Thani Talk 2017 March

March 2017

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: Fabulous World of Plants and Animals in Thailand Pages 10-17 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by:

Grapevine:

PEOPLE:

Highlights of NNR Social & Tour

Profile of “Party Guys” Owner Anthony Stennes

Pages 34-35

Page 40-41

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

Connect with NNR

facebook.com/nnrthailand

issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

sites.google.com/site/nnrguide

Thani Talk Ad Rates 1 page

19x26.5 cm.

3000 baht

1/2 page

19x13 cm.

1,800 baht

1/4 page

9x13 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.

NNR BOARD 2016-2017 Chairperson

Henrietta Bullinger

Hbullinger@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson

Sally Elliot

sallyelliott@me.com

Treasurer Activity/Tour Coordinators

Sandra Wilson Livonia Winkles Susanne Rodrigues Elizabeth Bredin

NNR Socials

Denise Warta

Charity & Volunteer Coordinators

Wanda Grove Sandra Wilson Laura Sadowski Ginny Condra Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team

Advertisements Thani Talk News Team Distribution Coordinator

nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com 092-458-3505

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

095-247-5692

Shana DeHaven

nnradverts@yahoo.com nnrnews@gmail.com sdehaventhai@hotmail.com

Thani Talk Team: Proofreader (Ginny Condra), Ad consultant ( Laura Sadowski), Graphics consultants (Bill Fear), Restaurant reviewers (John Marinos, Vara Sumetanon, Barb Lewis) Grapevine Leads (Catherine Miller).

2

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Meet Sudha Neeraj Photographer of March Cover

I grew up in northern India in a big joint family. So always my best learnings & experiences have been in groups - travelling and sharing together. My three kids share my passion for travelling. We enjoyed each of our relocations both within India and internationally, absorbing different cultures and enjoying diversity. We have been in Bangkok 14 months, and our stay here has been very enjoyable. Natural beauty of Thailand and great new friends in Nichada inspired me to join the Nichada Photography Club. I am still a novice photographer - who now dreams of organizing a photo exhibition soon. :)

March 17 S t . Pat r i c k ’s Day Inside This Issue

Calendar of Events

NNR March tour Cover Story Photography - Ibolya Jeszenszky Photography - Zrs Gamboa Photography - Pornsin Saelim Travel Fitness & Activities Heard it Through the Grapevine Religion Directory NNR Social Charity News Community News People Food Useful Numbers

5 10 12 14 16 20 22 28 32 34 36 37 40 49 50

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach March 2017

March 4: Bambi Yard Sale March 8 - 12: Thailand International Furniture Fair March 8: International Women’s Day March 17: St. Patrick’s Day March 18: Secret Garden at Nichada Plaza March 25: NNR March Social: Running Dinner March 31: NNR March Tour: Klong Tour

Cover Photograph by Sudha Neeraj Photo taken at Chinese Coffee House, Talad Noi, Bangkok

T h a n i Ta l k

3

Saturday 25th of March ● A night out for you and your spouse in the neighborhood. ● Meet 9 other couples in 3 hours. ● Get a three meal course. ● One course in three different houses where you might host one of them. ● Running Dinner is within golf cart range of Nichada and starts at 7pm.

Sounds like fun right?

Sign up for the event at runningdinner5@gmail.com before March 14th.

We just need your name, your spouse´s name, address, phone number, allergies.

4

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

NNR March Tour

Klong Boat Tour of Bangkok & Beyond

NNR’s March tour takes us on a trip to the charming part of old Bangkok, traveling the old fashioned way...and avoiding all the traffic!

We will explore Bangkok by klong boat and on foot.

We will begin our adventure on a canal ferry which traverses one of Bangkok's few remaining actively traveled east-west klongs. (On our February walking tour we learned that this particular ferry route is used by upwards of 65,000 Bangkokians to commute in and out of the city each day.) This ferry ride offers us a vivid contrast of brash new skyscrapers crowded along the banks of the klong; although these soon give way to more modest homes and shops which are awash in the colors of flowers, drying laundry, and cooking pots. These are the neighborhoods of charming Old Bangkok.

We will disembark to climb the steps of the Golden Mount, originally commissioned by Rama III. The constant music of bells and clanging gongs melds with an expansive 360 degree view of Bangkok which is truly inspirational. Next, we will walk to the alleyways of the Monk’s Bowl Village, an almost hidden enclave of craftspeople who fashion alms bowls by hand. Their community is the very last of three communities which were established by Rama I to make these bowls. Monks carry the bowls to collect alms from the faithful each morning. (You will be able to purchase a beautiful steel and copper bowl if you wish.)

At the end of our tour we will walk through "Wood Street" where all varieties of furniture, home accessories and wooden items are made and sold. Along the way we’ll stop for a coffee or light lunch.

Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and water.

Susanne Rodrigues and Elizabeth Bredin, NNR Tour Leaders March 2017

When: Friday, March 31, 2017 Time: Meet at 7:30 at the Chevron Theatre, ISB. We will return by 2 pm.

Cost: 300 baht + coffee/lunch (self-pay) To sign up: Please email Elizabeth at ESBredin@ gmail.com Space is limited 12 participants.

