You have no idea how happy I am about it being friday. Only 5 hours of work today. I’m definitely making myself a fatty lunch today just to celebrate. Did someone say carbonara? I think I’ll swing my the gym after work though, as I’m planning to have fun times this weekend. I’ll be at the King’s Cup Charity Elephant Polo Tournament on Saturday. I’m SO excited. Tom’s been hanging out there with his booth which is Casa Azul merged with Day Of The Dead beers. Meaning mexican drinks and food, and daytime drinking in the sun. And I’m really up for that… I love spiced up slushies. The fact that they are playing elephant polo is also pretty awesome. Elephants and monkeys are my favourite animals. The cup is held by Anantara at the river so if you’re up for some nice weekend chilling by the Chao Phraya river you better come here. I also heard that the elephants are from Surin. So they’re pretty much my brothers and sisters. 😀
As I mentioned earlier we were planning to go camping for our trekking and nature trip up North for Tom’s birthday. We had bought our camping gear beforehand and was ready to go. Little did we know about the cold weather that was lying ahead of us. I mean it was FREEZING. It’s already cold up North/Northeast during the winter months, but this time it was extra cold, and they actually told us it was the coldest day this year. So, we played it smart and rented bungalows as we went, which was still pretty cold. Let’s just say we did not use the aircon in any of the places.
Entrance to the hotel from the main road.
On the day of Tom’s birthday, we wanted to stay somewhere nice, so we went on Agora to see if we could get a place with a nice view or even a place with a pool we could hang out by. There were LOTS of options. At this time we were heading to Phitsanulok. After Tom got some time thinking he thought it would be nice to stay somewhere eco-friendly, which I think was a great idea and started googling up something while Tom was driving. This led to me finding the Rain Forest Resort which lies in the outskirts of Phitsanulok. The drive was around 3 hours from Phu Kradung and we arrived after sunset. The hotel is beautiful, full of nature and animal sounds.
Thea pathway into the jungle and our bungalow.
It’s kind of weird as the hotel is located right next to the motorway, but once you enter the hotel, you see greens for as long as the eye can see, and a nice river running through. Now don’t go expecting some Khao Sok or Pai scenery, but for what it was, and where this was located it was beautiful. We got a bungalow with a river view which was perfect. It had a nice outside area where you could chill on the balcony and connect with the nature. It was even nicer the next day after sunrise where you could go and chill on rocks at the river, or even something more comfortable as shaded seating raised on pillars. You can also get a massage there, which we unfortunately didn’t have time to.
Perfect spot to be in your own thoughts…
So serene <3
B R E A K F A S T
The breakfast was nice too, and they grow their own vegetables. It was so good we actually bought some for home. I was so jealous when Tom chose a salad instead of fruits, as I expected it to be a normal Thai salad. You know the kind with Oak salad, tomatoes and carrot served with this weird slimy white sauce from Big C… I wished they baked their own bread though, or made their own jam. We didn’t have dinner there, so it might be more homegrown things on the menu then.
You can chill by the river and get a massage here. Perfect spot!
Birthday boiii, so cute!
All in all, we were very satisfied with the hotel. The rooms were nice. It was possible to unwind in the nature, even if it was next to the motorway…. The reason why I mention this twice is because we read beforehand that it was noisy but we did not experience this at all. BUT, we did get a bungalow on the river. I think the hotel rooms are located by the road. Meaning, you will be dissapointed if you’re out for a quick stop and saving money. But if you love nature, and don’t mind spending the little extra. I think you’ll really like it. And also, be prepared for some lukewarm showers, which was pretty cold during the winter months.
My craving for travelling and exploring grows more every day. In times when I absolutely don’t have time to travel, and need to sit home during the weekends to study, I love to take a couple of minutes to look back at earlier travels. I always get so happy when looking back at moments in the past. It’s weird how we live through every moment, never really thinking about how great we have it. I mean, most likely, in ten years from. Actually even maybe a year from now, I’ll look back at this time, missing every single moment. Every experience I had, and wonder… why I didn’t appreciate it more. It feels bland right now, but it certainly won’t then. It will feel like it was all new. We humans are weird that way.
“Make today count, we’ll never get it back.”
I love nature. I love trekking, watching the sunset, climbing, I’d go far to see a beautiful view. I love the mountains. So for some weekends to come, when it’s less hectic, we’ve planned to visit some of the beautiful mountain views of Thailand. I suggest you take a look at BK magazine.
Taken at the Khao Sok Discovery boutique camp. Were camped in luxury tentes raised on wooden pillars. Amazing!
These photos are all taken at Khao Sok, if you’re ever thinking about going there, you should read my write-up from last year.
While staying in Singapore we found our new favourite place to stay, and I’m definitely not staying anywhere else if we are heading back. Shangri-la Singapore is amazing. I’ve stayed at Shangri-la Bangkok beforehand but it’s not quite the same. It might be because we stayed at the Valley Wing and that the service there is exceptional, and has all goods included. The price isn’t bad for what you get, and I can promise you won’t be disappointed for putting in the little extra. I love how there’s not too many young people staying at the Valley Wing, meaning there’s less noise and a classy vibe. Though I want to add It’s perfect for young people to stay as well.
