Reasons to be Cheerful

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Health... I have to say the UK wins, because of NH, despite state of the art hospitals here. The cost is high as you age and I have little faith of being treated 'fairly' at the BPH! A bad health bout here could bankrupt you. People who harp on about 'public' Thai hospitals, well the one I visited scared me.

 

I pay into the Social Security fund (there are no exclusions for any pre-existing conditions) and most of my "nominated" public hospital is brand new. If you are having in-patient treatment you can opt for private rooms which are as good as, if not better than, any of the private hospitals nearby. Supplementary prices start at around 450 Baht/night. As a teaching hospital, the staff are the best around. What I don't need in a hospital is a McDonalds or Starbucks.

Edited March 26, 2013 by CheshireTom

[bratpack 91]

This time of year I don't think anyone does that well...... me after nearly 9 years.

It gets a bit sticky on my 10k walks Jacko lol.First time in 9 years living here,that i stick on some factor 25 when i do my walks,it feels boiling hot at the moment.

[wacmedia 277]

Hi,

 

Ignore the doom mongers atlas. Happy days are ahead.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5l083VYKmI

[teelack 9,635]

Reading this thread shows that there are many many reasons to live and love Pattaya. I do not live there but I am staying there three months a year so I have some thoughts about the place but I can boil them down to a couple.

 

Whenever I am in Pattaya I get a sense of freedom to be what I am and not what people at home perceive me to be. I can be the inner man without fear of recrimination and just love the fact that I am not being judged. When I am at home I am the Rotary type of guy, always getting involved in community projects and a father and grandfather who adores his kids. When I am in Pattaya the inner man who loves late night, lovely ladies, waking up with a hottie and drinking till I dont want to. I also love the loud music but dont get the chance at home. So there you have it in one word; freedom.

 

One other thing that I think that Pattaya is brilliant for is allowing a tourist like me to have either a night that costs an arm and a leg or quality one that is cheap as chips. I am learning to enjoy a couple of beers for 100 baht at the local bar and I actually prefer draft beer if its good so I can be in and out of most gogos on the cheap. As for food, well its a snip, a bargain be it the 100 baht breakfast or the monster meals for under 100 in one of those Thai places like the Hole in the Wall.. I admit to liking a few hours for totally free each day around a pool in my hotel that would cost three times as much at home per night. In three words this time; value for money.

[atlas2 4,329]

 

Pattaya lies facing the Gulf of Thailand and is always under the influence of the sea. This being the reason, its weather differs from southern, northern and in-land Thailand. Pattaya weather does not undergo any sea change, as the average temperature remains 29°C (85°F). The Pattaya weather pattern follows three seasons the winters, the hot season and the rainy season.

November - March

Cool season. Winters in Pattaya, commence from November and last till March. Most of the tourists visit Pattaya during the cool season but temperatures run to 30°C (90°F) during the day and well above 20°C (68°F) at night. Climate is tropical and humid most of the time in this ‘Rivera of Thailand’. Tourists flock to Pattaya to enjoy the sunshine that remains throughout the year.

April - June

Hot & humid season. Summers in Pattaya, can be very unpleasant for those who are not used to the sticky humidity of the seaside cities. The temperature runs up to 40 degrees during the months from April to June. It is not the best time to visit Pattaya.

July - October

Rainy season. At the end of May, monsoon sets in Pattaya. Long hours of continuous downpour during which no one dares to brave the rain sometimes leave the streets flooded and this takes about an hour to recede. Rains during the June, August and September months, bring down the temperature but usually increases the humidity, which can become very uncomfortable for many.

 

 

In general Pattaya has less extremes than other parts of Thailand.

 

The climate described above won't suit everyone but it's about perfect for keeping me cheerful.

Edited March 27, 2013 by atlas2

[LasRobos 270]

Hi Atlas,

 

Thanks much for your summary of life in Pattaya. You seem to be quite happy there and I find your story very interesting and informative.

 

I spend 2 months in Thailand every year with an occasional, additional 2 or 3 week trip in January. Although I am not unhappy in Farangland, I always hate leaving LOS and can’t stop thinking about my return. Although I probably have enough invested to retire now, I would not be supremely confident! And although I could always go back and get a job again, it would be hard to get a plum job like I have now if I was out of the industry for a few years. So it looks like another 5 years before joining those enjoying a second life in LOS.

 

I find the low stress, free life-style you describe to be extremely attractive. And like you I love to exercise on a regular basis and I have never had problems controlling my alcohol intake so I believe Pattaya would likely not only increase my joy of life but also likely increase my longevity.

 

Again thanks much for the story.

[atlas2 4,329]

I've been letting my nagging worries over a Scottish breakaway and my concerns over the success of multiculturalism at the expense of the indigenous population of Britain…….The rise of ISIS……..Ebola……..and Man U losing last night…... take the shine off of my life here.

