When I was in Pai, I purchased a second-hand novel, Kate Atkinson’s “Behind the Scenes at the Museum”. I had been keeping an eye out for books by Kate Atkinson, and when I spied this one on the shelf, I quickly pulled it down and paid for it before racing off to…, oh I don’t know, probably another 50 baht cocktail somewhere. It wasn’t until later when I read the blurb on the back of the book that I realised that I had already read it – barely 10 months ago no less. Further, it was a story that I had enjoyed immensely. I admired the writers’ stylistic flair, so much so, that I had even referred to one of her techniques (the use of narrative footnotes), during a theoretical discussion of the possible relationship between food and memory. How could I have forgotten reading this book? Did I just experience my first senior moment?
Given the soft whisper of death’s imminent approach that turning 40 minus 5 entailed (I could so be a gothic novelist, don’t you think?), it was helpful to be somewhat distracted by, first, being in Bangkok, and second, by an extravagant husband (who was also, perhaps, attempting to cushion the blow of turning 36…I can suggest this because, despite his manly exterior, Colin is comfortably in touch with his feminine side). As the photos below will show, said husband outdid himself with a carefully planned surprise that began to unfold the moment we arrived at Bangkok airport. All I can say is, if this is turning 35, then baby, bring on 40!!!
After VIP pick-up from the airport, we were delivered to S31, a fabulous five star hotel on Sukhumvit Rd. This is part of the view from our room on the 16th floor.
After checking in, we were taken up to our room on the 16th floor. Our “room” was actually a duplex suite, with a kitchen and lounge area on the bottom floor, and stairs up to the mezzanine bedroom and enormous bathroom. This was the view that greeted me as I walked up the stairs.
Close-up of the chocolates…I suspect that these weren’t organised purely for my benefit.
Photo for the girls – how awesome is it to gaze upon a comprehensive range of complementary toiletries? Shower cap, sewing kit, comb, shaving kit, loofah (loofah!), cotton buds, body lotion, shampoo, bubble bath, and mouthwash.
Soon after we arrived we ran off to a nearby shopping centre to get Colin some decent jeans and shoes to wear for dinner. Traveling sure is hard on your clothes – his shoes were literally falling apart. Lucky he had a decent shirt tucked away, and that he had cleaned his hat the night before (using his toothbrush and soap). I think he scrubbed up very well, for a 36-year-old!
After a lovely dinner at the hotel restaurant (which included an insanely expensive bottle of champagne), we returned to our room for complimentary birthday cake. I didn’t take photos during dinner because the lighting was too dim, but the food was lovely.
Waking up the next morning in the gigantic 8-foot wide bed, which was actually a bit too big (i.e. not cosy at all). Kind of cute though, that despite the width of the bed, Colin’s feet still hung off the end!
The next day, we went out for a few hours, then returned to take advantage of the hotel’s facilities. We worked out in the gym, which included a full-size kickboxing ring, a swimming pool and steam room. Well, I should say that Colin worked out, while I pranced about taking photos and doing the odd yoga pose.
On the second morning at the hotel – taking advantage of the 12pm check-out by enjoying one last luxurious bath, before being kicked back out into the slums of Bangkok (where we really belong).
Chez Moi 
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Wow! What a lovely birthday?! Had last day yesterday, will email you. My blog is up and running. The hat looks good – how ingenious! Can’t believe you are going to Oz soon. Looking forward to reading about your adventures there.
YY
Bon voyage! Hope your travels are all you want them to be 🙂 Can’t wait to check out your blog – internet currently mind-blowingly slow here, plus expensive hourly rate so will have to wait a few days before I can check it out…until then, happy travels!
Ha Ha Chez, The joys of youth. At 40 the body starts preparing to die, and the years seem to start going by a lot faster.
You are allowed to forget once, but whats Colins excuse. Bet Col enjoyed those chocolates. The hotel staff must have made the bed the wrong way round for the lanky bugger. 10 points for effort though i reckon.
He got more than 10 points, believe me!!!