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Day 10 Not only I slept well but also had T in my dreams ( dry, relax ) , I must be missing him I guess so time to get serious to find consolator thought I at breakfast. When in Chiang Mai visit to Doi Suthep , temple up the mountain visible from every corner of city, including my window at Viangbua Mansion is a must. Easiest and most economical way to get there is by baht bus. Those going up the mountain have dedicated stop outside the moat , opposite Chang Puak gate, right in front of 7/11. Fare is 60 baht one way , glitch is baht bus will go when full. And now we have covid and resulting dearth of tourists so I decided to speed things up by asking how much it will be to rent whole vehicle for a trip there and back including waiting. 500 baht seemed reasonable so I agreed immediately , bought some drinks at 7/11 and up the hill we went. Even now it was visible that place is popular as parking was quite full. I conquered 300 or so steps leading to the temple quite fast and find the place worth of accolades I heard about that. Air was much fresher there too , specially that it was still early. View of city down the mountain was worth the trip itself. I spent good 2 hours wandering around, then had a 50 baht lunch in one of stalls there, wandered around souvenir stalls and almost bought the shirt but unfortunately they did not have my size so I consoled myself with obligatory t-shirt and fridge magnet and down we went. Rest of day I spent wandering around old city with it zillion of temples , laboriously I went inside every one I passed by. I found my next hotel I will be moving to tomorrow as well as Sanctuary Spa I intend to visit some day as well. Very touristy day but when it started darkening I walked again to Classic House for an intended massage with guy I called ‘ candidate “ yesterday but from now on that historical figure will be called S . Why historical it will be explained in a day or two. Massage and guy itself were much more impressive than last night’s so I investigated about Long Time option, accepted immediately and quite modest tip of 2000 was asked for a privilege. I must say I liked S from minute 1, both smile and build were enamoring and massage very well conducted. As a bonus he had motorsai so we went for dinner and subsequently to hotel in style. In case somebody is curious what I had for a dinner answer is chicken with cashew nuts, very well done. Luxuriating in my Executive Suite we had a chat , beer and it did not take long before heat of the night lead us to the bed where we, or at least me had a very rewarding night crowning day 10 of my trip. few impressions from Doi Suthep below, airport visible on the right of last pics

Day 9 continued I’m not big fan of luxurious accommodation , not only because of costs but I noticed that I tend to spend more time in the room luxuriating as opposite to more Spartan digs where I tend to leave as soon as I settle. But here with the view I wanted to have a tea, then coffee and soon I noticed that day is graying and that is my first day ever in Chiang Mai. From there it’s about 20 minutes walk to closest city gate Chang Puak. Few steps and big disappointment as Adams Apple is permanently closed with ‘ for rent ‘sign. What one can do ? Smile and carry on to nearest banana pancake stall to have some nourishment. It was quite dark already but Chiang Mai is easy to navigate with moated old City at the Center so I crossed Old city to Chiang Mai gate on opposite end, turned left along the moat toward Tapae gate, crossed moat there and went straight to soi 4 to my planned destination – Classic House massage. Entrance has sign but still it’s easy to miss as is covered in greenery which on another hand stands out so you know you are there. Very discreet entrance, few boys inside and friendly mamas an behind the counter who gladly explained procedures and prices, told me there are more guys in the back room. Tariff for 1.50 hr. massage 600 , minimum tip I forgot but something like 800-1000 and when learned I will be in the city 4 days told me that 5 massaged will get 6th free with immediate idea how to squeeze 5 massages in 4 days – take 2 boys for 4 hand massage. I liked that but today I settled on 1on1 treatment. My guy was handsome but massage was so, so , perhaps he was afraid he will crush me or something so treaded lightly . Too long nails were bit annoying so I knew tomorrow it will be somebody else and even eyed candidate, telling all and sundry it will be different guy every day to save face and told candidate ‘ tomorrow you ‘ extracting nice smile. Little I know why he was smiling but that revelation will come soon. Clearly I was undermassaged so still in the soi pulled smartphone and on Grindr or Romeo I found enticing , manly , muscular guy offering massage in the room, asked him to be in Viangbua reception at 9pm. And leisurely walk to hotel to arrive as planned. There was some guy in the reception waiting for somebody and I had feeling it was me he is waiting for so I bravely asked to receive confirmation. Muscular with traces of handsomeness, but quite feminine and 5 years much older than in apps picture. Not quite fraud but somewhat misleading but that is included in risk of using apps I thought so resigned to my fate and invited him upstairs. Nothing to write home , after undressing still bit feminine of the same age, massage good and proper , better that one I had in Classic but it was clear he is looking for speedy end. Normally it would upset me but considering I was not as impressed with his looks and mannerism as I was when checking him on apps I considered it a blessing that he is not keen on lingering. 1500 was overpaid but that is what I agreed to, hoping for slower massage with manly hunk getting fast by girly one. My first night in Chiang Mai was lonely one but treat nevertheless as I could sleep with open windows , rare treat in Thailand. Hoping for better tomorrow I slept very well ending my day 9. Tapae gate and Classic House discreet entrance