 

As I said somewhere else………'Whatever I worry about…. or do……In 5 years time…….. 5 years will have passed'

 

Time to remember my own advice and concentrate on the good life again…….And resurrect 'Reasons to be cheerful'

 

Here's one of my favorite early morning sights in Pattaya…….The girls in last night's sexy skirts, sitting sidesaddle on the back of a motor cycle taxi, their long…. brown... toned legs with the stilettos hanging insouciantly from their toes. Wonderful!

 

What's yours??

[Bushcraft 2,579]

I very rarely see Pattaya and its sights in the early morning, but those lovely brown legs are definitely a turn-on - there's something very sexy about side-saddle.

What I most like to see (when clothed) is Issaan girls dancing and singing to their Morlam music at parties - the one time when they are genuinely happy, no lies, no bullshit, just happy to be amongst their own in a far-off town.

[Butch 3,456]

Great post Atlas, I really enjoyed reading it and seeing things from your (fortunate) viewpoint.

 

My whole favourite thing about anywhere in SEA is (when out of town) the early morning smell. Whenever we're in Bicol there's always a nice, fresh smell in the air before the heat sets in, first thing in the morning as the rice vendors are drying the rice on the roads and people going about their daily business.

 

I like hearing the "swoosh swoosh" of the rattan broom as it sweeps the tiled floor, and the local girls wandering around in baggy T shirts and jogging pants...(Why do Asian girls lose all sense of fashion the minute they get home?)..

 

Unfortunately though the only thing anyone can smell in our part of Bicol at the moment is sulfur, as the Mayon volcano is having a bad day apparently and the place was evacuated last weekend. Glad we're not there.

[teelack 9,635]

I very rarely see Pattaya and its sights in the early morning, but those lovely brown legs are definitely a turn-on - there's something very sexy about side-saddle.

What I most like to see (when clothed) is Issaan girls dancing and singing to their Morlam music at parties - the one time when they are genuinely happy, no lies, no bullshit, just happy to be amongst their own in a far-off town.

 

Interesting observations. Whilst I am not a fan of the Booze Lounge in Soi Buakhao I do really enjoy sitting there watching the street theatre. I am also a keen observer of scooter driving ladies in short skirts and also those riding side saddle. I would go as far to say that the same applies to the Billabong in LK where the comings and goings of the dancers is a never ending source of enjoyment between 6pm and 7pm. Get there at 2.15am and if you see someone you like or know simply yell out "Fancy a drink".

[DrPat 423]

Sometimes things that makes me very cheerful upset others…

 

During my visit to Pattaya this month I had the great pleasure of finding a particularly attractive example of the female form. Someone who, in less politically correct times, would have been described as ‘a little cracker’.

 

I took this particular young lady to dinner in a restaurant that was principally populated by falang couples. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the food and the company, I also enjoyed the reaction of the other couples. Virtually every woman was looking as much to say, ‘Pervert! She’s young enough to be your daughter’. Whilst every guy looking was obviously thinking, ‘You lucky bastard!’

 

A couple of night later with the same young lady (I thought I’d see her again as a special treat – for her), we were having a quiet drink and a falang lady actually came over and, contrary to what I was expecting, said, “She’s gorgeous!” I had to bite my tongue not to reply, “You should see her with her kit off.”

 

This comment only served to confirm my suspicion that my lady was so stunning that even a woman seeing her would get a woody.

 

I was so pleased by this lady’s comment that later in the evening I spotted an almost equally attractive specimen accompanied by a gentleman who appeared even older and more decrepit than myself - i.e. not too handy with his fists, in case it all went Pete Tong.

 

So, I wandered over and said to him, “Bloody hell – you’re punching above your weight, aren’t you?” He had the very reasonable come-back of, “I was just thinking the same about you.”

 

We shook hands, agreed what a great country it was and went our separate ways.

 

 

 

And another thing…

 

Whilst out with said young lady, we were interrupted on numerous occasions with, “Flower for the lady?”

 

I know that this happens all over the world, but just for once wouldn’t it be great if someone went up to the lady and said, “Spanner for the man?” or “Pornographic DVD for the man?” ...or something similar…

[losgrad 264]

Excellent thread.

 

Reminds me of a book I read as a young man, "The Power of Positive Thinking."

 

As long as I can afford to, I'll continue to maintain residences and vehicles in both my home country and here in LOS. Yes, double the property maintenance expenses including health insurance in the USA and self-insured here in LOS, but with double the options. Five years ago, I took early retirement with plans to live off savings and small annuities, but now can withdraw my retirement funds without penalties so my income has now increased 50% and it will increase again in another 5 years when I begin withdrawing Social Security.

 

Like, 'teelack,' I also have family and lifetime friends back in my home country, but no grandkids, yet. I shall continue to enjoy my 'nightlife' lifestyle here in LOS where I visit around town until midnight and go to the gym before sunrise and my 'daytime' lifestyle when back in the States. "I think I can" have the best of both worlds :).

 

Enjoy your choices!!!

Edited September 29, 2014 by losgrad

[teelack 9,635]

To Dr Pat and Losgrad. Thanks for reminding us of two things.

