Leaderboard

Day 3 Today I need to trade lightly as historically speaking day 3 is for me worst day of jet lag. I mentioned it before, older I’m I seem to take long flights better and better abut jet lags seem to ruin my days worse and worse. One I almost feel asleep standing on the BTS train and it was scary. After 130 baht buffet breakfast at Quarter Silom I went to exchange money at XOne in Suriwong, usually they have one of best rates and are very accommodating to request for smaller denomination. Having enough of small notes eliminates need to wait for change , never problem in stores but sometimes in bars when it is not unknown that one hands over 1000 to be given change from 500 etc. So I like to stock on those 20, 50, and 100’s . In fact I came will prepared carrying in my luggage stack of 4900 baht in 20 ties. Went to buy 2000 in my local exchange , they had only those denominations and I told them I will clear all they have. So out of 10000 or so I asked to get 4000 in 100’s , cheap way to feel rich. Next step is MahaNakhon as it was 10 am , opening hour. This was when dearth of tourists was in plain unobstructed view . Senior ticket 250 , regular weekdays 530, weekends 880. On top at that hour was grand total of 3 of us only me braving to the glass. View was bit hazy but still splendid, good introduction to Bangkok charms and sights. What I notices traffic on the river was much reduced with very few boats plying the waters. Up alone , down alone, back on the street after hour there with obligatory visit to the washroom, truly toilet with the view in the best sense of the word. It’s a must before one boards down elevator as it’s on the same floor. Back to the room, quick packing and off to Raya. Some of you know I like to change hotels every 2-3 days , I just wanted to see how Quarter Silom is and I liked it although at the moment they seem to cash on novelty and in fact I paid more for the room there than for much bigger and better appointed one in Raya. Location is great , particularly for Tawan lovers as its 50 steps from there. And no, nobody blinked an eye when I was marching in with my guest last night. While Quarter seemed busy , Raya did not but still asked me to wait until 2 before I could check in , I was mentally prepared for it so left luggage and went to have a bite or two in world famous, Michelin start awarded etc , Foodland Patpong. Back in the room combed apps a bit for fun of it , noticed one guy I liked had a profile with Line Id so contacted him that way. I liked his Line response ‘ I’m boy services” , sounds much more classy and upscale than ‘ money boy ‘. Anyways it turned he is in Pattaya now but we agreed we will meet later on. At 5 p.m. I went to soi Pluk Chit, place where Sabaidee and Sancturary Spa are on the ground floors of neighboring buildings. Is not that far, just 1 MRT / subway/ stop from Silom, you alight at Lumpini station and when on the street you will see overpass crossing main street 4 minutes away. When you cross it go in the same direction and after 100 meter you will see busy soi. That’s Pluk Chit. Lots of food stalls , some selling other items (on another occasion I bought some socks and underwear there ), no farang in sight , very Thai even if it’s literally steps from main thoroughfare. Sabaidee is in parking garage under first high-rise, beside it is small Thai restaurant , great chicken with cashew nuts I learned on another occasion. Sanctuary in on ground level of second high-rise , entrance will hidden behind greenery. My mission was to find hunk I saw picture of on Sabaidee’s Line feed. Mamasan called guys available , all handsome , muscular and smiling friendly. Second from the left looked as mine goal but since I’m notoriously bad reading people from pictures I pulled my phone to confirm it’s him. It’s how I found T, one of heroes of my trip it turned out. 1 hr 700, 1.5 hr 1000 for the shop, minimum tip respectively 1000 and 1500.ine 1 hr is always rushed I almost universally settle on 1.5 hr course , with such a hunk it would be unthinkable to do otherwise anyways. Massage was professional and strong. I knew I’m in good hands because he did not pour oil over me but on his hands first as it supposed to be done. Towel did not last long either. Tipped extra, promised to return tomorrow, not much English but Google translate helped. Issan native as confirmed by the size of a part Issan guys are famous for , in short great find. Evening trip to newly re-opened Fresh Boys, few boys in jeans on the stage . I understand staff in restaurants must be dressed properly. All twinks so not exactly my field but distributed some red notes including friendly mamasan I recall from soi Twilight. No , not Lucy , I did not see Lucy this trip at all. Asked her about Lucky Boys but she said she doubts it will be opened any time soon , on another hand confirmed that Hot Male re-opening is matter of few days which turned correct and also mentioned Tawan will be re-opening in new location across the soi from old one soon. From there to Jupiter, more boys than customers. Boys handsome like hell but I don’t like that bar’s modus operandi. Guys sitting on the phones in the shadows, every 1/2 hour making parade, fully dressed as restaurant stuff should be but one or two removed their tops and paraded bare chested. I can live with that part but somber unsmiling face expression is put off for me, I know that is what management wants but how one can assess whether boys is interested or no if it’s so hard to get an eye contact. Of course red note produces short smile, specially those days of sparse customer base. It was shock for me to see that one guy across is actually of smiling broadly at me. We will met him later on but tonight I went to Raya empty handed. Few word about Raya, renovation should be completed soon with new façade. Works did not bother me at all as I spent days outside. Only inconvenience is need to use elevator in the back , usually acting as service elevator. They organized it well , there’s always somebody on duty to steer you there. It was few years since I was staying there last but rooms are still well maintained , spacious and spotless, same, same before. Staying on 6th floor I had privacy by being able to by-pass 5th floor reception entirely. Jet lag ravaged but well massaged I collapsed on the bed ending my day 3.

