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Babe is the cover boy for the most recent issue of Thai Puan http://www.thaipuan.com/

Big Kahuna or Continental - they are within a few hundred paces on one another. These are across the main road from Poseidon and to the left. If you go to the right there are also other places that do a good job of breakfast. Continental and Big Kahuna have excellent wi-fi.

Answering in reverse order. Breakfast at the Poseidon doesn't start until 9am and I like to be at the beach by 10am. Heildelberg is average for food, pleasant place to dine. If it was possible and one could draw a direct line from the Panorama Bar in Boyztown to Beach Road, the line wold wind up almost at Heildelberg. If you're going to be in Bangkok there is an o.k. German restaurant on soi 4 on the same side of the street as Jupiter.

Monday sorry for the length of this report...I'm unable to be concise, but will try Monday...routine morning, breakfast at Big Kahuna, beach, massage with Noo, watch the waves, head back to hotel. Decide today to have another massage. Pick boy at Fah who wears a baseball cap. Start out with a massage, both naked, he is well developed. Massage so so, then he starts to top me, this was not agreed to, even when I say no, he attempts to continue, massage is over...then he blocks the exit wanting more tip. I'd given him 1000 - settled on 1200. I just wanted to get out and end the experience. Note to readers - this was the low point of this trip. Back at the hotel, I process the morning unhappy with myself for arguing rather than just looking for the manager. As the masseur was taller than me, I did feel threatened - but only a bit. Unpleasant. I reply to a text from Max and we arrange for tomorrow afternoon. Text Soph to see if he will be at work tonight and arrange to come to T9y Boys and off him around 10. When I arrived back at the hotel, the housekeeper if just finishing - they guys who take care of the rooms at The Poseidon are excellent. Very aware of the guests habits and the timing of the "guests" of the guests. They know who might need extra towels or a special room cleaning. I go for a walk to clear my head, see some silk shirts on display at the tailor closest to The Poseidon. After lots of back and forth bargaining, my starting to walk out, we settle on the equivalent of $20 USD per shirt. Now that we have restored the relationship we had on previous visits, the owner and I start discussing a jacket. He gives me an education on the different types of linen. This leads to an order for a jacket - (this covered in the forum topic on Tailors in Pattaya begun by Paborn). i have an early dinner at the hotel, then head to Sunnee and Nice Boys, things are in "full swing". #12 who sat with me on Saturday, sees me and comes over and puts my hands on his privates. Another boys joins us but he is just sort of there, While #12 (Bom) and I hit it off. He asks me to off him? Said I was interested but didn't want to go all the way back to Jomtien (as I had to be at Toy Boys at 10). Mamsan Mac who had stopped by for a drink suggested a room near by (400 thb), an excellent solution! Room ws decent, shoer, towels, bed. That's enough and Bom was fun in bed. Not that any of the guys I've off seem to have many inhibitions, Bom had fewer! Clean up walk to Toy Boys, off Soph, back to Poseidon. Soph is special! We take a break around midnight and walk around Jomtien Complex. Sun Bar is having an anniversary party, and the crowd is incredible. I reported in another forum topic, that I saw one the staff (they each had Sun Bar anniversary shirts) pull up on a motorcycle with five 50 lb bags of ice for drinks, then leave and return with another similar delivery. Yes, I know the bags are in kilos, but it's easier to talk about pounds. Peas sees me, comes over, and see that I'm with Soph. Suggests we repeat our three some from last visit. I decline and give him 100 baht for effort. I return to ttthe hotel with Soph and we engage in some pleasant acts. This was an extended short time, Soph leaving around 2am. Tues Morning