My Life As Ali Thomas

Thailand

Bangkok

Looking for stuff to really sink your mind into? Here’s the place. A five-storey art museum filled with very interesting perspectives; a day to really dig deep into the minds of others.

Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok

Let’s go shoot some stuff! A short trip just over on the other side of the city, blow off some steam, feel that kick in your soul.

Phumpailin Shooting Range

Private dinner, good conversations, paintings, pairing warmth with a sense of wholesome, feels like coming home, tastes like home. Get those warm, fuzzy feelings back in your heart.

The Kitchen by Monika

Best live music in the city. Feel the wine flowing and drop by after dinner, whether you’re wandering alone or with company, Saxophone Pub welcomes all wanderers!

Saxophone Pub

Get a massage while you’re here. Aside from the soul, your body needs soothing too.

Chaari Spa

Be weird, be curious, be whatever – here’s the place for that. Great escape – back to the basics – to simplicity. A reset button for your soul to do and be whatever it needs to.

Wonderfruit Festival

Similar Guides

My Life as Ali Thomas Show Us Their Favourite Spots in Bangkok

ESEA Sisters

United Kingdom

London

Brighton

Wales

A beautiful, serene traditional Japanese garden located in West London, designed by Japanese landscape architect Shoji Nakahara. With tiered waterfalls, stone lanterns, a koi pond, Japanese maple trees and Sakura trees, it really gives a sense of a ‘home from home’ for the Japanese diaspora. It’s also completely free to access! I go there first thing most mornings before work, to clear my head, ground myself with nature, and write. It’s a very special place that has a lot of history to it - it was opened in 1991 as a gift from the City of Kyoto to commemorate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain, and in 2012 there was an additional Fukushima memorial garden added to the side of the Kyoto Garden. The peacocks strutting around the garden are an added bonus!

Kyoto Garden

It’s a tranquil pebbly beach set below the backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs - which creates a pretty dramatic scene! It’s a great place to go swimming or surfing, but if the tide is out, you’ll also see some rock pools to explore, and you can hunt for fossils and even catch crabs! There’s definitely something for everyone, I know that some areas of the Birling Gap beach are used by nudists/naturists. Which is maybe something to be mindful of when you visit. 

Our collective, ESEA Sisters, have been organising a series of nature walks with healing circles each month in different locations near London, and the Birling Gap is actually going to be our next destination! Immersing ourselves in the water, having a swim, connecting with nature, and incorporating some tai-chi/qi-gong on the beach, we’ll be rebalancing our energy and grounding ourselves, while in community with others. I’d recommend that if you go to the Birling Gap, try some of those activities out - either alone or in company. It’s a great way to destress. 

Birling Gap

It's our capital's dividing waterway, it's home to famous races and regattas and an abundance of wildlife resides on it’s banks. How could we not add it to the list!

There are so many things that make the Thames special but let's start outside of London. The Thames is home to hundreds of beautiful towns and villages many of which are easily accessible by train so you can spend the day walking between places (the Thames has 185miles of walkable trails!) before finally heading home. Towns include Henley-on-Thames, famous for the regatta in the Summer and you can cross the Thames between Windsor and Eton, but the most magical places are the areas up and down the banks that locals would call 'our spot'. These are small oases found up and down the river where rope swings are built, bridges were made for jumping off and friends spend late summer evenings swimming and cooling off in the water. If you swam anywhere near the zoo Beale Park, like I did all through my teenage years, you’d often find yourself swimming alongside terrapins from when the park once flooded! 

One of the best places to swim here is a village called Pangbourne, not far from Reading, easily accessible by train or car as there is a dedicated carpark. Here you’ll find the brave jumping off the bridge, people using the water activities facility to canoe, others who come to try their hand at fishing a bit further down and tonnes of people splashing in the water or watching the boats and yachts go by from the jetty.

Now heading downstream to the capital. The Thames Path walking routes here are not to be missed from the quaint village-esque feel of Barnes all the way to the Wapping, a now largely residential area that still holds it's old dock and factory history within every cobbled street, it makes a perfect alternative day out for anyone heading to London. Getting tired feet doing all that walking? Hop on one of the many river buses or tours that depart between Richmond all the way to the Thames Barrier. Another great way to see the sites of London on one of Britain's most famous waterways.

The Thames

This is a huge expanse of white rolling sand dunes residing on the coast of West Sussex. It is often deemed one of the most beautiful beaches in England at 13km long and backing onto the South Downs, it’s enjoyable all year round and there are areas all along the front for you to swim, make sandcastles, go for a walk or enjoy a BBQ with family. 