I just returned from Thailand where I had numerous massages and other close connection contacts with young( 23-33 ) part of male Thai population. While most massage places and bars are posting something about having premises sterilized and staff vaccinated I did not bother with neither following on that nor being worried. My logic is I'm vaccinated in order not to be afraid of other people. Or like I said to my cousin ;" Margaret, if somebody must be sick , it better you than me ". So far it seems to be working. I'd find close encounter , with either masseur or regular bar off in masks weird and asking about status fun killing so I took calculated risk of not bothering about either. So my advice to Londoner and other with similar and it must to be admitted, valid concerns. Ease up your worries and let them go or stay home. Otherwise your vacation will become nightmarish string of worries with every person you encounter potential killer. That is not a receipt for happy holidays. If you are longing for reunion with P, just go and stay with him somewhere leaving massages and other debaucheries for future trip. Good news is that 100% of population is wearing masks , if in 25 days I saw 30 people on street without mask that's it. And all of them seem to be western slobs, mainly in Pattaya. So my guess risk of catching something in LOS is the same as catching something on the plane or airport. Just go and have fun.

Day 2 But not for long as shortly after 5 in the middle of said 10 million city I was waked up by the sound of crowing cock, no kidding. Somebody in the neighborhood must keep some on his balcony or something. For me it felt like afternoon already due to jet lag so again I did some computerizing and smartphoning waiting for my breakfast to be delivered. Soon after I packed and took motorsai taxi to my next step - Quarter Silom , new hotel steps from Tawan. Hotels in Thailand now are extremely good value due to lack of travelers but that one seemed as an exception, parking was full, lobby was crowded and reception told me that I can’t check in before 2 pm as no rooms are available. Fine. I left luggage with them and went to see covid damage done to the Patpong area. Not a pretty sign. Patpong itself quiet with all bars , shops and restaurants including my beloved Madrid closed. Patpong 2 the same , only Foodland with it’s world famous , 7 Michelin stars awarded restaurant opened as before but almost empty anyways. Suriwong the same , many shops closed or even boarded, Silom a bit better but still depressed. Soi Thaniya only shadow of herself. Former BBB Inn on Rama boarded and decaying, ready to be demolished perhaps. Soi Twilight boarded high. Former Oasis restaurant closed , still after 4 years. Another new hotel ‘ 56 Suriwong “ arisen, Thaniya Plaza renovated so some places are not wasting a good crisis and sprucing up but generally it looked bit sad. Tawan closed , Sun massage beside the same but few massage shpos in that soi on the stretch closer to Silom , inclusion Prime and Thai Prime opened as before. After being able to check in I did so. Rooms are not very spacious abut very well organized and I like Quarter quite a bit, perhaps more than similar Red Planed on Suriwong. They even have a pool and serve buffet breakfast as well at 130 unless included in the room rate / mine was not /. 500 baht refundable deposit on check in. In the afternoon I decided to see how Sukhumvit area is coping so went there. Located Jey Spa in soi 43. No sign so one needs to know address 14/6 soi 43 , shoes at entrance are betraying it’s busy place . I did not go there yet. In Soi 23 went to check if Urban Male is still there – it was not. Soi Cowboy sharing Patpong’s fate. In the afternoon in hotel I met other member , 10tazione who also lived there and we went to soi 4 where I had an opportunity to meet his boy special. When it got dark we went to Dreamboys. It turned out my last night companion works actually there, strange that Jupiter charged me off fee for him last night but oh , well. He tried to sit beside me but I was not too keen on carrying conversation still smarting over that short time charge from last night. There was the show and quite explicit at that with big c***k show being part of it. Yes , Johnny is still there, energetic dancer as always. After show boys filled stage , all dressed in jeans and t-shirt. One of them , if I recall number 38 being extremely cute twink so without hesitation I decided to cross the border , called and offed him before somebody else could. Gap is his name and I can recommend him with whole heart. No long time material though as he has full time job. But great guy and true asset of that bar. World must be coming to an end if vinapu is bringing twinks home and is very happy about an experience thought I walking him to a taxi thus finishing my day 2 .

