thani talk 2014 september
DESCRIPTION
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach news magazine, serving expatriates near Bangkok, Thailand.TRANSCRIPT
Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH
Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994 SEPTEMBER 2014
Thani Talk is generously Thani Talk is generously Thani Talk is generously Thani Talk is generously ssssppppoooonnnnssssoooorrrreeeedddd bbbbyyyy
Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
Contents: Highlights
Events at a Glance:
NNR’s 20th Anniversary:
Two Decades of Service to Nonthaburi Community
Sept. 12: NNR Welcome Back Coffee
Sept. 17: NNR Tour: National Museum
Oct. 9: Fashion Show
Nov. 6: NNR Charity Bazaar
Grapevine: Golden
Tips………..pp 26-27 Restaurant: …...p 49
Social: Welcome Back! ……..p 3
Tour: National Museum……p 3
Cover Story: Memories....pp 4-9
Charity: Donations…...pp 46-47
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1 page 26.5 x 19 cm. 3000 baht
1/2 page 13 x 19 cm. 1,800 baht
1/4 page 13x 9 cm. 1000 baht
• Rates per issue, discount for annual ad.
• Based on space availability.
• Deadline for all ads is the 10th of each month.
• Contact [email protected] for more information
NNR President’s Letter Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
Ad Rates
NNR BOARD 2014-2015
Chairperson Mare Harvey [email protected]
Vice Chairperson Charlotte Sanders 084-875-7655
Treasurer Val Mowat [email protected]
Activitiy/Tour
Coordinator
Jesmin Tarana
Susanne Rodrigues
084-388-4457
NNR Socials Sarah Glaze 081-793-0806
Charity Socials and
Volunteer Coordinator
Linda Feltham 091-095-0457
Advertisements Laura Sadowski
089-924-5306
Thani Talk Editors Liz Lu (Co-editor)
Monique Langer (Co-editor)
Jennifer Bradley (Proofreader)
086-784-7171
Distribution Coordinator
Heather Powell
083-293-2169
Bazaar Committee: Jo McGregor (Coordinator), Charlotte Sanders (Raffle Prizes), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan
Smagpong and Kris Smuts (Vendors), Linda Feltham (Volunteers)
Welcome to Nichada or welcome back from your summer adventures. For some
of you the adventure has been moving to Bangkok. This is the first of eight issues
for our community’s free Thani Talk newsletter this year. It is also the 20th
anniversary of the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR). In this and future
issues, we will be taking a look at how Nichada, ISB, and the NNR have changed over the years.
I would encourage you to get involved in your community and get to know your neighbours. Watch
for upcoming events in the Thani Talk or on our Facebook page. If you are interested in getting
involved with the NNR, or contributing to the Thani Talk, we would love your input. Please also
check out the new online NNR Guide, loaded with lots of great information for our community
members. If you live in Nichada or its surrounds, you ARE a member of the NNR.
Mare Harvey, NNR Chair
NNR Launches 20th Anniversary Festivities
DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement
by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and
the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee
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NNR Social and Tour Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
September 12: NNR Welcome Back Coffee Morning
‘Welcome’ to all our new Nonthaburi residents and ‘Welcome Back’ to all those returning from
summer holidays either locally or around the globe.
We always begin the new school year with a ‘Welcome Back’ Coffee Morning, so please come along
and meet some new people and/or catch up with old friends alike. This month our NNR Chairperson,
Mare Harvey, has kindly offered to host our Welcome Coffee at her home and yet again we will be
adding a sparkle to the morning with Mimosas!
We are also delighted to welcome Segafredo Zanetti Expresso coffee who will serve us Lattes,
Cappuccinos and Espresso shots and demonstrate their coffee machine.
Come along and enjoy a Segafredo Coffee and Mimosas!
If you can, please bring a plate of baked goods or fruit to share.
For more information please call Sarah Glaze on 081-793-0806.
Date: Friday, September 12, 2014
Time: 10:30am until 12:30pm
Venue: At the home of Mare Harvey
625 Baan Rim Lake
Date: Wed, Sept 17
Time: 7:50am (meet in
front of ISB’s Chevron
Theatre. Bus leaves at
8am sharp. Returns
about 2pm.
Cost: 200 baht
museum entry fee. Bus
cost to be shared.
September 17 NNR Tour: National Museum Bangkok
With major collections of historic artifacts and Buddhist art, the National
Museum of Bangkok is the largest of its kind in SE Asia. Opened in 1928,
the museum houses beautiful and diverse exhibits including elephant
howdahs, royal furnishings, weapons, porcelain, musical instruments,
spectacular funeral chariots, and murals depicting the life of Buddha. The
two-hour NNR tour will be in English. The museum also offers tours in
German, French and Japanese. Let us know if you prefer to join a tour in a
different language. Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water. Not all
rooms are air-conditioned, so wear light clothing but be respectful of the
culture as we are entering one of the most important temples in the country
(for ladies: no exposed shoulders, and please cover your knees). After the
tour we will take a Thai lunch at the museum restaurant (about 100 baht).
Tour spaces are limited.
RSVP: Include your full name and cell number when emailing to Jesmin
at: [email protected].
Susanne Rodrigues and Jesmin Tarana,
NNR Tour Coordinators
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Cover Story: Anniversary Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
Kacie Liput, Founder of NNR
Many people know that Kacie Liput, an energetic mother of three from Southern California, runs the
Red Elephant shop on Soi Prasert Issarm. Few realize she is also one of the founders of the very
newsletter you are reading now.
