Marunouchi Building.

Of course, they all have their decorations up!

I found all the housewives of Tokyo! They're lining up for what appear to be eclairs.

Although Marunouchi has supposedly had a resurgence in the past few years, to me it just feels like any other posh downtown area of office buildings and luxury designers.

We saw many women out in their kimonos and winter kimono jackets.

Here's the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace. I didn't get any closer.

Here's ... a cabbage patch? ... in the middle of Hibiya Park.

Again, the leaves were beautiful. The more temperate climate in Tokyo seems to prolong the autumn colors!

Still waters + clear sky = near-perfect reflections.

This guy attracted the attention of all the photographers in the park.

Some photographers even abandoned their cameras to get a closer look.

He seems to know that he's the center of attention -- and the giant fish in the pond feel neglected.

A fountain in the middle of the park reflects nicely under the morning sun.

More beautiful leaves and pond reflections!

Why do Japanese Maples seem more refined than Candian Maples?

Here's the plaza area of Tokyo Midtown, a new multi-use development in Roppongi. Mika says that Masashi's former company developed it.

It's a fairly sizeable development that contains office, residential, commercial, hotel, and leisure space, as well as the tallest building in Tokyo and the new quarters of the Suntory Museum of Art.

Since small pets are popular these days, they have to make provisions accordingly.

There were many neat design stores on the top floor. Here, on the bottom floor, more classic Japanese fashion!

Here's something I'd never seen before: toe socks for JUST your toes (not your entire feet).

One of many intricate Japanese Christmas cards.

This Christmas tree...

...is made entirely of Santas!

Um... perhaps there are slightly more PC choices for the name of your chocolate bar?

These are chopsticks!

Very cute Japanese postcards.

Little dog parking over there!

This pair was just the cutest! I don't know if the girl belonged to the dog, but she certainly acted as if they were BFFs.

In the ground floor, one of the shops offers daily cooking classes.

Outside, there's a nice eating area overlooking a park. I had my lunch here.

This building is Design Sight 21_21, a design gallery/workshop created by fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando.

In the park, even the playground is neatly designed.

The dog's pretty excited about the leaning swing set.

These flowers were happily dancing at the entrance to a parking garage.

Here's Japan's famous Hachiko tribute, at the center of Shibuya.

Egads! This girl decided to wear Hachiko instead!

Keep up with the flow!

In Tokyu, Japan's famous perfect melons. Look closely -- it's up to Y8.400 for a single melon!

A store of -- you guessed it -- boxer shorts.

Here, nice fat fish are in the fryer.

Now we're at Sensoji temple in Asakusa.

Sittha's workshop is over, so now I'm not sightseeing alone!

There's a hopping walking street leading up to the temple.

Colorful osembei!

That's me!

Cute school girls, who could double as construction workers.

The entrance to the famous Sensoji.

The temple's famous 5-story pagoda.

This is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant.

Chinese tourists enjoy inhaling the warm incense.

Washing our hands in really cold winter water before entering.

LOTS of people -- both tourists and locals -- were coming on this Friday afternoon.

Seems like lots of people also come to just hang out.

One of the many giant lanterns.

No shortage of visitors!

During World War II, the temple was bombed and for the most part destroyed. It was rebuilt later and is a symbol of rebirth and peace to the Japanese people.

These two women came in traditional robes.

What a giant door.

This quiet garden on the temple ground is kept in traditional Japanese style. With an amusement park in the background!

Contemplative!

Giant carp know where to look for food.

Strings of cranes inside one of the memorials on the temple grounds.

One little boy just got off school.

This poor baby girl was being plopped all over the place for Christmas photos.

This snack -- a deep-fried bun? -- seemed to be a favorite with the locals.

Some more unusual Japanese masks.

This man expertly flips fresh Osembei at a rate of many pieces per second.

Aha! These stickers -- which I got as a souvenir in 1993 -- are still for sale now!

Some visitors actually use the rickshaws in the area!

I'm pretty sure this print is exactly the same as my Granny Costume!

Now we're in Kappabashi -- also known as Kitchen Town -- a street famous for its kitchenware stores.

Another view of the new Tokyo Sky Tree.