Day 4 Early collapse resulted in waking up in the middle of the night and look through the window provided me with nice surprise. Sky lit with stars, rare treat in every big city , not to mention as big as Bangkok. I took a picture ,made a tea and returned to the bed waking up only at 9.30 lazy bum me. Breakfast in world famous etc. Foodland , of course at that time it costs whole 81 baht as 65 baht reduction applies only between 5.30 and 9. Then change money and visit at Chong Nonsi BTS station to purchase Rabbit card. Used to be two varieties but one with preloaded number of trip at flat rate of 25 is no more so I purchased regular one, for 100 baht and preloaded her with 500 hoping it will last me till end of trip. Advantage is avoidance of lineups at peak limes to purchase a ticket, unused funds stay on card up to 7 years I was told and it can be easily re-loaded. Unfortunately is still good only on BTS ( overhead rail ) but not on MRT / subway/ nor ARL ( airport link ) and not even on new SRT lines out of Bang Sue Grand Station. More on those tomorrow. At 1 pm I had dentist appointment in Thai Smile on Silom for some minor jobs as Thai prices are less than half of what I would pay at home. Yesterday I promised T I will see him again so at 5 pm I was already at Sabaidee Spa for our 1.5 hr session , even better than yesterday. I’m trying to extract long time from him but managed to secure only vague promise for tomorrow. Instead he asked me if I will have a beer with him downstairs after massage so I agreed and it was best thing this trip perhaps. What was supposed to be a beer turned into party with all boys present , even boss joined later on. Farang i.e. me forked out some money for couple cases of beer and food and we had good time till perhaps 11 p.m. or so. Boys openly talked about themselves and their job, few spoke quite good English, as more were showing for work they all joined in, only from time to time when client appeared some went to the lobby to get a chance to make some money. It was nice to get a close peek into their lives and nobody mind me and T holding hands in the open even if T is straight and has a girlfriend. Truly I felt most welcomed and even if it cost me few thousands it was money well spent. Since it was outside , few remained in jeans only so I could see their quite sculpted torsos as Sabaidee is not a place infested with twinks . Even few girls joined and food was purchased in the stalls in the soi. Thais drinking system with all those ‘ chon!” toasts is conductive for getting drunk , not extremely but when we finally headed home I was quite jolly. Guy tried to organize somebody to escort me but I resisted and joyfully walked all the way from soi Pluk Chit past soi Ngam Duplee to Raya on Suriwong singing louder and louder as I was closer and closer , in several languages , most of them unknown to me but I sing in them anyways. “Lili Marlen” in German ( I don’t speak German but that is not an obstacle, at least not for me ) in Raya’s elevator was my masterpiece followed by ‘Vstavay strana ogromanya” ( “Rise immense country” , Russian military song, I speak language for a change ). It did not take much time for me to get asleep. Perhaps best day not only of that trip but entire year 2021 and it was day 4 of my trip.

What do you mean bad? I'm breakfasting , lunching and / or dinnering there almost daily when in BKK at various times, sometimes even hosting there celebrities like Moonlight / HotMale models so how it can be bad ? I like it there, truly do , although their chicken with cashew nuts is a bit too salty for my taste. I even met some forum members there as everybody knows where it is.

My last 2 stays at Raya was the same room on the 5th floor, not really a problem but I did prefer the room I had on my first stay on the upper floor. Nice report on Sanctuary Spa, it's on my must visit list when I get back there. Thanks for mentioning XOne as it seems my usual money exchange (The Richy at Sala Daeng BTS, always got a very good rate there) has closed down like other businesses.

'Tis that silly time that comes twice a year in the UK when the great, the good and a good few of the bad - along with some ordinary folk who have gone about their business with extraordinary zeal - are awarded with "honours." These are the people the British Empire continues to evoke - Member of the British Empire, Officer of the British Empire and Commander of the British Empire - all titles that should have died decades ago. Rightly, many this year have been health workers. But I will just select two from this year's long list. That Tony Blair, the Prime Minister who led Britain into the disastrous Iraq war, is not now merely Sir Tony but a member of the exclusive Order of the Garter (limited to the Queen, Prince Charles and 24 others) is a disgrace in my book. On the other hand, the actress who is now Dame Joanna Lumley fully deserves her accolade. Most of us know her merely as an actor from her time playing Patsy in the Absolutely Fabulous TV series or even earlier in The New Avengers. But she has espoused a large number of charitable causes and fought bravely for them. Born in India, in 2008 she became the face of the campaign to provide all Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who had worked for the British army before 1997 the right to settle in Britain. Many thousands had worked for the army, quite a few in Hong Kong who had effectively been left stateless after Britain's exit. Her campaign took several years and suffered many official rebuffs. Eventually she got together a petition signed by 250,000 citizens. Her campaign was finally successful. She is patron of as many as 60 other charities and in 1996 endowed a research fellowship at Oxford University for "major environmental and wildlife issues". For all these, please rise, Dame Joanna.

