trav05

Wilton Manors...An amazingly diverse community. No state income tax and you can still find property that is reasonable... considering. And if you start walking east from the Alibi in Wilton Manors with a dog, you'll be married before you get to the beach...

I used to live in Thailand and worked there over a period of 15 years and made trip last year to see friends and other places in the region. Thailand has reached a point where a tour is real unnecessary and off the beaten path places are more and more difficult to find. Bangkok is a sprawling place and many people find it difficult to like. Many of the best things to do are quite simple--taking the express boat on the Chao Phaya River, visditing the Jim Thompson House & the nearby Suan Pakkad Palace, visiting the old temples in the old center near the river. Walking through Chinatown and enjoying seafood in the street restaurants at night. Standard destination include the old capitals in Ayuthhaya & Sukothai, Chaing Mai--the "capital" of the North, which has a nice old center but otherwise is a bit of sprawlburg. Ayuthhaya can be done as a day trip by train 9with taxi at the town) some people do it as a cruise. Kanchanburi is another nice day trip--in October the Erawhan Falls will be filled with water--that is an additional bus ride from Kanchanaburi. The usual beach resorts are pretty overdeveloped and have lost a lot of their character. Pattaya is probably the last interesting but has a gay strip and is convenient to Bangkok. The Northeast is largely unvisited but has interesting Khmer ruins--Phnom Rung is the best--if you're not visiting Angkor Wat. Ban Chiang is on the way to Laos overland and worth seeing--an archeologic site. The high end hotels in Bangkok line the river but ghat's not necessarily the most central location---the Oriental is very nice--very elegant--the Mandarin is newer and a bit on the flashy side. The Millenium Hilton across the river is quite nice. The Conrad, Swissotel and Athenee are nice higher end hotels that are close to the skytrain and near shopping.
 
Angkor Wat is a real treasure. It deserves a couple day sat least. Siem Reap has become a sprawling tourist town which should give you plenty of time to not be there and see the temples at Angkor. Luang Prabang in Laos is another exceptional place filled with interesting temple architecture and a relaxed vibe.
 
Late October can be very rainy and there is flooding in places near rivers in Bangkok and Chiang Mai--that's probably the one thing to consider, although unless there is a tropical storm, the rains tend to be monsoons--slate afternoon cloudbursts, although you can get a day or two of continuous rain at times.

A Report on Week One of Home Alone--
 
I'm doing fine, adjusting, making discoveries of aspects of this I hadn't expected, to wit--
 
Plus- My grocery bill has plummeted.
Minus- It takes longer to shop since I keep having to go back to shelves and replacing packages that are too large for one person. (I did not intend the double entendre of "packages too large for one person," but I'll let it stand.) I can't believe how little milk has been used in a week!
 
Plus- There is less cooking to do, less laundry, less ironing.
Minus-- We used to take turns, so while there's less, I have to do it ALL!
 
Plus- I find everything where I left it.
Minus- That's fine when it's a book, not so much when it's dishes in the sink.
 
Plus- I can have whatever I want at meals, taking only my preferences in mind.
Minus- I eat it alone.
 
Plus- There is plenty of hot water, I can take a shower as long as I want.
Minus- I never realized it before, but the sound of the shower running was a constant in the morning. That's a time when the place has become too quiet.
 
Plus- I can stay out as long as I want, no one will worry or need me to be someplace at a certain time.
Minus- I'm sometimes at loose ends, with nothing much to do.
 
Plus- I get calls and texts at odd times from the boys, and skyped on the weekend with two (Plebe twin can't skype yet).
Minus- There's no minus in that.
 
Plus- I am working out a lot, alternating between gym and pool, to occupy my time. At this rate I'll be in great shape soon.
Minus- No real minus, except the boys often came to gym and pool with me, so it isn't really a distraction from the changes.
 
