Tag Archives: Exclusive Photos

Thailand, Amphawa: Romhub, the unusual market of Mae Klong

Posted on June 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

Here I am on the road

to the town of Amphawa, just off the plane and the traffic near Suvarnabhumi, the Bangkok airport.

On the way, we stop at the Romhub market in the small town of Mae Klong. At first I didn’t understand why (I was not really awake): I heard something about a train crosses the market.

Okay. The heat is overwhelming, I feel like liquefy me. I surf between umbrellas and under the covered part of the market. Further, I can see the rails of the train, between fruits and vegetables, fish and meats, and a thousand things…

When of a sudden, the rythm of this part of the market changes. The traders are busy, moving their goods and rolling them covering each side of the rails (picture below). Customers have vanished. And the few tourists are excited. Everyone is waiting. When the famous train casually arrives. So slow!

But the picture is rather unusual and hypnotic. At the last minute, I jumped on one of the side, like everyone. The train barely passed us, the activity has picked up again. In less than 5 minutes, the market has taken its original look! Those who slept resumed their nap. Those who bought continue their shopping. And the heat is more and more overwhelming.

Follow my whole trip in THAILAND (all my posts) and Twitter. And in few days you could also discover my other pictures in the Facebook of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Facebook of the Royal Thai Embassy in Belgium. ENJOY!

Departure to Thailand: Sawadee Ka Bangkok!

Thailand, Klongkone Mangrove Conservation Centre

DESTINATIONS

Departure to Thailand: Sawadee Ka Bangkok!

Posted on June 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

Departure to Thailand: Sawadee Ka Bangkok!

Hi Bangkok! Finally I sat in the plane, ready for 11 hours of flight! I like long flight.

Direction Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Airport, the starting point to go to the discovery of a different and less touristy side of Thailand, with the nature reserves and ecotourism.

If during my last visit to Bangkok, I was very urban, focused on shopping and massages, this trip is more about nature! Wow Mademoiselle Le K globetrotter… Well, I managed to lighten my suitcase. No high heels! Yes, lol!

I am invited with a few journalists by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. And I am very excited about the route that will take us from Bangkok to Phuket, along the Gulf of Thailand. The opposite side of the famous Andaman Sea’s islands and beautiful beaches. We will cross the provinces of Samut Songkhram, Chumphon and Surat Thani.

And if like me, only these names make you dream: follow me in the coming days on this blog and Twitter. You can also find my photos in the Facebook of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Facebook of the Royal Thai Embassy in Belgium.

Thailand, Amphawa: Romhub, the unusual market of Mae Klong

Thailand, Klongkone Mangrove Conservation Centre

DESTINATIONS

Sofitel Saint James: A Room With A Breakfast @ The Balcon

Posted on March 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

Just arrived in London St. Pancras station

and 4 tube stops later, I’m on Piccadilly Circus, 2 minutes walk from the Sofitel Saint James located away from the crowd, in a little place that I didn’t know. The hotel is housed in an heritage building: a former imposing bank with incredibly high ceilings!

After a warm welcome at reception desk by a French-English bilingual staff, I discover my room: simple, elegant and spacious, in a range of black, white and brown. The decor is stylish with black and white photographies on the wall. Lovely bathroom with the old faucet and tiled black and white checkered.

What a pity amenities are limited to one soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner … all Hermès okay! But for short stays, to lighten my bag I bring the bare minimum like a mini make-up and cleanser, because I usually find everything else in the room. Damned, this time I didn’t take my toothbrush, toothpaste nor body cream (LOL!): thankfully Boots is in Piccadilly Circus!

Otherwise leaving my room with its so cozy vibe and “you’re in London Baby!” exotic view (picture 3) and comfortable king size bed, is a huge challenge my dear (lol)! Photo 4: a regressive wallpaper in the entrance to the room (picture 4).

And for lasting this cozy atmosphere, a breakfast full of vitamins at the beautiful Balcon, the relaxed chic brasserie of the hotel (pictures 6 & 7). Too hard to leave it to go to my meetings! Picture 5: amazing chandelier ceiling of a hotel suite.