Out of Norm Travels

Ayutthaya, Thailand  (อยุธยา), full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา), is an ancient capital in the Central Thailand, some 85 km north of Bangkok. One of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic second capital of Siam after Sukhothai for some 400+ years, it was founded around 1350. Ayutthaya is an island at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya River, the Lopburi River and the Pa Sak River.In its heyday, The Royal Court of Ayutthaya exchanged ambassadors far and wide, including with the French Court at Versailles and the Mughal Court in Delhi, as well as with imperial courts of Japan and China. Based on UNESCO information, The Historic City of Ayutthaya was chosen as it bore excellent witness to the period of development of a true national Thai art. Here are some of the picturesque temples you can see when you are here:  till the next time, onto the world and beyond!

Unique Cafe hopping experience in Bangkok that came complete with some interaction with Cats (love them Grumpy Cats) and Dogs (Huskies)...and Witches ;)  The cat cafe at Caturday Cafe was lovely as the cats were all over the place across tables, up above you and hidden under the chairs. I was thrilled to be surrounded by them and they were basically doing their own thing ie sleep and walk around. Cats being cats don't bother you if you don't bother them. one thing I was pleasantly surprised was that the food there was pretty decent (something I can't say for a lot of the cat cafes I have been)& the cats seem contented being around the area (instead of wanting to go back to their hidden area - which was our experience at the Cat cafe in Penang). Caturday Cafe  Thailand The dog cafe of Neverland Huskies on the other hand were simply majestic. Imagine being surrounded by a pack of some 20 huskies in an area. They were beautiful and had the space to just be aroun...

What does these 3 museums have in common? Well, from what I have read so far, the collections are all privately owned, privately managed by people who simply love what they have collected and want to showcase their collection to the world. For me, the 3 Museums also showcases one of the most special things about Thailand i.e. the quirkiness of its people. I wish to clarify that Thai quirkiness to me means their special sense of individuality and uniqueness. Added to that mix is their ability to express that in the most expressive way known i.e. have a museum dedicated to what they love. Now onto some bits of info for each museum..... At Jesada Tecknik Museum , you have to prepare yourself as you will be visiting a museum that is in the middle of nowhere. But once you are there, you will find your reward because this place is simply filled to the helms with vintage cars, motorcycle, trains & buses. There is even an aeroplane on its grounds! Entrance to the museum is free ...

I have visited this lovely  Aw Taw Kaw  market  many many times (almost whenever I am in Bangkok).  What's the charm of this place? Well, it's relatively clean (the wet market section is separated from the cooked food section of the market) and it's a place that the locals visit (great for people watching & photography).  The colors, smells and huge variety of cooked food (appealed to the foodie in me).  I have introduced some of the usual "snacks" that I usually get for my "breakfast" at this market.  Till the next time, onto the world & beyond!!

  Talad Rot Fai:   A lovely quaint market only open on Saturdays and Sundays ooze VW-loads of vintage wares. You can find ‘oldies but goodies’ inspired toys, clothes, memorabilia, furniture in this market that occupies around 2 football fields in an area which is fenced by train tracks and train coaches.  As in all markets, there are many food stalls that allow you to rest your tired legs or if you wish, eat skewered meats or slurping that ice-cream off coconut husks whilst walking along the make-shift stalls. Whether you are only interested in browsing or people-watching, this is definitely a good place to spend some time on a cool weekend evening.  

Who would have thought that a memory trip can be achieved in Bangkok - in no less than a place called " Plearnwan " in Hua Hin , just outside Bangkok. This place is frequented more by local Thais than tourists as almost everything is in Thai (that's the usual practice outside of Bangkok). What makes this place special? Well, imagine a slice of 60s-70s re-created from the music, food and the furnishings. The entire place is constructed in wood, just like the ol' days. Here's a pic of the amazing entrance: There are food stalls lines up waiting to satisfy your hunger pangs - although the food are still made in the traditional hand-made way (which means you have to wait a while for the food to be ready): Sit-down eateries along the walkway also satisfy the taste-buds and stomachs of hungry travelers - this dish is essentially fried eggs (fried to crisp): Memorabilia from the 60s dot the entire place with old promotional screens jostling for pre...