Thani Talk 2013 May

N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH

M AY 2013

Thani Talk Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

Events at a Glance: May 3, Friday: Tour of The Oriental Hotel May 7, Tuesday: Farewell Coffee Morning July 18, Thursday: Summer Social

Contents: Highlights Tour (The Oriental): p. 3 Recipes: p. 11 Social (Farewell Coffee): p.3 Restaurant: p. 24 Cover Story p.4-7 Grapevine: p. 28-29 Charity p. 12 –13 Health: p.32-33 NNR Recruitment p. 16-17 Summer Social: p.20

Thani Talk is generously sponsored by

Thani Talk ~May 2013

Board Information/ Editor’s Desk

NNR Chairperson & Treasurer Bid Good-Bye Together we shared hats and seats on the NNR Board. Every year we had a group of wonderful ladies who challenged NNR to become better and more diverse. We are thankful for being part of the newsletter evolution from a stapled collection of articles into a printed publication. Now anyone can also enjoy reading it online, just in case you forget that amazing Pomelo Salad recipe or article you read couple of month ago.

Nichada is truly a festive place to live. NNR has expanded the coffee morning into diverse parties and happy hours to the jolly of our community. The tours this year have done so many varied activities such as biking through Bangkok, cooking lessons and visiting historical sites and museums.

Vendors and shoppers alike recognize our annual Charity Bazaar as the shopping event of the season.

All this great fun led to raising 850,000 baht to support our sponsored charities plus many others such as The Gift of Happiness Foundation, Mae Sot Refugee Camp, Books for Thai School and funding the oral surgery for a local child. We would like to highlight that one of the boys at Baan Rachawadee Boys Home won GOLD at the Special Olympics in London for Baichi balls. We can all share his glory as NNR has contributed to his training. While we are talking about sport achievement we want to thank Richard Johnson for donating 54,000 baht he raised through a bike ride in China.

More than money, love is the best way to give back to our host country. Thank you to all the volunteers for caring and feeding the elderly at the Reception Home for the Destitute, taking orphans on outings and bringing hope and friendship to inmates at the Lad Yai Prison.

We both are moving to a new adventure. It is with mixed feelings that we say our good byes. We are leaving many friends, but carrying wonderful memories from Thailand. We have learned a lot from our combined 9 years in the Land of Smiles. Mai Pen Lai is a big lesson that we will take away from here. Life is just too beautiful to waste on worrying or getting upset for things that you can’t change or are not that important in the grand scheme of life.

We are leaving the board in very capable hands. We would like to invite you to become active in this community and give back to this amazing country.

Patricia Kenrick, NNR Chair, & Juliana Magalhaes, NNR Treasurer

NNR BOARD 2013 Chairperson

Patricia Kenrick

084 559 3674

Treasurer

Juliana Magalhaes

087 074 3666

Activities/Tours

Birgitta Damgard Alexandra Ries

085 480 1362 084 388 4457

NNR Socials

Sarah Glaze

081 793 0806

Advertisements

Laura Sadowski

089-924-5306

nnrads@yahoo.com

Newsletter Editor

Liz Lu (Co-editor) Laura Sadowski (Co-editor) Casey Corning (Proof Reader)

086-784-7171 089-924-5306

nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com

Distribution Coordinator

Heather Powell

083 293 2169

Charity Coordinator

Susan Curtis

080 043 2735

Bazaar

Carla Zeitune

085 4495666

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NNR is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local 2charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing a free monthly newsletter that has a distribution of 1,200 copies. We host monthly coffee mornings, an annual charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues.

Thani Talk ~May 2013

NNR Tour and Socials

NNR May7th Social End of (School) Year Coffee Morning It’s that time of year again when school will soon be finishing for the academic year and most of us head home or travel for the summer. For those of us with children, this can feel like the end of our year; I certainly feel more attuned to the academic year rather than the calendar year.