I guess now it’s time for usual day to day update of my trip. Some repeats will be necessary as I’m too lazy to spend much time polishing text so bear with me. Short lived ‘Test and go “ scheme served me very well and we hope it will be re-instated soon but trip was not only matter of luck but also utilizing it. Long ago I decided that as long as quarantine will be eliminated or shortened to max 2 days I jump into plane ASAP. So when it happened it took me only few hours to complete documents , do the bookings of planes , hotels and tests. I may try to repeat the feast if scheme will return even if for shorter period of time. First few months of year are not really me travelling time as greed prevails due to much increased opportunities to earn some spending cash. For quarantine hotel I had chosen Centre Point Riverview Silom and looking back it was wise decision. Knowing I will be locked I was looking for big room with balcony and a view. They had it all with Executive Suite, as it turned out complete with washing machine and microwave. Location steps from BTS SaphanTaksin proved beneficial when I was released about hour before bars are closing / 11 pm now/ . It was costly at about 5200 baht but not when one considers that I paid 4600 baht for pre-departure test at home so for me it looked like for 600 baht I had transport from airport, spacious room and 3 meals a day. Nice gesture was to allow me to check in early ,even if my plane arrived at 6 am , I was advised when asked that booking should be done for 1 night only As noted before arrival was very smooth, documents checked before lining up for immigration, taxi from hotel was handily waiting and it did not take much more than hour from landing to be already in the hotel to start solitary confinement of my: Day 1 On admission I asked to skip today’s breakfast as I was well fed by Swiss and opted for next day breakfast instead. Waiting to be called for test I despoiled after long trip, did some laundry ( I travel light so usually my first thing in hotel when travel is to wash my shirt and undergarments ) drying which was easy as washroom was equipped with laundry line. In Swampy I bought SIM card so installed Grindr and Romeo in addition to already installed Hornet and to kill time combed through offerings there. At 10.30 knock to door from the staff inviting me to go to the testing area on the roof. I was told results will arrive up to next morning. Tasty lunch delivered around noon, then I fell to jet lag and slept till 6 when another knock waked me up announcing equally tasty dinner. It was 9.55 p.m. when I got a call from reception that results are in and I’m free man again. 10 minutes later I was already on the Saphan Taksin platform and soon after , after 2 years of absence I was pounding pavements of my beloved Silom again. Since it was Sunday evening and in pandemic time it was rater quiet and in one of massage shops I noticed very handsome masseur playing with cat. Perhaps I should stop there but fate dragged me to soi 4 which is kind of sarcasm as I never really liked it. But now with Jupiter , only one of three bars opened others being Dreamboys and Fresh Boys there was no place to be picky. Beer at Jupiter was cheap at 150 which lasted till before Christmas and now is at more “normal” 400 so I got mine and noticed few guys drinking beside , one of them familiar face of one of Moonlight’ s go-gos I never offed but tipped few times for a good looks. Smile and signalized my interest but he gestured that he is with that company. Did not worry me as it was first out if 25 nights but fate had it , shortly after they all left he returned with knowing smile. It turned out he in not Jupiter guy , just visiting his friends there to have a drink, is willing to check my stamp collection. So I paid off fee of 500 and we went. No not to Centre Point but to Furama Silom as when booking originally I was not sure what will happen with my early check in and took advantage of cheap rates those days , booked 1 night at Furama just in case. Not a long walk and soon we were there. Reception asked for 1000 baht deposit, gave us a key and up we went to have our fun, short time one for which I was asked to fork 3000. How it came to it ? walking I asked about long time , 3000, answer was 3000 is for a short time. After 2 years I was in no mood to haggle. Fun we had and he is nice and very well built man but also resolve came that we met twice – first and last at the same time. No repeat as Christian PFC use to say . When he left , soon did I collecting my deposit left 3 hrs ago and walked all the way to Centre Point past 2 at night through completely empty streets with rats being busy here and there but no soul in sight. And I thought “ where in the world on his 1st day tourist can walk at almost 3 am through empty street in the middle of 10 million strange city and feel completely safe and relaxed “ ? Try that in Paris, London, Rio , Nairobi or even Flint , Michigan. Long live Bangkok , long live Thailand. Slept without A/c , with open windows, just like summer at home. And that’s how I finished day 1.