T h a n i Ta l k

5

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

9

Cover Story Flowering Shrubs and Trees In and Around Nichada

Above left: Flame tree or Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) flower, on display from April until early June. Above middle: A rarer variation of yellow-orange Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia var. flavida). Above right: A bushy “Caballero” as it is called in Spanish. In English it is known as Dwarf Poinciana (Caesalpinia pulcherrima).

Last March up to mid-July, a display of red, yellow, purple, pink, and white flowers bedazzled the tropical landscape around Nichada. Whether you walked, jogged, or drove around, you must have seen the spectacle of colors from the blossoms of shrubs and trees planted along the roads. Shown above are some colorful shrubs and trees we admired.

We also saw the burst of yellow from the Golden Shower trees (Cassia fistula) along roadsides. Called “Ratchapruek” in Thai — this tree (Figure 1) with long cascading flowers is also the national tree of Thailand.

We’d like to see many of these amazing trees planted.

Mixed showy colors from the floriferous Bougainvillea adorn the ISB fence wall (Figure 2). Bougainvillea was first discovered in 1768 by French Naturalist Dr. Phillibert Commercon who named the plant after his best friend Admiral Figure 1 Louis-Antoine de Bougainville.

Two cultivars of Mussaenda, pink and white (Figure 3), put on an almost year round show of flowers; you can spot them at a distance if you happen to be in Nichada’s Secret Garden.

Mussaenda belongs to the 10

Figure 2

Rubiaceae family which includes Ixora, Gardenia and, everyone’s favorite, Coffea: coffee plants.

A spectacular Pink Tabebuia (Tabebuia rosea), also called “chompoo panthip” in Thai, bloomed until late April (Figure 4). After shedding all its leaves (a deciduous tree characteristic), the tree was left blanketed by its bright pink tubular flowers.

Temple tree, Graveyard flower, Plumeria, Frangipani, Hawaiian lei flowers — however you want to call it, this tree (Figure 5) is commonly seen around.

Depending on the variety, its pleasant scent can vary from mild to strong, and from sweet to pungent; the colors can vary widely too.

Acacia auricoliformis (Figure 6 ) has the common name: Earleaf acacia. It has bright yellow, racemose spike flowers. This evergreen tree is easy to remember because of its crescent-shaped and blade-like leaves.

“Mok” or Water jasmine (Wrightia religiosa) either potted or planted on the ground (Figure 7) is a lovely

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 8

Figure 9

hedge bush with a sweet perfume-like smell wafting from its tiny white flowers.

You’ll be lucky to see the delicate Red Powderpuff bush (Calliandra haematocephala) still in bloom (Figure 8); and the Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.) showing off its purple flowers (Figure 9).

Indeed, there are many natural flowering shrubs and trees to admire and grab your attention around Nichada.

However, if you see this tree (Figure 10) in the Secret Garden, don’t be charmed by its red ball shaped flowers — they are fake!

Perhaps a native and naturally producing flowering tree like the beautiful Ratchapruek with its natural cascades of yellow flowers would be a better choice.

Alma Phocas

Figure 5

March 2017

Figure 10

Figure 6

T h a n i Ta l k

Figure 7

11

Photography - Ibolya Jeszenszky Fluid Beauty of Nature

Ibolya Jeszenszky, who goes by Lili, is a talented local photographer and member of Nichada Photography Club.

Her striking photos of temples, markets, and people in our neighborhood caught the Thani Talk editor’s eye early on.

Several of her photos have been featured on the cover of Thani Talk. She was also asked to photograph scenes of remembrance for King Bhumibol Adulyadej at ISB for this magazine.

In this issue, we once again invited Lili to share her photos, this time of the many gorgeous plants and critters she sees in our community.

On this page we feature Thailand’s ubiquitous and iconic lotus flower: in bloom, as green buds, and with the petals hand-folded for display. Above the photo of Lili is a pod of lotus seeds, often sold as snacks in neighborhood fresh markets.

Nichada Photography Club has a Facebook page.

Members often meet for excursions to explore and capture the beauty they see in our host country.

12

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

13

Photography - Zrs Gamboa

Magic of Macro Remember the amazing infrared photo that graced the cover of the December 2016 Thani Talk magazine?

Zrs Gamboa is the photographer who took that surreal, dreamlike shot.

Zrs is also an expert at macro photography. It takes skill and immense patience to search for, wait for, and capture the perfect shot of Mother Nature.

Zrs has what it takes. Check out these jaw-dropping macro photos of the beauty of the insect and animal world in Thailand. Symbiotic existence as well as the battle for survival of the fittest are vividly portrayed in the images. Precious, fleeting moments are all captured

by Zrs’ lens.

The photos here were taken in locales such as Rama IX Park, Suan Rotfai, and Kanchanaburi.

14

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

15

Photography - Pornsin Saelim Where to See These Animals in Thailand Photographer Pornsin Saelim traveled throughout Thailand to capture the unique images on these pages. Here he shares with readers where he caught these images of wildlife in Thailand.

Cattle Egret: I took this photo when I visited the Bird-Watch Area in Bang Pu, Samut Prakan Province. This kind of bird can be commonly found near a pond, river or wherever there is a source of water and fish. They walk around and hunt fish for food.

