Thani Talk 2016 September

N

S )

*

N

R

Thani Talk

2016

Serving the Nonthaburi community and suppor$ng local chari$es since 1994

Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

COVER STORY Tips for Newbies, Volunteer Opps Page 10-19

PEOPLE ProďŹ le: Mare Harvey Page 34

TRAVEL Taiwan: Island Tour Page 44

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

About NNR & Thani Talk

NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as hosting an annual charity bazaar. We host monthly socials and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.

Connect with NNR NNR Guide

Facebook.com/nnrthailand

Thani Talk Ad Rates

1 page

Issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

19 x 26.5 cm.

3000 baht

1/2 page 19 x 13 cm.

1,800 baht

1/4 page 9 x 13 cm.

1000 baht

• • • •

https://sites.google.com/site/ nnrguide

Rates per issue, discount for annual ad.

Based on space availability.

Deadline for all ads is the 10th of each month.

Contact nnradverts@yahoo.com for more information

DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee.

NNR BOARD 2016-2017 Chairperson

Henrietta Bullinger

Hbullinger@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson

Sally Elliott

Treasurer

Livonia Winkles

Activity/Tour Coordinators

Susanne Rodrigues Elizabeth Bredin

092-458-3505

suratoru@yahoo.co.uk esbredin@gmail.com

NNR Socials

Denise Warta

090-013-8490

cdwarta@yahoo.com

nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com

Charity and Volunteer Wanda Grove Coordinators Sandra Wilson

091-884 9335

Advertisements

Laura Sadowski Ginny Condra

089-924-5306

Thani Talk News Team

Liz Lu (Editor) Catherine Miller (Proofreader)

nnrnews@gmail.com

Distribution Coordinator

Shana DeHaven

sdehaventhai@hotmail.com

NNR November Bazaar : Barb Lewis (Coordinator)

2

wandagrove14@gmail.com nnradverts@yahoo.com

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Contents & Calendar of Events

Le er from the NNR President Sawadeekha. Welcome to Nichada if you are a new arrival, welcome home if you are returning after the summer.

My name is Henrietta Bullinger. I am the new chair of NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach). My husband, Lakhdeep, works for the World Bank, and we have two sons in high school at ISB. We moved from India two years ago. Our home base is Washington DC. NNR is here to get you connected. We are a volunteer group dedicated to serving our community and supporting local charities.

Everyone who lives in Nichada, as well as those immediately outside, is automatically a member of NNR. There are no membership dues. We host a social and a tour every month and

organize an annual bazaar to raise money for local Thai charities.

This is the first of 8 issues of our Thani Talk magazine this year. TT is delivered free of charge to everyone who lives in Nichada and usually arrives in the first few days of the month. You can also access TT online. Please also check out our online guide, loaded with tons of information for our community members. We also have an online calendar to keep you abreast of activities in and around Nichada and in Bangkok.

Our first event is a Welcome Coffee on Friday September 9. Shana Dehaven is hosting this at her house at 771 Baan Rim Lake from 10 am to 12 noon. Please come and bring a friend.

Several local restaurants will be offering yummy bites thanks to the organizational skills of Denise Warta, our NNR social coordinator.

Henrietta Bullinger

Inside This Issue

NNR & Community Events Sept. 3

Welcome Back Party, Secret Garden

Sept. 9

NNR Welome Back Coffee

NNR Tour: National Museum Bangkok 5

Sept. 10

Living in Bangkok, Bumrungrad Hosp.

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

10

Sept. 11

Strings & Grapes, Neilson Hays Library

Cover Story: Volunteering Opps

15

Sept. 14

NNR Tour, National Museum Bangkok

Fitness, Tutors

20

Sept. 18

Soroptomist Fundraiser, Dusit Thani

Grapevine Tips

24

Sept. 24

BAMBI Yard Sale, St. Andrews

Highlights: NNR Socials

30

Highlights: NNR May Tour

31

PEOPLE: Profile Mare Harvey

34

Community News

38

Travel: Taiwan

44

Restaurant Review

49

NNR Social: Welcome Back Coffee

4

Cover photo by Ibolya Jeszenszky Facebook: www.facebook.com/tenrupeach/ Website: www.tenrupeach.smugmug.com 3

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

NNR Social

NNR September Social

Welcome Back Coffee

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 10AM-12PM 771 BAAN RIM LAKE, (Shana DeHaven’s home) “Welcome” to all our new Nonthaburi residents and “Welcome Back” to all those returning from summer holidays, either locally or around the globe.

We always begin the new school year with a “Welcome Back” Coffee Morning, so please come and meet some new people and/or catch up with old friends.

There will be representatives from many of the organizations and clubs from around the area that you may find interesting. Local restaurants and bakers will be providing food and drink.

For more information please contact: Denise Warta at cdwarta@yahoo.com Denise Warta NNR Social Chair

4

NNR Tour

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

NNR Tour: Sept. 14 Na$onal Museum Bangkok Guided Tour

Date: Wednesday, 14 September 2016 Time: Meet at 7:30am Where: ISB, front of Chevron Theatre Cost: 600THB (includes museum entrance, guided tour and transportation) To sign up : Please email Elizabeth at: esbredin@gmail.com Space is limited to 12 participants

The National Museum Bangkok is located near the Grand Palace in the historic royal district known as Rattanakosin Island. The museum is on the site of the former Wang Na--the deputy king’s palace and is the largest museum of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Opened in 1928, National Museum Bangkok houses beautiful and diverse exhibits including sculptural treasures from Thailand and SE Asia, elephant howdahs, royal furnishings, weapons, porcelain, musical instruments, spectacular funerary chariots and a consecrated chapel with beautiful antique mural paintings of the life of Buddha.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water. Not all of the rooms are air-conditioned, so please wear light clothing. We ask that you be respectful of the culture, as we are entering one the most important landmarks in the country--no exposed shoulders and please cover your knees.

The 2-hour NNR tour will be in English.

Following the tour, we stroll through a nearby amulet market, and have a coffee or light lunch in a neighbouring cafĂŠ (self-pay).

Susanne Rodrigues and Elizabeth Bredin, NNR Tour Coordinators

5

6

7

8

9

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Welcome to the Land of Smiles!

A happy welcome to all our readers!

