How much I have a good time.

Since I have been working at here I have a lot of great time .Today I would like to tell you about my hapyness between me and a little girl who steyed with us.Her name is June (my little angle).She is 10 years old .Very cute and lovely girl also beatuful.She live in Tulip frower country(Netherland).We can get along together during she had stayed at here.(It doesn't mean I am look like a childrent haha!).She spent the time with us a couple of long period.That's why we closed together.After she came back home we aways keep in tuch by phone.Just a few day ago I got the first pressent for chrismas from her.When I took the cover off very surprised....It's a very pretty bag with our photo on tne bag.And T- shirt too.Since that day untill now I have been happy all the time.That's impression and morale that make me work with happyness.I love this hotel.We are always welcome everyone to come here with slow life.

(^_^)

Ann

Fund Raising For Da-La-Ang Tribe

The project is about buying a piece of land for the 400 Da-La-Ang tribe villagers to have the right to live in their very own's land!!! Every 1,000 baht(30 USD) will change to be a piece of land for them ( they need 700 pieces all together)
Just only 1,000THB u can give a people sustainable lives. Want to join please contact 086-654-0496, 081-208-2629 or at Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel contact Tukta. 026288188-90
or transfer your donation to:
Kasikorn Bank , Thewet Branch
Account name: Varisara Leeteerakul
Account number: 030-2-71597-1

and send SMS or email to me naja.

I'll gather all the fund and pass to the Makhampom Foundation on coming 5th December 2008 at Chiang-Dao.

Gourmet tour

Dear our PN friends,
Hi this is Donald from Phranakorn-Nornlen:)
If you are passionate about Thai food, I mean 'real' Thai food, then here is something that you might be interested!
Our first-ever gourmet tour will be launched on the 19th of this November. "Azanaya" is the gourmet event organizer which shares the same passion with PN by promoting the authentic Thai food culture to our guests. The promotional price is 1850 THB per head, which is based on the group of 9-10 guests. We really hope you can join us as this is what we hope to do for years: An off-the-beaten-path journey.
However this tour is really not for everyone.
1) You must be open-minded about food (means you are willing to try something new)
2) Not suitable for kids
3) You must be non-vegetarian
4) The food may not be organic
5) You don't have food allergy
The first tour will start on 19/11/2008 so please email to us for more information (azanaya@phranakorn-nornlen.com) if you would like to give your taste buds a treat!

Have a slow life!
Donald

Halloween soup !!????

Sawas dee kaa !! we have new soup to introduce you. This soup making by our guest at Phranakorn-Nornlen hotel. Why I call Halloween soup ? Because this soup make on Halloween day. ( Very easy to think hahaha) If you want to cooking for your self. Let go……
First of all you should have SQUASH. Before I don’t know that this can eat after Big. Because we have Squash on the roof top. And we never used them for cooking. ( Just for decoration)For other people I’m heard that they eat when the squash it small. But after that no one eat it. Because it very hard. But now it very delicious to make soup. Just peel out cover and take the bean out used the white one. Boil the water put the onion and garlic chop put the squash add milk , pepper,salt,curry powder. Then put the soup go to steam. And go to warm again. Finish!!!!!!

Usually our guest she said this squash it’s difference from they country. Because the squash that she have used it the yellow counler . But she just say….let try…… hahaha So, this soup it come from our guest misunderstand about the aquash. Any way it’s yummy soup…

Tasty ???

DAIRY HOME TRIPS

COME BACK !!!!!
Last week we went to Daily home office. To see the process how to make the ORGANIC Milk,Butter,Bread and Yogurt . So, we can confirmed that they are real organic product. If you would like to know how organic are they. You can read the details below. But before you will read it. We would like to tell you that our home start to find the organic food to used in this home. Also we will try to used the thing that can recycle again. Our slogan is saving earth, saving life and saving you :)


How difference between normal cow milk farm and Organic cow milk farm?
I can tell you now about organic cow milk farm. The one I went to see last week is Daily home. They feed cow no chemical, no antibiotic and no etc…. They used the environment only !!!! to treat them. If the cow happy and feel good. Then the milk that come out from the cow milk will not have residue.. However, for the good atmosphere, good food, good treat and the natural process don’t disturb a cow that why you will have very good milk for your healthy. This is the Organic milk :) that was I saw.

Another one is normal cow farm.
I used to heard that they just want a lot of milk from cow. So, they don’t care the cow will be happy or not. More than that they feed cow with chemical and used the antibiotic. So, we don’t know what will be happen with the product.
What do you think about normal cow milk farm? And Organic cow milk farm which one will be happy?

Bread for Health

You know what the good bread? Listen here… the main ingredient to make the bread have just only 2 things. Is flour and butter. Normal bread they used Trans fat instead of butter. What is the Trans fat? The Trans fat is they used the oil and add the Hydrogen for make into the margarine. And they used the margarine instead of butter. Because butter is expensive than margarine!!!!!
When you eat margarine bread your body will not metabolize and accumulate in your body. But for the bread that we have used is Bread from the Butter. And the butter is from” organic cow milk farm” This bread no preservative and no Trans fat J So, you can make sure our bread that we serve you is safe for you.

