Tag Archives: Tourism

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

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!

Related posts : Mayfair, London: Shopping & Art

A Manicure @ So Spa By Sofitel Saint James London

Back To London in The Eurostar Standard Premier

DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

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.