Welcome back home, or for the newbies, welcome to the Land of Smiles.

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), now in its 22nd year, was founded to help friends and neighbors transition smoothly to their host country and a new culture. Thani Tallk started out as a few pages of photocopied sheets stapled together. It is now a 52-page monthly magazine packed with news keeping you up to date on what is happening in our community. The many ads offer information about helpful services and products that will make your life easier. The ads also make it possible for NNR to support scores of charities in Nonthaburi.

Each September, the first issue of Thani Talk provides timely tips to help newcomers settle in. Thani Talk is available online, so be sure to check out archive editions at issuu.com/ nnrthanitalk. See page 11 for special editions that may be of interest to you.

Don’t forget about Facebook resources such as Expats of Pakkret, Expats of Nichada, Nichada Expats Yard Sale, Bangkok Expats, and NNR’s own Facebook page “Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach—NNR”.

If you want to explore our Pakkred neighborhood, there is now a Nonthaburi edition of the famous Nancy Chandler illustrated map. This special edition debuted only a few months ago and can be purchased at Villa supermarket in Nichada.

In this issue, we introduce you to After the Boxes, a program for newcomers (pp. 12-13) as well as a word of caution about telemarketers hawking financial services to expats. (p. 14).

Finally, one of the best ways to feel at home in your new community is to get involved and help others. This issue of Thani Talk lists a host of local charities (pp. 15-19) that need your help.

Jump right in!

Liz Lu Editor, Thani Talk

Bangkok Guide: Best Compass for Living in Thailand The brand new edition of the famous Bangkok Guide is available in Asia Books and Kinokuniya. Now in its 20th edition, the must-have reference guide is regarded by many expatriates as the ultimate handbook for settling in, and finding one’s way around the greater Bangkok area, The first edition was published by ANZWG (Australian and New Zealand Women’s Group) 45 years ago, and the thoroughly researched and highly useful publication has earned a solid reputation as the best guidebook around.

Employers often give the Bangkok Guide to new hires who are moving to Thailand, oftentimes even before they leave their home countries. The Guide is updated every 2 to 3 years.

Newcomers, be sure to check out the helpful section on hiring household staff. Also handy is a table listing wheelchair and stroller-accessible Skytrain stations.

An electronic edition of the Guide will be available as Bangkok Guide: Relocation Essentials e-book, which will be available on Amazon.com and iTunes.

10

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

ARCHIVE Issues of Thani Talk, Available at

issuu.com/nnrthanitalk Check out Tips for Newcomers in these issues: September 2012 (Tips on Ge ng Se led) September 2013 (Medical Resources) September 2014 (NNR’s 20th Anniversary) September 2015 (Interna#onal Clubs Serving Expats)

Cover Stories of Special Interest April 2014 (Meet Our Muslim Neighbors) December 2014 (10th Anniversary of Asian Tsunami) November 2015 (Sports Roundup) December 2015 (Worshipping Side by Side in Harmony) March 2016 (Libraries of Bangkok) April 2016 (Overview of Massage Venues) May 2013 - 2016 (Farewell Issues) February 2014 - 2016 (Travel Issues)

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

11

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

ALer the Boxes: A Helping Hand for Newcomers After the Boxes is a free 7-week program beginning every August, offered to newcomers of the Nichada community. The purpose of the program is to provide new Nichada residents with support and information while encouraging them through their transition.

The group meets weekly for 6-7 weeks, exploring a different trip around the greater Bangkok area each week. It is also an opportunity to meet new friends and discuss the challenges and rewards of living in Thailand.

Started almost 10 years ago, After the Boxes is supported and sponsored by the Chaengwattana Community Church (CCC) located here in Nichada. The women who lead this program, opening their homes and assisting with the outings, are from CCC or a previous After the Boxes group.

Each fall, we have 50-80 new people participate in the After the Boxes program! This year the group is led by a team of four women who themselves have only been here one year each, but feel they can give a fresh viewpoint and show how much you can learn after only one year! The leaders are Kelley Weg, Lisa Burlas, Liz Lazich, and Kelly Poret. The best way to get to know your new home and meet new friends is to join After the Boxes!

Kelley Weg

For more information, please contact atb@cccthailand.org 12

“I would sum up my experience with ATB as, A guiding hand for someone who's new and is " feeling totally overwhelmed in a new environment.’”

- Elinna Bahrin

(Above) Shana DeHaven (3rd from rt.) leads a tour of Sichaitong Village just outside of Nichada. (Opposite page) Walking tour of Sichaitong followed by (Below) lunch at Sudathai restaurant in the neighborhood.

“We instantly had all the information we needed, from how to get to Central on the golf cart, to how to order frozen margaritas from Que Pasa, and everything else essential to living successfully in Nichada" .

- Cara Mayega

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

" “ATB is a great program. Friendly group of people who impart valuable practical information for someone fresh off the boat.”

-Vartika Bawa

A multitude of golf carts indicates a fun event, like After the Boxes, is in session!

" “It was a great experience and helped me to get familiar with places here. At the same time, I got to meet new friends and learn about a different culture."

-Nee-nee Goh

“I would recommend this program to anyone new to Nichada, because it not only provided a wealth of information to help adapt to life in Bangkok, but also enabled me to meet many new people and make some easy connections."

-Naomi Lapine

13

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Cau$onary Tale for Expats Caveat Emptor When Telemarketers Call

I met with the IFA, and he explained how all my dreams could come true. He said that he could help me, as an expat, take advantage of a unique opportunity: off shore investments. Although the term “off shore investments” sounds shady, and sometimes is, the fact is that for most people it is perfectly legal. This advisor was offering me the opportunity to invest with Hansard, a company based on the Isle of Mann, in the UK. He explained all the advantages of investing with a company like this. Whatever doubts I had were casually brushed aside, and I signed up.

Twelve years later, I realized I hadn’t heard from my IFA in years. I was quietly putting money into these investments month after month. But when I checked my investments a few months ago, I was surprised that they were worth basically the same that I had put into it. I hadn’t earned anything. At around the same time that I made these off shore investments, I also opened a college savings account (529 plan), and that investment is up about 40%. What was going on?

14

With my IFA missing in action I began to pester Hansard and do my own research. Here is the reality of what happened. The IFA that called me is a company that specifically targets expats.