Kacie, 34, and her friend Nancy Tonies started Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach in 1994 in order to
foster community spirit and serve the needs of expatriate women in Nonthaburi. Having moved to
Thailand nine years ago when Unocal transferred her husband John to Bangkok, Kacie knew that living
overseas is not always easy. She wanted to pass along what she learned to newcomers.
Kacie's own transition to Thailand had been relatively smooth. She felt she had "died and gone to
heaven" when she arrived in Bangkok and her maid served her a drink. But, there were the occasional
ups and downs.
"The thing that got me through was volunteer work and being part of my community," Kacie said. "I
think that was the key to my success." In fact, she was active in the American Women's Club, the PTA,
and Community Services of Bangkok (CSB), where she was a volunteer on the programming committee.
When International School Bangkok moved out to Nonthaburi five years ago, Kacie at first resisted
the move because at that time, "there was no expressway, no Villa, no Panipa's," she said. "Back then it
took an hour and a half to get downtown." People going to the Villa supermarket on Sukhummvit Road
had to pack ice coolers in order to keep meat and frozen items fresh during the long trip.
The weekend after Villa opened in Nichada Thani, Kacie and her family moved out to Samakkee
Place. She volunteered as a Nonthaburi community outreach coordinator for CSB. However, she found
that through CSB she was only able to reach 30 to 40 women a month. "What was important to me was
having programs that were free, and a newsletter for free."
Her friend Nancy Tonies kept telling her, "Just do it," Kacie said, laughing as she recalled. "She
sounded like a Nike commercial." Together they published 300 copies of the first Nonthaburi
Neighborhood Reach, which is now produced by the fourth team of volunteers and is distributed free of
charge to more than 700 families a month.
Two years ago Kacie also opened the Red Elephant, a shop selling a variety of goods -- handicrafts
from Chiang Mai, furniture from Indonesia and Korea, and carpets from Pakistan She described her shop
as a "co-op store" and said she is always looking for more joint projects.
The "Red Elephant" has become a local gathering place where residents can shop as well as attend
workshops and cooking classes. The place has yet to make a profit, Kacie said, but she has plenty of
moral support from her husband who gave her a loan to start the business. "He totally believes in me," she
said. "He knows this is the stepping stone to other things." Kacie is one who believes in making the best
of any situation. "If I'm going to be here," she said, "I want to be having fun."
"I love Thailand," she said. “I love the chaos. I love the people." She encourages other women to
explore their host country and most important of all, get involved in their community. "Whatever they
contribute comes back tenfold," she said.
Liz Lu
Our cover story, on pages 4-9, features a series of articles compiled to mark and celebrate the 20th
Anniversary of Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), a volunteer community group that publishes
Thani Talk. In fact, during my first stint as editor of the newsletter back in 1998, the newsletter was
known as Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach and was a little 12-page publication Xeroxed at ISB’s print
shop. From a one-person operation back then to a four-member publications team today producing a now
52-page newsletter, we’ve come a long way!
Enjoy the following slices of Nonthaburi history!
NNR’s 20th Anniversary !
Liz Lu
(Reprint of 1998 article)
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Cover Story: Anniversary continued Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
During my 17 years in Nonthaburi, I've seen the evolution
of Que Pasa restaurant as it changed venues three times,
starting out in the wooden house on Soi Prasert Issaram
where Shawn's Carpets is now located, to a small store
front near the current 7-11 outside ISB's main gate, to its
current location near the ProGolf driving range.
Founded in Nonthaburi in 1999, Que Pasa will be
celebrating its 15th anniversary in October. Que Pasa
started out as a neighborhood restaurant co-owned by two
Americans serving Mexican food prepared by Thais.
How's that for an international dash of multiculturalism in
our neighborhood? In the early years, co-owner Alex
Janney could be spotted heading to Nichada on a scooter to
personally make deliveries. Nowadays, one of Que Pasa's
17-member staff handles deliveries. After a former
co-owner dropped out, Alex and his wife Jantasuda
continued running the popular restaurant, offering local
expats an eclectic menu that has gone beyond enchiladas
to burgers, Thai papaya salads, and homemade pizzas.
Alex, 56, recently shared the story of his journey to Thailand and how it came about that a native of
Kerrville, Texas, ended up running a Mexican restaurant in Thailand.
Alex's adventures in Asia all started with the need to fulfill a language requirement at Brigham
Young University. He chose Mandarin Chinese, and it changed his life... forever. He did well in the
class and was encouraged to continue studying Chinese which he did. Encouraged by friends from
Taiwan, he traveled to Taipei to teach English. He and his first wife Laura both loved Asia, finding it
exciting and the jobs lucrative. From Taiwan they moved to Hong Kong in 1987. His work took him
to mainland China often.
He pauses the interview to retrieve a metal box from his office in the back of Que Pasa. Patting a
Gibson's cookie box from Kerrville, Texas, he said of the contents, "That's pretty much my life before
I came to Thailand."
Inside were souvenirs from many of his travel adventures, including a protester's headband from the
1989 anti-government protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. "I was standing at Tiananmen Square
when the tanks were rolling in," he said. An avid traveler, Alex has been all over Asia, visiting his
favorite, Nepal, 21 times. On one trek into the Everest region, he helped rescue a Japanese
mountain trekker who had ascended too quickly, succumbed to high-altitude sickness, and lost
consciousness. Alex helped arrange the helicopter rescue of the man.
