js007

That's the stereotype, to be sure. But not entirely true, especially in this economy.

Once upon a time I ran across a web site put together by a Japanese guy who was also fluent in English. The site had good reviews of all the red light areas, the different types of establishments, and which would accept foreigners. If I can find the link, I'll come back and post it. From what I remember, many places will accept foreigners, although it helps greatly if you can speak a little Japanese, as most of the girls don't.

Other than stopovers at Narita and Osaka, I've never been to Japan. But I used to have a Japanese girlfriend. From talking to her, I got the impression that Japan doesn't necessarily have to be all that expensive, especially if you do your homework. And it helps to be away from Tokyo.

One time in Bangkok I was staying at the JW Marriott and woke up in the middle of the night for some water, forgetting where I was. Drank a bunch of tap water. Maybe it was that water or maybe it was some food I ate the next day, but SOMETHING made me sick over the next few days. Since then, I've tried to be more careful.

Good pictures. Brings back memories of the time I was stuck there for about 18 hours. I had a family emergency and had to go back home, so I didn't have much time to plan things.

I've never found the Thai Air website to be down completely, just hard to use, sometimes. It can be somewhat of a difficult experience, just to book a flight.

One time I used the limo service inside the airport for the trip to Pattaya. Relatively expensive, but it was one of the safest rides I ever had. Some old guy driving a weird looking "limo." No sure what kind of car it was, but it was almost new. Anyway, he was the safest driver I ever encountered in Thailand. And very polite. My other taxi rides weren't too memorable one way or the other.

Just for the heck of it, I have Avast anti-virus installed on my MacBook Air and on my I-Mac. I can't say that it has ever found a virus, but then again, it doesn't seem to slow things down. And it's free.

Not a bad price, if you're in the NYC area. I'm in a position to escape to somewhere this winter, for a few months. I'm sort of waiting to see how the Ebola thing pans out. Right now, I don't think it's a big deal. But by January?

Ukraine looks like a nice place. It's too bad the county is having trouble right now.

Just about every girl working in a bar will know where the nearest short time rooms are located. Or, if you really want simplicity, just head to Soi 6.

What's the "Economy Plus" seating like on that Delta flight? Comparable to the Premium Economy seats on the old Thai Air A340-500? Or not nearly as nice?

Do they make a point of not flying over war zones?

Thanks for the report. It's good to know which companies to stay away from.

That's what I was afraid of. One year I was there over that period and ended up having to stay at an expensive hotel for six weeks over the Christmas/New Years period.

Well, I'm finally in a position to escape to Pattaya for four to six months starting in November. Anyway, I was wondering how the high season bookings are shaping up. I know it can sometimes be hard to find a room over the holidays, from about the middle of December through the first part of January. Has anyone tried? I'm still in the planning stages and haven't bought my ticket yet, so I was just wondering if things are looking quieter for the next high season. Normally, I just stay at a guesthouses and the like, mostly, but I'd consider a well located condo for a short term lease.

Ok. I guess that makes sense. I never set of an ACH transfer overseas, just here in the states. The deal I set up in Thailand was a wire transfer deal.

Are you sure about that? I know I set up wire transfer from Thailand with Chase Bank, and I believe they did a test transfer. Maybe. Anyway, I worked it all out online and I didn't have to call anyone. In fact, I'm sort of sure the test transfers were something I could see online.

The credit card company should be able to help you out. And don't forget to check the additional warranties BofA might offer with all credit card purchases, in addition to whoever federal law provides. I never took them up on any of their warranties, but as I recall hey have a whole booklet explaining their warranties, etc.

I guess Im going to have to brush up on my alcoholic drinks. I thought lager was just a type of beer. Maybe not? Anyway, I guess I don't think about it too much. Right now I'm drinking a Heineken. What's that?

Nice pics. Last time I walked around Pattaya taking pictures, all the pictures from the beach area seemed to be a bit hazy. Maybe that's just the typical light. Anyway, I didn't try to adjust any of them in a photo editor. Maybe I'll post a few some time. Or maybe I already have? Can't remember.

It would sure be easier for everyone concerned if Thailand would just stamp people in for three months on arrival. Malaysia does that and that place seems to still be functioning. In any event, if Thailand wants to crack down on people working illegally, that's what it should do. Crack down on the illegal workers. Playing games with people making visa runs just seems to be too much off the mark.

A few years back, Agoda was bought by Priceline. I'm not sure about Booking.com.

I remember one time in Bangkok, getting in a cab during rush hour. After sitting in the cab for a while, I kept wondering why the meter wasn't moving. For a long time, I thought the meter was broken. Finally, it flipped over to add some more baht. I finally got where I was going, but I sure as hell did feel sorry for the cab driver. The same thing once happened on a trip from the airport to the Nana area. The driver used the meter and the final cost was 175 baht. Seemed like a long trip for only 175 baht. Anyway, there are honest cab drivers out there.

I always like to book through Agoda, especially for the first few nights stay in Thailand. That way, the room is paid for and waiting for me when I arrive. After the first fdew days, I usually just go with the flow and book directly with the hotel or guesthouse.