February 2019
N o w o n l i n e a t : w w w. i s s u u . c o m / n n r t h a n i t a l k
Thani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH
Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
Cover Story:
Grapevine:
PEOPLE:
Annual Travel Issue: Maldives & More
Sharing Tips on Good Services
Khun Jum of OC Organic
Pages 6-16 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by: September 2018
Pages 20-21
Page 28-29
T h a n i Ta l k
Community: Wine Survivor, Walk & Talk, After the Boxes Pages 34-36
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 by hosting the NNR Annual Charity Bazaar. Additionally, NNR hosts monthly socials and organizes monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.
Connect with NNR
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NNR BOARD 2018-2019 Chairperson
Henrietta Bullinger
NNRThaiChair@gmail.com
Vice Chairperson
Sally Elliott
sallyelliott@me.com
Treasurer
Sandra Wilson
nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com
Activity/Tour Coordinators
Pascale Kervyn Maida Muslic-Kovar
nnrtour@gmail.com
NNR Socials
Chantal Bremner
nnrsocial@gmail.com
Charity & Volunteer Coordinators
Liz Garrigan Imogen Lee
nnrcharity@gmail.com
Advertising Director
Ginny Condra
Thani Talk News Team
Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team
nnrnews@gmail.com
Distribution Coordinators
Birgit Sund
nnrttdist@gmail.com
Communications Director
Kiki O’Connor
nnrcommunications@gmail. com
095-247-5692 nnradverts@gmail.com
Thani Talk Team: Advertising Director and Proofreader (Ginny Condra), Graphics Consultant (Bill Fear of Rose Marie Academy), Restaurant Reviewers (John Marinos, Vara Sumetanon, Barb Lewis), Grapevine Tips Coordinator (Laurie Burin), Distribution Coordinator ( Birgit 2 February 2019 T hSund). a n i Ta l k
Letter from NNR’s Chairperson
Passing the Baton to New NNR Chairperson This will be my final message as chair of NNR. The last three years have been a wonderful experience, and I would like to thank the entire community as well as the amazing NNR board. Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach is a unique organisation supported by so many generous and passionate folk. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve our community through the various avenues that NNR focuses: the Thani Talk; our expanded communications and the new website unofficialnichada.com; as well as our regular socials and tours. It has been a privilege to be a part of the support of the less fortunate in Pakkret through our charitable work: fundraising, donations in cash and kind, volunteer work and an expanded relationship with ISB. I have learned so much from our Thai neighbors as well as from our spirited community. I am very excited to welcome Liz Garrigan as the incoming chair. Liz is an amazingly passionate and competent person, who many of you know as one of the NNR charity coordinators, a coach for our kids, and an animal lover who has in her short time here already made a huge difference to the welfare of our four legged friends.
In addition, please join me in thanking Sandra Wilson, who has stepped down as NNR treasurer. Sandra's dedication and attention to detail in setting up systems and managing money will continue to ensure sound financial operations. Fran Whitehead will be taking over as treasurer. Henrietta Bullinger NNR Chairperson
Inside This Issue NNR Social
Calendar of Events
Letter from NNR’s Chairperson NNR Social NNR Tour Cover Story: Travel Travel Weekly Heard It Through the Grapevine Fitness & Activities Nonthaburi & Beyond PEOPLE Community News Highlights: NNR Tour Restaurant Review
3 4 5 6 10 20 22 23 28 34 42 49
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
A volunteer group serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
Feb. 5: Chinese New Year (Year of the Pig) Feb. 5, 10, 22: Comedy Den, p. 37 Feb. 9: Running Dinner, p. 4 Feb. 9: Secret Garden, p. 38 Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Feb. 22: NNR Tour: Ayutthaya, p. 5 Feb. 23: International Food Fair, p. 18 Full calendar listing on p. 23
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach February 2019
T h a n i Ta l k
Cover photo by Chin-Chin (Jeannie) Fan Velassaru Resort Maldives 3
NNR Social
Running Dinner
Saturday, February 9, 2019 - Looking for an easy fun night out? - Interested in connecting with your neighbors? - Do you have another person to sign up with you? - Want to enjoy a three course meal in a fun way? - The Running Dinner is for you! Sign up for the Running Dinner at runningdinner5@gmail.com by February 4, 2019. The Running Dinner starts at 7pm. Courses are hosted in homes within golf cart range in Nichada. Your partner does not have to be your spouse. You can bring a friend along! Please include your name, partner’s name, address, phone number and any allergies when you sign up!
Chantal Bremner NNR Social Coordinator Email: nnrsocial@gmail.com 4
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February 2019
NNR Tour
Around & About in Spendid Ayutthaya: Former Capital of Thailand NNR Tour: February 22
Greetings from your travel team. Pascale and Maida
Date: Friday, February 22, 2019 Time: 7:30am Where: ISB, in front of Chevron Theater Cost: 600 baht per person What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, camera and good mood!
ayuthaya2020.com
alamy.com
On February 22nd, please join us for another amazing tour near the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya. Unlike last year, we will stay just outside the historical park. We will visit Wat Phanan Choeng which was built in 1324, some 26 years before the city of Ayutthaya was founded. This wat, situated near the river, is supposed to have served as a 200-strong refugee community from the Song Dynasty (China) and contains a 19-meter high seated Buddha from 1334, a beautiful chapel, and many Chinese sculptures. We will also see Wat Yai Chai Mongkol (or Mongkhon), the Monastery of Auspicious Victory. Its highlight is its imposing prang dominating the area as well as an impressive reclining Buddha. Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is still an active temple; monks live in kuti (houses on stilts) on the grounds. We will have an early (self paying) lunch in the garden on the river at The Summer House and will then proceed to Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, the Summer Palace, built by King Rama V and containing all kinds of buildings from different architectural styles as well as beautiful manicured gardens. If you are tired, we will be happy to pay for a golf cart for one hour to visit the grounds. We should be back at ISB at 2:30 p.m. If time allows, we will stop by Baan Hollanda an information center on the history of Dutch-Thai relations and particularly the Dutch settlements in Ayutthaya in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
To sign up: Email nnrtour@gmail.com
February 2019
orientalescape
The tour is limited to 11 participants.