No doubt most of us will be facing up to one of the hardest parts of ex-pat life, yet again sadly having to say “A Bientot” to our friends and neighbors that are leaving for pastures anew. Last year at this time, we also got to meet a lot of newcomers that had arrived early before the rest of us disappeared for a well-earned rest with our families overseas. This month we shall have a relaxed open-house social and a good opportunity to catch up with friends, old and new. Please come and join us.

Date: Tuesday, May 7th Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Venue: At the home of Patricia Kenrick , 36/228 Nichada Park, Soi 6 No need to RSVP but if you do have any queries please call Sarah Glaze 081-793-0806.

Please feel free to bring a dish of baked goods to share.

Sarah Glaze, Chair, NNR Socials

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May 3rd Tour: The Historic Oriental Hotel The last tour for this semester will take us on the waterway down to the fantastic Oriental Hotel for a nice lunch. We will start from ISB’s Chevron Theater at 8am and ride the bus to Nonthaburi Pier where we will catch the riverboat taxi to get downtown.

The ride is about one hour and costs only a few baht. The boat can be a little warm so dress accordingly.

We will hop off at the Oriental Hotel pier and explore the area on foot, checking out a couple of good silver shops. After that, we will enjoy a lunch at the Oriental and then take the bus back to Nichada again. We will make every effort to be back by the end of the school day, but this cannot be guaranteed.

When: Friday May 3, 2013 Where: 8am at Chevron Theater Bring: Sun hat, sun protection, water, money i.e., 200 baht for bus, 20 baht for boat and 1,000 baht for lunch (extra for any silver purchases).

To Sign up: Email Alexandra at berlin.bangkok@hotmail.com Alexandra Ries & Birgitta Damgard NNR Tour Coordinators 3

Thani Talk ~May 2013

Cover Story:

Bidding Farewell: Tackling the Transition As the school year winds down, an estimated 200 families in our expatriate community are getting ready to move back to their home countries, or to a new posting in another part of the world.

This period of transition can sometimes be tough, with many of life’s major stressors all crammed into a matter of weeks or days — New Job, New School, Packing and Moving, Leaving good friends, Making friends in a strange new city, Extra Expenses, etc. As your family prepares for the big move, keep in mind a couple of tips: Closure: Adults and children alike benefit from the opportunity to say good-bye to friends, be it through casual get-togethers or formal farewell parties. It helps prepare you for the next phase of your adventures.

New Cultural Shock/ Reverse Cultural Shock: If you’re moving to another host country, prepare yourself mentally for a brand new round of cultural adjustments. You’ve been through it; you know there’ll be bumps along the way. If you’re returning to your home country, brace yourself for what experts have dubbed “Reverse Cultural Shock.” People back home have changed, and so have you. No maid. No driver. Friends and family don’t really know where Thailand is or what your life has been like. Stay flexible and patient as you ease back into new routines.

Gratefulness Journal: When the stress of packing and moving overwhelms you, take a deep breath, and pause for a moment to jot down what you’re grateful for. Count your blessings.

Stay in Touch: Keep those friendships you’ve built here. Many are friendships for life.

Liz Lu

Juliana Magalhaes

Plans: Learn how to surf. : ) Advice: Enjoy every second of this Nationality: Brazilian beautiful country. We are fortunate to Hometown: Rio de Janeiro experience life in such a different Other postings: US, Venezuela, culture. Instead of comparing or US, Hungary, and Austria contrasting it, just let the experience sink Company: The Coca-Cola Company in. “Mai Pen Lai” is a saying that I will Years in Thailand: 5.2 carry with me for the rest of my life.

Moving to: Costa Rica

Patricia Kenrick Nationality: American Hometown: Austin, Texas Other postings: Sumatra, Indonesia Company: Chevron Number of years in Thailand: 4 years Moving to what city and country: Austin, Texas, USA Plans: My husband has started a rotational job in Angola already. I will be living in Austin, Texas, where our home has been for the past 7 years, but I have never gotten to live in it, so I am excited to get to live in it. This move will involve lots of changes, not only the location, but I will be an empty nester, and my husband will be gone every other month. However, I am looking forward to being able to see my family and vacationing in my home country.