Cute little tempura chopstick holders.

This very neat store sells all the plastic food that restaurants use in their display cases!

He had almost any kind of food you can imagine -- and it was incredibly lifelike.

An assortment of sushi rolls. Getting hungry?

More fresh fish.

And your toasts, waffles, donuts and baguettes. Each piece was over 1000 yen!

I actually thought these mochi were real! (And was ridiculed accordingly.)

We found a nice pottery store, and brought back some small plates in this design.

This massive temple looks especially dramatic with the looming dark clouds overhead.

Back at Tokyo Midtown for its famous Christmas Light Extravaganza!

It was a sound-and-lights show that depicts some portion of the creation of the universe... or something like that.

For dinner that night, it's vegetarian bento boxes at home -- from the whole- and organic- foods store that we found the day before.

Mmm! A giant veggie sushi roll, and cute little soy sauce from the convenience store across the street.

On Saturday morning, it was time to move hotels -- via JR!

The Hyatt Regency was built in an era that bricks were hot.

And inside, the lobby is really quite grand.

Going back to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings for another shot at the observatory -- this time in the morning.

They represent their elevator services like a subway map, showing connections and express routes! For us, the yellow route.

Umm.... what kind of guide is that exactly?

Beautiful, clear views on the Saturday morning.

Looking east-ish, from the skyscraper area just west of Shinjuku... in the background, the new Tokyo Sky Tree.

And a surprisingly clear view of Fuji-san!

It's still pretty far ... but not a cloud between Tokyo and Fuji-san.

The Hyatt was located right on the edge of a public park.

Reflections in the adjacent tower.

A ball of... panda balls. How is this souvenir related to the observation tower?

The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, a 50-story educational facility in Shinjuku.

This new JR train is clever -- the seats fold up for extra people-packing during rush hour.

An exciting escallator -- with a flat patch in the middle of the ascent!

And it's Akihabara for the afternoon!

The giant bright posters went well with the gingko leaves.

An aptly-painted car for the area.

Bet you never thought you'd want to eat headphones!

Trying out a swanky new 3D TV in a big electronic store.

Wow! This TV was unbelievably thin.

My new tourist buddy.

Not sure why you'd be compelled to jump off the side of the escalator... but please don't.

One of the many cutesy girls who stands on the sidewalk handing out brochures for the various stores.

Colorful phones seem to really be hot right now.

Finally, you can have whatever pastelle-colored hair your heart desires.

These three girls come all the way to Akihabara, and decide that the tree is the most exciting thing to play with.

Pristine sky, pristine road... really, not sure how they do it!

Lots of people out to browse on the weekend.

The leaves on the ground really make it feel more like late October.

One of the big electronics stores offers free trials of the latest X-Box game... for all passers-by to see.

One of the many manga stores. Manga manga!

These mouse pads have, ahem, clever wrist rests.

Another girl advertising for a store.

One thing's for sure -- Tokyo's not a dull city!

Mister Donut! Finally we can try the Japanese grandmother of one of our favorite Bangkok joints.

And there are lots of special new treats to try!

I think this was a caramel pecan.

The shop also affords great views of the bustling pedestrians outside. And you can see what color is in fashion this winter!

Not sure what these flabby-lip guys are, but they're quite popular. I think they come from some keyboard characters: ( ' * w * ' ) ...?

Overly-friendly robots!

This bloodhound knew he was the king of the town!

He looks so at-ease enjoying a Saturday spin in the back of his convertable.

The Chuo Line local passes over the neighborhood on its way across the river.

A neat Sega arcade game -- very oriental.

Bicycles hidden off on a sidestreet.

This shop lets you rent private rooms and special chairs 24 hours a day to watch videos. I guess that's one alternative to finding friends.

Akihabara is really the place for all things electronic -- even components!

These wire cutters are for engineers only!

Anything a current passes through, you can probably find here.

Bye bye, Akihabara. You've been interesting!

Back at the hotel to check in, the skysraper neighborhood feels awfully crowded!

When we returned to the Hyatt, a wedding was afoot!

Our room was really nice -- modern, recently renovated. A pleasant surprise.

And we had a great view of the adjacent park.

