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  1. Circumnavigating the Island My original itinerary included a rental car which Bangkok Guy was going to drive, an idea he liked very much. There was no flexibility to either alter the booking nor to get a refund, so on the fourth day I collect a car which I will be returning halfway through the rental period. The things forbidden in the rental contract include smoking, animals and durian. The partial saving grace is that I can drive myself to my day-5 PCR test at Koh Samui hospital, avoiding having a taxi wait for me, the cost of which is equivalent to two days car rental. Driving on Koh Samui is very easy and my little car is the right size for the narrow roads and right-angle bends – literally a right-angle in an otherwise continuous stretch of road. After the PCR test – efficiently organized on the hospital’s tennis court – I have lunch at a very isolated beach restaurant that was recommended to me. Not a place I would have ever found on my own and excellent Thai food. I send a pic to Bangkok Guy who apart from being envious - "So Delicious" – is amused that the mild spice level is at the upper end of my tolerance. He likes confirmation of his ides fixes about Falang. My anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the island is singularly lacking in the picture postcard views which comprise one-hundred-and-ten-percent of Koh Samui according to the internet, guide books and advertisements for accommodation. Between the infinity pools of the hillside villas and the white sand beaches an ugly ring of random ribbon development encircles the entire island, excepting the South West quadrant. Think of the ugly bits of Pattaya (well, just think of Pattaya) stretched into a thin circle. I saw the villa I had originally booked and, now I understand the lay of the land, I am happy to be paying the premium for direct beach access.
    7 points
  2. Pass 2nd PCR Test, Free! (at least until the 3rd PCR Test) 8:30am I answer the phone and am greeted with a very cheerful ‘Congratulation you pass test! Welcome! Please come have breakfast!’. Freedom begins with an excellent Thai stir fry and coffee on a grassed terrace, after which I visit the spa and book a Thai massage and a facial. My request for a manicure and pedicure is received with an expression which indicates I have crossed some line of logic and a muddled suggestion that I can simply walk outside. Muddled to me, as on arrival the street appeared to be nothing but trees, a few restaurants and the landscaped entrances to resorts. Rejuvenated by the massage and facial I head to the beach-side restaurant for lunch, after which I walk the long crescent of white sand between two bluffs which my hotel shares with several others. The walk reveals the confusion at the spa as the beach is home to two local massage-relax-and-make-you-beautiful establishments. After my first manicure, pedicure and sole-smoothing in I-don’t-know-how-long my feet are fit to be seen unshod, and at a price which explains why the hotel does not bother to compete. I Finally Acclimate The build up to this trip had been stressful enough that it was only on the third day that I began to chill out and really enjoy myself. Stunning weather, good food, over a mile of white sand beach – how can I not eventually unwind despite the issue of further PCR tests and Bangkok Guy’s health? Four high-end hotels and three mid-level ones share the long crescent of white sand. The deeper pockets of the high-end owners are reflected in continued pristine maintenance, versus signs of deferred maintenance at the mid-level places. While far from crowded, there are enough tourai to give a sense of life and action. After walking the beach for three days it is clear that none of the hotels is anywhere near full occupancy. At one end of the crescent a local beach bar hides in the trees. Here at high tide you sip your Campari Spritz while the waves wash around your ancles, and it pays to watch how the incoming water is breaking over the end of the bluff as a noticeable boiling of white indicates a large swell which, in a minute or two, will wash over the top of the old sailboard serving as a low drinks table. On-going confinement with no distractions but his cell phone is getting on top of Bangkok Guy, and my having fun in the sun and sand without him rubs salt in the wound. One of his messages has a strange meme suggesting great frustration. I move my flight forward a couple of days and extend the hotel in Bangkok so that I will be there when he is released. The tone of his communications improves subtly after I tell him of these changes: I will be there for him and this makes him happy.