Day 11 We had breakfast together, then I packed my meagre possessions and taking advantage of my newest friend’s motorsai we went to my new digs – impressively named and even more impressively looking Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel in small alley 1 block from Chiang Mai gate. In normal times I likely would be to stingy to rent room there but covid times are depressing hotel prices exponentially so even such beauty and luxury become affordable at 1200 , breakfast included. Since after last night there was no doubt that S will be my companion for next 2 I checked him in and he got his own door card as there was no way I let him to sleep at home even if he is married with a child. Specially with such modest tip expectations, right? palatial Phor Liang Meun terracotta Arts Hotel, lobby and a room When we settled in he suggested that we visit electronic shop as he wanted to check some new phone model so we went , remember WE have a vehicle. Phone in question had price tag of 13000 but now was on promotion for 12000. I was even asked if I like it, how thoughtful. But no, at no time suggestion was made I should chip in because as Ecclesiast says it is time for everything , for laughter and cry , for sowing and harvest and so on. Then we parted ways string in knowledge that I will come to Classic for massage with somebody else but take him home afterwards. I continued with my tourist program, visiting temple after temple and when I got too spiritual I decided to bring myself to the level by going to Sanctuary Spa, not far from my hotel, easy to find as it’s facing moat close to SuanPrung gate. Entry is bit forested with ample greenery. It was only one guy on duty, others could be called in but no need since guy was handsome, tall , muscular and bulgy. I always say all we need is 1 bar and 1 guy in it so decided to try my wisdom. Fee was 1000 baht for 1.5 hr session, min tip the same and off we went. Both massage and afters were outstanding , truly were so tip was increased to 1500 and we parted ways both smiling. If I was not engaged with S , there was another candidate. But I like S. and after all that sightseeing I kind of miss him so slowly but surely I walked again to Classic where S din not even bother to present himself as it was known that today is somebody else’s turn. Mamasan reminded me that 5 massages are getting 6th free and since tomorrow is my last day he suggests 4 hands. Today it was B, the body builder. That was pleasure to extend that I asked him to come to my hotel during day tomorrow handing him over hotel’s business card and my Line. S was waiting in the wings but when we were done he confidently emerged and soon after motorsaied me to a dinner. During which suggestion , mind you, just suggestion was made we can go to the mall to do some shopping. Not that I need to buy anything but obviously he did so I just tagged along. We had a good luck as some Adidas shoes were on sale and so were jeans but of course nothing stopped US from buying 2 pairs of shoes , jeans shorts and jacked . WE bought , I paid but I kind of had fun witnessing how I’m manipulated into opening my heart and wallet . Even now recalling it I smile. Truth is all those good were good value for quite a modest price and I thought in view of night past and future, worth the expense. Now we know what low LT tip means, LOL. There was pressing need for a belt for another 1200 but despite shining eyes, my short ‘no’ did the trick and pressure eased down. In the room all goodies were arrested and I told him he will get them on day of my departure as I don’t want him to poke them into eyes of his friends in Classic as long as I’m here. He got the concept. Before you call me old fool etc let me tell you that now my fun started and I would be ungrateful asshole if I did not state that I was greatly rewarded for my troubles all night long, it’s why I smile. Even skillful suggestion I will buy him that phone tomorrow did not spoil my fun. I think this is what happens when guy makes sure you like him. So my day 11 , busy and expensive turned still to be memorable and full filled , fuck the money.

