Who else thinks diet coke tastes better than regular coke?

Anti-government protesters in Bangkok

I swear I've never seen more soldiers patrolling the streets of Bangkok, especially in a CBD like Silom. Earlier tonight I took the subway to Silom to meet with friends for dinner later. The soldiers and the barbwire were all over the place because the protesters had threatened to take over Silom as part of their stronger measure to force the prime minister to dissolve the parliament. So yeah, pretty much defense on the govts part. Otherwise it was pretty normal and business as usual. Save for the M16. Never been so close to one. Brrrr...

But otherwise, Bangkok lives on.

Nighthawks by Edward Hopper (1942)

There's no paintings that can capture the feeling of loneliness and American downtown blues like Hopper's Nighthawks (1942). Sublime.


I love everything in this painting: the stillness of frozen actions, the flat tonality, the lit interior against the gloomier urban environment . And that man. Not only is he tucked in the corner, he also has his back towards the viewer. Reminds me of Chicago.

References in the Simpsons:

Our favorite wonton mee in Tha Rua, Ayudhya

Vincotto Restaurant at the Granmonte vineyard

One hot summer day in Khao Yai. Approximately 1:30hrs away from Bangkok, Granmonte is new yet increasingly popular vineyard and winery. Tucked away in a corner is their restaurant Vincotto that serves Italian-style dishes and wine selectionsrom their own winery.

Granmonte vineyard in Pak Chong :)

Chicken rice at Shanghai Xiaolongpao. I know...me and my chix rice.

Eating ramen off the paper cup. Loving the experience. Slurps.

From London :)

Friend coming back from London bought me my favorite Twinings Everyday tea.

Chicken rice at the Esplanade. Yummeh.