 |
| The gorgeous hotel grounds |
In the midst of Winter, August saw me back in Bangkok. It was a long road with many challenges (of the explosive nature) to this event so I was more than happy to see it done and dusted! The event itself went without a hitch - whew! I was also happy for several reasons:
- I returned to The Peninsula Hotel (my home away from home in Bangkok)
- I spent time with one of my favourite peeps that I only get to see once a year (for this event)
- I saw a bit more of Bangkok
Day 1: Bangkok, here we come!
I passed the wait time for the flight in the Qantas First Class Lounge with many glasses of Veuve (yes, the lead up was that bad!) with the Marketing Manager so the flight to Bangkok was fabulous, even from economy. On arrival, the skies opened so the 45 minute transfer was 2 hours! Luckily it was in The Peninsula van complete with wifi. During this time, the APAC teams realised I had landed and were calling me non-stop; life as an events planner (but I wouldn't have it any other way).
 |
| This was check-in! |
Finally at The Peninsula, check-in was to us at the Lobby Bar (how did they know?) and I was shown to my room. I had gorgeous cut fruit waiting for me in my room, but I only a couple of minutes to freshen up and head down for dinner, while re-aranging all my arrival meetings for the next morning.
We had a team dinner at a near-by restaurant, The Never-ending Summer. Yes! It's the infamous spicy tom yum restaurant. We did not order it this time, but check out these oysters!
Day 2: Work with some Play
Good morning Bangkok! I had a leisurely breakfast with colleagues then onto meeting #1 and meeting #2. After I sent the lab set-up crew off, it was catch up time with Miss P. Poor Miss P spent over 24 hours travelling to Bangkok and at some point lost her luggage! So we were both in need of some serious R&R. We were about to plop ourselves down in a pool cabana when we saw The Spa out of the corner of our eyes. Thai massage, here we come!
An hour later, we weren't sure if we were relaxed but definitely our "working women" (quote from our masseuses) shoulders and necks were feeling… umm, numb from all the walking on, forearm-use and pulling we endured. Now, it was poolside lunch time.
We had access to our function rooms by 4pm so we dragged ourselves there to set-up for the next day. Soon enough, we only had 20 minutes to change for meeting #3 and then dinner with our presenters. Unfortunately the skies opened again, so dinner was not as we had hoped but hey, that was our only issue for the meeting so I can't complain.
 |
| Every day there was a little treat in my room (Friday) |
Day 3: It's here!
 |
| Jetlag = watching the sunrise over Bangkok |
It was a busy, busy day with 2 concurrent meetings then converging together at 4:30pm. When the Welcome Reception started, it was time to relax!
That evening, we took 28 to dinner at Asiatique then after my Wolfpack headed to Sky Bar. This time, I knew to ignore the tourist trap section and head for section that you see in all the photos. Again, the drinks were ridiculously expensive - $90 glass of champagne! but it's the company that matters.
 |
| My Wolfpack |
 |
| Beyond the Black Ropes : live jazz band, The Sky Bar |
 |
| Saturday's treat |
Day 4: Last day!
Today was the last day of the meeting… and I am calling it a success. Ha! Well, it was given the circumstances. Our final afternoon tea, The Peninsula pulled out all the stops which made for some fun photos (I will spare you).
 |
| This is Pee Mee (Bear in Thai) |
Then the final session came to a close. We farewelled most of the customers and some colleagues and packed up, then I could officially, "Ahhh!" The Peninsula knows me so well and booked Miss P and I in for early foot massages and recommended a nearby restaurant for dinner.
That, is service!
After dinner, it was time to say goodbye to my Summer Camp BFF as she had a very early flight the next morning. It was so good to see Miss P and spend time together catching up; I hope it's sooner than a year until we see each other again.
 |
I also made sure I had time to watch
Blended from my bath tub (as you do) |
 |
| Sunday's treat |
Day 5: My last day
 |
| I always get a bit sad when it's time to check-out of The Peninsula |
I had a free morning before I had my last meeting to pour over the 30 page invoice and head to the airport from my flight back to Sydney. Me, being me, used my jet lag to my advantage and booked a cheap self-guided tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The "tour" was really just a group transfer that cost me $20 AUD round-trip. Yes, I spent more time in the van than I did at the floating market but to be honest, at that price I didn't care. Next time, I will just bring a book with me! On arrival, we had the option to view the markets from the ground or hire a paddle boat for $150 THB.
 |
| Oh great! 7/11... convenient! |
I jumped on a paddle boat to get that on-water prespective. I was a bit uncomfortable being a solo traveller but my boat "captain" caught on quickly that I wasn't very interested in buying tourist junk. I was there to take photos (trying to use what I learned in my Photography Class) and eat (risky given I had a 8 hour flight ahead of me) so she kept me in the middle unless I asked to have a look at something and also took me down a quieter alley. After, I had the time to walk around the markets on foot and I picked up a painting that I didn't see on the boat. I know I was supposed to bargain, but he was a very talented artist and I was more than happy to pay him the $25 AUD that he deserved.
 |
| Coconut ice cream |
 |
| Grilled squid |
Part of the package was a high-speed boat through the village and the coconut farms. It also cut down on some of the drive time back to Bangkok. Then it was back in the van again.
 |
| Farm life |
I had time to fill my belly with good food before my flight (and yes, look over the invoice).
 |
| My office for a couple of hours |
Finally, home sweet home for my bed and cuddles when both E's got home from school/ pre-school.
See you again soon, Bangkok!