Day 9 Exercises, steamy as they were finished early today and at 7.30 am we went for breakfast, too early it turned out so I gave N 100 baht to buy something for himself, he went home and judging by his good bye look , without any faith he will not see me again as I claimed. Perhaps he heard all those farang promises before , we will learn in due course who was right. I returned to the room , packed and at 8.30 returned to have my lonely French breakfast. Soon after waved good bye to Agate , marched to bus station and at 9.30 was on my way to Swampy where at 12.25 I had Thai Smile flight to Chiang Mai for 2610 baht return , luggage and seat choice ( window) included. Airport was quite empty and quiet at mid-day and even resident demons had their masks on. No fuss with bureaucracy and covid related documents, on check-in they wanted to see ThaiPass QR code. Good visibility and in 1 hr we landed. Airport in Chiang Mai is quite close, almost walking distance from old city but my hotel of choice for first 2 nights was Viangbua Mansion and reason for that was proximity to Adam’a Apple bar on the same street about 150 m away. Apart from walking one can take songtaew ( in Chiang Mai ride costs 30 baht, 3 times Pattaya rate) , bus and taxi to his destination. There are well posted booths for pre-paid taxis , 150 baht to old City destinations, bit more to outlaying areas so I was asked to pay 200. Nice weather and bit cooler and drier air than in BKK and Pattaya. As mentioned before hotel rated courtesy of covid are low so I splurged on Executive Suite about 1200 baht per night breakfast included. What I saw was impressive. Not only view toward DoiSuthep temple but room itself was of condo size, big living room with kitchenette, microwave, desk and 2 tables, separate bedroom with another desk and then full bathroom with shower, tube, separate toilet and balcony with fixed racks to dry the clothes. Well raised person would say WOW ! seeing all that opulence but I could only master O fuck ! seeing all that spotless luxury. Even airport demons wear the mask. My Executive Suite in Viangbua Mansion

if it's any consolation I see the same in my own place after I returned, few mild cases of Omicron and most venues closed for 3 weeks. Today is 6th day after I arrived and I'm still locked at home waiting for results of mandatory test taken on arrival. They already called me 3 times to make sure I'm home so I'm stuck. Bright side is I have time to write trip report to torment you guys. And no, I don't live an authoritarian country in any sense. World went amok over covid issue, lunacy prevails. I like description ' manufactured panic" , brilliant !!!. Only consolation is , all countries seem to be stupid over issue , either too strict or too lax so we in the same boat. The same follows with populations, a lot of too panicky or too dismissive. I'm already enemy of some neighbors because I dared to travel and return bringing unspeakable danger to the whole building. I'm kidding you not.

Skimming through the headlines of the day, it's clear that astronomers missed the fact that the sky must indeed be falling. Let me count the ways. "World famous Khaosan Road closed temporarily after Covid cases found" "Hospitals around the country told to prepare for surge in cases" "New cases spike in Wednesday's Covid report" "Phuket preps hotel guest isolation" "Anutin wants to delay nightclub reopening" "Bangkok prepares field hospitals, isolation centres for anticipated Covid-19 uptick" "Thai Officials Insist On More Restrictions" Thai officialdom and an accommodating media have teamed up to create a spreading sense of panic. But when you look behind the headlines, reality is evident. Yes, the hospital will be overwhelmed, but only because "experts" insist that asymptomatic people must be quarantined within them. Thailand, which was on the verge of reviving its tourism industry, is now being victimized by a scourge far more insidious than the virus: manufactured panic. The practice of putting people with flu-like symptoms in hospitals is one sure fire way to concentrate them into a setting that becomes its own self-fulling prophecy. Perhaps all this will pass as quickly as it developed. In a few months, maybe we'll be back to "test-and-go". But even if we are, we'll have it in the back of our minds that everything could go off the rails again along with our travel itineraries.

