My flight this time to BKK was by Thai Lion Air, which, by the way, might seem like (just another) low-cost airline flying between Singapore and Bangkok, but between one airline and another, there're subtle differences, and I'm not referring to the flight announcements that bring me to Thailand before I've even set foot there.
The gate's often at the back part of Terminal 3- a bit of a walk it takes to get there- but no matter- one gets there right on time.
The flight was uneventful, the view was great, and I got to Don Mueang International Airport around 140pm local time.
We were staying at the Moxy Ratchaprasong this time.
A Marriott brand, here in BKK it sits at one of the most convenient locations ever, and is one of those properties that works great no matter whether you're a solo traveler, traveling with family, or traveling with a group.
There're a good number of local and international hotels in the vicinity- some very well established brands- but Moxy is one of those places that not only suits the extroverted Millennial/Gen Z- it also is great for the introverted solo traveler who is shy as a mouse.
Maybe it's their careful allocation of space throughout the property that makes you feel somewhat that way.
It's like how they have a huge rectangular shaped lobby that includes a lounge-like setting with tables for two, three or more, and if you're not in a group that's hanging out at the lobby having bags of street snacks or a takeaway dinner, you'll feel just as comfortable chilling out in the same space at a small table suited for one.
Best part, it's got a synthwave sort of interior with ample space between one and the other and chillout/house music playing overhead, so even if you be by yourself a little lost, it's not hard to fall into the embrace of the synthwave lights and let the music surround you like a friend.
This is just the lobby.
There's also the location of the hotel itself that, to me, is a major plus point if you're a first-timer who is trying his or her best to make it in a large scary world.
Of course, I didn't feel all this at that time.
It's something that grows on you gradually.
And in any case, the only thing that spoke to me right at that moment was the room, the space, and the view.
Moxy is a very colorful, whimsical hotel, by the way.
It's not just there at the concierge, the restaurant or the lobby. It's there in the room too. Up till now I don't think I'd ever seen a bathroom this colorful, or a working phone this quirky and whimsical either.
I didn't need to use the phone throughout the stay there, fortunately, but it really did look so cute sitting there on the bedside table with notepad at the side.
One of the loveliest things I got this time here at Moxy was a huge surprise bouquet of white lilies and roses.
They were so beautiful.
I've not had a bouquet this beautiful in a long time, and so thankful am I to have a reminder that, despite everything (even writing this now), I am pure and strong like a lily, delicate and gentle as a rose.
There's a part of me that represents a white stargazer lily.
But there's also a part of me that represents an off-white, ivory-colored rose.
Sometimes I feel like a lily.
Sometimes I feel like I ought to make myself feel more like a rose.
It's been a long time since I felt this special, and for this bouquet (these are only part of the pictures), I'm incredibly thankful.
We headed out for dinner after this.
To a place close to the Grand Hyatt hotel on Ratchadamri road.
What it's name is, I'm afraid I cannot remember, but getting there was the interesting part.
From Moxy we headed onto the Ratchaprasong Skywalk, going past Big C and Gaysorn before crossing over the other side and going down via Erawan. From there we went around the renowned Erawan Shrine, walked a bit further down, then went up the steep slope into the Grand Hyatt Hotel itself.
The restaurant is not in the hotel, however, but in the adjoining mall next, so the concierge kindly guided us to the lift, brought us down to the car park, then showed us the glass door leading us to the correct place on the correct floor.
The restaurant was quiet when we arrived, and it didn't take us long to be seated at the counter next to each other.
First thing that came up was the salad which, whilst looking like a simple dish of lettuce leaves tossed with what I think is vinegarette, actually quite opened up the palate, whetting in the appetite.
After that came the mains of the shabu shabu.
Or rather, the bowls of vegetables, and the trays of meat, both of which I had been anticipating eagerly.
One thing I appreciate about good Japanese food is how they hold on to the standards that they've set, and they make sure everyone else adheres to it as well.
I don't mean it only at the omakase or kaiseki style of meals.
It's also there at the shabu shabu and sukiyaki style of meals.
And even that of the convenience food as well.
The cuts for this shabu shabu here were brought to our table not just in the right thinness, but, best of all, were completely chilled fresh and cold.
It wasn't just the meat that I were looking forward to.
There were still the vegetables, which, let me just say I hold a special liking for the vegetables of shabu shabu.
I mean, look at their colors! Their size!
What's there not to love?
This one had a most colorful selection of carrots, tofu, two different kinds of mushrooms, huge lettuce leaves and some other green leafy vegetables that I can't remember.
i loved the lettuce.
I also loved the tofu.
Especially since I'm not usually someone whom on regular days go for tofu very much and this was particularly bouncy and silky yet firm.
I had thought the shabu shabu be more than enough for me, but then my friend ordered a beef tartare (because it seemed nice) and yes, the flow of runny egg yolk down the circle of beef made for a smooth texture and cold, chilled meaty taste.
It's interesting how this dish can be both an appetizer and an accompaniment to a meal.
We finished our meal with a dessert of what I think is ice cream.
After dinner we were a bit full, so we hung around in the lobby of Grand Hyatt a while (even just to admire the interiors) and then later around 12am went to Big Ratchadamri and brought huge packets of seaweed.
