jacko

Emil has a point that if you are content in a condo around Soi Buakhao or 3rd Rd, and life consists of going into Pattaya, a vehicle is as much use as an elephant. But I came to realise that the more time I spent in the hustle and bustle of the town, the more it frustrated me. I also felt very constrained living in a small place. So I moved over to the darkside... it was apparent that without my own transport there, I was very much tied to the house. The idea of calling and using motorcycle taxis did not appeal. I tried a motorcycle for a while, but you can't carry much, and get trapped in bad weather, and yes caught in sudden thunderstorms that can be dangerous and cause streets to flood and be impassable, and one day you will get hurt on that thing. A truck came next......! Trips to the north, trips to the south, and shopping for bigger items, and even going with her to 'the village' and bringing back sacks of rice. Since, I have moved further out of town, with space around me, gardens and swinging coconut trees to see. The odd trip into town for a night out is still possible, and is enjoyed not hum-drum. Yes, the truck is as much use as a chocolate fireguard into Pattaya beyond Carrefour, but I can whiz to Tesco, Macro or BigC quite quickly. Just have to avoid town for Songkran and Christmas/New Year.

BS...... one thing about tropical rain is it can be sudden and very localised. I have most certainly been surprised by a downpour on Sukhumvit a few times. Nor would I like to have no supplies at home because it has been cloudy in the mornings for 3-4 days. Carrefour do deliver but you have to get there to order the stuff. Most people who settle move out of central Pattaya and personal transport becomes obligatory. My quality of life is improved by being able to get out!

My commiserations to all of you living in Eastern USA, UK and Europe, presently suffering cold and snow and traffic chaos. Those of you attempting to get out are being hit by all types of travel problems. This morning in Pattaya, clear blue skies, and bright bright sunshine after a cool night of about 22 degC (72 DegC), thermometer climbing through 28 DegC (83 DegF) and a slight breeze. So here is a pic of Pattaya this morning, some of you guys currently snowbound please post your pics to make me feel even more smug over my decision to retire here. Save your pennies! Seasons Greetings and I hope 2010 is the year YOU make it here!

Depends what time you arrive but I never find the regular immigration lines to be short nor fast moving.

Well, 3 months in advance is a bit of a stretch for me, I normally don't book flights that far in advance. A trip to visit a pal in Newcastle shouldn't take a year of planning.......

Yeah... special pricelist for Expats.......

Or we could use Wikepedia like you. That should be 'You're' by the way.

And where did you meet them?......

I am surprised at the £30 return on the train.Paid over $60 to get to Newcastle from Manchester and that was a limited ticket. Ah yes, dragging suitcases up and down the London Underground escalators, happy days from my past, emphasis on past.

I have used them many times from Manchester using a KLM hop. I always flew Biz Class and while it wasn't 'Club World' it was good enough and a reasonable price. The early arrival and punctuality were good. I must admit the attendants were 'lovely'.... Drunken English yobs who I think got an upgrade or industrial injury claim spoiled the flight though.

WHATEVER........ anyhow thanks a bunch, we can now get along on our own, strong currency, build our own better aircraft and cars.

Big D, every now and again, you justify the doctored photograph!

Yes, that kept me off them......wasn't 'Cross Air' involved in that?They don't seem to turn up much in the 'cheap Biz Class' searches I do!

Every time I hear the little red motorbike music, I salivate... Mmmmmm.........Magnum.......

I was always worried Swiss would go bankrupt... I used KLM a lot, also combination KLM/China Airlines.... Since I started buying my tickets ex-Bangkok I go where the best Biz Class bargain is.

I don't go to the airport based on the beer. Heathrow may be better if you arrive from the London area, but I would need to transit from a Manchester shuttle. Heathrow is a miserable, crowded, hotch potch of extensions and security checks staffed by people with attitude and poor English skills. I have been delayed, held hostage on aircraft, lied to, bustled, made to stand in long lines multiple times, forced to walk miles, squashed onto little busses, had to walk in pouring rain, flight cancellations...had to collect suitcases and repeat security unnecessarily.....the jetway doesn't work, the gates are full, it is expensive and the Hopper busses suck too. Not only my thoughts... T5 was going to be the answer, but the BA Bangkok flights don't leave from there! Singapore, Hong Kong, Schiphol and even Bangkok all work better.

Probably only the United players can afford that! I am presuming Manchester passengers get to stay on the aircraft at Munich, but still, getting down and back up again in European airports (particularly in winter) adds time and delay possibilities. Recent days being an example.... I didn't consider SQ when they used to stop off in Delhi, Munich isn't as bad but will increase flying time...... might be better to change at Munich for a direct to Bangkok!

Heathrow......

Supply and demand, seats get scarce anyhow over Christmas and new year. Looks like the strike has been averted so BA might have some seats!

Well someone has his head in the clouds.......

The airport in Kuwait City isn't much of a place to transit through, so ensure no long wait there.

Yes, BA train their pilots to land the plane anyplace, and Heathrow, when not on strike.Thai only take off and go in a big circle do they?

Video.....jeez dem wings bend.....

Well I got mine in Saudi Arabia so the pork was 'off the menu'.....

Well the Biz Class price isn't attractive, and even in economy SQ rarely compete. Will the SQ aircraft come to Manchester or are they doing a deal with Lufthansa? Sad, another option 'lost'..... the Middle Eastern carriers have sewn up Manchester. It was expected SQ would drop Manchester altogether.