Wrong Day In Pattaya

Pattaya is a fine place to visit. It is unique in it's atmosphere. There are many things to keep you busy and occupied during the daylight hours but it's reputation is built on it's nightlife.

The beaches there are adequate but filled with umbrellas and beach chairs. The sand is rocky and the water could use a good clean up. Shopping is good in Pattaya and you can get almost any food you want to dine on.

For other daytime fun you can rent a jet ski or take a ride on a banana boat. Paragliding and bungy jumping are available for the brave too. Tourists also seem to enjoy the Crocodile Farm and Mini Siam. Back to your hotel for a shower and dinner and than the real Pattaya comes alive.

I decided to do a quick one night trip to Pattaya on March 3. I forgot to look at the calendar though and it just happened to be a Thai Buddhist holiday, Macha Bucha Day. That is all well and good but it does change the environment for a night. The usual bustling Walking Street had many lights out and fewer than normal visitors. Most of the visitors were either only dining or sitting at the few bars that were open sipping sodas or water. I did find a couple of bars open willing to sell cold beer, but the bottles couldn't be visible on the bar so it had to be poured in and drank from a glass.

The night in Pattaya was still enjoyed but it wasn't itself. It wouldn't have mattered much if spend a few days and nights there but this was strictly a one-nighter. A lesson learned by me to include calendar checks before planning trips. For sure I will go back again another time.

Enjoying N-Joy in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

A sultry Sunday afternoon in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. It was hot but the humidity seemed to exceed the temperature. I don't really like using the airconditioners and as I was moving about the house the electric fans were all but useless. What to do? What to do?

Ah I know. I was in dire need of a cold beer and my periodic English language fix. There is a sexy little pub/cafe here in Ubon Ratchathani that will solve all my challenges. It's name N-Joy. And enjoy I do. It is owned and operated by the Thai wife of an Australian dude. She provides a friendly, sexy environment and he provides good conversation and good stories.

The beer is always cold and in supply. If you get the munchies too while talking and drinking there is a good menu that a competent cook serves up tastely in short order. If you need a bit of action there is a snooker table in the rear. But as for me I enjoy just sitting, sipping my ice cold beer, listening and doing a bit of talking too.

The other mates who drop by are decent and provide stories and entertainment. N-Joy is a nice place in Ubon for us expat types to come get our batteries recharged before deploying back out into our alien expat world for more experiences and adventures. When you visit Ubon you are more than welcome to join us.

I headed back to my castle that Sunday afternoon, refreshed and not noticing what the weather was doing. All in all a good day among many good expat days.

Nong Bua Public Park - Ubon Ratchathani

One of the places in Ubon Ratchathani I go to relax is Nong Bua Public Park.

It is a fairly new park here in Ubon Ratchathani. It was well planned and is maintained well too. During the day it is fairly empty and very quiet. I enjoy just sitting there at one of the many tables and relaxing.

Nong Bua Public Park is one of my favorite places here. I like to walk around the pond and sit to think. The grass is colorful and well kept. There are gazebos if you want to get out of the sun. A great place to eat lunch or just enjoy a cold beer.

There is a path around the pond for jogging or walking. There is a baskeball cour. There are exercise stations featuring various exercises. So if you want to relax, exerise or spend some quiet time with yourself or a special friend it is well worth a visit to Nong Bua Public Park. Nearby are many places to eat and also Nong Bua Market and Nong Bua Temple.

Thailand Travel - Mukdahan to Savanakhet and Back

What a wonderful trip. I just recently needed to leave Thailand to get a new visa. My place of choice was Savanakhat, Laos. It is near and it is convenient. Normally I can go there, apply for my visa, pick it up at 3pm, then back to Thailand. All in one day. But recent events have changed things.

In the past I would take the ferry from Mukdahan to Savanakhet, but the Friendship Bridget II has now opened for business to I had to go use it for my border crossing. It was painless but just a bit less convenient than the ferry. There were more suprises in store for me as well. As of January 15, 2007, the Thai consulate no longer does one day processing.

So since I arrived Friday morning I was stuck in Laos until Monday. At first I was pissed because I didn't have prior knowledge of the change. But then I thought, what the hell, I might as well enjoy my weekend in Savanahet.

I did a lot of walking. I met an Irishman and we hooked up on the Mekhong River enjoying a delicious lunch and some cold Beer Lao. We met again later that night and enjoyed the company of some lovely Lao ladies.

Saturday I spent walking around exploring the city. A contrast of old and new. Asian influence mixed with a touch of French. That evening I found a pub which made great cheeseburgers and had cold Beer Lao as well. The owner is a Dane name Alan and we quickly became friends. I consumed several cheeseburgers and many Beer Lao over the weekend.

I enjoyed the slow pace and quiet atmosphere. Many people still ride bicyles and there are a few cars and motorcycles. For me it was like traveling back in time. I enjoyed very much. The people we kind and friendly. From the cooks to the little 3 year old girl who wanted me to play with her and her elephant doll.

What started as a problem ended in an enjoyable weekend near the bank of the Mekhong River. If you get a chance you should spent some time in Savanakhet, Laos. It is worth your time.

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