Friday 28 September I check-in at Kowloon in town check-in before going to work. I’m off to Bangkok for the weekend with Jac. After the craziness of Mongolia (which I absolutely loved!) a weekend relaxing is just what the doctor ordered.
For now its work I need to focus on.
Jac messaged me just after 1pm to advise she’s on the way to the airport. I have a bit more time to go before I can leave.
It’s a quick 20 minute journey to the airport. The carriage I was in was packed, thankfully I got a seat. I’m definitely not the only one heading away for the long weekend.
Security was nice and quick even though there was a line. No line at immigration so I was straight through.
Jac had already established what gate we were departing from (19) and found the closest Cathay lounge (by gate 17); super convenient.
As I walk into the Cathay lounge I hear “oi Jordan”. Yes that’s me. Bingo Jac has been located. I drop my bags then immediately go and get a glass of bubbles - Mumm today.
I’m still answering emails in between the food, bubbles and chat. So nice just to be sitting and relaxing! My extra crazy period at work has already started.
As we walk down the gangplank and pass the business / first class entry Jac stops breathing and starts hyperventilating. Eeks alive this is going to be an experience :) I was informed earlier the last time she flew economy class was when she was a child.....
Once we are seated Jac gets out her disinfected wipes - I can’t stop laughing. We are soooo close to business class yet so far away! Thanks but I don’t need a wipe. I had prepared her a wee gift to help the transition to economy - small hand cream, lip balm and a chocolate. 
We finally pull back from the gate at 4.12pm (close to 20 minutes late). This is the closest gate to the runway I can ever remember being so let’s hope we will be up up and away very soon.
So yes close to the runway we were however not the runway we are taking off from. Typical. As Nana use to say “if you have time to spare fly by air”.
The flight passes by quickly with giggles and watching TV.
As we land into Bangkok the sun is beginning to set leaving an amazing sky.
As we are walking off the plane the sky turns red - stunning!
25 minutes after landing we are in a taxi and leaving the airport. Talk about quick! Helps when we walked super-fast and there was next to no line at immigration and we did carry on.
The driver asks if we want to pay him THB 600, no thanks we’ll do meter. He informs us we’ll need to pay the tolls. I always find it strange, why don’t they just pay and add that to the bill. Hey Ho.
Bags are put into the car, Jac gets in then the driver walks off. Yeah ok aren’t we supposed to be leaving?! I notice he is speaking to the driver two down from us. A few minutes later he is back with us and we are off.
Traffic is typical for a Friday night anywhere in the world! Bumper to bumper. Our driver wasn’t up for the standstill nonsense so decided to use the left hand “lane” which is actually the hard shoulder. Hey Ho we aren’t the only ones doing this! Definitely meant we were moving.
The drive took just over one hour - so much quicker than expected given the traffic.
We have the loveliest French man checking us in. Such a refreshing change from the other front desk staff I’ve come across over the years.
He was beyond lovely and so helpful. As he was writing down the details of our passports he realized I’d recently had a birthday and wished me a belated birthday.
We are finally given our keys and pointed in the direction of the lifts.
For some reason we are unable to open the door to our room. The green light shows the door is unlocked but it just won’t open. Quite funny! We both try numerous times with both keys. In the end I go and call guest services. While I’m on the phone Jac advises she is in. Excellent!
After checking out the room and unpacking we decide to head to a Spanish tapas place that I’d been to before. It’s within walking distance from the hotel which makes it an easy decision for tonight. I had been recommended it last time I was here from a friend who use to live here.
As soon as we cross the road from the hotel the amount of people around increases tenfold, not surprising given we are now in Patpong Market.
As we arrive we decide it would be best to sit inside and people watch given we had been stopped a few times along the way asking if we wanted to see a ping pong show; want a tattoo. Thank you but no.
Drinks ordered we then review the menu. Dinner is tasty for a casual Friday night meal.
Saturday 29 September I wake just after 6.30am - why ooh why does this happen when I’m on holiday??!
We head out for a run at 7.20am. I had done some research for where we could go to ensure there was little option of us getting lost.
I drop Jac at the hotel when we run past at 35 minutes and keep going for another 5 minutes.
We meet at the gym where it’s cool. The view onto the pool is cool, we’ll be there soon!
Breakfast is a nice relaxed affair. So nice not to be rushing. I decide to take my coconut back to the room. 