Advice: I encourage those of you who are new to Thailand to get involved in something, whether it be volunteering at the National Museum, sporting activities or visiting orphans. It will help you to get to know people, and you will appreciate your time more here in this beautiful country. My favorite thing about living in Nichada has been the diversity of people living here and getting to know a little bit about different cultures. Get involved. Before you know it, you will be leaving. Enjoy the journey.

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Cover Story: Continued

Thani Talk ~May 2013

Ute Schwan

Keeley Popp Nationality: American Hometown: Vienna, Virginia Other postings: We have been posted twice in Frankfurt, Germany. Fiona was born there. We also lived in Warsaw, Poland.

Employer: U.S. Dept. of State Children: 2 - Marinda (2012 ISB grad) Fiona (2013 ISB grad) Moving to: Vienna, Virginia USA Plans: We are hoping to make our way to North Carolina to be closer to the girls.

Memories: Thailand assaults all of your senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch! Our first day here we took a cab to Chatuchak market. From the traffic, to the heat, to the crowds of people, vendors selling food and items to buy, we were needless to say, overwhelmed! But it hasn’t stopped us from going back!

Eunjoo Han Nationality: Korean Hometown: Seoul, Korea Other postings: None. Thailand is our first overseas experience.

Company: My husband is self employed Number of years in Thailand: 8.5 years Number of children: Three, all ISB graduates. Two girls are in college in the U.S. My son will graduate from ISB in June.

Moving to: I will be back to Seoul, Korea, but my husband still has business in Thailand. Until now, I have stayed in Thailand and regularly visited Korea. Beginning this summer, we will stay in Korea and frequently visit Bangkok.

Plans: First of all, I would like to have more time with my parents and siblings, and then I am thinking of looking for the worthy works that I can do from my experience.

Memories: Thailand is the second hometown for my family. We have many precious memories. I love the kind “Sawadee Ka” when I arrive at the airport, and I like the generous ”Mai Pen Lai” when I make mistakes. Inexpensive but delicious food and massages are among the Thai beauties I will miss. However, the most wonderful experience in Thailand is the friendship with friends who have very different backgrounds. I am looking forward to seeing Nicahda friends somewhere.—- We live in a small world!

Nationality: German Hometown: Near Nuremberg, Germany Other postings: Argentina, USA, Switzerland (German & French part) Company: Nestle Number of years in Thailand 6.5 Number of children: 3 boys Moving to: Berne, Switzerland Plans : Looking forward to snow and working again.

Memories: Many good memories, mostly the less touristic ones: Biking on the other side of ChaoPraya, Andaman waves during monsoon season, Northern steep hills around Doi Angkhan, Train ride through water, Snorkeling at unknown islands in Krabi, Taking supplies out on the army truck during the flood, Varsity Swim season, PantherPaws T&F season, Adventure Races, The Bangkok Halfmarathon, The long ride to Phuket and all the friends I got to know during the activities.

Advice: Get involved in school, charities and sports. Get out of Nichada, explore Thailand and the neighboring countries!

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Thani Talk ~May 2013

Neila Lo S. CabanletFernandes

Cover Story: Continued

Nationality: My heritage is Filipino.

United States nationality Hometown: Raised in the Philippines.

Spent last 20 years in Houston, Texas, USA Company: Chevron Europe, Eurasia and Middle East Exploration & Production Limited Number of years in Thailand: 6 years Moving to: London, UK Plans: Learn Spanish and explore London and its surroundings Memories: I will never forget the Thai people’s resilience and calm through the coup, the riots and the floods. I will miss their full-hearted smiles, generosity and humility. I frequent Seechaithong Soi 2 and 11 to fill my cravings for spicy Thai food and delicious fruits.

My favorite festival is Loy Krathong.

The quiet traffic jams still amazes me.

I will miss all my wonderful friends and my interactions with them at ISB and in the community at large through our volunteer work and our love to cheer for the Panthers.

Advice: For those new to Nichada, Bangkok, Thailand and the region, eat, drink, walk, watch Thai movies and enjoy the local activities and way of life.