    6 points
  3. My wish for one day that a gay hotel would collaborate with a gay bar/massage and get the SHA+ status and provide plenty of services for trapped tourist. So no matter what the thai gov decide, i can still have my fun.
    5 points
  4. I hear there will be a promotion, each room comes with one boy of your choice that will quarantine with you lol
    4 points
  5. macdaddi

    St Moritz Sauna

    Wanted to update this information for 2022 for how this site operates during the pandemic. As others have pointed out, St Moritz is probably the closest Bogotá has to a Brasillian GP Sauna. Its reputation keeps it relatively busy today. The sauna is located in upper Chapinero on the north side of Calle 65 between Avenida Caracas and Carerra 13. The club upstairs on the second floor. Once inside, the club is made up of two floors. The main floor, off the change and shower area, is where you will find the private massage rooms. The massage boys congregate around the bar on this level and will actively solicite anyone hanging around the area. You can spot the massage boys easily in 2022 – they are obligated to wear a face mask while working – unlike the rest of the clientele. Zero masks seen during my visit, just so you know in advance. There are three private massage rooms in total, so there may be a wait for massage services. On the main level you will also find a video room (generally the Soccer channel (Fútbol) for the latest games and news) plus a small sauna and dark room that can get quite active. The showers next to the bar are often the place to get a preview of new arrivals and the massage attendants. The masajistas are generally looking for additional tips for more services beyond the standard massage. The going rate for 2022 is 65,000COP for a standard massage or 120,000COP for an “erotic” massage. The boy will be looking (and asking) for a tip above this price so do agree on what you want in advance to avoid any surprises. You may recognize them, as many also work at Gigolos House upstairs and Theatron in the Lotus Club on weekends. The second floor contains a maze, and active large spa jacuzzi (“un turco”) and some private rooms and glory holds for fun. The mix tends to run older, but I am told it can be very busy on the weekend. Cost + Hours The entry price of January 2022 is between 20K COP and 25K COP, depending on your age and event. Most days are mandatory nudity – you will be given a face towel to cover up – so if you are modest be prepared. The bar offers condom and lube but it is standard and may not be suitable for you. Strongly recommended to bring your own (you will offend no one doing so). Hours like most Saunas in Bogotá are early 1:00pm – 9:00pm daily. Afterwork (4:30pm - 6:30pm) and weekends can be very busy. Getting there St Moritz Sauna is located at Calle 65 #13 – 30 Piso Dos (Second Floor). Enter at the door and up the stairs to the entrance on the right side. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sauna+Saint+Moritz/@4.6519897,-74.0636787,21z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8e3f9bfd2da6cb29:0x239d635520a33914!2zQm9nb3TDoQ!3b1!8m2!3d4.7109886!4d-74.072092!3m4!1s0x8e3f9a45c2d88c3d:0xfaec468333e22129!8m2!3d4.6520549!4d-74.0635711 Entrance https://www.google.com/maps/@4.6520138,-74.0635894,3a,75y,57.08h,91.93t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sLo81okUKpG9OYjofXHE3Lw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DLo81okUKpG9OYjofXHE3Lw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D73.04625%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656 WhatsApp +57 319 659 6233 Social Media Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saintmoritz.bog/?hl=es Facebook https://es-la.facebook.com/saintmoritzbaths/ Twitter https://twitter.com/SaintMoritz_Bog Website https://saintmoritzbogota.com/
    2 points
  6. Things Veer Further Off-Course I decide to spend my last day on Koh Samui dining at the two five star hotels that anchor each end of the beach. After a leisurely morning and strolling the beach I settle into a table next to the gently breaking surf and contentedly watch the World over a couple of glasses of pleasantly grassy sauvignon and a squid ink paella. After strolling the beach to settle lunch I am on my way to an afternoon massage appointment when Bangkok Guy pings me. He says he has talked to the hotel and ‘cannot enter’. I asked him yesterday to bring his vaccination card as the hotel now requires proof of vaccination. I call him and things only get murkier. He implies that he did not get his second shot. What?! However, as he has just recovered from covid this should not matter, and I tell him to get a letter from the hospital saying he is just out of quarantine as recent recovery is equal to a vaccination. There is a conversation in the background and he says no, hospital tell him to go home, cannot go to hotel. His response to my “but this is not the way it works” is “but this is Thailand”. He can see me outside hotel but cannot go into hotel. I feel sick. After all the effort to make this trip happen I will not spend time with Bangkok Guy?! Fortunately the ninety minute massage is very good and gives me time to clear my head and think. I call the hotel, explain the situation and ask what the rules are for someone just released from quarantine. They confirm my understanding: all that is required is a letter from the hospital saying he has had covid, has been in quarantine and has been released. No need for anything further. I send Bangkok Guy a Line message explaining what is required and ask him to get the letter. Then I head to dinner at the opposite end of the long white-sand crescent from lunch, where I enjoy a beautiful sunset over excellent Thai food. Next morning I catch my flight to Bangkok. Bangkok Guy is yet to read my message from the previous day.