Today’s plan is pool, spa then dinner. Sounds heavenly!
When we get to the pool the sun is out in full force – aah this is the life. As the morning goes on we get a few rain spots followed by sun. Late morning (I think!!) the rain started and got heavier and heavier. Thankfully we were under an umbrella so were fairly safe. Although mine did have a hole at the top! It was still nice and warm so I wasn’t in any rush to more inside.
Jac had booked us a spa session for 3pm - body scrub and massage. I’m not a massive spa user; just don’t find massages relaxing but am sure this will be lovely.
We are given a tea to relax us while we complete the registration form. 
When my therapist announces she’s done I want to say no - it was heavenly! Well apart from when she touched my calf and lower back. OUCH!!
We had changed our dinner reservation from last night to tonight (another recommendation and place I’d been too on my last trip to Bangkok). As we weren’t supposed to shower for 2 hours post the massage (so that the oil would remain) we decided to head to the bar. Martinis ordered - and relax (even more!).
Our friendly receptionist was downstairs when we went down to get a taxi. We were told to sit inside while they call one. After numerous taxis coming and going finally we have one. Excellent! The 3.5km (thank you google maps) went quicker than expected.
The rain had stopped by the time we arrived. Walking up to the house was a bit of an obstacle though trying to keep my feet dry.
We were taken straight upstairs (last time I was here I had no idea there was an upstairs….). Each table has different chairs and tables which make it so unique. 
NZ vodka, below 42, was on the menu. Yes thanks I’ll have a drink that includes that – Bangkok Lemonade (vodka, lemongrass and a kick of ginger).
The food was delicious, definitely hadn’t changed since I was here close to 4 (or perhaps 3) years ago. 
It was absolutely tipping down when we left, I feel sorry for the poor man who was the outside greeted (thankfully he was dressed appropriately in wet weather gear). We are both given an umbrella when we make it down the slippery stairs.
On entering the taxi we ask for the meter to be own, the reply back is THB 150. Umm no thanks, especially when it was THB 57 to get here. Meter thank you. He immediately turns the meter on, wow that was easy!
Sunday 30 September, how can it be the last day of the 9th month of 2018??! This year is racing by far too quickly. I wake at 6.30am again 
I finally head out for a run, doing the same route as yesterday. 
I meet Jac at the gym before we head to breakfast. The waiter remembers us and our drinks from yesterday. Such a nice touch!
We decide to walk to Siam Paragon shopping center for a look around. It’s beyond HOT on the street. The pool this afternoon is
going to be heavenly!
As we arrive it becomes very obvious we aren’t the only ones with the same idea of coming to a shopping center. Will be interesting to see how long we last here given we both have the same feeling about shopping!
Boots (UK drug store) is our main focus for this trip – after a few false starts we finally locate the proper store. Aah I had miss thee!
We decide to take the sky train back to the hotel – this means one change but it’s super easy, we walk from one side of the platform to the other.
As we exit the sky train station we walk down the road that Patpong Market is on at night - you wouldn’t know that it was a crazy place come nightfall. So different in the day light.
Within minutes of being back at the hotel we are into our togs and head straight to the pool. Bliss. We spend the rest of the afternoon here.
Like last night we decide to have drinks before getting ready for dinner. The bar is closer for a private event so we head to the make shift bar. The cocktails are definitely stronger than usual! My dirty martini was far too dirty so got sent back! The taste is just gross. 
Before we head out for dinner we decide to sort out our bill. Jac is leaving around 9am tomorrow so it means we won’t have to do it then. Thankfully we did it that way as it did take some time.
We have concierge arrange a taxi for us. Our driver missed the turn off so we ended up driving so much more. I’m hungry and tired so this just isn’t fun. We finally make it. Our reservation isn’t for another 15 minutes - well that’s annoying. As we are waiting outside the heavens start to open. Time to ask for a table inside.
Dinner is super tasty. Would definitely return here again! 
(Monday) The first of October of 2018 (how can this be??!) I’m woken at 5.30am by people out in the hallway. I just want one morning where I can actually sleep in..... Not on this trip!
When we finally manage to open the curtains (it’s done via button), there is blue sky greeting us. I had checked the weather before going to bed last night and it had rain all morning so this is awesome!
We head out for a run, same triangle route as I’ve done the last two mornings.
