Queen Eileen's

2010-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Second day here and I take off for the other side of the Island to Meman. My ex and his Thai wife are staying there in a cabana on the beach and we have visited each other through out Bangkok We went to the Thai version of Walmart, Tesco Lotus, (check out the gift baskets and the pizza, it has pepperoni and shrimp and cheese yuk) had a fabulous home cooked lunch and hung out at their place for a while. They took me to see some land they bought and we met their neighbor. It was the most filthy home I had ever been in. I was glad to get out of there. The people are friendly and it was a good day trip. I met some German kids on the way back to Chewang in the Tuk Tuk and they were not quite sure how to travel around so I negotiated a fare for them and we headed off to Chewang. ( The main drag in Koh Samui, Queenie says a cross between Rio and Acapulco). All the Germans wanted to do was go to Disney Park and ride rollercoasters. So fun to meet people from all over the world. The customs are so strange and wonderful. For instance the Honeymooners have different customs based on where you are from. In Korea they wear clothing made out of the same fabric design, the wife a dress and the husband shorts. The Indians have the wives wear bracelets from wrist to elbow on each arm for 40 days. They were very beautiful, some diamond like crystals and some a deep red. But 4 days and to the elbow? You sure can't put any weight on during the first 40 days because you can't bend your elbow to put anything in your mouth. Amazing people from all over and friendly. I got back to the resort to find Queenie in a lot of pain from having her teeth whitened. The bleach had irritated the nerves in her teeth and I got a little worried. So we went back to the dentist and they gave her some stronger medication. But still the pain was bad. So we spotted this VW van painted up and fabricated to be a rolling bar. We sat down and Queenie threw back 2 Long Island ice teas. It relaxed her enough to have a little dinner and stop in a pharmacy to see what they could do for the pain. With more pain killers in bags we hung out with two Aussie boys and a british couple at a bar called Islander. It was great fun. The english couple were Pub owners and had a great gift of gab. and the Aussie boys were the most fun with great facial expressions. I really enjoyed myself and I think Queenie forgot about her pain for a while. Back to the resort and some Mango and sticky rice and off to bed. So Now to make the most of our last day. I'll post my next blog this evening. Until then, CHEWANG!

Koh Samui to youee

2010-10-12T17:19:00.001-07:00

Here we are in Koh Samui. And it is incredible. We flew in after a short hop from Chaing Mai. Where The Indian Cashmere peddler barely let me out of the city. But more about that another time. We settled into our Villa style room with huge doors that open up the bath tub so you can soak and look out over the island. We had a gourmet dinner at the resort with decorated food better than food network ever showed. And the flavors are killer. As a matter of fact I'm writing this really fast so I can go to breakfast. When we woke up yesterday we went on a tour of the island. With some of these photos you can see the elaborate temples and statues they have here. Then the sweeping views, not to mention the mummified Monk and the Rocks shaped like penis and vaginas. Un believable. They call them Grandma and Grandpa. Then we cruised on the beach and had a cocktail or beer at every bar that had a bed or comfy seating. It was really relaxing and the people watching was like taking a trip around the world. We stopped at a recommended restaurant, Rice and had a delicious Salad and Veggie Pizza.before we headed back to the resort in a Red truck cab that you hang out the back of. It was a great day and I'm ready for another one. I have decided that I love Thailand now. Just not Chaing Mai or Bangkok. So I'll be back with more adventures of Queenie and Denisie. Until then Kap Koon Ka ( Thank You for reading )

Trouble wih photos

2010-10-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned I have to figure out the photo upload problem. Be back asap.

Last day in Chaing Mai

2010-10-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

We are down to our last few hours in Chaing Mai. We arrived at the airport early for our flight and took a pic with this big gold guy. Finally in Chaing Mai we did a ton of shopping at all the out door markets and experiencd some rain. There is really not that much for us to do here since we have been here before, ridden elephants, played with tigers and visited all the temples. So not such an exciting visit. All business. We did meet a vendor from Kasimer India who sell Cashmere pashminas and oter Indian handicrafts. He to a liking to me and asked me to go dancing and if he could follow me to Koh Samui. He was very sweet and old enough to be my son. I'll have coffee with him and say so long this morning. I have included some pics of our visit here. A night market visit, and other things we did along the way. Oh and the foot massage in Thailand sucks. They space out and only rub your calfs.. Mine are numb by now. Not recommended. And don't drink the Chang Beer it gives you massive headache in morning. Till Koh Samui Kap Koon Ka.PS The pics aren't coming out so I'll place them on a different post right after this.