Never assume that all Asian-looking ladies with young children are nannies or helpers. Just smile. It’s the Land of Smiles after all.

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Rufie Haar Nationality: U.S. Citizen Hometown: Childhood hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming, Married hometown: Huntington Beach, California Other postings:Alaska ; ) Does that count?

Company: Chevron Number of years in Thailand: 5 years Number of children, if any: 2 daughters Moving to: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Plans: We plan to explore the natural, historical and cultural wonders of the American Northeast.

Memories: Views from Le Bua State Tower are a favorite image of Bangkok. It has been a blessing to live this privileged life. The country, the people, our friends, the school community and our travels have made a huge impression on the imprint of our life. The experience made us global citizens in every respect.

Deborah McReynolds Nationality: USA Hometown: Donalsonville, Georgia, USA Other postings: Japan Employer: My husband CAPT. Jim McReynolds is the Navy Director for the Joint US Military Advisory Group Thailand.

Years in Thailand: 2.5 Moving to: Washington, D.C. Plans: See and do as many things as possible. We will be in D.C. for only a year and then moving to Kuala Lumpur.

Memories: My impression of Thailand is that the people are friendly, there are beautiful places and the culture is unique.

Advice: Get out there and see and experience all you can!

Sue Lin Nationality: USA Hometown: Houston, Texas, USA Company that brought us to Thailand: UNOCAL Number of years in Thailand: 15 years Number of children,: 2 Memories: The fact that we spent 15 years of our life in Thailand says it all. We love the place, the people and the experience. Advice for new comers: Open your heart and adapt to life here, enjoy as much as you can. You will not regret when you move on for the next chapter of your life.

Cover Story: Continued

Thani Talk ~May 2013

Evolution of the “Stayers Lunch” The Annual Stayers Lunch is for all those who host farewell luncheons, wish their friends bon voyage, but have yet to be the honoree.

2001 was one of those years with lots of families moving. At that time, my friend Margaret Truman had been in Thailand for about nine years and was overwhelmed by the number of farewell lunches she had attended. For those who remain in Bangkok, saying good-bye to good friends who are moving on to new adventures can be depressing. Margaret's husband worked for a company that did not have a policy on moving people after a fixed number of years, so she couldn't anticipate a move in her future.

I decided to have a lunch for Margaret and those of us who were in Bangkok and had no idea on when we might leave. At this point, it was six and a half years for me with no repatriation on the horizon. Kuppa's on Sukhumvit Soi 16 was a favorite place and it had the sky-high lemon meringue. The date was set for the first Tuesday after ISB closed for summer break. Why Tuesday? The first attendees were mostly the ladies I quilted with and Tuesday was our normal day. Other guests were friends who had been living in Bangkok for years.

Since many of us lamented that at most luncheons, one was too full to enjoy the dessert, I decided it would be fun to start with dessert first. Besides lemon meringue, Kuppa had two dessert cases where we could shop for dessert...carrot cake, brownies, pavlova...yum! For this first lunch, which turned into a twelve year tradition, I put together a friendship bag with safety pins, gum, rubberbands, etc. and the explanation for each token such as “gum—a reminder that friends stick together”. The Stayers Lunch was a success.

The following year, I planned another one, with a different party favor and a tradition was born. Each year, there were some new people to meet as the invitation I sent out allowed invitees to invite others who qualified as a “stayer”. As my world expanded beyond ISB and Nichada when my daughter graduated in 2004, the guest list expanded. The Stayers Lunch became a way to network my friends from different parts of my life. Except for one year at the Gourmet Gallery, we have always lunched at Kuppa's...yes the service could be better, but the desserts!

After eighteen years in Bangkok, I repatriated to the US in March 2013. Before I left, I made arrangements for things I had done that people might miss to continue. Benjamin at Urban Pantry agreed to add Bangkok Garlic Dills to his menu. Other friends were asked to continue the Stayers Lunch.

Do you qualify to be invited to the 13th Annual Stayers Lunch? Keep an eye out for notices of this year’s Stayers Lunch. Spread the word that you’re interested, and the Stayers network will find you.

