As we get older, it seems like time goes faster and faster, but today, you will also hear lots of young people talking about how time flies. I can’t remember that I, as a teenager, thought that time went too fast. Could it have something to do with the fact that we all live in a digital world today?
I do think so. For better or worse, who can say?
The world we live in today hardly looks rosy: wars, protests, shocking crimes, such as the rape of a 100-year-old woman in Sweden, gang violence, murders, and much more.
Not a day that goes by without waking up to terrible news.
Here in Thailand, we are following the conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia.
Many say it concerns a specific region. Some mention disputes over temples, and others believe it may be linked to talk of a possible decision to allow casinos in Thailand — a proposal that, so far, has never become law.
In the past, many Thais crossed the border into Cambodia to engage in gambling. If Thailand were to permit casinos, Cambodia would likely lose substantial sums of money — so the situation is probably not that simple.
We have also seen some new rules in Thailand as e.g., that we now have to complete a so-called electronic arrival card to enter the Kingdom, and that it must be done three days prior to arrival, which can sometimes be quite complicated. This has replaced the card that used to be distributed on board the aircraft for passengers to complete.
Personally, I found it much easier to fill it in by hand than online.
When my friends and I returned from a brief trip to Siem Reap, we had not managed to fill in correctly online.
We were instructed by immigration staff to go back and line up in order to enter the information on the laptops that were set up in a row. We were certainly not alone in having problems. It was a long wait before we each reached a laptop. Many people – especially older travelers – struggled to make it work, and there was no one to turn to for help.
After many failed attempts to make it work, I lost my patience and walked over to a guard who had been stationed to direct first-class passengers and diplomats to the fast-track lane. I handed him my phone and asked for help. He looked at me up and down as if I were from outer space and understood nothing, and on top of that he had the nerve to ask if I had been drinking. I saw red, but kept a polite tone and said that it had been a short, intense trip to Siem Riep and that no alcohol had been consumed. He glared at me, but managed to make it work in two seconds, although I noticed he wasn’t particularly careful what he entered.
It took us a long time before we could go and pick up our luggage, which of course, was not to find. We, at last, could pick it up at “lost and found”.
Arriving at the new, enormous airport in Siem Reap was exciting. About twenty people were lined up to check passports and visas, all incredibly friendly and efficient, and we were outside and on our way to our waiting taxi in no time – a very positive experience.
Recently, when I went to top up my BTS card, that suddenly wasn’t possible either, without my passport. Fortunately, I had it with me – an ID card or a photo of the passport was not accepted. This is the first time I have encountered this, and I can’t help but wonder why it is necessary. It happened at Asoke and perhaps controls are stricter there than at other stations — what do I know??
In my opinion, too many things have become too complicated.
On a more positive note, Bangkok has welcomed a new Swedish fine-dining restaurant called EBBE, after the Chef.
Unfortunately, Villa Frantzen on Yenakath, has closed its door. This exclusive restaurant, with its somewhat austere, yet typical Swedish interior, and its location in a stunning, park-like garden, unfortunately did not last long. Was it due to the location, too high prices or why?
Chef Ebbe Vollmer has earned two Michelin stars in Sweden and one Michelin star in Florida/US. Chef Ebbe’s philosophy represents a natural evolution of: pure flavors, fire, fermentation, balance and simplicity. At his restaurant, EBBE Bangkok, he and his team will stay true to a clear Nordic identity, using the very best seasonal ingredients and a precise technique to let each product shine.
Chef Ebbe Vollmer grew up in Hörby, a small village in southern Sweden. From an early age, he helped his grandmother in her restaurant.
At the age of 16, he moved to London to train as a chef, working in some of the city’s best restaurant kitchens. Among others, he trained under Gordon Ramsay at his restaurant on Royal Hospital Road.
Ebbe has also worked as executive chef at JAAN in Singapore, one of the world’s top-ranked restaurants.
In Malmö, Ebbe, together with his brother Mats Vollmer, founded the prestigious restaurant Wollmers. The restaurant received its first Michelin star in 2015, followed by two stars in 2017. Wollmers focuses on modern Nordic fine dining, with menus rooted in local produce and Skåne traditions.
Over the years, Ebbe has led kitchens and appeared as a guest chef in countries such as Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia.
If I have now piqued your curiosity about Restaurant EBBE and you are planning to visit, the restaurant is located inside the Erawan Bangkok Building, Unit LG-06, Ploenchit Road and easily accessible by BTS Skytrain, Station Chit Lohm.
Opening hours Monday to Saturday 5.30 pm and last order approximately 8.00 pm. Closed Sundays.
Let us hope that Restaurant EBBE is here to stay. Best of luck, Chef Ebbe and team.
Over the past month, several delightful concerts have taken place in Benjakitti Park Bangkok, attracting large audiences. People of all ages – from children and teenagers to older visitors – have enjoyed these free performances.
A welcome and refreshing addition to our hectic times.
Somewhat more disappointing is the fact that SWEA Bangkok, for the second time, was forced to cancel our 25th anniversary celebration due to too few registrations.
Perhaps there is less interest today in social gatherings and celebrations than there was in the past?
Is there, in fact, still a need for an organization like SWEA in today’s world?
Unfortunately, I cannot give a clear answer to that – I suppose only the future will tell.
Stay tuned for more and enjoy every day!