It’s one of the few beaches in the UK where I have found absolutely anyone is welcome to come and enjoy it, no stares or whispered conversation between other families for looking different. I went to university in a county with a lot of coastline and always found my presence at the beaches there to be bothersome to many others. In fact, the only thing to note when you come to enjoy West Wittering is please be mindful and smart when going to enjoy the water, there are safe swimming areas for a reason! 

Lifeguards are posted up and down the beach and with it being so large, there are many areas to swim. Lots of places have much calmer, slightly busier waters which make it perfect for swimming together with friends and family or if you prefer to get your sea laps in, like me, there are equally calm areas to swim often used by those of us who might be taking the beach a little too seriously... If you’re looking for a bit of thrill when you head here, there are areas dedicated to water activities like wind surfing too.

West Wittering Beach

Whilst visiting my partner’s parents for the first time in Gellifor, North Wales we took a trip West, to Dolgellau, hiked around Llynnau Cregennen (Cregennan Lakes), and meandered down hairpin bends towards Fairbourne Beach. We met with a large sea wall that protects the village from high tide, which we clambered over and stood in awe of the sprawling sandy beach. Despite the sunshine, it was sparsely filled with fellow beach walkers. Opalescent jellyfish were dotted around the sand - marking the edge of the tide. The open views fogged the horizon line facing the general direction of Ireland, and I felt at peace. A resolution had been made. We had our swimming gear - we had to jump in. Nothing beats a salty swim with natural views, crisp fresh air, and staring up to a clear blue sky. The feeling of weightlessness clears the mind, ready for the return back to the hustle bustle of London living.

Sadly, Fairbourne is on the front line in the battle against climate change and there are rising concerns that the lovely little village by it’s shores will be consumed by rising tides and ever more frequent flooding. “It’s being called the first place in the UK to be lost to climate change, as rising sea levels and extreme weather become too much to defend it from.” 13th March 2020 - Greenpeace. So be considerate and respectful when visiting and perhaps let your trip inspire you to invest as much time in healing the earth we share as we try to invest in healing ourselves. 

Fairbourne Beach

ESEA Sisters Guide us to Healing Waters

Casey MQ

Canada

Toronto

Fresh pressed juices and cold cut bánh mì sandwiches from this local restaurant. A gem in Toronto and the owners are incredibly kind. Plus their instagram is amazing.

Galaxy T&T

A great beach spot to suddenly feel a little removed from Toronto while maintaining a view from the city. There is a clothing optional area as well.

Hanlan’s Point 

I do not drink coffee but if I did, from what I’ve heard, I would purchase from The Common. I regularly get a tea and croissant from there though. Currently takeout but in the past I have spent a lot of time hanging out in there.

The Common

This family run restaurant in Parkdale makes excellent Momos. Lovely place!

Loga’s Corner

TECHNICALLY you could ride your bike from Leslie Spit through to Don Valley Trail but it would be a mission. It’s a beautiful bike ride though and Leslie Spit takes you to an outer point of Toronto where you end up looking right back at the city by the end of the epic trail.

Don Valley Trail

The Lightbox is not open at the moment but I’ve always loved the programming and have gone on solo dates there many times!

TIFF Lightbox 

This is a lovely fashion store in Toronto. Tightly curated selection of clothing and publications. The store really has it’s own demeanor.

Soop Soop

A great place to find preloved books. There are three locations at this point in Toronto but most of my purchases have been at the Bloor location. I basically stand around the recommended reads for a little too long.

Which brings me to the Toronto Reference Library lol. Last year I spent a lot of time at this library on the fourth or fifth floor. The inside is gorgeous. I actually spent a lot of time working on ‘babycasey’ at this library.

Toronto Reference Library 

I have only been here a few times at night but if you hope the fence which is not a particularly easy task - you can maybe get a few laps of swimming in!

Christie Pitt’s Pool

Casey MQ takes us around Toronto

Spaghetto

Italy

Milan

Best movie theater in Milano. They screen really cool and diverse movies at literally every time of the day. Movies are not dubbed! You don’t have to hear your fav actors speaking with a weird Italian voice! Yes!! Another awesome thing about this place is that the lovely lesbian couple who run it got it from the local church. I have no idea how they manage to screen stuff like a death metal documentary there but I swear they do!