By Linda Kubota 7

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Thani Talk ~May 2013

Recipes

CLEAR the Liquor Cabinet Party Festive Drinks for Farewell Parties If you’ll be packing up and leaving Thailand in June, one of the things you’ll want to do is to use up all the various bottles of liquor you still have in your cabinets. Moving companies encourage clients not to transport liquors. Some people give out remaining bottles at their farewell luncheons. Others invite friends and neighbors over for a cocktail bash and do their best to imbibe the last of their stock.

To help those who are hosting “Clear Out the Liquor Cabinet Parties,” here are a few pitcher drink recipes to quench your thirst.

Recipes from thekitchn.com

Strawberry Basil Margaritas Makes 1 pitcher, or about 8 servings 1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate 10 to 12 strawberries 8 basil leaves 2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (gold or silver) Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).

The Gold Rush makes 2 drinks 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons boiling water 1/2 cup (4 ounces) bourbon 1 1/2 lemons, juiced, about 4 tablespoons

Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in.

Pour honey into a small jar or mixing bowl.

Pour in the boiling water and whisk vigorously until they form a thin syrup. Whisk in the bourbon and lemon juice. Mixture can be refrigerated until ready to serve.

To serve, shake vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain over a big ice cube in a rocks glass.

To Serve Pitcher Gold-Rush Cocktails: Multiply all ingredients by the number of guests you are serving. Combine in a pitcher and refrigerate until serving. To serve, shake each cocktail individually and pour over ice.

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Charity Spotlight:

Thani Talk ~MI am Canadian, trained as an occu-

Thank-you Letter from Baan Rajawadee for NNR Donation April 1, 2013 Dear NNR, I’m sending this written summary and pictures with many thanks for the generous NNR donation to Ban Rajawadee, Home for Mentally Disabled Children.

At Ban Rajawadee the fellows with physical disabilities tried their hand at cooking thanks to NNR. From September to December 2012 the supplies for our Project OGAT cooking classes were covered by the NNR donation. During our cooking class about 7 young men made both refreshing snacks and main course dishes.

Cooking class is not just about making food to eat but also about developing skills, practicing doing things one-handed, learning about how to use electrical appliances safely, making decisions, and working together. While making hot drinks some members explored how to adapt their methods so they could use the hot water pot.

While making main courses like beef stew, eggs and sausages, egg omelets, bacon and cheese sandwiches, chicken steak and spicy egg noodle soup our members practiced using the hot element, rice cooker, microwave, slow cooker and toaster. Those who attend cooking class learn to work together not only while cooking but while cleaning up too. They learn about their limitations and ask their friends to help when needed. Of course there is also the pride and joy that comes with being to eat a meal that you prepared yourself. Often they chose to share the food that they made with their friends on their wards.

All in all cooking class is an enjoyable learning experience that lets the our members with multiple disabilities show their determination to accomplish challenging every day tasks, and their appreciation of good cooking!

Dorothy Klynstra, Volunteer occupational therapist, Pak Kret

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Thani Talk ~May 2013

Charity Spotlight:

Volunteer Dorothy Klynstra Introduces Herself to Readers I am Canadian, trained as an occupational therapist. My childhood home town is Ingersoll. I applied to volunteer at the refugee camp on the Cambodian border in 1992 and ended up at Baan Rajawadee after receiving a letter telling me about the 1700 orphans (vulnerable children) with disabilities in Pak Kret Homes. That need just made my heart go bing/boom, that is where I need to be.

Baan Rajawadee was closed to volunteers for a few years when the H1N1 virus was prevalent. Our fellows with multiple disabilities were especially vulnerable so the Superintendent decided to not allow any foreigners into the home. I have been here for 15 years and am a long term volunteer under the Department of Social Development and Welfare, so I could still go into the Home.

I was here for 2 years back when you could travel by bus for 3.5 baht and live off $250 CND a month. My home church in Simcoe, Ontario sent me over here in 1999. Other friends, family, volunteers and even kind strangers have graciously and generously supported me over the years. I now live in a townhouse in the market of Pak Kret with my special needs foster son who has been with me for 9 years.