T h a n i Ta l k
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Cover Story: Travel
Annual Travel Issue It’s a pleasure to bring you Thani Talk’s annual travel issue, featuring exciting trips shared by members of our community. In addition to journeys here in Asia (train trip to Laos, skiing in Japan and snorkeling in Thailand), our contributing writers also share their best tips on traveling overseas (discovering Dubai in a Day, cruising to New Zealand and Australia, and basking on the sun-kissed beaches of the Maldives). This year, we offer a new additon: Day Trips! Enjoy snorkeling in Sattahip and shopping at the Railway Market in Samut Songkhram. For more tips from neighbors about travel, check out the Facebook group: Nichada Travel: Life Outside the Bubble. For now, sit back and enjoy exploring the world through Thani Talk. Liz Lu, Editor
Dubai In A Day
Must-Sees in the City of Gold When the opportunity came up for us to spend a day in Dubai, I joyously threw myself into hyper-planning mode. But boy oh boy, what to choose? Where to begin? This was going to be a challenge even for an A-type person like myself. Ok, let’s keep it real. We all know one day in Dubai is not long enough to truly experience the city in all its gold-studded splendor. However, it is long enough to hit the highlights. And hey, as long as you see the Burj Kalifa everything else is gravy. Here are the things we did when we had a single day to visit Dubai. I think we hit the most important sites but this is by no means an exhaustive list. How We Did It We hired a car for the day, and the driver took us to and from Abu Dhabi and was at our beck and call in Dubai. He totally smelled like b.o. and had absolutely no sense of direction, but we still managed to get where we were going and didn’t get too nauseous in the process. The drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is just under two hours. What We Did
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1st stop: The Cocoa Room Hey, one needs to have energy in order to get through a day like this, right? Cocoa Room instantly became one my favorite restaurants of all time. As far
as I can remember, they did not accept reservations so try to arrive as soon as you can after they open. Also, make sure you get their burnt marshmallow salted caramel hot chocolate. It will make you feel as if you have died and gone to sugar heaven! 2nd stop: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood An interesting pedestrian-only area to wander. Sandstone houses tower above snake-like alleyways with many shops housing the bottom levels. Interesting fact: still standing in the neighborhood is the last remaining part of the gypsum and coral wall of old Dubai, which at one time was the city’s protection from attack. Go figure! Although I wrote this cool fact down in my meticulous notes, do you think we remembered it and saw the wall? Of course not (insert eye roll now).
T h a n i Ta l k
3rd stop: Gold, Perfume, and Spice Souks There is nothing that screams Dubai more than these souks (Arab markets). Here all that glitters really is gold! Whether you can afford that 1.1 million dollar necklace or not, February 2019
Cover Story: Travel
5th stop: The Dubai Fountain Attached to the Dubai Mall, this is the largest fountain in the world. It offers incredible views of the Burj Kalifa towering high above. 6th stop: The Burj Kalifa. A must-do if you are in Dubai. Don’t be afraid to shell out the big bucks and go to the top. You will be rewarded with one-of-akind views of the city and surrounding area. We went back and forth between going during the day or going at night. Both times come highly recommended so you really won’t lose by choosing either. February 2019
What to Wear * No need to have your head covered * Wear closed-toe shoes * No revealing or tight clothing * Wear pants or long skirt * No bare shoulders * Always have knees covered * It is cold at night (80 degrees F by day/50 degrees F by night, air conditioners used heavily) Shopping Things in Dubai are not cheap. Expect to spend a good amount of money, especially if you go shopping in the Gold Souk. Getting Around You will find very few actual street addresses. It is best to have a map printed with exactly where you want to go. I never did quite get this quirky fact being in a city this large. Tipping Customs * Not compulsory—but common practice so “yes” * Most restaurants tack on a service charge which is considered the tip (usually 10%) PLUS there is a 6% Tourism Fee) * Taxi—round up to nearest DHS (United Arab Emirates Dirham) * Note: A tip added to credit card bill rarely gets to the person who provided the service All in all, we did a lot during our day in Dubai. That being said, we practically killed ourselves in the process and fought to keep our eyes open on the drive back to Abu Dhabi. Still, as you can see it is do-able. I hope you will have the chance to go to this unique city, but perhaps allow yourself more than just a few mere hours. Take a few days to relax, shop, and see all the glittery sites Dubai has to offer. And while you’re at it, please don’t hesitate to buy some spices for me!
T h a n i Ta l k
Laurie Burin
tripmasters.com
lonelyplanet
it’s fun to walk around and see some of the outrageous pieces of jewelry. We were not able to get to the perfume souks because I was wholly consumed by the spice souks. Arabic coffee, spiced nuts, dates, and of course spices are all things that I get totally geeked over. So I pretty much had to be dragged away in order to stick to that darn schedule I created. One word of caution: You will be aggressively approached by street merchants trying to sell you everything from bags to belts. I lived in China and dealt with these kind of people all the time. This, however, was aggressive even for a seasoned pro such as myself. 4th stop: The Dubai Mall If malls are your thing, you could spend a week here alone. The Dubai mall is massive. It even houses an indoor ski slope and aquarium! We barely scratched the surface of all the mall had to offer, looking in a few stores and grabbing a quick bite to eat. No rest for the weary!
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Cover Story: Travel
Train Trip to Laos
Go First Class for Maximum Comfort
In October of 2017, the Bush family embarked on an epic quest together. For though they have traveled within Asia since 2011—staying in hostels, lounging in resorts, braving poorly reviewed hotels to save a buck, and eating like royalty wherever they went—they had yet to take an overnight train as a family. This would all change on their journey into Laos. Ok, enough with the drama. Here is the real scoop. Laos is a beautiful country filled with fantastic food, a warm and welcoming people, and a tumultuous past that is both beautiful and tragic. I won’t spend much time discussing how to pronounce the word “Laos” because the moment you say it out loud, someone will disagree with your pronunciation. Whether or not to pronounce the “S” is up to you, so please do as you will and ignore everyone else. Now, travel by train is something that we are very familiar with after our four years in China. We used the very hi-tech maglev train from Shanghai’s Pudong airport quite often. We used the high-speed trains to Beijing, Suzhou, and Nanjing. I even frequented the slow speed trains to lesser-known locales, where my punk rock band was booked to play small venues in front of 30 to 40 college kids. I also took my brothers and my father to Beijing once in an overnight train, so I thought I could handle this one to Laos. It was quite a different experience. You begin this journey at Don Muang train station (in front of the airport of the same name) around 8:30 pm and wait for what seems an eternity for train 25 to arrive. Once it pulls in, you are not greeted by the sleek 8
and futuristic trains of China’s high-speed rail, but rather something more like what trains from my youth looked like. This was a plus for me, not a deterrent. When tickets were purchased ahead of time, First Class sleepers were sold out for the journey into Laos (or rather to Nong Khai in Thailand, but I’ll get to that in a minute), so we were forced to buy Second Class fares for the family. We are not a First Class kind of family anyway, so we thought it would be fine. We were mistaken. At around 780 baht per person, it was a very affordable worst night of sleep ever. This may have been due to the fact that there are stops along the way, and people entering and exiting the train. Or it may have been due to the insomniacs who paced the halls of our carriage persistently. On the other hand, it may have been that we were stuck down at the end of the hall, right next to the toilets, so that every single time someone had to tinkle we were woken up by the sounds of the automatic doors opening and closing. Or maybe it was all in my head, who knows. After the long and sleepless 10-hour journey, we finally arrived at Nong Khai around 7am. We then transferred to a smaller train, which was definitely in need of some upkeep and traveled across the Friendship Bridge into Laos. Once we arrived at Thanaleng Station, we then waited for around an hour while our visas-on-arrival were sorted out. *Pro Tip: Bring US dollars for the visas. They cost $35 US, but if you pay in Thai baht it costs about the equivalent of $45 US.* Once visas were all sorted, we piled into a minivan and rode over bumpy roads for an hour into Vientiane, a peaceful and small city.