routine, breakfast at Continental, beach, massage, wave watching... Lunch on way back to hotel at pastry shop next to Fah. Quiche in Thailand, why not? As I pass Fah, masseur from yesterday is all smiles and waves to me, I wave back. Stop at tailor for a fitting, he tells me it will be ready on Thursday, I remind him the agreement was for Wednesday as I'm leaving early Thursday. Agree on Wednesday at 9pm. Max comes by around 4pm, shyness has disappeared as do his clothes. Pleasant and delightful time. He likes to be an aggressive romantic. Some of out interaction is standing and some is prone on the bed. Max has to leave by 7pm to be back at work. I offer him some money for the "ride". As before he declines. During his visits tot he room, I was using my portable speaker for background music. He had asked my on his first visit how it worked. As he was leaving, I offered the speaker to him as a gift. He said "no", then asked if he could say "yes". So he left with it and the charging cord. Guess he is a Music Boy rather than a money boy. I reordered the speaker from Amazon when I returned home..cost $27...about the cost of a short time half hour! Max is special, was special, and the goodbye was not easy. He returned ten minutes after he left the room for one more hug. Dinner at Alt Heidelberg, went then to Boyztown where there were few customers, for sale sign on Panorama, two guys on the Ambiance terrace, no BBB parade tonight. I went to Toy Boys to see if Soph was working, He was on his day off (at least that's what the mamasan told me). Saw a very cute and tall guy in the line up, called him over, very little English, while he was Thai, he reminded me of a Viet I was enamored with two years ago. We have some Google translate back and forth, reach an agreement, head out to the hotel...all in all, just so so....a cum and go situation. I'm back in bed, alone now, by 2am. Wednesday It's raining, so after a Big Kahua breakfast, I return to the hotel and wait for Noo to come by for my morning massage. It's Wednesday, which is no umbrella day at the beach, so we had agreed yesterday to move the massage indoors. Which was a good idea as it was a very rainy morning. I gave him 500 baht for the massage as he had to come to the hotel. At 11, my friends from Sunday night, picked me up and took me to a multi-course seafood lunch at a beach front hotel overlooking the bay. From there we went to the new Terminal 21 mall. Very large, very upscale, very much like Terminal 21 in Bangkok but with more outdoor space there is a full scale plane in the parking lot. I'm treated to a tour of the more residential areas of Pattaya, and we end the afternoon with ice cream sundaes. Back in Jomtien, I double check with the tailor who tells me all is on schedule, As the rain stopped a few hours ago, I walked to the beach to see what it looked like without the umbrellas. Completely different visual experience. Tonight is the 15 course dinner for the local gourmet society, Heiko tells me while the dining room is sold out, I'm welome to dine on the terrace and try the 15 courses. I decline as I'd had such a great lunch. There is a text from Bom inviting me to Nice Boys, before I say "yes", I text Soph who is available tonight and will come to The Poseidon rather than my doing to Toy Boys. (I'll reimburse him for the off fee).. I text Bom and say "thanks - have to wait for next visit". I eat something from a cart, pick up my jacket at the tailors, back to hotel, start packing, Soph arrives...morning comes...Soph leaves after some photos, I have breakfast at Continental, down to the beach to say goodbye to the umbrella boys, the managress, her dog, and Noo. Accept a shoulder massage, whish there was more time, back to hotel, finish packing, checkout of Poseidon, some judicious tipping to cleaners and desk staff. Car from Mke's Pattaya service arrives at 11am. Off to Bangkok.

It’s been announced that the King, who has ruled for two years, will have a coronation ceremony this coming May 4 through 6. I’ll let folks wiser in Thai ways advise on impacts on tourism and entertainment venues.

