My love affair with Bangkok
April 8, 2007 | 12:00am
Like an ardent lover waiting for me with open arms, tempting me with exotic pleasures, wooing me with promises of sweet adventure  Bangkok beckons.
My love affair with Bangkok began way back in the summer of 1990. That was the time when Dad surprised us by borrowing his married daughters from our husbands with intentions of taking us on a very special trip. When I asked him why Bangkok, Dad replied: "I have a feeling there are many secrets in that place for you to discover," he enthusiastically replied. "And before anyone else, I want to be the one to take you girls there."
In keeping up with tradition, we sisters recently borrowed our only brother Mark from his loving wife Mylene who good-naturedly allowed us to enjoy him on a five-day bonding trip mixed with business and pleasure.
"Okay, bro," I excitedly told Mark when we were about to take off, "be prepared for the time of your life for we are now about to share with you the delightful secrets we discovered with Dad in the City of Angels."
The new ultra modern Bangkok International Airport was bustling with tourists from all over the world  a reflection that all is now well in sunny Bangkok as far as peace and order is concerned. The breezy February 2007 weather was a welcome delight. Our bags arrived in record time and we proceeded to our home in the heart of Bangkok, eager to see our dear friends at the newly renovated Dusit Thani hotel.
"Why are we staying there?" asked Mark.
"Oh you know how Dad was," I began to answer Mark’s query, "his keenness on any destination took him to great lengths. He researched on the newest hotel to live in. His requirement: a truly five-star Thai hotel. He looked forward to the unique Thai hospitality that his golf mates raved about. The Dusit was his choice, so it’s time for you to experience this, too. He wanted to take you with us back then but you were still in Boston. We’ve taken our kids here and they loved it, too! So, it’s your turn now."
But alas, when we got to the hotel, our excitement was derailed. The receptionist was unable to locate our names on the reservations list. For some strange reason, our e-mailed confirmation was not received. Being peak season, we were worried. Lucky for us, it pays to have old friends in the right places. Out of her bustling office came our dear friend Sommai Yocapajorn, Dusit’s public relations manager, endowed with the sunniest disposition. "What are friends for, my dears? For your family, I will do anything," Sommai said.
In the elegant lobby lounge, we gave Mark icy cold pink guava juice which was our Mom’s fave refreshment. The delight we saw on his face was exactly the same I saw on my Mom’s the very first time we came here. While gazing at the central waterfall and orchid gardens that she loved, we were able to catch up with amiable GM Danny McCafferty. Joyfully we clinked our glasses in glee to Mark’s new Thai adventure!
As always we were given our favorite adjoining Grand Rooms on the executive floor. It was such a treat for us sisters to be traveling with our bro and having him all to ourselves. If the walls of our rooms could talk, they would spill fond tales and family memories. I told him about the time Dad would keep these adjoining room doors ajar so he could crack his latest anecdotes. The laughter and the chatter flowed all night as we raced down to our favorite Dusit Gourmet Deli downstairs to grab some delightful pastries for a midnight snack.
I slept like a queen that night and every succeeding night thereafter in the most comfortable good old familiar surroundings. While on the treadmill the next morning, my mind went back through all the pleasant memories of yore. I took note of the beautiful new renovations as I gazed at the good old familiar faces and corners of the Dusit Hotel I know so well. I noticed as the city has evolved through time, so has this hotel. Through the years that we have been coming back here, three generations of my family have lived here. How can it not be special?
(To be concluded)
(Would love to hear from you. E-mail me at miladayjewels@yahoo.com)
My love affair with Bangkok began way back in the summer of 1990. That was the time when Dad surprised us by borrowing his married daughters from our husbands with intentions of taking us on a very special trip. When I asked him why Bangkok, Dad replied: "I have a feeling there are many secrets in that place for you to discover," he enthusiastically replied. "And before anyone else, I want to be the one to take you girls there."
In keeping up with tradition, we sisters recently borrowed our only brother Mark from his loving wife Mylene who good-naturedly allowed us to enjoy him on a five-day bonding trip mixed with business and pleasure.
"Okay, bro," I excitedly told Mark when we were about to take off, "be prepared for the time of your life for we are now about to share with you the delightful secrets we discovered with Dad in the City of Angels."
The new ultra modern Bangkok International Airport was bustling with tourists from all over the world  a reflection that all is now well in sunny Bangkok as far as peace and order is concerned. The breezy February 2007 weather was a welcome delight. Our bags arrived in record time and we proceeded to our home in the heart of Bangkok, eager to see our dear friends at the newly renovated Dusit Thani hotel.
"Why are we staying there?" asked Mark.
"Oh you know how Dad was," I began to answer Mark’s query, "his keenness on any destination took him to great lengths. He researched on the newest hotel to live in. His requirement: a truly five-star Thai hotel. He looked forward to the unique Thai hospitality that his golf mates raved about. The Dusit was his choice, so it’s time for you to experience this, too. He wanted to take you with us back then but you were still in Boston. We’ve taken our kids here and they loved it, too! So, it’s your turn now."
But alas, when we got to the hotel, our excitement was derailed. The receptionist was unable to locate our names on the reservations list. For some strange reason, our e-mailed confirmation was not received. Being peak season, we were worried. Lucky for us, it pays to have old friends in the right places. Out of her bustling office came our dear friend Sommai Yocapajorn, Dusit’s public relations manager, endowed with the sunniest disposition. "What are friends for, my dears? For your family, I will do anything," Sommai said.
In the elegant lobby lounge, we gave Mark icy cold pink guava juice which was our Mom’s fave refreshment. The delight we saw on his face was exactly the same I saw on my Mom’s the very first time we came here. While gazing at the central waterfall and orchid gardens that she loved, we were able to catch up with amiable GM Danny McCafferty. Joyfully we clinked our glasses in glee to Mark’s new Thai adventure!
As always we were given our favorite adjoining Grand Rooms on the executive floor. It was such a treat for us sisters to be traveling with our bro and having him all to ourselves. If the walls of our rooms could talk, they would spill fond tales and family memories. I told him about the time Dad would keep these adjoining room doors ajar so he could crack his latest anecdotes. The laughter and the chatter flowed all night as we raced down to our favorite Dusit Gourmet Deli downstairs to grab some delightful pastries for a midnight snack.
I slept like a queen that night and every succeeding night thereafter in the most comfortable good old familiar surroundings. While on the treadmill the next morning, my mind went back through all the pleasant memories of yore. I took note of the beautiful new renovations as I gazed at the good old familiar faces and corners of the Dusit Hotel I know so well. I noticed as the city has evolved through time, so has this hotel. Through the years that we have been coming back here, three generations of my family have lived here. How can it not be special?
(To be concluded)
(Would love to hear from you. E-mail me at miladayjewels@yahoo.com)
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