Butter…

The butter we used is Medium-chain saturated fats. So, your body will burn fats easily. Will not accumulate like normal Trans fat. And the important they didn’t pass chemical process.

Yoghurt..

Our home have used the Organic Milk, Bread, Butter and Yoghurt from Dairy home. Yoghurt is another thing we would like to prefer to you. Because They used the “set yoghurt process”
What is the set yoghurt ?
It’s about to make the good yoghurt and used the old process .Tt’s very difficult to make also long time to do. But they choose this way. Because it’s best taste and smooth. When you have try it :)

If you have some knowledge about what we tell. Please comment and share with us.

Halloween Party @ PN

Last Halloween we had a little party @ PN . Not only our guest and our staff participated these but also the old staff and staff from Rabit In The Moon Foundation was coming to joined this party.

We had many things to eat such as Red Blood Juice, old thai home made ice-cream, fruit papaya salad,pork ball, coconut pancake, fish ball, etc . And of course it's very YUMMY !!... ><

AND we had special shows from our staff too ; Opening Thai Dancing, Thai classical performance (Li Kae) and Cabare Show from Cabare Ghost.

At the end of the party we had played a game "KRASUEYER (KILLER)". It's very funny our guest had a very very good acting.

Oh!! I forgot I wanna told our staff were in Thai ghost costume >> Sound interesting >> I will recoomend my Thai ghost friends next time >o<

POOK

Pour our hearts into this

Few days ago someone knocked my door & asked if he can have a chat with me, his name was Andrew, an english man who is travelling around the world with his wife (for 10 months!). He had stayed over a week with us and about to take off a day later (to Combodia), the reason he want to talk to me was because of our staff attitude- "YOUR PEOPLE ARE JUST LOVELY!" I was glad, warmed & touched. Thanks everyone in P.N.! we are doing a great job!!

Phranakorn-Nornlen Farm

Sawas Dee kaa Every one :)

Every thing have chance because of the time…
Of cause our home also have some thing chance :) Like now…. I’m sure that some of you did’t know we have farm on the roof top. And now ready to eat :)

Good news !!!!
We will have the workshop about our farm and etc… If you interesting you can call us. Our lovely staff will answer your all question. Or if you have some Idea about the workshop you can joy with us too. And we very appreciate for that. For the workshop is about chance the experience and knowledge. :) See you then……….. :)

vientiane in Lao

Have you ever heard about vientiane.? In Thai, it means walking with lighted candles in hand around a temple.

One day our guest who stayed with us for a couple of day , asked about vientian in Lao and she wanted to go there by plane during the Beginning of Buddhist Lent.

I said “you can vientian in Thailand it is the same in Lao. " :) :) :)
she said “I would like to see my friend at Vientian in Lao.
I said “Oh! You want to go with your friend to vientian in Lao.” :) :)
She said “I would like to go to Vientiane in Lao”
I said “What town do you want to go?” :)
She said “Vientiane” (the capital of Lao) and show me the Lao map
I said “OH!!!So sorry, you want to go to Vienchan(we call in Thai)” :(

I hardly look at her eyes , so embarrass!
But she said that it is OK. She cannot speak Thai even one word, so don’t worry.
I felt release and thanks for her kindness.

How nice she is!!!!!! ^_^

If you meet me in PN, please teach me more English. I will deeply appreciate. ^_^
(Oh, I don't mind for French, Spain, Dutch and ........)

Kaewkla

My happyness at PN

In this week have some guest from London .They are on honeymoon (So sweet lover)

At the fist time they are just my guests .But now they are my friend.The begining start form Shivani (wife:indain girl) learned how to make Phadthai in the kitchen .At the same time Andrew (exactly her husband) learn thai language with me.I just know I am a good teacher(^_^).After that every time that he talked with every one he try to speak Thai .He pretty good pronounce.

Yesterday that we find they friend that got lost from them at Kaosan Road.(We help together to find him but did't met him yet).During we wait for to see CCTV at Club that they went .We went to Pra Atit Road(A lot of nice restaurant ) to find some thing to eat we order different of food .Andrew Speak Thai with waiter .When the water smile and underatand him he said me that you are a very good teacher.It's make me prond and happy.How ever we stilled worry about Nick (Thair friend).So we decided to go back to hotel . While we walking in to the Soi .Do you know what happen? We saw Nick was walking with some one that bring his back.We are so very happy.They said that thank you very much Ann.I am very happy more when I can help them.It's more happy from work for money.At last when we open the gate in to hotel every one happy too.So they will come to our hotel again 2 times after their trip on Chaingmia and Krabee. Come to Pramakorn-nornlen you will charm like you are at home .That's it .

Good night with smiling(^_^)

Ann (PN Staff)

COFFEE please....