I'm sure expats have made provisions for this. However, this article by a Thai lawyer explores the legal realities of a foreigner dying in Thailand. From Pattaya Mail By Jessataporn "Chang" Sriboo Q. What can lawyers do? All countries have their own rules and regulations about notifications to police and embassies, corpse disposal and the follow-up in court if the deceased had any assets in Thailand. A Thai lawyer experienced in these matters can make the whole process less distressing for next of kin or significant third parties. Q. What are the procedures if a foreigner dies here? Typically, the police will quickly be informed. If the deceased died in hospital and had a recent record of illness or disease, an autopsy is not necessary. In all other cases, an autopsy will be required and this can delay the funeral. The death certificate is issued by the local authority and relevant embassy approval is required before cremation or burial is possible. At this stage, relatives usually have a lot of questions about detail – such as where the autopsy occurs and the specific role of the embassy – which a lawyer can help to make a smoother process. Also any hospital or autopsy bills must be paid before progress can be made. Q. How are the dead disposed of in Thailand? Nearly always by cremation which is otherwise known as hygienic disposal. Embassies usually have a list of morticians who can organize the details and the service at temples. Prices vary a great deal according to the location and elaborateness, starting at around 20,000 baht with no upper limit. In general, funerals in rural areas are cheaper than those in urban centers. In temples, the body is kept in a “chedi” or special area and there is no specific time frame for cremation. The next of kin or executor can obtain the ashes in an urn for lodging in Thailand (often in a temple or at sea) or for return to the native land. Q. Is burial possible in Thailand? Yes, but it’s very expensive, difficult and can take a long time. An alternative is to transport the body back to the home country by air, although it should be noted that many airlines – since Covid – do not offer this service. Also, the body has to be specially treated by embalmers and returned in a zinc-lined coffin. In my experience, well over 90 percent of deaths in Thailand are prepared for cremation here. The exceptions are mostly where the insurance policy specifically allows for international corpse transportation. Q. What happens if nobody can be found to take responsibility? Yes, sometimes this can happen when a Thai or a foreigner dies and no family member or friend can be found. Sometimes embassies may pay for disposal, but many do not. In some areas, the local authorities may arrange for a pauper’s cremation at a local temple. In other areas, there is a paupers’ burial ground where corpses are lodged and collectively burned every few years to make way for new arrivals. In the Pattaya area, as an example, the Sawangboriboon Foundation will usually be asked to assist where a body is uncollected and unwanted by anyone. We should stress that a pauper’s disposal will be an action with minimal ceremony. Q. What about wills and courts? If the deceased had any assets (cash or property) in Thailand, a probate order from a Thai court is necessary before they can be transferred. However, if a bank account is held in joint names, then the surviving partner can avoid that bureaucracy. The judge in a probate case will expect to see a properly drawn-up will in the Thai language and will normally require the presence of the executor or next of kin. The court may ask about the family tree, but the process is normally automatic. The executor will then receive written authorization which allows the transfer of assets to beneficiaries. Q. Do things sometimes go wrong? Indeed they do. Sometimes there is no will or the original cannot be found. In these cases, the process may be more complicated and, where possible, we ask the next of kin to accompany us to a hearing in the Thai court. Another problem area is where the deceased died unnaturally, say a murder, which can result in all sorts of questions depending on the specific circumstances. Sometimes, the relatives may not be satisfied with the results of the autopsy and can fund a second one either in Thailand or in the home country. Q. Do I need two wills? It depends. Where assets are held in Thailand and abroad, we usually recommend that. Care has to be taken that the two wills do not contradict each other – I have known that to happen! Some foreign probate courts can require a lot of detail. For example, if a British man or woman holds assets in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, these jurisdictions are not part of the United Kingdom. The detailed rules are very different in, say, Liverpool and Douglas. On estate matters, you really do need professional legal input. Preferably well before you meet your Maker. https://www.pattayamail.com/business/pattaya-legal-corner-dying-is-the-last-thing-you-do-384945

@readerHappy New Year to you too.

Carnaval is the most expensive hotel / AirBnB time of the year in Rio. If you’re booking just for that period, expect to pay more — a lot more.

I loved the Raya when I last stayed there, however I absolutely hated crossing Surawong road! When I eventually get to Bangkok again, I will stay on the other side of the road! 😅

While I don't quite consider myself a fearless traveller, the thing that has so far put me off making firm plans to visit is the risk of quarantine either in Thailand or on return, not the risk of catching Covid. This Bloomberg story dated 16 December 2021 says 43.8 million second shots have been administered, with another 4.4 million booster shots. Out of a population of 69 million, the 43.8 million with second shots represent 63%. The story further says that "At the current pace of vaccinations, the country should reach 90% coverage by March". Given these numbers, even if massage parlours don't visibly declare their staff to be fully vaccinated, the chance of meeting an unvaccinated person is low, and getting lower. I would also bear in mind that a vaccinated person can transmt the virus -- for why else do we have an Omicron surge in Western countries despite their high vaccination rate? It would therefore seem to be just a matter ot time before we bump into someone who is going to transmit it to us. Even people who have recovered from Covid-19 have come down a second and third time! I think we have to resign ourselves to the high likelihood that we will get it. The good news is that so far, Omicron appears, despite its high transmissibility, to cause less severe symptoms. Virologists would say this is entirely expected. Viruses tend to evolve towards greater transmissibility but lower lethality.

sometimes I wonder why they simply evacuate Pataya like Pol Pot did to Phnom Penh, close whole place down and not bother with it anymore. That's most idiotic on many idiotic decisions made over covid in Thailand. I wonder what's next? requirement to take PCR test and wait 24 hrs. for result to get a dinner?

