I read about Invader and his "invasion" a couple of years back. I thought it was really cool that there was someone scattering Space Invaders/Mario/Pacman themed tiles all over Paris! Here is a quick entry about Invader from Wikipedia:
"Invader (born 1969) is a French street artist who pastes up characters from and inspired by the Space Invaders game, made up of small coloured square tiles that form a mosaic. He does this in cities across the world, then documents this as an "Invasion", with maps of where to find each invader.
He started this project in 1998 with the invasion of Paris - the city where he lives and the most invaded city to date - and then spread the invasion to 35 other cities in the world." from wikipedia
I was really happy when I spotted this little guy in Bangkok! Although it sort of sucks that I was only able to see 1 out of the 51 artworks that he left there :( I do hope that I'll be seeing more (in Paris, perhaps? *fingers crossed*) Check out his map here to see the progress of the invasion around the world :)
Among all the hotels we've stayed in, I think this is my favorite so far. I couldn't wait to get down the cab as soon as I saw the huge rotating cube in front of the building :)
The lobby was even more exciting! They had mini stupas and many cool relics. Check in was a breeze and everyone was so friendly.
Our room was a lot smaller than the one we stayed in at 72 Ekamai
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While organizing our Bangkok itinerary, I came across a site that mentioned a robot cafe. I knew we had to go here because robot waiters + Japanese buffet = win! Haha! I took down the address and planned a dinner trip. I assumed that the locals would know about this place, but I was sorely mistaken. On the night of our scheduled trip, the taxi driver and the 10+ people we asked were all baffled when we said Hajime Robot cafe and Monopoly Park. The address didn't help either because we found ourselves in the middle of an industrial neighborhood with factories and warehouses. We decided to call it a night after almost an hour of going in circles and an expensive taxi bill :( The next day I made sure that I had all the details right. And instead of dinner, I suggested that we go in the morning so we can see the roads and signs better. I even asked the receptionist at the hotel to call the restaurant for directions and also asked him to explain to the taxi driver. I was really glad that I took a photo of the map I saw online because after a few minutes the driver kept asking us questions. And then we were finally there! I recognized the neighborhood and realized that we were already in the area the other day but instead of making a turn we went straight and got lost!
Finally here! This is Monopoly park where the Hajime Robot Cafe is. The mall is relatively new and looks a bit deserted... but maybe because it was a weekday.
I was so excited when we got inside! As soon as you get to your seats the waitresses bring the condiments and explain the touch screen menu. You have have to choose between two sets: Business class and First class, respectively at 449 and 559 Baht per person. We decided to get the first class since the selection in business class was all meat (no seafood). Buffet price is inclusive of bottomless drinks too!
After placing your orders, the screen lets you know what time the robot will arrive! Yay!
And he's here!
We had Shabu-shabu and Sukiyaki
The usual yummy rolled stuff
tempura and other items I ordered just to see the robot again! haha :)
It was such a fun and yummy lunch! I hope to bring my little sister here soon.
And we're done. Our meal cost us 1,316 Baht (about 1894 Pesos) with tax.
I already had my mind set on staying at Dream Hotel during our recent trip to Bangkok but when I saw 72 Ekamai I knew I had to revise the plan a bit. Instead of just staying at Dream, I booked a couple of days here :)
72 Ekamai is a cozy little hotel situated in the more quiet side of Bangkok. The location is very convenient too since it is just 10 minutes away from the Skytrain and there is a 24 hour grocery nearby.
There is a pool, a bar and a nice waiting room where you can just hang out. (pool photo from website)
But the thing that really attracted me to this place was the fact that they had a vintage toy shop and museum!!! With tin robots!
I absolutely love vintage robots :) I was a bit pleased to see some of my collection included in their display.
I wanted to buy some toys but the new practical meow said no :)
The room was very spacious and cozy! Not bad for 2600 Baht++ (roughly P3,600) a night.
Breakfast was pretty interesting too (particularly the way they cooked the egg). But I do wish they had more local stuff such as Pad Thai or Tom Yum on the menu :D
I tried the most exciting roller coaster in Genting Highlands, Malaysia a couple of months back. All roller coaster rides are exciting, but this one takes the cake because instead of sitting down...
... you are actually in prone position! This way you kind of feel that you are flying :) The ride takes about a minute (i'm not so sure on this though) but somehow you feel as if you've been on it longer. I think it's because you experience all sorts of feelings - scared, happy, excited, anxious... haha, what else? The funny thing is that this is exactly how I feel right now. In the span of 1 year, I will be changing my name, address and many other things that have been a part of my life for so long.
I know it's going to be an exciting and scary ride! I hope I'm ready :)
I'm not sure if a lot of people know this, but cats really eat grass. When I was younger I would notice our cats grazing in the garden. I originally thought that it was because they were hungry or maybe they just liked how it tasted :) Later on I found out that grass is actually indigestible for felines and they just eat it to help them regurgitate stuff such as fur (hairball!). Of course we should make sure that there are no fertilizers and pesticides for it to be safe for our pets.
Our Nugget is obsessed! In fact, I don't think I've ever encountered a cat who loves grass more than he does! And this is just the normal stuff, okay... and not "grass" or catnip :)
Look at that face! So funny!
We don't have a garden in our unit so he has to make do with the wild grass growing beside the potted plants (all cat safe). I should really get him a wheat grass patch soon :)
Is that what I think it is?
I was holding a few blades of grass while adjusting my the focus on my camera when...
KaEskwela made its second delivery of school supplies courtesy of National Bookstore Foundation to San Francisco de Assisi Elementary School in Minalin, Pampanga. Around 430 students received packs containing notebooks, pencils, erasers and sharpeners.
Individual donors also contributed school supplies, books and 2 computers.
Nice books for their library!
Hardy Boys collection :)
The kids were all excited to get their new school supplies
Yay! New notebooks :)
They were all well behaved when we arrived. The classrooms are neat and organized but a bit warm since there is only one fan in each room. We later found out that the teachers used their own money to purchase these fans. If you wish to donate, please email us at kaeskwelavolunteers@yahoo.com
The younger kids gave us a sleepy welcome because we walked in on their afternoon nap! aaw!
26% of the kids in the school are malnourished :(
Today's lesson
The teachers prepared a very yummy lunch for us after. We were all very touched :)
A toilet bowl in the middle of the rubble!
They demolished an old building to make room for a garden. I look forward to seeing more plants and trees when we come back :)
