MM

I've found that Kayak shows cheapest flights for Air China, but when you click thru to the Air China site, the flight is either twice as expensive or not available. I've reported the problem to Kayak, and they acknowledge there is a problem. The only way to be sure of the cheap flight is to try to actually book it, not just go on what Kayak says.

I assume you mean Thai? I enjoy lots of things in Pattaya. And, Herb sounds like a fine companion.

Hey, I couldn't help it. The one line quip just struck me as funny. I do think you're on the right track with the rest of your comment though.

It seems such a simple thing to do, raising the kickstand, and yet, sometimes it feels like it's come up when it is still down. You were really lucky, as was I, to not have a terrible accident as a result of this minor negligence.

I have a shitload of Star Alliance miles I would be willing to let go for 1USD/mile. It's probably more cost-effective than rowing to Ko Lan

Just curious, because I might be venturing out that way. How much for a normal massage from a 19-22 yo who offers (1) hand job (2) blow job (3) full service?

That is such a lovely image. What dog lover forum wouldn't be thrilled to have stories of a man and his dog? Shagged any Thai birds lately?

Yamaha Elegance, very nice. I like the kickstand override on the Honda, because once I was driving home (on a Yamaha Nuovo) and managed to go about a km before I had to make a left turn. When I did, I realized, suddenly and horrifyingly, that my kickstand was still down. Yeah, I know...putting the kickstand up before driving is a good idea. BTW, the Elegance was selling for 52K and 56K (without or with mag wheels) here at a local shop. Is that about what they charge in the hinterland?

A strange choice for desert for an American Christmas dinner, IMHO. Look for a guy named Jacques.

He did say for you poor bastards in the old country, so that wouldn't apply to you, would it?

No, but you might try using http://imagevenue.com/ and then linking to the photos from there in your post.

Actually, nam-thip is correct. There is nothing that says you have to have an income of 800,000b/year. You merely have to show that you have an account balance in a Thai bank of 800,000b or more. They don't care if it is from income or any other source. They just check that is is there. For the last few years, they have also wanted to check that the bank balance is 800K or more, for at least 3 months prior to extension renewal. And, as joek said, you can use monthly income for both the retirement and marriage visas or extensions. Either or.

bratpack, you are correct that the "some do some don't" and some girls are new and being trained comments by the OP might make the experience over priced... if you go looking for a shag with a cute girl and she can't even do a decent massage and won't do extras. But you're forgetting the "special oil"!

Sometimes that extra 2 or 3 inches makes a difference.

That's when I know it's time to go home.

Yeah, you're right. Somebody posts about a place, mentions the prices, and the usual posters go on about how they can get whatever it is cheaper without regard to quality or surroundings. Of course, none of those who post have ever been to the place they criticize on prices mentioned. It really is the same old thing. I'm actually surprised you didn't dip your oar in.

So, if I see you at Babydolls or Champion of a night, can I assume you'll not be posting at the crack of dawn the next day? I've had a few nights the last weeks, hanging with the vampire crowd till the sun comes up...this was one of them. I know to go home when I see the monks out.

Sorry for the threadfuck to come, but jacko, my man, what is it that you do each day that gets you up at 6am in the morning in Pattaya? I've seen you out in the gogos at a latish hour, but you must be an early riser. I haven't even gone to bed yet

Okay, that made me laugh out loud.

I'd been thinking about buying a PCX. It's the first small bike I've seen that just somehow looks like it would be fun. Several of my neighbors parked theirs with my rented 2 yr old Yamaha Nuovo. Incidentally, it was about time to buy a bike, since I've been renting constantly for ... 6 YEARS (at 3000/month)! I was talking to a friend about the bike, and he mentioned that the bike parking area that I use (and probably the other ones in the area), wouldn't accept a PCX for parking...they think it's a big bike I took a picture of one and showed it to my parking attendant, and I asked if I could park one there. He confirmed that they would not accept a PCX. I doubt it would ever be a problem up country, but around here, parking is at a premium, even for bikes.

I really haven't noticed there are more beauties now than before. Most of the best looking girls have been working for the whole low season, because they get customers rain or shine. It's the fuglies that show up in high season due to higher demand.

Jacko, I take these assignments very seriously. I'll do my best to give a report as soon as I can get away from the missus :)

I don't think 400b oil massage is out of line if you have private rooms, air con, en suite showers and lovely masseuses. Some people can't tell the difference between a place that has amenities and a bare bones mat on the floor skimpy curtain massage place. They say they are value conscious, but when all they notice is the price, it appears they are just cheap. If I'm in the area, I'll drop by and give it a go.

Thanks, LD. I appreciate your recording the event. I know you've known and been friends with Nong a long time. She's an absolutely super lady.

It was quite a shock to come staggering in at 5:30am, after hitting a raft of gogos, closing IBar and then having a couple at a street beer bar, to find out that the frigging board's database had gotten screwed up. My first thought was "fuck it, I need to get some sleep", but then, because I felt some weird obligation to you guys, I managed to open a couple of semi-coherent trouble tickets to Invision, managed to assign them an account to access the board, and then finally passed out. I'm sure glad I renewed my support agreement with them