The entire room was no larger than our Bangkok apartment -- but felt so much more functional. Could've lived there!

At Mr. and Mrs. Kanai's condo for afternoon tea. Here, I'm showing them photos on my iPad. The woman on the right is their half-Thai, half-Japanese neighbor who lives next door.

Mrs. Kanai asked, "Has Mike gotten larger?"

They looked just the same as last time I saw them -- at least 4 years ago.

At Iidabashi station, it's another funky escallator that levels out in the middle of the descent!

Again back at the Hyatt, living it up in the club lounge. It came with the room, what can I say.

Enjoying the Japanese perks.

At night, we're out to explore the hot areas around Shinjuku. Here's the affectionately named "Piss Alley."

It's a narrow narrow alley lined with tiny food shops on either side.

Most shops are only wide enough for the kitchen counter and one row of seats at the bar. Usually, the wall serves as a chair back!

As you can imagine, there were lots of aromatic, savory smells in the street.

Here's the famous Kabukicho area in all its nighttime glory.

It wasn't all red light material. There was lots of Karaoke, too. Unless "karaoke" means something else these days.

Clearly, it's another popular evening hangout!

This restaurant was packed inside, and had a huge mass of people waiting outside for seats.

The windows in this Karaoke bar were flashing all different colors.

Based on the pink billboard, we're not totally sure what this place offers...

These poor cashiers seemed to be forced to wear these costumes on the job.

A funky castle tops off this karaoke joint.

Even at night, crossing the street is a big production in this city.

Which part of Porky would you like to have for dinner tonight?

This pastry shop -- Beard Papa -- is extremely popular both in Tokyo and in Bangkok.

No shortage of magazines for train enthusiasts.

Enjoying a relaxed breakfast the next morning -- again in our club lounge. Thanks, BCG!

The view of the park from our room.

It's a bird... it's a plane... no, it's a giant butt in the sky!

Poking a giant eye in Shinjuku station.

Off on the Yamanote line, just a short hop to Harajuku.

A Sunday morning trip to Meiji shrine.

We certainly weren't the only shrine-goers.

There were lots of tour groups coming here -- both Asian and farang.

Squashed beer bottles?

This is part of a champagne donation scheme between France and Japan.

Trying to prop up the leaning gate.

Group shot!

The shrine is hopping, even in the winter.

More cold water with which to wash your hands.

This guy ... well, he just sits there.

Lots of people were following my lead.

Another gate at the shrine.

Cute kid out for a morning stroll, too.

These four Japanese women knew how to properly pay respect.

Colorful roof.

Natural walls.

Lots of placards with new year's wishes.

I'd be curious to know what they all say.

Why, it's yet another wedding! This one more traditional than yesterday's.

The bride... in winter wedding apparel.

The full procession.

Unrelated to the wedding, a mom and her son show up in traditional apparel.

In Harajuku, this boy is dressed more modernly.

The famed Takeshita Dori on a Sunday morning -- packed to the brim!

The first person we found in "cosplay" attire was in fact a westerner!

Quick, pick out the Asian in the crowd!

Shocked by the number and density of the crowds.

Another girl dressed up for the occasion.

What's under those clothes? Not much, I guess.

Clever idea for cute socks.

Hope you weren't planning to go anywhere in a hurry!

Menu of salads-in-a-crepe!

You need sun glasses to look at this girl.

More cute socks.

These two girls wore a different type of costume.

Espresso Tea. So strange, I had to try it. (It was warm, by the way.)

Yes. The shoes I've always wanted!

Yowzers. Now there's a radiant model.

Yet another take on the right costume for Harajuku.

This high-end boutique clothing store...

... is for dogs!

This baby looks like he was outfitted from that dog costume shop.

More Sunday shoppers getting ready to charge.

Fluffy little gal going out for a ride in her Sunday best.

These two lucky chaps get blue jeans and leather jackets.

Omotesando again, here in all its daytime glory.

A giant mosaic mural.

Now, at Ginza -- another great strolling area on a Sunday afternoon.

This family came out to take its annual Christmas portrait.

They block off the main street going through Ginza on weekend afternoons and turn it into a walking street.