A few months ago the first overseas volunteer was allowed to visit for 2 weeks during his holidays. Juliana Magalhaes reunited with her little (now quite long!) boy when she brought the last NNR donation to Baan Rajawadee. From what we gathered , people can come in to visit a child by reporting to the social worker office.

Dorothy Klynstra

Donations Loved!

If you are moving house soon or just doing some spring cleaning, consider donating to one of the many charities we support. Here are some current needs: Baan Rachawadee Girls: Pediasure, storage containers, toothbrushes.

Baan Rachawadee Boys: Art supplies, sports equipment Baan Feung Faa: Toys, toddler and youngster clothing, musical instruments, diapers up to size L Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute: Adult diapers, toiletries, Dettol disinfectant, laundry soap, pillows, gently-used clothing and linens (especially pillow cases) Sang Tawan Children's Home: Donations for monthly living expenses Sparrow Home for Babies of Prisoners: Diapers, small riding toys Rainbow House Rehabilitation Center: household appliances, clothing, bedding, cleaning supplies Lard Yao Women's Prison: Thai stamps, aerograms

Volunteers at Baan Rachawadee Girls Home with a recent donation of diapers from the Encouraging Women group at Chaengwattana Community Church.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: For security reasons, ISB requests that school uniforms NOT be sold or donated to people in the Nonthaburi and Bangkok areas. Please donate to groups (i.e. Chaengwattana Community Church) that send uniforms to refugee camps and other needy people Susan Curtis, Chair, NNR Charity upcountry. (cscecurtis@gmail.com) 13

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Thani Talk ~May 2013

NNR Recruiting

Join the NNR Team!

Volunteer as a Thani Talk Distributor With the summer months fast approaching, it’s time to say farewell to some of our valued Thani Talk distributors. The great work effort that all of our distributors do is MUCH appreciated and we know that you readers are always looking out for your Thani Talk edition to see what is going on in our community and check out the articles and tips of our contributors.

So, the Thani Talk Distribution team needs your help!!! Can you spare less than 15 minutes, eight times a year to distribute the Thani Talk to your neighborhood or one nearby? We deliver 1,200 Thani Talks and this number is set to increase as we see the developments rise up around us here in Nichada.

Specifically we need distributors for Lakeview Suites Condo, Clover, Surayan Village, Prime Place, Lake Front, Tropical Residence, Pineview and Raintree. But “floaters” are ALWAYS needed to fill in for volunteers who are on vacation or away from home at delivery time.

This is an opportunity for a small contribution of your time to ensure that the Thani Talk gets to the homes of readers like you.

Please contact Heather Powell (083-293-2169 or heather.wyn@gmail.com) for more details or to sign up and join our volunteers. Thank you!!

Host a Social Event The NNR provides the coffee, the pots, the cups, the saucers, the utensils. The guests bring the snacks. You pick the date and provide the venue. It’s as easy as that! Consider hosting one of the NNR monthly coffees during the next school year. Or, if you are even more adventurous, host an evening event or a happy hour. This is a great way to make new friends and keep up with old friends. Contact Sarah Glaze, the NNR Social Coordinator for more information 081-793-0806.

Join the Editorial Team If you have a knack for news and enjoy reporting, writing, editing, photography, or desk-top publishing, come join the Thani Talk team!

We’re always looking for fresh ideas and new talent. If you’re interested, please contact co-editors Laura Sadowski and Liz Lu at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com.

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Thani Talk ~May 2013

Thank YOU

We Love Our Contributors Khop Khun Maak Kha! The 2012-2013 NNR Thani Talk Editorial Staff would like to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of those who have contributed articles, pictures, announcements and advertising this year. Without you, this newsletter would be impossible to publish. Travel articles have been submitted

by Michael Edwards, Michelle Gibbons, Dale Schudel, Patricia Kenrick, Helen Poff, and Meg Sine.