In 1993, Alex and Laura decided to move back to the States with their three sons and an adopted
Chinese daughter so that the children could have "a U.S.-based experience." When the marriage
The Story of “Mr. Que Pasa” - Mexican Restaurant Celebrates 15th Anniversary -
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Cover Story: Anniversary continued Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
ended in 1994, Alex hung around the States for a few years until he woke up one morning
remembering how much he loved Thailand. He recalled once telling himself, ""If I ever move again,
I'm going to Thailand!" He quit his job that very day and within a few weeks, headed off to Thailand.
From Thailand, he worked as a consultant for factories throughout Asia, advising them on human
rights and helping the factories come up to international standards. While Alex was working as a
consultant, a friend told him about a little shop called “Red Elephant" just outside of Nichada Thani.
His friend said the coffee shop portion of the Red Elephant was struggling and suggested that there
may be a business opportunity in a partnership. "I rode my bike over," said Alex. "I liked this little
place. The area is good for the kids." He and Carl, brother of Red Elephant founder Kacie Liput (who
had left Thailand), ended up opening a Mexican restaurant together at the location. Thus was born
Que Pasa.
Why a Mexican restaurant? "I'm from Texas!" laughed Alex. "We don't think of Mexican food as a
foreign cuisine."
But the partners eventually parted ways, and in 2001,
Alex reopened Que Pasa at the little shopping center
outside Nichada's main gate, opposite the New York
Diner and other stores. Two weeks later he married
Jantasuda, also known by her nickname Quan, who was
one of his first employees. Following disagreements with
the landlord regarding rent and utilities, Alex and Quan
moved Que Pasa once again, this time to its current Soi
Prasert Issaram location.
Business grew steadily, and now Que Pasa is a popular eatery not just for the local expats, but it has
also become a must-see and must-do for visitors to Nonthaburi such as high school athletes in the
region who come to ISB to compete. People from all over seem to recognize Alex. For example, at the
Kuala Lumpur airport, said Alex, teenagers once approached him asking, "Are you Mr. Que Pasa?"
He has also been greeted by international students in Jakarta and by Singapore American School
students in, of all places, the Namche Bazaar in Nepal.
And then there was the time that Alex's sister, wearing a Que Pasa t-shirt, was stopped by a stranger in
Hawaii who went up to her asking, "Are you from Thailand?" When Alex's sister looked puzzled, the
guy pointed to her Que Pasa t-shirt and said, " I was just there two weeks ago!"
"We're really a central meeting place for families, friends." said Alex. "We had people who ate here 6
to 7 days a week." So that these loyal customers did not tire of the food, Alex started experimenting
with new recipes to expand the menu. He came up with offerings such as "Mexican Som Tom," a
twist on the Thai papaya salad by adding avocados, and homemade Italian pizzas. All proved popular
with customers.
"I can only think of one thing that I removed from the menu -- the Monte Cristo sandwich," said Alex,
who said he offered them because "they're decadent. I just like them." The deep-fried ham and cheese
sandwich served with jam was actually popular with customers, he said. "It sold, but it's a pain in the
butt to make!"
Other menu additions were created with the help of his wife Quan, who happens to have a talent for
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Cover Story: Anniversary continued Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
inventing amazing new recipes and improving existing ones. Alex recalls one trip through New
Mexico with his wife when Quan, not impressed with the salsa and guacamole at a local Mexican
restaurant, grabbed some available spices and added a dash of this and a dash of that. Everyone at the
table who tasted her creation exclaimed, “Wow! This is so good!” The feedback encouraged her to
tweak and improve many recipes at Que Pasa.
Quan is also the talent behind Que Pasa's popular homemade piñatas. That started after Quan was
shocked by the Baht 750 price tag on a pathetic-looking commercially made piñata at a downtown
party store. Alex taught her how to do paper mache, and she took that basic knowledge and taught
herself how to create fancy piñatas of cartoon figures for birthday parties. Quan, ever so generous, not
only gives permission to the Soi Prasert English Class Thai children to use Que Pasa's outdoor tables
for lessons, but she also recently donated a piñata to the Thai children for use at their end-of-year
party.
Que Pasa used to also sell helium balloons, but stopped doing so when the cost of helium
sky-rocketed. But its catering business, although scaled back some, is still going strong. There are
opportunities to expand, but Alex is not interested at this point. "We don't want to work that hard.
We're happy where we are."
He is happy with Quan and her adopted 11-year-old son Baell, whom he treats as his own son, and
their 18-month-old daughter Arya.
Said Alex, " I love this life!"
NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit
organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi
community and supporting local charities since 1994. We achieve
this by publishing a free monthly magazine that has a distribution
of 1,400 copies. We host monthly coffee mornings, an annual
charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no
membership dues.
Liz Lu
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Tiffany Hebard’s
Nichada Memories
Nichada Memories Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
My husband and I moved to Nichada with our four children in March 1997; it’s hard to believe that
this past March marked our 17th year in this community. So much has changed!
What was Nichada like in 1997? Many fewer housing developments and much more green space,
much fewer power vehicles and many more bicycles. Villa was about the size of a “mini market” –
with the pharmacy attached! And there was no Starbucks— even the building that houses Starbucks
(and Clark Hatch) didn’t exist.