Chaing Mai goes to Kasimer

2010-10-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

So after telling queenie that our pane left 5 ours earlier than it really did (wrong itinerary) we spent 4 hours in a great Bangkok customer lounge with wi fi and snacks. We finally boarded and headed off to Chaing Mai. I'll continue in the AM. It gets really good. Stay tuned

One or two or three nights in Bangkok and the worlds your oyster.

2010-10-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

So here I am with only a few hours of internet. It costs $20 a day in our hotel. Which I might add is the tallest building in Bangkok. We are on the 48th floor, the ladys floor. No men allowed:) Breakfast is on the 78th floor and the observation deck is on the 83rd floor. Amazing. The first stop on our first evening was Koh San St. We ate street food and bought visited a few vendors. A few Tiger beers on the street and back to our hotel in a Tuk Tuk for a good nights sleep. The next morning Queenie slept a bit and I went off to breakfast. The buffet wrapped around the entire building and was like traveling to every country in the world. Fresh fruit, European style, Asian style, Indian style, Arab, American, and every place in between. I really tried to taste the best of everything. I settled on fresh fruit, Nan bread hot with sweet milk on top and coconut pudding balls. They are Thai. When I left I noticed a floor down was a museum of Bangkok with old photos on the wall to show how it used to be in the late 1800's to mid 1930. Each side of the building had ariel photos pin pointing places of interest you were looking out over, like Grand Palace, Emerald Buddah and the Weekend Market. Also they had little galleries where you could pose yourself and snapshot away. I went and got Queenie and we got in everyone. Don't even need to show you Bangkok it is all here. We shopped all day at the wholesale garmet district and I came back and kicked it. Had a little Thai Belly going on so I laid low. Queenie went to dinner with some friends. This morning Queenie went and had a physical at the Four Star Hospital, (in perfect health, Yea!) and I went off to have lunch with my 1st husband and his beautiful Thai wife Mun. We had a great time. We are still great friends. Now I'm blogging away my last few minutes of $20 internet and will meet Queenie for dinner later. Tomorrow early we go to the weekend market then jet off to the island of Koh Samui for R and R. I'll blog when I get there. Be home a week from today. Oh I accidentally took a pictue of myself trying to see if the lens popped out. Thought you'd enjoy my blond moment. Bangkok out.

Finally the internet again.

2010-10-08T01:10:00.001-07:00

Here we are in Bangkok. It was the sadest thing to leave Bali. I left off with our trip back to Legian from Lovina Beach. As I said the countryside was beautiful. We stopped along the road to take photos and went to a market place to buy spices and a traditional Balinese skirt and top for me. Along the way we encountered sprawling mountainsides covered with rice paddies and thick green jungle. We also stopped at a photo op where Queenie played with snacks and Bats. Yes she is now the Bat Queen. I stood on the otherside of the street it was so freaky. At last our return to Legian had Queenie back on the streets shopping and I tried to get some blogging done. Ergo the Latte spill. I did a little walk about where I spotted a dragon beach cruiser. How fun would it be to cruise around Encinitas on that. I later met Queenie in the wild Bar across the street from our hotel. She was chatting it up with a family from New Zealand (Kiwis). Nari, Carol and Kate. They were great fun only to be added to by the atmosphere and crazy waiters. I slep great that night. We finished up last minute business the next day and had a great Thai dinner at a little Cafe around the corner that was standing room only and the reason for that was the killer food. Warang something. Everyplace is Warang something or other. Usually great food at any Warang I've tried. A good nights sleep, some breakfast, stopped in at MSA Cargo and said bye to Ari, and off to Bangkok. I took some last minutes pics out the airplane window out of pure melancholy. Next stop Thailand. I still have not figured out how to edit the blog and it's photos on a Mac but I think you get the picture, Ha get it. The picture. OK not so funny. Bali Hi and on to Siam.

ALS After Latte Spill.

