jacko

I guess they make more money that way, but it would put me on the defensive as I always feel there is a scam behind things like that. Countries have their fiat currencies for a reason and to restrict their use seems unpatriotic! These things should be getting easier, a quick scan of your smart-phone, a beep, and it is done with via pay-pal or bit-coin, or whatever. . I still get stuck behind people at check-outs, messing with their 'cards, getting cash back and struggling with their PIN code, it used to be old ladies looking for coins or their purse.

And since many Thais don't eat beef that might be important. I don't recall how the Thai food is there, but my TGF went for the ribs which seemed agreeable to her. To me they just tasted of BBQ sauce.

Meatloaf

American Beauty.

The late.. Philip Seymour Hoffman

I would rather have the drama than the absolute certainty that my country has!

Yes of course, sorted now. I used the RG a lot and my concern there was that the safe did not seem to be fixed securely, seemingly screwed into the wood of the wardrobe. I have also stayed at other places where the safe was rattling loose. There have been instances of a thief just extracting a safe to open at leisure. A tourist has little choice, he wants to put his/her valuables, cash, passport etc away safely and go lay on the beach...it certainly is not an option to take the stuff with you. Like you, I have been fortunate..... except for the lock-box issue. I recall the old Lek hotel had safes with a magnetic key, and claimed there were no spares, although then you are subject to your companion finding it, or the drugging possibility. I am beginning to wonder if double key security boxes behind reception are the best solution. The worst is the single large safe where you may put your belongings in a sealed envelope, conveniently packaged for the night staff to do a runner with a few dozen of them at once!

Errr Al Pacino

Michelle Pfeiffer

Depends on the Carriers, you have to determine which terminal you land in and which you depart from. I think 2.5 hours is plenty for most circumstances, but if you a flying BA, it will be all T5 and no concern whatsoever.

Sorry Butch but only a poor hotel would not employ some security wrt their hotel safes. Generally it is a rouge employee who has been given access details by a lazy manager. I feel better when I can see a warning notice saying safes cannot be opened by staff outside normal hours. I don't believe many models have a default access code, perhaps an access key behind the batteries, which came with the safe and can be controlled. Thais are sloppy in that regard. When I couldn't get in the safe at the Thai Royal Garden, as the previous guest had left it locked, 2 people arrived with a computer, connected to the safe, and one guy had to move away as the senior person entered codes. I think that is what you meant above. I personally haven't lost anything from a safe, but I have from a lock up type box where padlocks were used. You are right though, coming back to a hotel and finding all your spending cash has gone will ruin your vacation...a first time tourist will not be thinking of opening a bank account and will trust an in-room safe. And travellers cheques are on the way out. Strangely I saw a lot of old-style safes being sold in BigC South recently.

It still has frequent adverts, the same one has been running for decades on Pattaya One. I often ponder whether the demure looking girl with the Scots guy with the 'reely great' steak' is now a granny back in Isarn.

Well the difference might be getting my laptop out and figuring out how to power that as well.... I normally put the power chords into my checked-in baggage. Seems a little expensive, more than a soft-core in a hotel room! I can see it being of use trans-USA but I normally do intercontinental overnight so watching a film and then trying to sleep is a priority. I just dread when they will be using their phones and yapping nearby, the introduction of this concerns me if people will be skyping all night. You will have the lovesick and impatient simpering 'be there soon honey' and could make for a few messy blankets.

Diane Keaton

No, just 2 doctors at the same time! Sorry, but this serious and depressing topic does need some levity.

A bit of info here.

That isn't much of a yardstick you are offering me there!

Your doctor must like you as he could do a blood analysis....PSA. When a doctor told me he may have to do a secondary 'digital' test I thought it was something to do with a computer, boy was I in for a surprise.

Why, I just got a guy signing for the deaf for 4 minutes?

Damn... I go take a leak and miss the equaliser, more excitement now!

Well I left the cat in last night as it was raining and the damned thing woke me up at 3am... so you are not the only one in LOS watching this dull game! A goal for Korea... what a awful goalkeeping error.

When I first saw the shorts atlas2, I thought they were all Russians. And as to the last moment, what was the message...Play fair and be losers?

Ooooops......

We had a spell of gusty wind out there and I held off, then I noticed I hadn't had my breakfast. Sat here in the swimming shorts.