In those days, most of us got around by bicycles with baby seats on the back. The bicycles gave way
to the little scooters, and eventually to the “station wagon or SUV” of scooters: the three-wheeler.
Many of the three wheelers had seats on the back, some with seatbelts for the kids! Over the years,
those eventually disappeared in favor of our current sea of golf carts.
Back in 1997 there was actually a helipad - yes, a helipad - where Veranda is now. The helipad was
part of a grass field with some gardens and fishponds behind it. I remember chaperoning an ISB
kindergarten field trip and walking thru the fishponds on the way to Villa Market. Of course, because
the helipad was more a high school kid-hangout than an actual landing spot for helicopters, we had to
watch out for the remnants of cigarettes and beer bottles that the high school kids had left behind!
And there was more to do around Nichada in those days. A favorite was to take a trip to the Green
Gate Market. There was a gate, located between Vongsdavee and Baan Samarnmit, allowing access
to the Thai neighborhood behind Nichada. It was great to have local businesses such as tailors,
florists, etc. within walking distance. I remember lots of Nichada teens and pre-teens going to hang
out at the local LAN shop. On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons there was a public market, which
Nichada residents nicknamed the Green Gate Market, where you could buy everything from fresh
cooked corn on the cob to clothing to DVDs. It was so nice to just walk around, browse, shop and
eat. It was such a shame when the gate was closed for security reasons.
The only “western” restaurants (other than the Nichada Club) were American Diner, - later closed
and eventually reopened as New York Diner - located opposite its current location, and Que Pasa,
originally located downstairs in the building opposite Pro Club. If you can imagine, Que Pasa at the
time could not serve margaritas! In fact, they could serve no alcohol at all due to restrictions from the
landlord. When they finally moved to their current location, they started one of our favorite things to
show out-of-town guests: margarita delivery! Margaritas (served in plastic BAGS at that time), along
with chips and salsa, delivered dangling from the they handlebars of a motorcycle… fantastic!
Continued next page
Tiffany, a fitness and Pilates instructor who
is a long-time resident of Nichada Thani,
takes you for a stroll down memory lane to
revisit Nichada past.
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Another favorite activity was to take the kids to the floating Thai restaurant. Built on stilts over a
little lake stocked with catfish, it was located a few blocks outside the Srichaithong gate. The kids
would rent paddleboats and paddle around, while the adults would have a drink and some snacks
and just enjoy the peace. It really was an oasis, like stepping into another world. You could buy
stale bread to feed the fish and marvel at how many—and how giant—they were. Like all good
things, it came to an end when the Thai owners sold it to new owners who tried to “improve it.”
We are now entering our second year of the “empty nest,” getting ready for our youngest son to
enter his sophomore year of college. How time flies!
Tiffany Hebard
Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014 Nichada Memories continued
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Charity Update Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
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Summer Social Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
Thanks for Coming to NNR’s Summer Social
Thank you to Charlotte Sanders for hosting the 2nd Annual NNR Summer
Social in July. And thanks to everyone who came. There was a great turnout -
friends new, old, and even some of Nichada’s tiniest residents!
Join the NNR at our next
social, the Welcome Back
Coffee (and Mimosas!), on
September 12 at 10:30am.
See page 3 for details.
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Thani Talk ~September2014Thani Talk ~September2014Thani Talk ~September2014Thani Talk ~September2014 Community Fitness and Activities
The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/groups that meet regularly.
Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader
for more information.
If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each
month to [email protected].
VINYASA YOGA Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and awareness coordinating movement and breath. Thursdays
8.15-9.45 am in my private home studio at 39/184 Natakorn Park. Space is limited so please call for availability.
Private classes are also available for physical alignment, breath work, Vedic chanting, yoga philosophy, and
meditation. All levels welcome!
Contact: Ellie Edelhoff at 087-000-2464 or 02-967-9677. Email:[email protected]
MEDITATION COURSES -Individual or Group Learn to meditate TM (Transcendental Meditation) style. Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic,
athletic, and professional performance. Easy, natural, anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of
meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information and www.TM.org,
www.tmeducation.org,www.DavidLynchFoundation.org
BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASSES – (Beginners/Advanced) Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western, Eastern and Latin Dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles.
It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s fun... and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance – this is for you!
Bollywood Dance for Beginners
Tuesdays 9-10 am or Thursdays 10-11 am, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada
Bollywood Dance, Advanced:
Tuesday 10-11 am or Wednesday 9 -10 am, Regent Dance studio, Nichada
For further information, Irit: 0860044840, [email protected]
NIA DANCE NiaDance is a holistic fitness form, for the body, mind and spirit. It embodies and emphasizes various dance arts
and movement, while combining healing and martial arts. This will be a playful dance workout that will increase
your body’s fitness, flexibility,
toning, strengthening, and mobility, delight your mind and boost your spirit – in a REALLY FUN WAY!!
Morning Classes on Fridays at 9-10am, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada
Evening Classes on Tuesdays at 6-7 pm, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada
For further information, Irit: 0860044840, [email protected]
YOGA WITH NAPISA
Monday, 8:45-10:15 am: All Levels, Wednesday 8:45-10:15 am: Level 2, Wednesday 5:30-6:45 pm: Level 1-2,
Friday 8:45-10:15 am: Level 1- 2
Pretique 1 Club House, Nichada.
Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187, [email protected], facebook.com/yogawithnapisa
KUNDALINI YOGA
Tuesdays 9:00-10:30am. Room above Starbucks. Contact Kerstin Wild
[email protected] 086-372-9750
PAKKRED PING PONG PLAYERS meets Tuesday evenings beginning October 8 at Mansions in the Park,
2nd floor
Children's session from 6:30pm - 7:30pm (height requirement: child's waist needs to be table height)
Adult session: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Contact: [email protected]
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RANGER BOOTCAMP: Come have fun and get fit at Ranger Bootcamp! All fitness levels are welcome!
Contact: Jack ([email protected] + 087-552-6007)
Class Times: 7:30am, Monday - Friday + additional day/night classes per demand
Class Times: 5:00pm, Sunday = Family Bootcamp
Location: Varies depending on class and time Fees: Varies depending on class
MIXED DOUBLES TENNIS Enjoy the game of tennis with friends. All tennis levels are welcome! No partners needed.
Contact: Jack ([email protected] + 087-552-6007)
Friday: 7pm-9pm
Sunday: 8am-10am
Location: ISB Old Courts, Fees: Free to play!
DOUBLES TENNIS Join us for night tennis! All tennis levels are welcome! No partners needed.
Contact: Garima Joshi ([email protected] + 085-218-8904)
Monday: 7pm-9pm
Wednesday: 7pm-9pm
Location: ISB Old Courts, Fees: Free to play!
MARIE’S ULTIMATE FITNESS BOOTCAMP
Multiple classes, all fitness levels. Contact Marie 083 302 1876, [email protected]
Intro to Yoga for children aged 10-16 years old. Fridays at 5 pm. In English and Thai with foreign instructor. 200 baht per class.
Contact Gade at 081-824-4896
Train like the US navy seals and do a TRX Class. 6 or 8pm Mon-Fri Contact Bally at 08-3892-9146
A Combination of mixed martial arts and calorie burning exercise with our Body Combat class Thursday at 10pm, Tues, Wed
at 6pm. Contact Tum at 08-5302-4688
Workout like J.Lo and Beyoncé with your feet moving and your body grooving to the fabulous beats in this dance class. It's a
combination of Latin, pop and hip hop. Wed at 10am, Tues, Thurs, Friday at 7pm. Contact Note at 08-2640-6451
Tennis lessons in English or Thai with ATP ranked Thai national player Contact Skinny at 081-042-5752
Muay Thai personal fitness classes. Contact Popeye at 08-5804-8201
Improve your flexibility and reduce stress with Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot or Fitness Yoga. Monday-Saturday at 11am, 6pm and
7pm. Contact Reindeer at 08-9239-1817
Take tennis lessons in English with an Australian coach of six different junior grand slam finalists and a top 20 ATP player.
Contact Steve at 09-0660-3945
DHT stands for I Don't Have Time. Based on the T25 system, 25 minutes gets you the benefits of a 1hour workout. Tuesday
at 5:15pm, Thursday at 11am, Monday, Thursday, Friday at 6pm Contact Gade at 08-1824-4896
BIKING
Weekend bike rides, leaving from back gate at 7am, 50+km on mtn bikes. Contact Chris Oglesby:
Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30am on Mon and Wed. Distance and terrain varies with groups for
both road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes. Contact Meg Sine: [email protected] 084-908-9388
The following classes are all offered at Impact Sports Club in Muangthongthani:
Community Fitness and Activities Thani Talk ~September2014Thani Talk ~September2014Thani Talk ~September2014Thani Talk ~September2014
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Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014 Charity Bazaar
SAVE THE DATE!
NNR CHARITY BAZAAR Will be on
NOVEMBER 6
Shop for holiday gifts &
Help local charities
Stay Tuned for More Details!
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Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips so that others can benefit. If you have
tips to share, please send them to the editor at [email protected].
Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
MILK DELIVERY right to your door
Here’s a Grapevine favorite about airport limousine and van service that
might come in handy.
Airport Authority of Thailand (02-134-2323) offers one-way pickup
service to and from the airport. It costs more than regular taxis
(approximately B1,200 instead of the B400 taxi fare from Nichada to
Suvarnabhumi Airport, but the whole family can ride together instead of
in separate taxis. Plus, there will be plenty of room for all your luggage.
Expressway tolls are included in the fare, whereas in a taxi you’ll need
to dig around for change to pay for the tolls.
Liz Lu
Airport Limousine & Van Service
GRAPEVINE FAVORITES
Former Nichada resident Rufie Harr recommended this helpful service
before she left Thailand. Dry-cleaning pick up and drop off days are
Wednesdays and Saturdays (1pm—2pm). If your dry cleaning gets picked
up on Wednesday, it is returned on Saturday. If it is picked up on Saturday,
then it is returned on Wednesday.
Contact Info: Ishiiya Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service
02-663-4745, 081-814-3128
Door-to-Door Dry Cleaning Service
With plenty of newcomers in the community, Thani Talk on this page offers some
Grapevine Golden Oldies, popular and useful word-of-mouth tips for local services.
Khun Sa-oat and his wife K. Maew deliver not just fresh milk, but also
juices, yogurts and a number of other perishable items that frequently require
last-minute dashes to the convenience store. No more lugging heavy bottles.