Monitor Lizard. While I was walking around Bangkok’s Lumpini Park in search of something interesting to photograph, this monitor lizard caught my eye. This reptile can be found near by a pond, lake or anywhere.

Sunbird: A very small tiny pretty bird with long beak.

16

Squirrel: This pretty squirrel was scampering down a tree when I was walking around Train Park (Suan Rotfai) in Chatuchak near the weekend market “JJ Market”. There is an area called “Squirrel Zone”. A lot of people feed these squirrels treats such as bananas, peanuts, and apples.

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Peacock: This beautiful peacock was photographed when I visted Dusit Zoo in Bangkok. The peacock was dancing, and I couldn’t help but try to photograph it through its cage. Luckily, the peacock didn’t stand close to the front of the cage, so I was able to focus and capture its beauty without being obstructed by the cage bars.

Seagull: This photo was taken at Bang Pu in Samut Prakan Province. These seagulls migrate from cold climates to lay eggs and hatch them in Bang Pu. They stay in Thailand until their chicks grow big enough to fly back to where they came from. You can go see and feed them around midNovember until mid-December each year.

Copper Band Butterflyfish: This photo was taken while I was snorkelling at Koh Maiton, a private island which was closed for over 10 years and now has reopened only for day trips. It has a nice long white beach and crystal clear water. The reef there is still in good condition with lots of hard-coral, no coral bleaching effect.

March 2017

17

Writers N e e d e d

Got a flair for writing?

Good at meeting deadlines?

Contact Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com 18

March 2017

Travel

Wonderful Lodz in Poland Lodz (pronounced “Woodge”-from the Yiddish, and which means “boat”) is situated in central Poland and is that country’s third largest city.

We visited the place primarily to visit our friends (Marcin, Sonia and their gorgeous daughter Marisha a.k.a. Mary). As fellow Airbnb hosts they invited us to Lodz to use their spare accommodation.They invited us during their earlier 5-month stay with us in our Nonthaburi home.

This family were some of our first guests when we opened up our property to become Airbnb hosts in December 2013. As we got to know each other better, and they knew we were off to Ireland at the end of 2014, they invited us to visit them in Poland since Ryanair offered cheap flights from Dublin to Lodz.

We were in Lodz for a week during the month of August, and the weather during the day was perfect; bright and sunny with sometimes a sprinkle of rain.

The colourful flowers that were in bloom everywhere obviously felt the same.

Lodz was formerly known as a textile manufacturing town with Germans and Jews being the predominant citizens after the Polish people. So with this in mind we made our way to “manufaktura”. This is an old textile factory that was converted into a shopping centre and which also houses a museum showing how the large expanse of buildings once operated. Outside are colourful carousels, fountains, and flowers.There is an overload of welcome colour. There is also a “beach” complete with sand and deck chairs. In winter this area converts to an ice skating rink.

In Lodz very few people speak English, the exception being the family we went to visit. We had written down a few words of Polish before we went 20

but we used mainly sign/body language and lots of pointing!

As we returned to our accommodation after our first day, we were aware of more colour found at the fruit and vegetable stalls scattered along the way. The large fat sunflower heads being sold for their seeds were particularly intriguing.

The next day we explored along the main street of Lodz known as Piotrkowska. This is a wide boulevard lined with shops, various bronze statues, and bronze fountains guarded by nymphs, fish, birds, and children.

The street was car free so the only traffic was the occasional cyclo-style transport - reminiscent of Asia!

The statues celebrated many of the old ways of Lodz; e.g. the lighting of the lamps every night and the signing of an agreement between the three textile kings of Lodz; as well as statues of contemporary and more

well known Poles like the pianist Artur Rebenstein and film director Roman Polanski. Also lining the boulevard are magnificent townhouses and small palaces decorated with gargoyles, carvings, statues, and unexpected modern artwork. Peering down side streets,

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

we found more works of expression as full size wall art bursts from the side of buildings to infuse colour and drama into the surroundings.

Poland, and indeed Lodz, was not always so colourful. When Poland was invaded by the Nazis in 1939, one quarter of its population was Jewish. Quickly after the invasion the Jews in Lodz were rounded up and forced to live in a walled zone in the city known as “Lodz Ghetto�. From there they were sent to German concentration and extermination camps; e.g.

Auschwitz, in a sad chapter of history. Others in the ghetto died from hunger and starvation. Those who perished were buried at the large Jewish cemetery situated on the outskirts of Lodz. In all, 43,500 can be found here along with the graves of many well known and influential Jews who were buried there since the cemetery was established in 1892. There are now around 180,000 graves in this 40-hectare site in various states of repair and disrepair. There are some spectacular mausoleums, including one housing the parents of pianist Rubenstein, which show off the stone and marble of the time.

Lodz is a fascinating city with a varied history. Our accommodation itself was part of many pre-war low rise apartments built to house the poorer people of Lodz. Even after a coat of (grey) paint, they present as austere and dark; so we were therefore surprised to find inside a bright and airy unit in which to spend our days exploring Lodz.