IYCoffee

PN Home we serve organic food (no meat) in breakfast with fresh coffee or tea. Our guest said in http://www.tripadvisor.com/

"Breakfast (included) was a joy. The menu is set each day, it's lacto-ovo-vegetarian, and it's good, real good. I'm a coffee fan...and I'm willing to say that the Phranakorn Nornlen serves the best coffee 've had to date in SE Asia. Unreal good. Still missing it....:-(

Greencone Houston @ Aug 11, 2008

Title : “Eco Friendly Laid Back Oasis”
Link : http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d633694-r19199643-Phranakorn_Nornlen_Hotel-Bangkok.html#TOPC

PN family we very happy if you Love our Coffee!!! And last week Our guest (France guy) who come from Australia. He have a coffee shop and teach about coffee. He teach a secret how to steam a milk for us. His milk very nice. We taste a lot of kind ex. Latte, Milk Tea ect. A secret is shape of cup for steam milk. We will learn more when he come back from Doi Chang, Chiang Rai that Place grow a best coffee in Thailand. We will talk more COFFEEEEEEEEE :)

Mister M@S 05 10 08

Welcome Drink!!! PANDA

When The Guest come to PN house we'll serve welcome drink to you. Everyday we'll change a new drink ex. Roselle, Butterfly pea, Lemongrass

and when you come to check in we'll serve drink and tell " Welcome Drink Ka/Krab This is Roselle" that point is quite hard for bulter. One day when our guest coming bulter bring welcome drink and commit to the name of drink that day is "Pandanus" so bulter he call panda for call back and he walk and murmur "Panda" "Panda" ... and his friend say not "Panda" is "PanDam" he said again "OK! Pandam" and when he serve drink he said " Welcome Drink! this is ...Pamda..." everybody perplexed "What?" he said again "Panda" drink... 555

Mister M@S 03-10-08

If you want to no how to speak Thai give you right hand up

Today I have the guest from Taiwan.
She do the guide book sightseeing in Thailand.
She asking when she come to stay here

C : Where I can learn Thai language?
T :Yes I can teach you.
C : Ohhh such a great deal...with a big smile on her cheek

Then we have appointment but we miss that one coz she was another review.
She came back for make a review with my Manager on 1 Oct

C : Hi teacher
T : Hi sawadee kah
C : sorry for last time
T : It's ok Pob gun mai (See you tomorrow)

Then we make appoint again on 2 Oct Finally we did 1 class at PN at 7 pm

T :Sawadee kah ( Hello)
C :Oh Sawadee kah
T :Sabai dee mai kah (How are you)
C :Sabai dee kah oh ic How to say discount?
T :hehehehehhe Lod noi dai mai kah?
C :Cool so now i will know how to deal with people hehehehhehe
T :hahahha you right

Then I teach her many word for geeting,number ect,.......

Next lesson will be tomorrow.
If you want to join just come here at PN

You will give you right hand up?

See you slow life
Tukta(",)

YUMMY Birthday!!!

Today is Nual Birthday Yeh Yeh!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY jaa. And Amazing! P'Ped,Nual's boyfriend,birthday is yesterday. So this couple have a little party with a lot of vegetables, roasted prawns, cockles, thai vemicelli with a very very delicious dipping sauce. And of course P'Ped & Nual cooking all of these for all of PN Gang. Thanks a lot P'Ped & Nual for a yummy dishes. >> wanna say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" again to both of them kaa >.<

POOK >u<
(PN Gang)

PN architects

It's been 1.5 months since I officially became a visiting-tutor (special thanks to Morana from N.Y.), not sure if I can really teach my students anything in 'Architecture' as I am no longer an 'Architect'.
But Architecture is about people, how they interact with each other is somehow influenced by our environment (imagine you are walking on a long-narrow corridor, a stranger is approaching from the other end, you can hardly avoid eye contact in this situation- because of this corridor), PN is about people- the place which is not designed by any professionals but a married couple (Rose & Oak) who understand 'people'. A good architect must understand people, A person who understand people can also be an architect- as he/she know what you need.

More about teaching

are you happy?

I always feel that PN has something special - the people. Not only our gangs but guests who stayed with us. Every individual is like a magnet, you attract people who share similar interest & quality.
Surely PN is not an ideal place for people who look for luxury or clinical comfort, but a place where you can find sincere people who truly want you to feel happy (Mandarin Oriental and Penisula certainly make guests very happy, but what about the staff? do they also feel very happy?).
'People' is everything we have, so we will try our best to keep everyone happy-from staff to guests.
So how to keep staff happy?
listen to them (encourage them to comment on things, give them time), support their passions (right people in the right place, help them to find their passions), make sure they have time for rest (decent amount of holidays), add value onto them (let them build up more skills), give them freedom (no lunch hour- eat whenever they want, no time card- but still need to be on time, anyway it's all about self-discipline), be fair (give what they deserve, not the standard set by the industry), eventually no hierarchy (we are each others teacher)

By the way if PN gangs think something is not as promising as mentioned above, please come to have a chat or drop your line in the suggestion box (on the kitchen wall) :)

