Thailand 2005-2006 Home Base and Eldertreks Tour

Lumphini Park


Cycling Champs at Lumphini Park

Had Ambassador Breakfast (ample buffet for hundreds) and explored Sukumvit Area including Lumphini Park. The park is a local Sunday spot for families with quiet, uncrowded roads where novice cyclists were learning the ropes, cute kids shepherded by careful parents. Walked back to the Ambassador for buffet lunch and caught a cab, after 6 tries, before we found one who had a map to get us to our ElderTreks lodgings, across the river - The Royal River Hotel.

We had a pre-dinner introductory meeting with Pontus Deri and our group with cashews, water or orange juice which set the no nonsense tone for this tour. Among the 14 others were three women who were from Tenafly, NJ, where Ann was a librarian for 7 years.

We had another excellent dinner at the Bay River Bar seated at a great bridge view, rail side table. Before dessert Pontus was told to move us so that the Princess of Thailand could use the Restaurant . We were whisked to an inner table and had dessert fruit while the Princess with her retinue filed in and a took over our old table. Quite a Thai moment, seeing the lovely woman fashionably dressed, in casual western style, give Bob a charming smile. Pontus explained the great affection Thai people have for the royal family and the 54 year old Princess, despite lost status as a divorcee, has great sympathy after losing her son in the 2004 earthquake/tsunami.

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