2010-10-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

So where we left off. We spent the rest of the day by the pool. Then headed off to town ( a single block ) where we ate at the Poco Bar ( owned by the owner of a vendor we purchase from ) and the waiter sat with us the whole time. But he was a cute Bali boy so I didn't mind. Also later he gave me a ride on his Motor Bike. Oh ya! My first in bali. He He! We awoke in the morning to find 50 Bali catamarans ready to take people off shore to see dolphin, like dolphin are going to come around 50 boats with squaking tourists speaking 20 different languages. They all came back while Queenie and I were having breakfast, saying no dolphins. Go figure. Sad to leave Lovina. Now on to the next blog where we have a fabulous drive back to the south of Bali. Bali HI

part 3

2010-10-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

So as I said we are on our way to Lovina Beach when we com across this temple. It was incredible. We stopped for some photo ops and back in the car to Lovina. Now this is an amazing place. Quietly beautiful slower and the most friendly people ever. Our hotel was beautiful and low key. But they had this way of taking flower petals and making art with them in large urns, stair steps, pots, well just about any where. I just spilled latte on my lap and will have to continue later. Til then Bali Hi

Part 2

2010-10-04T20:26:00.001-07:00

So Back to Ubud Lanai. Here we are enjoying the evening at Cendana. We then went out to Siam Sallys where we had the best food I have ever had. So fresh and flavorful. Cold springroll, Tom Ghai Soup and some noodle dish that was so good. Then the funky part. Not a taxi in sight and creepy guys trying to get us around the corner into their car for a ride back. For the first time I was uncomfortable in Bali. So I gad I got to see Ubud before the tourist influx. Thanks Eat Pray Invade. In the morning Kedek met us in the lobby and we headed off to Lovina Beach on the north side of the island. The ride through the mountains was beautiful. This is an amazingly green lush country with beauty abound.

Last day in Bali.

2010-10-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I was without power to the Mac so I have three days, so I have alot to catch up on. Friday Queenie frantically finished up her shopping so we could go to the North of the Island, with a stop in Ubud over night. We left with our driver Kedek and stopped at a few shops along the way. First the silver Vendor that looke like it was housed in a fantasy land, then to the vendor Queenie's famous shopping photo on her card was taken. When we got to Ubud (my used to be favorite place). There were busses full of tourist and crowded streets and unsavory feelings everywhere. We did however check into the Cendanna Resort which is still a slice of heaven even though more expensive than before. Queenie went off to visit a friend and I had a foot massage at our favorite place Kenko and then a stroll through Monkey Forest. Then back to the resort where Queenie and I enjoyed a Bintang and the Ubud sunset from our lanai. If the pics don't come on this blog of the lanai, I will post them on the next. Bali Hi

2010-10-02T02:33:00.000-07:00

Another day in Paradise. Bali Hi. I am attempting to Blog again. I have fresh photos and some info. Our second day in Bali I sent Queenie on her way to shop her buns off. I grabbed the cab with her to the Bintang Market in Seminyak and did a bit of shopping, had a bali coffee at the Seminyak Cafe then a quick stop at the Cargo company where our friend Ari printed out our airline ticket out of Bali which the travel agent failed to include in our e ticket package. Wow we could have been stuck here. Oh dear :) I walked back to our hotel in Legian and enjoyed a fabulous view of the ocean while lunching with Michael Mello Rochelle and Queenie.

I then scooted down the road and ordered a pair of made to fit orange snakeskin cowboy boots. $120 bucks ready in 5 days. Oh man. Patrick from Ubud invited us to a charity event at the Antara Resort. 4th floor club with big red beds to sit on and an ocean view at night, stunning. We enjoyed the leeche martinis and lounging around for a while then back to the Kumala Pantai for a light dinner and floor show of Traditional Balinese Dance. Yesterday Eileen did Double 6 street and finished most of her shopping. Still a bit more to do. I finally got a blog off and had a long walk where I found the Bintang store for Queenie to bring King Pat some Bintang Mugs. I then met up with our Zen couple and had a soft tarot card reading and green tea. It was very enjoyable to hear the positive forces in my life are at the helm. Queenie and I then headed to Warang Made for dinner and another dance show but this tme chidren were doing the dancing and they were much better than the night before. So we head out to Ubud next and I will continue then. Bali Hi

Bali Hi September 2010

2010-09-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well lets try this. After 28 hours of travel 14 of which Queenie slept and I got kick constantly by the 4 year old next to me. We arrived in glorious Bali. At our lay over in China Queenie was refreshed as you can see. And we met a hottie for Princess Shannon, Kevin who we lost in the Bali airport. Oh Well.

