rockinjerry

Welcome Aboard! I see that it is your very first post and you will find that the majority of people on this board don't bite and are very helpful. Also, there is no such thing as a silly question. We were all new at one time! I have never stayed there, but from reading other members that have, the answer is, Yes, there are friendly to your guest. No joiner-fee. The majority of posts have indicated that it is a very good hotel. I am sure that you will receive answers from members that have stayed at RG; some once and some many times. When have you scheduled your first visit to Paradise? Or, have you yet? Rockin' Jerry

Myself being a country music singer, a friend of mine the Late Tommy Collins wrote and I would nominate, "If You Ain't Lovin, You Ain't Living." This song was recorded by the late Faron Young in the 1950's and it went to # 1 on the Country Charts. It was then recorded by George Straight in the 1980's and went to # 1 also. Talk about staying power and that some things never change! 30-years apart at #1 and in the 80's the song was just as timely as in the 50's! The lyrics mention If you got a Cadillac, mansion, pocket full of money, riding on a gravy train, but if you don't have a honey, then brother, "If You Ain't Lovin, You Ain't Living!" Rockin' Jerry

Tom & Valentino, and Others: Thanks for your help. Rockin' Jerry

Did I miss something? I didn't see anything on the airline site that said "Phuket to Pattaya?" Is there air service between Pattaya & Phuket? If so, what airline and how much? TurboProp? I'd appreciate the info too. Thanks, Rockin' Jerry

Yep, down the hill from the Dusit at Beach Rd. If you intend to use Thai Air frequent flyer miles be aware that it takes them 3-working days to issue the ticket. Why the hell I don't know, just the way it is. Rockin' Jerry

I voted no because I believe "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." I eat Thai food a lot in LOS, but also have an American breakfast daily. Can' help it! Gotta have my bacon & eggs! As already stated, if your friend does open, I would include Thai food as well. Good Luck! Rockin'

I am So scared! I refuse to return to LOS until next month. Gonna make all three for one month: BKK, Pattaya, and Phuket. Maybe it is just because I am old and senile? Nah, don't think so! It's just because I am not buying in to all this. Life is a Bitch, and then you die. Seriously, there is cause for concern but it is not going to stop me from living my life. How can one afford not to go to LOS now when the deals are so great? The Lady pickings have to be great even if it is quiet. Not all of them have gone home for low season and the ones there, from what I hear from friends, are falling all over you for attention and BF. It's a hard job but some of us have to go to pump money into the Thai economy. I consider it my duty to the best spot in the world for womanizing. Rockin' Jerry

I have flown both Thai and China. My last two trips have been with China, Jan/Feb this year and last year also. No problem whatsoever and they were cheaper than Thai Airlines. On time, food and service no problem. Will no doubt fly with China again. Rockin' Jerry

Jimmy: Just kidding about the "looks." [smiley=wink.gif] Agree, Baht does the talking! You have lot's of choices it appears. Hope to see 'ya! Rockin'

Mr B Cool: Can kinda understand your reluctance, but not really, I guess! Why should you give a damn about what your golf buddies think and say? I agree it's envy, but so what? Poor boys! I've seen some of the dogs some of them have been with. As already mentioned, I have seen some of the stunners you have had and I know that I was jealous, cuz I am better looking than you! Again, so what? It's Thailand and the ladies are a large part of what it's about. Seriously, let 'em talk. WOW! I would love to have that kind of talk,"Did you see that lady Mr. BCool is with!" Nuff said. Rockin'

Jimmy: How about Steve's Penthouse suite at Lew's? Right in the middle of where you want to be. And, the walk up four flights of stairs at 2 AM in the morning sure would help to sober one up. And, I know you have been known to "down a few" during the evening. Rockin'

Peter: Poor Guy! I know most comments are well intentioned, but a got a laugh out of your replys! "All I want to know is there someone out there who has done this? And, what is it like?" Or, words to that effect. And, you are still waiting for an answer! I too would like to see a proper answer, as I have wondered about this service in the past but haven't met anyone that has experienced it To hell with it! If money is not an issue, and apparently it isn't, then go for it and then let us all know if it is worth it or not. Awaiting your trip report! Have a great time! Rockin'

Pay it and forget it! Chump change! Not worth the hassle! Rockin'