Health and Fitness articles have come in from Thomas Engberts, Marilu Emery, Belinda Gardner, Ellie Edelhoff, Amy Cassulo, Marie Moussa-Karrat, and Serki Guadie. Susan Curtis frequently helped to shine a light on the local charities and the volunteers who work there. The restaurant reviews have all been submitted by Dianne Letsch. Our cover stories were written on a wide range of topics that we hope you all found interesting and timely. They were written by Liz Lu, Debra Brosius, Jennifer Bradley, Meg Sine, Julie Simens, Juliana Maghalaes, and Susan Curtis. Our grapevine ideas and recipes came from too many people to mention, but we thank them profusely for keeping us informed and well-fed. We would like to especially thank Rufie Harr who has consistently come through with informative tidbits whenever asked no matter how close to the deadline. The newsletter staff will definitely miss her contributions next year as she and her family prepare to transition back to the US. Besides the contributors noted above, we would also like to thank those who have helped us brainstorm and provided us with ideas and suggestions. It certainly does take a village and we are grateful for all the positive support now and in the future. Have a great summer!

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Thani Talk ~ May 2013

NNR’s Inaugural Summer Social Thursday, July 18th Mare Harvey, NNR’s incoming chairperson, is introducing a summer get-together for newcomers who arrive before the start of school.

So, if you find yourself new in town this summer, come meet people and make new friends at the first-ever NNR Summer Social, especially designed to extend you a warm welcome during those quiet summer days when many in the community are still away on holiday.

Charlotte Sanders, the incoming NNR vice-chairperson, has graciously offered to host the event at her home.

Where: 39/684 Lakepoint Date: Thursday, July 18 Time: 10:30am -12:30pm.

For more information, please contact Charlotte at: sanderschar@yahoo.com Mobile: 084 875 7655 20

Oriental Health & Beauty At the Oasis, Samakkee Rd. 2nd Floor, Next toSCB Bank Tel: 02-997-6005

Open Daily: 10am to 8pm T-Zone Pore Cleansing: Baht 90 AHA Gentle Skin Peel: B120 Vacuum Suction + Ozone: B150 Blemish Removal: B150 Facial Massage: B150 Eliminate Acne-causing bacteria: B150 Eye Enhancer (reduce circles near eyes): B150 Premium Mask (Gold, Pomegranaate): B400 Diamond Dermabrasion: B500 Stimulate Collagen: B1,500 21

Community Bulletin Board

Thani Talk ~ April 2013

The purpose of the Community Bulletin Board is to provide information about local organizations and activities which are available for a fee. If you would like to advertise your business here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com. Cost per announcement is 400 baht.

Vinyasa Yoga Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus and awareness coordinating movement and breath.

Thursdays 8.15-9.45 am: Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. All levels welcome.

Contact: Ellie Edelhoff 087-000-2464 or 02-9879677 Email: eedelhoff@hotmail.com Sunset Yoga All levels welcome for a session of breath work, stretching, movement, and restorative poses.

Tuesdays 5.30– 6:45pm Located at Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks.

Meditation Courses (Individual or group) Learn to meditate-TM style. Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic, and professional performance. Easy natural, anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 30-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information. www.TM.org, www. tmeducation.org, Ranger Boot Camp Come join in the "FUN" & "GET FIT" Classes for all fitness levels Days: Monday - Saturday Times: Mornings, Afternoons, and Evenings Contact: Jack at 087-552-6007 Email: rangerbootcamp@hotmail.com Yoga Takes Care of You Monday 10-11:30 am Therapeutic and Restorative.

Wednesday 7:45-9:15am Level II Thursday 7:45-9:00pm Open level and Restorative Friday 8:45-10:15 am Level I @Studio above Starbucks Napisa C. Pant 086-975-7187 Email: napisapant.yoga@gmail.com

Classified Ads Work.

Build Your Business.

Contact: nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com 22

Pilates Group Classes The Pilates method strengthens the pelvic, abdominal and back muscles. It also improves alignment and posture, and increases balance and flexibility. The Swiss Ball is fun and challenges your core and balance. Group classes are held at the Nichada aerobics room above Starbucks.