For delivery, have a Thai speaker phone K. Sa-oat and place your order. He
can be reached at: 081-774-4989.
Liz Lu
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Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
Starting from August 2014, there will be free night tours of Ratanakosin Island in the historical part of
Bangkok city. These are open to both Thai and foreign tourists.
The purpose is to help promote and conserve the culture, arts, architecture and lifestyle of the old city.
There will be one round each night on Fridays and Saturdays. Only 30 seats are available and so you
are advised to book in advance. You can book at the Bangkok Tourism Office on Phra Athit road (just
to the North of Sanam Luang alongside the river) or by calling 02-2257612-5.
Courtesy Thai Travel News with Richard Barrow
A new museum pass has just been launched for
20 museums in Bangkok and the outskirts. The
“Muse Pass” program aims to give affordable
access to museums or places for learning to both
Thais and foreigners.
With only one Muse Pass ticket book priced at
199 Baht, you are able to visit 20 participating
museums and learning institutions in Bangkok and outskirts until March 2015. The Muse Pass ticket
book is now available at Thaiticket Major or participating locations until December 2014. For more
details, please contact Tel 0-2225-2777 extension 123.
Twenty Museums in Bangkok for Only 199 Baht
Free Night Tours in Bangkok
The International Women’s Club of Thailand will hold its 50th
Anniversary Celebration, “007 Nite,” on September 27, 2014.
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel
Dress Code: “Bond” style or a favorite villain
Western set menu and raffle prizes
Music by The Sensation Band
For more information contact Nora at 081-936-0778 or June at
081-613-2829.
IWC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
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Around Nonthaburi and Beyond
Chaengwattana Community Church
Adult Sunday School—8:30am
Sunday Service—9:30am
Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am
Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am
Community Prayer—Thurs., 10am
Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm
Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm
http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700)
Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi
Our Lady of Mercy Church
69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred.
English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm
Faith Formation Religious Ed/CCD) Classes
CCT - Club Canada Thailand Open to all nationalities. Monthly tours, book
group, Lunch Bunch, and other social events.
www.clubcanadathailand.com
BWG - British Women's Group Monthly Luncheon, Activities, Coffee Mornings.
Open to all nationalities.
Contact: Sarah Glaze 081-793 0806
www.bwgbangkok.com;
ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s
Group
Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter &
Activities
www.anzwg-bangkok.org
AWC—American Women’s Club of Thailand
Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee
Morning. Contact: 02-712-3380/1
[email protected]; www.awcthailand.org
Events: Shopping
Clubs: International
Nichada Tennis Leagues
Tuesday-Intermediate League
Mary McCarty: [email protected]
Friday 7:30-9:30- Intermediate/Advanced League
Ann McVey: [email protected]
Synagogue
Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22
Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245
Mosque
Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque
8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi
Neighborhood mosque just outside of Nichada Thani.
Buddhist Temple
Wat Bua Khwan (วดับวัขวญั)
1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Muang, Nonthaburi
02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local
temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and
funeral services.15 minutes from Nichada. Go via
Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the ex-
pressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.
Worship Venues
Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Mormons)
50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road, Pakkret,
Nonthaburi. Church service in English begins at
1 p.m. All are welcome!
Clubs: Sports
Adult Volleyball League:
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (and some Mondays) playing
friendly matches in ISB’s Rajendra Hall.
Contact Pat Sethbhakdi: [email protected]
Men’s Softball League:
Slo-pitch men’s softball. League runs from No-
vember to May. Contact: Troy Regis at:
Bangkok Furniture Fair 2014
September 6-14
Impact Arena
Thailand Gifts and Premium Fair
September 10-12
BITEC Bangna
Living in Bangkok 2014
September 13
Bumrungrad Main Hospital
Resources for expats.
ThaiCraft Sale
September 20
Jasmine City
Sukhumvit Soi 23
Offering traditional Thai arts and crafts under
fair trade practices. Includes Kids Corner to
entertain the kids while you shop.
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For more than 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided therapy
for adults, couples, adolescents and families. Carl spent
most of his life in the US where he earned his Master’s
Degree in Counseling Psychology and completed his
internship before working in both residential settings and
private practice. In 2003, he was offered a full time position
as the only Western Psychologist at Bumrungrad Hospital
where he spent five years in clinic before going into private
practice. Now with offices in both Bangkok and Pattaya, Carl
specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship
conflict, depression, anxiety and stress and also focuses on
both adolescents and adults with self esteem issues. school
problems, substance abuse and self esteem issues.
For a confidential appointment please call
089 680 3503 or [email protected]
www.bangkoktherapy.com
Carl Janowitz
Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower
Sukhumvit 1/1 (Behind Bumrungrad)
When Life Feels
Overwhelming
Reach Out for Help…
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EXTRA EXTRA� READ ALL ABOUT IT�.
NNR GUIDE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED!
New Online Version is available now.
