Tag Archives: Leisure

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

London Shopping, Art and Bar

Posted on April 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

Here is my ultimate London shopping, art and bar review: check my spring summer issue! For new comers: my city walks are one of the hallmarks of my blog (you can find all the city walks, full of exclusive address and tips in DESTINATIONS). I walk for hours and hours to capture, watch and take the pulse of the city. This time, I start to Piccadilly Circus, where was my hotel. Not really my usual London, I’m definitely more Portobello and East End than Soho or Covent Garden. Pictures 2 & 7: incredible, after so many trips to London, I’d never been to the National Gallery! I’m a big fan of the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum (coming up post and if you like contemporary art, check my interview with Gilbert & George). In the picture 2, this piece of art (in gold or it looks like gold) of Elmgreen & Dragset is placed in front of the National Gallery. Honestly I don’t like it and I don’t dislike it, let’s say it intrigues me a bit. Picture 3: don’t miss the Radio Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of the ME London (a newly opened hotel). For a drink or dinner with a panoramic view of the city … hoping you have a better weather than me (LOL!). Picture 4: totally by chance, on the side of Mayfair, I found in the lobby of a company’s building, my favorite work of the Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos! I had the great opportunity to visit her workshop few years ago and see one of her famous giant sandals under construction! Small world! Picture 6: the most iconic London department store, Liberty! Beautiful wooden interiors, in addition to excellent fashion selection and home selection, the place has lots of character. A must do, I had the chance to photograph a famous London based blogger there. Pictures 8, 9, 4 & 1: Anglomania! In Soho, a poster of the theater that displays a show about the Queen. Picture 9: I’ve always been impressed with all the mix of colors, patterns and materials of the English. Unique! Beautiful or not beautiful, that is not the question! Picture 1: beautiful Burberry‘s window in Regent Street. Where you must stop by the huge store of Anthropologie, if you want to shop for your home. Very nice design both contemporary seriously boho, a little regressive (LOL) and very colorful (plates, bowls, candles, furnitures …). In the store, I also like the great wall covered with plants. Picture 10: This small pedestrian street is full of shops and leads to a nice place a little apart, with some (crowd out) terraces, St Christopher Place. Enjoy!