We really enjoyed our time in this city. Not only catching up with friends but also experiencing the surprises it presented -- in the colours, the architecture, and the converted buildings. We also got to see how life had not always been this way for the Polish people.

Raewyn Sumatluck

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

21

Fitness & Activities

Nichada Neighborhood Community Fitness & Activities Listings Yoga, Meditation & Tutorials KUNDALINI YOGA

ASHTANGA YOGA With PanZen

Be the Master of your Mind: • Tuesdays 9:30-11:00am • Fridays 7:45-9:15am Train your Body and Mind: •Wednesdays 7:45-9:00am All levels are welcome!

Danicha Condo 39/289 Contact Kerstin 086-372-9750 kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com FB: yogaofawareness Visit www.Yoga-of-Awareness.com

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

All levels - beginner to advanced.

• Tuesdays 3:45-4:45pm - Intermediate • Wednesdays 3:45-4:45pm - Advanced • Thursdays 3:45-4:45pm- Intermediate • Saturdays 9:30-10:30am - Beginner For more information: http://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen Contact: 097227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com

YOGA WITH NAPISA, 500 RYT

IYENGAR YOGA Iyengar yoga classes at Regent from Beginners to Advanced Asanas.

• Monday to Friday 7:50-9:20am.

Contact: 081-285-3050, Juan Bodan, Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga certified. For more information about Juan please visit http://kripa-yoga.com/

HOT POWER YOGA

Mornings: • Mondays 8:45-10:15am: Restorative Yoga - All levels • Wednesdays 7:45-9:15am: Level II • Fridays 7:45-9:00am: Beg I-II Prenatal & Private classes available.

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

MEDITATION COURSES Individual or Group

Designed by Baron Baptiste combining the elements of classical yoga, Ashtanga, Iynegar and Bikram yoga to build a practice that brings personal transformation in body, mind and soul. All levels welcome.

Tuesday 7:45 - 9:00 am Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 pm Friday 7:45 - 9:00 am Contact Kelly: 061 872 7534 yogaporet@gmail.com https://www.baptisteyoga.com/pages/about-us

Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation). Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic and professional performance. Anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation.

Contact Ellie: eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org www.DavidLynchFoundation.org

WORLD ENGLISH

PIANO LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Enjoy refining skills in oral English and composition with American, Deborah Dunthorn, BA, MFA, TESL Cert. 30 years international experience coaching academic, professional and other clients of all ages and levels of proficiency.

To discuss private or group tuition contact 083-0559785 or debhata@yahoo.com.

By experienced professional with a Masters from University of Ariz. in Piano Performance. Experience teaching at Westover School in Connecticut.

Place: 39/891 Regent Price: 1000 baht per 30 minutes.

Contact Info:capricio310@gmail.com Tel: 091-878-6283

22

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Exercise Classes and Sports BOLLYWOOD DANCE

LATIN RHTHYMS DANCE CLASS

Bollywood dance is an exciting and upbeat fusion of Western and Eastern dances 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! Suitable for all levels.

Morning Classes: Wednesdays OR Thursdays OR Fridays 9:30-10:30am.

Afternoon Classes (new!): Wednesdays at 5:00-6:00pm All classes held in Nichada Studio above Starbucks.

Contact Irit: 086-004-484 iritmike@gmail.com

Come move your hips, salsa, merengue, bachata, regueton, zamba, rock and roll, cumbia, pop (English & Spanish), quebradita and more! Come and try this fun and very cardio class, feel the music. Improve your dancing skills. No dance experience needed.

All Levels: • Mondays 8:30-9:30 am - 200 THB • Tuesdays 7:15-8:05 am - 150 THB

* 1/2 of Tuesday’s fee donated to charity!

• Saturdays 9:30-10:30 am - 200 THB All classes in the studio above Starbucks.

For advance class information, contact me!

Contact: Blanca de la Vega 086-348-3287 or blancadelavegacid@hotmail.com

* Note: Classes begin mid March!

ZUMBA Zumba meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Chaengwattana Community Church.

• Monday and Friday @ 7:45 • Wednesdays@ 7:30 The cost is a donation basis, and it goes directly to the surrounding community non-profit organizations.

If there is a class cancellation or changes to the schedule students can find out via our FaceBook page, Zumba Nichada Thani or Google Group, https:// groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/zumbanichada.

PILATES classes by NICOLE SWAT Fitness Classes Strength - Weight Loss - Abs - Toning • Mondays at 9:15 am - Premier Place 1 Pool • Wednesdays at 7:30 am - Premier Place 1 Pool For small group or individual Personal Trainings, please contact Nicole Ostmeier - 0819344140 Nicole.Ostmeier@gmx.de.

MASTERS SWIMMING Nichada Pool •Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30am Every swimmer is welcome.

Contact Catherine Miller: solviken66@hotmail.com 06-2001-0000, or Kerstin Wild: kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750

March 2017

BIKING

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

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

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

Contact Henrietta Bullinger: hbullinger@gmail.com

TENNIS WITH SAGI

Certified tennis coach, teaching the Play & Stay method at Nichada tennis court for all ages and levels.

Private lessons and groups of up to 4 players.

7 days a week, flexible hours.

Tennis is EASY, FUN and HEALTHY. See you on the court!