    2 points
  7. I don't understand much about the world of finance. I never worked out why the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation rebranded as HSBC and set of on a huge global expansion. The takeover of the UK's Midland Bank was probably its noticeable early acquisition. So extensive were its tentacles it then started to call itself "the world's local bank." I can remember almost 20 years ago being on a ship that stopped at a small town half way up the Amazon to Manaus and sure enough there was an HSBC branch! Now HSBC has sold and closed part of its business in many countries, including Thailand. Consumer banking ended here quite a few years ago. Citibank's adventures in Asia have also seemed somewhat quixotic. Citi was in Japan for decades and then sold of its consumer division to Sumitomo Mitsui in 2015. It does seem that for non-local banks consumer banking is no longer the profit generator it used to be.
    2 points
  8. Appointing hunky masseurs from sabaidee massage as “supervising” SHA plus managers will be more convincing.
    2 points
  9. i am sorry but this is what i think of once i heard “sealed route” on a beach.
    2 points
  10. I remember in normal times it was bad enough having to wait 3-6 months between visits to be reunited with our friends, I can hear the angst coming through. I hope you are able to be reunited again soon, amongst all the bureaucracy there is hope ahead.
    2 points
  11. Pass PCR Test, Will Travel I pass the first of four PCR tests, don my N95 mask and away! After allowing for empty seats to separate passengers, both my flights are fairly full, in contrast to the terminals which are ghost towns. No taxiing delays with a que of one for the first flight and two for the second. Passengers all following covid safety protocols. I had been warned that my ears would ache from the N95 mask and this was very true, but the only negative until the leg to Koh Samui. Thai health and immigration were very pleasant and efficient and it took only around 40 minutes from disembarkation to being seated in the departure gate for the five hour wait for the official quarantine connecting flight. The health officials in Koh Samui were also very efficient, so the whole process of checking papers to record who sat where on the plane, getting the PCR test and getting into the hotel’s single-party transport went smoothly. Bangkok Airways, not so much efficient. The flight is supposed to be a quarantine one. However, the plane was not parked at the gate but some distance away. To get there we crowd into a bus, not a hope of distancing. Long drive, then a wait inside the bus until we can board. Among my fellow passengers were a group who were somewhat lax in masking, as though the mask itself was a powerful talisman regardless of how it was worn. I avoided them in the lounge, but no hope of doing so in the bus or on the small plane. Grrrr….. Efficiency resumed at my hotel. They had me pre-register on-line a few days before arrival. On arrival I was taken directly to the room, shown how to get the room service menu from the TV and told to stay in the room until my test results arrived around 8am the next morning. I was not given a key, so if I left the room it would be obvious as I could not get back in, in theory. In practice my hosts had left me access to my private terrace from which I could slip directly into the pool and swim to freedom. Not wanting to abuse their hospitality or be a selfish idiot I content myself on the terrace with sunshine, fresh air, the smell of flowers, excellent Thai food and a Chang beer.