After we checked in to the Kumala Pantai Resort, We went for a swim in this fabulous pool. Hi Queenie, she's the one in the water :)

The entire ground of the Resort have these statues everywhere. They are majestic and beautiful to look at. They are everywhere. The next day I wanted to go meet all the people I email so I took off with Queenie to her vendors. We went full on all day with a stop at Tommy's Cafe for the best Ic Coffee ever and some lunch with Michael Mello and Tony at the Seminyak Cafe. So this is a test Blog. When I practice more they will be more together. So stay tuned. I'm having a bit of technical problems right now but it is a start. Bali Hi

Queenie's Newest Venture

2008-07-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Summer is upon us and we have been busy getting the new Queenie's Alley Outlet up and running. We cleared out our back warehouse, repainted and filled it with some of the most fun Beach Decor of all. Of course there is a ton of the treasures from Bali that Queenie and I brought back from Bali in April. Oh I forgot to mention that Queenie had to return to Bali in late May because we sold most of what we brought back in April. Poor Queenie, it's a dirty job but someone has to do it. :) So now we have a great place for retailers to come and purchase Bali jewelry and fun beachy decor at wholesale prices, without being chained to case packs or minimums. We also opened a spot in Costa Mesa (the O.C.)at a multi vendor store called Debra's Cottage. It is an amazing place. A huge building with hundreds of vendors. It has a real cottage feel and a massive aray of different items. It it so filled with fun and unique products that it take a while to see it all. Debra will host a summer Fun Event on Saturday July 12th, from 10-6. Eileen and I were lucky enough to run into one of these events quit by accident when we were checking out the location. There were vendor wide sales and refreshments along with storewide drawings. It was alot of fun. If you want to check it out go to Debra's Cottage 2777 Bristol St. Costa Mesa 92626 or log on to www.debrascottage.com. And that's not all. Of course we still continue to love our little store within a store at Leaping Lotus in Solana Beach. We have been there now for almost two years and continually get great feed back from our customers. Cindy at Leaping Lotus is the most fun person to hang with. She came and worked with us here at Queen Eileens last Christmas and we had a ball. But wait I'm not through. We opened another spot at Bamboo to You on Highway 101 in old Leucadia. In case you don't know the place, it has recently turned into a Tropical Mall. They have the most Tropical Decor I've ever seen. Tiki Bars, Palaypas, Bamboo Furniture and all things tropical. There are several rooms filled with an endless selection. Judy runs the place and she brings in something new everday. Last but not least, down on State Street in Carlsbad Janika Designs is carrying our Bali jewelry. Renee the owner says it sell really well there.
Well now it seems that you are totally filled in on our latest happenings. As for Eileen personally, Shannon graduated High School and is off to college in August. Pat is doing well up in LA at the airport. And Sir Winston is still the main attraction at Queen Eileens. For me personally, Rosie is starting a cake business, Rosie's Cakes. They are quit good but my kitchen has never been the same.

Ubud Orphanage

2008-04-19T03:03:00.000-07:00

Bali Hi from the orphanage in Ubud. To start our journey Katut the director of the orphanage and his brother Wayan picked us up at he Hyall in Sanur. The car was a four seat, small cargo vehicle. Well we were four girls and 3 bags each. It was Mr. Toads wild ride, packed in like sardines. We didn’t seem to notice due to the incredible scenery and fascinating conversation with Katut all about the orphange. We drove down a narrow street with rice fields and small stone houses with thatched roofs until we came to the orphanage. We entered a low doorway. Queenie and all had to bend down, but of course I didn’t have to ☺ Inside were several areas and buildings. There were very few children milling about. There was an American man Raoul from the states volunteering his time to teach the children and Anne Marie a Homeopathic Clinician also staying at the orphanage. There are two guest cottages for such visitors on the premises. As we were bringing in all our donation bags the number of children increased slowly. They would approach us, hold out their hand, welcome us and ask our name. It was startling the presence they each had. The younger children were playful and the older were guiding us around the various parts of the orphanage. Katut’s wife had given birth five days prior, and was up running around as if it never happened. We were in awe. Queenie then sat down and opened the cases. The children flocked around and the melee began. Some had looks of disbelief and others sheer joy. Queenie was in the middle of a sea of beautiful children and I could see it was touching her deeply. We then met the two boys we were to sponsor,Wayan and his younger brother Kadek. For those of you who know Frannie, our favorite masseuse. Her donation was used to buy Kadek a bicycle. I will write a more detailed account of our visit to the orphanage when we return. And now off to the town of Ubud for more shopping. Until next time.