As Jac is leaving in a couple of hours I drop her at the hotel and do a cool down walk. It’s hot today! 
Breakfast is busy when I arrive; we have been pushed from our seat :( It’s as tasty as the previous two mornings.
I put Jac in a taxi then head to the pool. My flight isn’t to 4pm so I have a few hours before I need to leave the hotel.
On arrival at the pool I’m the only one. Seat selected and relax. This is the life. 
I could quite easily stay here all day but alas it’s not to be today. One of the joys of waking early is you get to pack in a lot more so even though it’s only 11.15am I’ve already been for a run, had a relaxing breakfast and spent a good 2 hours at the pool.
As I have time to my flight (4pm) I decide to take the train to the airport. The times I’ve taken a taxi to the airport haven’t gone well so taking the train is definitely less stressful for me.
Walking back into the room I’m hit by the a/c, such a contrast to the hot temperature outside.
We had paid the bill last night so all I needed to do when I got to reception was informing them I’m leaving and hand over the keys.
Like yesterday I walk down the street where Patpong Market is on, there is next to no one around. I decide to walk through the shopping center so that I didn’t have to carry my suitcase up the stairs!
Standing here waiting for the train it’s beyond hot - sweat feels like it’s pouring off me! Thank goodness I’m in the shade.
Within 3 minutes (feels like an hour :)) the train arrives. As I walk on I’m hit with a blast of a/c - bliss!
My interchange stop has come too quickly (2 stops), time to join the furnace. Thankfully my new line is on the same platform so it’s an easy few steps where I join a line for the next train.
It’s another short train ride (2 stops) to my next interchange - this one will take me to the airport. Like most major cities with good infrastructure the signage to the airport link rail is excellent.
Ticket purchased, lift to the platform located.
Aah a breeze! Within minutes the train arrives, it’s a bit of a scramble to get on. Everyone pushing. As I’m near the front it’s not too bad, I would hate to be in the middle.
An hour after leaving the hotel I arrive at the airport - apart from being super-hot along the way it was a very easy commute. And a fraction of the cost of a taxi. Win win.
Check-in is nice and easy. The earlier flight (by about an hour) has been delayed to after my departure time so thanks but I’ll stay on my flight.
Security and immigration are relatively painless. For some strange reason I have to take my jandels off, whatever. Once I’m through to the passenger only section it’s a brisk walk to the lounge.
On entering there is next to no one around which is lovely. I find a seat by the window and make myself comfortable with a glass of Moët and some pad Thai. A lovely end to a great weekend.
Just after 3pm I’m starting to feel restless so decide to head to the gate. I know the flight isn’t boarding yet but I need to get out of here.
I have a quick wander around the book store - same book store I look in every time I depart Bangkok - before walking to the gate. Along the way I hear the announcement that boarding has started, great timing.
I typically like to get on the plane fairly early when I have carry-on luggage (which I do today). On arrival at the gate there is a long line to show the passport and boarding pass yet no line to go through the gate to board the plane. Perhaps my best laid plans (of getting on the plane early) won’t work today.
I grab a paper just before I step onto the plane. There are people on board already but not that many, perfect. Bag is above seat.
I’m not in the bulk head seat this flight so it means I can start to watch a movie before we take off.
3.47pm the pilot announces we are waiting for the paperwork but we should be departing on time at 4pm. Fingers crossed.
We pull back from the gate just before 4pm. The 2.45 hour flight passes by quickly. Bangkok you have been amazing yet again.
Landing back into Hong Kong 15 minutes early is nice. I hope those poor people on the 2.45pm flight finally departed from Bangkok. Next trip (for now....) is New Zealand for Christmas.
21 October 2018
Bangkok, Thailand – 28 September to 1 October 2018
19 October 2018
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – 8-9 September 2018
We pull into our lunch spot in Ulaanbaatar about 1 hour 45 minutes (on Saturday 8 September) after leaving paradise. Traffic is crazy. I’m thankful I’m driving towards the city and not away from it as it’s soooo much worse that way. We are definitely back to civilization now! 
Lunch is hot pot where we cook our own. Good fun! 
The hotel is a short 10 minute walk away - nice to be out in the sun and walking.
We check in and have 15 minutes before we need to be downstairs. It’s nice to have a flushing WC :)
This afternoon we are off shopping, my favourite hobby NOT. But I do like exploring in new countries.