Plus- My elderly neighbors, who adore the boys, invited me to dinner and let me gas on about them.
Minus- I really should control the impulse to tell everyone what they're doing. But these two sweethearts, and their son who's moved in to care for them, didn't mind.
 
Plus- I'm exploring gay/bi friendly social and sport groups and am resolved to try them out.
Minus- No minus but I confess to being nervous. It feels the way I felt before I went to my high school freshman mixer-- will I dress right? Will I make a friend? Will it be obvious I am not used to this? Will any of the girls dance with me? (Okay, that was only at the freshman mixer, but you get the idea.)
 
So, all in all, I'm surviving and even finding the humor in my inexperience at being on my own. Onward.

The Rose is in the middle of a construction zone now. Not such a good place. They are tearing down the Montrion Plaza and building upscale shopping center. For 2 days the Tarntawan may be your best best. 1/2 block to Tawan. Tarntawan is under new ownership, but is very good at allowing company. Customers now seem to be tour groups. Check out the Raya. Next door to Soi Twilight. There is a new Red Planet and Amari about 2 or 3 blocks down Surawong.
 
Taxi from airport is about $12-15 us. Not nearly as bad as the horror stories people like to tell. Just hand driver address of hotel. Tell him to use meter. He he doesn't, just get out and get next one. Since they started using the ticket that you get from machine with taxi number on it, much less issues.
 
When are you looking to go. Hot season starts in about 6 weeks.

Don't argue with me about it, argue with the Rules of Carriage written by the airline in compliance with Federal aviation mandates...
 
Ya gotta keep in mind, "failure to follow a flight attendant's instructions" is a Federal crime. I don't remember any Federal crimes being adjudicated between rows 15 and 16 on any commercial airliner. You can have your day in court, but not while you're disobeying the duly constituted authority that's telling you what to do.

And you and I shall pay him every dime. Increased costs through higher airfares, higher insurance costs, not to mentioned the costs of our time negotiating our way through TSA, airline boarding schemes and a general slowdown in how we travel by air.
 
Dr Hao was belligerent and we are rewarding him.

I'm not denying any of that, but the result of the algorithm choice was definitely NOT in United's favor. The CASO, some news accounts say Chicago PD, deployed severe tactics, for which United is catching the blame.
 
Once CAS Officers boarded the plane, it was no longer a United situation. Or have you ever successfully stopped a cop from doing something he's set out to do? One axiom taught me by a cop friend is, "Once you touch them, you have to take them to jail. Otherwise, the cop is personally liable for the incident."
 
All I'm saying is this: this guy has a whole set of issues unknown to United and Chicago Airport Security.
 
Did you see the video of him coming back on the plane? The video showing him jogging to the back of the plane chanting repeatedly, "I have to go home."?
 
And all the while his wife, medical doctor herself, sat in her seat watching what was happening.
 
I wouldn't be comfortable on an airliner with a person acting irrationally.

A deep heartfelt thank you to everyone for all the wonderful words of encouragement. As the saying goes, we left everything on the field yesterday, and in the end it just wasn't enough, but in my heart and mind her memory will go on forever. God bless you all...BVB

Despardo, Bangkok is one of the safest cities in SE Asia. Much of what you say used to be true, but things have gotten much better over the last few years. Many of the street vendors have been moved to dedicated areas, or are allowed in busy street areas only a couple days a week.
I dont use tuk tuks at all. But again, government has cracked down on them a bit. More customer friendly now. Not to say there aren't a few bad apples. A hot dirty ride. Use taxis, very cheap, or as mentioned Shytrain.
 
As an American, I've never been taken advantage of. Though I have many times been asked if I want a boy or girl, I just say no and that's the end of conversation. This usually only happens when you are alone.
 
The Montien Hotel is in a great location, but as I mention in a previous post, same problem as Rose Hotel. They are in the middle of a big construction zone. The OP mentioned only needing a couple of nights and wanting Tawan Club.
That's why I say Tarntawan or Raya. Tarntawan has lost its luster, but very customer friendly and if only 2 nights, location can't be beat.
 