Contact Sagi Luft at 092-271-2110 Email: sagiluft@hotmail.com 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.

T h a n i Ta l k

23

For Archive Issues of Thani Talk

Check out issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

26

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

27

Heard it Through the Grapevine

IMPACT Speed Park!

If you're looking for a THRILLING night out, there's a go kart track right next to Impact. The place was even more fun than I expected!

The cars are electric, so they're not the loud and smelly cars I've seen in the past. Speed Park offers 8-minute rounds, and it was super fun! The safety gear looks significant and includes a disposable liner that you put on before the helmet. Pricing for a single round for adults is 600 baht or 480 baht for kids ages 7-14.

Discount prices are available when purchasing packages of multiple rounds. There's also a newish bar/ restaurant on a lake right next to it that serves a variety of food, dessert, beer, liquor and cigars. Bring or wear sneakers for go-karting!

Susan Yates

www.impactspeedpark.com

Bargains Available as Party Guys Shop Gets Ready to Close Thinking about having a party? Need some celebration balloons? Are you thinking ahead to next Halloween or Christmas? Anthony Stennes, owner of Party Guys, is offering discounts as he clears out his inventory in preparation for a move.

Party Guys sells balloons, small party favors and imported treats. Our local party shop, Party Guys, is closing shop as of June 2017. It was time for Anthony to make a new career move, and he is moving back to Toronto with his family. He will be selling off his party inventory until June. Don’t miss this great chance! The shop is located directly across from the Nichada front gate. More details can also be found on www.partyguys.com Catherine Miller

See pages 40-41 for a profile of Anthony 28

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Date Night at Duo Cucina we chose the lasagna which was excellent. If you are not in the mood for pasta, there is also a nice selection of meat and fish dishes. The homemade ice cream and tiramisu were both a refreshing end to a great meal.

Overall the meal was very good and reasonably priced.

I highly recommend trying Duo Cucina, either for date night, family meal out or girl’s lunch/night out!

Karen McGraw

Date night outside Nichada! We found Duo Cucina a delightful Italian restaurant located about 10 minutes from the Clark Hatch gate. It’s not far from BeeHive Mall or Impact Center in Pakkred The atmosphere was clean with a rustic modern decor and quaint patio seating as well. As we entered Duo Cucina we were greeted by eager and friendly staff. The menu had a large selection and is sure to please anyone’s pallet without being too big. First, we ordered a very fresh and tasty salad and Pizza Margarita as appetizers to share. For the main course,

Nice Museum a Stone’s Throw from Nichada The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is housed in an architecturally beautiful building at the crossing of Ngamwongwan Road and Don Muang Tollway. The museum displays contemporary art works of mainly Thai artists. Even if modern art is not your thing, MOCA is a great place to appreciate a variety of objects.

I visited the museum with my parents (entrance was free for them and other seniors) on a Thursday morning.

The museum was quiet, peaceful, light, and wellmaintained; it has a car park underneath and a little café for the well-deserved coffee afterwards. I can highly recommend a visit!

Emilie Huisman

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

29

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

31

Religious Venues

Bahá’í Worship services (cont.)

Contact person: Ms. Sulee Kaewprasert Tel: 02-530-7417. Email: info@bahai.or.th Additional activities available: Devotional gatherings, children’s moral education classes, study circles.

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

Buddhist Temple Wat Bua Khwan 1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Nonthaburi 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada.

Bahá’í Worship services Address: 40/265 Chaengwattana Soi 28, 6/F Royal Tower Condominium, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Website: www.bahai.org; www.bahai.or.th (Thai) 32

Synagogue Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center.

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

Activities: Monthly Shabbat dinner and service, High Holiday celebrations, Community Passover Seder, and other Jewish holidays.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road Sunday Worship Service--11:00 am (in English) Family History Research Group--Mon. 9:00-12:00 pm Book Group--2nd Wed./month, 11:00 am

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (cont.)

“Foodie” Group--1st Tues./month, 10:00 a.m.

Youth Group—Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Contact: Bishop Doug Dent (0982805705) fddent@gmail.com

International Church of Bangkok Sunday Morning Service (Traditional): 10:00-11:00 am, at Bangkok Christian College near Surasak BTS. Children’s Sunday School during morning worship.

Sunday Evening Service (Contemporary): 6:30-7:30 pm, at Bangkok Christian Guest House, Sala Daeng BTS/Silom MRT. Contact: http://www.icbangkok.org/

Hindu Worship Venues Dev Mandir: The Hindu Samaj Association 136/1-2 Siripong Road, Sao Chingcha, Bangkok.Tel: 02 223 8494 Digambar Jain Temple: Building # 143/3, Soi Putha Osot, Maha Set Road, Bangkok Geeta Ashram Thailand: 444/4, Soi Sowaneet, Yaek C-One Mansion, Sukhumvit Soi 50, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toey, Bangkok.

Email: info@geetaashramthailand.org March 2017

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

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

Chaengwattana Community Church Sunday Service—9:30am Encouraging Women—Wednesdays, 9 am Community Prayer—Thursdays, 8:30 am Youth Alpha Group (high school) Thursdays, 7 pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays, 6 pm Contact: Andrew Pennels, Interim Pastor Tel: 02-911-6702. Office Tel: 02-911-6700.