 

1. What a great place Pattaya still is

 

2. That there are no pockets in shrouds.

[yorta2 693]

Wow, this thread suddenly livened up. Good stuff!

[jacko 8,813]

A contrary experience for me, my excuse, beer goggles.

[atlas2 4,329]

To Dr Pat and Losgrad. Thanks for reminding us of two things.

 

1. What a great place Pattaya still is

 

2. That there are no pockets in shrouds.

 

Like that Teelack…….

 

 

And remember: 'The only difference between a 'rut' and a 'grave' is the depth'

[teelack 9,635]

 

Like that Teelack…….

 

 

And remember: 'The only difference between a 'rut' and a 'grave' is the depth'

 

My God Atlas you are getting philosophical in your old age but I have not heard that one but have decided to claim it. Thanks.

[atlas2 4,329]

My son's here.......I stock the freezer with magnums......(Ice-creams......not those Dirty Harry guns).

 

Saturday night he goes to take one out of the freezer and tells me they have defrosted......

 

OK need to fix this or get a new Toyen (Fridge)........I decide that after nearly 10 years it's time anyway to upgrade.

 

Sunday morning 8 am...Tesco see several I like.....but head off to Home Works....closed......Bugger!

 

Next door to Big C.........see what I want(reduced from 13000 to just under 10000 baht.......and order it.

 

"When can you deliver?'

 

'Before 12'

 

"Will you take away old 'Toyen'?" This is important to me and a 'no' is a deal breaker.

 

He nods as though he understands but i can tell he doesn't.......I ask for someone with better English than my Thai......He nods as though he understands but I can tell he doesn't.

 

I call my 'on-off'....currently 'on' who's over from Europe and put her on the phone to the salesman.

 

2 mins later having spoken to her he's galvanised into action.......He will now follow my car with the Toyen and deliver immediately.

I walk to my car and within 2 mins of getting to it he's joining me on Sukhumvit with the toyen strapped onto a pick-up.......I chase him down and overtake in Teprasit........He follows me to my condo.

 

By 9 .15 I have a new Toyen.

 

 

It turns out that when my 'on-off explained that I I didn't want anything for my old machine.....That he could have it.....for naught.... he couldn't believe his luck.

 

Whatever he makes from it, he's welcome .....After 10 years I've no complaints.

 

In England for a delivery time they'll give you the 3rd Thursday in the month........And a time before 5pm.....which usually means a day of waiting in and an arrival at 4.45.pm

 

Probably they will refuse to take the old one away......or they'll charge you for it's disposal.

 

My son over from Australia was equally impressed.......

Edited April 1, 2016 by atlas2

[Butch 3,456]

Hi Atlas,

good all round hassle free experience. However, in the UK it's not all that bad.

 

I mean, they will remove the old one once you've accepted full and unequivocal liability for any damage or injuries to the delivery guys, and have signed a contract agreeing so, also, at the same time presenting your public liability insurance policy.

 

You could take it out to the doorstep yourself where they will then remove it (handy if you live on the 15th floor of a block of flats eh?), but you then need to inform the local council that it is a temporary placement and you are not fly tipping outside your own house / flat / cottage thus risking a 1000 pound fine.

 

Alternatively you could give it to the local "furniture project" whereby a couple of blokes on day release from the local prison will trapse all over your Axminster in dirty boots, make disparaging comments about your wife and eye up the security of your dwelling for their next job.

 

Another option is to just simply leave it on your front lawn and let the local pikeys / Romanians / Eastern European migrants take it away, gratis. However, they will also rifle through your garage / shed / lean to in your garden and help themselves to anything not bolted to the floor.

 

There are also the "free ads" whereby you offer to sell it for a few quid, only to have some council house dwelling chancer turn up at your door, trip over and then ask for compo for his injuries, either that or he'll look over it and say he doesn't want it after all as it's not as described, and can he have some cash for his wasted journey.

 

Isn't the UK wonderful?.

Edited March 31, 2016 by Butch

[jacko 8,813]

I am surprised you are surprised Atlas, but a good tale anyhow.

In my cul-de-sac we used to have a severely disabled guy come around scavenging, pushing a hand cart painfully slowly around the village. I have seen him looking quite pleased with himself when he managed to push said cart down the road containing a refrigerator more than a few times bigger than the cart. Of course many a fridge can be quickly repaired, a simple leak to seal. But even if not, plenty of scrap and recycling value in there.

 

I wonder what has happened to the disabled scavenger, not having him annoy me by stealing all my black bin-bags and tipping the smelly rubbish back into the bin so that the garbage guys refuse the refuse! Perhaps he is further unwell, the heat makes the job too much for him, but I bet that since a certain alcoholic no longer resides in the street, bin-scavenging here is not worth the slight incline.

[capdagde 1,954]

 

Probably they will refuse to take the old one away......or they'll charge you for it's disposal.

 

 

The delivery men HAVE TO take the old one away free of charge nowadays, bloody meddling EU again!

 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/legis_en.htm

 

Nice positive thread