    2 points
  12. There's nothing like a killer pandemic to bring out the CRAZY in most everyone. And I agree, Đoković got what he deserved. IMO, any famous person who goes public with his/her anti-vax bullshit (especially their lies) deserves to die from the most deadly form of Covid (thankfully, some are dying). I can't tolerate famous, wealthy people who choose to show their ignorance of science or science denial. If for some life-threatening reason your body can't tolerate a vaccine, then excuse yourself from society and work, and sit the pandemic out. It's the right thing to do. What is going on in our own Supreme Court is despicable. Neal Gorsuch deserves to have his balls kicked with steel-toed shoes for his anti-mask behavior aimed at Justice Sonya Sotomayor. Supreme Court veteran, Nina Totenberg, writes about it HERE. This revealing article should be read by everyone. When I saw the recent rant by asshole Rand Paul against Dr. Fauci (one of many), and Paul had the nerve to say, "There have been more Covid deaths under Joe Biden than Donald Trump," implying that Trump was the "leader" for less covid deaths, I wanted to VOMIT. Shameless mother-fuckers. Trumpers are to blame for EVERY Covid death because of their behavior. They blew their reputation with their disastrous handling of this disease. Had Covid been handled properly from the beginning, the United States could have led the world on eradication and/or control of this virus. Thankfully, Fauci pointed out that Rand (and others) are raising lots of money with their dangerous Covid rhetoric, and it this evil money that is keeping Covid (and every future mutation) alive for many years to come. In the United States, we can't get rid of Covid because of Republican behavior. And worst of all, it is this evil money and rhetoric that is killing many of their voters, since most of the dying are the unvaccinated living in red states. This is a MORAL DISGRACE that America will have to live with for a long time. (Sorry to bring politics into this thread, but sadly, Covid is political now. You can't put that nasty cat back in the bag.)
    2 points
  13. macdaddi

    Casa de Boys

    I will start by stating that this is not the official name of this location. It does not have an actual name, just a location operating out of a private home located in Chapinero, Bogota. The club advertises on the major escort websites (Mileroticos, Skokka, GuiaGay Colombia, etc.) and has a website that does necessarily contain up-to-date images of the "service providers" on offer. URL is below. The house is currently located in central Chapinero, Bogota on a residential street just east off the major artery Avenida Caracas (Cra. 13). It is easy to identify as it is the only “white” building on the street (all others are the common red brick found in Bogota). To set up an appointment, you must contact the club via WhatsApp with a proposed time you will visit the club. The idea is that you will be shown the boys available during your visit, but the offer does not feel particularly curated. When booking, the response was consistently to message only when I was in Colombia and prepared to visit. I am certain that they deal with a high number of false requests, so be clear on your intent to visit and what time (hour) you will arrive. You can reserve a boy in advance or agree to the services you will purchase in advance. But you must agree to one of these conditions to advance to the next step of visiting the property. The house is easy to locate and access is simple. Buzz from the gate and you will be admitted to the property. Someone will meet you at the front door. Once inside, you will confirm either your original selection and be escorted to a room. Or if you were confirmed for multiple partners -- threesomes (MMM & MFM on offer) and foursomes (MMMM only) on offer – then you will be able to review your selections and make substitutions as available, before heading to your room. The facility is clean and comfortable and they do provide excellent service overall. Discretion is a primary concern and they took effort to ensure clients have no contact with each other – the proximity to the financial district might have something to do with that 😊 The initial contact can be challenging, but I am willing to accept that, and would assume that multiple return visits would improve the experience. Note: I asked about language and they are very limited with English. Be prepared with Google translate through the entire process if you are not reasonably comfortable in Spanish. Cost + Hours The menu of pricing is published in the escort sites. As of January 2022: One male, one hour 120K COP Threesome – 2 males, one hour 180K COP (same price to only watch) Threesome – bisex, one hour 180K COP Foursome – male, one hour 220K COP No interest? 