Holy Khao, What a Great Cooking Class :)

Oh dear. The punning has begun.

I spent my last day in Thailand (yes I know, I'm out of order again) going to the most wonderful cooking class ever. You'd never expect it, especially as it's in the heart of Khao San Road. But, it was absolutely perfect, with the most knowledgeable, extremely professional chef leading the class.

Ning, our chef, was not only a great teacher and advocate for the traditional thai arts, but is studying (a Master's?) using anthropology to look at the changing face of thai cuisine and how culture change is changing the traditional recipes and taste buds of today's Thais. It goes without saying that it was fascinating. Ning's mother (The head of the Khao Cooking School) seems like she might be a force to be reckoned with--demanding the best, having trained at the same place that trained the Royal Thai chefs, and having led a very successful career as a chef and cooking author.

I learned, cooked, and ate to my heart's content. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

National geographic peeps . . . I think this girl has what it takes to be a young/emerging explorer. Get onto that :)

It's all go: Bangkok

After a bumpy time trying to get out of New Zealand (including not being allowed to check in until phone calls and faxes and parents and whathaveyou confirmed my credit card was actually my credit card--with 30 minutes before takeoff) I cruised into Bangkok and settled in nicely.

I was slightly worried when the two questions the woman at the front desk of my hostel asked me were "do you drink" and "do you have a boyfriend." Hmmm. But, really, it's been a really nice and clean place to stay, with great access to the BTS sky train. And internet and aircon that works. All a girl could ask for.

Yesterday I explored the area I'm staying in, Chong Nonsi, the Chao Phraya river, the Grand Palace, took a wander down Khao San Road, and had dinner with Ken and his friend with a view of a thunderstorm over the city.

 They rather like gold at the Grand Palace

Became obsessed with the restoration work going on, especially the beautiful trees being painted.

And then realized that the trees were so amazing, because the real trees were so interesting to look at.

Rehydrated with a coconut.

Took  a water taxi from the BTS sky train to the Grand Palace and back.

Was too busy catching up and eating great Thai food to get photos with Ken. And that's my day in Bangkok :)

Don't expect such prompt blogging in the future. This is a total anomaly.