Website: www.cccthailand.org

T h a n i Ta l k

33

Highlights: NNR February Social

Make-up Tips from a Professional

February's NNR Social was more than just coffee, goodies and talking. Natalie Lorence, freelance makeup artist, demonstrated makeup application and tips on our own NNR President Henrietta Bullinger.

Alyson Espinoza Diaz opened up her home to 30+ Nichada women on Tuesday, February 7. Everyone was super curious about what Natalie had to say. Some of her tips included: Don't match your eyeshadow to what you are wearing, eyebrow makeup is very important, and as you age you need to change how you apply your makeup. For more information or questions on makeup, please contact Natalie at www.natalielorencemakeup.com or 08-7817-3098.

Thank you to Alyson for hosting the NNR February Social, to Natalie for great makeup demonstration and tips, and to Henrietta for being a beautiful model.

Denise Warta, NNR Social Chair

34

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Highlights: NNR FebruaryTour

Walking Wireless: NNR February Tour

An unseasonable cool breeze, cloud cover that lasted through noontime, light traffic on a Friday, and a storyteller for a guide made for a fantastic walking tour of downtown Wireless (Wittayu) Road.

Led by Paul Jorgensen, a trailing spouse like many of us, this tour was quite unique. As a newly arrived expat, Paul’s curiosity about his embassy’s buildings led him to connect with, among many people, an architectural history professor at Chulalongkorn University. Armed with material from a course taught at the university, talks with other experts and his own research, Paul uses the visual cues that many of us miss as we walk this street to craft a fascinating tour that connects the street with Thai history and culture.

We walked just a few short blocks on both sides of Wireless Road, but along the way, we learned how the giant rain trees got planted there and enjoy protected status, how the gently curving roof of a newly renovated plaza pays homage to the tree in front of the property, and why the embassies, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and Lumpini Park settled in the area. We also heard a brief introduction to the Thai belief system and the meaning of the spirit houses, the Erawan Shrine, and the color of the day. Paul also explained the origins and workings of the RoPoPo, the motorcy wins, the khlongs and the yaam. (Take the tour to find out!)

What stood out to me during his talk was Paul's deep respect for Thailand, its culture, its people, and his reverence for the late King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. I have nothing but high praises for this tour and do encourage everyone to take it if you can. As promised in last month's Thani Talk, it really did change the way I look at Bangkok (and I have lived here for 14 years!)

Patsy Remijan March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

35

Charity News

Home of Hope With the help of donations from NNR and Nichada resident Kerstin Wild, Home of Hope in Nonthaburi will soon have four showers for the 88 children it is housing. Kerstin, a yoga teacher, has frequently donated proceeds from her classes to charity.

Home of Hope, run under the leadership of Father Paolo of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, offers shelter and care to at-risk and indigent children.

Home for Hope has five houses divided by gender and age groups. There is a major need of essential items like an industrial freezer, cooling storage and showers, as well as small appliances and clothing, blankets, pillows etc.

Behind the main building Father Paolo and his team have built a little shed and turned it into a chicken coop that generates fresh eggs for the children.

The kitchen, which used to be bare, now has cabinets and a new fridge. The Home is still looking for an industrial freezer and a cooling storage for vegetables and fruits. The freezer pictured is very beat up and is constantly leaking.

The Home also has an outdoor preparation area. The staff has removed the old wooden table and had a stone table installed as well as a tile sink. They also have an outdoor oven, which they are trying to get repaired and in working condition.

The major improvement within this year was the installations of two showers, which were funded by NNR. In addition, yoga teacher Kerstin Wild donated 40,000 baht from her yoga class proceeds, which will be used for two more showers.

I would also like to mention that local Girl Scouts are also planning to pitch in. Amy Hall and her Girl Scout troop will be making toiletry kits for the girls of Home for Hope. Rachel Hope Landolt, Jacque Stover Patrick, Kelly Kabat and their Girl Scout troops are planning to do gardening and arts and crafts projects with the children of Home for Hope.

Sandra Wilson

36

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Community News

Girl Scouts Charity Corner: Making the World a Better Place After researching charitable organizations in Bangkok, Kaylin Lloyd and Hazel Parker of Girl Scout Troop 40012 were inspired by “Second Chance Bangkok” (SCBKK) whose role is to use donations of second-hand items to help support people living in the largest slum in Bangkok.

After asking permission from the manager of Villa supermarket, they sold lemonade and cookies outside the store to raise funds.

There was no shortage of donations the day of the sale. Asked about the experience, Kaylin said, “It was surprising that people paid so much for just a cookie.

Some people didn’t even take a cookie or lemonade; they just wanted to donate to the cause.”

Hazel said of her experience, “It was really fun. We got a lot of people to come and donate, and we feel good because we are donating a lot of money to people that need it.”

Second Chance Bangkok accepts donations at their shop downtown Tuesdays-Saturdays, and its staff may be available to pick up donations from your home.