T h a n i Ta l k
February 2019
Cover Story: Travel
Vietnamparadisetravel.com
How do I describe Vientiane? It is quiet. There isn’t a ton to do, but I did enjoy our time there. We perhaps stayed too long, as we opted for a full week and told ourselves we would do Luang Prabang another time. This, I feel, was our main error. We should have done three days in Vientiane and four days in Luang Prabang. But hindsight is 20/20, and at the time we were sure that we’d be busy as bees for the whole week. Well, we saw all the temples, tried the major restaurants, swam in the pool, sought out the best street food, and even went bowling. Then we had five days left. Ok, that may be stretching it a little bit. We were only super bored for the last two days. Honestly, I know I sound like some bougie travel snob, and I hate that I come across that way when telling this story. Because let me be clear, Laos is amazing. We ate one of the best meals of our lives at a restaurant called Kualao. We had great Laos pub grub at Khop Chai Deu. We loved Wat Si Saket, Haw Phra Kaew, Pha That Luang, and the Patuxai monument. We had an incredible night walking along the Mekong through a night market and stumbling across one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants ever! The bowling left a lot to be desired, though. Luckily, the First Class sleeper tickets were not sold out for the journey back into Bangkok. We had to take an hour-long minivan ride to Thanaleng station to catch the small train back to Nong Khai at 5:30 pm. Then the train left from Nong Khai at 6:30 pm headed back home and we thought we had hit the jackpot. We booked two connecting First Class cabins. Each cabin slept two people and you would have thought we were the Clampetts. We were so darn excited about each cabin having a sink in it. “We even get our own soap!” Oh, and it was an incredible night of sleep in that cabin. Just cold, quiet, and marvelous. So, the TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) version for those of you who skipped ahead. Laos is great. You really only need three days for Vientiane. Don’t buy the Second Class sleeper tickets. The extra 500 baht per ticket is worth it for First Class. YOU GET YOUR OWN SOAP! Michael Bush February 2019
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Cover Story: Travel
Maldives: Vacationing in Paradise
Travel Weekly
The Chao Family Loved Pristine Oasis on Tropical Island
Many of us have seen pictures of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water and probably assumed that it was photoshopped to look that perfect. That’s why I could barely believe my eyes when my family got to take a trip to the Maldives—the ocean was the most incredible shade of turquoise and the beaches were breathtakingly beautiful. We made our own hotel bookings and took a direct flight on Air Asia from Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. With our U.S. passports, no pre-arrival visas were needed. My family stayed at the Velassaru Resort, which like many of the resorts in the Maldives, made up the entirety of a small island. Our resort offered individual beach villas nestled in the edges of the tropical jungles as well as the unique experience of water villas perched above the teal ocean. To travel between the islands, you can simply take a short ferry ride to explore other resorts and islands, although Velassaru offered so many activities that we ended up just picking some of those to do and relaxing in the resort. For those who love water activities, the Maldives is an endless playground full of entertaining options. Of course, snorkeling in those clear waters is a must. The Maldives has many coral atolls, which are basically rings of coral reefs that have a huge variety of tropical fish and other sea creatures. Our family chose to take a small boat out to different reefs in the area around our resort and our guide was 10
extremely helpful in pointing out different creatures for us. The Maldives have everything from clownfish and angelfish to sting rays and black/white-tipped sharks. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a sea turtle or a dolphin! Speaking of dolphins, you can also go on a dolphin excursion where they take you around the islands on a boat to typical dolphin sighting areas. Overall, our family loved our trip to the Maldives and would agree that it’s a picture-perfect paradise that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
T h a n i Ta l k
Chin-Chin (Jeannie) Fan February 2019
Cover Story: Travel
Magical Maldives
The Mannikko Family Relaxed at Club Med Some vacations just stick with you and become part of the family lore. That is the Maldives for us. Simply unforgettable. It’s a relatively short flight from Bangkok, about 4.5 hours on Air Asia. You fly from Don Muang into Malé, Maldives. A no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival for all nationalities. From Malé you can take a ferry or a sea plane to get to your resort. The sea plane is cool…but pricey. . We traveled with our three teenage boys and stayed at Club Med. I would highly recommend this location. There’s a real “get away from it all feeling” as it is on its own private island (as most are) and all food & drink are included in the price (not cheap, but an investment in time spent with your family.) To travel to the island, we chose the ferry option and stayed for a week. My husband and I got a bungalow over the water and the boys had a separate one on a white sand beach. Both accommodations were great. Our bungalow over the water had its own mini dock where we could sit with our feet in the water and jump in at any time to see the sea life…lion fish, parrot fish, eagle rays, even an octopus and an eel in a nearby sunken rock formation. Every morning and every evening we could see small reef sharks swimming under our dock. And the Water…the water was stunning! Clear and many shades of blue. Our resort included snorkeling as a group daily, but we had packed our own snorkel gear and enjoyed going from our own dock more. The kids had activities including volleyball every afternoon. They really enjoyed the teen time. The Club Med had buffets for each meal, with a private in-room breakfast for bungalow rooms, and for dinner each night there were themes ie: white night, Hawaiian shirt, etc. This gave the club a “Cruise Ship” atmosphere. Also each night the staff put on a show at a special stage built next to the disco. The resort included a hand full of activities, sun chairs and hammocks, water swings, a swimming pool, sailing. For an extra cost, the boys dove (even a night dive) and tried paragliding behind a boat and Water Jet Pack walking. My husband Norm and I took a half-day tour to see dolphins, turtles and had a lobster lunch on a private island. Fun! Amazing! Other resorts to check out: ~Sheraton Full Moon Bay: Ferry ride to resort. Close to mainland. ~Reethi Faru Resort: Sea Plane to resort. Highly recommended. Kathy Mannikko February 2019
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Cover Story: Travel
Exploring New Zealand and Australia 10-day Cruise Through the Land Down Under
Over the Winter break our family of five spent three weeks in the Land Down Under! Everyone we’d ever talked to about the trip told us how much we’d love it, but it exceeded all of our expectations. We spent three days exploring the North Island of New Zealand by car including glow worm caves and the very scenic Hobbiton movie set, then boarded Celebrity Solstice in Auckland. For ten days we sailed the eastern edge of North and South Islands, then cruised through Fjordlands National Park on the way to disembarkment in Sydney. We’d heard that driving New Zealand was amazing, camper van travel was easy, and cruising was fun too. For our family cruising sounded like the best fit, and we were amazed at every turn by how much fun we had. In Tauranga we rented a car and drove to Skyline Luge in Rotorua for the day, enjoying incredible views and fresh air from the hillside. In Wellington we took a cable car to a bird sanctuary to hike. In Picton we explored the small town, local playground and craft show. In Akaroa, the only stop where we needed to “tender” ashore in a small boat rather than walk a short gangway, we went to the mosaic-covered Giant’s House. In Dunedin we enjoyed the Scottish feel and a mountain train into the Taieri Gorge that felt much like the Scottish Highlands. The weather, fresh air, gorgeous bright blue water, 12
food, people—all of it was incredible. Hopping from port to port on the ship was easy and relaxing—the food on board was fantastic and the girls ages 5, 9 and 12 enjoyed the kids club entertainment options when we weren’t in port. Probably the biggest surprises of the trip were when we cruised through Milford Sound, where we enjoyed spectacular views and weather while the kids rolled around on the grassy lawn on top of the ship, and the close encounters with pods of dolphins as we were underway. At one point there were dozens of dolphins hopping alongside the ship just under our windows. Following the cruise we spent a few days in Sydney, celebrating Christmas there by visiting the Sydney Zoo and picnicking in a park near Sydney Opera House. We then wrapped up our trip with five days in Port Douglas and a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. We also visited a small zoo near Cairns for koala cuddles and the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture park. If you ask the girls what they liked best about the trip, they’ll tell you it was the all-you-care-to-eat ice cream on board the ship. But they also enjoyed the glow worm caves, adventurous snorkeling, getting close-up with koalas and seeing Hobbiton. This trip was overwhelmingly fun for all five of us! Susan Yates
T h a n i Ta l k
February 2019
Cover Story: Travel
Cruise ship came with spacious suite and a grass lawn. Vacation stops included koala visits and picnic at the Sydney Zoo.
