Well folks, I'm finally heading back to NYC. Yep, my almost 6-month stay in Bangkok has come to an end. Crazy, right?! I know many people didn't think I was gonna come back. Certainly, life works in funny ways. I had only planned on coming to stay in Bangkok with my family for a couple months as part of my maternity leave after baby K was born. But as I've mentioned in an earlier post, it became a much longer stay. The unexpected turn of events that brought us to Bangkok was such a blessing because I got to enjoy this new phase of my life of being a mother and watching baby K grow and get pampered by his grandparents. In this time, I also got the opportunity to focus on myself and get back in shape post-pregnancy. I even managed to squeeze in a bit of travel around Thailand and Singapore. If you were following me on Instagram (hashtag #richainbkk), you know how much I was living it up!

So it's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my family because I enjoyed a wonderful past few months with them. On the flip side,  I'm excited to head back and catch up with friends and family in the US. I've been away for far too long! And the other half of Urban Mantra, Shruti, is very mad that I kept her nephew baby K away from her for this long. :)

So adieu Bangkok and hello again New York! Postings may be a bit infrequent as I settle back in after a long absence (though I'm always active on Instgram! Hehe!). So please bear with us and as always, thank you for reading Urban Mantra and following our travels!

A few highlights from my time in Asia (clockwise from top left): Enjoyed Thai food, hanging out with a 3-month old baby K, chilling beachside at Krabi, a visit to Uma Devi temple in Bangkok on Jan 1, tuktuk rides in Bangkok, all dressed in desi clothes for a pooja at home, shopping at colorful Haji Lane in Singapore, a tiger on my lap in Kanchanaburi (no big deal!), baby K and I at the Singapore Gardens by the Bay

Today’s “In My City” post features Urban Mantra’s hometown of Bangkok! 

Just like they say that the French possess an innate fashion sense, I find the Thais to be a generally well-dressed lot. They take great care in their appearance. The average person on the street is neatly dressed with a basic sense of style, Indeed, I would describe the Thai dressing sensibility as smart and well put-together. To emulate that style, take what I’m wearing here. A pastel pink top and a black & white striped skirt (with pockets!) paired with black heels and a hot pink bag. Somewhat matchy-matchy but not overdone. Hopefully smart and put-together? The top was purchased at Siam and the skirt at Terminal 21 (one of my favorite places to shop in Bangkok and described in greater detail in an older post).

Top from Siam, skirt from Terminal 21, shoes from Banana Republic,
necklace from J. Crew, Lauren by Ralph Lauren Newbury tote

Now let's talk about shopping in the so-called City of Angels, known to turn even those who hate shopping into shopaholics! Whether it’s trendy clothes, cute shoes and bags, local handicrafts or home wares, you are sure to find something that fits your budget. From high end malls to street shopping, you can have your pick of the lot! So where do you go for what? Where do the locals like to shop? Where can you get the best stuff at the best prices? Urban Mantra’s got you covered. Read on for more details…

• MBK is an old favorite for budget-friendly apparel (clothes, shoes, purses, makeup), accessories, and souvenirs 
• Terminal 21 is located right in the city center and is a great place to buy trendy clothes and accessories. You can spend a whole afternoon there, wandering through the little stores and exploring what they have to offer. I also love the kitchy airport theme they have going on at this mall. Each floor is a different city and is designed accordingly. It’s actually quite fun! 
• Are you the type of person who likes to load up on things if you like something? Then Platinum Mall is the place for you. Here, prices of goods are cheaper if you buy in threes vs just one. For example, if you are looking to buy gifts for a few friends, or a bunch of jewelry, or perhaps different colors of nail polish, then this is a great place to come! 
• Chatuchak is a huge street market open only on weekends but boy, can you find great stuff here! You can find everything under the sun here in terms of clothes, shoes, bags, scarves, jewelry, etc. But personally, I love, love, love coming here for the unique home decor items and local Thai handicrafts sold at a much lower price point compared with anywhere else. This outdoor market is shaded but still, be mentally prepared to deal with the discomfort of the heat! 
• If shopping for high end designer goods or the recognizable name brand stores (eg, Zara, Mango, Forever 21, etc), then head on over to Emporium, Central, or Siam Paragon 
• For street shopping for clothes by up and coming local designers, Siam Square is the place for you. Be sure to bargain!

