Antiques in Itaewon.
I was asked to photograph and write about antiques in Itaewon. I love it when my editor lets me choose which store, cafe, etc., for my monthly feature in Seoul Selection. After you pass all of the cheap clothing and souvenir shops in Itaewon, pretty much selling the same thing, you’ll start to glide into the antique lover’s section of Seoul. Now, do NOT think that this section resembles in any shape or form the glorious antique flea markets of northern Paris.
Itaewon will never be Paris but hey, it isn’t supposed to be. This is Seoul.
I stepped into Morning Calm Antiques Store both literally and figuratively a couple of weeks ago and was enamored of the small, tiny antique chinese oil lamps and tea pots. So precious and rich and color that I wanted to wrap them in plush velvet and head to Istanbul (it’s a real possibility folks, Istanbul) for more exciting adventures!
So fresh and so clean! clean!: Thai dog keeps it fresh with Pantene!
As I turned the corner from my hotel in Bangkok I first saw the bright pink polos but then smelled the freshness of shampoo. I followed the bubbles and saw a little doggy gettin’ his or her little body rubbed and scrubbed with Pantene! The way it looked at me! It was as if I surprised it in the shower and the it expected me to join in the fun. I’ve seen that look before in men, Ahem!
I believe his owners were waiting inside the pet shop for a later fluff and dry.
What a fresh dog! I fell in love immediately.
Aland Boutique: Cafe, daily bread
Aland has opened up its second location in Apgujeong, a very chic and quite expensive area of Seoul.
I fell in love with Aland’s first store while strolling through Myeong-dong. It’s filled with modern/vintage clothing and home accessories, all at a great price. They’ve just added APC to their stock which is the priciest brand in the store.
After my Chinese medicine appointment located in Apgujeong I wandered around and saw Aland. I was not surprised that this store is also infused with great design: the walls, the floors, the lighting and most of all the cafe.
The cafe, located upstairs reminds me of one of one of my cousin’s house in the countryside of North Carolina. I think that it’s the old comfortable furniture, the wooden floors that creak under my feet and good bread.
Oh! They have clothes here as well.
Tonight: Shades of Retro
Usually when traveling alone in a strange city I tend not to trip the light fantastic under the moonlight. The reason? I usually walk myself to exhaustion during the day time. I can’t deny it, I am a Bon Vivant!
Sprawled across my bed at the hotel, ceiling fan coaxing me to sleep, I suddenly became bored. Even though my feet were saying no, my short attention span said yes to the idea of heading across town to check out this joint. Chic, sexy shadows, delicious Thai beer, and chill people. I’m there!
The jazz alone is worth the drive!
They have a good thing going at Shades of Retro: great music, good people, no snobbisme. Go! Now!
Have a great weekend!
A Love Supreme: John Coltrane
Art and music have always had the ability to change my mood, my outlook on life, everything since I was a child.
At Shades of Retro in Bangkok I found one of the most relaxing lounges I’d ever been in. More photos are coming, I promise.
I knew that as soon as I saw John Coltrane hanging on the wall that I was in the right place.
It is not everyday and certainly not THESE days that an artist of his depth and caliber comes along.
I remember listening to Mr. John Coltrane during my years in Paris, on rainy days (my favorite), eating breakfast with my love, crying over the death of my father so far away from me and how alone I felt in the world when I knew that I could no longer press my cheek against his…
Oh, I thank you John Coltrane for all the happiness and sadness that you’ve seen me through. When I listen to your music I feel God’s greatness, his tenderness and I am in awe of His Mercy and know that God is within all things, humans, creatures great and small and that he lives within me as well.
Whether you believe or not, I wish you all the happiness, health, peace and love that you can handle.
I feel good, so good.
Have a great weekend.
Felicia in Seoul
Animals are people too. Thank God that’s not the truth.
No matter where I am, Je deviens folle at the sight of animals, especially dogs in all of their forms.
Just a few of the animals I was lucky enough to come across while sojourning in Chiang Mai.
Animal lovers unite!
