What the hell am I going to do with myself TODAY?
I boat/Skytrain it to the J.W. Marriott, a five-star hotel that I booked on Priceline for $100. It's ok...but hardly five-star-worthy. A little dark, a little past-its-prime.
I ride the Skytrain to M.R. Kukrit's house, which is reportedly open only on holidays. Kukrit was once a prime minister and his former residence is rumored to be an excellent example of a traditional Thai home. Only it's NOT open today. Just my luck. Does this mean that my 2009 is going to be a bust? Do I read too much in to things? Am I becoming obsessed with this idea of Foreshadowing in Everyday Life? When will I finally shake this foreboding?
Bored, disoriented, misplaced...I hop the Skytrain back to Siam Paragon, which has become a sort of home base for me here in Bangkok: it's where I go when I don't know where to go. I scarf-down more pork-on-a-stick, then peruse the housewares floor in detail, discovering these darling gift bags at Paragon Passage. These will make fabulous little table setting decor at the anti-Valentine's Day dinner party that I'm throwing on February 14 (I'm going to fill them with those inedible message hearts that we exchanged in grade school).
For years I've read great reviews of Cabbages and Condoms, a restaurant with a mission: promoting safe sex. It's a short taxi trip away. And I love this place! The dangling strands of Christmas lights and prophylactic-draped lanterns create a welcoming atmosphere on the balcony and the food (beware: it's spicy, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a Minnesotan: it's seriously spicy) is among the best I've sampled in Bangkok (this trip and past trips).
C&C serves rubbers, rather than mints, with the bill. Tossing my "mint" into my purse (who knows?), I catch a cab back to the JW, check-out, and head to the airport.
I'm so happy to say goodbye to this town.
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