Their name is LSA-Africa, but there are dozens of these companies in Bangkok as well. I was their ideal target: young, naïve, and with more money in my pocket than I was used to. They sign us up with off shore investment companies like Hansard (there are many others). They claim a healthy commission from the company. This is why they soon disappear. They’ve already made their money. As for the investment company, they deduct a steady stream of fees and commissions.

At present, Hansard is collecting more than $4,000 a year in fees. It’s no wonder I am not profiting. Whatever profit I would make is going into the pockets of brokers, agents, advisors, fund managers, etc. To quote the sleazy brokers from the movie Trading Places, “No matter whether our clients make money or lose money, we get the commissions.” This is the reality of these off-shore investments.

Now knowing how bad this deal is, I of course wanted to get out and take my money elsewhere. Not so fast. The deal I signed says I would forfeit my first two years’ contributions if I left before my contract ended. I am continuing to argue with Hansard, but since this is their business model, I can’t imagine they will back down.

This is a cautionary tale to the new expats in town. Sooner or later your phone will ring, and it will be a smooth talking IFA calling you “just to have a chat about your future”. I am not qualified to offer financial advice to anyone, but if one of these guys call, I suggest politely hanging up.

John Marinos Aplanfortomorrow.com

gmhun.net

This is the time of year when we welcome new faces to our community. For some of them, this is their first job overseas; their first time being an expat. It’s an exciting time. I remember when I first became an expat. It was about 12 years ago when my family and I moved to Kenya. I enjoyed everything about living overseas. I have to admit I also enjoyed the salary and lifestyle that came with working as an expat. So, when I was first called by an independent financial advisor (IFA) I was intrigued.

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Volunteering Opportuni.es NNR Team Matches Volunteers with Chari#es I’m from Washington, D.C., and I moved to Thailand in 2014. I started volunteering at local orphanages before signing up to co-chair NNR’s Charity and Volunteers Coordination Committee with Jennifer Skobel. I thank Jennifer for all her contributions to the community as she prepares to move to Malaysia.

At the same time, I’d like to welcome my new co-chair Sandra Wilson. Sandra and I look forward to helping you find volunteering work that fit your interests and schedule, and which you will find rewarding.

We are also the receiving station for donations to local charities. If you’d like to donate to any of the charities listed below, or other groups featured in the following pages, please feel free to contact me at: wandagrove14@gmail.com.

I was born and raised in Germany and moved to the United States after marriage.

Our daughter, Desiree, is a high school junior at ISB. Last year we received our first overseas assignment, destination Bangkok.

Coming from a cold and wintery area, we found that Bangkok’s heat and humidity hit us hard. It felt like sitting in a sauna.

During our first week in Nichada I met Wanda Grove, who said, "You would be a perfect match for our charity coordination." My response was, "I'll take that challenge."

I'm very excited and will give my best to help local people in need. Thank you to Wanda and Jennifer Skobel for giving me the opportunity to learn and help our local charities. Last, but not least, thank you to the entire NNR board for letting me join the team.

Wanda Grove

Sandra Wilson

NNR Supports the Following 8 Chari$es on a Regular Basis

Baan Fueng Faa Orphanage for mentally and/or physically handcapped children.

Baan Rachawadee Ying Home for girls with disabilities Baan Rajawadee Home for boys with disabilities Home for the Destitute Home offering shelter and food to the homeless Sparrow Home Home for children of prisoners & other at risk kids Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities Non-profit offering 8 projects for the disabled Thanksgiving Home Non-profit group serving disabled boys and girls Home for Hope Catholic home serving the disadvantaged

15

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Volunteering Opportuni.es

NNR Matches Volunteers with Needs Thanksgiving Home: Home for adolescent girls. Provides vocational training to prepare the girls for employment. Works with girls from the government orphanages.

Needs volunteers to teach English, computer, sports, cooking or other occupational training.

Contact Khun Wanchai at: wanchaialpha@yahoo.co.th

Phayathai Home for Babies: Home for orphaned and abandoned children aged up to 6 years. Also has a unit for 36 HIV positive children who need care and from volunteers .

Needs volunteers to play with the children to stimulate developmental skills.

Contact : Wanda Grove at: (wandagrove14@gmail.com)

Baan Rajawadee: A government home for physically and/or intellectually disabled boys.

Baan Rachawadee Ying: A government home for physically and/or intellectually disabled girls.

Both group homes provide basic shelter and care to disabled children ages 7 to 18.

Need Volunteers to interact with the children and stimulate their developmental skills. Also need volunteers to help feed the most disabled.

Contact:Dorothy Klynstra at: dorothyk67@hotmail.com

16

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Volunteer OpportunitiesOpportuni.es in Our Neighborhood Volunteering Volunteer and Make a Positive Change in the World CCD: Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities is a care home for children with disabilities. It also has a day care center and encourages development of physical, mental, emotional and social skills. It also supports families caring for their disabled children at home by offering day care so parents can work.

Needs volunteers to play with the children.

Contact Tarn at international@ccdthailand.org Baan Feung Faa: A government orphanage for mentally and/or physically handicapped children ages birth-10 years.

Need volunteers to play with the children Contact Dana Stehwein at djw1771@yahoo.com

Home for the Destitute: Offers shelter, food, medication and training to homeless adults.

Needs volunteers to interact with the adults, help provide first-aid care, advice the crafts team and help market their products, play with Cambodian children detained at the shelter, serve food donated by NNR. Contact: Rebecca Armstrong at andybeccakids@gmail.com

YWCA: Cares for preschoolers while promoting their development.

Needs volunteers to teach English, do an activity or just help care for the children.

Contact: Khun Saisom at 0807709335.

Brachabadee School for Disabled Children: School serving disabled children keen to learn English. Needs volunteers to teach English.

Would also like volunteers with physical therapy (PT) background to help train staff in use of simple PT aids such as walkers.

Contact: Wanda at (wandagrove14@gmail.com) 17

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Volunteering Opportuni es Needs Volunteers to teach the young men how to cook, shop, take public transportation, and budget and manage money.

Contact: Dorothy Klynstra at: dorothyk67@hotmail.com

White Elephant Thrift Shop - A second hand store that donates all its profits to local charities.