February 2019
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Cover Story: Travel
Day Trip: Snorkeling in Sattahip Short Day Trip from Bangkok
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vibrant as other reefs in Thailand, we saw plenty of sea life: spiny black sea urchins, giant clams with colorful mouths, and clown fish dodging in and out of their anemone homes. The boat took us to three stops with the team coming into the water to guide to see certain types of fish. While we were enjoying our time, one of the guides took pictures of us underneath the water–a service included in the cost of the tour. We don’t like to pose or would have had much better photos! It was a short day on the water, but offered a first, exciting experience with snorkeling close to Bangkok! Wipha Risser
T h a n i Ta l k
filmi-onlain.info
In October, our family visited friends in Rayong and we decided to spend the day in the area before seeing them. We stopped to snorkel at Koh Samae San in the Sattahip area in Cholburi, right before entering Rayong. We made an appointment with a local tour company a few days before we left Bangkok to reserve a speedboat that goes out twice a day. From Nichada Thani, we drove about three and a half hours to reach Sattahip at 11am. The speedboat was waiting for us with three guides on board just off a fishing pier. They first took us to an island about 15 minutes away. There, we became models, having our pictures taken as much as we wanted. All poses were on the boat only, surrounded by clear blue water, cool breeze, and the green island in the background. Beautiful view! Next, they took us to another location, where a few boats were anchored and people were in the water. Time to snorkel, the team made sure we knew how to use the equipment and how to breathe by mouth only– inhale, exhale. They provided life jackets to wear in the water if we wanted. We started to snorkel, taking in the beautiful underwater views. While it may not be as
February 2019
Cover Story: Travel
Day Trip: Maeklong Railway Station Market
Shops Near Train Track Pull Back Awnings as Train Passes
Maeklong Railway Station Market does not feel like the same old shopping experience. It is located in Samut Songkhram, Thailand, and a visit here will actually get your heart pumping. It operates right on the railway tracks that go from Ban Laem Station to Maeklong Station. At first glance, you notice the usual market fair— beautiful fruits and veggies, interesting meats, some clothing and gifts. The store front awnings are what bring the excitement. Walking the tracks, you feel the train’s vibration. Store keepers quickly, right as the train reaches them, roll their awnings in and rearrange their items for sale. Standing in a store front here does feel a little too close for comfort as the train ambles by. Immediately after it has passed, everything is replaced and business resumes as normal. It is amazing to think that these sellers have been doing this numerous times per day for so long! The road trip to Maeklong Station takes about one and a half to two hours. It is a great place to visit on the way to Hua Hin. It’s also a good way to catch up with friends during the ride. There were plenty of Thai food snack shops. We chose delicious fruit smoothies for the return trip. If you go, upon arrival, check the Maeklong Railway Station for daily train times. The schedule can also usually be found on Trip Advisor. Enjoy! Choo choo! Liz Lazich
February 2019
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Cover Story: Travel
Skiing in Niseko, Japan
wow-j.com
jaltour.co.uk
A Family Snowboarding Get-Away
This December we went on a family snow-boarding trip to Sapporo in Japan. We decided to stay at the Westin Rusutsu Resort Hotel, a snow-in snow-out ski resort not far from the popular destination of Niseko. We chose this hotel because we are inexperienced snow-boarders, who learned the basics at Ski Dubai, and had no idea if learning to ski in a man-made dome in the desert of the United Arab Emirates would translate into snow-boarding on ‘real’ snow, in a ‘real’ ski resort. In the end, I think we made the right choice. The overnight flight to Japan was with Thai Airlines from Suvarnabhumi Airport and had us landing early in the morning in a magical snow-covered and mountainous wonderland. We took a 2-hour bus ride to the hotel, and once we had checked in, we explored our quirky, featurefilled and fun-packed environment which would be our playground home for 6 days. We didn’t have enough time to get our snow-boards out that day, so we went for a buffet style Japanese meal at the Oktoberfest-themed restaurant. There was a running theme which paid homage to an old American style ragtime band throughout certain parts of the resort. This appealed more to the Asian clientele I think, because my kids found it a bit creepy, but after a few days, we all found it quite funny as it had a kind of innocent charm which perhaps we don’t appreciate these days. Back at the Westin, we were able to rent everything from snow jackets to helmets and gloves. Although it wasn’t cheap, it was super convenient for our first real foray into boarding proper. The room was a duplex apartment, bigger than most in Japan, with a stunning view of the mountains we would be venturing up and 16
down over the next few days. We loved spending the first full day walking up the slopes on foot and reminding ourselves of the basics, then on the second day we took the plunge and started on the green slopes via one of the many gondolas within a stone’s throw of the hotel. My two boys and husband took to it straight away, I felt like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz. That was until we stopped for lunch and a beer, which was the oil I needed to take me from Tin Man to an almost competent green sloper! By the last day, we had made it onto the red slopes, fallen over less and gained a Katsu Curry obsession. All in all, we would definitely recommend Rusutsu, especially for families who want a quieter resort experience with all amenities on site. Next time, we will branch out a bit and do more ourselves which should save money now we have more confidence to go it alone.
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Francesca Whitehead
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Heard It Through the Grapevine
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.