P.N. sister from the north- "Pak Chiang Mai" by Donald

CafeDouble bedroom
Atrium, 2nd floor
Massage sala
Single room


Atrium, 2nd floor


Entrance to the en-suite
En-suite

Hand-painted wall
Room's balcony

Our little sister was born last week in Chiang Mai, called "Pak Chiang Mai". Before I typed this sentence I've been thinking for how to write this in an interesting way since I am very bad at writing. I choose not to polish the words and just tell you what I know ( I mean you have to cope with my awful writing).
Noon, our former staff who used to work in PN as a team leader and also a chef, some of you must remember her if you stayed here before last Oct 2007. In my eyes she is a person filled with enthusiasm & ambition. Last year she told us that her family would like to open a guest house either in Chiang Mai or Trat, everyone fully supported her to start her own business, including me & P Rose.
Last November they had made the decision and invite me to visit the site in Chiang Mai. At first glance the location looks a bit similar to PN in Bangkok, however it has some charm that is only available in Chiang Mai- a really slow pace atmosphere. Opposite to the site (where Pak Chiang Mai is located) is a pottery garden where you can see the process of making pottery sculptures, the garden itself is very refreshing & peaceful. The guest house is surrounded by private residents, a safe & quiet area ( the neighborhoods seem a bit wealthier than in Thewet).
I was honored to help them on the architectural planning & I went back to BKK to spare few days to finalize the plan.
The rest should be told by Noon & her family as they poured their heart into this project for more than six months, everything that you will see in Pak Chiang Mai is their own creation- decor style, breakfast, interior design, graphics & etc.... although you may be able to trace a bit of details from P.N.!
This 9 rooms guest house just opened its door last week, some of our P.N. gangs will also go there in the coming week to see their sister. If interested please contact Noon at noon_jaa@hotmail.com or visit our temporary web page

EVERGREEN by Ake, translated by Boom

I’ve grown up among the ever-greenness of several kind of trees; some can be eaten while some cannot be. But the only one thing that the trees in my home has is the freshness they gave to me in every time that I get close to them. Once I wake up, I usually stand still to welcome the morning sunshine at my vegetables garden which my family and I planted together. I cast a look at the raindrop which is lying itself on the top of them. It is very beautiful when it is lightened by the sunshine.

I lived with my family for 18 years, then had to leave home to earn a living in Bangkok. I worked in this chaotic city for 2 years. I’m very tired. I miss my home, my trees and also warming sunshine at my place but I can’t go back because I haven’t found what I look for yet. Until the day that I knew Phranakorn-Nornlen. This place teaches me to know more about myself, to think and to do. But the coolest thing that PN gave me is a chance to do what I want and that’s the beginning of the PN’s rooftop garden!

When I first opened its gate, I was amazed with something. I saw greenness, heard the sound of water flows plus the music which was played like knowing what I long for. It brought me to life again! I walked around the house (the word I call PN) to greet all trees with happiness until I forgot that I was working. Later I had to take my eyes of them although I didn’t want to.

When time passed in the afternoon, I surveyed my home again with curiosity. My heart was in merry. I looked at the paintings on the wall as if I was hypnotized; they were full of power and the spirit of the painter. I enjoyed looking at them, and then I arrived at the rooftop by chance. My heart was sad when I saw something in front of my face. I sighed while I stared at cement floor which was burned up by the heat of the sunlight then I could see its ray which arose from the floor like the smoke that was launched from a stove! I looked at it for a while and talked to myself that I wouldn’t leave this place into dryness like my heart right now.

I began to think about what I have to do to make this place green like my home. I thought about this for a week. Until the second week, one day I was very hungry, so I bought papaya salad (Som-Tum) from the front of the street. The seller gave me some vegetables ; eggplants, white green and basil which made me very happy. So I brought all of them to eat at the rooftop. While I was about to pick them up, they slipped out of my hand. Soon they were scatted all over the floor. I saw the eggplant rolled with anger in my clumsy. Then I picked and heap them. Suddenly, when I saw the greenness of vegetables which was contrast with the white cement floor, my idea was popped up that I would grow vegetables!

I tried in many ways to present this to the house owner. Luckily, it’s like a will of God that inspired her to think the same as me. I smiled happily after hearing the approval. What is my rooftop garden like?

Yaa- the PN artist by Dream

When you walk into our Phranakorn Nornklen Hotel, the first thing which attractive you is the big Phranakorn district painting map on the wall in reception area. It reflect to meticulousness and attention of the painter. That make many guests wondering and can not to refrain to ask “Who is the painter?”
P’Ya, a 28 years old young man, the painter of Phranakorn Nornlen. He graduated in The Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University. He first started working at Phranakorn Nornlen 3 years ago, P’Ya know P’Rose’s friend (P’Rose is the hotel owner) and during that time P’Rose need someone to paint and decorate the hotel. So, P’Ya has attended to be the part of the hotel until nowadays.
P’Ya told me about his past with full of sorrow which I can feel how happy he is. He told me about the first time he walked into the hotel that “Oh! How depressed place it is.” “This place make me thinking of the horror movie.” But it’s just a covering. “I felt strange at first.” “But I’m happy to be here, no pressure, feel free and sprightly that’s why I love to be here and still be the part of the hotel”