Hotels in Thailand: Seven Hotel
Much love and care went into designing this hotel. Though it took some time before actually locating this oasis of cool, calm and chic in steaming Bangkok, damn, my nerves were calmed when they opened those awesome doors and revealed Seven Hotel!
This is a fantastic boutique hotel having only six bedrooms, each room has a specific color according to the days of week, an interesting twist in Thai culture. I was offered to experience the Pink Room (Tuesday) as it is deemed the best room. You know a room is great when you do not feel guilty for not going out to discover the city that you’re visiting.
I was a little apprehensive as I’m not a “girly girl” and could never imagine myself wearing pink, let alone sleeping in a pink room! This is not Barbie pink, folks. This particular room is subtle in color. I particularly love the sleek but not slick design of the bathroom. Dare I say that I felt sexier in this room as the shower is transparent.
Note to self: Must bring my Frenchman here next time!
Located on a cul-de-sac, this place is beautifully quiet, but not secluded. No, luckily it is in one of the toniest neighborhoods in Bangkok: Sukhumvit. Here you will find, spas, galleries, and of course great food and fashion.
I was shown the other rooms (just four floors) and I marvelled over the rich colors that were selected, the balconies, and of course the hotel’s knowledgeable and endearing staff.
I thank the gracious staff and those heavenly sheets and pillows at Seven Hotel!
A great surprise: A cell phone! You won’t have to worry the staff about making reservations or even calling a cab! Seven hotel provides you with a sweet little cell phone (local calls only) with important pre-programmed numbers.
For a fashionable treat without exorbitant prices (by Western standards) head to Seven Hotel!
Hotels in Thailand: Phranakorn Nornlen! The Best!
Just yesterday I was asked by Anne, creator of Pret a Voyager to give her some tips or information about traveling to Thailand. Of course I gave her advice about mosquito repellant, proper attire when visiting temples, etc. but I also had to share a gem that I discovered just before traveling to this extraordinary country: Phranakorn Nornlen!.
This is such a wonderful hotel that I stayed there twice! Why? After my horrible time at Good Time Resort Hotel on the island of Koh Mak, I was praying that “P.N.” would have a room for me! They did and it was even better! It was like being a child at Grandma’s house in the country, complete with ceiling fans and waking to beautiful music! They treated me like a queen (they surprised me with a gorgeous birthday cake and sang for me as well!) and I occasionally ate dinner with the staff members at their favorite haunts around the city. They were so welcoming, helpful and kind. It really was like coming home, except these family members were of Thai descent! Ha!
The rate is reasonable, the decor will leave your mouth agape and your eyes wondering how a place this lush, this green and relaxing, can be in one of the busiest cities in the world! Upon entering you are surrounded by tall and short green trees, bushes and plants, the coolness that they provides envelopes you as soon as you take your third step.
Phranakorn Nornlen is built to remind you of an old Thai village. You will find vintage fabrics, lighting, etc. They also have their own boutique where colorful sarongs, blouses, etc. are sold. They also have a sweet little cafe downstairs as well.
I was allowed to peek at their latest creation: an organic farm that they will have on the rooftop!
Added bonus among many: They serve a hardy organic breakfast every morning that is included in the price of your hotel room! Perfect!
Before visiting my family in the U.S. in June, I plan to travel to Laos and Cambodia. I will also book the nicest room at Phranakorn Nornlen. It will be my home away from home whenever I’m in Thailand.
I will post the second, and in my opinion, the chicest hotel in Thailand, soon!
Bon Voyage, Anne!
Mother’s Day: Everyday!
Happy Mother’s Day!
To my lovely mother who always always believes in me, loves me and who has the softest skin in the world! I can hardly wait to press my cheek next to yours. I thank God for you!
Your loving daughter,
Felicia
My life in the balance
Out of all the sensational things that I photographed in Thailand this photograph in particular is the one that took me by surprise the most. It represents many things to me. When I look at it, I feel God, joy, silence and strangely, protected. I imagine that the lower light is me and the light above is where I come from and whether bright or dim, we are the same and therefore cannot exist without the other. To know what light is you must know the dark and to know darkness means cherishing the light.
I personally prefer what lies in the balance.