Shanghai Mansion: Exotic Boutique Hotel If you’re looking for a charming place with atmosphere perfect for date night, or as I did, taking a visiting friend -Shanghai Mansions could be the place. It’s an exotically decorated boutique hotel with black and white tiles, velvet and leather sofas and beautiful wall art capturing old Shanghai 1930’s charm. Upstairs houses the Cotton restaurant for breakfast and Shanghai terrace bar, both of which look beautiful. The Terrace in the evenings is a jazz bar with an open air view of the energetic Yaowarat Road. We found ourselves a comfortable seat, one of many in the street entrance bar, Red Rose. The place was buzzing with people like us enjoying delicately created cocktails and fine service, all while the chaos of tuk tuks, taxis, food carts, bikes and people created a continuous show to sit back and enjoy. They also offer what looks like a wonderful selection of Chinese and Szechuan cuisine at very reasonable prices. I have to say my friend and I enjoyed some of the best cocktails we have ever had, and look forward to returning next time for the evening food and jazz. Danielle Reed
Address: 479-481 Thanon Yaowarat Tel: 02-221-2121 Website: shanghaimansion.com
Dr. Thanu of Aetna Clinic Garners Praise I just wanted to give a little shout out for Dr Thanu Komolsai at the new Aetna Clinic here in Nichada. We had a bit of an allergy scare with a refugee (in other words, not a registered patient), and he and his nursing team could not have been kinder, more knowledgable, and professionally caring. They did a fantastic job. Thank you to all involved! Sally Elliott I would also like to commend Dr Thanu for providing excellent care a couple of months ago to my mother. He has good clinical acumen and he does his job with great compassion. Renu Garg 20
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Heard It Through the Grapevine
Chicken Gai: Home Delivery of Chicken
The Chicken Gai is not only a way to order the highest Delicious chicken that food the quality delicious chicken; but is half ofsafe, the of proceeds goes highest quality, export grade, hormone and to local charities! growth free. Several years ago, an ISB high school student, 50% of found profits a goway to charity. Madison Warta, to transport frozen chicken products from Cargill Protein SE Asia processing facility All products are fully cooked and delivered in northernfrozen Thailand, Nichada and raise money to yourdown home to monthly. for charities in the process. Her family has since moved
away, and the Chaengwattana Community Church has taken over the chicken orders. All chicken products come fully cooked and delivered frozen to Nichada. The chicken comes in steamed breasts, tenders, nuggets, spicy popcorn, and BBQ wings. All of it is export grade and growth hormone free. Order requests are sent out once a month by email by the point of contact: Dee Pennels-deepennels@gmail.com. When the order comes in, you receive an email to let you know when and where to pick it up in Nichada. This past Fall the recipient of the Chicken Gai proceeds was Bumble Bee Free Library. This generous donation helped fund the upgrades and air conditioners for the library’s new building. If you love great chicken and love helping local charities, put The Chicken Gai on your list for groceries this month! Kelley Weg
300 THB per bag. Cash payment on delivery.
Urban Ayurveda Holistic & Earth-Friendly Products
Order by email to deepennels@gmail.com with your items, quantity, and address.
A few months ago, I met Dr. Arora, the founder of Urban Ayurveda, at a craft fair. I tried some of her natural, chemical-free and earth-friendly products, and I was hooked. Urban Ayurveda offers 8 different types of programs and therapies, some of which include: holistic diet & nutrition therapy; holistic weight loss management; holistic diet and nutrition therapy; and wellness blogs. I’ve tried the Ghee, Chavanprash (Indian Gooseberry jam), Healing Touch Massage oil, Rose Rejuvenator, and the Golden Joints & Muscle Oil. Each of these products has been fantastic, but the Golden Joints & Muscle Oil is my favorite because it has completely alleviated the arthritis pain I’ve had in my fingers. This in and of itself makes their products worth a try! In addition, they can easily deliver right to your home. For more information, contact Dr. Arora’s clinic, Golden Awareness Holistic Nutrition & Ayurveda, at: Website: www.goldenawareness.com Tel: 081 840 0640 Facebook: Urban Ayurveda by Dr. Arora. Laurie Burin February 2019
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Fitness & Activities Community FitnessNeighborhood & Activities Listings Nichada
Yoga & Fitness Classes Community Fitness & Activities Listings Kundalini Yoga - Baan Shakti Alignment Based Yoga with Napisa
Ashtanga Yoga with PanZen PanZen, 097-227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com http://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen
Napisa Pant, 086-975-7187 napisapant.yoga@gmail.com FB: yogawithnapisa
Ashtanga Yoga with Marie Marie Massard, 098-882-8990 marie.massard@gmail.com Class fees donated to BBFL.
Underdog Wellness Fitness Classes (UW) Yoga, Booty Barre, Mat & Reformer Pilates Stacy Klob, scklobhome@icloud.com FB: Underdog Wellness
Iyengar Yoga Juan Bodan, 081-285-3050 Monday Kundalini Yoga 7:45-9:15 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Napisa Restorative 8:45-10:15 Mixed level Napisa Evening Yoga 5:00-6:15 pm
Weekly Schedule Wednesday
Tuesday Hatha Yoga w/Katja 8:30-9:15 (Baan Shakti) Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Gong & Meditation 9:30-10:15 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Booty Barre 10:30 Yoga Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45
Kundalini Yoga All Levels 7:45-9:15 Napisa Alignment Flow 7:45-9:15 Level 2 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Yin Yoga Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45 Kerstin Yoga for Kids 3:00-3:45
Kerstin Wild, 086-372-9750 kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com www.yoga-of-awareness.com Private classes available
Das PowerHaus Pilates + TRX Reformer, Mat with props, TRX Joanna Brittingham, 089-846-6610 joanna.brittingham@gmail.com FB: @daspowerhausnichada
Thursday
Friday
Iyengar Yoga Kundalini Yoga All Levels 7:50-9:15 7:45-9:15 Underdog Wellness Napisa Alignment Flow 9:30 Mat Pilates 7:45-9:00 Beg-Level 1 Ashtanga Yoga PanZen Iyengar Yoga 3:45-4:45 7:50-9:20 Napisa Teen Yoga Ashtanga Yoga Marie 5:00-6:00 pm 9:30-11:00 **Sunday** Ashtanga Yoga Marie 7:30-9:00
Meditation Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation) Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Â Contact Ellie: eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org www.DavidLynchFoundation.org
Meditation - Dynamic & Vipassana Meditation Monday 9:00-10:30, Terrace Residence/Nichada Thani Teaching, meditation and Q&A Marie Massard, 098-882-8990 (What’s App & Line) marie.massard@gmail.com
Dance Bollywood Dance Suitable for all levels! Wed & Thurs 9:30-10:30 Afternoon Classes: Tues or Wed 5:00-6:00 Contact Irit: 086-004-4840 iritmike@gmail.com Zumba Chaengwattana Community Church Mon, Wed & Friday FB: Zumba Nichada Thani Class fee donated to charity!