The Thai people are known to be friendly, fun-loving, and easy-going people. Perhaps no other event exemplifies this characteristic better than the Thai New Year festival of Songkran. During this time, Bangkok city turns into one big water festival. At every nook and street corner, you'll find groups of people armed with water pistols, hoses, and large tubs of water with the single-minded goal of dousing passerbys. There's no escaping this water attack - you will get soaked and that too, repeatedly! The water symbolizes the washing away all sins and bad luck from the year before and purifies you for the start of a new year. This glorified water fight couldn't have been better timed. This is also around the time of year when Bangkok heat starts to become stifling, and the cool water offers a much needed respite.

It has been several years since I happened to be in Bangkok for Songkran, and I had almost forgotten how much fun (or painful, depending on how much you appreciate being put through a veritable rinse cycle) it can be! The other day, I happened to walk along the streets and captured a few candid shots of Songkran revelry. Unsuspecting tourists and locals alike, no one was safe from the water wars going on around town. I'm of the belief that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And if you're a true Bangkokian, you will join them! After taking a few pictures from a safe and dry distance, I set my camera aside. I walked up to some people holding a water hose and said, "Hit me!" in Thai. A few seconds later, I was dripping wet down to my shoes!

On a side note, Songkran marks the beginning of spring and the harvest season. Songkran is believed to be derived from the Sanskirt term sankranti and coincides with many other spring festivals in India, like Vaisakhi and Gudi Padwa. Some compare Songkran to Holi but without the use of rang. Whatever it is, it's one hell of a fun time where adults and children alike join in on some good natured mischief-making!

Note: The first two pictures have been taken from other sources but the rest taken by yours truly.

Songkran turns into a foam party too (source)

 I wish I could have witnessed this in real life! (Source)

Just because they're little girls doesn't mean they can't play hard! 

Hey! Come join us!

A water and dance party happening on the streets

A tuk tuk, a tourist, and a water gun

Beware the person who holds a water rifle on a speedy motorcycle

Gotcha!

Old uncles know how to have fun too!

It’s been four months since I came home to Bangkok to enjoy an extended maternity leave, and I marvel at how quickly the time has gone by. The last time I spent this much time at home was probably during my school days. After that, I went to the US for college and ended up settling there. Now that I’m actually getting this rare opportunity to spend a good length of time in my home city, I’m relishing all the little joys and comforts I don’t usually find in the US. So I got to thinking, what are the things I would miss when I leave Bangkok and return to NYC? This is what I came up with (in no particular order):

1. The massages, people, the massages! They are so relaxing, and the best thing about them? The affordability factor. Back in the US, treating yourself to a spa is an expensive event. Here, people think nothing of going for a massage at any time or day as they cost next to nothing (if you convert into dollars). Had a long day at work? Pamper yourself with a foot massage! Feeling a bit fatigued? Treat yourself to an oil massage! Feeling lazy? Call the masseuse over to your house!
2. Getting my hair done on the cheap. Like, really cheap. For under $10, I can get a hair wash and a blowout done really well. In fact, most places here do a better job with hair than anywhere else I’ve tried in the US, India, or Singapore. 
3. Stuffing my face with local street food (and not gaining weight). Yes, that’s the beauty of Thai food. It is generally healthy, low in fat content, and made with fresh ingredients. Besides the food, the variety of tropical fruits here are to die for - mango, coconut, papaya, lychee, etc. It’s a natural juice cleanse everyday! 
4. Stuffing my face with food at home (and maybe gaining a little bit of weight). Moms love to feed you and when they cook so well, who can resist? Chaat, golgappas, paneer parathas, srikhand, jalebis, halwa, and even butter - all made freshly at home!
5. This might sound a bit bourgeois but…the help. There’s someone who does your laundry and neatly irons your clothes, keeps the house sparkling clean, and makes you a hot cup of chai when you like. While I’m thankful that my years in the US have taught me how to be independent and self-sufficient, it’s nice to get a little break every now and then from the mentally and physically tedious household chores (OK fine, so maybe the break has been a leeeeetle longer in my case). 
6. Being able to get around on a motorbike. You may have heard of tuk tuks in Bangkok but have you heard of motorbike riders? Weaving stealthily through the busy, traffic-congested streets of Bangkok, these rides get you to where you need to be in a matter of minutes. Sure, your hair will look like a crow’s nest by the end of the journey but it’s fun. Plus, this is the closest I get to feeling “edgy” and satisfying my need for speed in this crowded metropolis.

And now that you think I’m a complete self-indulgent glutton, let me tell you - what sounds like a lavish thing in one country is just the way of life in another. I swear I’m not as spoiled as I make it sound. :)

And now, outfit pictures and details below. As you can tell, I was in a spring-y mood. I love this Ritu Kumar top (a lovely gift from my mother-in-law) because it's so versatile. You can easily dress it up or dress down and pair with different colors. I went with a green pleated skirt here but white denims or a pink or blue skirt would work just as well.