The Valley Wing.
We started of our visit with food at The Line, and had their lunch buffet. I must say it’s one of the best one I’ve visited so far. Normally when visiting buffets the food is bland, and there’s never any focus on any of the dishes. Here, it’s like they have one chef for every section, and the food is just as delicious and fresh as if you would order it À la carte. Even the desserts are amazing. All types of cakes, ice creams and even fro yo!
Rooms are spacious and the view is nice overlooking the pool area.
I need lighting like this at home…
Valley Wing perks
Some of the selling points are the fully equipped gym, fresh protein shakes made for you at a private dining area for breakfast, and might I add the breakfast buffet is one of the best I’ve dined at. The food is fresh, tastes amazing and the people that works there can make ANYONE feel at home.. There’s also an open bar in the Valley Wing, meaning free flow of champagne, wines and beer from 11 to 10.30 pm. There’s also a complimentary mini bar in your room: excluding the alcoholic beverages.
Their Christmas decorations are on point!
My handsome photographer <3
The location is quite good. I’ve read some reviews of people complaining it’s far out of the city, but it’s only 10 minutes from Orchard road, and to be honest I like how it’s not connected with the city, making it your own private place to go relax after a day out. The hotel is very helpful when it comes to booking you a normal taxi to go pretty much anywhere, and the cost is nothing to complain about either.
Gardens by The Bay, especially during winter when you can experience the Christmas vibes at Christmas Wonderland.
Hawkers Market to try out new food. It’s the perfect way to try out all that Singaporean food you’ve wanted; all in one place. There’s also going to be many surprises and things to try that you never knew existed.
Orchard Road Shopping. They pretty much have everything so not being able to decide because the selection is too wide is going to be a bigger problem than not finding what you’re looking for. I find the shopping there better than here in Bangkok, mostly because my size is always sold out here. 🙁
Charles & Keith. I love love love bags and shoes from Charles & Keith. It’s so simple and classy and holds high quality. The price in Thailand is pretty low already concidering what you get for the money, but, as brand is from Singapore, you can expect insane low prices there, so you better grab a couple of items while visiting.
Universal studios. There’s no secret that I have an obsession with having fun, cotton candies, food, slides. mascots and balloons and Universal studios pretty much have all of that in one place. I love theme parks, and universal is definitely on my list of the best parks. Lovers and families alike, you’re going to love it.
Will you be staying here next time you visit Singapore?
I’ve been wishing for a proper christmas fair in Thailand for quite a while now so I was super happy to find out about the Christmas Wonderland in Singapore. It might not be right next door in Bangkok, or even in Thailand, but Singapore is a direct flight that takes only two and a half hour from Bangkok, so I’m not complaining. This was especially gold for me seeing I wouldn’t be going back home to Norway this year.
Check out the 11 meter tall chrismas pyramid decked with toys behind me <3
For those of you who don’t know, Christmas wonderland is Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair and is open from 28th of November until January 3rd this year, held at the Gardens by the Bay. As it was so successful last year, they doubled in size meaning it is covering 35,000 sqm. It is filled with all kinds of festive activities and areas, such as a market, traditional rides and games,and beautiful italian light sculptures all around the event ground. Best of all: entrance to Christmas Wonderland is free for the public, while admission charges for the flower dome apply.
All of these flower photos are from the flower dome at the Gardens by the Bay. All reall flowers.
I googled up some pictures and did some research beforehand to make sure we got to see as much as we could, and I have to tell you, the pictures does not do any justice. It’s a place you have to come see first-hand! I honestly can’t think of a better place to hold the event than the gardens. We had never acutally been there before, so it was something new and amazing. I love the whole “city in the garden” idea. Upon arriving the Gardens by the bay, you are met with beautiful surroundings; the garden itself is beautiful enough on it’s own, but all the christmas decor and lights makes it so special! It’s recommended to head down during daytime to explore the flower dome to then walk out in the festive market area to see the lights turn on.
Come early as the flower dome closes at 9pm.
Christmas Wonderland’s Festive Market, located at the Supertree Grove, returns to offer a greater selection of international cuisines and wines, as well as dining concepts from renowned food and beverage operators. We loved the different treats served at the traditional wooden huts brought from the United Kingdom. Don’t miss out on the Dutch Pancake shop, it was one of our favourite dessert spots. I also got obsessed with Janice Wong’s moshis. They were so soft and fun to eat, I can’t even describe it, you have to try it. Trust me. I almost missed out. Her creations are vivid, and one of them are her amazing chocolates that only exists in your wildest dreams. We got recommended one with crispy pork and it was mouthwatering.
Endless amazing mochis
Second day of mochi muchin’ <3
One beautiful feature that stands out in the crowd is the Spiegltent. It’s an ornate century-old travelling ‘mirrior tent’ rom the Netherlands. Originally built in the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s so well maintained and creates such an enchanting setting for the festival. You can head over to the Spiegltent for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. If you love pub food, you will not be disappointed eating atHarry’s the food is so delicious and the drinks no less! I’ll go ahead and recommend you their signature beer and chicken wings next to some mac and cheese without having any doubts you will love it. They also hold a weekend brunch on Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas eve and Christmas day from 10.30am to 3pm.