20K COP for the visit. All prices include condoms and lube. The Club accepts all major credit cards. Officially the property is “open” 24 hours, but all is contingent on the time agreed for your appointment. So to be clear, you cannot just drop in to see who/what is available. The advertisements ask for a minimum 30 minute request prior to visiting. Getting there The club is located at Carrera 16 #61-09, three blocks west of Avenida Caracas (Cra 13) which is the major north-south transit artery for the city. Walk east along Calle 61 until you reach Carrera 16. The Casa is the white one across the street with the gated entrance. Parking is available if you organized ahead of time. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cra.+16+%2361-11,+Bogot%C3%A1,+Colombia/@4.6487691,-74.0669601,19z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8e3f9a485e8b7057:0x68e6083867fbbe90!2sCra.+16+%2361-11,+Bogot%C3%A1,+Colombia!3b1!8m2!3d4.6485926!4d-74.0671401!3m4!1s0x8e3f9a485e8b7057:0x68e6083867fbbe90!8m2!3d4.6485926!4d-74.0671401 Image of House https://www.google.com/maps/@4.6486594,-74.0669818,3a,83.5y,203.83h,43.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBeOLwgBnI_h1GNM_XlrXNw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 Social Media WhatsApp +57 324 6138588 Website https://colombiaescorts.co/
    1 point
  14. Prologue During Covid I have been consistently too optimistic about the probability of international travel. I repeatedly book trips only to eventually cancel them. I carry on regardless and book the next trip, but my expectations have slowly diminished, to the point that I was not really expecting to make this trip to Thailand. It was only after the e-tickets arrived that I truly believed that this trip was a Go. I should have been elated, but after the initial euphoric rush I was strangely flat. I organized the mechanics of travel down to the last detail and took steps to eliminate anything within my power that could cause problems. I imposed a self-quarantine for the seven days prior to my PCR test, excusing myself from pre-Christmas events and Christmas dinner itself. I booked a limo service to the airport as Uber have become a little less reliable. But I did not get into the usual personal preparation or have a plan of what to do other than seeing Bangkok Guy. I continued to drink and eat a little too much and not exercise enough. My mood should have been up, but pre-Christmas socializing was leaving me flat. One evening, returning home after a fabulous dinner party, the flat feeling really struck me – what was going on? I know myself well enough that if I take the time to stop and reflect I find the patterns that point to the problem. When I am flat something is weighing on my subconscious, and the trick is to identify what it is so that I can deal with it. I realized I was very concerned. Very concerned that something would prevent the trip. Very concerned that after two years of Line-only contact the chemistry between Bangkok Guy and I will not be the same. Behind the concern is the fact that Bangkok Guy is deeply under my skin. Possibly too deeply. Many things have kept me bouncing along and sane during the disruption of the last two years and my connection with Bangkok Guy is one of them. Forced separation has intensified the importance of the connection. There is no point in letting an anticipated problem which may or may not eventuate weigh you down. You need to do what you can to ensure the outcome you want and then hope for the best, but be mentally prepared for the worst and have an attractive Plan B. So I took charge of my drinking, eating and exercising. I can stroll the beach confident that I look presentable in swim shorts. I went through the Koh Samui guide and found things to see and do. For the days in Bangkok I have a list of restaurants to try and possible overnight trips. The trip is now in shape to be an excellent holiday and a great first encounter with the World after the last two years. And if the chemistry with Bangkok Guy is still good, that will be the icing on the cake. But if I am honest with myself, the icing is of more interest than the cake.