Top from Ritu Kumar (Mumbai), pleated skirt from CC Double O (Bangkok), wedges from Promod, Sierra necklace from Stella & Dot, sequin clutch (random store in Delhi) 

December is the one month when Bangkokians get respite from the heat and humidity with balmy, spring-like weather. Shruti and I were just hanging out and soaking in the sun last week when we were visiting home, so we kept our look ultra casual. Very few accessories, just a pair of sunglasses and high contrast colors to make a statement. Shruti wore a maxi dress that combines black & white stripes with a lovely shade of turquoise. Meanwhile, I paired a black flare skirt with a printed tee (Don’t mind the pasty white legs - I’m working on my tan after months of covering them in the chilly weather in NYC!). These are easy, simple looks that work for this kind of weather. But you could refashion these outfits for the winters as well - just layer the maxi dress with a cropped jacket and scarf. For the skirt and tee combo, just add tights, boots, and a faux fur vest to complete the look.

Hope you're enjoying your December weather, wherever you happen to be!

Maxi dress from MBK Shopping Mall (Bangkok), Oscar de la Renta sunglasses

Tee from Terminal 21 (Bangkok), H&M flare skirt, Fendi sunglasses

Life has unexpected twists - last week, I was braving the chilly weather in New York. Little did I know that a week later, I would be flying halfway across the globe. An unexpected and happy development in my personal life has led me home to Thailand where I will be spending the next few months with my family. These pictures were taken in Central Park right before I had left town last week. The weather was cool and crisp then, just perfect for this colorful and cozy Aztec-print cardigan. Unfortunately, I won’t get to wear it for quite some time considering that I’d probably burst into flames wearing such a thick article of clothing in the warm tropical weather in Bangkok! But hey, I’m not complaining…I’d much rather be here than in the arctic cold that New York is currently experiencing.

Here's to wishing all those who celebrate Thanksgiving a very pleasant holiday weekend spent with near and dear ones. And to those who braved the Black Friday sales (because we all know how horrific and chaotic shopping can be on that day), do share your experiences!

H&M cardigan, top from AIIZ (from Bangkok), Uniqlo jeans, Stradivarius pumps (from Spain), Old Navy belt, Express cuff, Rebecca Minkoff purse

Pad thai

 A wise person once said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food”. I couldn’t agree more. Being back in New York now after my whirlwind trip to Thailand, I’m suffering from all sorts of withdrawal symptoms. Food is one of them. 

When I visit home, I make sure to check my diet at the door and embrace all the culinary delights that my mother’s kitchen and Bangkok has to offer. At home, my mother spoils me with all my favorite home-made Indian dishes and desserts. And while out and about in the city, I’m a veritable “food butterfly”, hopping from one Thai food stall to the next! Undoubtedly, among the things I miss while living here in the States is the authentic Thai food made with the freshest of herbs and ingredients. What’s more, the boring apple and banana is soon forgotten for the more exciting varieties of tropical fruits bursting with flavor, such as pommelo, mangosteen, dragonfruit, lychees, longans, jackfruit, durian, rose apple, coconut, mangoes, and papaya. Even though my gastronomical experience in Bangkok often results in overindulgence, I always return from my trips feeling healthier and more refreshed. Somehow, it’s easy to let go of the all-too-common habit of reaching for soda, processed foods, carbs, and sweets that I typically have while living in the US. 

As I sit here missing all the foods I enjoyed just last week on the other side of the world, allow me to share my Bangkok food diaries with you. Try not to drool too much!

Fresh fruit juices of all kinds

Intricate fruit carvings from papaya, watermelon, and cantaloupe

Have you ever tried dragonfruit?

These are not actual fruits but Thai sweets made to appear like miniature fruits and vegetables

Who can resist cupcakes?

Pad khee mao (drunken noodles) and yam thua phu (tangy green bean salad)

Thai crepe-like snacks

 Tell us, what is your favorite Thai dish? And what type of food do you miss most when you're away from home? We wanna know! 

What do you get when you combine a very floral blazer with sunny weather? A tropical getaway! Something about this combination just screams "chilling by the beach while sipping coconut water straight from the coconut" (as ridiculous as that sounds). And while that certainly wasn't feasible in the midst of bustling Bangkok city, imagining that I could made all the difference.

