Tengotodo

What's on the menu?

I believe what you say to be accurate as I already hear the rumblings and had to, for the first time, start making contributions to my healthcare benefit. I can only hope they grandfather in the relics like myself who were duped into serving a life sentence of public service under the premise that pension and benefits would be lifelong. 10 years is what I need to get out. They are rapidly switching from defined benefit to defined contribution and poorly supported self-directed 401Ks. Given this scenario, even LOS won't be affordable to the aboove average retiree..

It almost appears as if the Thai government does not want anyone who relies soley on SS income. Why 65K baht a month? Is that like $2K a month? SS won't likely cover that, but many people live in the US on just that (or barely live, that is). Damn. I guess if I bank the proceeds from my house, cash out and collect on my work-pension then by the time SS kicks in, (if it's around at all), I'll finally be able to enjoy my old age in Pattaya? sheeeeeeze!

Is it true, then, that a lot of families go on vacation to Thailand? Or that planes themselves are at a premium due to vacationers going to other destinations? I think the $875 flight from LAX is a good deal, all things considered. I'm going in June/July from the East Coast and the prices start at $1250 all in. And for that princely sum you get to travel 33 hours with 2 big layovers.

I frequently started walking from soi 2 to walking street. Quite a few bars/go-gos on the way for pit stops. Baht busses come up 2nd road and go DOWN soi 2 to get back to beach road. No problems at all getting rides any time. But after 3 am they are very few/far between. Always a motorbike you can hop on, though. Both areas (Soi Diana and Soi 2) are VERY GOOD for convenience, transortation and shopping. The only edge (perhaps) going to the Diana area for restaurants, imop.

Yes, I am. Don't worry you can tell Dennis I have not cancelled on him. I just like the SOI 2 area very much so I KNOW I will be spending some time there. Time is getting shorter by the day! See you there for a cold one, or 2, or 3....

quote name='papillon' date='Apr 30 2007, 09:16 AM' post='454460'] I'm still waiting for you to apologise for making unfounded allegations. http://www.pattayatalk.com/forums/index.ph...st&p=447641 Why don't you both get a room already and work it out

Thank you. A very helpful post!

I would not be eager to trade my middle class lifestyle in the US for one in Thailand. If/when I do take the plunge, it's because my standard of living and quality of pussy will be increased 2-3 fold.

I used to work at Worlcom before moving to Enron. Now I'm thinking about opening a beer bar in Pattaya. Why do you ask?

Prices seem higher than reasonable for the area/time of year?

Don't know if I can claim a "favorite" after only 3 trips to day, but Sabaii Inn would have to be it! Baht bus picks you up right at the front door and POOF! you're heading towards WS for 10baht. Nice gogo on SOI and quite a few beer bars (not to mention soapys on 2nd road). Close to WelKom Inn and nice Thai restaurant right across soi. Haven't been there since January so don't know about construction, but in 57 days I'll have a handle on that

Your fears are unrealistic. Never had a problem. Be happy!

This is a sister hotel of Areca, which apparently is new and does offer long-term rates. Sea Orchid

You might go to sawasdee.com and request lodgings from several hotels to check availability. High season and Peak season will likely run you between 1600-1900 baht at a nice hotel; less at a guest house. Best to book ASAP for Dec/Jan

I like the idea of walking up (and away) if necessary, but I'm not fond of traveling all about with my suitcase in 100 degree weather. In low season, I prefer to pre-book 2-3 days and then look for more attractive/affordable accomodations at my leisure. In High season? I don't want to worry about finding a place so I book my entire stay in advance in a hotel that comes well recommended or that I've been in before. Might be interesting to be in Pattaya on NYE without a hotel reservation.....hmmmmmm..

Many places that advertise "Traditional Thai Massage" on the window. Be prepared to have your body pulled/poked/tweaked/stretched. Some of the younger girls have gone to Massage College, but mostly the older ones who are not in the game. I believe there is an actual massage clinic on soi 6?

Looks really good and I am looking for a place for Dec/Jan. What is the action like nearby? Are there a lot of bars and quality to be found? Also, I like my bed made every day as I usually have a new girl every day.

A regularly priced ticket on Thai Airways is about $1500 from JFK (higher in high season). You can also book this same flight using 60K FF miles. You can buy FF flies from the airlines at around $.03 per mile, or $1800. OR....you can buy FF miles off Ebay for around $600-900 for 60K miles. You can transfer these miles into your account, but that's costly. The best way is for the owner of the miles to make a reservation for you in your name. I've done it several times now and it works. No problems. Only problem is getting a FF award ticket for the time you want as they (the airlines)

I'm intrigued. Will check it out.

both jokes made me laugh

I've dated a few Issaan gals who sought out those Bug Carts and chowed down like there was no tomorrow. I only tried the "dry goods" as I could not bring myself to eat a mushy one. It was an experience I would prefer not to relive!

What exactly do you mean by "villa"? View Talay condos are purported to be nice, as is the Dusit. LK Metropole is not exactly a Villa and neither is Residence Garden, but they are large and comfortable and much less than 3000B. When are coming? Prices between low season and high varies greatly. Check out the Hotel review section. You may end up in Jomtien as I understand it's very nice and reasonable for what you get. With 3 kids to consider, you probably would prefer Jomtien than Pattaya proper.

Oh, Goody.

Had I known you were at 75% I might have tried a little harder to get you over the top. Maybe next time