Sport Masters Swimming - Nichada Pool, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 Contact: Kerstin Wild, kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com Biking - Meet at Sichaitong gate! Weekday rides Mon & Wed at 7:30 am. Contact: Henrietta Bullinger, hbullinger@gmail.com. Weekends at 7:00 am. Contact: Chris Oglesby, caoglesby@hotmail.com Tennis with Coach Sagi - Nichada tennis courts Contact: Sagi Luft, 092-271-2110, sagiluft@hotmail.com
Tutorials World English - Oral English & composition instruction, 30 yrs exp. Deborah Funthorn, BA, MFA, TESL, 083-055-9785, debhata@yahoo.com Piano Lessons - Exp. professional from Westover School in Connecticut capricio310@gmail.com, 091-878-6283
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Nonthaburi & Beyond
Exhibitions and Events Amarin Baby & Kids Fair Large fair showcasing products for mothers, babies and kids. Free races: Baby crawling and toddler waddling races. Date: Feb. 28 - March 3 Time: 11am-9pm Location: BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre), Hall 98-99 For more info: https://www.facebook.com/AmarinBabyAndKids/ https://www.amarinbabyandkids.com/ http://www.amarinfair.com/
Bangkok Expo A mega expo bringing you furniture, electronics, wedding services, fashion, jewelry and food. Date: Feb. 9-17 Time: 10:30am - 9pm Location: Hall 6-8, Impact Arena, Exhibition Center, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Website: www. www.unionpan.com
Calendar of Events
baan & BEYOND Expo 2019 Offering a wide range of home products including equipment, decor, and lighting for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Date: Feb. 22-Mar.3, 2019 Location: BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) Website: www.baanandbeyond.com February 2019
Feb. 4: Plastics-Free Day, Tops at Central, p. 46 Feb. 5: Chinese New Year Feb. 5, 10, 22: Comedy Den, p. 37 Feb. 9: Running Dinner, p. 4 Feb. 9: Secret Garden, p. 38 Feb. 9-17: Bangkok Expo, p. 23 Feb. 10, 12: Auditions: Twelfth Night, (bangkokcommunitytheatre.com) Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Feb. 22: NNR Tour: Ayutthaya, p. 5 Feb. 22-Mar. 3: baan&BEYOND Expo 2019, p. 23 Feb. 23: International Food Fair, p. 18 Feb. 25: Breakfast at the Oscars, p.48 Feb. 28 - Mar. 3: Amarin Baby Fair, p. 23
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Yoga of Awareness Kerstin Wild 

Kundalini Yoga is a tool to support your life to live it in a mindful and conscious way by doing Pranayama (breath) exercises, Kundalini Sets and Meditations as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Classes Mon: 7:45-9:15am Tue: 8:30-9:15 am Tue: 9:30-10:15am Wed: 7:45-9:15 am Wed: 3:00-3:45 pm Fri: 7:45-9:15 am
Kundalini Yoga Hatha Yoga w.Katja Gong&Meditation Kundalini Yoga Yoga for Kids Kundalini Yoga
Private classes are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and are available on request. It will support you physically as well as psychologically. Please register with me, Kerstin Wild
CertiďŹ ed KY Teacher Level 1, Level 2 and Radiant Child
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Buy 1 Suit GetT h1a Complimentary Shirt n i Ta l k
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PEOPLE
Jum Chemnasiri of OC Organic
One-Stop Shop for Natural Products
OC Organic is a labor of love fueled by Napis “Jum” Chemnasira’s passion, energy and business acumen. Inspired by her late father’s interest in avoiding pesticides and growing healthy food for his family, she turned the farm she inherited into a business enterprise and valuable community resource. After her pharmacist father’s death two years ago, she decided to “follow his dream” and continued growing salad greens and vegetables on the family farm in Pakchong district of Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand. The farm is about 115 km from Pakkred, Nonthaburi.
“After I starting doing it, I fell in love with it,” says Jum, a 12-year Nichada Thani resident who grew up a self-proclaimed city girl. She named the farm OC in honor of her father (Ouychai Chemnasiri) and as a tribute to his commitment to grow healthy food for his family. Jum lived and studied in Australia from the age of 15 until she graduated from Edith Cowan University in Perth with a degree in marketing. In addition to OC Organic, she also owns two other family businesses; one is a screen printing factory and the other produces the air freshener brand “Bactyl Spray”. Jum, whose 11-year-old daughter attends nearby St. 28
Andrews Samakee International School, now lives with her family in Nichada, making trips out to Pakchong to oversee operations at OC Organic Farm. She began expanding the 4-acre farm in May 2017 and saw that the Nichada community was the the perfect market for fresh produce from her farm. Using her entrepreneurial skills, Jum posted a delivery notice in the Facebook group Expats of Nichada, packaged the incoming orders, planned the delivery route and OC Organic Farm began selling to the public. She originally stored inventory at her home in Nichada, but as demand grew, she rented shop space opposite the Muay Thai gym inside Nichada and opened OC Organic Shop there in April 2018. Soon, she began sourcing produce from other suppliers, ensuring they measured up to organic quality standards. The expansion led to successful partnerships with other entrepreneurs in Thailand’s organic industry. One such partner was her friend Kasama Laopanich, who owns La Monita Mexican restaurant in Bangkok. Jum designed attractively packaged box sets featuring OC Organic salad greens and vegetables along with La
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PEOPLE Monita’s homemade salad dressing, and the ideas kept coming. She was bringing farm to table to her customers and saw the opportunity for more. Jum continued to process on-line orders, but now customers also had the opportunity to buy OC Organic produce in person at her bricks-and-mortar shop. Working with friends and finding new contacts, Jum began offering a variety of new products in her shop–not only organic foods but also products supporting a healthy, balanced and responsible lifestyle. After opening, she noticed that Thais and expats were “consuming totally different things.” While Asian customers often asked for lemongrass and chilis, expat customers frequently requested gluten-free products, she said. Jum listened to her customers and sourced products to meet their needs. For example, she now sells organic popcorn, nutritonal yeasts, alkalizing coconut flour and other superfoods at OC, after partnering with Sunshine Market, a natural health store in Bangkok. She also sells Danish chocolate made by the New Tree company with 30% less sugar and no palm oil. A variety of organic teas are available from Rai Ruen Rom, run by a Thai-Japanese owner focusing on “Harmony with the Land”. Jum teamed up with her friend at La Monita once again to offer the restaurant’s bottled salad dressings and salsas (the only place outside of the La Monita currently where you can buy them.) Also available for sale through pre-orders and at the shop are breads and baked goods from Amantee Bakery, the gourmet French bakery, and Sunshine Market; delicious varieties of goat cheese from Little Goat farm; free range, organic chicken from Prosun Farm; and organic dairy products from Dairy Farm. Recently, Jum teamed up with Refill Station, a company focused on providing bulk daily use liquid products that can be easily refilled. By offering an alternative to the single-use plastic containers for many products, Refill Station offers an environmentally-friendly way to reduce plastics. “Bring your own bottles and fill them with shower gels, shampoos, detergents, fabric softeners and all sorts of liquids—only pay for what you need, not for the February 2019
packaging,” said Jum. “It’s a great concept.” “I lived in Australia for almost 10 years,” said Jum. “But the concept of the shop was more from what I am interested in. I watched Youtube about zero waste and I believe that I should be a part of it,” she said. She also did in-depth research about the health benefits of organic food, including taking Stanford University’s online course “ Child Nutrition and Cooking”.