As you know by your sight, The big Phranakorn district painting map (at the reception) is his master piece. He took a month to paint this wall especially The Grand Palace which took him 3 days to finish! The map was P’Rose and P’Oak's idea, but P’Ya had to figre out everthing by himself, from drawing style to color tone.
Moreover, every rooms of our hotel are also painted by P’Ya! Each of them has different mood & style, which make you feel refreshed & relaxed. All the rooms were designed by P’Rose. P’Ya told me about the working progress, after P’Rose told him what she what the room to look like, then he’ll find some reference from Internet or books in order to get a rough concept in mind, and then start drawing!
The color tone of each room is dependent on pattern and room’s character. Some of the rooms still maintain the original pattern from the previous 'hotel' , the combination between the old wallpaper and new painting make the room look more refreshing, rustic and full of suprise.
P’Ya is beloved by everyone in the hotel because of his easy-going character even being a solitude. He told me about the motivation which make him to become artist, Egon Schiele is his idol and Chalermchai Kositpipat, a thai artist who inspired P’Ya to study in Arts. Beside the artworks at P.N. , P’Ya also paint but only respond to his desire & not for sale. He said one day he would love to have his own gallery if possible.
His viewpoint of life: "Take it easy, if you want to do anything, keep going but don’t bring troubles to anyone."
Remark : P’ refer to someone older than you. Thai people have to say this word before the name to show the respect.

Noodles story by Tukta, translated by Boom

Since Somdej Phranarai period, Thailand traded with many foreign countries. And one of those is China! Chinese people sailed their junks to trade with Thai people. Not only the goods, they also brought noodles (in Thai we called it “Guai Tiew”), too! It was normally cooked while they were on a journey. To cook noodles, they boiled it in pork soup filled with some kind of vegetables. For Thai people, it was exceptional menu. Apart from that, Chinese people began to make their own noodles in Thailand by using paddy rice.
After Ayuthaya period, later we were in Thonburi period. There were many Chinese people came to Thailand to trade and earn for their livings. So, producing noodles was so popular because it could be bought easily. The sellers would serve the buyers by carrying their stuffs at both end of a pole by placing on their shoulders. They also sold by paddling. And they would serve you both with soup (we called it Nam) and no soup (we called it Hang).
So, noodles was one of the fast food menu during that period.
In this issue, I visited a noodle shop which is situated along Padung Krung Kasem Canal or The Wet intersection (not far from our hotel) for more than 79 years! And I want to recommend you this place. There are Sen-Lek (thin noodles) , Sen-Yai (broad rice noodles), Sen-Mee (thin rice noodles) , Ba-Mee (egg noodles) and Woonsen (glass noodles) available here. Each will give you different taste. All of these you can order both noodle soup (Guai Tiew Nam) or the noodle with no soup (Guai Tiew Hang) which will be served with a little bowl of soup (filled with pepper) to make it more tasty. I suggest you to fill a little amount of mashed and roasted beans, sugar, fish sauce.
If you love spicy food, you shouldn’t miss noodles in spicy soup (Tom Yum). It’s really delicious!
In every bowl, you will see the meatballs which are designed in different shape like flat and round ones both in deep fry and hard-boiled. And you can pick some crispy fried fishskin to fulfil your yummy noodles! About the price, it’s not expensive – only 30 Baht.
Note : When you order noodles, you have to tell the size of the noodles. Then follow with Nam (noodle soup) and Hang (no soup) like Sen-Lek Nam (thin noodles soup) and Ba-Mee Hang (egg noodles with no soup) etc.

Tar story by Tar, translated by Boom

Good morning. Let me introduce myself first ka! My name is Tar. Some of you may recognize me, but it’s fine for those who may not. I’m a barrista at Phranakorn-Nornlen. Before now, I worked as a front house staff at the reception desk. I worked for almost 2 years and wanted to try something new in another position. So I was assigned to a new one, that is taking care of food and baverage and also stocks in the kitchen. Some days, I cook food (mostly light meals) for our guests especially in my friend’s day off! Soon, I will be a professional chef (I have a dream and have to reach the goal). One reason that I was changed to a new task is I like to eat tasty food, so I want others to try my cuisine! The other one is I think sometimes we should do brand new things to make our lives interesting (P’Rose told us that anyone who has many dimensions in oneself is an interesting person and being such a person, we have to be eager in learning new things!) And we can find out what we like and dislike. I don’t mean that you to quit your job. I do mean that just doing anything that you are happy like I’m doing right now.

But I don’t discard the front house desk! I still help front house stuff by giving our guests’ information (they usually ask for information when they see me at the cafe’)
So I feel that I work both at front house desk and the cafe’ at the same time! And that’s a lot of fun. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me. I’m glad to find the information for you J

Oh, I almost forget to tell you that our hotel will grow our own vegetables ; non chemical. You will have a question like why we do that. The answer is we are organic hotel! We want our guests to get something fresh, clean, delicious and be healthy. That’s why we grow our own. Because normally, there are not much free chemical vegetables sold in marketplace to make it looks fresh.