Beltrade

Illustration and comic book art museum. They have great exhibitions and workshops. The place where the museum is located is very nice. There is a cool funny statue, a little park with a tiny skatepark and a bar called Boom where you can enjoy happy hour sitting outside or on the rooftop.

WOW Spazio Fumetto

The place is def not fancy and they only make pizza, but it's super delicious and it gives you an idea of what the Isola district used to be before hipsters and gentrification arrived.

Coccinella Pizzeria

It's a public swimming pool, but also a theater and venue that hosts various events. It's really a unique place, where beautiful 1930s Italian architecture meets contemporary art and happenings.

Bagni Misteriosi

Triennale is home to the Italian design Museum and hosts some of the best exhibitions in Milano. They also have concerts and sometimes music events that start super late at night and in the morning. Outside in the garden there's a bar, amazing sculptures and a fountain by Giorgio De Chirico.

La Triennale

Probably the best gelato in Milano. Fucking amazing! Try salty pistachio!

Artico Gelateria Tradizionale

It is the first fetish boutique in Italy opening back in 1998. Arianna and Martina are super nice and they have the best lingerie, toys and latex in Milan. What I love is that they also carry pin-up dresses and 50s inspired clothing.

Sexsade

Super fun and friendly place in the heart of Lambrate. They brew their own unpasteurised/unfiltered beer and have won many awards for it. They sell their craft beer to a lot of pubs in Milan, Italy, and abroad, but this is the original spot where it all started in the mid 90s.

Birrifico Lambrate

I like Rob de Matt because food is good but it’s also a very cool concept/project. The association who runs it provides work and help to marginalised people. They have a big garden/outside area that is fantastic in the summer where you can have brunch outside in the weekends and they hosts lots of happenings.

Rob de Matt

If you love to be surrounded by books like I do, this is the place for you! It’s a wine bar/bistrot/second hand bookshop all together. You can go for lunch, aperitif, dinner or just drinks. They host poetry readings, stand up comedy nights, little concerts and you can take your drinks outside in the nice little square.

LibrOsteria

Spaghetto's Guide to Milan

David Hanes-Gonzalez

Mexico

Mexico City 

Boxers from all across the city and state flock here every Saturday morning. Better known as La Casa de Sparring. Ask for Coach Chicano and you’ll be in good hands. Getting here is an equally thrilling experience. You must travel through 10-15 minutes of tianguis, passing hundreds of people, carnicerias, fruit and vegetables vendors, and eventually walk up a flight of stairs of a large warehouse.

Los Recios de La Merced

Arguably the most scenic place to train in the city. Coach Tony Vega holds private and group classes early in the morning and every evening Monday to Saturday. A great place to train outdoors with a view.

Tony Vega

A historic gym located in the Transito neighbourhood. If you are an amateur boxer fighting in Mexico City this place is a rite of passage.

Pancho Rosales

Tucked in the middle of Tepito is another historic gym and home to many champion boxers. It’s open throughout the day with access to a soccer field as well. Come in early morning or around 4pm to train with some of them.

Deportivo Maracana

The centre for photography in all of Mexico. I'm very thankful that this institution exists. They have rotating exhibits featuring work from Mexican and Latin American artists, and frequently host workshops, portfolio reviews and other activities for artists of all ranges.

Centro de La Imagen 

Looking to surround yourself with fellow photographers, develop and buy film, and work on your creative projects all from a rooftop? At Dichroic Lab you can do all that. My go-to place for my film developing needs and nerding out on all things photography.

Dichroic Lab

Come for the coffee, stay for the music. Half coffee shop, half record store where the baristas DJ vinyl. A great space to edit photos or catch up with a friend. The music is so good that using headphones is almost frowned upon. At night they become a cocktail joint with rotating DJs. A must visit.

Hule

My perfect night out consists of live music. Former apartment-turned-jazz-club featuring music from local and international musicians. An intimate space, perfect for a date night or gathering with a group of friends. Make a reservation two days in advance so you can get a seat in the main room.

Casa Franca

A good indicator of a classic taqueria is one that doesn’t have Instagram or accepts cards. This is my favourite in all of the city. If you need a reason why, read the 40,000 reviews on Google Maps or check out the line on any given Saturday or Sunday morning. Order the carnitas, you won’t be disappointed.

Taqueria el Gran Abanico

A small pulqueria and cantina located in Roma. A place I like to take visitors. Come here during the day or late night with a group of friends. Order a round of mezcal shots and pitcher of coconut pulque while listening to Mexican classics like Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel and Los Angeles Azules.