Battery recharged When I reach the massage parlor, I know it's just a bit further on to get to Nice Boys, which saving as my last Sunnee stop tonight, I turn into Sunnee Plaza, wondering if someone neglected to pay the light bill...actually the dark spots are caused by the number of closed establishments. And of course, GoodBoys works in the dark. Four guys on chairs outside waiting for customers, I take a look in Eros, there a few customers, head next to Winner Boys, maybe a dozen boys, few customers (it's about 10pm), buy drinks for a couple of the guys, no pressure other than by reciprocal touching of private spaces. I head out for Nice Boys. Busy! Lots of boys and appendages on display per the bar's style. Invite #12 to join me and also gain a manasan, Mac, who looked thirsty. Drinks offered and accepted. I could definitely off #12 but have to complete my assigned duty to report. And I have a goal...off to Boyztown. Too late, for the BBB parade, the new bar/club is really lighting up the street. It doesn't open until after I've left for Bangkok co I can't report. Stop into Cupidol, maybe a dozen customers and a good mix of boys, I have a Sprite to be polite. One or two of the boys appeal to me, stop in the rest room, back rubs while at t he urinal still being provided! Off, to Toyboys, and my goal for the night. Soph, who I offered to great pleasure and a threesome, a few months ago, is on stage and comes over as soon as I'm seated. I'd texted him I'd be there tonight and this wasn't a chance meeting. He went to change, I paid the fees, tipped the mamasan 100, we then headed for the baht bus, The Poseidon, a shower, and a twosome this time. Soph is almost perfect for me, looks, charm, romantic abilities, willingness to play, and stamina. I'm not sure when he left, but it was almost dawn. We agreed to meet up again before I leave for Bangkok. Note, time with Soph, including off fee, was 1,700. Sunday Breakfast today is at the Continental as it opens before Big Kahuna and I've been awake since Soph left. Today is programmed, and can be reported briefly, Catch up on internet news, emails, etc. back at the hotel, head to beach, chair still there, pet the dog belonging to the management, stretch out on the sand for a 90 minute massage, back to my chair and some watermelon drinks. The masseur name is "Noo", I've neglected to mention that, sorry. Head back to hotel around 3pm, again chatting with and checking out the massage therapists on offer. Tonight, I'm meeting up with a friend, who I first met when he my guide to parts of Thailand and Laos. He has since left the business and now manages properties in Pattaya for some Americans. He is bringing his friend, Michel. They arrive on time and we dine at The Poseidon which lays on the full gourmet experience. Everyone is happy! They invite me to have lunch and do some touring on Wednesday. Accepted. After they leave, I head to @Home and off Peas and we head back to the hotel. Much more responsive tonight (me) and a pleasant time is had though I'm not the best bottom in the world, things work. This is a short time arrangement, and he leaves around 2am. He tells me he has to do a visa run to Cambodia early Wednesday morning.

