Thani Talk 2014 September

N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH

Thani Talk

S EPTEMBER 2014

Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

NNR’s 20th Anniversary: Two Decades of Service to Nonthaburi Community

Events at a Glance:

Contents: Highlights

Sept. 12: NNR Welcome Back Coffee Sept. 17: NNR Tour: National Museum Oct. 9: Fashion Show Nov. 6: NNR Charity Bazaar

Social: Welcome Back! ……..p 3 Grapevine: Golden Tour: National Museum……p 3 Tips………..pp 26-27 Cover Story: Memories....pp 4-9 Restaurant: …...p 49 Charity: Donations…...pp 46-47

Thani Talk is generously sponsored by

Thani Talk ~September 2014

NNR President’s Letter

NNR Launches 20th Anniversary Festivities Welcome to Nichada or welcome back from your summer adventures. For some of you the adventure has been moving to Bangkok. This is the first of eight issues for our community’s free Thani Talk newsletter this year. It is also the 20th anniversary of the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR). In this and future issues, we will be taking a look at how Nichada, ISB, and the NNR have changed over the years.

I would encourage you to get involved in your community and get to know your neighbours. Watch for upcoming events in the Thani Talk or on our Facebook page. If you are interested in getting involved with the NNR, or contributing to the Thani Talk, we would love your input. Please also check out the new online NNR Guide, loaded with lots of great information for our community members. If you live in Nichada or its surrounds, you ARE a member of the NNR. Mare Harvey, NNR Chair

NNR BOARD 2014-2015 Chairperson

Mare Harvey

billandmare@mac.com

Vice Chairperson

Charlotte Sanders

Treasurer

Val Mowat

Activitiy/Tour Coordinator

Jesmin Tarana Susanne Rodrigues

084-388-4457

NNR Socials

Sarah Glaze

081-793-0806

Charity Socials and Volunteer Coordinator

Linda Feltham

091-095-0457

Advertisements

Laura Sadowski

089-924-5306

nnradverts@yahoo.com

Thani Talk Editors

Liz Lu (Co-editor) Monique Langer (Co-editor) Jennifer Bradley (Proofreader)

086-784-7171

nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com

084-875-7655 valmowat@gmail.com

Distribution Coordinator Heather Powell

083-293-2169

Bazaar Committee: Jo McGregor (Coordinator), Charlotte Sanders (Raffle Prizes), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan Smagpong and Kris Smuts (Vendors), Linda Feltham (Volunteers) 1 page

Ad Rates 1/2 page 1/4 page

26.5 x 19 cm.

3000 baht

13 x 19 cm.

1,800 baht

13x 9 cm.

1000 baht

• • • •

Rates per issue, discount for annual ad.

Based on space availability.

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

Contact nnradverts@yahoo.com for more information

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

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NNR Social and Tour

Thani Talk ~September 2014

September 12: NNR Welcome Back Coffee Morning Come along and enjoy a Segafredo Coffee and Mimosas!

Date: Friday, September 12, 2014 Time: 10:30am until 12:30pm Venue: At the home of Mare Harvey 625 Baan Rim Lake ‘Welcome’ to all our new Nonthaburi residents and ‘Welcome Back’ to all those returning from summer holidays either locally or around the globe.

We always begin the new school year with a ‘Welcome Back’ Coffee Morning, so please come along and meet some new people and/or catch up with old friends alike. This month our NNR Chairperson, Mare Harvey, has kindly offered to host our Welcome Coffee at her home and yet again we will be adding a sparkle to the morning with Mimosas!

We are also delighted to welcome Segafredo Zanetti Expresso coffee who will serve us Lattes, Cappuccinos and Espresso shots and demonstrate their coffee machine.

If you can, please bring a plate of baked goods or fruit to share.

For more information please call Sarah Glaze on 081-793-0806.

September 17 NNR Tour: National Museum Bangkok

Date: Wed, Sept 17 Time: 7:50am (meet in front of ISB’s Chevron Theatre. Bus leaves at 8am sharp. Returns about 2pm.

Cost: 200 baht museum entry fee. Bus cost to be shared.

With major collections of historic artifacts and Buddhist art, the National Museum of Bangkok is the largest of its kind in SE Asia. Opened in 1928, the museum houses beautiful and diverse exhibits including elephant howdahs, royal furnishings, weapons, porcelain, musical instruments, spectacular funeral chariots, and murals depicting the life of Buddha. The two-hour NNR tour will be in English. The museum also offers tours in German, French and Japanese. Let us know if you prefer to join a tour in a different language. Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water. Not all rooms are air-conditioned, so wear light clothing but be respectful of the culture as we are entering one of the most important temples in the country (for ladies: no exposed shoulders, and please cover your knees). After the tour we will take a Thai lunch at the museum restaurant (about 100 baht).

Tour spaces are limited.

RSVP: Include your full name and cell number when emailing to Jesmin at: tarana.jesmin@gmail.com.

Susanne Rodrigues and Jesmin Tarana, NNR Tour Coordinators 3

Cover Story: Anniversary

Thani Talk ~September 2014

NNR’s 20th Anniversary !