Donated items may be sold or used to create

girl scout logo & pics

items and crafts for resale. SCBKK can use clean clothing, baby clothes, toys, bedding, stationary, sporting equipment and other items. Please visit their website at www.scbkk.org to see learn more and to see the complete list of items they can use to support impoverished families in Bangkok’s Klong Toey slum.

Local Events

Opinion

National Museum Volunteers At-Homes and Lecture Series Programs

DOG-WALKERS!!!

National Museum Volunteers, a group of international volunteers who offer free guided tours of National Museum Bangkok, also provides regularly scheduled seminars on Thai culture, art and history.

For information about NMV’s At-Home programs, please contact: Anita Bose (art.anitabose@gmail.com) For details and schedule about NMV’s Lecture Series, please contact: Dimpy Kongsiri (dimpykongsiri@gmail.com.)

Popular Furniture Fair at Muang Thong Thani March 8 -12 Thailand International Furniture Fair, TIFF, is one of the more popular quality decor and furniture fairs in town.

Check it out at Challenger Halls 2-3 at Muang Thong Thani. It’s open to trade professionals March 8-10 from 10am to 6pm. The public is welcome to shop March 11-12,10am to 9pm.

March 2017

Whether this is you, your maid, your driver, or your children...

Please, please, please make sure everyone knows that they must must must pick up your dog’s poo every time.

There are a huge number of bins for this very purpose all around the lake (and elsewhere). There is no excuse. Our pathways, pavements, sidewalks lawned areas, and flower beds are becoming a revoliting place to walk on, or next to.

So please, take some bags (take one more than you think you will need) and make sure that your household picks up after your dog. That way, we all enjoy our walks, and people do not have to stare at doggy poop non-stop as they take their exercise.

To those of you who consistently pick up, THANK YOU for helping to keep our environment as good as can be.

Huge thanks for being on board!

T h a n i Ta l k

Sally Elliott 37

38

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

39

People

Anthony Stennes of Party Guys Headed for Fresh Start The journey from being an expat kid in Dubai to being a business owner in Pakkred took a circuitous route.

Born in Canada, Anthony left when he was a toddler and spent 19 years in Dubai, where his father worked in the oil field fire fighting industry. As a Third Culture Kid in the United Arab Emirates, Anthony loved life in the capital.

“I grew up in Dubai, so I have a lot of friends who have their boats,” he said. “ So we would go fishing for the day, jet-skiing, or go to the desert.”

After graduating from International School of Dubai, Anthony returned to Canada and took college-level courses for a possible career in law enforcement. But a year later, he was ready to leave.

“It was too cold, to be honest,” said Anthony, who had to take the bus to school in freezing weather. “I grew up in the desert.”

The owner of the Party Guys shop just outside Nichada Thani’s main gate is a 25-year-old young man named Anthony Stennes.

He loves the party supplies business, and his shop has become the go-to place for people to get everything from helium balloons to imported candies to glow sticks to cocktail mixes. But despite developing a good reputation in the community and despite his best efforts since opening his business in December 2015, Anthony has decided to close the shop and move back to Canada later this year.

He will keep the shop open until at least this June, but he has already started to reduce inventory by posting items for sale in Facebook’s Expats Yard Sale group.

Anthony has mixed feelings about his planned departure.

“I like this industry, “ he said . “There’s a high demand. Everyday there’s a birthday.” But he added, “As of now it’s not making enough.”

40

He later worked for his father as an office administrator and moved to Singapore where he took courses in general studies. Eventually he decided to move to Thailand.

“My mom is from Laos,” said Anthony. “I’ve been to Thailand before. I like the culture. It was easy for me to adapt to Thai culture.” He lived in downtown Bangkok while studying industrial management at Assumption University, where he met his wife Saisin.

While at Assumption, he was asked to teach English to officers in the Tourist Police Department as part of the school’s community service program. He enjoyed teaching the police officers but eventually dropped out of school. “I didn’t see it through,” he said about his time at Assumption University.

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Then he learned that his wife was pregnant, which he said motivated him to start his own business. He had always enjoyed the party accessories business and decided to take a chance at opening his own shop. The expat community of Nichada seemed like a good fit.

“It seemed there’s a high demand here,” he said.

“People throw parties almost every weekend.”

His father Wayne Stennes, a Nichada resident and an investor in Party Guys, stops in once or twice a week to see how things are going. Anthony said that without his father’s investment and support, he would not have been able to start Party Guys.

“I was blessed and fortunate to be given a platform

by Dad,” he said.

Anthony said he enjoys developing his creative skills when customers come in, give him a party theme, and ask him to help create balloon and other decorations for their party.

Anthony had envisioned becoming a one-stop party shop. He saw a clear need. “ I see the moms going crazy (with party planning). It’s such a headache. It drives the mothers nuts to organize parties.”

He even envisioned expanding into general entertainment services, providing party packages that include bouncy castle and other games for individuals as well as for hotels one day.

But in the end Party Guys wasn’t bringing in enough income. His daughter Evelina is now one and half years March 2017

old, so Anthony said he decided it was time to explore options back in Canada.

Despite the challenges he has had starting his own business, Anthony said he has no regrets. From designing his own website, to dealing with suppliers and freight forwarders, to building relationships with customers, he said he has gained valuable experience that will be useful in future ventures.