Try this one then: gaining political power. Ask yourself who has the most to gain by creating the chaos--and not just in the case of Omicron. It's the same tactic that's been used successfully in politics around the globe. Niccolò Machiavelli wrote the book on it in the 16th century. In Thailand, a key minister who has been out in front in the Covid-19 discussion very much wants to displace the incumbent PM. By taking controversial stands, you garner tons of free publicity that gets your name and photo in the daily headlines. It's a means to an end. And you don't have to look to deeply into today's headlines to see it playing out even more robustly than yesterday. As usual, all the decisions are being made by the elites in Bangkok and Chiang Mai who provide the money that finances the legislative election campaigns. The winners then get to decide who gets the nod for the PM's job. It's all about power. Acquiring it, exercising it and keeping hold of it.

People who don't have wills usually don't think their deaths are possible. And/or they don't care about their potential beneficiaries much. 🙄

Yes, we as old men have vaccines. We are also mostly well off by Thai standards and have better vaccines that many in Thailand. Young children are not vaccinated and regardless of how this effects the tourist system, some thought has to be put into protecting every citizen. Like many, I don't think stopping tourists from coming is the answer. But, I understand the panic. Asian countries have done better than most tourist countries that want to come here. I'm old and I don't give a shit what anyone says about lower risks with new variants. In the last week, I have had 10 people get sick with Covid in Bangkok that I know (not been around them) and 2 were on ventilators as it was serious. I have also been lucky to have a boy with me for 6 months that has been amazing. I don't know if I would have made it alone. I often drive him crazy so I know I would have driven myself insane if I were alone.

The part on my "I Don't Get It" list is why. Why would the Thai powers-that-be want to use the Omicron variant to shoot its own tourism industry in the foot and put thousands of people out of work yet again? What's in it for them? I have not been able to come up with a logical answer, even by Thai logic standards, for that one.

I am hoping that this variant is what experts are now predicting, that because it is more mild in the majority of cases (at least in those vaccinated) that it could be the beginning of the end, it would be good if it was so that people the world over can get back to a more normal life. Fingers crossed on that.

It seems now that the Omicron variant is much more contagious but far less lethal then the Delta and is more like a regular flue ,the panic behaviour of governments all over the world will cause devastating affect on the global economy far more than the Omicron damage will do. we are leaving in lunatic era.

Day 8 . It went without saying that we will have repeat of the day and night today. I don’t even remember who said it first but it was obvious. Tip was increased substantially as good work should be rewarded properly . Breakfast in French restaurant on the corner, very cheerful waitress who seemed to like N very much thank you and I was pretending I don’t notice it. Quite sumptuous with signature crispy fresh baguettes , I liked it very much, tasty , classy and filling. He went to his room and then to gym, I chose internet exercises in the room. As mentioned before I was subject of massive attack from that Grindr guy and tried to fend his messages off until around noon got tired and decided finally to go to Pattaya proper. Rest of daylight was spent walking about and it was quite depressing sight with all those shops and restaurants boarded or at least closed. Walking street completely dead bar one survivor – 7/11. On another hand signs of clinging to life were encouragingly numerous, I had a dinner in newly opened kebab restaurant on 2nd street. Few massages were opened with guys anxiously waiting for customers, a lot of walker along Beach Rd and girls ubiquitous, forced to take their trade to the streets with bars closed but generally Pattaya was bit depressing sight with devastation much more pronounced that in Bangkok. Alt Heidelberg closed but Berliner café and Salt and Pepper still operating. Few quite big hotels closed, in others only few windows were lit. Surprisingly exchange rates in few still opened places were at least as good as in Swampy’s basement by train station. Sunee – dead, those complaining in the past about Arabs racing motorbikes now have their day, sois quiet like pre-pandemic funeral home. Boyztown, dead zone with only Scandic opened with 3 guys on duty , one of them veteran of many years there. But baht busses still 10 baht. Internet café in soi post office still opened and tailor in Pattayaland also did not give up. Not as cheerful like before but still standing. So Pattaya girls and boys are not giving up, no matter what trade they are in. It was darkening when I returned to Complex , straight to N’s shop for massage and right after I extracted him from there by way of paying 300 off fee and we went to Agate greeted by knowing smile of lady at reception. If last night was steamy , this one , my last in Pattaya for now , was nothing short of volcano , geyser, earthquake e.t.c. I think people of certain age should conduct themselves with more dignity and modesty but since nobody was watching us I took an option to be young again with quite a success ending day 8 well stretched and exercised.