    1 point
  15. From VN Express Vietnam Airlines to resume regular flights to Europe Vietnam Airlines plans to resume regular flights to France, Germany, Russia, and the U.K. starting Monday, after a gap of almost two years caused by the Covid pandemic. The national flag carrier will operate its first flight to Europe from Hanoi to London in the U.K. on Monday and another flight from Hanoi to Frankfurt in Germany next Thursday. From February 8, the carrier will operate flights once a week every Tuesday on the Hanoi-London route and the Hanoi-Paris-Frankfurt routes every Thursday. Another once a week flight between Hanoi and Moscow is set for launch on January 29. Tet, Vietnam's biggest and most important holiday, often sees millions of migrant workers and overseas Vietnamese return to their homes for family reunions. Under current regulations, fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 arriving in Vietnam only need to self-isolate for three days. Everyone, except children below two, must have tested negative for the novel coronavirus using the PCR method within 72 hours before departure. However, due to the emergence of the new Omicron variant, passengers are also required to undergo a rapid test on landing at the Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat international airports.
    1 point
  16. When large, international banks opened their operations in Thailand, and other foreign countries, two things were different than today: most banking was conducted in person and on-line banking was generally non-existent or in its infancy. There was a not dissimilar evolution in the international airline industry. Facilitated by code-sharing and network affiliations, economies of scale changed over time. This allowed carriers to offer seamless flights involving other carriers. Code sharing did for the airlines what ATM networks did for banking.
    1 point
  17. From The Thaiger New Test & Go program draws huge criticism The revamped Test & Go entry scheme now requires overseas arrivals to stay at an approved hotel on day 1 and again on day 5 of their stay – and to take a PCR test on each day. They must Netflix and chill in their hotel rooms after each test, until they receive a negative result. However, what has many people scratching their heads is the fact that in between both tests, people are free to wander wherever they like. Test & Go does not require travelers to book the same hotel for days 1 and 5, or even to stay in the same province. Tourists can arrive in Bangkok on day 1 and by day 5, be in Chiang Mai for their second test and mandatory hotel stay. What is also not known is whether the government will consider infections detected on day 5 as imported… The new requirements have tourism operators concerned that tourists will be put off by the additional costs, especially the second PCR test. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee from the Tourism Association of Koh Samui says PCR tests on the island cost 2,200 baht. He wants that price cut to 1,500 baht, as otherwise, it could be a deterrent for people traveling on a budget. Meanwhile, มาริสา สุโกศล หนุนภักดี from the Thai Hotels Association says officials need to design a system for the new testing requirements prior to Test & Go resuming. She suggests that the second test should be dispensed with once the Covid situation improves. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-news-today-new-test-go-program-draws-huge-criticism
    1 point
  18. I checked with my travel insurance company (UK) before my recent trip and they confirmed they would cover these costs. In their words... (if unexpectedly quarantined or advised to self-isolate whilst outside the UK)... We'll cover emergency medical treatment, extra accommodation and travel costs if you need to stay longer than expected. It didn't matter whether I actually had a positive test or not, the key was if I was mandated to do this by the authorities then I was covered. Best to check the policy details of from each insurance company to be sure.
    1 point
  19. I'm guessing AXA would be one of the first to meet the requirements https://www.axa.co.th/en/axa-sawasdee-thailand-travel-insurance The wording from the CCSA is so vague though, there's no chance an insurance company would ever say "all contingencies".