La Nuclear

A Guide to Mexico City’s Boxing Gyms and Cultural Hotspots

Steven Julien 

Og status! They been in the game for a min, I’ve been going there since they had their lil shop on St Annes Court Soho, with the sliding glass doors and shoes in metal cages. Sometimes I pop in the current location to check what’s new!

Footpatrol

A more refined selection of shoes, limited or sometimes hard-to-get sneakers, especially collabs, but overall a chill shopping experience and very well curated.

DSM London

Family Patta, big the crew up. I was honoured to score for their Nike campaign for the “air max 1 waves”. Great shoe, I got all the colours except one, anyway nice lil shop to cop sneakers.

Patta Soho

I’ve been going there for timeeeeee! I even paid my lil bro to queue there for a limited shoe—some MTV Raps Puma Clyde’s—think only 200 and odd pairs made! Fatima, who I collab with even worked in there years ago, as well as some other friends. It's good to see it’s still there, I occasionally pop in to see whats up.

size? Carnaby Street

Lil cheeky Sports Direct comes in handy now and then! Getta quick fix on some all black or white air max 95s, no frills, straight to the point pit stop when wanting new simple shoes.

Sports Direct Stoke Newington

Steven Julien on London's Best Trainer Shops

Maeve

Cayman Islands

This is where a lot of the locals get their fish fry. In my opinion, it's the best place on island for fish fry. They also have tables under cabanas on a beach and it's on the quieter side of the island.

Grape Tree Cafe

My favourite spot on the Island. Not only do they have amazing food but they throw events like live music and parties. It's an amazing cultural and creative hub. They use a lot of local produce, give a lot back to the community and support local creatives.
If you go you should ask for Aris Latham's vegan pie - it's unreal.

Tillies

It's a local tradition to hop on a boat and go to Rum Point on a Sunday. It can get pretty crazy - everyone anchors at a sandbar plays music and it always ends up being a big party. You can't miss this tradition if you come to Cayman!

Rum Point

They have insane Trinidadian and local food here but my favourite thing to get are the doubles. The best hangover cure is getting takeaway from here.

Singh's Roti shop

Little Cayman is the smallest island of the three and though the majority of tourists visit Grand Cayman - Little Cayman is an amazing place to go for a couple of days to recharge. Everything is slow moving here and it's so peaceful. You can rent scooters and explore the island.

Little Cayman

A quiet beach named after the fact that it's got little starfish dotted around the shore. You can get there by boat and anchor in the shallows. It's a nice place to chill with friends.

Star fish point

Here you can get local art and amazing produce from local farmers. Also cool place to meet some Caymanians and get some advice on what's going on on the island.

Farmers Market

Discover the Cayman Islands with Maeve

Hodge

Bristol

One of Bristol's best clubs, I love the modular vibe to the venue, everytime I go it's laid out a bit differently or the artwork has changed in some unexpected way, sometimes it really feels like an old frankie goes to hollywood b movie set other times you will be in the backroom, it's dark as hell and everyone's totally locked in, amazing spot. 

Strange Brew

The Love Inn has been around for a really long time now but somehow it's kept improving year after year, the sound in there is fantastic, it's a really welcoming space that has all sorts of quality Bristol promoters putting on cool stuff - it's also literally always busy and the selection of bookings across the year are great.

The Love Inn

My favourite record shop in Bristol, I'm biased of course as Chris Farrell that runs the shop is responsible for alot of my music collection and taste, when I first moved to Bristol he was working in Rooted Records alongside Peverelist and I used to buy my Dubstep stuff via Tom and my more 44 bits off of Chris, he sold me a Pacou record as one of the first more house and techno records I ever bought and I've been obsessed with dub techno ever since.

Idle Hands

Best spot for hardware, I've got a lot of the equipment I own via this spot and the crew that work there are really great, I've been trying to avoid getting into modular but they are making that increasingly more difficult.

Elevator Sound

Some of the best coffee I've had in Bristol alongside incredible toasties and ice cream - if I've had a late one the night before this is a new go to spot.

Soft Buoys

I live nearby and St George's Park has really amazing wildlife based around a pond especially for an inner city park - I'll often head there in the afternoon spring for a studio break and then go to The Red Church after for amazing pizza. 

They have an incredible sound system in there and I really love being in a spot for a drink or food or whatever and the music being presented in such high quality - they also run really great nights there, they've had all sorts of people play from Mad Miran to Maurice Fulton! Love it.

