BigDUSA

I You make some very good points. Every helmet I've ever bought was at a motorcycle shop. It must be a good fit. If one is unable to buy a high quality helmet locally. I'd buy from Amazon.

Given your lack of experience driving and the fact that Thai drivers are very poor drivers. Rent a car and driver for a couple of months. When you see how scary driving in Thailand is. You'll thank me.

My wife and I ate dinner tonight at Maurice's BBQ in Santee, South Carolina. BBQ is smoked over a hickory wood fire. Very tasty. Go get that house!

You might consider hiring a car and driver to take you to work. This could be a inexpensive way to go.

Weekends at dawn is a good time to learn on the road. Traffic is light and the drunk drivers are pretty much off the road. When you rent a bike, check the tire pressure and with the rear tire off the ground. Grab the rear tire and see if it moves from side to side. If it does the bushing is shot. Rent a different bike. Buy a good helmet. I always used a Snell approved helmet. These helmets are built to the highest safety standards. Your head is worth the expense. Amazon sells these.

The short answer is yes. Pattaya is reasonably safe. Pattaya is what I consider a bust out town. It's a party town where single guys come to buy the services of prostitutes. I would stay at a hotel for a few months that offers free parking. Sabai Hotel Group is a good place to stay. Good location. Pattaya is a fun town. Enjoy your stay.

What effect do you think this would have on Pattaya business's?

Tropical Bert's, soi 6-1 serves a good cup of brewed coffee. Pattaya Beer Garden, Beach Road near Walking Street also serves fresh brewed coffee.

Excellent seafood.

Excellent price. Good location. Let us know how the condo worked out. I'm going to rent there next trip. www.honeyscoffeehouse.com

May is low season. You need to email various hotels and tell them you want to stay three weeks. There are deals out there. Check latestays.com

When I enter the coordinates for my home. My Garmin brings me back to the same spot. When I use the latest and greatest map. I'm down the street by 100 meters.

I use Garmin support to d/l firmware and map updates. I've never had a problem with their support.

I have a new problem. Very small font. This is the only site, I have this problem.

Like you, I've used a Garmin for years. I'd buy the cheapest with a 5 " screen. I keep up with the updates and have been very happy with Garmin.

LOL. Thank GOD the nitpicker spends so much time going through my old posts. For the first time visitor it might be FUN to endure a week of getting wet.

As long as you don;t mind getting wet. Sonkran can be fun. Weather is warm. Just bring plastic baggies for your phone, wallet.

Guys tend to remember the past through rose colored glasses.

Yes and it's Snell approved.

Amazon has a Bell Snell helmet for $70.USD. Well worth the small cost assuming your brain is worth it.

I disagree a good Snell approved helmet can be a lifesaver. Yes, it's expensive but your brain is worth it. Traffic is CRAZY in Pattaya.

Given the ongoing political instabilty. I'd be extremely hesitant in investing a considerable amount of money in Thailand.

What do you mean by street eateries? I've eaten at this restaurant and the food was excellent.

Soi 6 is way closer.

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