Sanur

2008-04-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Gang! Greetings from Sanur. This is a fabulous exotic beach side resort. A virtual Disneyland. The Hyatt hotel is so beautiful and has every accommodation. You never have to leave. While Queenie is out shopping for the most fabulous silver and semi precious stone jewelry. Snow and I are treating ourselves to every comfort this resort has to offer. A massage, an incredible meal and lets not forget Bin Tang Beer. The best beer in the world. The pool side ambiance is like a scene from old movie. You know the island flicks where Dorothy Lamour hooks up with Bing Crosby and he croons soft island love songs. And of course she always has a hibiscus blossom in her ear. It is a place of dreams. We have met up with a friend from Encinitas, Barbara, who runs the Seaside Church Gift Shop. We’ve enjoyed dinners and cocktails together and have a great time sharing our daily stories. Each evening Queenie returns with great new product for our shop. Just wait until you see the fabulous new bead wood and shell jewelry and the Sarong selection is out of this world, colors and designs that are all new. She also picked up some beaded bags that are so colorful and a great mix of textures. I must tell you that every evening when she arrives with new purchases Snow and I tear through the treasures like it was Christmas morning. Well next we are off to Ubud , but first a visit to The Yah Yah San Orphanage, The Wins Project. We are taking Barbara along with us. We are sure it will be a moving and educational experience as well as spiritual. And you cannot help but be spiritual when you come to Bali, the beauty is really something to be thankful for. Until next blog, Bali Hi!

Queenie and Denise's Adventures in Seminyak

2008-04-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

After the long journey to get to Bali, we setted into our little Balinesian home Resor Seminyak. We were exhausted but so happy to be here. They greeted us with a welcome drink and showed us to our room. Then it was off to have a foot massage, just lying back, looking at the ocean and sipping ginger and black tea.
Next a change of clothes and out for a pizza, yes I said pizza :) It was the bestI ever tasted. Then a quick stop at the Bali Deli which is a Henrys in disguise. Back at the hotel, we blissfully dosed off into Bali dreamland.
In the AM we dined on fresh tropical fruit, and omlets they prepare infront of you. People from all over the world are in Bali so we play "Where are they from" Queenie went off to start her purchasing for the shop, so Snow and I took a trip into town. The streets are filled with thousands of motorbikes. Sometimes an entire family of four on one bike. It's crazy. Snow headed to Chill salon for a nice massage and I went to Sooth Salon for foot reflexology, Then Snow and I did a bit of shopping just wandering down streets and stopping her and there like the bar here and the bar over there. Suddenly a pedicure sounded nice. After a wait of a half hour or so, in the Thank You Bar of course, we prededed to get the worst and longest pedicure in history 2 and a half hours. And they didn't know how to polish. So we headed back to the Thank You Bar and started in on the flaming shots. The Bali Boys kept us in the lap of Bali luxury with comfort and cocktails. We ran back to the resort to drag Queenie to the Thank You Bar. We ended the evening with cocktails and massages from the Bali Boys at the Thank You Bar.
Next morning another fabulous breakfast and Queenie ws off to shop on the Avenue of Sarongs. Snow and I headed off with Ketut on a little sight seeing tour. We went to the Balinesian Theater to see a play and to the Batik factory to see how it's done. Then off to the temple. It sat out in the sea with huge waves crashing over it. Very Beautiful, but very hot. The best find of the day was a small drink stand with two large bottled waters and a Bintang beer for less than 2 bucks. Snow and I decided to take a shrt nap until Queenie returned for dinner, and woke up the next morning. All that heat and cold Bintang Beer did us in. Waking famished to another incredible breakfast, a quick packing of our stuff and ne last jaunt into town with Queenie for some last minute shopping and we were off to Sanur. Not before we had to go back to every shop we had been in to find Queenie's black folder she lost. Of course it was in the last place we went to. In Bali or at home Queenie is Queenie.