A few days into our travels we thought we would go and chase some sunshine, the nearest beach destination being Pattaya.  We took a bus down to Pattaya which we soon regretted.

12 October

Sawatdee Ka.  Our mini van turned up 40 minutes late and as soon as it did we realised this journey was going to be a nightmare. Shaun and I were sat on the back 3 seats and 2 of them didn’t sit upright, which made it push against the boot door and after Shaun gave it a little push it swung open! Plus we had no seatbelts or aircon, and the driver had brought his wife and 2 kids along for the journey screeching in Thai. From then on in Shaun was not happy to say the least. This Russion(?) guy on the bus (with his Thai bride), who had been to Pattaya before, said that ‘taking your wife to Pattaya is like taking water to the sea, there are so many hookers!’ We knew it was going to be bad but when we arrived we were shocked.  There are literally ladies sitting along the beach dawn till dusk.

The tourist information centre in Bangkok had arranged for us to stay one night at Day-Night hotel for 1100 baht. Pulling up, the entrance looked amazing but behind the nice exterior the room was awful for that money (in Thai terms anyway). We decided to stay another night in the same hotel, the weird reception guy asked us how much we paid last time and he laughed at us, we are now in the ’Youth Hostel’ section which is basically the same but with twin beds for half the price.

That evening we headed down to the sea front, got some food and continued down Walking Street – it’s actually insane! It’s Phuket 10 times worse! We ended up sitting in a bar and played Jenga with the bar woman (all the others were dancing on the poles and all sorts), we actually won so SHE has to buy US a drink! Amazing considering she has got to be a pro! And just like that it was monsoonal AGAIN! And I had forgotten my SheWee (my leaving present from work) and loo roll (Christmas present from Hollie) so had to pay 5 baht and squat over the horid toilets, gross! I ended up getting drunk after a few too maany cocktails so we went home via Manky Manwells Thai Style – BBQ squid, sausage and rice cake.  On route home we passed a beggar on the streets with her new born laid out on the floor in the rain.  I broke down in tears, yes I was drunk but this shocked me to the core. And then being emotional I also cried at some people selling pictures with baby sloths in nappies! AND then we passed people selling big turtles to eat.  I have two tortoise at home and I couldn’t bare the thought of these gentle defenseless creatures being eaten. It’s going to take a while to get used to the culture shock.

13 October

We woke up to rain AGAIN! We didn’t come all this way for rain, I really need a tan and a swim in the ocean. We had an awful breakfast and went for a stroll along to the beach (there’s even hookers out at 10am in full make up and heels)! Hopefully going to find somewhere to have a sea food feast at last tonight.

Plan now is to stay here a few days to see of the weather cheers up, if not then we are getting the bus back to Bangkok and getting on the overnight train to Vientianne in Laos. Hopefully the monsoon has passed that far north so we can finally get some sun.

14 October

Lazy day wondering around Pattaya and lounged around in our new room. In the evening we walked along the path at the beach from South Road to Centre Road. It is about a 20 minute walk and there are literally hookers all the way along, looking like they are waiting for the bus! We are looking forward to leaving soon.  We are planning to head north, hopefully escape the rain, and travel back south in a few months.

A la perchoine, Jo and Shaun