+1 they should let us easily in and we will find out way to places we like and trust. No dancing elephant helps if admission process is complicated and prone to sudden changes - see premature and unnecessary death of " test and go scheme" which hopefully will be resurrected before Easter.

Next, I will finish watching "Baker Boys", which I loved from the first second of episode 1, and catch up with "Bad Buddy", which, while E1 and E2 were so so, is great from episode 3 on!

I am way behind with all the new series. I guess its my own fault, why did I go on holiday to Thailand and have no time for watching series. Bite Me (2021) At the beginning I liked it, but then the story evolved a bit too slowly and Aek was so cold to Aue. Even though Aek is pretty cute, I liked the side couple Vich+Prem more. Aek What I really liked though were the amazing food pictures. According to the special episode (behind the scenes), they even opened a shop for online delivery where you could order the menu they cooked in the series, so you could watch the series while eating their food, what a great idea! And what I always enjoy are the deep dialogues like this one: or this one:

A quick search of the WhatsApp feed only showed voice messages for the weekly raffle and a weekend away at an estate (Finca) outside of Medellín in Copacabana (northern neighbourhood past Bello) since November. The posted greeting below provides the location of the hotel using the traditional street names. "We are now in service at Carrera 45 (El Palo) at #55-41 Hotel Bliss Suite on El Palo between Calle Peru (Calle 55) and Calle Bolivia (Calle 56)" Which would place you here Apologies about the naming convention. Calle 56 is known as both Calle Zea and Calle Bolivar depending which neighbourhood you are in. So in this case, the correct name would be Calle Bolivia since it is a direct connection from this location to Parque Bolivar.

I'm not so sure. From my work experience and I was and still am part time close to those matters surprisingly many people think they will live forever not leaving any will nor even simple instruction what to do or list of assets and potential liabilities they may have. That leaves families squabbling and quarrelling , at times even over trivial amounts of money or minuscule assets as ego comes into play as who should be in charge. In my opinion wills should be mandatory for everybody over , say 40, otherwise estate should go to the state. Only exception I'd make in case of children under 18. That should sober people up and have their testaments done well before their time.

you are kidding ! Whenever I need an adrenaline boost I cross Suriwong diagonally at any place. And after 2am on Sunday until 8am is pretty quiet so you can do your warm-up training then

Hardly any property (in Colombia or elsewhere) is going to allow you check-in at 5AM (for a reservation with check-in same date around 2-3PM). As rates are fairly cheap in Bgta, you make the reservation for the previous night and then state in the reservation or inform the hotel in advance that you will check-in late /past midnight. Then you will have no issues to check-in early in the morning and get a few hours of sleep in the room; much better than waiting in hotel lobby or elsewhere because you have been told to come back for check-in in the afternoon (been there, done that)

Although I remain among those still hoping to experience Bangkok again in the not too distant future, news that my favorite method of getting around Krung Thep--second only to walking--continues to thrive helps keep the dream alive. From The Nation More than 1.3 million people used Thailand’s railway services on December 29 and 30 The five lines that saw the highest number of passengers were: • Southern: 26,852 passengers • Northeast: 26,420 passengers • Northern: 23,402 passengers • Eastern: 11,010 passengers • Mahachai-Mae Khlong: 6,066 passengers Meanwhile, more than 1.28 million people used rail services in Greater Bangkok on December 29 and 30: • Airport Rail Link: 57,446 passengers • SRT Red Line: 15,590 passengers • MRT Purple Line: 50,721 passengers • MRT Blue Line: 355,242 passengers • BTS: 805,331 passengers Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010669

yes it was, there was Dtac booth just past luggage collection area before you entered area where hotels were collecting you. I did not notice any other booths nor I was looking for them. Possibly they were Ladies staffing booth were very efficient and my new SIm was installed before I could even say "Hail Mary , full of grace" with old card neatly scotch taped to SIM card carrier.

