We had decided to go back to Sukhumvit to a nice hotel there for a few days until we could check in to the luxury condo we had booked through a family member's unused time share. We had only stayed a couple days in this area of the city before we left on our Stray trip, and felt there was more to see and enjoy here. There was also the added benefit of it being an area we were familiar with.
We got to the hotel and found we couldn't check in until noon because our room would not be ready until then, so we put our luggage in storage and went up to the park next to the Emporium shopping plaza. Though we were half in a daze from the exhaustion of our trip and sleep deprivation from the train ride, we managed to not be too miserable.
The park was actually quite lovely that morning. There were people exercising before heading to work - walking, running, playing volleyball, badminton, and basketball on the designated courts, and people using the fitness equipment that we had come to find in most, if not all, of Bangkok's urban parks. The plumeria trees had gorgeous blooms on them, giving a soothing, fresh sent to the air, and in the center of the park was a large pond with a fountain where some ducks were enjoying themselves.
So after we had taken a walk around the park, we sat on a shaded bench gazing out over the pond and engaged in what conversation we could muster given the circumstances. It was already quite hot and steamy outside, and we were looking forward to the Emporium opening so we could at least enjoy some air conditioning for the rest of our wait.
I'm sure when we entered the Emporium, I am sure we were a frightful sight, as neither of us had showered in over 24 hours and we were looking pretty worn. But no one seemed to mind despite the posh nature of the shopping center.
We ended up spending most of our time in a very fancy grocery and food market. Remarking about the items we recognized from around the world. There was something to tickle the feathers of just about any nation or culture. We bought a few things to take back to the hotel with us, and found a nice little restaurant to eat an early lunch at before heading to the hotel for a much needed shower and nap.
We ate at Duke's Express on the 5th Floor. I must say they had the Best Burgers I have ever had outside of a US Steakhouse. And after 3 weeks of eating local food (and 3.5 years in the UK where a good burger is sadly lacking), I was definitely ready for a trip back to my home culture. We're talking tall and juicy 1/4 pounder with your choice of fixings and side (Fries, Onion Rings, Cole Slaw, etc.) Starting at 149 Baht (that's roughly $5 USD). Add a bottomless lemonade or ice tea for 60 Baht more.
So we then, you guessed it, went back to the hotel with our bellies happily full, checked into the hotel, and found we had an upgraded room with a bathroom bigger than our bedroom in London! It also had a nice kitchenette area, king-size bed, writing desk, and sitting area. Definitely four or five stars by anyone's determination. A shower never felt so luxurious, and then we watched some english-speaking news and dosed off for a nice long nap with the air conditioning running full blast.
We forced ourselves to get up for dinner and went to explore the nearby soi for a good place to eat. We happened to find a German-themed restaurant that actually prepared good German cuisine and had a nice selection of German beers.
There was an ex pat grocery store nearby the German restaurant, and we popped in to again see if there was anything we found interesting and to compare. Stephen found his favorite cookies from his childhood in Jeddah - Kyjeldsen's Danish Butter Cookies - and he bought a couple of small packs - one for the walk home and one to eat later on. We also bought some water, juice, and pummelo to keep on hand in our room fridge.
It had been a long day, but a successful on none-the-less we decided.
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