There were lots of TV crews out, interviewing shoppers on the street. I think it might've been a game show?

In the basement food section of one of the department stores, we found this 100% vegan seller!

She's originally from Taiwan, but now she sells Japanese food and is trying to spread the gospel about vegetarianism in Japan.

Not a bad bento at all!

And we could eat it right in the middle of one of the poshest streets in Tokyo.

It's a good place to (rich) people watch.

Almost as crowded as Harajuku!

Another pooch out in his Sunday suit.

Two more interesting buildings in Ginza.

For good measure, one last group shot, Tokyo.

Back at the hotel to pick up our luggage, we run into the third wedding in 2 days!

I guess it's prime wedding season in Japan!

On the monorail to Haneda airport, someone is sad to be leaving.

Waiting patiently outside the Thai check-in for close to 3 hours. Thai really needs to revise its counter policies.

Boarding time: 0000!

Enjoying Japanese beer and snacks at the ANA lounge in the 1-year-old International Terminal at Haneda. Good-bye, Tokyo!

Bangkok Week 180

December 8, 2011

A cool winter weekend in Trad! And the Christmas festivities are really picking up in Bangkok.

A very sweet Christmas is in the air around Bangkok.

Meanwhile, in Trad, cooler weather is in the air, and Namwaan is in one of her winter dresses.

Marouy, however, has only his fur coat and ample natural insulation. He hasn't quite woken up yet!

He'll always take a neck massage.

Marouy knows when there are goodies to be had! Here, helping to unwrap a tin of chocolate chip cookies.

Off to the market (and the vet) in the back of the truck.

After nearly fainting in the back, he's given an upgrade on the way home. But he looks a bit squashed...

At least they can enjoy a view in the comfort of the main cabin!

Crazy hair!

Upgraded to the front seat. And if it looks like she's being strangled, she is... she's not a very good passenger.

Mr. Big Face here though is used to traveling in cars.

Back at home, a customer has his car in Top's shop. Check out the windshield addition that comes with a speaker job.

The speaker boxes in the back of the pickup.

And the detailing on the inside of the cabin doors.

After her bath, Namwaan needs some salon work to return to normal.

Lunch -- delicious home-made fried rice at the store.

Not sure what Top's got there, but he's got their attention for sure!

Uh oh! Namwaan in a box!

Recognize this car??? You might've once known it as a blue stationwagon!

Now, there's barely a recognizable feature. The front seats have been replaced with floor cusions, and the doors have sparkly silver detailing.

The rear windows have been replaced by a barrage of 12 speakers each.

Up close, theyre pretty snazzy. They have LEDs!

And they're sparkly silver. Note the matching gas cap door.

What detailing.

The monster in action, at night, live-advertizing for the shop!

Patriotic LEDs used only.

The LEDs bring out the sparkles.

Meanwhile, back at the store, the two doggies share a dinner (even though they're each given their own).

Patiently sitting around, waiting for customers.

Marouy comes along to destroy the peace. By hurling around his 50kg self.

This little girl's a bit calmer.

But she wonders why she's always being picked up by these crazy humans.

Meanwhile, poor Marouy gets an application of purple medicine on some long-time sores and dry spots.

It's almost bed time. That means -- one last energetic romp around the house!

Wrestling on the blankets to expend some nighttime energy.

Woah! A gourmet restaurant's worth of food.

Getting ready for bed: Namwaan gets her PJs.

Umm... the bed's for sleeping IN, you know.

The next morning, she still apparently hasn't figured out how the bed works.

But she's all tucked in and comfortable.

Jealous of the pajamas, Marouy decideds to try them on for himself. Too bad he can't see his image in the mirror.

One sleeps naturally, the other's eyes are being forced shut by fashion.

"Brother! What's wrong? I'll help you get it off!"

Using the iPad to look at photos from last trip.

And trying out a racing game.

Hmm. He seems to be waiting for something.

Even more food than the night before!

Happy, blurry diners.

Exotic dessert: sticky rice in jackfruit. Kind of looks like the jackfruit are eating the rice.

Um, Marouy, what are you doing?

Futile attept at tug-of-war. Although he was at a disadvantage on the slippery tiled floor.

Another exhausted evening... after having slept all day.