I've seen that Adam massage in soi 4 are saying all their staff are fully vaccinated and I would imagine that they would all be or at least most massage shops would be

From Reuters / The Thaiger He will forever be known as a hero, but Dr Li Wenliang, the Chinese ophthalmologist who first sounded the alarm over Covid-19, was initially shut down and threatened by his government. Now, nearly 2 years after his own death from the virus, thousands of Chinese netizens have posted messages to honour the Wuhan medic who tried to warn the world. According to a Reuters report, the messages have been posted on the second anniversary of Li discovering a pneumonia-causing virus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. On December 30, 2019, Li, who worked at a hospital in the city, caught sight of a medical report that referenced potential SARS coronavirus infections in Wuhan. He posted about the outbreak on the Weibo social media platform but his warnings were badly received by the government. He was reprimanded by the local police and accused of creating panic. On January 12, Li was admitted to hospital, infected with Covid-19. He died on February 7, 2020. Along with the grief triggered by his death came a rare outpouring of anger at the government over its lack of transparency and its attempts to censor Li. Nearly 2 years after his death, he is being commemorated as a hero. According to the Reuters report, Weibo is awash with candle emojis and messages of thanks to the doctor, with many posting as if talking directly to him. “Happy new year Dr. Li, we will remember you forever.” According to Fang Kecheng from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, people seem to feel more comfortable posting on Li’s Weibo microblog. “Such places for anonymous expression are needed in any society, and this is especially true in today’s China.” https://thethaiger.com/china/chinese-netizens-pay-tribute-to-the-doctor-who-tried-to-warn-the-world

His treatment by Chinese authorities will be forever reminder that authoritarian governments can't be trusted , no matter their achievements are. Mussolini made trains going on time, Hitler eliminated unemployment and still very few tears are shed for them and this should act as warning to all who think they have all answers

Generation Y season 2 started this week with most of the lovely crew of 2 Moons series and partly based on the same plot.

Last night show at Boyztown well attended. From few interlocutor, both Mamasans and boys, I heard that now bars in the soi are co-operating to bring soi back to life. For now shows are in the open in the soi. Prices of drinks went down. Last night charges at BBB: Beer 90, non alcoholic 70, boy drink 200( quite a hunk from southern Thailand), off fee 500 from previous night, did not off the hunk due to other plans. Sunee last night almost dead, Winners padlocked, 2 lesser bars, open but almost no clients. Nice Boys - enticed by a word from member who had fun a night before, other member and me visited full of hope but IT WAS NOT A, SUCCESSFUL visit. Basically both staff and boys decided to have fun themselves and it was, almost impossible to get an eye contact with any of boys, not to mention that out of 8 or 10 present at best 3 presented themselves on the stage, usually only to watch goings on their smartphones. Even exrtrecting a bill required loud scream ,, can we get a bill please,, Drink 200, not we'll spent money let me tell you. Hope they improve, if not Sunee will be of the books quite soon with pandemic and that level of service. Jomtien Complex dead for the night due to new police chief visit but expected to be opened tonight. Massages, were, allowed to open but only Thai employees were allowed to work so my guy, Cambodian and hs friends had day off forced on them. Rollercoaster indeed.

As reported elsewhere week after my first stay there Pattaya seems to be picking up slowly but surely. Both Boyztown and Walking Street were immensed in darkness 10 days ago but not they are lit. Just walked aptly named Walking Street, at least overhead lights are there and few bars pretending to be restaurants are open. No loud , in fact no music at all, few wanderers but at least it's something. About Boyztown I reported already , will check again tonight. Booking an emergency room through Agoda I noticed interesting fact. In quite a few cases in Pattaya hotels not available on the website we're still available on the Agoda's app. Also in case if few properties along Beach Road and possibly elsewhere as well prices were slightly different ( 100 - 300 ) baht. I did not detect particular pattern, some were cheaper on website, some on app. Bottom line - if you can, check both.

What started inconclusive turned out to be quite excellent turning my 4 days in Chiang Mai into Classic House monodiet proving my own rule to always allow for a second chanceunless bad will is involved. Which in turn crystallized as 3 Long Times with the same specimen and daIly massages with different highly qualified specialists each day, crowned in turn into last evening's 4 hands massage. Even free transportation between 2 hotels was thrown in. City sights are impressive, long distance train to Bangkok was sent off with full regalia including playing national anthem ( I did not take it, just went to see railway infrastructure and happen to be in that moment). City's crisp and sunny weather has also ability to turn old fools into idiots and had them still being happy for that. Details will be provided in due course. Bangkok's air is much warmer and steamer but I was quite happy to be back, if only to see Hot Male on 2nd night after re-opening.

