hello this is sofie: The Bangkok Charm: why i keep going back

I find myself returning to Bangkok often enough, once every 1.5 - 2 months. My colleagues think I have a hidden boyfriend or husband and kids there. Here's the real deal why. In a summary of snapshots, its the people, the food, the freedom of creativity, the honesty of the city and but of course the massages.

And that each time I return, its a revelation of something different. We are all but in search of new-ness yet needing familiarity. Bangkok gives me that. It has never failed me.

Jan Jan's kitty cat for me x

Before Breakbot's gig, at Mellow- Jan Jan & Tham

I have the nicest friends in Bangkok. Tham owns a design studio- MMFK and is possibly the biggest thing in Bangkok now. He's been doing works for Absolute, Heineken, Vespa, Converse and he co-owns UR FACE with Joker, my closest buddy there.

Jan Jan is the vocalist for Aerolips- an electro-pop and indie band there and she's gorgeous. MMFK and Aerolips recently did a collaboration! I got an autographed CD. HEARTS max. She's on FB at: AEROLIPS and check out her latest track: http://colorcode.bandcamp.com/album/make-believe-future-ex-boyfriend

I love the randomness of how I met each of them. And how i ended up in the stock room of uRFACE before checking out Breakbot at Bad Motel.

My pretty bow shoes & URFACE

Me carrying my very own URFACE at MELLOW

URFACE is owned by Joker and Tham. They have a shop at Siam Square and essentially they design bags with an urban feel. It's a hobby yet there is huge demand for expansion in the region. I kid you not, their FB page has more than 20,000 likes. FB: URFACE

So really, the friends I have made inspire me each time I'm there, receive me with the widest hugs and there is always a gig to go for, a party to attend or an exhibition to walk through. It feeds my soul. I need it.

The people draw me back each time x


This man was so proud demonstrating how to use the cutter he was selling for 100 BAHT at Pratunam market

Crepe lady at MBK, Nutella saves the day

Store vendor posing for me at Rod Fai Vintage Market

This trip, i also managed to check out new places- The Pratunam market, Asiatique and Union Mall all of which i had never been before. And maybe because I can't consume any alcohol (which I'm utterly depressed about), we didn't quite party.

Kay Kay and me

Daph and me

Daph, me and Kay Kay

Pat, Daph and Kay Kay

Daph and Pat

We also got to babysit Leah on one day. She was an absolute gem. I think a picture says it all.

Siam Square reopened after the renovation, and honestly, the local designers are amazing! We went to get our fix of Greyhound chicken wings and I ended up shopping at Wonder Anatomie, i wanted to buy everything!

Greyhound Chicken Wings

Wonder Anatomie

Art installation at Siam Square

Store at Siam Square

And of course, I couldn't stop eating. Joker also brought us to Waterside, with my favorite salted egg squid. =)

Salted egg Squid at Waterside

Te Kah Peng Opposite Platinum Mall

Roast Duck and Char Siew at MK

Tom Yam at Siam Night Market

SOM TAM at Waterside

And everyday i drank bubble tea from MR SHAKE. Milk tea with honey jelly. I LOVE IT and its only 45 BAHT!! And we ate MISTER DONUT everyday, the mochi donuts. Kay kay loves the strawberry and blueberry ones. Daph and me love the chocolate mochi ones!

I believe that getting lost should be the way to go when at Chatuchak, but I managed to get crystal and jade bracelets which I'm really pleased with. And feeling completely mixed feelings for the animals for sale and on display, amidst being in awe of the decor in some stores despite it being such a casual marketplace.