The Red Church

We've had a lot of DJ Dinners here before running parties at Strange Brew, really incredible food, the olive oil and pistachio ice cream once made David Pearson Sound nearly cry.

Pasta Ripiena

My favourite Korean in Bristol, amazing spot, I’ve drank far too many Yakut cocktails there - we once did a day event with Oowee and I played music out the window for 5/6 hours on a sunny day, great vibe. 

Bokman

What to Do in Bristol During Simple Things Festival With Hodge

One of my favorite places to go pick up some crazy vintage finds for my wardrobe, for shows, editorial, etc. All range of prices and for every taste. And a very friendly treatment.

RESERVA

This is a traditional comida yucateca restaurant, hidden in a building downtown. The best southern food I’ve ever had in CDMX.

Coox Hanal

This kitschy house belonged to the famous Mexican songwriter Roberto Cantoral, who composed for big recording artists such as José José. He wrote a very beautiful song with a trio he had called ‘’El Reloj’’ and the music sheets are sculpted in the main entrance door. This used to be around the corner on the neighborhood I grew up in. It’s kind of a suburban zone but it gives perspective to the more touristic areas in CDMX.

Casa de Roberto Cantoral

This is little hidden Japanese ‘’fondita’’ in the heart of Roma Sur that offers a daily Japanese full meal menu at an amazing price. This is my favorite place to take new friends. Their matcha cake - it’s unbelievable!

C.O.M.E.

It’s an old mansion that used to be property of a famous Mexican golden-era movie director and was also used as a set in many of his movies. Fun fact: he was actually the model for the Oscar’s award statue. My aunt used to know his granddaughter and they opened the house for us. Now it's a museum and you can actually schedule a visit.

Casa Del Indio Fernández

Mexico City with Girl Ultra

Khruangbin

United States

Texas

The vibe is great here. There's a functioning reel to reel tape machine providing the soundscape that greets you at the entrance. The entire menu is fire, but don't leave without trying the "Nancy Cakes.

Nancy's Hustle

Lots of records, cassettes, CDs and band swag here. There's also a small stage there as well that Khruangbin played many years ago.

Cactus Records

Affectionately called "Rudz". Mark, Laura & I hung out here practically every Tuesday night before starting Khruangbin. Burger with cheddar & fresh jalapeños with a side of tots...and a side of mayo for dipping the tots.

Rudyard's

Coolest late night hang in town, and if you can catch DJ Sun spinning while you're there, you're in for a treat.

The Flat

Best BBQ spot on the Nawfside of the H. Can't go wrong with a chopped beef sandwich.

Triple J's Smokehouse

Hats fitted and made to order, perched above a barber shop in Downtown Houston.

Kennimer Co. Hat Shop

A quirky gift shop filled with fun trinkets located in Rice Village.

The Blue Hand

Authentic Tex-Mex. An order of queso for the table, and chicken & beef combination fajitas. Corn or Flour tortillas is a big debate, but it's totally your call (I dig flour)

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Crumbville

There's always interesting, well curated exhibits on display here throughout the year. James Turrell's "The Light Inside" installation lives there.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Khruangbin's Favourite Spots in Houston

A therapeutic escape to the greener side of Bangkok for nature lovers and daytrippers. Tip: for the sunset, you can visit Hidden Woods.

Bang Kachao

Located in the historic venue of Bangkok 1899, Bar Na is a fantastic addition to Bangkok's growing scene of alternative listening bars. The atmosphere and music is spot on, complemented by a standout cocktail selection. Here's a tip: try the Pisco Sour.

Bar Na by Na Projects

Built with love, and managed by a group of amazing folks. It's fun, cosy and a space to dance with a versatile selection of music being played throughout the week. It also serves up great cocktails. A little tip: don't forget to flash a big smile and give the bartender, Arm, a high five.

12 × 12

All about immersing yourself in music at this bar and embracing the idea of experiencing full-length albums from beginning to end. The owner, a passionate vinyl collector, shares this collection with guests through an audiophile-grade sound system. Get involved!

Freaking Out the Neighborhood

A great place for runners to sweat out the week or weekend.

Benjakitti Forest Park

Sunju Hargun on Where to Unwind in Bangkok

Paulo Saul 

Brazil

São Paulo

First things first, my chosen family and I are a walking party. If we are training for the balls or just voguing in the middle of the streets, we for sure bring life to the party. You can find us at the coolest places and at your closest function snatching all the grand prizes.