Our cover story, on pages 4-9, features a series of articles compiled to mark and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), a volunteer community group that publishes Thani Talk. In fact, during my first stint as editor of the newsletter back in 1998, the newsletter was known as Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach and was a little 12-page publication Xeroxed at ISB’s print shop. From a one-person operation back then to a four-member publications team today producing a now 52-page newsletter, we’ve come a long way!

Enjoy the following slices of Nonthaburi history!

Liz Lu

Kacie Liput, Founder of NNR (Reprint of 1998 article) Many people know that Kacie Liput, an energetic mother of three from Southern California, runs the Red Elephant shop on Soi Prasert Issarm. Few realize she is also one of the founders of the very newsletter you are reading now.

Kacie, 34, and her friend Nancy Tonies started Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach in 1994 in order to foster community spirit and serve the needs of expatriate women in Nonthaburi. Having moved to Thailand nine years ago when Unocal transferred her husband John to Bangkok, Kacie knew that living overseas is not always easy. She wanted to pass along what she learned to newcomers.

Kacie's own transition to Thailand had been relatively smooth. She felt she had "died and gone to heaven" when she arrived in Bangkok and her maid served her a drink. But, there were the occasional ups and downs.

"The thing that got me through was volunteer work and being part of my community," Kacie said. "I think that was the key to my success." In fact, she was active in the American Women's Club, the PTA, and Community Services of Bangkok (CSB), where she was a volunteer on the programming committee.

When International School Bangkok moved out to Nonthaburi five years ago, Kacie at first resisted the move because at that time, "there was no expressway, no Villa, no Panipa's," she said. "Back then it took an hour and a half to get downtown." People going to the Villa supermarket on Sukhummvit Road had to pack ice coolers in order to keep meat and frozen items fresh during the long trip.

The weekend after Villa opened in Nichada Thani, Kacie and her family moved out to Samakkee Place. She volunteered as a Nonthaburi community outreach coordinator for CSB. However, she found that through CSB she was only able to reach 30 to 40 women a month. "What was important to me was having programs that were free, and a newsletter for free."

Her friend Nancy Tonies kept telling her, "Just do it," Kacie said, laughing as she recalled. "She sounded like a Nike commercial." Together they published 300 copies of the first Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach, which is now produced by the fourth team of volunteers and is distributed free of charge to more than 700 families a month.

Two years ago Kacie also opened the Red Elephant, a shop selling a variety of goods -- handicrafts from Chiang Mai, furniture from Indonesia and Korea, and carpets from Pakistan She described her shop as a "co-op store" and said she is always looking for more joint projects.

The "Red Elephant" has become a local gathering place where residents can shop as well as attend workshops and cooking classes. The place has yet to make a profit, Kacie said, but she has plenty of moral support from her husband who gave her a loan to start the business. "He totally believes in me," she said. "He knows this is the stepping stone to other things." Kacie is one who believes in making the best of any situation. "If I'm going to be here," she said, "I want to be having fun."

"I love Thailand," she said. “I love the chaos. I love the people." She encourages other women to explore their host country and most important of all, get involved in their community. "Whatever they contribute comes back tenfold," she said.

Liz Lu 4

Cover Story: Anniversary continued

Thani Talk ~September 2014

The Story of “Mr. Que Pasa�

- Mexican Restaurant Celebrates 15th Anniversary During my 17 years in Nonthaburi, I've seen the evolution of Que Pasa restaurant as it changed venues three times, starting out in the wooden house on Soi Prasert Issaram where Shawn's Carpets is now located, to a small store front near the current 7-11 outside ISB's main gate, to its current location near the ProGolf driving range.

Founded in Nonthaburi in 1999, Que Pasa will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in October. Que Pasa started out as a neighborhood restaurant co-owned by two Americans serving Mexican food prepared by Thais.

How's that for an international dash of multiculturalism in our neighborhood? In the early years, co-owner Alex Janney could be spotted heading to Nichada on a scooter to personally make deliveries. Nowadays, one of Que Pasa's 17-member staff handles deliveries. After a former co-owner dropped out, Alex and his wife Jantasuda continued running the popular restaurant, offering local expats an eclectic menu that has gone beyond enchiladas to burgers, Thai papaya salads, and homemade pizzas.

Alex, 56, recently shared the story of his journey to Thailand and how it came about that a native of Kerrville, Texas, ended up running a Mexican restaurant in Thailand.

Alex's adventures in Asia all started with the need to fulfill a language requirement at Brigham Young University. He chose Mandarin Chinese, and it changed his life... forever. He did well in the class and was encouraged to continue studying Chinese which he did. Encouraged by friends from Taiwan, he traveled to Taipei to teach English. He and his first wife Laura both loved Asia, finding it exciting and the jobs lucrative. From Taiwan they moved to Hong Kong in 1987. His work took him to mainland China often.

He pauses the interview to retrieve a metal box from his office in the back of Que Pasa. Patting a Gibson's cookie box from Kerrville, Texas, he said of the contents, "That's pretty much my life before I came to Thailand."