Donations can be dropped at White Elephant: 2nd Floor, Oasis shopping center, on Samakee Road (by McDonald’s).

To volunteer, contact: Patti Madigan (madigankolstad@yahoo.com), or Mary McCarty (mccartymaryb@gmail.com)

Sparrow Home: Provides a home for children of prisoners and other children in at-risk situations.

Sparrow Home provides a home-like setting and takes children to see their incarcerated parents in order to help them maintain a bond.

Need volunteers to teach and play with the kids.

Contact: Monika Dettmann at: mbdettmann@yahoo.com Sailom Project: Supports young men with intellectual disabilities by teaching them independent life skills.

18

Bumble Bee Free English Class: Provides free English lessons to Thai children in the neighborhood just outside Nichada. One-hour Sunday class follows a free library hour.

Needs volunteer teachers of all ages to help speak with the Thai students and read with them.

Also looking for volunteers with art and music experience to lead crafts and music projects.

Contact: Liz Lu at lizsiam@gmail.com.

Bumble Bee Free Library: Provides reading hour and books for neighborhood kids just outside Nichada. Need volunteers to help librarian, and to read stories with, and to children.

Contact: Liz Lu (lizsiam@gmail.com) or Kelley Weg (kelleyweg@yahoo.com)

Cover Story: Tips for Newcomers

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

New NNR Charity : Home of Hope North of Bangkok and Nichada Thani resides a little community with a church and a lovely house for children, whose parents are unable to care for them or who are no longer in their lives.

This house is named Home of Hope. It houses 40 to 70 children in age range from one to 16 years old and is managed by Our Lady of Mercy Church in Pakkred.

Father Paolo, a very spirited man and caretaker, dedicates his life to ensure that these children have a warm and welcoming home. In addition, he focuses on the children's present and future education and well being. At first glance, the Home of Hope appears very clean and organized.

However it's just large and bare.

Father Paolo informed us that they recently repainted the kitchen. He and his staff are trying hard to keep up with the general maintenance, but funds, time and manpower are limited. The funds are also not enough to supply the kitchen with utensils, pots/pans, plates/cups or appliances such as an industrial refrigerator.

Another priority for Father Paolo is the installation of new showers for the girls so they have some privacy now that they are older. This will be a labor intensive and costly project.

Currently the girls shower is out in the open.

Home of Hope welcomes any monetary donations or donations of clothing, towels, washcloths, linens, soap, cleaning supplies, books, toys, food and kitchen supplies. Everything can be dropped off at my house or at Wanda Grove's house. We both live next door to each other in Prestige 1, Soi 3, 1204 & 1205. Every donation is greatly appreciated.

Sandra Wilson

19

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Community Fitness and Activities

The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/groups that meet regularly.

Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader for more information.

If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnradverts@yahoo.com.

Yoga & Meditation

ASHTANGA YOGA With PanZen

Be the Master of your Mind: Tuesdays 9:30am11:00am and Fridays 7:45am-9:15am Train your Body and Mind: Wednesdays 7:45am9:00am All levels are welcome!

Danicha Condo 39/289. Private classes available.

Contact Kers$n Wild kers$n.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750 FB: yogaofawareness

A great way to improve your flexibility, core strength and get balance in your life….

Breath, Body and Mind Working with all levels Beginner to Advanced.

- Tuesday 3:45-4:45 pm (Intermediate) - Wednesday 3:45-4:45 pm (Advanced) - Thursday 3:45-4:45 pm (Intermediate) - Saturday 9:30-10:30 am (Beginners) 097-227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com For more informa$on please visit my website at hUp://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen

YOGA WITH NAPISA, 500 RYT

IYENGAR YOGA

KUNDALINI YOGA

Mornings: Monday, 8:45-10:15 am: Restora#ve Yoga, all levels.

Wednesday 7:30-9am: Level II. Friday 7:30-8:45 am: Beg I-II ALernoons Wednesday 4:30-5:45 pm: Beg I-II Thursday, 4:30-5:45 pm. Restora#ve Yoga. All Levels @ Nichada Fitness Studio above Starbucks.

"Nava Apprecia#on Package" special for ISB teachers, spouses & staff.

Prenatal & Private classes available.

Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187, napisapant.yoga@gmail.com, FB: YogaWithNapisa

Iyengar yoga classes at the Regent, from Beginners to Advanced Asanas. Every weekday Monday to Friday from 07:50 am-09:20 am.

Contact: 081-285-3050, Juan Bodan, Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga Cer$fied. For more informa$on about Juan please visit hUp://kripa-yoga.com/

MEDITATION COURSES -Individual or Group Learn TM (Transcendental Medita#on). Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athle#c, and professional performance. Anyone can learn. Expert instruc#on by a 35-year teacher of medita#on.

Contact Ellie Edelhoff eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org or www.DavidLynchFounda$on.org

Tutorials PIANO LESSONS FOR ALL AGES and ALL LEVELS ?????

By experienced professional with a Masters from University of Ariz. in Piano Performance and experience teaching at Westover School in Connec#cut. Place: 39/891 Regent Price: 1000 baht per 30 minutes Contact Info: capricio310@gmail.com Tel: 091-878-6283

WORLD ENGLISH Enjoy refining skills in oral English and composi#on with American, DEBORAH DUNTHORN, BA, MFA, TESL Cert. 30 years interna#onal experience coaching academic, professional, and other clients of all ages and levels of proficiency. To discuss private or group tui$on contact 083-055-9785 or debhata@yahoo.com.

20

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Community Fitness and Activities

Dance Classes

Sports

BOLLYWOOD DANCE

BIKING

Bollywood dance is an exci#ng and upbeat fusion of Western and Eastern dances with tradi#onal classical Indian dance styles.

It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s fun... and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance – this is for you!

Suitable for all levels.

Wednesdays or Thursdays or Fridays 9:30-10:30am All classes held in Nichada Studio above Starbucks.

For further informa$on, contact Irit: 086-004-4840 iritmike@gmail.com

Weekend bike rides, leaving from back gate at 7am, 50+km on mtn bikes.

Contact Chris: caoglesby@hotmail.com Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30 a.m.

Distance and terrain varies with groups for both road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes.

