April 9, 2013

To Bangkok and Back

Hi, it's been awhile, but I'm back from Bangkok! Having grown up in Bangkok I know the city very well. The landscape of the city had changed since the Skytrain system was introduced and tall buildings popped up all over the city. It feels claustrophobic and hemmed in. It didn't take me long to familiarise myself with the place again. I didn't go out of Bangkok this time due to the appointments we had with the dentists, but we did something different everyday to keep us very busy.

The visit to Bangkok was mainly for dental treatment. I was there in September 2012 to start the process. I had to wear braces for over six months so I'm happy to say I'm glad that now I'm free of braces and have got my own smile back!


Here I was with my dentist Dr. Sunisa who works at Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic. Her daughter who came in on our last day is with her and DDIL who went with me for her dental treatment as well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Sunisa, the nurses and all supporting staff at Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic for the excellent work and service they gave us. I will always go back there for my dental treatment in the future. 


The first Sunday after we arrived we went to Jim Thomson's House right in the center of Bangkok. Jim Thomson was very influential in the development of the Thai silk industry. The house is now a museum. Please visit the website and read more about Jim Thomson and his fascinating life. 


Jim Thomson's house consists of many small traditional Thai houses in a large compound. All the houses were brought from the north of Thailand by Jim Thomson and connected together to make up his residence. The garden is also lovely and is a cool oasis in the centre of Bangkok.


At the entrance of every house there is a large bowl of water containing goldfish and vegetation. The old Thais believed that a bowl of water in front of the house would bring peace and tranquility. 


Visitors to the house and compound can see a classical Thai dancing performance every 30 minutes. These are the lovely dancers ready to perform for visitors. I asked them for a photo and they were very happy to pose for me.


Many artifacts were on display around the house. I particularly loved the blue and white bowls. I was told that they were from China of the early Ming era.  


Another bowl of water full of lotus flowers just as we entered the compound. I love lotus flowers; they reminded me of my childhood. Of course I love the indigo blue bowl too. 


A sample of some Thai silk displayed in the Jim Thomson Thai Silk shop. They do look lovely together. I didn't get anything on this trip, but I do have a lot of Thai silk in my stash. I hope to finally make a hexagon quilt with them one day.


And these are silks from the northern part of Thailand. I found them in Bangkok's Chatuchak Market. If you do get to Bangkok, Chatuchak market is a must visit. I even found a few indigo shops selling all kinds of products made from indigo dyed fabric. I was so excited and forgot to take photo of them this time! I will post more photos here in the next few posts, I also posted over 60 photos on my Instagram page. If you are interested, you can view them there. Instagram was easy and quick to post on-the-go, and I'm addicted to it.

Hope you all had a wonderful break during the Easter holiday. Thailand doesn't celebrate Easter, but about now there is the annual Songran water festival happening all over the country. I knew this so I made sure that I left before it because it gets very busy and hectic at that time. 

Until next time
Nat

13 comments:

Needled Mom said...

We missed you! Your smile is indeed beautiful!

It sounds like a wonderful trip. I love the water lilies in the indigo colored pot. How do they keep the water fresh in those pots? The silks are also glorious. Welcome back.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Good news on the dental front Nat! We have just gotten a bowl of water with some lillies, fern and grass and goldfish but we put it in the backyard....it is lovely to step out and look at it....Glad you are safely back xo

Els said...

You had a lovely trip, Nat! (though I don't love going to the dentist thát much .....)
Aaaaah those colours of the Thai silks !!!!
Gorgeous! Especially so the second one with the ikat or inlay (?) patterns !

Nedra said...

welcome back, Nat. so glad the dental work is at the end for you. such beautiful pictures from your place of birth!

Jeannie said...

Welcome home! As one who wore braces for 5 years, I know too well the joy having them removed. The house and silks are gorgeous. The odds of me getting Thailand are slim, so I really appreciate your photo journal. Kick back and enjoy being back home with your new smile. xo

joni cornell said...

Wonderful post as usual Nat. Welcome back with your beautiful smile.

Tracy said...

Welcome back, Nat! So great to see you... and your smile! :o) Seeing a bit from your trip was a treat. LOVED those silks and textiles! *SWOON*... Happy Days ((HUGS))

Judy said...

Welcome back Nat! I have missed you!!
Love your photos. The Thai silks are just beautiful. It has been over 40 years since I was in Thailand...I wish I knew then what I know now! Isn't that always the way?
Thanks for your guided tour around your lovely homeland.

xxoo

Astrid said...

Love your photos and reading about your trip, very interesting. Love those blue and white pots too. :)

Peggy said...

Hi Nat! You did an excellent job with your Instagram photos! It's a good addiction to have. I'll look forward to more posts about your visit! The silks are awesome. Welcome back. xo

Terry said...

happy smiles . great result and you both look happy.
The Jim Thompson house is amazing. Wayne and I visited it the last time we were in Bangkok.

deanna7trees said...

glad you were able to enjoy your trip despite the dental work. some beautiful silk images. it's all so beautiful. missed your posts.

Queen of the Tea Cosies said...

Beautiful teeth Nat. Your smile was ALWAYS beautiful.

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