It's still day one It's ten o'clock, and I'm exhausted and haven't even been here for a full day. I decide to investigate Jomtien on a Friday night and to keep my word about finding Peas tonight @Home He's sent several texts over the past few hours. The bars are bustling with those bunched together close to the Venue being the busiest. Peas spots me before I see him and greets me with a hug. I buy drinks for us and one of his friends. Peas tells me about why he couldn't see me last night. Knowing how well that turned out for me, I told him all was ok. I told him I'd met Doh and filled in the time. Peas tells me he is planning to stay with me while I'm in town. I say "no" but will off him tonight and he can stay the night but I wanted to see the show at Venue. So I paid the off fee (I paid 600 THB for three drinks and an off fee, think I was undercharged). The last time I went to The Venue for the show, I was disappointed. The stage is constricted, the sight lines from the audience are partially blocked by the pillars supporting the hotel above. The show itself is choreographed to the inch of stage space and the performers were exuberantly careful about where they put their feet. Have to admit nothing seemed changed since my previous visit other than the dancers seemed to be mechanical. We left at the intermission to allow for drink buying. As jet lag is really starting to take control of my ability to function, my lack of enthusiasm for the show may be more me - the audience was having a good time. Back at The Poseidon, I told Peas what my day had been like and that I'd appreciate it he would be more company than active bed partner. He understood, we took a shower, I went to bed and sleep, he played some video games on his phone, joined me in bed, cuddled and provided some oral pleasuring. Around 3am, he told me he was going to leave...I thanked him for his time and gave him 1500. It's now Saturday, and I'd completed a full day, spent time with three guys and had a beach massage. Today, I have a plan, first breakfast at Big Kahuna, Pancakes, eggs, tea, and OJ for 220 baht. Walked down to the beach arriving sometime after 10am. My chair is ready for me, Beach massage (300 thb + 100 thb tip), spent maybe three hours relaxing, going back to The Poseidon around 4pm, checking out and joking with the massage boys on view in Jomtien. Thought I might have a strong Thai massage at the Blind massage school but decided a nap was a better idea as I had a full night planned. Slept until just before 7pm, when the Poseidon's owner hosts a cocktail party with meal sized appetizers for the hotel guests. Tonight there are maybe a dozen of us. 11 of whom speak in a Swiss-German dialect. I'm the 12th one and get my sense of what is being said by facial expressions, Heiko breaks in now and then into English for my sake, I'm enjoying the wind and snacks, which will be dinner, the chef joins us with chocolate and, using his Dutch accented English tells me about his plans for a 15 course dinner at the hotel next week for members of a local group that comes once a month. Around 9, the party breaks up, and I head into town to meet up with Soph and to keep my promise to another member of the Forum to check out Boyztown and Sunnee. So, making sure I have a sufficient supply of "red notes" as recommended by Vinapu and placed in accessible pockets, Decide to check out Sunnee first, over the years, I've gotten confused trying to find it. Now my way there is to get off the baht bus when I'm at the the MCDonald's with the large statue of Ronald McDonald. I then take the road/soi that runs next to the hotel next to McD's. sorry, to interrupt the narrative...have to break away to recharge the computer battery...be back shortly...

Great reports, Spoon, you put me to shame as I'm still working on a report from a month ago. Please let us Forum members know why you are thinking not to come to LOS at this time of year. Again, great rport.

Have the salesperson give you a price. He/they will want you to tell them what you will pay...don't give in...tell them you don't know, tailoring is their job. Then when you do get a price go 40% less as a counter. That won't be accepted...you now have options, go up a little, or start to leave. Usually, starting to leave will get things real fairly quickly. I'd settle somewhere between 40 and 30% off the original price. Recommendation - check local stores near where you live for prices on shirts, jackets...you can also check on Amazon. In Jomtien you want at least 50% less than at home. This can change (but only a little) if you want lots of extras (i.e. linen jacket with a silk lining you choose, functional button holes, secure hidden pockets, etc). The shop has several kinds of linen, the owner loves to talk about how each is different. The jacket I bought is made of linen from Poland. I think somewhere you've mentioned your home is in a relatively warm climate - if that's true, check out the seersucker shirts they make. I have 3 and they are a gift as they don't need a lot of ironing, are comfortable, and look good. Caution - if there are lots of other customers present - wait until its more private to bargain. Sometimes, there are couples (usually Russian) shopping with the wife urging the husband/partner to get a suit. The owner is reluctant to bargain if he believes he will have to give the same discount to everyone in the shop.

After I posted, I went and checked my shirts and the linen jacket I had made last trip - no label that would allow me to give you a shop name, but I can definitely recommend the workmanship.

bangkokbois is worth revisiting even for non-newbies. I just had a wander through some of the posts and enjoyed the style and the information, mush of which I first learned in the posts.

I've misplaced the name, but walking out of The Poseidon, turn left to the main road, then turn right and next to the open air restaurant and the massage parlor, there is a tailor shop. Usually there are some interesting shirts on a display rack outside. Over the years, I've had shirts made, bought some of the display shirts, and had a very nice sport jacket made up. I'm very happy with my purchases and have had a compliment or two. Know what you want, bargain, the owner will plead poverty, once a price is agreed, all that goes away. Be VERY specific about when you want the clothes to be ready. Sorry, I can't recall the name but I can recommend the shop. Numazu has a tailor near TukCom, he may have referenced the name in one of his reports. He was always happy with the results. I mention this as he and I both use Excelsior in Bangkok.

