This Time in Seoul

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!

Seven Hotel

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!

I couldn’t resist. I have a lot more but will not bombard you will endless brilliantly hued tiles. Enjoy.

Also, please go to

Seriously considering Buddhism these days.
During one of my last days in Thailand, I visited the Indian market to pick up some more gorgeous sarongs and floor length dresses. Feeling oh so hungry (when wasn’t I feeling this way?) I found this gentleman creating offerings in front of the food stall I was investigating. He looked so peaceful, so determined amidst all the traffic whizzing by him, the calls from nearby kiosk owners, etc. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I loved the color of his skin, similar to my own and his hands…how he created beautiful offerings made of various types of flowers, all the while balancing a cigarette. Quels yeux!

They were so graceful, sometimes as serious as life itself and as happy as children.
More color, more warmth.

I later saw these two women at the end of their shift (I assume). They said something very kind in English and we both made each other smile. 

Women rule the world, we all know this and it was no different in The Floating Market, women cook, women provide, women negotiate, they TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS, the business of life itself. I can only imagine the myriad of things that these women know, all that they’ve experienced in this life so far. I look at these photos and think of the women in my family. Some of these and other Thai women I met either resembled the splendid women in my family, physically or by the way they looked at me. It was strange, but comforting. It also reminded me that I’d better learn how to cook with a quickness.

I’m ready to provide.

and for dessert…Kannom Krok. This is a breakfast dish made of ground rice, coconut milk, sugar, a pinch of salt, then garnished with your choice of pumpkin, spring onion leaves or sweet corn.

I just want to say that I love women, um, women who cook! Do not get it twisted! Ha!
Of course I had to visit The Damnoen Saduk Floating Market.

I had no idea that I’d see this angel cooking, gracefully floating in her paddle boat, sharing her expert cooking skills with all who could not resist the aromas floating from her direction. I’m hungrier now for her food, all Thai food. I can’t believe the difference between Thailand and Korea. I woke up this morning to another cold and gray day here in Seoul, stomach growling, knowing that I couldn’t go down to the corner and pick and choose any dish for less than 5 dollars and make each and every one of my senses happy. 

That’s it, I’m moving to Thailand. 

After having visited the floating market (pictures coming soon) I wandered around and passed some homes on the riverbanks. I noticed a lush garden and discovered not only plants, and an aviary filled with colorful parakeets, but the fragrance of jasmine. An older woman, moving slowly, gently looked at me and I asked if this was her garden, it was, and if I could visit. She nodded gently smiled at me. After walking past her husband who was busy feeding the birds, I decided to get closer to her flowers. Flowers I had never seen before were as bright as the sun and almost as beautiful as she was. She drew me closer to her and she plucked a lovely jasmine flower in bloom and motioned for me to smell. The heat of the day, mixed with the scent of jasmine held in the hands of a kind and wise woman was divine. The woman offered the flower to me as well as another one. I wore it in my hair for the rest of the journey and I do believe that I still have it in my jacket.

Thank you Great Spirit! I have witnessed so many wonders: wonderful people, wonderful heat and please, WONDERFUL FOOD! 

I’m back in Seoul (still cold) but the heat and joy of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, etc. is still within and on me! I am workin’ my tan to death! Had the scrumptious brown-skinned Thai men oohing and ahhing! Oh, yes honey! Real chocolate comin’ through! Ha!

I will supply the next couple of days, weeks with photos and insights about all that I saw and experienced.
What’s coming? Great shots of hotels, food, temples, COLOR! COLOR! COLOR! Will get on it as soon as I unpack!
I missed you guys and gals! 

Double Kisses (French ones, of course) 

Felicia