KELLIBRATION

  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...

I was coming from the island of Koh Lipe to Hat Yai, and that journey entailed a hairy speedboat ride and then a transfer to a van and a pretty long ride. There were other people in the van as well, and I sat in the very front next to the driver. When we were finally getting close to the city, I was excited, and ready to check in to a hotel and find some food. But to my dismay, the traffic once we reached the city proper was incredible. I realized that I had probably an hour or two more before I arrived at my hotel, but once I did finally arrive, I was amazed. This place called Bhava Residence looked so much better than the photos had on Agoda. It was fancy and modern; also the huge room had a basic kitchen -- microwave, large refrigerator, and sink (to wash dishes?), and a balcony. I was stoked. Arrived! Very excited to be staying in a room bigger than a closet  (i.e. the last hotel I had stayed in). The evening I arrived, I was a bit tired from the long travel day, and since the ...