As soon as we depart the hotel for State Department store traffic is bumper to bumper. My driver decides to use the bus lane to jump ahead of a lot of cars. Good for us, not for them.
Finding a park proves difficult in this tight space that’s already packed so we jump out and leave them to it. They manage to reverse and park in spaces I couldn’t do in a normal car.
Duuya gives us the run down again on what is on each floor then we are set free.
We start at the souvenir floor (yes there is a full floor just for Mongolian souvenirs). Some super impressive things and of course lovely Mongolian woollen items.
One of the Aussie girls wanted to watch her AFL team play and has already done the research on where to watch it. She heads off while 3 of us continue to browse a bit more.
Walking out in the sunshine is lovely! It’s a good 20 minute walk to the bar. Along the way taking in the sights of Ulaanbaatar.
On arrival at the bar I hear a New Zealand commentator and realize the AB’s are about to start - talk about timing :)
I half watch the AB’s while chatting with the others. It’s nice to just sit and relax. The week has been awesome but it’s been go go go the whole time. 
We had arranged to meet Duuya at the cultural show at 5.20pm, it’s a short 500 meters or so walk. Nice to be out in the sunshine again.
On arrival I totally get why she comes early for a 6pm show, we aren’t the only ones here tonight and being here early means we get to go on early so get the best seats.
I’m always a bit wary of culture shows, thinking they are a tourist trap. Duuya had said this goes for 1.15 hours, ooh dear. 
Well the time flew by! It was definitely great and much better than expected. The signing, costumes and dancing were great.
We had 10 difference short performances – shamanism dance, majestic Tsam mask dance, traditional instruments playing music, throat singing and contortion dancing to name a few. The costumes were all amazing.
As we walk out of the theatre the sun is beginning to set, some of the clouds have turned a shade of pink. So pretty.
Our drivers are waiting for us, will be odd tomorrow not to be in one of these vans.
Duuya has arranged for us to go to Namaste for dinner - this is one place I had found on TripAdvisor and thought about going on my first night. Glad I didn’t. It was super tasty! I particularly loved not eating meat and three vege. Tomorrow is definitely salad and vegetables. 
On arrival back at the hotel we do one more selfie.
I’m starting to feel a bit weird, it’s strange to have spent so much time with 10 others plus Duuya and the drivers over the past 8 days and this all ends now. As we all know goodbyes aren’t my thing, but having a beer at dinner has helped to make it quick!
I rearrange my bag so that tomorrow I’m up and out immediately. It’s going to be far too early to be sorting through things.
For the third night in a row I climb into bed at 9.37pm - the alarm is going in 6 hours.....this won’t be fun!
I want to ignore the alarm when it goes at 3.40am on Sunday 9 September, this is a ridiculous time of the day to be getting up!! And it’s bloody cold here, HK the complete opposite.
One of our drivers from the past 3 days arrives to pick me up at 3.55am. Nice to see a familiar face.
I’m surprised with how many people are on the roads - so many more than last Sunday morning. It’s a quick 25 minute ride to the airport. The driver is well aware of the photo selfie :)
Once inside I’m informed check in doesn’t open for another 30 minutes. WTF! That’s super frustrating as we are told to be here 2 hours in advance. Grrrrr.
I get chatting to an Aussie lady (Lindsay) who’s been here for work and is on the same flight as me (well to HK, then onto Perth). I leave my bags with her and drop off my postcards then do money exchange. While I’m doing that it’s announced that boarding for HK has opened. Thank you!
Once we are through to the international part of the airport it’s fairly quick and painless to check in. Going through security is the same. One benefit of having a super early flight is next to no one else is around.
We wander into a few shops before heading to one of the lounges (thank you priority pass) before our flight is announced.
We pull back from the gate at 6.13am, 12 minutes ahead of schedule. Excellent!
Another huge plus for getting up so early is seeing the sun rise! The 2 degrees that I woke to will turn into a stunning day. 
The flight passes by quickly, I manage to “sleep” a huge chuck of it. Just before 10am we are informed we are starting our descent and should be landing in 25 minutes.
10.22am we land into Hong Kong. My week away has been out of this world amazing! Feels like I’ve been away for much longer (which is always a good sign). Mongolia you are a spectacular country which I hope one day to return too!!