I disagree with most of these "The government is just being stupid/selfish/crazy/mean." ideas. While Omicron seems noticeably less dangerous, how it plays out in hospitalizations and deaths remains somewhat to be seen. If it spreads ten times as fast, but is only as 20% as fatal as Delta, that still means twice the death rate of delta. Current evidence seems to suggest that it isn't going to be that big a problem. But, you cannot travel back in time and enforce measures to slow the spread if it proves to be a greater problem. The only rational decision you can make as a public official is to move towards strict anti-spread measures initially as the data comes in. You can always loosen measures as the data supports it. If the data supports tougher measures, and you didn't do them, well, by then its too late. Certainly, there can be debate as to what those are, but the suggestion that the only reason a government would use them is because they're power mad I think is more about all of our fatigue at Covid than it is a reasonable critique of policy.

Adam's Apple is closed for some time ago I am surprised you didn't know that even before the Covid 19 business were very slow ot past its glory day many years ago due lack of gay tourists the whole gay secen in Chiang Mai faded . T You did the right choice 500 Baht including two hours waiting and return is very reasonable rate , For me Doi Suthep is one of the most amazing places I ever saw .

All people in this world are addicted to something. People in power are addicted to exerting control/power over people. The virus is a great reason/excuse to satisfy their addiction. I hope I could make your "i dont get it list" one item shorter - how long is it actually?

The Player I started to watch this series yesterday not quite BL series but one of the main couple there are gay secretly in love , Jojo Tichakorn the director of Freind Zone and Gay OK Bangkok is very talented director is the director and screenwriter here. Seems promising .

Instead being devastated think an bout new opportunities. What is gone is gone although in better times mat be resurrected. Adams Apple though seems to be gone for good as even premises are for sale / rent , I don't remember exactly. As for Classic and mooks I may have good news for many, I saw my share of silicon and mook deformed cocks on otherwise great guys this trip but none of them in Chiang Mai and I sampled no less than 5 guys from Classic in those fabulous 4 days there. All five were of good size and well shaped. I agree that selection at Classic was great , it was a reason of my monodiet there in CM, bar one side trip to Sanctuary, also of best cock quality

Very sensible.

Yes. Since switching from employed-and-saving mode to retired-and-spending, when contemplating something expensive but affordable I often find I have to say to myself "can you really not afford it?" with an incredulous inflection. (Precise choice of words, word order and intonation are important here; if your first language is not British English you may not get the exact sense.)

Good things dont last long. Same blue chairs in the same place but with opposite emotions. Bye for now. Till we meet again BKK.

and that is solution we should employ , either grind teeth and pay or give it a miss and see it on You Tube. Excessive pricing happens in every country, dual pricing or not - we have the same solution , go or not to go. Sometimes we regret later we were stingy or acted excessively on principle and did not visit desired place ( did not buy something we liked , did not off boy who was charming and hot etc.). I learned that lesson from my friend who years ago skipped on Uffizi Galleria in Florence because of price of admission. Then life came and it took her 30 years before she was able to visit Florence again determined to go there no matter of price. She did not because some issues and place was closed, fortunately just for a day. Third attempt was successful but she admitted she lived 30 years with kind of guilt she was so cheap.

Agree. And don't forget Brazil, Venezuela, China, Turkey, Myanmar....

You might be right. Maybe I'm naive, but to me doing it that way seems awfully farfetched. Then again I look at what is going on in American politics. That alone is enough to convince me that your take on it perhaps makes sense after all.