Want to know where is our vegetables will be grown? All of them are at rooftop ka. We just began this project recently (while our hotel was closed on March) and placed some of its structure. You can take a look at the picture na ka. And one more thing that make our rooftop garden unique from the others is the gardeners. They are not someone who normally be a gardener but also our staffs. They have a passion in taking care of the vegetables so our owner let they do it. I think they incredibly go along with it!

I would like you guys to encourage us to run this project and soon you will taste our organic vegetables. And I will let you know about its progress later. And maybe the seasonal vegetables added!

Have a nice day kaa!

Before P.N. story by Ped, translated by Boom

Ped, our first staff at Phranakorn Nornlen. And this is the story he wants to share with us!
3 years ago, when I first walked pass PN’s gate, what I was thinking about this place is :- how extremely silent it is! The soi (Thai word which means an alley) which is our hotel located is so deserted and we hardly see people. Even it was an afternoon with a broad daylight, the place was quite dark as it was at night because all window panels were painted in dark colour. And there were not enough lights that helped reducing our fear, especially my friends – they were frightened of spirits!What we came across at that night shall not be forgotten in my whole life!!!That night, all of us heard something that made us can’t sleep. Some (of us) thought that there is a burglar while some thought that there is a ghost. Then we decided to open the door to look for the origin of that sound. We went to upstairs until we reached the rooftop where there was a flashlight aside the building but at last we found nothing…All of us looked at one another’s faces like asking what we should do. No one answered but ran away although our legs were shaking. All of us only thought about our destination – our room. We ran and didn’t think about anything else!Next day, none of us left the room because we still thought of what happened yesterday. Luckily, we didn’t see anything…Later, we asked our neighbors that what this place was in yesterdays. And we got te answer that it used to be a fleabag (a small hotel with prostitute, you will have no doubt why all window panels were painted in dark color anymore.) and on the rooftop, there was a joss-house. Then we understood that at that night, it might be the act of a guardian spirit who took care of this place. And we learned that since we were here, we have forgotten to light up any incense-sticks to pay respect to them (in tradition, when we stay or live in the other place we should light incense-sticks to pay respect to the guardian spirits of that place) And since we did that, we never see anything strange anymore!.”One day, while I was fixing up the light for a girl who lived nearby our hotel, I found a diary which was written by a woman who came from Chiang Rai Province (it is located in the northern part of Thailand). She was betrayed to work as a prostitute. (I couldn’t read it all because the papers were torn by termites and the words weren’t clear because it was written by pencil). She told us through words that whoever denied to do that, she would be flogged, starved or even detained in a room until she could settle her debts, then she would be free and go back home. I felt sorry for them so much. If she is still alive, I think she is about 60 years old!It’s a shame that I burn up that diary. If you read it, you will be touched by her story.”

50 Years Old Coffee House story by Tuktar, translated by Boom

When the alarm clocks ring, everybody wake up and get ready for the tiredness they will face in the following day. The best place for working people who live in Thewet (where P.N. is located) to get energized is the coffee shop which located at the corner of Wisut Kasat Intersection. "Hia Tai Kee" has opened for more than 50 years since their grandfather went into a junk and crossed Chinese border to Thailand.First things that impress me are those round-wooden coffee tables which are decorated with marbles in the center including their sectional chairs that go with each other. The pictures of this family remind me of Chinese people who have a big family.After I enjoyed sitting and zipping coffee, in the corner of the shop, there was a group of men who are amulet (little Buddha image) lovers, each picked one to show to another with a lot of fun. In my opinion, they seem to be very experienced! Some were looking at them through a magnifying glass while some enjoyed sharing their experiences and knowledge with other people. This is one of the best places reveal the local life of Thewet community!I was waiting for a while, my coffee which was filled in a big glass (that hardly be seen in elsewhere) came. It was blended with the condensed milk, sugar and cream that made my thirst go away and refreshed me up with energy. Soon, there were foam/layer of coffee and the ice left in my glass.To zip hot coffee, there is hot tea served together. The menu also include omelets, steaks(?), dim sum, toast, cocoa, Ceylon tea, iced milk tea, fresh coffee from Doi Tung, Thai tea and so on.I had a little talk with the fans of this place. They all told me the same that no matter how old it is, its tasty coffee never change. Furthermore, its reasonable price will attract you and you will know that you can’t find such a special place like this one in Phranakorn District.