Yes, it’s true, the 4
th edition of the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR)
Guide is finally ready and it is available online. Check it out: https://sites.google.com/a/isb.ac.th/nnr/ The NNR is happy to announce the publication of the latest NNR Guide, and the first-ever online version. This is a compilation of information focusing mainly on the businesses and services available in Nonthaburi. We hope that you will all find this Guide useful and that is will be the starting point for all your needs and adventures. Many thanks go to the team who put this Guide together. This has been a joint effort by the NNR, ISB Welcome Group, Expats of Pakkret, After the Boxes and residents of Nichada Thani. We have them to thank for all the time and effort that went into gathering the information. Please note that this Guide is by no means complete. Over time, information changes and new businesses pop up or close down, so the Guide may not always be up to date. We hope that with your help, we can continue to develop this into an even more comprehensive Guide. Please email [email protected] to share any additional information about the various categories you might know about so that updates can be made. A heartfelt thanks go to the NNR Guide team: Jennifer Bradley, Nicole Wright, Monique Langer, Gretchen Stierholz, Sonja Roback, Jess Vaughan, Christopher Bell, Mare Harvey, Andrea Shivers and Charlotte Sanders.
NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH
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Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014 Recipe
Help Wanted
For
Thani Talk Travel Writers,
Feature Writers, Distributors
Long hours, zero pay. But it’s loads of
fun, and you get to see your work in
print. Plus, it’s a great way to meet
fascinating people in our community.
If interested, please contact Liz at
If you excel, we’ll double your pay.
Ingredients
450 grams pork, - cut unto thin,
long strips
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tablespoon coconut milk
1 Tablespoon fish sauce
1 package bamboo skewer
Instructions
Marinate all ingredients together about 2-6 hours before grilling. A longer
marinade time will make the pork more aromatic and delicious.
When the pork is ready, thread a skewer through the pork. Grill the pork until it
is well done. While barbequing, brush pork with marinade. Serve with fresh
vegetables and slices of cucumber and tomato.
Recipe courtesy of the Amazing Thailand Facebook page
Moo Ping
(Thai Grilled Pork)
If you have a favorite holiday or everyday recipe you would like to share, please
contact us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
42
This summer I was lucky enough to be able to leave my kids with their nonna and nonno in Italy and head off with my hubby for a week’s road trip down south, specifically the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
We headed south from Tuscany on a hot summer day with the smell of lavender and rosemary in the air. Within 4 hours we were passing Napoli and Mt. Vesuvius, we then got off the motorway and headed along the amazing twisty and windy step cliff road with spectacular views of the turquoise Mediterranean Ocean.
We opted to stay in a small town just outside of Amalfi (to stay away from the main bulk of the tourists), called Praiano, where we booked into a beautiful B&B with a room looking over the sea. Hotel Pellegrino was run by Luigi, his wife and his sister, who were the perfect hosts, offering welcome drinks on the top deck and delicious homemade meals. During the days we toured around the area, stopping, obviously, at the town of Amalfi, but found it to be too touristy for us although very pretty. The town of Ravello on the other hand was lovely and not quite so busy.
After a few nights we took the ferry over to the Island of Capri, which is the epitome of Italian chic –beautiful people, beautiful shops, beautiful restaurants and beautiful views! Being such a small island, it is easy to get around on by bus and some crazy topless, stretch taxis. There are also many tour companies to take you by boat around the island, stopping off at the famous blue grotto. This in itself is an experience to get into, on tiny little row boats that you have to lie down in to get through the cave entrance and then the gondoliers sing opera music to you in the eerie turquoise light of the cave.
We were keen to go around the island by ourselves and found it easy to rent a boat for half/whole day. We took our own picnic (read delicious crusty bread with prosciutto and big chunks of fresh buffalo mozzarella, followed by huge fresh juicy peaches – divine!) and stopped off at a sheltered bay for a swim and lunch.
La Vita Bella!
Cathy Sackett
South Italian Road Trip
Travel Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
43
If you’d like to share tales of
your travels, please contact:
Travel Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014
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Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014 Charity
NNR Bazaar Proceeds Support Thai Athletes
NNR Bazaar money gave young men from Ban Rajawadee the
opportunity to prepare for and participate in two national
badminton competitions. They practiced since December 2013
using the Yonex badminton rackets that the boys’ coach
requested through the Bazaar funds.
The first competition was the 32nd National sports competition for
persons with disabilities held in Suphanburi province from
February 10-14, 2014. The second competition was the15th
Friendship sports competition for students with disabilities held
in Pachabuhn Province between March 1-6, 2014.
The two young men who attended these competitions both are
residents at Ban Rajawadee where they assist with the daily
running of the home by assisting the caregivers to look after the
others on their ward, or collect the garbage bags and bring them
to a central collection area.
NNR, thank you for giving these two hard working lads an
opportunity to enjoy the challenge and thrill of competing in the
badminton games in the exciting atmosphere of another province.
Dorothy Klynstra,
NNR Bazaar Proceeds Support Thai Athletes
NNR Bazaar money gave young men from Ban Rajawadee the
opportunity to prepare for and participate in two national
badminton competitions. They practiced since December 2013
using the Yonex badminton rackets that the boys’ coach
requested through the Bazaar funds.
The first competition was the 32nd National sports competition for
persons with disabilities held in Suphanburi province from
February 10-14, 2014. The second competition was the15th
Friendship sports competition for students with disabilities held
in Pachabuhn Province between March 1-6, 2014.
The two young men who attended these competitions both are
residents at Ban Rajawadee where they assist with the daily
running of the home by assisting the caregivers to look after the
others on their ward, or collect the garbage bags and bring them
to a central collection area.
NNR, thank you for giving these two hard working lads an
opportunity to enjoy the challenge and thrill of competing in the
badminton games in the exciting atmosphere of another province.