As he continues to sell existing inventory (now sometimes at less than cost) and prepare for closing down Party Guys, Anthony also wanted to share a note of thanks to his friends and customers: “Thank you to the Nichada community and everyone who has supported my business. The valuable lessons and skills that I learned and the craft which I developed over these past two years will always stick with me.

Serving this community has been an important stepping stone in my life.”

T h a n i Ta l k

Liz Lu

41

42

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

43

44

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Club Canada Thailand

Snowball proudly presents

Saturday, March 18, 2017 Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

18:30 to Midnight Cocktails, Dinner, Wintery Fun, Dancing, Raffle Prizes, and Silent Auction Donation: 3,200 Baht, Table: 32,000 Baht Includes: 4 bottles of wine per table & cocktails For reservation and tickets, contact: CCTSNOWBALLTICKETS@GMAIL.COM

46

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

47

48

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

Restaurant Review

Medium Rare: New Steakhouse on Soi Aree

I was fortunate enough to visit a relatively new steak house that opened in Aree. The place is called Medium Rare and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great steak in a stylish location.

The menu focus is on steak. Although there are other options, if you don’t like steak you may want to look elsewhere. This place is all about the beef, but we’ll get to that.

There is a good list of salads and appetizers. They have oysters available. I had a pair of Gillardeau oysters from France. At 240 baht per oyster they are no bargain, but they are big, fresh and delicious. Try one, and you can be the judge. For more information about oysters, visit a website called “Gillardeau the “Rolls Royce of Oysters”. https://www.oysterater.com/oyster/ gillardeau/ I then had a scallop carpaccio which placed a thin slice of scallop on a fresh radish drizzled in a vinaigrette. It was very tasty and not filling enough to spoil your appetite for the show stopper.

Steak is available in all shapes and sizes. Most of the beef selection is from aged Australian beef; you have a choice in how aged you want it.

Dry-aging, according to a quick search on the internet, allows the break down of enzymes and protein structures in the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavourful piece of meat. The dry-aging process also concentrates and saturates the flavours of the meat, resulting in a more enjoyable steak, as flavour will be enhanced as compared to a non aged beef.

March 2017

There are certain cuts of steak available from US beef, but not as many as the Australian. I had a steak for two. It was the Tomahawk steak. It was very big, perfectly cooked, and absolutely delicious. It came with an assortment of grilled vegetables and roasted garlic.

With a very extensive wine list it is easy to pair your steak with a great red wine. Finally, I ended my meal with a deconstructed tiramisu that was also amazing.

The restaurant itself feels like a modern British bistro with exposed brick and wrought iron railings.

When I was there, they were playing songs from Frank Sinatra and other well-known crooners. The place has a parking lot and free valet parking if the lot is full.

The staff are very attentive and speak English well.

Located in Aree, the place is accessible without all the Sukhumvit traffic.

All in all, the place is not cheap. But you definitely feel as if you’re getting your money’s worth. So if you are looking for a great steak dinner in a cool restaurant and an all around enjoyable evening, I would definitely check out Medium Rare.

John Marinos

Medium Rare Steak & Wine

The Roomie Residence 12/1 Soi Pradiphat 10, Pradiphat Road, Bangkok Off of Soi Sena Ruam which runs between Rama VI (Expressway) and Phahonyothin Road (BTS)

T h a n i Ta l k

Tel: 02-618-6819 49

Useful Numbers

Delivery Restaurant

Phone

Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine

02-952-0031

Burger King/Pizza Company

1112

Cafe Kabul (Indian & Afgan)

02-960-3368

Cherry’s Cakes

Local Business

Phone

Bamboo Spa

02-583-9871

Bank Krungsri

02-582-2669

BeWitch Salon

087-099-4569

Blue Sky Cafe

081-811-8455

080-070-0180

Bumrungrad Family Clinic

02-960-4216

Indian Darbar

084-671-8318

Clark Hatch Fitness Center

02-960-4326/27

KFC & Pizza Hut

1150

Crystal Holiday Travel

085-042-6054

Le Bouchon Food Delivery

02-960-3011

Foot Heaven

061-541-6353

McDonald’s

1711

Hair by Jib

02-960-3783

Mr. Enzo’s

02-960-0412

Happy Teeth Dental Clinic

02-960-3988

New York Diner

081-624-2099

Great Massage

02-960-3691

ISB

02-963-5800

Pinocchio’s

02-573-5646

Le Studio Hair

084-022-9928

Que Pasa

02-960-3821

Nichada Customer Relations

02-960-4300

Salad Factory

02-001-5659

Pandit Carpets

081-828-2562

Scoozi

02-715-8555

Panipa

02-960-3934

Subway

02-960-3232

Rex Pharmaplus

081-834-1306

Rose Marie Academy

02-960-3663

Sudhathai

02-583-2694

Shawn Carpets

090-564-8927

Slider Shack

086-773-4140

Starbucks

02-967-9686

Vapor Restaurant

02-832-0055

Villa Market

02-960-3585

Xuan Mai Restaurant

087-077-0605

Wash-N-Dry

085-945-4132

4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming

02-960-4189

50

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017

March 2017

T h a n i Ta l k

51

52

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2017