Pattaya, turned out to be great for me. Just paying an attention to close environment was fruitful as, I landed really good guy from one of massage shops just by Agate, my hotel. 2 massages and 2 LT's in 3 days says a bit ! Generosity seems to pay off as I upped his requested 1st night tip and second one was almost bordering on exhausting and it was not only me who noted it. Professional behavior too, no stupid tears on departure just kiss, embrace and hand shake. Agate was almost empty like most hotels those days but at lease, was opened and I landed nice room for relatively peanuts. Great French bakery on the corner opposite Soda massage. Sunee was dead zone but even in the afternoon arrond 5 there was some life and if pressed even I would find 1 or 2 to take with me for a stroll or something. Skinny for my taste and more mid than low 20 ties but this is what I look for anyways so hope is there. Boyztwn is disaster zone with only Scandic opened if only to carry the torch, one or 3 hunks there but I skipped this part. ALT Heidelberg closed but not boarded, Berliner Cafe opened and few money exhnagers opened had actually better rate for euros 37.70 and more than world famous booths by train station in the basement of Swampy 37.30. But generally one in need to change currency needs to look for one opened as 2/3 of booths in both Pattaya and Bangkok are closed. What is, interesting thought, ones survived are those which offered better rates which if you think about this, makes sense. More traffic more chance to survive. Walking Street is 93.5 disaster zone but 6.5 is enough for few tourists wandering Pattaya streets right now. Bars not opened but winks and whispers are. Disaster time, like in Bangkok was not wasted by some. Some premises are not boarded but spruced, renovated and spiffied, sometimes for other than original purpose. So old saying : "never waster good crisis" was, taken by some seriously. From Dec 15 on frequency of Jomtien airport bus is increased by 1 to 7 a day if I recall so again that is good sign. Bus full both ways. As mentioned Swampy exchange counters are operating but only 3 or 4 of previous 8 or 10. Airport mid day yesterday was quite empty but not completely empty, another good sign considering size of arrival hall. Stores are opened as before and ever good hearted I upported 7/11 by buying coffee and purchasing soap spending money as it is no tomorrow. Flight to Chiang Mai was I think completely full, nice view of country from above. In the airport I did not bother with economizing on busses or tuk tuks and went with flat rate taxis. There are 2 companies with booths beside each other offering 150 rate but this seem to be to Old city. Since I,m staying bit further I was, quoted 200. Since I, m close to Adam's Apple I passed by but that is, another piece of history as bar is closed and place up for sale. But view from room, I think bigger then my apartment is excellent, air is crisp, banana pancake can be had for 30, street food abounds and city walkable. Being here for 1st time I ventured out actually after dark as I arrived late and easily found my way there and back. First impression is 7/11 are less ubiquitous than in Bangkok and Pattaya but adds on apps are deceitful and photos hopped all the same. Temple sightseeing started with Classic House massage. Will return to report more as first sample may be inconclusive, all the same like room visit from Romeo. I try not to jump into conclusions after just 1 statistic sample. Sleeping alone but with wide opened both windows was very pleasant though, will repeat tonight unless something happens, one ever knows.

Not Me new BL series started today.

Continuing my updates, yesterday's 14. 00 pm airport bus to Pattaya was full so if you are planning to use it, perhaps don't count on last minute seat. Instead of always we'll represented graying and balding, at times bit shaky, single white men, good portion of passengers were girls returning to work I suppose. So that could be good sign. Other forum member z909 gentlemanly mentioned in his post was me. I will see how Complex situation will look tonight, but as he said bars were chasing customers away due to police presence. But massages were opened and there were some lookers there, I couldn' t stop myself from forcing 100 on one of them just for look, but also in view of the future. As for apps I must say it was a bit shocking when after installing Grindr messages and pictures started coming immediately to a degree that at one point I just stop even looking at them. Whether what was, presented was of any interest is another question but certainly traffic is there. Nice weather too with another crispy morning.

We lost a true star tonight. She will be missed.

I don't see how this could have been rationally promulgated or actually enforced. I'm only reporting it. From Pattaya Mail In a crushing late-night order, Chonburi’s governor mandated that customers of restaurants of all sizes produce a negative coronavirus test result before entering. The arguably unenforceable dictate from Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai late Jan. 1 replaced a less-restritive proclamation issued earlier the same day that had spared smaller restaurants from the onerous unfunded mandate. Both orders were issued in reaction to the coronavirus omicron variant, which has now made its way to Chonburi on its march to inevitably becoming the dominant strain in Thailand. The original order had applied only from Dec. 31-Jan. 2 and required all staff, including entertainment performers, at restaurants – and the thousands of bars masquerading as restaurants – to be tested daily with rapid antigen kits. Customers, however, would only have to produce proof of a negative coronavirus test from within the past 72 hours or take a test on-site before entering if the venue regularly served more than 100 people or “looked busy or congested” even without actually serving 100 people. The new order, however, does away with the time limit – it’s now in force until further notice – and requires all customers, regardless the size of the venue or the customer’s vaccination status, to either take a test on-site or provide proof of a recent negative test. Restaurant owners unable or unwilling to foot the testing bill or make customers wait 15 minutes outside for test results are given no other choice than to simply close. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/all-pattaya-restaurants-now-require-customers-to-show-negative-covid-19-test-385022