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Published: September 4th 2013
Now, that's what I call lunch!
I wish every day was my birthday.
Birthdays are a funny thing. I know quite a few people who refuse to celebrate their own or are miraculously 29 over and over again. And until this year, I thought they were crazy. This year I turned 35. When I turned 21 my dad wrote me a note congratulating me and assuring me that 30 was right around the corner. I thought he was exaggerating, but feels like that happened about 2 weeks ago. I'm sure he's thinking the same thing about 40; I know I am. But I choose to embrace it. I think about all that's happened to me in my life--some by bad choices others by chance--and I realize I'm lucky to be here. And to me, that's worth celebrating.
So here I am in a big city and I only know a few people. I've done a pretty good job getting out and starting a social life, which is both easy and hard when you have lots of time but little cash. But it's my first birthday in Bangkok. It's my 35th. I will not go quietly into the night.
I asked my friend, Clive, for some help. I took my CELTA course with
him last year and he's lived here ever since. He suggested a few good places. I decided to scope them out so I could put details in the invites... only to discover after two hours walking in the heat that the restaurant he suggested--as well as every other affordable Thai restaurant in Silom--is closed every Sunday. So I moved my party to the less convenient Monday, which also happened to be my actual birthday.
On Monday, Clive and I met up for treats in Silom in the afternoon. I'd been on the lookout for a chocolate cake (it's not birthday without chocolate cake!) and we found a cute little Japanese dessert place that made extravagant ice cream creations. I got mine with a mini molten lava cake on top. Not quite the cake I'd envisioned, but with lots of other chocolate treats buried within, I was pretty happy.
That night, freshly showered, sparkling, and wearing an almost new dress, I met my friends at the first of two places. There's a nice little Mexican place that has two for one margaritas from 4-7pm. Having not been able to get a margarita in China, this was a treat. Having
Happy Birthday to me!
A pretty dress, jewelry, and a black forest margarita? Kris is back and celebrating in style. drinks for an hour also allowed people who worked a bit later a chance to get there when they could and not feel late. Everyone relaxed and got to know each other, as most had never met before.
We trouped down to the Thai restaurant around 745. They had the table all set up for us, and we quickly started drooling over the menu. With ten of us, most people got their own food or shared with one other person. I shared some vegetarian spring rolls with one friend and then got chili soft shell crab for myself. Everyone's rice came in a cute shape, whether it be a heart or a teddy bear. We were particularly excited about this--it's the little things, you know.
Around 845 one more friend arrived. (She'd said she was working until 9.) She quickly joined the group and the fun continued. Around 930 people started looking at their watches and thinking about going to work the next day. One guy stood up to leave, but my Thai friend said to stay put. He didn't hear her. "Sit down!" I said. "What? Why?" "Because the beautiful woman said to!" He sat down.
Group shot one
You can see a lot of the restaurant in this one. I just love this place. A moment later my friend came out carrying a beautiful cake covered in candles. I was so surprised and a little overwhelmed. It was a beautiful chocolate cake from a French bakery. My friend explained that it was from her and two of our mutual friends, Samuel and Candy, in China. I was so stunned I nearly forgot to blow out the candles.
I cut the cake into pieces for everyone and it was divine. It was layered with something crunchy between the layers. And of course, there were chocolate candies on top. I was so full I couldn't finish my whole piece. Luckily, I was able to get a box from the restaurant to take the rest home.
Most people went on their way around 10, but a few of us went out for some cheap beers for another hour. It was wonderful to sit and relax (and digest) and reflect on what a great night it was.
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Maisondubonheur
Pierre-Alexandre
Happy belated birthday!
Happy birthday, and it's even better to do it on the right day!