Mon: 8:45am Pilates Mix Matwork 4pm Matwork Thurs: 4pm Matwork Fri: 7:30am Pilates on the Swiss ball If you prefer a more personal approach, Private Machine Sessions (Reformer, Cadillac, MVe Chair) are available for core strength training & rehabilitation.

Contact: Tiffany 081-860-9593 Email: tiffanyhebard@gmail.com Bollywood Dance Class Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles.

It’s funky, sexy, fun... and it’s a great workout!

Classes every Tuesday 10-11am. OR Wednesday 9-10am, OR Thursday 10-11am Regent Dance studio, Nichada Thani.

Contact: Irit: 086 004 4840 iritmike@gmail.com Ashtanga, Vinyasa Yoga with Alignment and Techniques of Iyengar Yoga Beginners to Advanced: Everyday Mon-Fri, 8am-9:30am ProClub 2nd Floor.

Contact: Juan Bodan 081-285-3050 or visit website www.kripa-yoga.com CrossFit Kaeng Graeng Located in Phoenix Gym just outside Nichada Thani's front gate.

What is CrossFit? Check out www.crossfit.com Start off right and take the On Ramp series to learn proper form and techniqueTuesdays and Fridays - 7:30-8:30am Mondays and Wednesdays - 7:00-8:00pm Contact Marilu to sign up and for more info 087-486-0252 or marilu.emery@gmail.com

23

Restaurant Review: Bangkok Brunches

Thani Talk ~May 2013

BANGKOK'S BETTER BRUNCHES By no means is the list below complete. These are not the only Sunday brunch locations available in Bangkok. These are merely the ones I have personally had the pleasure of dining at and can highly recommend as Bangkok's better brunch options. Reservations are recommended for all of the restaurants. They are listed below in alphabetical order.

Diane Letsch Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok The Four Seasons is known for their service, and their Sunday brunch is no different. Their brunch offers a delivery service to your table when your pasta, entree or chocolate souffle' is ready. It's a nice service to offer knowing you won't need to wait while an item is prepared. Traditional hot breakfast items and pastries, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese and Thai specialties are also featured as well as a grill and carving area. They have a nice caviar selection as well as live cooking stations. The brunch is set around the Spice Market, in open-air gardens of Aqua Lounge and Madison's Steakhouse. The brunch also includes an unlimited Thai chili bloody Mary bar and endless bubbles, mimosas and martinis.

Prices: 2,950 baht for adults. For children under the age of 12 the cost is 1,350 baht.

Sunday Brunch Hours: 11:30am - 3pm 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok, Tel: 02 126-8866

Shangri-La Hotel Located on the water, NEXT2 Sunday Brunch has been revamped to provide you with an extra sensational experience. Its new, weekly-changing live cooking stations feature tempting German dishes

by Chef Christoph Poetzsch and homemade pasta by Chef Omar Ugoletti. Family members can enjoy the chef's creations as well as plenty of other sumptuous dishes with free-flowing wines, bloody Mary’s, mimosas, draft beer, soft drinks and juices for 1,850 baht per person. There is also a food only price of 1,550 baht per person. Children ages 6-11 pay half price. The Shangri-La offers a Golden Circle membership program which entitles you to discounts.

89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, Tel: 02 236-7777 Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Come and enjoy jazz music while you dine at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumit. They offer a wide variety of foods sure to please any palate. Their lobster was available this month when we went and it is prepared "thermidor style" but can be ordered any way you would prefer. Crab legs were a big hit as well as their French oysters and sushi. They have the traditional roast beef, ham, and lamb available as well. Pastas and salads are always good here. Their ice cream stand is quite popular for dessert. The regular price is 3,090 baht with free flow of sparking Prosecco, classic and contemporary cocktails, house wines, beer and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The cost for children under 12 is 2,200 baht. They offer a Sheraton Grande Club Card member program that one can buy and receive 50% discounts on meals including their Sunday Brunch. Brunch is available 12:00-3:00 p.m.

250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Tel: 02 649-8888 24

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