Your right about the heat and humidity. Spring time takes as much A/C as you can find.
I live in Bangkok 6 months out of the year. My US address is in South Florida. I spend lots of time in the heat.

Despardo, Bangkok is one of the safest cities in SE Asia. Much of what you say used to be true, but things have gotten much better over the last few years. Many of the street vendors have been moved to dedicated areas, or are allowed in busy street areas only a couple days a week.
I dont use tuk tuks at all. But again, government has cracked down on them a bit. More customer friendly now. Not to say there aren't a few bad apples. A hot dirty ride. Use taxis, very cheap, or as mentioned Shytrain.
 
As an American, I've never been taken advantage of. Though I have many times been asked if I want a boy or girl, I just say no and that's the end of conversation. This usually only happens when you are alone.
 
The Montien Hotel is in a great location, but as I mention in a previous post, same problem as Rose Hotel. They are in the middle of a big construction zone. The OP mentioned only needing a couple of nights and wanting Tawan Club.
That's why I say Tarntawan or Raya. Tarntawan has lost its luster, but very customer friendly and if only 2 nights, location can't be beat.
 
Your right about the heat and humidity. Spring time takes as much A/C as you can find.
I live in Bangkok 6 months out of the year. My US address is in South Florida. I spend lots of time in the heat.

Well Dahlin, you can fuck that bullshit. And if by remake, you mean a face lift, well that is being considered......as to the rest of it, I'm right with the Lord, and I plan on leaving this world with a smile on my face.
 
P.S. Seriously for a moment. I applaud your life and all that you have done to better the lives of those that could not do for themselves. You are to be commended.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVOp5DlQ2MQ/TzO4rBdXZLI/AAAAAAAAAt4/qwC2MHP-xKA/s1600/approval-people-clapping.gif
 
 
 
I was never bright enough, focused enough, nor aware enough to make any such contribution, but in my own small way, I would like to think that I made a difference in the lives of those around me, and that I am leaving this world just a little bit better than I found it... If after I am gone, on some warm and cloudless summer day, someone that I had an acquaintance with, happens to remember me, and that memory brings a smile to their face, then that alone will suffice for me, and I will consider it a life well lived...cheers

Here in Bangkok, an overnight with a Thai boy will run about $60.00. My friend said in Singapore he was able to get $100.00 for a night. A little less for hourly. Considering the boys working the clubs make around $500. a month in Thailand, my friend made close to $2500.00 for a month in Singapore. That's a lot of money for these guys.

Living in Bangkok, I meet a lot of guys from Singapore that come here for the weekends. Then they can let their hair down an have some fun. A short flight, they all go home Sunday night.
I have a Thai friend that escorts. He went to Singapore a month ago and made a small fortune working off Hornet. He's headed back next month. As Tristen said, clients very conversative. Most will meet my friend at hotels, as they don't want friends or neighbors to see anyone coming or going.

Bigvalboy, Uber is ok from the Ft.Lauderdale Airport now. I live about 10 miles from Fll. It cost me $15.00 and never wait more than 5-10 minutes. I haven't used them from the airport, but will next trip. Taxi cost me $40.00. Most of my flights get in late in the evening and every time I have to argue with the driver to turn on the a/c. I'm done with the taxis.
I've used Uber in Bangkok a couple of times from out of the way streets. Cost is about equal to taxi, but when no taxis around, perfect solution.

Bigvalboy, Uber is ok from the Ft.Lauderdale Airport now. I live about 10 miles from Fll. It cost me $15.00 and never wait more than 5-10 minutes. I haven't used them from the airport, but will next trip. Taxi cost me $40.00. Most of my flights get in late in the evening and every time I have to argue with the driver to turn on the a/c. I'm done with the taxis.
I've used Uber in Bangkok a couple of times from out of the way streets. Cost is about equal to taxi, but when no taxis around, perfect solution.