This report was delayed at first by procrastination. Then after, I'd finished the Pattaya portion and was about to copy and paste it from Google docs, the Forum changed and copy and paste made a mishmash of what I'd written, re-formatted the text, and bold faced words randomly. So, I'm now re-entering my report directly into the system. That settled with Max coming to The Poseidon at 4pm, I head out to Dongtan Beach. Some time back, maybe two years or so, I bemoaned what I thought of as the destruction of the beach, with the trees being torn out, the construction seeming to be haphazard. I doubted the ability of the local government to match the final product to the artist sketches of what the beach would be like. Let me state, so far so good. The work on the sidewalks, installing rows and rows of palm trees, and creating non-smoking areas has left Dongtan in good shape. Currently, the restroom area is gone, torn down to allow a new one to be constructed, which was happening during my visit. I tend to settle in at the first umbrella area after the restrooms. I have a nodding acquaintance with the guys who work the umbrellas and chairs and the mamasan who manages it and her dog. My phone opens to the wifi as I settle in - this area has the advantage of giving me a good view of the always shirtless umbrella attendance in the next section. I catch up on what's happened in the six months since my last visit, have my feet and toes taken care of by one of the ladies who comes by. I then have a massage by a beach masseur who looks like he could be working at Tawan. After the massage, some watermelon drinks, and crowd watching, I decide to head back and get ready for what ever will be. I realize that I should get some baht since I'll be meeting up with Max and then, later, with Peas. After a shower, back at the hotel, I head across the road to the TMB ATM. It's out of order, I go inside to see if I can get baht from the teller using my card. A woman sitting at a desk direct me to use the deposit machine as it doubles as an ATM. I do, it takes my card, asks all the usual questions, tells me there will be a fee, and I ask for 20,000 THB. The machine screen says thank you, the machine returns my card, and there it stops. No baht! Small panic attack. I go inside and tell the staff member sho sent me to the deposit machine what happened. She comes out to the machine with me. She enters some codes and turns the machine off. We have a "dialogue" as the machine screen had told me the money was taken from my US account. I wont detal the dialogue - but at the ned of several minutes, it's clear she wont give me her name, my money, or any support - saying its a problem with my bank! I return to The Poseidon and contact my Credit Union, whose ATM card I was using, it has a 24 hour contact line and I explain what happened. To my surprise, given that I'm a voice on an international call, the withdrawal from TMB is cancelled and my account re-credited for 20,000 THB and the fee. When I return home, I went to the neighborhood branch of the Credit Union and thanked them. Still needing some baht, I head to another ATM, I use my bank ATM card and withdraw 15,000 (this card as a lower limit). Back at the Poseidon, I get a text from Max, he doesn't have to work the dinner shift at this restaurant, so O.K if he comes at 5pm rather than 4. OK with me. He asks for the room number. Shortly before 5pm, there is knock at the door. It's Max. He's very handsome, slim, and actually looks like his Planet Romeo photos! He's shy. We talk for some time as we work to overcome his shyness and moves closer, from there we move to the shower where we are actively intimate. We move to the bed, where the shyness disappears as he takes over at my encouragement. There is no rush, he is intuitive as to what pleases me and pushes a majority of my buttons. After, we finish in bed and clean up, i realize this has been a "moment" that's special. He is in no hurry to leave, I ask if he'd like to have dinner...yes, so we eat at the Poseidon's restaurant. He tells me about his work and that he will be on the cleanup crew tonight when he goes back. We finish dinner and go back tot he room so he can get his things, we end up back in bed so we can have access to each other's "things". Finally, he has to leave as he's being texted about his whereabouts by his restaurant. He asks if he can see me again. Silly question...answer is "yes". He hasn't mentioned anything about money, I ask if I can help pay for his taxi to work. Answer, "thanks, but no need". And he leaves. I'm confused...I was sure he was a money boy, but, no suggestion of a money exchange. A sexually charged romantic interlude...maybe a first in for me in Thailand.

