J'AIME January 2018

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ANDREW ON A CLASS FIELD TRIP TO CHIANG RAI In fact, the river was our main reason for being in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. Our module in geography class that term was on the morphology of waterways and its impact on tourism. So why wouldn’t we hop on a minibus and take a 13-hour trip from Bangkok to see these processes in real life? I remember the knot in my stomach the night before we went on our trip. I was a fairly immature 17-year-old at the time, and the prospect of a trek far from home into the wilds of the country made me anxious. But as with all new experiences where the bonds of friendship tighten, anxiety soon gave way to the thrill of sharing an adventure. Over the coming days, my classmates and I walked with elephants in the jungle, slept in a beautiful cabin in the woods, ate delicious Lanna dishes (the cuisine native to northern Thailand), and glided along the Mekong on wooden rafts. I couldn’t tell you much about the geography lessons I learned on the field trip. How fast the river flowed, the genus of the trees, the geology of the dramatic mountains. No idea. But I remember the beauty of the scenery, the amazing meals, the smiles and camaraderie. More than enough to whet my appetite for more. Chaweewan had a point – I did want to blend in with the crowd. To be a real Thai boy. Life in Bangkok was a mixed bag. The luxury of the expat lifestyle jarred with the exhausting humidity, milelong traffic jams, and polluted air (back in the late 1990s, Bangkok was one of the most polluted cities in the world). For an Aberdonian boy who was used to space and fresh cold air, it took a long time to adjust. But when I was over the culture shock, something infectious about the city gripped me: the joy of melting into the streaming crowds in the bustling streets; leaving an air-conditioned showing at the local cinema multiplex, and out into the warm embrace of the night air; ascending to the roof terrace of our 10-storey apartment block, and bathing in the orange haze and incandescent glitter of the night-time skyline. Again, I hold my hands up and own my privilege. Thailand is a country where a tourist’s money can go a long way. But for an expatriate whose stepfather worked in the oil industry during the boom of the late ‘90s, the doors opened that much wider. Bangkok is famous for its backpacking district where a little cash goes far, but like the five-star resorts of the country’s islands, the city boasts just as many luxurious getaways within its busy walls. Often housed within the sky-scraping towers of major hotel brands – your Dusit Thanis, Anantaras THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, BANGKOK The city “Why have you dyed your hair black?” As I slumped my shoulder bag full of school books down on the desk, my Thai teacher Khun Chaweewan berated me, shock written across her face. “Here you are, in an international school with people from all over the world. And you just want to look Thai,” she laughed incredulously. Maybe I was just a teenager who had discovered hair dye, piercings and tattoos. But maybe Khun 46
and Mandarin Orientals – some of the city’s top dining and relaxation experiences can be found. My mind immediately flashes back to sipping on a cocktail in Vertigo, the appropriately-named 61stfloor bar of the Banyan Tree on Sathorn Road. I also think of eating the most wonderful Sunday brunch at Trader Vics, with its live music, and stunning views across the mighty Chao Phraya river. And this is to say nothing of experiencing the opulence of the Grand Palace, the floating markets, and Wat Pho with its golden reclining Bhudda. Whenever I hear of friends and acquaintances talking of their holidays to Thailand, Bangkok rarely features in their highlights. I get it. The beaches, forests and clear blue waters are hard to compete with. But for me, the neon thrum of the nation’s capital is where my thoughts always come to rest. The return So many memories, so much expectation. When I return to Thailand in October it’s going to be nighimpossible to avoid comparing the country to my rose-tinted recollections. They key will be to find new experiences. Sure, when I’m in Bangkok I’ll visit the old haunts, and reminisce with my family. But that can only be part of the journey. Why fly for half a day when I can make the trip in my memories right now? And so, this is why I open my arms out to the RB Collection team. Whether it’s returning to a honeymoon location, reliving the adventures of a gap year, or returning to the site of one’s youth, they’re used to handling the weight of people’s travel expectations. They know how to find new angles and fresh experiences. I’ll let them sit in the driver’s seat. I’ll just cling on and let the humid night air take me back. Andrew is currently planning his return visit to Thailand with RB Collection of Boley Park, Lichfield. You can do by calling them on 01543 258631. Appointments recommended. J’aime reader offer MENTION J’AIME WHEN BOOKING YOUR THAILAND HOLIDAY BEFORE JANUARY 31, <strong>2018</strong> AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY THAI COOKBOOK. APPLICABLE TO NEW BOOKINGS ONLY. AYUTTHAYA KINGDOM, THAILAND 47
Page 1 and 2: J’AIME Y O U R L O C A L L U X U
Page 3 and 4: Welcome to J’AIME As we head into
Page 5 and 6: Proud to be a family run business f
Page 7 and 8: which is my background - and the se
Page 9 and 10: STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE HALLMAR
Page 11 and 12: simply great advice and service Bes
Page 14 and 15: PROPERTY Million pound properties W
Page 16 and 17: INTERIORS ZUIVER CONCRETE PENDULUM
Page 18 and 19: HOXTON CONCRETE BASE TABLE LAMP, £
Page 20 and 21: INTERIORS Natural beauty ALWAYS a p
Page 22 and 23: RIPPLES NICKEL LEAF SCULPTURE, ALEX
Page 24 and 25: INTERIORS Be bold for 2018 As the N
Page 26 and 27: £450 MEDINILLA MAGNIFICA SMALL LAM
Page 28 and 29: COMPETITION A treasure trove for th
Page 30 and 31: coming up and try to keep the busin
Page 32 and 33: F E AT U R E Soul star gets her fai
Page 34 and 35: often lead the congregation in song
Page 36 and 37: Palladium, and when The Bodyguard r
Page 38 and 39: F O O D & D R I N K Fine dining wit
Page 40 and 41: F O O D & D R I N K Cocktail of the
Page 42 and 43: F O O D & D R I N K Tantalise your
Page 44 and 45: T R AV E L Memoirs of a teenage far
Page 48 and 49: LO CA L A R E A What’s On Local Y
Page 50 and 51: WHAT: Burns Night celebrations WHER
Page 52 and 53: LO CA L A R E A What’s Competitio
Page 54 and 55: FA S H I O N Best foot forward IT
Page 56 and 57: FA S H I O N Get active! NEED A BOO
Page 58 and 59: £33 £55 SHOCK ABSORBER ULTIMATE F
Page 60 and 61: CO M P E T I T I O N A New Year sty
Page 62 and 63: B E AU T Y Beauty resolutions THE B
Page 64 and 65: I N T H E N E W S Bringing Integrit
Page 66 and 67: car; I expected it to be a more sig

J'AIME January 2018

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