Inside were souvenirs from many of his travel adventures, including a protester's headband from the 1989 anti-government protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. "I was standing at Tiananmen Square when the tanks were rolling in," he said. An avid traveler, Alex has been all over Asia, visiting his favorite, Nepal, 21 times. On one trek into the Everest region, he helped rescue a Japanese mountain trekker who had ascended too quickly, succumbed to high-altitude sickness, and lost consciousness. Alex helped arrange the helicopter rescue of the man.

In 1993, Alex and Laura decided to move back to the States with their three sons and an adopted Chinese daughter so that the children could have "a U.S.-based experience." When the marriage 5

Cover Story: Anniversary continued

Thani Talk ~September 2014

ended in 1994, Alex hung around the States for a few years until he woke up one morning remembering how much he loved Thailand. He recalled once telling himself, ""If I ever move again, I'm going to Thailand!" He quit his job that very day and within a few weeks, headed off to Thailand.

From Thailand, he worked as a consultant for factories throughout Asia, advising them on human rights and helping the factories come up to international standards. While Alex was working as a consultant, a friend told him about a little shop called “Red Elephant" just outside of Nichada Thani.

His friend said the coffee shop portion of the Red Elephant was struggling and suggested that there may be a business opportunity in a partnership. "I rode my bike over," said Alex. "I liked this little place. The area is good for the kids." He and Carl, brother of Red Elephant founder Kacie Liput (who had left Thailand), ended up opening a Mexican restaurant together at the location. Thus was born Que Pasa.

Why a Mexican restaurant? "I'm from Texas!" laughed Alex. "We don't think of Mexican food as a foreign cuisine."

But the partners eventually parted ways, and in 2001, Alex reopened Que Pasa at the little shopping center outside Nichada's main gate, opposite the New York Diner and other stores. Two weeks later he married Jantasuda, also known by her nickname Quan, who was one of his first employees. Following disagreements with the landlord regarding rent and utilities, Alex and Quan moved Que Pasa once again, this time to its current Soi Prasert Issaram location.

Business grew steadily, and now Que Pasa is a popular eatery not just for the local expats, but it has also become a must-see and must-do for visitors to Nonthaburi such as high school athletes in the region who come to ISB to compete. People from all over seem to recognize Alex. For example, at the Kuala Lumpur airport, said Alex, teenagers once approached him asking, "Are you Mr. Que Pasa?"

He has also been greeted by international students in Jakarta and by Singapore American School students in, of all places, the Namche Bazaar in Nepal.

And then there was the time that Alex's sister, wearing a Que Pasa t-shirt, was stopped by a stranger in Hawaii who went up to her asking, "Are you from Thailand?" When Alex's sister looked puzzled, the guy pointed to her Que Pasa t-shirt and said, " I was just there two weeks ago!"

"We're really a central meeting place for families, friends." said Alex. "We had people who ate here 6 to 7 days a week." So that these loyal customers did not tire of the food, Alex started experimenting with new recipes to expand the menu. He came up with offerings such as "Mexican Som Tom," a twist on the Thai papaya salad by adding avocados, and homemade Italian pizzas. All proved popular with customers.

"I can only think of one thing that I removed from the menu -- the Monte Cristo sandwich," said Alex, who said he offered them because "they're decadent. I just like them." The deep-fried ham and cheese sandwich served with jam was actually popular with customers, he said. "It sold, but it's a pain in the butt to make!"

Other menu additions were created with the help of his wife Quan, who happens to have a talent for 6

Cover Story: Anniversary continued

Thani Talk ~September 2014

inventing amazing new recipes and improving existing ones. Alex recalls one trip through New Mexico with his wife when Quan, not impressed with the salsa and guacamole at a local Mexican restaurant, grabbed some available spices and added a dash of this and a dash of that. Everyone at the table who tasted her creation exclaimed, “Wow! This is so good!” The feedback encouraged her to tweak and improve many recipes at Que Pasa.

Quan is also the talent behind Que Pasa's popular homemade piñatas. That started after Quan was shocked by the Baht 750 price tag on a pathetic-looking commercially made piñata at a downtown party store. Alex taught her how to do paper mache, and she took that basic knowledge and taught herself how to create fancy piñatas of cartoon figures for birthday parties. Quan, ever so generous, not only gives permission to the Soi Prasert English Class Thai children to use Que Pasa's outdoor tables for lessons, but she also recently donated a piñata to the Thai children for use at their end-of-year party.

Que Pasa used to also sell helium balloons, but stopped doing so when the cost of helium sky-rocketed. But its catering business, although scaled back some, is still going strong. There are opportunities to expand, but Alex is not interested at this point. "We don't want to work that hard.

We're happy where we are."

He is happy with Quan and her adopted 11-year-old son Baell, whom he treats as his own son, and their 18-month-old daughter Arya.

Said Alex, " I love this life!"

Liz Lu

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 a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies. We host monthly coffee mornings, an annual charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues.

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Nichada Memories

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Tiffany Hebard’s Nichada Memories Tiffany, a fitness and Pilates instructor who is a long-time resident of Nichada Thani, takes you for a stroll down memory lane to revisit Nichada past.