The kite maker by Neng

From enthusiasm to become a career .Uncle Kul Boonnok, a 70 years old kite maker , told us his story that he makes kites for a living more than 50 years. When he was young, his grandfather did many kinds of kites for him because in that time there weren’t many choices of toys, kites used to be a great entertainment for kids in Thailand. He loved kite and wish to know how it was made, he decided to learn from his grandfather.The way to learn is observe and assist. When he grew up, he became a teacher in Nakornsawan and taught in a creation class, later he taught kids how to make kites.In that era, nobody taught how to make kite. Kids made their own way. Whose kite was good or bad, it depended on detail and creativity.Thai kites are different from foreigner’s kites in materials. Thai kites are made of paper and bamboos but foreigner’s kites are made of plastics and fabrics. There are many kinds of kites but the popular are Pakpao and animals type.Main materials for simple kites are paper, cables and latex. But if you want to make it more special, you will need more experience and creativity. Uncle Kul uses mulberry paper to make kites because of its durability and high tension. When kites are wet, they can dry easily and can play it again while others plain paper kites cannot.We can purchase mulberry paper from Sukhothai area. The kite’s frame have to be made from “Seesuk” bamboo only because its high strength and aerodynamic but expensive and very rare. Mostly have to buy from Nakhonsawan area.Kite making process is begun from a design in your mind, then you will sharpen bamboos and straight it with small flame. Finishing surfaces for smooth handle and waxing for decoration.Bring two bamboo sticks crossing each other and slide horizontal stick upper half for divide to body and wing. Then wiring a cable along the top of each side of sticks, you will get the four sides frame.When you tie a cable on a frame, you have to leave cable end in wing and tail for decoration.Tension cable, which for attach to main cable, making process is bring a cable along your arm for its length and bind knot. Let kite’s frame graft on mulberry paper for cutting and latex it into a frame.Another secret thing of uncle Kul is glue. Glue drying slower than latex. You can re-adjusting many times until it dry and decorating until you are satisfy.Uncle Kul said “Kite is a Thai’s antique toy. I hope all of Thai people who can support kite maker as much as they can. So we can carry on this traditional skill along”.

Mango Sticky Rice by Dream

Mellow Mango- the luscious taste; a perfect combination with sticky rice called “Mango-sticky rice”, a wonderful dessert for summer season in Thailand.Do you know? There is a well-known mango-sticky rice shop called “Daughter K.Panich” in Thewet area which is not far from us. The fascination of mango with sticky rice of “Daughter K.Panich” is its special ingredient and procedure that makes the shop stay for more than 30 years. The special recipe was inherited from the owner’s mother generation; they use small and fastigiated sticky rice, not too hard nor too soft including the mellow taste, not too salty nor too sweet. The sticky rice of “Daughter K.Panich” is known as the star of its catergory.Absolutely! The thing you eat with sticky rice is “Mango”. There’re many kind of mango in Thailand but the breed of mango which people like to eat with sticky rice with “Og-Rong” and “Nam-Dok-Mai” because of the thick yellow meat, mellow and soft taste. The vendor said the most foreigners like “Og-Rong” and most thai people like “Nam-Dok-Mai”“Og-Rong” taste sweeter than “Nam-Dok-Mai”, the texture is smooth and silky but taste mild. For the taste of “Nam-Dok-Mai”, they are less sweet, richer in 'mango' flavor but taste less smooth.Furthermore, “Daughter K.Panich” doesn’t only sell only mango and sticky rice but also sell egg custard that can be accompanied by mango and sticky rice for richer flavour.

"Phranakorn Nornlen" by Boom

In PN Story, we will tell you about who we are, what we did, (what we) are doing and (what we) will do in the future. But in the first issue, let us tell you about how we become to Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel.
You may have a question like why it is called Phranakorn Nornlen and how we got this name. 
At first, when our hotel was renovated, P’Rose* and P’Oak (the owners of our hotel) thought of its name. They have at least 4 names like Hong Lek Lek (little rooms), Baan Suan Farang (Guava Garden House), Baang Jeen (Jeen is the word which we use to call Chinese people ; there are many Chinese people live in that area), K and Son (K is the first alphabet of P’Oak’s mother). But all of them don’t sound smooth so they change to think about the name of it by using the name of the area the hotel is situated. Then the word Phranakorn was poped up!
Phranakorn is the name of the district that our hotel is located (it is an old city). Then P’Oak tried to find the other word that will be followed the word Phranakorn (Harmonious). Soon he found the word Nornlen which means the act you lydown on and relax. Finally, they choose these 2 words combined to our hotel’s name!
Next issue, we will let you know about our hotel’s concept and also the service ka.Hope you have a wonderful days!
Note : * P’ stands for Pee in Thai. It means brother and sister who is older than you. And then follow with a name of a person like P’Rose etc. And there is also N’ which stands for Nong. It means brother and sister who is younger than you.