This spiegltent has travelled all the way from the Netherlands, brought in smalles pieces and set up here. It’s so pretty and I honestly felt like I was dining at a circus, so much fun.
You can’t sit with us 😉
The Italian Luminaries are sculptures of lights handmade by skilled craftsmen using white wood from the South of Italy. This year all the lights featured a new architectural design reminiscent of the medieval period.I love when people ask how to get to the Christmas Wonderland you get an answer to “follow the lights” and it’s as true as it gets. Every entrance followers you with these Luminaries.
Dutch pankakes are a must, make sure you have a couple of days while visiting as there are many things to see and eat.
You’ll never get bored at this wonderland, there’s rides for both young and adults, we loved the beautiful carousel and even tried out the Helter skelter slide. There’s also snowland for kids, but it books out early, so only early arrivers will get to play there. We also got pretty obsessed with all the carnival game stalls, we played all of them at least one time, but unfortunately we didn’t win anything, hehe.I give us 10 points for the effort!
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The Spalliera is the largest luminarie, and surrounds the Cassa Armonica and 8m wide beautifully illuminated gazebo. There will be entertainment throughout the night in the gazebo from some crazy talented carollers.
Ice Palace, so pretty, this view is taken from the Sky walk at the Super Tree Grove.
Christmas Wonderland will for sure expand in Singapore as it’s such a success.I also heard from one of the organizers that they are aiming to have christmas wonderland’s all over Asia, isn’t that amazing?
Loved their fun skating rink, even though I was a bit rusty…
If you haven’t gotten any christmas presents yet, this is the perfect place to get stuff for your nearest and dearest. There’s amazing inspo from craft vendors, from handmade items, toys and artisan perfumes and jewellery.
Artisan perfumes made by locals.
Prepare yourself for some taxi queuing while visiting Singapore during christmas times, but trust me, it’s much better travelling with puplic transportation as the parking lot was full.
Big creds to all of the organizers Blue Sky Events, Gardens by the Bay, AIA Singapore and the Singapore Tourism board. You really managed to create christmas in Southeast Asia.
Amsterdam was shorts and sweet. We had one night and two (almost) full days in the city. I’ve been to Amsterdam before, but this time I really fell in love with the city. It’s such a free place compared to Norway and Thailand, but it’s not in any way more chaotic or less safe for that matter.Actually I felt incredibly safe there even at night time walking around the red light district and dark alleys. I love how they have amazing food EVERYWHERE and how easy accessible it is. You can jump on the bus/tram/ferry and get pretty much anywhere you want for a good price. In Norway it costs me the same amount to take the train to the airport, as it costed me for a full day card in Amsterdam. I ACTUALLY felt like the reason they have public transportation was to save the environment. In Norway it’s actually cheaper to take your own car most places than taking the train…
Enough moaning about my own country. We have decided we will be moving to Amsterdam some time in the future though. Not forever, but at least for half a year or a full year… Can’t wait!
Love my forever travel partner <3
5 things you have to do while you’re in Amsterdam:
Heineken experience, it was so much fun, and you actually learn interesting things about how Heineken been become what we know today.
As you can see I was pretty tipsy already. What a fun tour!
Canal cruise. It was so, so, but it is really nice to go on the canal and learn about the city. You could just go on a little canoe as a couple too, I’m sure that would be nice aswell. My friends went on their own paddle boat once, and apparently this was not a good idea as you have to steer yourself around and between the bigger boats.
Coffee shop. You can’t go to Amsterdam as a youngster and not visit the coffee shops. It’s so weird to see people just sitting there smoking weed like it’s normal. Also their menu’s with herbal tea’s and joints like you were ordering a cappuccino. I’m not saying you should smoke, just have a look. 🙂
Visit the Van Gogh museum. I can’t believe I got to see the beautiful paintings that I learnt and read about in school. Until January you also get to see Edvard Munch’s masterpieces at the museum.
Super yummy, we went for the spicy sauce. Yes… I know I look like a toddler, but I can’t talk about the best fries in the world without showing a photo
Vlaams Friethuis.I don’t even like french fries, but these were crispy, salty and golden. And you get to choose your topping from over a dozen sauces.
Where to stay? We stayed at the Ibis right next to the Amsterdam Centraal station. The hotel wasn’t super fancy but the location was great. We could get pretty much anywhere from our hotel, and it was only one train away from the airport. Don’t expect an early check-in though, the hotel is PACKED.
Pretty much where we lived. Right next to Amsterdam centraal. Of course I was holding food there. Best baguett EVER.
Tips: If you are planning to do the same activities as us, make sure you get anIAMSTERDAMcity card, it includes unlimited train, ferry and tram rides, and also free access to the Van Gogh museum, the lovers canal cruise and more! You’ll save loads of money.