My husband and I moved to Nichada with our four children in March 1997; it’s hard to believe that this past March marked our 17th year in this community. So much has changed!

What was Nichada like in 1997? Many fewer housing developments and much more green space, much fewer power vehicles and many more bicycles. Villa was about the size of a “mini market” – with the pharmacy attached! And there was no Starbucks— even the building that houses Starbucks (and Clark Hatch) didn’t exist.

In those days, most of us got around by bicycles with baby seats on the back. The bicycles gave way to the little scooters, and eventually to the “station wagon or SUV” of scooters: the three-wheeler.

Many of the three wheelers had seats on the back, some with seatbelts for the kids! Over the years, those eventually disappeared in favor of our current sea of golf carts.

Back in 1997 there was actually a helipad - yes, a helipad - where Veranda is now. The helipad was part of a grass field with some gardens and fishponds behind it. I remember chaperoning an ISB kindergarten field trip and walking thru the fishponds on the way to Villa Market. Of course, because the helipad was more a high school kid-hangout than an actual landing spot for helicopters, we had to watch out for the remnants of cigarettes and beer bottles that the high school kids had left behind!

And there was more to do around Nichada in those days. A favorite was to take a trip to the Green Gate Market. There was a gate, located between Vongsdavee and Baan Samarnmit, allowing access to the Thai neighborhood behind Nichada. It was great to have local businesses such as tailors, florists, etc. within walking distance. I remember lots of Nichada teens and pre-teens going to hang out at the local LAN shop. On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons there was a public market, which Nichada residents nicknamed the Green Gate Market, where you could buy everything from fresh cooked corn on the cob to clothing to DVDs. It was so nice to just walk around, browse, shop and eat. It was such a shame when the gate was closed for security reasons.

The only “western” restaurants (other than the Nichada Club) were American Diner, - later closed and eventually reopened as New York Diner - located opposite its current location, and Que Pasa, originally located downstairs in the building opposite Pro Club. If you can imagine, Que Pasa at the time could not serve margaritas! In fact, they could serve no alcohol at all due to restrictions from the landlord. When they finally moved to their current location, they started one of our favorite things to show out-of-town guests: margarita delivery! Margaritas (served in plastic BAGS at that time), along with chips and salsa, delivered dangling from the they handlebars of a motorcycle… fantastic!

Continued next page

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Nichada Memories continued

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Another favorite activity was to take the kids to the floating Thai restaurant. Built on stilts over a little lake stocked with catfish, it was located a few blocks outside the Srichaithong gate. The kids would rent paddleboats and paddle around, while the adults would have a drink and some snacks and just enjoy the peace. It really was an oasis, like stepping into another world. You could buy stale bread to feed the fish and marvel at how many—and how giant—they were. Like all good things, it came to an end when the Thai owners sold it to new owners who tried to “improve it.”

We are now entering our second year of the “empty nest,” getting ready for our youngest son to enter his sophomore year of college. How time flies!

Tiffany Hebard

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Charity Update

Thani Talk ~September 2014

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Summer Social

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Thanks for Coming to NNR’s Summer Social Thank you to Charlotte Sanders for hosting the 2nd Annual NNR Summer Social in July. And thanks to everyone who came. There was a great turnout friends new, old, and even some of Nichada’s tiniest residents!

Join the NNR at our next social, the Welcome Back Coffee (and Mimosas!), on September 12 at 10:30am.

See page 3 for details.

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Community Fitness and Activities

Thani Talk ~September2014

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

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

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

VINYASA YOGA Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and awareness coordinating movement and breath. Thursdays 8.15-9.45 am in my private home studio at 39/184 Natakorn Park. Space is limited so please call for availability.

Private classes are also available for physical alignment, breath work, Vedic chanting, yoga philosophy, and meditation. All levels welcome!

Contact: Ellie Edelhoff at 087-000-2464 or 02-967-9677. Email:eedelhoff@hotmail.com MEDITATION COURSES -Individual or Group Learn to meditate TM (Transcendental Meditation) style. Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic, and professional performance. Easy, natural, anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information and www.TM.org, www.tmeducation.org,www.DavidLynchFoundation.org YOGA WITH NAPISA Monday, 8:45-10:15 am: All Levels, Wednesday 8:45-10:15 am: Level 2, Wednesday 5:30-6:45 pm: Level 1-2, Friday 8:45-10:15 am: Level 1- 2 Pretique 1 Club House, Nichada.

Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187, napisapant.yoga@gmail.com, facebook.com/yogawithnapisa KUNDALINI YOGA Tuesdays 9:00-10:30am. Room above Starbucks. Contact Kerstin Wild Kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750 BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASSES – (Beginners/Advanced) Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western, Eastern and Latin Dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles.

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

Bollywood Dance for Beginners Tuesdays 9-10 am or Thursdays 10-11 am, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada Bollywood Dance, Advanced: Tuesday 10-11 am or Wednesday 9 -10 am, Regent Dance studio, Nichada For further information, Irit: 0860044840, iritmike@gmail.com NIA DANCE NiaDance is a holistic fitness form, for the body, mind and spirit. It embodies and emphasizes various dance arts and movement, while combining healing and martial arts. This will be a playful dance workout that will increase your body’s fitness, flexibility, toning, strengthening, and mobility, delight your mind and boost your spirit – in a REALLY FUN WAY!!