As you can see, Jum is one super busy entrepreneur. Her brother is not involved with OC Organic Shop, but her mother, Poonsuk Rujanavech, often helps out at the shop. Her daughter, Phakteema Orprasirth, loves visiting the farm. “She likes going to the farm a lot because she likes the nature and play (cooking with soil and grass),” said Jum. In addition to hired staff, Jum also has help from her good friend, Milani Eppler, who staffs the Nichada shop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. “So that gives me more time to do the website, take seminar courses on organic, etc.,” she said. Jum oversees nearly every detail of the business— from planning what to grow at the farm, working with organic farm consultants, doing market research, handling purchasing, finance and accounting, to decorating the shop. She is working on a website (www.oc-organic. com) that will be launched in March. It will enable online orders followed by delivery. To receive her newsletter, email napis@oc-organic.com “This is my first retail business so there’s a lot to learn,” she said. Farming is hard work, no doubt about it, but the effort it takes to run the farm and shop does not faze Jum. Sourcing healthy food for her family and for her customers is a passion.
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JOIN OUR
AT MAGIC YEARS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 02-156-6222 OR EMAIL OFFICE@MAGICYEARS.AC.TH 30
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Call Khun Jum to make a booking for your next holiday!
Located in Nichada Secret Garden
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Community News
Wine Survivor Results Announced Proceeds Donated to Street Dog Rescue Project
What a fun event! Wine Survivor was a reverse draw contest: the object of the game was to be the last name in the hat. Between November 16th and December 16th we held 4 draws, pulling names then giving those whose names were pulled the opportunity to use an immunity (donating a small, additional fee) to get themselves right back in for the final draw on December 16th. There were 44 participants which led to our grand prize winner, Lisa Young, taking home 22 bottles of wine and our 2nd and 3rd winners, Niall O’Connor and Wendy Wilson leaving with 11 bottles each. Thank you all for your amazing support to our first ever NNR Wine Survivor! You helped raise funds that were donated towards the needs of the Nonthaburi Animal Welfare Alliance. Wine Survivor was so much fun to organize...we may just do it again! Chantal Bremner Nonthaburi Animal Welfare Alliance (NAWA) is a community-supported volunteer organization working to sterilize, provide medical care, and find homes for street animals in and near Nichada Thani. It was a modest but meaningful first year for the fledgling group, founded in July 2018: It handled 67 sterilizations of street animals, and completed 10 adoptions, many vaccinations, and treatment for about a dozen animals with non-routine medical conditions. The group has also formed a successful community dog-walking program of local volunteers for a group of dogs living inside a Nichada run. To support NAWA or volunteer, email Liz Garrigan at lizgarrigan@gmail.com. 34
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Community News
Walk & Talk on Saturday Mornings Brought to You by the Purple Living Room Project Ready to find common ground, one conversation at a time? The Purple Living Room Project is a conversation group formed in Nichada in 2016. We’re focused on bridging the red/blue political divide in the United States. Whether you consider yourself conservative, liberal, or somewhere in-between, we consider your views important! Join us as we try to find “purple points”—the areas where blue and red perspectives overlap. We’re starting weekly “Walk and Talk” mornings in Nichada Come meet us Saturday mornings at 8am in the park by the 7-Eleven inside Nichada, and we'll look for common ground together. Bring a friend and wear purple! To learn more about The Purple Living Room Project, visit www.purplelivingroom.org or contact us at: purplelivingroom@gmail.com. Jen Whitman
Sweet Poppy Opens on Samakkee Road
Sweet Poppy, the newest neighborhood restaurant, held its grand opening December 14th and has been garnering rave reviews on social media. Despite the fact that the restaurant opened just as many local residents were leaving town for winter break, word spread quickly about its beautiful garden setting, children's playground and a menu featuring mostly organic and sustainably sourced ingredients from Bangkok suppliers and artisans. The owners have created an oasis on Samakkee Road that offers an international selection of entrees, salads, snacks, in house bakery treats, fresh juices, craft beers and wines. The menu takes you around the world, with February 2019
offerings such as Australian chook (chicken schnitzel) burgers, Vietnamese slaw, Middle Eastern hummus, and good old Aussie pavlova. The unique space also houses a cafe, studio, store, and playground. Sweet Poppy has space for all kinds of events and community gatherings such as yoga classes, meetings, art exhibitions, birthday parties etc. Sweet Poppy is located 1km from Nichada’s main gate within golf cart reach. Current promotions include Burger Wednesdays with a free drink, breakfast promotion with a free coffee, and happy hour on Fridays, 4:30-6:30pm Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends. Reservations can be made by phone or through the website booking form. Liz Lu Hours: Monday & Tuesday (7am- 6pm) Wednesday (7am – 8:30pm) Thursday - Sunday (7am - 10:30pm) Tel: 020-055-206 Address: 90/10 Samakkee Road, Nonthaburi Website: www.sweetpoppy.co.th
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Community News
Newcomers Enjoy After the Boxes Tours
In January, the After the Boxes (ATB) crew set off on more adventures! The spring semester for After the Boxes proved quite successful yet again! The purpose of ATB is to help those new to Bangkok gain friendships and confidence in exploring their new surroundings. From offering golf cart tours around Seechaitong, to introducing the MRT and water taxis, to exploring Khao San Road and Chatachuk weekend market, ATB was there every step of the way. Casey, Christine, Stacey, Kelly, Afton and Wendy have been hostesses and guides to more than 100 newbies since last August. Stay tuned for the newest Facebook group—Nichada Newbies 2019-20—to open up by May. Tours will begin again in August. Thank you to Chaengwattana Community Church and its Encouraging Women program for their continued support. Casey Segura
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HOME-COOKED VIETNAMESE FOOD DELIVERY EXCLUSIVE SERVICE & CATERING FOR NICHADA THANI RESIDENTS
Happy New Year! Chef Meyung is traveling. Xuan Mai will reopen on February 14th. For Menu and Delivery Orders Call or Text 087-077-0605 Visit www.xuanmairestaurant.com Email: laithido@hotmail.com
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Highlights: NNR Tour
NNR January Tour: Bangkok Art Biennale Exhibits
A Surreal, Magical, Mind-boggling Journey into the Mysteries of Art We are witnesses to amazing attempts made to display, share and alert all humans—ART is here. Here to stay— we are all part of it. It touches our lives in the most delicate and hidden ways. But it does. ART is us and we are ART. NNR’s January 11th tour was incredibly exciting. We went to visit the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) 2018—the first world-class art festival in Thailand which showcases Bangkok as a center of contemporary art. BAB presented an exhibit of more than 200 artworks from 75 renowned artists globally—from 34 countries! BAB used 20 different locations to showcase these incredibly visual gifts from October 2018 to February 2019. Biennale—Italian for biennial or “every other year” is any event that happens every two years. The Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace in London in 1851 was the first attempt to represent exhibitions from around the world and in 1895 was the first Venice Biennale. Off we went, in the Montri Bus, leaving ISB, ready and hungry for art; dreaming about colours, visions and shapes which are to lead us into the magical surrounds of unforeseen depths. The first stop was the BAB Box at One Bangkok—the art and cultural hub located on a 16.7-hectare plot on the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road. The first phase of One Bangkok is scheduled for opening in 2022 with final completion of the entire comlpex in 2025. The gallery was not open yet when we arrived, but we were so eager to feed off the artistic plate, ready for the first course. Eager to continue our quest, the NNR guides quickly improvised and changed the plan to suit us. Off we went to another location nearby – Alliance Francaise, in a brand new building, beautifully set in the green oasis amongst works of art on the walls outside with Alex Face’s famous Three-Eyed Bunny smiling at us. The highlight (apart from the delightful Frenchstyle coffee shop with the most delicious looking pies, croissants and cinnamon twists coupled with the strong aroma of fresh coffee) was the French-Chinese 42 Than
artist whose work we had come to see – Yan Pei-Ming. Obsessed by great tragedies our world has had and is facing, Pei-Ming turned inward to share a deeply personal subject -- his latest, most heart-melting portrait of his deceased mother called Ma Mère – “My Mother”. The wisdom, love, compassion and love in his mother’s eyes touched our souls.