Reading on the dentist chair.

Namwaan really can't get any closer to the action. If we have any poodle hairs in our chili sauce, we'll know why!

Our office's nicely decorated tree went up on Tuesday.

Our building took a slightly more... ostentatious approach.

Bangkok Week 179

December 1, 2011

Granny crashed BGK's end-of-year party! And the annual Christmastime Ploenchit Fair.

BCG Bangkok's annual end-of-year party had a theme this year: Thai Temple Party!

But the party had a catch: "Traditional Thai" costumes required.

You will see that the costumes really spanned a wide spectrum -- although most were fairly "traditional".

But Granny crashed the party! Oh no!

There were lots of fair games, just like you'd find at a real temple fair. Here, throw sharp darts at the balloons!

Families were allowed, so there were a fair number of kids running around... but they weren't the only ones playing the games.

Here's Granny, taking aim!

Granny, with fellow MIT alum Robert (who just moved to Thailand).

Here's Granny with two of her kids, who joined the company earlier this year.

There was also a target-shooting game. Scary!

More "Traditional Thai" costumes.

Oh right, there was a dinner, too. Good thing Granny still has all her teeth.

Granny with another young'un.

Granny and the larger family.

What a cute office family! None of them is related to any of the others, though.

The Traditional Thai office laughs at a funny slideshow.

Our support staff came matching in 70s attire.

The two old farts! (Although it wasn't clear if John was going for Grandpa or yoga practitioner.)

And those whose costumes only materialized when they arrived and got scarves as door prizes.

All the foreigners (and even some spouses).

Um.... Traditional Thai hunters?

This group was a full extended family, complete with twin Mia Noi's and a maid.

Standing pretty.

Strangling the old lady???

How traditional!

Granny and our office's cleaning lady/ assistant.

More extended family and Granny.

Granny with the one son who's taller than she is...

...and getting pushed around by the same big bully.

One of our office assistant's kids is enjoying the gun game (a little too much, maybe?)

Granny and a colleague who lives very nearby her.

More adults enjoy some balloon darts.... a little too much?

More assorted Traditional Thai.

Our office cleaning lady and our IT guy's son -- who's just the cutest!

More makeshift family portraits.

Matching outfits and French spouses.

Another Grandpa! This one has a cane and a moustache. Can Granny borrow the cane?

(Real) families sit and enjoy some performances.

Pam, the head of our office, and her two Traditional Thai sons.

Granny and two fellow MIT graduates (the middle one's a Thai guy who was born and raised in Texas).

Another happy family portrait... comprised of three completely unrelated people.

Maybe Granny needs some pearls, too!

And the whole Traditional Thai office!

The next day, at the annual Ploenchit Fair, hosted by the British international schools in Bangkok.

A lunch of samosas, from a local Indian restaurant's stall.

This year, the fair was moved from it's traditional location at a riverside school to one that's as inland as they get!

A balloon dart game.... just like the one last night! Although this one's at a real fair.

Here, a balancing game... stay up on the surfboard as it spins and wobbles around.

The classic water balls... does this water look dirty to you?

The space was okay, but not as nice as the riverside location. Also, was it ever HOT.

Santa comes to Bangkok, but he can't stay long before his reindeer get dehydrated and insist on leaving.

No shortage of Christmas decorations... if only we needed some good tacky ones.

The same orgament seller that we bought from last year.

Cute skating Rudolphs.

By long-lost twin pink elephant is back, in a new location!

There was a painting studio and a coloring contest for kids.

And a local guy trying his arm at clowning around.

Some really quite pricy red cherries that obviously weren't selling too well.

Buying our annual raffle tickets...

...here's to round-trip tickets for two to London, donated by British Airways!

On Wednesday, Sittha went back to work for the first time in almost 2 months. There were vendors on the motorway.

Parts of the motorway had been raised (LH side) to be elevated above the water level. People and dogs were still parked and living in the center lanes.

You can see it's still flooded in the towns -- and how raising the motorway is actually effective.

At work, they'd built giant dikes to keep out the water.

You can see how high the water was, by looking at the dead vegetation and watermarks on the trees.

All these shrubs going down the median are dead now!