Contact HenrieUa Bullinger: hbullinger@gmail.com

LATIN RYHTHYMS DANCE CLASS Come to move your hips, salsa, merengue, bachata, regueton, zamba, rock and roll, cumbia, pop (English & Spanish), quebradita, and more!

Come and try this fun and very cardio class, feel the music, love the music.

Improve your dancing skills. No dance experience needed.

Beginners: Tuesdays 7:15 to 8:15 am (half of my funds on Tuesdays go for Charity) Saturdays 9:30 to 10:30.

Studio above Starbucks .

150 THB per person.

Advanced: Mondays 8:30 to 9:30 Wednesdays 8:30 to 9:30 .

(For advance class informa#on, contact me ) Contact: Blanca de la Vega 086-348-3287 or blancadelavegacid@hotmail.com

MASTERS SWIMMING Nichada Pool, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30.

Every swimmer is welcome. Contact Catherine Miller: solviken66@hotmail.com 06-2001-0000, or Kers$n Wild: kers$n.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750

This space available for announcements!

Advertise your fitness classes or tutorials here!

21

Writers Needed

Got a flair for writing?

Good at meeting deadlines?

Contact Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com

22

23

Heard It Through The Grapevine

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips that are helpful to others. If you have tips to share, please send them to Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com.

GranMonte Vineyard

phukettourscenter.com

GranMonte is a family vineyard located in Asoke Valley, near Khao Yai National Park, about 2 hours from Bangkok.

For those who enjoy visiting and touring wine vineyards, this one may be small compared to PB Valley Estate Winery, but I enjoyed the selection of wines. The main wine selections include: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Voignier, Semillon, Verdelho, Durif and Grenache. The grapes are grown on the estate property typical of great wineries. There’s a small fee for touring the vineyard and sampling wines. I felt like I was in the country…loved it!

Livonia Winkles Address: 52 Moo 9 Phayayen, Pakchong District, Nakornrachasima

Coconut with Easy-Open Pull Tab I just couldn’t resist sharing this photo of a functioning pull-tab on a roasted coconut.

As you may know, it’s tricky and somewhat dangerous to crack open coconuts with the back of a cleaver, the way street vendors do here in Thailand. So, coconut sellers have come up with ingenious ways of helping consumers open fresh coconuts. At Villa supermarket, you can find young coconuts (maphraw awn) whose hard shell on top have been removed with laser, so a straw can be easily inserted into the white dome of coconut meat. Then there’s my favorite, roasted coconut (maphraw phao) that comes with a handy pull-tab! I discovered this little tropical gem at the supermarket of Central World shopping complex in downtown Bangkok.

Liz Lu 24

Heard It Through The Grapevine

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Chocolate Ville: Shops & Dining

Address: 351, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok (24 km northwest of Suvarnaphumi Airport) Hours: 4pm to midnight. Closed Sat. & Sun. Tel: 083– 077– 3738

Very close to Nichada – about 30 to 40 minutes in good traffic.

This was a pleasant surprise as I felt like I was outside of Bangkok and away on holiday.

It reminded me of being inside a theme park with exhibits, water features and walkways.

There is an amazing variety of food choices ranging from open food court to “sit down” dining.

Customer service was quick and attentive and great for family or casual date night.

No reservations are required, although it may be best to book table upon arrival at guest services. www.chocolateville.net Livonia Winkles

Golden Oldies: Too Good Not to Share Each September I republish these two super valuable tips for the benefit of newcomers.

Both home delivery services are luxuries that save you tons of time.

One is home delivery of fresh milk and other dairy products, as well as juices and other beverages — all back-breakers that are heavy to lug home yourself.

Khun Sa-ot and his wife Khun Maew brave the heat for you and bring milk and other products right to your door.

To order, call Khun Sa-ot at 081-774-4989.

The other Golden Oldie tip is a gem passed down by Rufie Harr. Mr. Kumata of Ishiya Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service picks up and delivers dry cleaning orders in Nichada on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of cleaning is excellent. Mr. Kumata can be reached at 081814-3128.

Liz Lu 25

26

27

28

29

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Highlights: NNR Socials

NNR Socials Roundup Thank you, Christine Platou Bjornsen, for hosting the April social from your beautiful home at N2 with a beautiful view of the lake and Nichada. It was nice to chat with new and old friends.

What happens when you combine clothes, shoes, jewelry and gift items with a NNR social? A good time for all, which was what May's social turned out to be. For something new and different, Nichada opened their Prestige show home to four vendors: Arlani Design Group, Blue Sea Blue, Patriko and Sala Stainless Steel.

Nichada provided all the food and beverages, which will be new items on its Vapor restaurant menu. It was a great turnout. Vendors were happy with selling a lot of their products, and women got to shop for new things and meet up with friends.

Hopefully we will do more socials like this in the future.

Denise Warta, NNR Social Chair

A big thank you to Jennifer Skobel for hosting NNR’s Summer Coffee at her home even as she was preparing the move to her next expat posting in Kuala Lumpur. Among the guests was a Norwegian newcomer who used to live in Kuala Lumpur, so the ladies happily exchanged tips about Malaysia and Thailand. Bon voyage, Jennifer!

30

Highlights: NNR May Tour

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

NNR May Tour: Flower Arranging Workshop

What an enjoyable morning our group had at Henrietta Bullinger’s home in Nichada at the NNR May 18 Tour: Floral Arts in Thailand “A Bespoke Flower Arranging Workshop.” We were taken on a very Zen-like journey through Thailand’s art of flower arranging. NNR tour coordinators Susanne Rodrigues and Elizabeth Bredin organised the workshop, which was sponsored by Asian Tigers moving company.

Khun See from Asian Tigers taught us how to create flower centerpieces. Our first task was to take what seemed like a hundred tiny jasmine (Dok Mali) buds and place each bud on the head of a giant green flower that we had cut to look like a hedgehog. The effect was quite soothing as we concentrated on placing what seemed like a hundred buds on tiny spikes. Imagine covering each quill of a hedgehog’s back with a flower bud!

The task took so much concentration that it created silence in a room of 12 women! Khun See said jasmine flowers symbolize purity or respectful worship of Lord Buddha. Growing jasmine at home is thought to bring happiness to all family members. And it has a wonderful, sweet scent!