Light up the past at Talad Meud (Night Market) by Neng

Seeing old photos might bring back somebody’s memory of childhoodWhile others may choose to go back to their old schools, amusement park, or the Disneyland.For me, whenever I want to feel the past, I choose to visit Talad Meud Klong Thom (Klong Thom night market)“How much is this cost ?”I grab one cartoon model and give it to the seller to bargain. This cartoon model is exactly the same with the one I had when I was young. Even though it’s not my first time in Klong Thom night market, I feel as if it’s the first time here. It’s because you’ll always find something new, and it’s the charm of this night market. Klong Thom night market locates on Charoen Krung road, covers most area of the road until Sue Pa road. (near by Klang hospital) During the day of the week days, you’ll mostly find hardware and electrical appliances here. But on the Saturday night, it’s the center of secondhand goods including antiques.It’s like this market sells almost everything you can think of. “If you come here to buy any particular things, you may not find it. But you’ll find what you want by chance”. At the very first time I came here, one seller told me that this idea is the truth because almost everything is sold here. You’ll find everything from household appliances, electric appliances, hardware, clothes, shoes, even a used shampoo bottle! “Selling things around the world” should be the right definition of this night market.Coming to this night market, is like to light up my childhood memory. It’s the feeling like when you find something you really like. It’s like you find the T-shirt you often wear in a pile of cloths in your closet. It’s like you find your favorite album in the drawer you’re about to clear it up. Therefore, coming to Klong Thom is like sitting in the time machine back to the good old days in childhood. If you feel so stressful from your work, or your study, I recommend you come here to escape from your hectic life. Even though it’s not the beautiful place here, but I believe that things you find will make you feel good like you feel in the past. And you wouldn’t believe how cheap they are. It already happened to me! For example, the cartoon model which is the same of what I had when I was in primary school, it costs only 50 baht. This is what I call “priceless”, And The old school book which really reminds me of my old friends, even though its price is almost double to the price on its cover, I feel inexpensive at all.Or even the VCD of old movies which I used to watch with my father, its price is not even over 100 baht.. This really reminds me of the scene of the past. It’s really what I call “Pay less, Get more” In the dusk of Saturday, put your hand in your pocket, if you find not much money..I recommend you go to buy the light of the past to light up the darkness of your mind caused by nowadays chaos.“If you want it, I give you 100 baht, this is really cheap” I think I agree with this proposed price, because at the same time, I think of the value of this cartoon model, which is beyond the measurement by price but the unique attachment with past.

Live with enthusiasm by Donald

Travelling became my enthusiasm since I was very young, thanks to my mum as she has been very supportive and generous by taking me and my brother around the world. Through travel I 've learned a very valuable lesson: alternatives- means there are many ways to deal with the same thing, such as life style, work or just a simple meal.I was lucky to have a chance to study abroad for 9 years, during that period I got to see most of the european countries ( also many other countries), specially after I started my degree in Architecture ( lots of field trips). From a group tourist turned to a backpacker, and eventually an independent traveller. I knew travelling is the thing that keep me going, every holiday is a chance for me to see the world, I just can't stay at home and doing nothing.I was an architectural designer, In that three years I was trying hard to convince myself that I love it, but the fact was- I liked it. very different between like and love, I came to a bottle neck: should I get my part 3 (as a registered architect)done or I should do what I love?The answer is very obvious.I travelled to Thailand to see my fiancee every two months during my 'employee' period. Not only her but I seriously love this country, so as my family. We always look forward to have a break there. I felt inspired by all these, the people, street vendors, culture, chaos.... I was engergized after every visit.with the supports of my family I finally made my move. I said good-bye to what I liked and started what I love in BKK. I believe life will be far more fullfilled if things are being treated with enthusiasm. If the thing that I am doing is what I love, I won't be able to draw a clear line between two: life & work. when the time I was writing this, do you think I am working or living?

Southern Vegetable by Dao

On March1-5, 2008 we went to Chumporn for a field trip to learn something new in order to bring the ideas back to develop our hotel…I had many things to tell you but I prefer talking about food because I love eating. There are many kinds of food that I’ve never tried, but when I did. I have to say ‘awesome’
The food I would like to recommend you is Puk Liang menu. Its name might be strange for the Bangkok people but it’s not for the people from the southern part of Thailand. Everybody knows it.
Puk Liang (Gnetum gnemon var. Tenerum Markgr) is a native vegetable. It’s a perennial plant with a shrub. It is 1-2 metres- height (from my eyesight because I can pluck its leaves). Puk Liang has a narrow long leaves, red leaves for leaflet and green leaves for grown leaves. The taste of uncooked Puk Liang is tasteless.
I ever eat Puk Liang with Thai vermicelli eaten with curry, so yummy!!! You can adapt to many menu, such as Puk Liang with shrimp paste soup, Puk Liang with with coconut milk soup, Puk Liang Pud Kai (Puk Liang fry with egg). Especially Puk Liang fry with egg, is my favourite menu because it create a very distinctive flavor !!! The cooking process is not complicated, like you doing some vegetable fry menu. The other menu that I would like to recommend is Puk Liang with shrimp paste soup, the one that my mom usually cooking for me. The ingredient and cooking process also not complicated, you boil the water and put shrimp paste then put red onion, and wait until water boil then put Puk Liang in and hurry to carry pot down (if you take a long time, it’ll be wilt and unsavory). Finally, I’ll let you know about properties and nutrient of Puk Liang. There’re many benefit for your health such as Beta-Carotene, Protein, Lipid, Carbohydrate. Especially Beta-Carotene you can gain a lot from this vegetable. All benefit you found can protect night blindness and nourish brain.