The top floors exhibited some equally fabulous pieces, including a sculpture called “The Messenger of the Stars” by French artist Arnaud Nazare-Aga, the patron of the Antoine de Saint- Exupery Youth Foundation. The Foundation spreads love through the humanist values of the French author of Little Prince and carries his dreams. Upstairs, the French photographer Anne Garde had an exhibition “Extralight” --- with eerie empty rooms’ photographs still bearing the footsteps and voices of those who had inhabited them. She dedicated her work to “that which the eye does not see”. Time came for us to move on – back to One Bangkok. We were hungry for more. The famous South Korean leading contemporary artist Choi Jeong Hwa greeted us with his “Happy Happy Project” Hwa’s work focuses on the paradoxical world we live in – filled with superficial happiness and playful yet sinister metaphors. The huge inflated golden Joker Crown filled up the room inspired by everyday recycled objects. Choi roams the streets of Bangkok in Chinatown finding inspiration and artsy objects. His exhibits were at Siam Center, Central Embassy, and February 2019 i Ta l k
Highlights: NNR Tour BACC. Amazed by colours and shapes of mystical creatures and objects, we went upstairs to see the 38-minute video ‘Inverso Mundus 2015” (The World Upside Down) made by a Russian collective team of four artists using photography, video, animation, painting, drawing and sculpture. All 13 ladies on the NNR Tour sat quietly in front of the panoramic screen in the cinema and watched—the parody and satire of life – the grotesque realism mixed with morbid entertainment. Workers, children, and beggars challenging authority. The bloodless coup d’état turning the powerless persons into the most powerful. The bizarre realism filled with flying mutant creatures combining dogs and snakes and rats and cats made us forget where we were. We stopped breathing for a while, we tried to imagine the future, or the future the artist wanted us to see. Is the sky after the storm always bright?
An incredible exhibition which struck a cord deep within was the “Standing Structures for Human Use” (2017) by Marina Abramović, a performance artist born in Yugoslavia. Abramović is utterly in love with Thailand, having come to help heal wounds and heal hearts artistically after the 2004 Asian tsunami and during the political unrest in Bangkok in 2011. This exhibit explored the limitations of the human body and mind, using wooden pillars and crystals of varying sizes. It was an interactive exhibit – using headphones for noise reduction to watch or feel the world go by – in complete silence. Completely dazed and lost, we reboarded the Montri Bus and continued our quest for more artistic morsels. BACC was next – The Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre—with 7 floors of various exhibits from 26 artists. The top floor was an extraordinary photography exhibiton by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. It showcased photos, bursting with colours and life, that she had taken on her travels during 2017-2018. February 2019
After climbing the twirling spiral path and stairs to the top of the Centre, ladies were flying around like scattered butterflies soaking up the emotions and messages radiating from the paintings, sculptures, and photographs. We left fulfilled, laden with vivid memories of colours and sounds and feeling the shimmers of hope and love. We made our way back to Nonthaburi, digesting in silence the utterly delicious moments of artistic pleasure. Thank you so much dear Pascale and Maida for a wonderful experience – feeding us art today, making it possible to taste the flavours of the unknown and to be brave enough to accept and understand the unimaginable. We are not full after this amazing feast. We want more. Khop Khun Kha dear friends. Sanja Stanley
Nonthaburi Neigborhood Reach
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Restaurant Review
Siam Charming Restaurant Authentic Thai Cuisine
If you are looking for a place that serves authentic, traditional Thai food with an ambience to impress, Siam Charming Restaurant is the place to go. Located roughly 10 kilometers from Nichada Thani, Siam Charming is a majestic, colonial-style Thai house situated on Prachachuen Road. The elegant, white, colonial-style exterior is equally matched on the interior. Under the leadership of executive Chef Kai – Pongsak Mikhunthong (aka “the Trophy Hunter Chef� due to his many distinguished awards and acclaims both locally and internationally), the menu offered will not disappoint. The top five recommended dishes are 1) Massaman curry with lamb leg, potatoes, shallots and peanuts; 2) fresh pomelo salad with grilled scallops; 3) Siam Miang Kam (savory leaf wrap with shallots, garlic, roasted coconut, roasted peanuts, lime, dried shrimp served with sweet dressing); 4) traditional Thai coconut ice cream served with caramel salted egg sauce; and 5) grilled river prawns with spicy lime sauce. I tried the grilled river prawns and they were DELICIOUS! The prawns were fresh, decent-sized (about 6 prawns per kilogram), and grilled to perfection. The sauce was a good combination of sour, sweet, and spicy. Other dishes that I enjoyed were the assorted satays, fried chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, and the beef massaman curry. It is also worth noting that in addition to the fantastic tasting food, there was also attention paid to its presentation. The presentation was tasteful and refined, combining rustic and modern Thai style. You also have the choice between white or riceberry rice. I visited this establishment for lunch on a weekday and the service was a bit slow. I cannot say for sure how it would be like at dinnertime or on weekends. Lastly, menu prices were moderate but well worth the quality of the dishes. Siam Charming is currently February 2019 Than
running a special promotion for grilled river prawns. One kilogram of river prawns is now 799 baht, discounted from 1,400 baht normally. I would especially recommend this place if you have guests from abroad and do not want to sit in traffic for hours to have dinner in the city. It is definitely worth a try. Vara Sumetanon Address: Pracha Chuen Road, Soi 46 Hours: 11am-10pm Daily Tel: 95 956 8829
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T h a n i Ta l k
February 2019
February 2019
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T h a n i Ta l k
February 2019