We were given lots of beautiful white flowers called Dok Rak or ‘love flowers’.

Thankfully we only had to string ten on a metal wire to create an arch that we later placed at the top of our arrangement. We then rolled beautiful green foliage to create the tallest portion of our

centerpiece. Next we rolled leaves and stapled the roll in place. These covered the base of our creation.

At the center of our flower arrangement were three lotus flowers. Lotus flowers grow in mud, and there are four stages symbolizing the stages of enlightenment. The muddy water represents our material life and our struggles to choose the right path. The rise and bloom of the flower represents our enlightenment or finding the correct path. We learned that no matter where you start in life, you can reach a state of purity.

We also had beautiful orange Dok Kluaymai (orchids) which represent respect for our parents, or elders. Our teachers were very helpful and kind, offering us feedback or simply chuckling at some of our attempts to copy the wonderful professional example! Our arrangements turned out well, and we were happy to take them home!

Lunch was prepared by Epicure and was delicious & healthy. The entire experience was very calming and we left anticipating what NNR tour would next be on our calendar. Many thanks to Henrietta, Susanne and Elizabeth. Looking forward to next year’s NNR social programme!

Grainne MacRae

31

32

33

PEOPLE: Mare Harvey

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Mare Harvey: A Leader with Energy & Dedication One of my very first memories of arriving in Nichada was meeting Mare Harvey: I met her at the orientation for new parents at ISB. She not only took the time to talk to me and tell me about the community, but also to listen to me and my story.

I met her again and again…at the Welcome Wai organized by the PTA, at the first NNR Welcome Back Coffee, walking her dog, at “After The Boxes” where she introduced NNR, at ISB’s Spirit Night volunteering at the Booster Club’s spirit tent, riding bikes with Pathum Thani Jakayans (the local group of MTB riders). Mare gave me such sound advice (try everything but don’t commit until you feel settled). She made me feel so welcome (always remembered my name along with all the names of all the other people who had just arrived), She had such an understanding of how things work, who is responsible for what. She has such energy and dedication to her family, friends and the community.

Mare has been a part of the Nichada community for four years now. She moved from Perth, Western Australia, with her husband Bill, who works for Chevron, and their two sons, Dylan and Jasper. The family is originally from Canada.

Jasper is a junior at ISB and Dylan who has 34

graduated from ISB, has moved back to British Columbia to study.

Mare grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskachewan in Canada. Her BA degree was from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta where she played on a basketball scholarship for 5 years (this is the max in Canada). During the summers she played on the Saskatchewan Provincial Soccer team and did triathlons.

As Chair of the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) since 2014, Mare has not only grown our annual charity bazaar, ensuring major sponsorship, and overseeing a growing number of vendors and shoppers, she has also supported several additional events such as a charity fashion show and various socials.

Through her leadership, NNR has moved into the digital age, with Thani Talk magazine now available online, our information-filled Guide being continually updated and the NNR Facebook page and calendar featuring events from all over Bangkok. She is a “do-er” and a “go-getter” - able to come up with a sound and logistically possible solution to a problem, despite inevitable language or cultural barriers. Mare has also worked hard to cultivate good relations with Nichada, the Chaengwattana Community Church and ISB. Mare is a lawyer by training. She studied at the University of Saskatchewan, where she met her husband Bill. After completing law school, they got married and went on a one-year honeymoon backpacking around the world. They settled in Calgary, started a family and eventually moved to Perth and then Thailand with their two boys.

PEOPLE: Mare Harvey

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

When asked what her most memorable experience has been, Mare responded that they have: “revolved around the people I have met in the community and at the school. I've had so many fun and rewarding experiences it would be hard to say which was the best. I really loved Chairing the NNR and as a result, being able to help so many local Thai people in need. Our family has also loved all of the special places we have been able to travel to and the adventures along the way”.

Her favorite trip so far has been to Bhutan, and her favorite adventures have been to rock climb both at Crazy Horse and Railay Beach in Thailand, and joining Bike Hashes in the jungle.

I am fortunate enough to call Mare a friend.

Luckily we are not saying goodbye to Mare, but will continue to enjoy her positive energy and inclusiveness for two more years. Having dedicated so much time to the community through her leadership of NNR, perhaps Mare will now go back to her other skill set of physical education. In between her BA and studying law, Mare worked as a physical education teacher and has coached basketball, badminton and soccer. Let’s see what Mare has in store next. Thank you, Mare.

Henrietta Bullinger

35

36

37

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Community News

Na.onal Museum Volunteers Group Offers Lecture Series The National Museum Volunteers is proud to announce its 71st Annual Lecture Series with the theme, “Modernizing Siam: the Kingdom in Transition, 1850 – 1910,” that will include lectures exploring the arts, politics, architecture and culture of the intriguing period that transported Siam from antiquity to the modern era.

This fall’s lectures take place on Thursdays on November 3, 10, 17, and 24. Each session offers two lectures, at 9.30 am and 11 am, and finishes by noon. The venue is the Auditorium of the National Museum, Bangkok (except for Nov. 3.

Venue to be confirmed). Between lectures, drinks and snacks will be available and time to chat with like-minded participants The illustration here shows King Rama V as depicted by a French newspaper during his visit to Europe. One of our lectures, by Jane Puranananda, will be about King Chulalongkorn’s travels and how they impacted Siam’s evolution.

For enquiries please contact Dimpy Kongsiri at lectureseriesnmv@gmail.com Dimpy Kongsiri

ThaiCraL Sale: Sept. 3 in Bangkok

Bangkok Furniture Fair at Impact Arena

The first ThaiCraft Fair sale of the fall season will be held on Saturday September 3rd at the Jasmine Building on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 23.

Now in its 24th year of operation, ThaiCraft Fair is a social enterprise known for its support of village artisans, sustainability and promotion of fair trade practices.

Throughout the year there will be plenty of local furniture fairs and exhibitions in Bangkok.

Many showcase products and furniture from all over Thailand. You may even spot products designed for export.

The exhibitions take place at exhibition halls all over the Greater Bangkok area, but this Sept. 311 furniture fair at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi is only a 15-minute drive from Nichada. The fair is open 11am to 9pm in Halls 1-4. For more info, call: 02-731-1331.