Tangent: Sounds like a good plan, go meet her and spend the four days with her to get to know her. Just remember, both of you "will put on your best face" as it is clear that a romance has already started long distance. Not clear if after Korea you will be going directly to LOS and Pattaya or back home first and LOS later on this year? I wish you well with this lady, but in my opinion you should be selfish for yourself and have the Pattaya experience before getting too involved with her. It is sooo easy to fall in love with these lovely Thai ladies and especially one that is well educated and is responsible like your lady; working same job for 6-years, etc. You owe it to yourself to do some "window shopping!" All these ladies are looking for a better way of life, to improve their station in life be it if they are business women or, are bar girls. Who can blame them? I guess what I am trying to say is don't fall in love with the first lady that you meet no matter from what walk of life she is in. This lady may indeed be the one for you. But before you leap, sample other wears! You owe it to yourself! Just my 2-baht worth! Rockin'

Tangent: The thing about the Thai ladies is that they "are all amazing!" Some just more so than others. Before you fall in love with this amazing lady in BKK, and it is soooo easy to fall in love with these delightful ladies of Thailand as they are truly different than those we are use to in western culture, I would definitely give myself the experience of visiting Pattaya. Thailand does not have the official slogin "Amazing Thailand" for nothing! It seems to me that you already have an infactuation with the lady in BKK and maybe she is the one for you. But, don't short change yourself by missing the pleasures of Pattaya. Lot's of culture down there and only a 2-hour cab ride if you take the toll roads! Go get "em Tangent and Enjoy! Good luck and let us know how the trip turns out. Rockin'

Hi Tangent: Like Big DUSA asked, is she in BKK or Pattaya? If BKK, I would meet her and take her out to dinner but keep it friendly; no immediate sex even if there should be "signals and an indicated willingness." Remember; she is a co-worker in the same company even if different countries. No matter BKK or Pattaya really, I just think easier if she is in BKK, as I think it is perfectly understandable that this is your first trip to Thailand and that you want to see the country and the sites and that Pattaya is on your schedule to check out as "you have made friends there via internet with fellow Canadians, Expats." If your dinner goes well with her you can always schedule another one, or take her to the movies or let her suggest places to go on a night out. I would not deprive myself of the pleasures of Pattaya lovilies without first exploring, sampling them because I think that would be a mistake, especially since this is your first trip and you already have a plan of action drawn up. Don't cut yourself short! Go and have a good time and play it by ear with the lady. If there is a chemistry between you two, you can always folllow-up. She has to realize that you are on holiday and have already made plans. Yes, most all of us go to Pattaya for the nightlife but not all. So just be cool about it and go and enjoy! Rockin'

Isn't it great to have a choice? God knows, I love 'em both! Lot's of excitment and lovelies in both beer bars & go-go's. I sure am glad that there is just not one type of venue. I have found some stunners in beer bars as well as go-go's. You just can't tell what is around the corner until you go and have a look see. "Up to YOU!" Long Live LOS! Rockin' Jerry

Emil: Go Figure? With what is going on with United now, I would double check and make sure that the deal is in fact the deal! Nothing now surprises me with United as the mess they are in speaks for itself. If it is real, of course you have to jump on it; Helluva deal! Good Luck! If it turns out too good to be true, scroll down and see the deal I got on China Airlines, good from SFO or LAX. It was the best I could find. Rockin' Jerry

I gave input on personal experience at Woodlands, but unfortunately no help here as not familar with Sunbeam. Hopefull, some other members are. Have you tried to see if they have a website? Rockin' Jerry

Hi All: Well, times are a changing! I for one, and I suspect most all others do not mind the extra time involved if it keeps flying the friendly skies safer and keeps the terror jeks off the planes and keeps them from planting explosives on the aircraft. Is it more inconvenient? Hell Yes! Does it help? I hope in the long run, Yes! But, time will tell. I personally don't mind the extra time involved, if all flows smoothly, as I am one that always goes to the airport early as I enjoy the cocktail lounges and "people watching" and reading a good book. Relaxing for me. What pissed me off this summer was new x-ray, bomb screening process that was not very well organized as it was a new process, and in my opinion, some of us had to wait an urealistic long time. It cost me my cocktail time! But, as in everything else, I trust the kinks have been worked out with that process by now. And, this new screening process will no doubt have bugs as well. I just hope that they are solved by the time I fly to LOS later in January. I would hate to be leaving on Jan.1, 2003 as I did Jan 1, 2002! They will have 3-weeks to tinker with it before I leave on Jan. 23. Happy New Year! Rockin' Jerry