I'm typically one who hates florals - one, it drudges up horrific memories of bad fashion choices with florals in middle school and two, it reminds me of something grandmas would wear. But as with many of us, if you see something often enough on others, it grows on you. And so, after many many years, I now find myself with a floral piece back in my closet. I'm slowly warming up to the idea. Not sure if I can do floral pants yet...baby steps, you know? So please be kind. :)

P.S. - This is Urban Mantra's 100th post! Yay! :)

F21 blazer, white tank & jeans from Bangkok, bead bracelets from Target, silver cluster ring from India, Coach clutch, no name sunnies

Bangkok Travel Tip: Check out Amaranth Skin Care & Spa. I went there for a facial the other day and it was DIVINE! The facial included a series of seaweed, herbal, and cucumber face masks along with an uber relaxing hot stone massage. I walked out floating in the air after it was over. $27 (800 baht) for an hour and a half? You can't argue with that.

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Last Friday, I boarded a plane in NYC on a cool spring night...22 hours later, I found myself in hot and humid Bangkok on a Sunday morning (somewhere in the space-time continuum, I lost a Saturday). Aside from the brief disorientation from jet lag (which explains why I'm awake and blogging right now when I should be sleeping), boy does it feel good to be home! Coming to Bangkok is always a treat - indulgence in Thai and home-cooked Indian food that I just can't get anywhere else, quality massages, facials, and other spa treatments that are so inexpensive that you can afford to get one every day, shopping you'll go ga-ga over, and lots of time with family and relatives. It's going to be a short, whirlwind trip for me this time but I look forward to making the most of it.

Coming to Bangkok has definitely made me skip spring and put me in a summer state of mind. These are pictures taken by the pool in my apartment building. Can you tell just how bright and sunny it is outside? I was literally doing a happy dance as I reached for my summer maxi dress, hat, flipflops, and sunglasses! Along with the warm breeze and the palm trees in the backdrop, all that was missing was a jump in the pool...which I did soon after these pictures were taken. :)

Happy Monday y'all! Have a great week ahead!

F21 dress, Nine West purse, Piperlime bead necklace, Target hat and bracelets, flip flops from Bangkok

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Happy Loy Kratong everyone! Loy Kratong is the Thai festival of giving thanks (a Thai “Thanksgiving”, you could say!) and of making wishes for the year ahead. The most beloved part of the festival is the floating of “kratongs”, which are small lotus-shaped receptacles made of banana leaves and flowers, into a pond or river.  Per tradition, people pray to the water goddess as they light the candles and incense on the kratong, asking to have their troubles float away and to be blessed with good luck. As the night goes on, rivers and ponds across Thailand are illuminated with small candle-lit floats, making this easily one of the most beautiful Thai festivals!

While growing up in Bangkok, I participated in this festival every year by crafting kratongs in art class and releasing them into a nearby pond with family and friends. Since moving to the US, I haven’t been able to partake in these traditions…until today! After an 8-year gap, my annual trip to Thailand has coincided with this festival and has given me the chance to celebrate it once again! While a lot has changed in the last 8 years, one thing that remains the same is my excitement over festivals and traditions. I always turn into a kid when I get a chance to relive my childhood memories like this! Here’s to hoping that all our readers are blessed with good luck for the year ahead!

Everyone knows what a great shopping destination Bangkok is. And you can certainly imagine what we've been up to during our trip...SHOPPING! :) We'd love to give you a whole list of places to shop in Bangkok, but that could take a whole day (and maybe that's a topic for another time)! So instead, here are a few pictures from our afternoon at Terminal 21, our new favorite place to shop. Terminal 21 is a relatively new shopping mall that has popped up and is designed in a very interesting way. The mall has been made to resemble an airport (hence the name "Terminal") with each floor representing a different city, like San Francisco, Istanbul, Japan, and London. The decor on each floor is reminscent of the architectural style of each city. Each floor is chockful of little boutiques by local designers with all the latest trends in clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories (be sure to visit the Jaspal and CPS stores). We just can't get enough of all the cute stuff they have at very affordable prices. (Tip: There is some room for bargaining but not too much). Definitely a must-visit for any local or tourist!

Constant eating is something that goes hand in hand with a trip home to Bangkok. We just can't help it. A few pictures from last night's family dinner at Audrey Cafe and Bistro. It's a cute restaurant in Sukhumvit Soi Thonglor with a chic, French "frou frou" vibe. The menu offerings are varied with continental food though they specialize in Thai cuisine. What was really memorable at Audrey were the desserts. I don't know what we were thinking but we ended up ordering three different kinds of desserts and received complimentary tiramiru bites on top of that. Calorie overload, much? But that goes with the territory when you're on vacation, right? We'll worry about working those pounds off later...:)