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Tell 'em Jimmy! FAME, not shame! Little Roy

How do you plan to collect SS at 55? It's my understanding that 62 is the earliest you can collect. That's what I did. Little Roy

Geez, you guys that have to have a plan.... I don't have a bar, I don't play golf, and I hit the bars only sometimes. But the days and nights seem to take care of themselves, and I am having a ball. Having a great gal helps. Oh yes! Little Roy

Just book anywhere for the first coule of nights. In September there is no problem in finding rooms. Have a look around, and settle on one you like. Not a problem! Little Roy

"There's more to life than :clap1" Really? You gotta be kidding! Um.....yeah I guess you do need food to keep your engine running. Little Roy

Good advice from Leo! Little Roy

The problem is more complex than when to get the best price. Sometimes the problem is of seat availability. In the past I procratinated to get a good price for my January trip, and could only get confirmed as far as Narita, or Seoul, but found the folks from those areas had booked all the seats to BKK. Had to book through Hong Kong to get a seat. A bit awkward from where I live. It gets really tight if you want to travel in late December or early January so, unless saving the money is critical to you, it might be best to book early. I retuned to the States for a visit on Sunday. The next day I got my ticket to return in September to stay until December. Guess what? Couldn't get the dates I wanted so had to adjust a bit. Did get a ticket with Korea Airline for $1,000 flying direct to Seoul from Dulles Airport Washington, D. C. So only have to fly two legs instead of three. Can't complain. Will book my January to April trip within the next week, just to be safe. Little Roy

I live on Soi 4. This place is NOT on Soi 4. I had a look at the web site. Yes, it says soi 4, but also says 'Beach Road'. In looking at the photo on the web site it reminded me of the newish building on Beach Rd., between Charming Inn at soi 5 and the old Suzy Massage building on the corner with soi 4. Took a walk down that way and had a look. I think that's the building, but oddly...NO SIGN. Very strange. It looks great on the outside but looks empty. I am sure there is no swimming pool. Please don't book by internet. Get to Pattaya and check it out. Might be OK, but something just ain't right. And the prices on the web site expired two months ago, so who knows.... Sloppy web site suggests a sloppy operation...? Roy

Joe..."how far do we go before we accept a joiner fee?" I guess that can only be answered by the individual. As stated before...I don't accept it. And I avoid so-called five star hotels as often they do have such a policy. Besides, my personal opinion is that you are throwing your money away if you stay in the expensive hotels. In my case I am in Thailand nearly 9 months of the year so couldn't afford the cost anyway. My criteria is: clean, safe, quiet, convenient location,reasonable price, and NO joiner fee. It is extremely easy to find such places. Roy

Also, there are times the "joiner fee" is simply a scam by the night security and/or the night desk staff. Happened to me some years ago when I stayed at the Ambassador Hotel in BKK. No, I didn't pay it. And yes, I moved out after the scam was attempted two nights in a row. Roy

Joe, many hotels don't care if you bring in more than one gal. As long as you don't make too much noise that is. I cleared that with the manager of the Sabai Lodge some time back. In any event, Do NOT allow them charge you extra. If they are unbending...MOVE! Roy

If your head is only worth 600B to you...buy it. Otherwise, buy the best you can get no matter the price. Best idea yet....don't ride a motorbike! Roy

About as firm a stance as Thais take on anything. A hit or miss situation, though the cops are enforcing the law more often. I don't know how much the fine currently is, but I think it is the moto-taxi guy that has to pay. For myself, I avoid motorcycles. Roy

Hey Jack! Is the "doctor" around the corner from Greg's Kitchen still taking good care of you? Roy

Wow! You mean to say Beach Rd. may be finished one day? AHahahahahah! Roy

Bummer. I will make a point to get to the airport very early. Thanks for the heads-up! Roy

You guys are amazing! What a wonderful source of information this board is! I'm going to book the flights. No layover problems as I will arrive at Incheon at 5PM, and the flight to BKK leaves at 8:25 PM. Coming back, the BKK flight arrives in Incheon at 8:30 AM and the flight to Dulles leaves at 10:50 AM. And arrival time at Dulles is 11:30 AM. Outstanding arrival time! MANY thanks to you all for all the very complete and detailed information. FIVE members have contributed info. And I hope to meet you guys at the FLB. I owe you all.....big time! Roy

That's good new, Soi 7. I have MANY miles built up on the NWA FF program. How about the Seoul Aiport? Anybody have info? Roy

Mescalito...many thanks! How about the Seoul airport? Any problems when you change planes? Based on your recommendations, I am considering using them. Will wait a few days to see if there are any more comments. Roy

Thanks for the response. Am planning to leave on May10, with return on Aug. 7. Has anyone flown KAL? Roy

Am trying to book my next RT to LOS. Usually use NWA. Last trip was $845. Now they want $1255. I know the airlines are hurting, but...... I can get Korean Airlines RT for $1078. Still more, but a better deal. Direct flight from Dulles Washington to Seoul. Cuts out one plane change. Times are OK. I have never flown KAL. Any advice, experience? Thanks for the help! Roy

The "disco" is called 8 1/2. A major pain in the ass! The noise from there has caused two nearby businesses to close, and others to crank up their amplifiers to try to compete. The increased noise levels have run off many customers...including myself. And yes, it does continue to operate after 1 AM when all others shut down their music and lights. My contacts tell me that the noise continues because of payoffs to the police. Operators of near-by bars are afraid to complain. Seriously! Roy

Took a walk down Walking Street a few nights ago. Can't figure out where Vientianne is moving to. There are two restaurants located across from Nang Nual now. So where is it going to locate? I didn't spot any signs to give a hint. Maybe Vientianne will simply take over one of the existing restaurants and just give it a name change. Roy

Fly! The cost is worth the time you save. Have been twice, and will go again. A really nice place! Roy

Yep, March 26. Will move to Walking Street across the street from Nang Nual Seafood. Will probably lose some family business as now you will have to walk almost the lengh of Walking Street to get to it. Like running a gauntlet. But OK for me. Will help increase the appetite. Even for food. Roy