Pattaya

After 4 weeks of intensive study, more like 4 weeks of intensive eating, I now have a Master Thai Chef Diploma. As a reward for my hard work, I decided to splurge on a mortar and pestle, the kind needed for making Som Tam, papaya salad. On the last day, we headed to the On Nut market and made some final purchases before saying our goodbyes and promising to keep in touch. We have created a group on Line and are looking forward to a trip to Ayutthaya when the site opens fully.

In the meantime, I decided a short break from Bangkok was needed. Chef and Noon had mentioned Pattaya, a beach town approximately 1.5 hours away from Bangkok. Picture a cross between Las Vegas and Niagara Falls, the Canadian side. I went to trusty Agoda and found a nice resort for a reasonable price. Because of covid, the prices have dropped considerably,, and deals can be found.

Now, how to get there?

Trains run frequently, but check as covid has changed the times.

Buses were once hourly, now infrequent.

Taxis and apparently a boat(if you know who to ask) will get you there.

The plan was to take a bus. Then the more my OCD kicked in,, and the more news came out that numbers were increasing, the more I thought maybe a taxi was better. Yes, a bit more than a bus,, but I am not in a crowded bus with people who may or may not be vaccinated, asymptomatic etc.

Taxi it is!

I had read about Nam's Taxi, a reliable, safe company that employs female drivers.

I'm in!

Taen was early, ready and waiting for me at 11:45 am

Luggage stowed,, we were off.

For my Ontario friends, the ride reminded me of the trip between Toronto and Niagara Falls, a flat landscape dotted with towns, highway stopovers(without the Burger Kings and Wendys) and lots of factory rental spaces. The ride was comfortable, and I dozed off for a while, leaving Taen listening to Thai music and driving confidently down the highway.

When I awoke, the first thought I had was, "She's a good driver; I seldom fall asleep with a bad one!"

The road didn't seem too busy, and I asked if this was busy or fairly quiet(all in excellent English, by the way). Taen answered it was quiet, especially for a Sunday, as lots of people go to the Pattaya area from Bangkok. As she answered her head turned to answer, and a small lurch of the wheel told me to keep quiet so she could concentrate on the road.

As we drove through the town of Pattaya to get to the hotel, streets were alive with local Sunday market shoppers and a lot of shuttered storefronts. Covid has done a lot of damage to the local economy here.

Pattaya is famous for a few things besides the beach. It is a "sin city", and apparantly many forang (foreigners) get off the plane in Bangkok and head straight to Pattaya for the 24/7 style nightlife. Now in our current state of lockdowns and places closed because they are not allowed to serve alcohol (I won't go into sordid details), the news is reporting a lot of the ladies who work in the nightlife establishments are finding it hard to support their children and family members without any work.

The Resort

Arriving at Siam Bayshore Resort and Spa, the meandering drive leads past the large convention centre(not open as large gatherings are prohibited) and under a canopy of palms(btw...I love being in a country where palm trees grow) and I think in their hope to be even more stately a circular drive; however, it was more of a turn in a narrow drive to end at the front door.

The bellhop ran down to greet me as I got out of the car, took my suitcase out and placed it on the front step, ran up the steps to open the front door and ushered me into the white marbled lobby appointed with overstuffed seating throughout.

Obligatory temperature checks and sign in, then to the actual front desk reception(a mere 5 feet away) to actually check-in. I was then asked to take one of the seats to have a welcome drink of fruit juice and a refreshing cold towel. I kept eyeing my suitcase sitting forlornly on the step.

I was then told that when ready, the bellhop(not sure of his name) would take me to my room. Upon saying this, an extended golf cart pulled up and my suitcase was deposited in the second seat, and the bellhop awaited my arrival behind the steering wheel.

My first thought was, gosh, don't tell me I will have to walk a mile to the lobby(where the dining area for breakfast was located)? Off to the golf cart! "Home James, and don't spare the horses!" and all that!

We started retracing our route down the drive, under the palm canopy and stopped at a little gate, a mere 100 metres away from the lobby. We walked across a manicured lawn and into the open-air courtyard walkway to my room. The AC could be felt through the closed wooden door.

I looked into the courtyard and saw large koi swimming contentedly around the fountain adorned pond. Greenery swaying under a gentle breeze. (perhaps the AC was stronger than I thought)

A typical layout for a hotel room, but one that felt immediately comfortable and homey. My suitcase was placed on the bench, and I was shown the lights, the fridge, the safe and the private patio and was then left to luxuriate in taking "glouty photos" to post on FB and IG!!!

That does tire one out, so I was off to find the dining room for a bit of a late lunch. It was a bit of a "through the woods and over the bridge to grandmother's house we go" walk to the lobby once again.

A light lunch of a clubhouse sandwich(thank you, Linda and Ivan, for that suggestion years ago, one can never go wrong with a clubhouse sandwich). It arrived under a silver dome and presented with a grand flourish. As I was the only person in the room, I took it I was being given the "first impression" service!

Town

Bayshore Resort is located at the south end of Walking Street. An excellent location in pre-covid times. Now, however, a desolate, at times leary walk through a deserted street. Picture Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, devoid of all life and shuttered against humanity. I took no pictures as I know this too shall end.

At the north end of Walking Street is the beginning of Pattaya Beach. A vast expanse of sandy beach stretching approximately 2.5 km. The aptly named Beach Road runs parallel to the beach and is home to various stores hocking all kinds of merchandise and foot massage services. Most restaurants are now food only.

There are no BTS stations here. So malls are connected to hotels, a great way to beat the heat and find some air-conditioned comfort and have hotel guests avoid having to suffer in the heat(35C+)

My first morning I decided going to see the Buddha at the top of the hill was a good way to work off breakfast and see some sights along the way. The server at the hotel said taking the second road was easier to get to the buddha.

Seemed straightforward, follow the road up the hill, in 30C+ plus heat at 900am. I saw a Pattaya sign and figured I was going in the general direction. I guessed I was not the only English speaking person in Pattaya when I saw a sign saying "Big Buddha" and an arrow pointing left, leading further up the hill. As I continued up the hill I saw a couple of runners coming down. How? Why?

My climb was worth it!

I was a glutton for punishment. After my visit to the buddha, I decided to go to the other lookout point on top of the next hill. A steep walk up to the viewpoint and shrine to the creator of the Thai Navy as well as the navy itself.

The next morning I decided to go to an elephant reserve. I booked a morning visit. They were to come and pick me up early Tuesday and take me to observe(with covid apparently activities can't happen with the elephants-like swimming, bathing and closeness) the elephants during their day.

I was waiting at the appointed time--7am.

I was waiting at the appointed time--8am.

I was waiting at the appointed time--8:30am. They were a no show!

Plan B...

Sanctuary of Truth

A wooden structure begun in 1981 as a museum to the religions of southeast Asia. There are no metal screws or nails used in the construction. It is still being constructed and is apparently set to finish in 2025. There are 2 mechanical devices in the entire complex. A laythe for creating the round columns and the small elevator to help disabled visitors reach the interior.

I was awed by the scale of the building and the intricate carvings. I will let the pictures speak for me. As it is still under construction, one has to wear a hardhat.

Any greying wood is older, weather worn wood. I'm leaving the pictures as is, so you can look at the detail.

I hope everyone continues to live their truth.

Until next time...