06 Jan '22: "I just back from Dreamboys now. The government ordered the closure of high-risk places indefinitely from tonight. Silom soi 2 and 4 a lot of people have Covid19, Also in Dreamboys around 8-10 people have Covid19." This is from a long time Dreamboys employee. I've known him for 20+ years. He is usually reliable.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXePDJPBaO/ Seven is open.

Rio used to have more cruisy spots (in the same vein of the 70s / 80s / early 90s American gay cruising scene) but it really isn’t the city for that kind of scene anymore. São Paulo rules the roost in that area. In Rio, you now have Sexy Rose in Cinelândia, which is an odd combination XXX video booth / dark room / drag show / gogo show place. It’s next door neighbor is an old school adult theatre, very dark where mostly very bland looking and older patrons and a few low-budget street hustlers are available. I think it’s called Cine Rex, but not sure. There used to be a Seven Cruising Bar in Centro that stayed open until 10 pm, but I’m not sure if it shut down due to the pandemic. Google Maps says it’s open, but I would still check other sources before venturing out there. Rio is a big beach culture. If you are able to learn the delicate art of beach cruising, and you don’t stick out like a swollen sore thumb, then it could take you a long way. Check the areas along Ipanema Beach with the pride flags and go from there. That’s all I have for you. If anyone else has something RECENT and UP TO DATE to contribute, I’m all ears.

That did not work. They have plenty of ways to exercise their power without destroying an entire industry their country's economy depends on. Of course the way things work around here, it would come as no great surprise to me if it turns out you are exactly right. As far as the length of my "I Don't Get It" list and how many items are on it - after all these years living in Thailand, think of the number of stars in our galaxy . . .

I think reader summarized it best this morning "manufactured panic ' no, I'm not antivaxxer nor covid denier but I firmly believe governments all over are sizing chance to show how much they care and how capable they are , strangling us in the process by all that love .

To answer your question directly, I would say there is excellent advice here for a first-time visitor to the city. Agreed, the vaste majority of Laureles barrio south of the stadium is quite safe and I have never had any issues going about my business around that neighbourhood. Increasingly it is the barrio of choice for ex-pats and you will hear both English and German spoken regularly. I would endorse many of the comments about certain neighbourhoods being "unsafe" in the sense that you are more likely to encounter potential situations. El Centro after dark and on weekends can be rough, and the Parque de luces is bad outside of office hours, but I have negotiated both situations. A little common sense goes a long way. The one neighbouhood noted as a no-go zone is Trinidad (between the Olaya Herrera airport to the Medellin river) that is still controlled by narcos to move product though the city. Do not go there -- there is nothing to see there -- as the neighbourhood is still controlled by drug gangs who will know you are on the wrong turf. Skip Trinidad and walk up to Belen barrio better Cra 30 and Cra 33 which is the newest up and coming neighbourhood with tons of cafes, shops and restaurants along its lively streets.

So glad to see that Pattaya is opening up again Vinapu and so happy that You are there and enjoying Your holiday. I’m not sure yet when I will be able to get back to travelling but I hope we can meet up and enjoy some Schnitzel again. Enjoy Your holiday my Friend.

Hey British guy here who has visited Rio a few times and also has asked the same questions as you! Generally though there isn't much night life of the type you're after and you'll have to seek out other stuff to do> Message me and we can chat. I'll keep an eye on this thread too to see what others have to say.

Too bad "Bite Me" does not have any "Bed" scenes!! But I liked that the plot was more substantial and really developed several of the stories. And the production quality was excellent. They actually built that Kitchen for the series and then ripped it out with finished. I see the producer, Dream and Destiny, has indicated they will have four new series in 2022. Cannot find any details as to then they will be available. Be My Boyfriends II Bangkik Night Wind Broken Mind The Moon CHEERS!!

Funny you bring this up. My friend is joining me tomorrow from Medellin. We are going to travel through Mexico a few weeks together. He also suggested me to book an apartment in Laureles when I come back to Medellin.