Doh left around 5am to catch a ride home to Issan. My mind went to understanding that I wouldn't see Doh again this trip. Tee S0ndheim lyric "sorry-grateful" came to mind. Sorry to say goodbye, but immensely grateful that we had our chance encounter. After he left, I attempted to get some sleep - no luck as my body clock was still on US West Coast time and thought it was afternoon. So, i turned on the I-pad and read email, tweets, news, unpacked my carry-on, boiled water, made tea. Around, 7, I went for a walk, checked out the nearby breakfast places, which Vinapu referenced in one of his reports. Purchased some pastries from the shop next to Fah massage and returned to the hotel to enjoy them. I had messages from Peas and Max. Peas sorry for missing me last night, tells me he wants to stay with me all the time I'm in Pattaya. I ignore the offer and tell him I visit @Home tonight. Max, I haven't mentioned until now. The morning I was leaving home for the airport, I set my Planet Romeo location to Pattaya. I had a fw responses, one was from Max, who noted he likes folks 19 - 99. Reading that and looked at his pictures, I labeled him a very cute money-boy with possibilities. We had some Line messages while I was heading to the airport. Some more when I was changing planes in Tokyo, and now this morning he is checking to see if we can get together. He works in a restaurant and his afternoon is free. Wondering if a meet-up will actually happen, we agree on 4pm.

While the site was off line and being "improved", I wrote an additional update to my current travel report. When I went to copy it to the forum, it came over al bold face with lots of extra spacing. I made several tries and reformatting, but had no luck. I guess I re-enter what I wrote directly.

Banana on soi 4 is a low key host bar compared to its sibling on Twilight. I'd also recommend the German restaurant near to Nakarat on soi 4.

Good wishes...

Having survived Christmas and on opening my computer this morning to find messages from several Forum members whom I’ve met with in Thailand over the past few years, I decided to overcome my innate procrastination and write a report on my mid-November to early December visit to Pattaya and Bangkok. I left California on November 14th very tired and a bit reluctant to get on another plan. I’d been in Thailand in August, back home for two weeks, then two weeks in China, then after a stop at home, in Washington DC for ten days. Now it was time to cross the Pacific again. This isn’t a whine, rather, my journal from the time reminds me that I was questioning why I was heading to Thailand so soon. There wasn’t a good answer beyond the enjoyment I get when I’m there. And, maybe, avoiding where to be the “extra” at a family or friend’s Thanksgiving here in the US. So, off to SFO, United Airlines flight to Tokyo, economy plus seat on the aisle, with an empty seat next to me. In Tokyo, in the UA lounge, I recharge my electronics, read email, take a shower, walk around the terminal to give my legs some exercise. United has booked me through to Bangkok on ANA. At the gate, I learn ANA has upgraded me to Business Class. A gift from ANA and a bulkhead window seat with a dining menu and a nice Bordeaux to help pass the time Weather is good and plane is early arriving in Bangkok at 11:30 pm. To my surprise, the plane parks somewhere away from the terminal and we are all put on buses to the terminal. This is a first on ANA for me. And a time burner waiting for the bus to fill and then the travel to immigration. Exiting the bus, I look for my greeter./expediter ( I learned from PaulSF that for a fee -$30 approximately - someone will meet me as I exit the plane (in this case the bus) and walk me quickly through immigration, find my luggage, and get me to my transportation. So, ten minutes after exiting the bus, I was with my driver, and on my way to Pattaya. Caveat: I did not have to wait for luggage as I only had carry-on. I used Mike’s of Pattaya who have never left me down. 70 minutes later, I’m in my room at the Poseidon. Now, it’s time to provide some background information...when last in Pattaya, i offed Pease from @Home and Sophy from Toy Boys (note for those doubling back on my reports, the names are as they appear on Line, in the earlier telling, I was depending on how I heard them say their names). I had been hearing daily from Peas saying he’d wait after @Home closed for me - as I was due to arrive after 2am. O.K. Sophy I’d planned on seeing later in my visit. Last visit, we’d had a 3-way which went well...I’d also been looking at the apps and was texting to Max, who said he wasn’t a Money boy and sent some great photos. So, I leave the Poseidon and head to @Home, much of Jomtien has closed down for the night, Peas isn’t there. I text him...he’s at a birthday party at one of the big clubs. Can I wait until 4am? Reply: No. At this point only Sun Bar is still open with maybe a dozen guys around the bar. I join them, I buy a drink for the cute boy who gave up his seat at the bar to me. We talk and I chat with the bartender. There is one incredibly handsome guy in a form fitting black tank top talking with another guy very intently. Missed opportunity? For most of the flight from Tokyo, I’d been thinking about hooking up with Peas and having him welcome me to Pattaya. So, I was a bit bummed, I could off the guy who I’d bought a drink but it would have been for convenience - which isn't a bad thing. Then, the incredibly handsome guy was free...the bartender had been watching me watching and asked if I was interested. (There are mamasans in all shapes and guises) I was very interested, so he introduced me to Doh. Doh was in the bar to borrow a phone as his was broken He didn’t work in the bar but was friends with many of the guys who did. The introduction went well, I bought us each a drinks, thanked the bartender, there was an off fee - even though Doh didn't work there. I considered it as a tip to the house and left with Doh for the Poseidon. He was impressed by the room, i was very impressed by his body, we showered together and joined together in the bed. My unexpected change of plans provided a surprise bonus and a truly fine start for my visit.