38

Community News

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Hospital Reopens Nichada Family Clinic We’re excited to announce the re-opening of the new and improved Nichada Family Clinic. The clinic, conveniently located in the community, allows patients to enjoy the convenience of a primary care clinic without having to travel to Bumrungrad Hospital’s main facility in Bangkok.

Nichada Family Clinic is integrated with Bumrungrad Hospital’s computer infrastructure, ensuring a seamless transition between primary care close to home, and specialized treatment at the main campus in Bangkok. With instant access to all hospital medical records including imaging, pharmacy, lab, billing, and scheduling.

Based on the great feedback from a recent survey, the clinic has implemented a lot of positive changes to better serve the community. These changes include extending the service hours to 08:00-18:00 Monday-Saturday and significantly

expanding the pediatricians’ hours to include every weekday except Thursday mornings, which is now the time slot allocated for Obstetrics and Gynaecology services. Additionally, the clinic now includes General Practioner services all day Monday-Saturday, as well as sports medicine and customized orthotics on Saturdays.

The Clinic is located at the Nichada Club, right next to the tennis courts.

Lidya Belete Bumrungrad Hospital

New in Nichada: Vet Clinic, Art Store, Electronics Shop What’s new since school let out for summer?

Retail space at Nichada Plaza is now full - we have signed leases for a veterinary clinic, art and art supply store and a hoverboard /electronics store.

New construction around the lake, to be completed in 2017, includes Greenville II with twelve 4- bedroom homes for sale and Greenpark Residence with three 5-bedroom homes for sale (sales@nichada.com). We are upgrading security at the Clark Hatch Gate. After RFID automated gates are installed, members need to have their RFID cards with them to use the gate.

Scott Roman

Evening of Wine and Music at Neilson Hays Library Neilson Hays Library will host Strings & Grapes: Spiritual on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. The matinee program will feature spiritual music pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Sibelius, and Fauré performed by the Bangkok Chamber Orchestra and conducted by the widely-admired fixture of the Bangkok music scene, Laurent Couson.

Tickets are B800 and include a glass of wine from Wine Garage. To reserve a seat, call 02-2331731 or email neilson.library@gmail.com.

The event starts with a glass of wine at 5 pm.

39

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Religious Venues

Worship Venues:

Chaengwattana Community Church Adult Sunday School—8:30am Sunday Service—9:30am Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am Community Prayer—Tuesdays 7:30-8:30am Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700)

Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque 8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Neighborhood mosque near Nichada Thani.

Synagogue Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22 Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245 Thailand Progressive Jewish Community Contacts: Narissara Udomvongsa, Alec Goldman, Elissa Miller-Kay or Michael R. March (Members) Telephone: 02-023-5019 or 081-257-2411 Address: 39/722 Lakeshore North, Nichada Thani.

Buddhist Temple Wat Bua Khwan (วัดบัวขวัญ) 1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Muang, Nonthaburi 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada. Go via Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the expressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.

40

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Religious Venues

Worship Venues:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road Sunday Worship Service--9 am.(in English) Family History Research Group--Mondays, 9-12 p.m.

Book Group--2nd Wed./month, 11 a.m.

“Foodie” Group--1st Tues./month,10 a.m.

Youth Group—Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Bahá’í Worship services Address: 40/265 Chaengwattana Soi 28, 6/F Royal Tower Condominium, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Website: www.bahai.org; www.bahai.or.th (Thai) Contact person: Ms. Sulee Kaewprasert Tel: 02-530-7417, 02-530-7418 Email: info@bahai.or.th Additional activities available: Devotional gatherings, children's moral education classes, study circles.

Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred.

English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Contact us at: ourladyofmercyparish@gmail.com Discover the Rosary, contact Chris at hushh@hotmail.com

Hindu Worship Venues Dev Mandir The Hindu Samaj Association 136/1-2 Siripong Road, Sao Chingcha, Bangkok.Tel: 02 223 8494 Digambar Jain Temple Building # 143/3, Soi Putha Osot, off Maha Set Road, Bangkok

41

42

43

Thani TalkTalk-September2016

Travel: Taiwan

Exploring Taiwan Formosa: Beau.ful Island

Taiwan was the second place I ever called home, and I got to spend six glorious months discovering everything that this beautiful island (named Formosa by Portugese explorers) has to offer.

Many in our community have visited the capital, Taipei, during IASAS sports events. Most likely they stayed in Taipei and only saw the city.

If you get a chance to visit Taiwan and have time, try exploring the island. Taiwan has such a wide range of attractions for every sort of person, from pulsing city life to tranquil nature getaways. Here are six of my favorite parts of Taiwan!

Taipei - Shilin Night Market This night market is one of my favorite parts of the capital. Even though it was a 45-minute train ride from my apartment, I found myself making the trek almost every other weekend. Shilin is a sprawling market that offers everything you can think of: Clothes, books, massages, carnival-style games, and most importantly, food. This is the go-to place for street food in Taipei. There are more hawkers than you can count - they sell staples like pork buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes, but also Taiwanese delicacies such as the island’s famous “stinky” tofu and candied fruits. My personal favorite snacks are papaya milk, as well as delightfully refreshing “shaved milk ice” topped 44

(Lt): Taroko Gorge Nat’l Park.

(Bottom lt.): Taiwanese-style shaved ice and shaved milk. Yum! (Bottom rt.): Black sand of Wai’ Ao Beach.

with mangos. My favorite shaved ice shop can be found on Anping Street, but be warned that the line can be almost an hour long!

Yilan County (North Taiwan) - Wai’Ao Beach Wai’Ao Beach is a quick getaway from Taipei for a day of sunshine and relaxation. Taking a Kamalan Bus from the Technology Building MRT stop will get you to this quaint town in about 45 minutes. From there you can take a quick cab ride to the beach, or hop on the #131 Bus for a cheap lift. Wai’Ao has excellent boogie boarding and surfing, and it’s a very unique looking beach due to its black sand. You can rent boards and wetsuits from any shop near the beach for a reasonable price, usually around 300 NT (New Taiwan

Travel: Taiwan Dollar), or roughly $10 USD per day. I had the misfortune of visiting right after a typhoon in the Philippines, and no one would rent us boards, because they didn’t want to be responsible for us getting lost in the powerful waves. Keep an eye on the weather!