When is life fair for all? Never! If someone gets pissed off, there are usually alternatives of some sort. Maybe they will be just as expensive but probably better quality. As far as transport in Chiang Mai is concerned, 'twas ever thus! As far back as 1987 on my first visit it was a lot more expensive than by comparison with Bangkok. But what are you going to do about it? It is what it is. At least now with Grab you get a quotation and a car that will usually turn up in only a few minutes. Same as transport in Phuket which for decades was - and maybe still is - run by some kind of mafia. If you don't like it, hire a jeep or a car. I just can't be bothered with the moaners who believe they could run things better (no doubt true) and that everything should be a matter of supply and demand for everyone (why?). This is Thailand - not England, not the USA, not Australia or any other country. What about all those first world countries I mentioned in my earlier post which appear not to have double pricing but make sure the tourist pays by slapping a tourist tax on every visit? What's the difference? Do moaners quibble about paying a tax which might be the same as an extra euro or so on a Swiss tram?

I went to Phuket in December as a domestic tourist after completing test and go in Bangkok. If I wanted to return to Thailand and the 7 day Phuket sandbox was the only option available to return then I would do that, even for just a 2 week stay as there were enough things to do to keep occupied and still have the option of a visit to Bangkok or Pattaya - although of course we are all different and want different things. Regarding good SHA + hotels there is a wide selection, depends on budget, location etc. In the hotel I stayed there didn't seem to be any segregation between different types of guests. I think there are some reports on the net regarding the sandbox services offered by the hotels (transportation, tests etc.) found with a few searches maybe best homed in after finding a hotel that is liked. Also having just looked at the Thailand reopening Facebook group recommended by @z909 earlier in the thread, that looks a mine of information too.

Excellent reports, thank you for writing them. Regarding the chat in the thread about the constant messages on the apps from previous contacts, they can get very annoying and tedious, but I've only needed to block 2 or 3 in all the trips I've made so far in my experience. At first I just try and keep the replies short, non committal and polite, and then I ignore when it gets too much. After about 6 messages they tend to give up. Only the very persistent I block - I've only had one occasion where it got a bit messy where the blocked guy turned up at the hotel. Fortunately the receptionist managed to calm the guy down and sorted it so he didn't return - I felt a bit bad about it so made sure the receptionist was suitably rewarded. I've also befriended a few guys on Facebook, usually when heart has been ruling head or in the heat of the moment usually regretting it the next day. I then tend to put on restricted mode for the rest of the trip and then delete when I return home. I used to feel a bit bad for not responding, but have learnt to be a bit tough about it otherwise it would take over a considerable amount of time engaging and replying. I guess there are worse problems to have though...

I agree about 90%. Dual pricing is not a "one size fits all." There some things where I would agree dual pricing is fair. Others where I think it is unfair and unacceptable. Also, I know of no standard amount or percentage more that foreigners should pay as opposed to Thais. Some of the actual amounts are fair enough. Others are my idea of price gouging and sheer greed. And sometimes I wonder just who it was who decided that dual pricing at this venue or that venue should even exist, along with how much more foreigners should be charged. Sometimes it is reasonable and sometimes it is outrageous. In short, when it is truly fair I have no problem with it. But sometimes I see it as nothing more than a scam and rip-off. When that happens I usually won't go to that venue. I'll just have to try to survive somehow without going wherever that was.

Another great report, Vinapu. You're making me feel as though I'm actually there! After such a "volcanic" night with N, are you sure you want to leave him? Afterall, hot guys who make us lose our dignity and modesty are like diamonds. I'd never let him go! And I'm sure you would have enjoyed your meal with gaybutton. As a local, he knows all the good restaurants around town and is very knowledgeable about all things Pattaya. He's very generous with his time, too.