Dorothy Klynstra,
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Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014 Charity
Proceeds from May NNR Rug Raffle Benefit Homeless
The NNR end of the year Morning Coffee brought friends
together for a lively morning of chatting and farewells. A
big thank you goes to gracious hostess Annette Del
Rosario for showing everyone such a lovely time in her
gorgeous home.
NNR Socials Director Sarah Glaze
and gracious hostess Annette Del
Rosario draw the name of the lucky
raffle winner.
Winner need
not be present!
Avery Udagawa
was the lucky
recipient of the
beautiful rug,
generously
donated by
Pandit Carpet in
Nichada Plaza.
The lovely
hostess
poses with a
friend at the
May Coffee
morning.
This year, donations to NNR, through events such as
the St. Patrick's Day party and the May rug raffle,
have been used to buy equipment for the Nonthaburi
Reception Home for the Destitute. Through the
generosity and support of the community, NNR has
delivered new sleeping mats, fans and wheelchairs to
the Shelter.
(Above) Shelter director Khun Nan and staff receive
donated sleeping mats, pads and wheelchairs with
appreciation.
48 ADVERTISEMENT
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Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014Thani Talk ~September 2014 Restaurant Review
Restaurant Review: Blue Sky Café
What a treat it is to find a little gem right on our doorstep! For those
of us who have been around here for a while, and for those who have
just arrived, it is wonderful to know that we can pop out and go
somewhere very near which also checks all the boxes for great
ambience, cute little place, fab food and just a nice place to grab a
drink or lunch with friends. So, where is this gem?
Blue Sky Café is located just on the other side of ISB. And for those
of you who don't yet know, it IS possible to go through the gate at the
back of the school (as long as you have an ISB ID card) to get into
the Moo Baan - but, specifically, Blue Sky!
Simply walk or bike around the school path to the left, past the
(rather smelly) pond, and then you will see a small path to the left
of the first buildings you come to (on the left) and a security
guard, who will let you pass through the outer perimeter of the
school (bikes should be left there). Easy as pie! Blue Sky is about
50m in front of you on the right. (Alternatively, if you want to
drive, you can approach from the roads from the opposite
direction).
Blue Sky is run by the wife of the jewelry teacher at ISB, who
runs workshops from their house next door - another bonus of
seeking out this little café is that you can find out a little more
about the workshops if that appeals.
Meanwhile, apart from the bonus of location and affiliated crafts,
the café itself is the reason to go! The service is always with a
smile, with kind attention and always wanting to please. Which,
indeed, you will be! The selection of Western cafe food is great for
a light lunch, or comfortable chat with a friend. They have soups,
paninis, sandwiches, salads, all made with fresh ingredients, and in
tasty combinations. The desserts and cakes are scrummy - and the
statement "great for a light lunch," may not be quite so light if you
indulge! Drinks are fresh and cool, or café-style coffees and teas.
And while you sup and chat, the music will lull you into feeling
that you have walked into a slower, more relaxed era with Frank
Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and other jazz and soul
greats gracing the airwaves. This complements the slightly
'English tea time' feel provided by the fresh and pretty decor, but
more so because of the family memorabilia and photos of times
gone by which are attractively presented in the glass topped
tables. Please go and support this couple - they have created a pretty and warm little place for us all
to enjoy.
Sally Elliott
Blue Sky Café
Just 50 meters outside of the
ISB Back Gate
Telephone: 081-811-8455
Please note: cash only.
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Providing high quality custom tailoring for more
than 45 years,
Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue
Magazine,
International Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire,
Fortune,
Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide,
D
Providing high quality custom tailoring for more
than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in
Men's Vogue Magazine, International Living,
Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide,
Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide,
The Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Conde
Nast Magazine and many other travel magazines.
DELIVERY RESTAURANTS PHONE
Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine 02-952-0031
BBQ Sandwich King 086-773-4140
Bukhara (Afghan/Indian) 082-443-1398
Burger King/Pizza Company 1112
Food Loft 02-831-5588
KFC and Pizza Hut 1150
Le Bouchon Food Delivery 02-962-2850
McDonald’s 1711
Milano’s @ Pro Club 02-582-1555
Mr. Enzo’s 02-960-0412
New York Diner 081-624-2099
NICC Club 02-960-4326
Que Pasa 02-960-3821
Sapna (Indian and Afghan food delivery) 02-960-3141
Scoozi 02-715-8555
Subway 02-960-3232
Sudhathai 02-583-2694
Slider Shack 086-773-4140
BUSINESS PHONE
Bamboo Spa 02-583-9871
Bank Krungsri 02-582-2669
Blue Sky 081-811-8455
Bumrungrad Family Clinic 02-960-4216
Clark Hatch Fitness Center 02-960-4326 / 27
Crystal Holiday Travel 02-960-4469
Hair By Jib 02-960-3783
Happy Teeth Dental Clinic 02-960-3988
Great Massage 02-960-3691
ISB 02-963-5800
Le Studio
Hair 084-022-9928
Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300
Pandit Carpets 081-828-2562
Panipa 02-960-3934
Pum’s Salon 02-583-7117
Rex Pharmacy 081 834 1306
Rose Marie Academy 02-960-3663
Shawn Carpets 090-564-8927
Starbucks 02-967-9686
Twist 02-911-6839
Villa Market 02 -584-5444
Wash-N-Dry 085-945-4132
4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming 02-960-4189
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