Morning Classes on Fridays at 9-10am, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada Evening Classes on Tuesdays at 6-7 pm, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada For further information, Irit: 0860044840, iritmike@gmail.com PAKKRED PING PONG PLAYERS meets Tuesday evenings beginning October 8 at Mansions in the Park, 2nd floor Children's session from 6:30pm - 7:30pm (height requirement: child's waist needs to be table height) Adult session: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Contact: lizsiam@gmail.com 20

Community Fitness and Activities

Thani Talk ~September2014

BIKING Weekend bike rides, leaving from back gate at 7am, 50+km on mtn bikes. Contact Chris Oglesby: chris.oglesby@mubadalapetroleum.com Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30am on Mon and Wed. Distance and terrain varies with groups for both road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes. Contact Meg Sine: megfarrellsine@gmail.com 084-908-9388 MARIE’S ULTIMATE FITNESS BOOTCAMP Multiple classes, all fitness levels. Contact Marie 083 302 1876, marie.moussakarrat@gmail.com RANGER BOOTCAMP: Come have fun and get fit at Ranger Bootcamp! All fitness levels are welcome!

Contact: Jack (rangerbootcamp@hotmail.com + 087-552-6007) Class Times: 7:30am, Monday - Friday + additional day/night classes per demand Class Times: 5:00pm, Sunday = Family Bootcamp Location: Varies depending on class and time Fees: Varies depending on class MIXED DOUBLES TENNIS Enjoy the game of tennis with friends. All tennis levels are welcome! No partners needed.

Contact: Jack (rangerbootcamp@hotmail.com + 087-552-6007) Friday: 7pm-9pm Sunday: 8am-10am Location: ISB Old Courts, Fees: Free to play!

DOUBLES TENNIS Join us for night tennis! All tennis levels are welcome! No partners needed.

Contact: Garima Joshi (Garimajoshee@gmail.com + 085-218-8904) Monday: 7pm-9pm Wednesday: 7pm-9pm Location: ISB Old Courts, Fees: Free to play!

The following classes are all offered at Impact Sports Club in Muangthongthani: Intro to Yoga for children aged 10-16 years old. Fridays at 5 pm. In English and Thai with foreign instructor. 200 baht per class.

Contact Gade at 081-824-4896 Train like the US navy seals and do a TRX Class. 6 or 8pm Mon-Fri Contact Bally at 08-3892-9146 A Combination of mixed martial arts and calorie burning exercise with our Body Combat class Thursday at 10pm, Tues, Wed at 6pm. Contact Tum at 08-5302-4688 Workout like J.Lo and BeyoncĂŠ with your feet moving and your body grooving to the fabulous beats in this dance class. It's a combination of Latin, pop and hip hop. Wed at 10am, Tues, Thurs, Friday at 7pm. Contact Note at 08-2640-6451 Tennis lessons in English or Thai with ATP ranked Thai national player Contact Skinny at 081-042-5752 Muay Thai personal fitness classes. Contact Popeye at 08-5804-8201 Improve your flexibility and reduce stress with Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot or Fitness Yoga. Monday-Saturday at 11am, 6pm and 7pm. Contact Reindeer at 08-9239-1817 Take tennis lessons in English with an Australian coach of six different junior grand slam finalists and a top 20 ATP player.

Contact Steve at 09-0660-3945 DHT stands for I Don't Have Time. Based on the T25 system, 25 minutes gets you the benefits of a 1hour workout. Tuesday at 5:15pm, Thursday at 11am, Monday, Thursday, Friday at 6pm Contact Gade at 08-1824-4896 21

Charity Bazaar

Thani Talk ~September 2014

SAVE THE DATE! NNR CHARITY BAZAAR Will be on NOVEMBER 6 Shop for holiday gifts & Help local charities Stay Tuned for More Details!

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Heard It Through The Grapevine

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips so that others can benefit. If you have tips to share, please send them to the editor at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com.

GRAPEVINE FAVORITES With plenty of newcomers in the community, Thani Talk on this page offers some Grapevine Golden Oldies, popular and useful word-of-mouth tips for local services.

MILK DELIVERY right to your door Khun Sa-oat and his wife K. Maew deliver not just fresh milk, but also juices, yogurts and a number of other perishable items that frequently require last-minute dashes to the convenience store. No more lugging heavy bottles.

For delivery, have a Thai speaker phone K. Sa-oat and place your order. He can be reached at: 081-774-4989.

Liz Lu

Airport Limousine & Van Service Here’s a Grapevine favorite about airport limousine and van service that might come in handy.

Airport Authority of Thailand (02-134-2323) offers one-way pickup service to and from the airport. It costs more than regular taxis (approximately B1,200 instead of the B400 taxi fare from Nichada to Suvarnabhumi Airport, but the whole family can ride together instead of in separate taxis. Plus, there will be plenty of room for all your luggage.