    1 point
  20. this is the "boybox model" (7d) or "boy & go" (1d)
    1 point
  21. There's a ton of Korean BLs on the way too. Definitely follow BLUpdate2022 if you are on Twitter. I just finished My Beautiful Man. It's on the Viki app/website now as well as Gagaoolala. The story is kind of odd, but the titular beautiful man is very pretty. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16259218/
    1 point
  22. 1 point
  23. I miss them too
    1 point
  24. another idea to boost arrivals by increasing tourists confidence I guess
    1 point
  25. From Bangkok Post Phuket wary of travel call involving sealed route Authorities in Phuket on Thursday gave a lukewarm response to an idea that Covid-infected tourists with no symptoms could be allowed to travel via a sealed route. Pichet Panapong, deputy Phuket governor, said visitors testing positive for Covid-19 should be isolated in their hotel rooms, adding he had already conveyed this to the chief of the provincial immigration police who floated the idea. He said SHA Plus managers, whose role it is to ensure compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures such as vaccination requirements for service staff, were also instructed to strictly comply with the virus curbs. "For the proposed sealed route, if tourists need to go out, they may visit areas where there are no other people, like an empty beach via a sealed route. But this arrangement must be supervised by an SHA Plus Manager. "Some tourists with no symptoms might forget they are infected and visit markets or shopping malls. This is worrying. I think the best thing to do is to keep them isolated. A sealed route may be considered in some cases only," he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2250875/phuket-wary-of-travel-call-involving-sealed-route
    1 point
  26. This is so true... Even the latest SurfacePro (or whatever it is) provided my employer at great expense "has its moments" and either locks up or crawls along at snails pace - usually at the most inconvenient moment. Yep - absolutely don't need more speed and power, just solid reliability, please. I still remember the excitement as a child waiting for the game to load from the tape into the Spectrum. The sounds it made whilst loading, were enchanting, too!
    1 point
  27. No. i heard we are getting Omega strain in May and thailand government is implementing Test, Test, Test and Go program with SHA+++++ hotels.
    1 point
  28. no , just go as planned , in May we may have 'ro' or 'sigma' variant, why take a chance ? You can always go in May again
    1 point
  29. I read about Czech lady, she was actually very popular folk singer there. Hard not to agree that stupidity can be fatal. My long deceased god-mother used to say "I'm not afraid of anybody and anything , only of stupid people " . I can't say anything about quality of vaccines being prominent and well known , at least in my circle, pro-vaxer and I agree Russians botched introduction at , as we can see , their own peril, but my point about politicization was that as soon as they announced they had something, we in the West knew it will not be any good. How? That's politicization.
    1 point
  30. You can't apply for your Thailand Pass until ! February and I suspect that the site will be under heavy pressure for a few days. I'd be surprised if the arrangements change much in the time leading-up to May; indeed, a new variant , or a cluster or two may even make the rules tighter. I wouldn't change my dates but there are two aspects for me which may not apply to you; firstly, an awareness of the fact that my age is such that I may not have many trips ahead of me; and secondly, I have someone waiting for me there whom I am desperate to meet.
    1 point
  31. A Very Bumpy Start This trip was booked back in June based solely on vague optimism that ‘things will improve’. The January timing was a matter of habit. When test-and-go was announced I lacked Vinapu’s prescience and instead of going immediately kept to the original schedule. Traveling in the Time of Covid it should come as no surprise that this trip has been the most difficult trip to keep on the rails that I have ever experienced. The airline canceled all flights to Thailand and I had to re-book. I went through the hoops of completing all the ThaiPass paperwork. To be sure of passing the first of four PCR tests I withdrew from Christmas celebrations. Double-guessing the Thai Government’s announcement that it was considering suspending Test-and-Go, I re-booked all the accommodation and internal flights, at some cost. The day I am due to leave I lie in bed, dawn light coming around the edges of the curtains, and Bangkok Guy pings me on Line. He has developed the habit of pinging me in the morning if he wants to talk as he knows I am up early, but this is a little early. “There is a Big Problem”. On the bright side, his English is coming along. He used the indefinite article. When he answers my call he looks serious and without talking faces his phone toward his wrist. There is an intravenous drip attachment. Back to his face and, while he is looking good, I see he is in bed and the pillow has a blue