Back in Thailand
Sunday, November 29th, 2009Now in Pattaya enjoying the beautiful weather and the first chance to see a blue sky in a while.
Journey over got off to a slow start as the plane got turned back at the runway for security reasons. Then a dodgy looking guy was escorted off by the police. After which we had to refuel, good to know the plane had plenty of extra fuel on board in case of emegencies – not. So after a one and a half hour delay we finally took off and at least so plane was near empty so comfortable. A quich dash at Doha to get the connecting flight and a fully packed plane but Qatar airlines do an excellent job on their very competitive fares and able to watch a good selection of movies.
Bangkok airport easy enough and no hassles but got a shock when I used the ATM. 150 baht – 3 pounds to use the ATM !!. So then I tried another at which someone told me this is now on all of them. Plus the transaction costs on top at home – wow. Don’t let Gordon Brown find out otherwise he might bring it in in the U.K on the basis of global warming.
Pattaya its usual bustling self. A never ending development story with even more shopping malls now open since my last visit. Very much into making it a shopping fashion haven with all the big names. But doesn’t feel too crowded, at least got a balcony room in my hotel which is a first.
Out last night and the place still buzzes like no where else with its thousands of bars. Plenty of beautiful girls – ok, most aren’t actually girls but the inexperienced wouldn’t know. There seems an ever increasing number, not sure why, maybe its something to do with the ever increasing Russians or mabe because Pattaya now attracts more couples who in age of political correctness find it acceptable to go to bars with ladyboys but not with the real thing. Or maybe there is just a demand for that type of thing. But for me I checked out the Airport Agogo, the only airport I would choose to be in. A new trend seems to be to make the girls wear outfits and whoever designed these costumes would win first prize, some great gear and very pleasing on the eye. Obviously works as the place was packed. Maybe Richard Branson could try it out.
Fly to Hanoi on Wednesday so in between another 3 quiet nights here !.
petefurlepa