Oneman

bobl, on 2012-02-20 09:40:01, said:

Totally, completely, and utterly wrong information from "bobl".
Not just wrong in fact, but wrong in "tone".
Always fascinating to see a post trying to sound like an expert, but totally wrong about what they post.

I have exactly what the OP is asking for, plugged into my MacBook Pro.
In an apartment, to increase the signal strength: same situation as the OP.
Using it at this very moment, right here in Chiang Mai.  

In helpful post above, CMSteve already advised where to buy.

ramrod711, on 2011-12-23 07:32:08, said:

I'll second that recommendation for filet mignon at Kantary Hills hotel -- restaurant Nimman Grill.
Succulent filet mignon wrapped in bacon.

Only ever ordered imported beef, so can't comment about the Thai beef.

However, the sauces are nothing special.
With the excellent beef, no need for sauce, really.

And, even better than the filet mignon, in my opinion, are the lamb chops.
Suggestion: order one dinner of filet mignon, and another of the lamb chops, then share.

But, sad to say, must include the usual warning.
Most restaurants of this type in Thailand tend to degrade rather quickly.
Kantary Hills has been open now about four years.
Last time I was there, still very good, but not as good as in the beginning.
Perhaps you'll want to do a trial run in advance, for a quality check.

-- Oneman
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expatmakmak, on 2011-12-05 08:48:05, said:

Things may have changed dehwah, his personality probably hasn't.

Expatmakmak --

I'm the OP of this thread.
You and I have different opinions about the taste and quality of Gipsy's food, but I, too, have seen his strong reaction toward freeloaders and other riff-raff who loiter in his restaurant.
He is especially annoyed when any of the Tight Fist Brigade attempts to take up space.

I can assure you that Gipsy's Germanic personality has not changed.
If anything, it appears more intense now, than in past years.

Running his restaurant to his standards is another factor that I appreciate, but neglected to put in my OP.
Thank you for the reminder.

- Oneman

marcofrenchpolo, on 2011-10-09 10:54:20, said:

First post from a newbie and he recommends a tourist shop in the Night Bazaar.
Not much credibility there.

Let's Relax is a reasonable shop, but costly, because you pay for fancy decor and you pay for the expensive location in the middle of the Night Bazaar.
Any experienced massage client will know it all depends on the skill and experience of the massage therapist, not the decor of the shop.

And that leads to the crux of the OP's original question.
It's a reasonable request, but poorly asked.
What's important is the individual doing the massage, because -- and here is the key -- most shops in CM now are using freelancers.
Not all, but most, depend on freelancers who circulate around the city, going from shop to shop, when they are called.

When you walk in to those shops, you will be offered a cup of tea, then a cool towel, then a bowl of warm water to soak your feet.
In the meantime, the receptionist is on the phone, frantically calling around to find some freelancer who is available at that moment.
The freelancer will rush in to the shop, go in back and put on the uniform of the shop, and then proceed with your massage.

In short: There is no quality control and no consistent quality in most shops in CM anymore.

What to do?

First, you can go around and try a lot of shops until you find someone whose style of massage you like.
Then make appointments for that therapist, at that shop.

Second, you can upgrade your massages to a "spa", where there will be some permanent staff.
Again, when you find one you like, make appointments with her.

Third, you can get references of freelancers who are known good.
The freelancer will go to your home and give you the massage there.
That's cheaper for you, because you are just paying her alone -- no shop fee -- but the massage will be identical.

I will recommend one, small, spa and the name of one particular therapist there, with whom I have experience.
The name is Spa Aromdee.
New-- just opened in August -- and immaculately clean.
Location Sirimangkalajarn Road -- runs parallel with Nimmanhaemin.
Spa Aromdee is in the same block as the 7-Eleven in the middle of Sirimangkalajan Road.
I don't think they have a web site, but I'm not sure -- Google will know.
The terapist I recommend is a full-time employee: Miss Jeh.  แจ้
Thai massage -- ask for strong to get the deep tissue effect -- 600 baht for 90 minutes.
They have a very liberal discount plan for regular customers:  pay for 3 massages, get one hour free.
I've never seen such a generous discount plan anywhere else.
Perhaps it's just because they are new.

Finally, I have one particular freelancer with whom I've had a standing appointment to come to my place, twice a week, for almost three years now.
That's my way of recommending her.
She is strong, and she has "knowing hands" that seem to find all the knots in the muscles.
No phone numbers here so send a message to me if you want to get in contact.

For both of these ladies, no "special" services; just massage.

-- One Man
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smiling mantis, on 2011-06-08 12:30:35, said:

That's important, and I didn't know that.
Thank you, Smiling Mantis, for posting about it here.

My decision was to go with Snow Leopard now.
MacZone shop called this morning; computer ready for pickup.