hospital paper cover. He has Covid. It seems to be a moderate case. He looks good, a cough but no problems breathing, and once we talk his smile is as bright as ever. His personality is also unaffected. His main concern is not his health but the cost of cancelations as he will not be out of quarantine in time to join me on Koh Samui. A leading indicator that I have crossed the line from under-the-weather to truly ill is the loss of my vanity. For Bangkok Guy it would be the loss of frugality. With his frugality intact he is on the right side of the health line. However, the third time I tell him he is looking good – a mechanical reassurance to myself as much as to him – he corrects me. “Outside look good, inside not good”. He is sick enough to be feeling it. He is happy that I am still coming and that we will eventually meet in Bangkok. He will get out of the ten-day quarantine the day before I arrive in Bangkok from Koh Samui and I offer to extend our hotel booking so he can go there, be comfortable and have room service. He is not sure. In case Omicron gathered speed, in Bangkok I re-booked into a hotel with a lot of outdoor space by the river which, if necessary, we can use as a resort and use the river to get around rather than the Sky Train or Metro. I have four PCR tests to pass during the trip and failing any of the three in Thailand will land me in hospital for ten days, which I have no intention of letting happen, so crowded spaces are verboten. The hotel is very high end (I got an attractive deal) and I suspect Bangkok Guy is not comfortable with the idea of being there alone. I will play this by ear and possibly leave Koh Samui early (and expensively as it is too late to alter the reservation).
    1 point
  32. was political from beginning as soon as doctor who warned about it was silenced. Both sides of debate are to be blamed. I recall when Russians announced they had a vaccine it was criticized as inferior and not working before any results would come. Then Trumps, Bolsonaros, Magulfis and sores of others came denying danger to a great joy of thier supporters. Djokovic saga is just chapter 1157 of the same story with Serbia's antics of recalling ambassador etc. You right that world went CRAZY over that and logic with cool head seem to be in short supply.
    1 point
  33. Agree entirely. A story about an over-paid and profoundly ignorant (and dishonest, it now appears) sportsman has been headline news here in the UK for a week. Why? Tennis is a minority interest at the best of times and this ludicrous man managed to keep refugees dying in the English Channel and much else off the front pages. I ask again, why? Sometimes I despair of the msm.
    1 point
  34. As things stand, he is banned from returning to Australia for 3 years - although I'm reasonably certain that will be relaxed. But unless he gets vaccinated, he's out of the French Open and the US Open plus he'll need to quarantine before Wimbledon. I wonder if he realises that a lot of people hope he never gets vaccinated!
    1 point
  35. What's a video game?
    1 point
  36. caeron

    The sky is falling

    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.
    1 point
  37. He is 22 yo. Like many he was having a hard time making ends meet during the pandemic. Six months ago he decided to try and raise some more cash by going naked on OnlyFans. Soon the site enabled him to gain financial independence. But things are never that easy in conservative Singapore - conservative when it comes to matters of nudity and sex. In October last year police arrived and confiscated Titus Low's phone, iPad and details of his Only Fans account. Allegedly they stated he had transmitted obscene materials through his OnlyFans account. He was warned not to access the account any more as it would amount to a criminal offence. Allegedly, according to the police, he continued posting on his account and even opened a second one. In late December he was handcuffed and arrested. The two charges could result in up to 6 months in jail and a fine of S$5,000. Professor of Law, Eugene Tan, has stated, "Those using the platform to produce and transmit obscene material are in the crosshairs of the [authorities]. Where the authorities know of their involvement, it is a question of when, rather than whether, the law will catch up with them." He adds, "In some jurisdiction like the UK and the US, the production and transmission of obscene material is not illegal ... [and] often connected with freedom of speech. The topic of sex is still one that remains largely taboo in conservative Singapore - a country where gay sex is still technically a crime and there are strict laws around sex work. The making, transmitting and sharing of obscene material is widely accepted as not being in accord with moral standards and norms of Singapore." Back home, Low says he will now concentrate on posting on other sites like YouTube. His problem is that he will still be breaking the law which covers all allegedly obscene material transmitted by electronic means. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60022424
    0 points
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