Found this article which offers up some great advice on neighbourhoods/areas to avoid in Medellín with alternative options. https://colombiareports.com/go-areas-medellin/

mid -day traffic nowadays on Beach Rd

just for fun, green wall as seen from my room at Agate, cant add sound of chirping birds

Day 7 I did not sleep well for some reason and waked up as early as 5 am. Decided to utilize that time to check apps, novelty for me. This is my first trip to Thailand when I brought smartphone, installed Horner, Romeo and Grindr when I was locked on my first day waiting for test results and glanced there from time to time. Another new thing was Line which fast become my main mode of communication this trip. Actually quite fast I found somebody who looked I may like him so sent inquiry if he is interested to have breakfast together, remember it was still early . Yes, so we settled on time and soon after I parked myself in front of still closed Dicks only to find that my guy is marching right away. Turned he lives in high-rise across the street. I liked his face , conversational English acquired from YouTube university by his own admission, quite muscular, certainly notch above twink. So we settled on length of meeting and compensation and after breakfast we marched in the room . My first ever apps experience turned out very enjoyable at least when ‘in the room’ part was concerned. Now I started to understand why some member swear by apps. Boys available at any time, no drinks and bar fees, easy deal. Turned out yes and no. Soon after he left I start being bombarded with inquiry about when our next meeting will be , long time offer / request. When answer were vague , ‘what I did wrong?” question followed and shortly from interesting novelty whole thing become nuisance. Yes I know I could block him but wanted to see what will happen which was a bit unwise as he knew where I live, after all he just visited me and at one point I thought it may even lead to a scene in the hotel but fortunately things did not go that far. Pestering continued for few days even when I already left Pattaya. I must admit over all my first apps experience was VERY mixed as every minute I logged in , message from desperate nuisance was arriving. Anyways lesson learned and I allowed for it to carry for a while to learn that lesson. If not interested either block him right away or at least ignore him messages, answer only those which may lead to something promising in the future. Since he was nice, well built and behaving guy if not those tactics chances were he could land few more orders from me, by being pushy he squandered that opportunity. When I returned to Pattaya he was already blocked and removed from the view. But all that happened later. As I admitted , session was good and soon after he left , warmed up by apps guy I decided to check on masseur I surprised with tip last evening. Few steps to his shop and yes , he was there smiling broadly seeing that mysterious and generous farang i.e. me. 1 1/2 hr massage ordered for 450 and I was glad to see I’m in good hands. The same as T used oil sparingly and was warming it in his hands before applying to my carcass, way it’s supposed to be done. By the way I can say it now, during this whole trip I did not have even one massage where I would be soaked in oil like it used to happen often in the past. Either my good luck or guys improved their skills indeed. It did not take much time to be obvious that we have some chemistry and it was quite steam generating. I liked him , his massage, muscles and manly face but he also sensed it very well that I do so it did not take much time before inquiry about my room and visit in it was made. Of course I jumped with long time suggestion which was taken matter of factly and quite modest tip for it was suggested ( 2000 ). After session we both emerged visibly happy, fact which did not escape boss and other boys in the place. Promised to take him home later as I was scheduled to have a dinner with two farang friends, Gaybutton and R. , one of members of his board. First we had nice chat in friends place , then gentlemen suggested some venue which turned out very good choice with international cuisine. Name escaped me but if Gaybutton will read this post he will help me. Even in those times place was full but somehow we managed to take last available table and soon after we were treating ourselves with conversation and yummy food. I went entirely Russian with borstch ( beetroot soup) , strogonov and hot tea to have a bit break from Asian fare. Great afternoon turned to great evening as it was dark when we left. After we dropped R at his place Gaybutton wanted to survey goings in the Complex and I gladly accompanied him if only to show off N, my newly acquainted masseur friend. After last night closure , tonight Complex bars were opened and gearing for busy night. It was only 7.30 when we shook hands in front of N’s shop , agreed to have another dinner when I will be back , I paid 300 off fee and took N home to Agate. It was great encounter, one of those rare excellent imitations of boyfriend experience with not much sleep but a lot of sweat, you get the picture and if not, take my word for it. Can’t even say when day 7 finished and day 8 started because I was busy enjoying N’s company.

A new learning word for me today: aquamation. It is the method that Desmond Tutu chose for his remains. I read a lot on it today. It is the first I remember hearing about it. Quite fascinating.

@readerHappy New Year to you too.