All I can add to the wisdom of Vinapu is there is a wide variety of possible experiences. Several years back when I returned to Bangkok after a break of 20 years, I offed a guy from Dreamboys and while pleasant it was a rushed cum and go moment. If I had had only that experience, I'd be negative about offing anyone. Fortunately, I'd read enough on this forum and on other sites. I went out that same night and offed a guy from HotMale. It went better than well. We still see each other when I visit. The more time one spends and the more offs/massages/clubs one experiences the more I find inconsistency is the only consistent thing. If I can stop procrastinating and post my last trip report, I'll have a related tale to tell.

Enjoying your reporting...

I've been away from the Forum for a while and now catching up. asnstudent, your reports are a gift in real time.

I've been back from Thailand for a week. It's was 25 hours from the time I left my hotel in Bangkok to the time I arrived at my front door. The return included a BKK to Hong Kong flight, which I slept through from takeoff toe landing. 4 hour layover. 13 hours to home on a FULL 777. I must have slept some but not much... Strategy: none. I sleep when I'm tired and eventually after several 2 am mornings, one morning I wake up at 6, then at 7. I've been flying since early in the age of jets, crossing time zones. I've tried everything suggested...what seems to work is patience and acceptance, willingness to be drowsy, and once I'm acclimated start planning the next trip. Note: flying to Thailand is a full day affair, but since night there is day at home, it's easier to roll with night activities and sleeping in the mornings/afternoons.

Thanks for asking questions...that's how we learn about new experiences. One thing I learned from the forum was that when a bill is paid and change is brought in a folder, tips left for the waiter go to the waiter if handed directly to him. If left in folder, tip is returned to the cashier and (hopefully) split among the waiters. If this true...I don't know, I only read it here but have been acting as if it was for more than several years. The smiles seem bigger when I hand the tip directly. Have a good time. Enjoy Moonlight...the mamsans there can be helpful as was mentioned in another post.

I haven't stayed at te Amara but earlier this past week was with a friend who was staying there and was visited on a regular basis by his "massage therapist". No joiner fee was involved. I know this isn't very precise, but I'm posting it hoping my friend sees it and replies with a clear answer from actual experience.

The person who got the discount was over 70 and had to show a passport