KELLIBRATION

Exploring Songkhla Old Town on foot made for some interesting photography opportunities! I had heard that there was a lot of street art as well as local coffee shops, so I set out for a stroll. I feel like someone's watching me. . .  sewing machines anyone? hmmm... maybe I should apply for a job here. I find it interesting that a hair salon is open to the world like this. I would definitely have gone in to this costume shop if it had been open. ! I then wandered into this coffee shop. It was quite popular, spacious and airy. For some reason, they served my Americano with the hot water on the side. I thought it was just something quirky about this cafe, but I soon found that the other coffee shops in town did the same thing  (as seen in the second photo below at Comeback Coffee) another sketchy sketch I found a shop selling these weirdly realistic ice cream bars with animal faces. I wasn't exactly sure what these drinks were. . .  I checked out this coffee shop with a view...

  When I was researching Hat Yai city, I came across an area called Songkhla Old Town, a historical area with antique shops and Chinese architecture. I just happened to look at Agoda at that moment and found a hotel which looked fun. Truly, it looked more like an antique museum than a hotel, and the price looked pretty reasonable as well--- so I thought, I'll stay in Hat Yai city proper for a couple of days and then stay in Songkhla for a couple of days. I really had no idea what it would be like, but the photos I saw online didn't look like any place that I'd ever seen in Thailand. Upon arrival at my hotel, I was amazed. It was filled with all kinds of Chinese pottery and the architecture of the building itself was unique and notable. There was even an interesting looking cafe attached where I thought I might want to get a coffee. the first view I wandered up the stairs where it was quite hot!  I found this large ceramic dish though.  I wonder if it was ever used for ser...

Meanwhile at the Bhava Residence. . .   *Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" playing in the background the breakfast nook! So, I think that I mentioned that the hotel that I was staying at when I first arrived in Hat Yai was pretty swanky. They actually give you a choice of eight different breakfasts when you check in,  and all of the options looked pretty outstanding and creative.  This one was called something like Asian Fried Egg: I have to say, it was pretty delicious, though definitely an unexpected combination of things. I'm not usually a big fan of this kind of sliced sausage (hot dogs?) in the US, but for some reason, in Malaysia and Thailand I always really enjoy it. I feel like it's less smoky and tastier overall. On this plate, I especially loved the minced pork saute behind the sausage. It was juicy and so well flavored-- lots of aromatics, shallots and garlic, and the eggs were really interestingly cooked in the skillet where the yolk was somewhat cooked but p...