Expressway tolls are included in the fare, whereas in a taxi you’ll need to dig around for change to pay for the tolls.

Liz Lu

Door-to-Door Dry Cleaning Service Former Nichada resident Rufie Harr recommended this helpful service before she left Thailand. Dry-cleaning pick up and drop off days are Wednesdays and Saturdays (1pm—2pm). If your dry cleaning gets picked up on Wednesday, it is returned on Saturday. If it is picked up on Saturday, then it is returned on Wednesday.

Contact Info: Ishiiya Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service 02-663-4745, 081-814-3128 26

Heard It Through The Grapevine

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Twenty Museums in Bangkok for Only 199 Baht A new museum pass has just been launched for 20 museums in Bangkok and the outskirts. The “Muse Pass” program aims to give affordable access to museums or places for learning to both Thais and foreigners.

With only one Muse Pass ticket book priced at 199 Baht, you are able to visit 20 participating museums and learning institutions in Bangkok and outskirts until March 2015. The Muse Pass ticket book is now available at Thaiticket Major or participating locations until December 2014. For more details, please contact Tel 0-2225-2777 extension 123.

Free Night Tours in Bangkok Starting from August 2014, there will be free night tours of Ratanakosin Island in the historical part of Bangkok city. These are open to both Thai and foreign tourists.

The purpose is to help promote and conserve the culture, arts, architecture and lifestyle of the old city.

There will be one round each night on Fridays and Saturdays. Only 30 seats are available and so you are advised to book in advance. You can book at the Bangkok Tourism Office on Phra Athit road (just to the North of Sanam Luang alongside the river) or by calling 02-2257612-5.

Courtesy Thai Travel News with Richard Barrow

IWC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration The International Women’s Club of Thailand will hold its 50th Anniversary Celebration, “007 Nite,” on September 27, 2014.

Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Dress Code: “Bond” style or a favorite villain Western set menu and raffle prizes Music by The Sensation Band For more information contact Nora at 081-936-0778 or June at 081-613-2829.

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Around Nonthaburi and Beyond

Events: Shopping Bangkok Furniture Fair 2014 September 6-14 Impact Arena Thailand Gifts and Premium Fair September 10-12 BITEC Bangna Living in Bangkok 2014 September 13 Bumrungrad Main Hospital Resources for expats.

ThaiCraft Sale September 20 Jasmine City Sukhumvit Soi 23 Offering traditional Thai arts and crafts under fair trade practices. Includes Kids Corner to entertain the kids while you shop.

Clubs: International CCT - Club Canada Thailand Open to all nationalities. Monthly tours, book group, Lunch Bunch, and other social events. www.clubcanadathailand.com

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Adult Volleyball League: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (and some Mondays) playing friendly matches in ISB’s Rajendra Hall.

Contact Pat Sethbhakdi: psethbhakdi@hotmail.com Nichada Tennis Leagues Tuesday-Intermediate League Mary McCarty: mrymccrty@yahoo.com Friday 7:30-9:30- Intermediate/Advanced League Ann McVey: tim_mcvey@hotmail.com

Worship Venues The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road, Pakkret, Nonthaburi. Church service in English begins at 1 p.m. All are welcome!

Chaengwattana Community Church Adult Sunday School—8:30am Sunday Service—9:30am Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am Community Prayer—Thurs., 10am Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700)

Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church BWG - British Women's Group 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred.

Monthly Luncheon, Activities, Coffee Mornings.

English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Open to all nationalities.

Faith Formation Religious Ed/CCD) Classes Contact: Sarah Glaze 081-793 0806 OurLadyofMercyParish@gmail.com www.bwgbangkok.com; info@bwgbangkok.com Synagogue Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22 Group Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter & Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245 Activities www.anzwg-bangkok.org

Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque AWC—American Women’s Club of Thailand 8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Neighborhood mosque just outside of Nichada Thani.

Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee Morning. Contact: 02-712-3380/1 Buddhist Temple awc@awcthailand.org; www.awcthailand.org Wat Bua Khwan (วัดบัวขวัญ) 1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Muang, Nonthaburi Clubs: Sports 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local Men’s Softball League: temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and Slo-pitch men’s softball. League runs from No- funeral services.15 minutes from Nichada. Go via vember to May. Contact: Troy Regis at: Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the ex(troyr@isb.ac.th) pressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.

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When Life Feels Overwhelming Reach Out for Help‌ For more than 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided therapy for adults, couples, adolescents and families. Carl spent most of his life in the US where he earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and completed his internship before working in both residential settings and private practice. In 2003, he was offered a full time position as the only Western Psychologist at Bumrungrad Hospital where he spent five years in clinic before going into private practice. Now with offices in both Bangkok and Pattaya, Carl specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship conflict, depression, anxiety and stress and also focuses on both adolescents and adults with self esteem issues. school problems, substance abuse and self esteem issues.

For a confidential appointment please call 089 680 3503 or counselor_cj@bangkokhappy.com www.bangkoktherapy.com

Carl Janowitz Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower Sukhumvit 1/1 (Behind Bumrungrad)

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EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT .

NNR GUIDE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED! New Online Version is available now.

Yes, it’s true, the 4th edition of the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) Guide is finally ready and it is available online. Check it out: https:// sites.google.com/a/isb.ac.th/nnr/ The NNR is happy to announce the publication of the latest NNR Guide, and the first-ever online version. This is a compilation of information focusing mainly on the businesses and services available in Nonthaburi. We hope that you will all find this Guide useful and that is will be the starting point for all your needs and adventures.

Many thanks go to the team who put this Guide together. This has been a joint effort by the NNR, ISB Welcome Group, Expats of Pakkret, After the Boxes and residents of Nichada Thani. We have them to thank for all the time and effort that went into gathering the information.

Please note that this Guide is by no means complete. Over time, information changes and new businesses pop up or close down, so the Guide may not always be up to date. We hope that with your help, we can continue to develop this into an even more comprehensive Guide. Please email nnrguide@gmail.com to share any additional information about the various categories you might know about so that updates can be made.

A heartfelt thanks go to the NNR Guide team: Jennifer Bradley, Nicole Wright, Monique Langer, Gretchen Stierholz, Sonja Roback, Jess Vaughan, Christopher Bell, Mare Harvey, Andrea Shivers and Charlotte Sanders.

N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH 36

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Recipe

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork) Ingredients 450 grams pork, - cut unto thin, long strips 2 Tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 5 cloves garlic, crushed 1 Tablespoon coconut milk 1 Tablespoon fish sauce 1 package bamboo skewer Instructions Marinate all ingredients together about 2-6 hours before grilling. A longer marinade time will make the pork more aromatic and delicious.

When the pork is ready, thread a skewer through the pork. Grill the pork until it is well done. While barbequing, brush pork with marinade. Serve with fresh vegetables and slices of cucumber and tomato.

Recipe courtesy of the Amazing Thailand Facebook page If you have a favorite holiday or everyday recipe you would like to share, please contact us at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Help Wanted For Thani Talk Travel Writers, Feature Writers, Distributors Long hours, zero pay. But it’s loads of fun, and you get to see your work in print. Plus, it’s a great way to meet fascinating people in our community.

If interested, please contact Liz at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com.

If you excel, we’ll double your pay.

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Travel

Thani Talk ~September 2014

South Italian Road Trip

This summer I was lucky enough to be able to leave my kids with their nonna and nonno in Italy and head off with my hubby for a week’s road trip down south, specifically the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

We headed south from Tuscany on a hot summer day with the smell of lavender and rosemary in the air.

Within 4 hours we were passing Napoli and Mt. Vesuvius, we then got off the motorway and headed along the amazing twisty and windy step cliff road with spectacular views of the turquoise Mediterranean Ocean.

We opted to stay in a small town just outside of Amalfi (to stay away from the main bulk of the tourists), called Praiano, where we booked into a beautiful B&B with a room looking over the sea. Hotel Pellegrino was run by Luigi, his wife and his sister, who were the perfect hosts, offering welcome drinks on the top deck and delicious homemade meals. During the days we toured around the area, stopping, obviously, at the town of Amalfi, but found it to be too touristy for us although very pretty. The town of Ravello on the other hand was lovely and not quite so busy.

After a few nights we took the ferry over to the Island of Capri, which is the epitome of Italian chic – beautiful people, beautiful shops, beautiful restaurants and beautiful views! Being such a small island, it is easy to get around on by bus and some crazy topless, stretch taxis. There are also many tour companies to take you by boat around the island, stopping off at the famous blue grotto. This in itself is an experience to get into, on tiny little row boats that you have to lie down in to get through the cave entrance and then the gondoliers sing opera music to you in the eerie turquoise light of the cave.

We were keen to go around the island by ourselves and found it easy to rent a boat for half/whole day.

We took our own picnic (read delicious crusty bread with prosciutto and big chunks of fresh buffalo mozzarella, followed by huge fresh juicy peaches – divine!) and stopped off at a sheltered bay for a swim and lunch.

La Vita Bella!

Cathy Sackett 42

Travel

Thani Talk ~September 2014

If you’d like to share tales of your travels, please contact: nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com

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Thani Talk ~September 2014

Charity

NNR Bazaar Proceeds Support Thai Athletes

NNR Bazaar money gave young men from Ban Rajawadee the opportunity to prepare for and participate in two national badminton competitions. They practiced since December 2013 using the Yonex badminton rackets that the boys’ coach requested through the Bazaar funds.

The first competition was the 32nd National sports competition for persons with disabilities held in Suphanburi province from February 10-14, 2014. The second competition was the15th Friendship sports competition for students with disabilities held in Pachabuhn Province between March 1-6, 2014.

The two young men who attended these competitions both are residents at Ban Rajawadee where they assist with the daily running of the home by assisting the caregivers to look after the others on their ward, or collect the garbage bags and bring them to a central collection area.

NNR, thank you for giving these two hard working lads an opportunity to enjoy the challenge and thrill of competing in the badminton games in the exciting atmosphere of another province.