Hualien County (East Taiwan) - Taroko National Park Taroko National Park is, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of Taiwan. This national park is filled with sweeping, dramatic landscapes created by the sharp cliffs and waterfalls that make up the park. Although this park is about a 4-hour drive from Taipei, it is well worth it. I highly recommend going early in the morning as there is a long line of cars to get into the park, but once inside you’ll be treated to a winding scenic drive through the mountain range. If you find a hiking trail, definitely go by foot for a few miles to get up close and personal with the beautiful nature this national treasure has to offer. On your way back to Taipei, you can also stop at Tangweigou Hot Springs Park (about an hour away from the city) to soak your aching bones after a long day of hiking.

Kenting (South Taiwan) - Kenting Night Market Kenting is a bit of a tourist town, and reminds me a great deal of Pattaya in Thailand . This beach city is on the southernmost tip of the island, and is about a 6-hour drive from Taipei. However, I recommend taking the HSR (High Speed Rail) for around $30 USD, which can get you there in an hour and a half. Once there, you’ll see that the city itself offers a wide range of extreme sports, such as banana boating, parasailing, go-karting, and jet skiing (much like Pattaya). However, my favorite part was definitely the Kenting Night Market. This market is different from the ones in Taipei, because it’s a wide walking street lined with hawkers on both sides. My favorite part of the market was all of the vendors selling fried novelties such as fried Snicker bars, Oreos, and corn covered in crushed peanuts. If you go in the summer, you may also catch some of the delicious strawberry beer sold after the annual harvest.

Taichung City (West Taiwan) - Lavender Cottage In my travels around the island, I also stopped through the western town of Taichung City. My favorite part of this city was by far the nearby

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

“Lavender Cottage”, which was an adorable B&B situated in a lavender farm. This farm is tranquil and scenic, and has attractions like a soap shop, lavender ice cream, and a mini circus with rides for children. A wonderful getaway for the family, and of course, the whole place smells great!

Lavender Farm in Taichung City.

Miaoli County (Middle Taiwan) - Snow Mountain If you’re an avid hiker and are feeling particularly adventurous, I highly recommend considering climbing Snow Mountain. This is not a small feat, and requires special permits, but this adventure was a defining moment in my Taiwan adventure.

It was truly the epitome of everything I loved about Taiwan - adventure, friendly people, and stunning natural scenery. Snow Mountain is the second highest peak in the country, and when you do summit, you’ll see all of Taiwan in its gorgeous splendor. Well worth the trip!

Amber Barnett

Snow Mountain in Miaoli County, Central Taiwan 45

46

47

48

Restaurant Review

Thani TalkTalk-September 2016

Never Ending Summer at the Jam Factory in Thonburi

The “Never Ending Summer” restaurant is a bit of a drive from Nichada but well worth it. We started with drinks at Three Sixty in the Millennium Hilton. It was happy hour so two drinks for one. We were there on a Friday night with 12 other people, and there was a steady stream of customers. It was a beautiful roof top bar with stunning views that easily accommodated our group.

From the Hilton, we walked down to the river and over to Never Ending Summer. The restaurant has three lovely dining areas. The area closest to the river has an enchanting patio area as well as indoor seating called the Summer Project.

The restaurant offers a Western menu, but you can also eat innovative Thai food from the Never Ending Summer Menu.

Our group chose a table inside Never Ending Summer by the open bar and kitchen. The restaurant is a chic warehouse with artsy décor that instantly feels comfortable. Our host ordered for the 14 of us, a wonderfully innovative menu selection of Thai food. We started with watermelon balls and fish flakes, something I thought I wouldn’t care for, but the juicy sweetness of the melon matched deliciously with the savory salty fish flakes.

This was followed by a salad of flower buds and butterfly pea blossoms, very interesting with the usual Thai spice. Tasty wonderful dishes started arriving after that: roasted duck in fruity red curry, whole Barramundi cooked in pandan leaves, papaya salad with lump crab meat, crispy crab

omelet, river prawns and stir fried morning glory.

Everything was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked. Some of us ordered wine but I had a pear cider that was nice and dry at 7% alcohol. My husband ordered a Tom Yum Bloody Mary, which was served up in a cocktail glass and had a very unusual taste.

They have a lovely dessert menu. We didn’t actually try any, but others of our party did, and said they were as enticing as the rest of the food.

For a special night out that is truly magical try Never Ending Summer at the Jam Factory.

Barb Lewis

Address: 41/1-5 Charoennakorn Road, Khlong San, Bangkok.

Tel: 02 861 0953.

49

Delivery Restaurant Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine BBQ Sandwich King Bukhara (Afghan/Indian) Burger King/Pizza Company Cherry’s Cakes Food Loft Hot Spot Restaurant and Bar (Indian and Chinese Food) KFC and Pizza Hut Le Bouchon Food Delivery McDonald’s Mr. Enzo’s New York Diner Pinocchio's Que Pasa

Phone 02-952-0031 086-773-4140 082-443-1398 1112 080-070-0180 02-831-5588 084-671-8318 1150 02-960-3011 1711 02-960-0412 081-624-2099 02-573-5646

02-960-3821

Café Kabul (Indian and Afghan)

02-960-3368

Scoozi Subway Sudhathai Slider Shack Vapor Restaurant

02-715-8555 02-960-3232 02-583-2694 086-773-4140 02-832-0055

50

Local Business Bamboo Spa Bank Krungsri Blue Sky Café Bumrungrad Family Clinic Clark Hatch Fitness Center Crystal Holiday Travel Hair By Jib Happy Teeth Dental Clinic Great Massage ISB Le Studio Hair Nichada Customer Relations Pandit Carpets Panipa Pum’s Salon Rex Pharmaplus Rose Marie Academy Shawn Carpets Starbucks Twist Villa Market Wash-N-Dry 4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming

Phone 02-583-9871 02-582-2669 081-811-8455 02-960-4216 02-960-4326 / 27 085-042-6054 02-960-3783 02-960-3988 02-960-3691 02-963-5800 084-022-9928 02-960-4300 081-828-2562 02-960-3934 02-583-7117 081 834 1306 02-960-3663 090-564-8927 02-967-9686 02-911-6839 02 -584-5444 085-945-4132 02-960-4189

51

52