Hi Greg: I am not worried about TSA doing the stealing; I am concerned with the airport employees that handle the luggage as there will be no locks on luggage. The individual airline baggage handlers. As I have mentioned, theft is up at BKK airport now that they have discontinued placing the plastic strap around luggage. I agree that the first month is going to be a mess and unfortunately in that respect I am going to LOS in Jan. But, what the Hell, for the rewards when I am there, if a little delay, No Problem! I am a patient man for the delights of LOS! Not the TSA, but the airline handlers that already steal. So much easier for them now to pilfer through luggage. I hope that I am wrong, but I think theft is going to go way up! Garbage plastic ties! Give me a break! Undo the one on the suitcase, pilfer and then reach in their pocket and relace with a new Glad garbage bag plastic tie? How long will that take? Seconds! My 2-baht worth. Rockin' Jerry

Alan: As I understand it, some of the screening will take place when the luggage is already checked and out side your possession. As far as what you suggest, I have only had one experience at Los Angeles, on Northwest Airlines this summer. When I made my reservation the agent instructed me to check my luggage at curbside check in. I thouhgt this strange but didn't question it. This was a domestic flight in USA. I did as instructed. I was way early as I wanted to check my bag and hit the bar for a drink before they closed at midnite. The curbside agent placed my bag on the luggage rack and it was the first bag placed there. I waited about 15-minutes until the dolly was totally stacked then it was rolled inside at the far end of a large x-ray machine. I was instructed to stay in the area until my bag went through X-ray as they might need to hand search and I would have to open the lock. The handles seperated the bags and those people with earlier flights were put through X-ray first. My bag was set aside and I asked the handle if he couln't place my bag through machine and he said he had to handle others with earlier flight.I waited another 30-minutes until it was placed through X-ray and then placed on another hand dolly to make it's way to my plane. Needless to say, I missed the bar closing and went without drink. I was pissed! I don't know the answer to all your questions, but hopefully this new process will let the checked luggage flow in a fairly normal way. I know the ordeal I just described was very time consuming and I don't see how it could work with a full intercontinental flight I suggest you contact your travel agent as they should be up on all the requirements. My very biggest concern is theft as I have read that since BKK airport quit putting band around the luggage, theft is way up there. Now we will no doubt have the same problem here in the USA. Rockin' Jerry

Greg: All checked luggage at all USA airports after Jan 1, 2003 should not be locked and it is stated that you should use zip ties, garbage bag ties, to secure baggage from opening as if luggage locked inspectors will cut lock and not be held liable. Also, they want you to pack objects in clear containers, medicines, etc. And, to pack shoes at top of suitcase. If your luggage is hand inspected, they will place a note inside so informing you. In the future, the airports will provide customers with their own luggage ties. Unfortunately, any claims for missing items will have to be presented to your particular airline carrier. It appears that we all now will be subjected to a lot of missing articles from our luggage! Just a zip tie to secure luggage is going to make it awfully easy for theft at airports. I guess coming back from Thailand it will be OK to lock the luggage? Hope so as I intend to place lock upon my return trip home to USA. If they cut it; they cut it! Rockin' Jerry

I Like Pattaya: Go with others on this. And, why are you so sensitive, "fucking apologize"-etc. when you are asking such sensitive quetions? You are offended by the answers? Give me a break! Who are you to start with, and what is your prurpose? You started this thread by saying no one responded to your first attempt so what made you think they would respond to this one? And, you get wounded and respond to the first critical remark, "Fuck this and Fuck that!" All I can say is "WOW!"

I just contacted Join Us Travel Agency in San Francisco I first sent e-mail for fare quote, and then called their toll-free number. For those of you that intend to fly from San Francisco or Los Angeles, the deal is on China Airlines and efective dates are January 10, 2003 thru May 31, 2003. Ecomomy fare is $595 all taxes inclusive. They will only take a check as this fare is a $50 discount for cash. I think you can use credit card for higher purchase cost; add on the $50? I flew on China Airlines this past January and found it very user friendly. It cost me more then as I left on Jan 1. http://joinustravel.com is their website. I talked to George Moore today at 1-800-324-5359, ext. 3772. I don't recall who, but I think it was someone on this board that posted and gave this e-mail address of Join Us Travel. Thanks! This is the lowest fare I have found from California. Rockin' Jerry