Dorothy Klynstra,

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Charity

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Proceeds from May NNR Rug Raffle Benefit Homeless

The NNR end of the year Morning Coffee brought friends together for a lively morning of chatting and farewells. A big thank you goes to gracious hostess Annette Del Rosario for showing everyone such a lovely time in her gorgeous home.

NNR Socials Director Sarah Glaze and gracious hostess Annette Del Rosario draw the name of the lucky raffle winner.

The lovely hostess poses with a friend at the May Coffee morning.

This year, donations to NNR, through events such as the St. Patrick's Day party and the May rug raffle, have been used to buy equipment for the Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute. Through the generosity and support of the community, NNR has delivered new sleeping mats, fans and wheelchairs to the Shelter.

(Above) Shelter director Khun Nan and staff receive donated sleeping mats, pads and wheelchairs with appreciation.

Winner need not be present!

Avery Udagawa was the lucky recipient of the beautiful rug, generously donated by Pandit Carpet in Nichada Plaza.

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ADVERTISEMENT

Restaurant Review

Thani Talk ~September 2014

Restaurant Review: Blue Sky Café What a treat it is to find a little gem right on our doorstep! For those of us who have been around here for a while, and for those who have just arrived, it is wonderful to know that we can pop out and go somewhere very near which also checks all the boxes for great ambience, cute little place, fab food and just a nice place to grab a drink or lunch with friends. So, where is this gem?

Blue Sky Café is located just on the other side of ISB. And for those of you who don't yet know, it IS possible to go through the gate at the back of the school (as long as you have an ISB ID card) to get into the Moo Baan - but, specifically, Blue Sky! Simply walk or bike around the school path to the left, past the (rather smelly) pond, and then you will see a small path to the left of the first buildings you come to (on the left) and a security guard, who will let you pass through the outer perimeter of the school (bikes should be left there). Easy as pie! Blue Sky is about 50m in front of you on the right. (Alternatively, if you want to drive, you can approach from the roads from the opposite direction).

Blue Sky Café Just 50 meters outside of the ISB Back Gate Telephone: 081-811-8455 Please note: cash only.

Blue Sky is run by the wife of the jewelry teacher at ISB, who runs workshops from their house next door - another bonus of seeking out this little café is that you can find out a little more about the workshops if that appeals.

Meanwhile, apart from the bonus of location and affiliated crafts, the café itself is the reason to go! The service is always with a smile, with kind attention and always wanting to please. Which, indeed, you will be! The selection of Western cafe food is great for a light lunch, or comfortable chat with a friend. They have soups, paninis, sandwiches, salads, all made with fresh ingredients, and in tasty combinations. The desserts and cakes are scrummy - and the statement "great for a light lunch," may not be quite so light if you indulge! Drinks are fresh and cool, or café-style coffees and teas.

And while you sup and chat, the music will lull you into feeling that you have walked into a slower, more relaxed era with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and other jazz and soul greats gracing the airwaves. This complements the slightly 'English tea time' feel provided by the fresh and pretty decor, but more so because of the family memorabilia and photos of times gone by which are attractively presented in the glass topped tables. Please go and support this couple - they have created a pretty and warm little place for us all to enjoy.

Sally Elliott 49

Providing highquality quality custom custom tailoring forfor more Providing high tailoring more than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in than 45 years, Voguehas Magazine, International Living,Vogue Raja’sMen's Fashions been featured in Men's Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Magazine, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, International Living, Magazine, Esquire, The Washington Post,Worth Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast Magazine and Fortune, many other travel magazines.

Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide,

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DELIVERY RESTAURANTS

PHONE

BUSINESS

PHONE

Bamboo Spa

02-583-9871

Bank Krungsri Blue Sky Bumrungrad Family Clinic

02-582-2669 081-811-8455 02-960-4216

Clark Hatch Fitness Center Crystal Holiday Travel

02-960-4326 / 27 02-960-4469

Hair By Jib Happy Teeth Dental Clinic Great Massage

02-960-3783 02-960-3988 02-960-3691

ISB

02-963-5800

Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine 02-952-0031 BBQ Sandwich King

086-773-4140

Bukhara (Afghan/Indian)

082-443-1398

Burger King/Pizza Company

1112

Food Loft

02-831-5588

KFC and Pizza Hut

1150

Le Bouchon Food Delivery McDonald’s Milano’s @ Pro Club

02-962-2850 1711 02-582-1555

Mr. Enzo’s

02-960-0412

New York Diner

081-624-2099

NICC Club

02-960-4326

Que Pasa

02-960-3821

Sapna (Indian and Afghan food delivery) 02-960-3141 Scoozi

02-715-8555

Subway

02-960-3232

Sudhathai

02-583-2694

Slider Shack

086-773-4140

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Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928 Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300 Pandit Carpets Panipa Pum’s Salon Rex Pharmacy Rose Marie Academy Shawn Carpets Starbucks Twist Villa Market Wash-N-Dry 4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming

081-828-2562 02-960-3934 02-583-7117 081 834 1306 02-960-3663 090-564-8927 02-967-9686 02-911-6839 02 -584-5444 085-945-4132 02-960-4189

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