Day 1 in Pattaya
What a crazy place. I thought I would head here because I have been almost everywhere else in Thailand. It has the reputation of being just like a papaya salad, except made out of dog shit with a condom on top. It doesn't disappoint.
The initial look at the beach as we approached Pattaya was nice. I thought, wow, I don't know what people complain about. Then we got to the town. The water is full of boats, jet skis and is that particular shade of brown near the shore line that makes it unappealing to swim.
The ride from the bus station to the hotel was easy, pickup truck with seating in the back delivered me safely to my hotel for 40 baht. You just have to wait till it is full, which doesn't take long. My hotel is a bit of a hovel though. It is down one of the small soi (streets) that come off the walking street. There would be about 10 bars of the beer/go go variety within 20 meters of the front door. The good news about this is I can literally stumble home after drinking way too much. The place is called Diamond Beach Hotel, and I wouldn't recommend it. I asked the hotel for a wi-fi chit as I checked in as they don't provide this for free. They said "Don't have, can you come back tomorrow". I looked really puzzled and said "Sure, my work isn't that important". The porter that brought my bags up foolishly asked for a tip, I said "The tip I can give you is to have wi-fi cards ready for your guests". He seemed hurt .... I didn't give a toss.
Dropping my stuff in the room, I headed out into the wide world. Needing to find that ever present 7-11 to grab some water, because zero is provided in the room. I decided to continue on and look at the walking street area in daylight to map out where I was likely to eat and take pictures from.
The walking street at 2PM is a sad sight. Closed or barely open bars
trying to attract customers. Workers of the bars sleeping everywhere and
the distinct smell of dried vomit and urine in the air. I thought this
place could do with a wash! I wandered as far as the pier in one
direction and just marveled at the amount of go go bars in the area. Oh
well, this is Pattaya. Slinking back the other way I caught sight of the
main beach. Wow, will post a picture in the next update as this has to
be seen to be believed.
Too hot and finding little to do except
wander through malls I headed back to the hotel for an afternoon shower
and siesta. When I woke up again it was getting dark and pouring with
rain. Thank god I thought! The walking street is kinda getting a wash!
I
waited around till about 9 before heading out. What a collection of
horrible ladies. None of which I would call particularly stunning. Which
is odd, because there are usually one or two and I often think, working
in a red light district, is that the best you can do? I could get you
work as a model! But then comes the realization that you are dealing
with bar girls. Easily the laziest people I have every meet, and I live
in Cambodia!
Camera in hand I ventured up and down the walking
street taking a few photos, looking at the sites and thinking "Oh yes,
have seen it all before ... YAWN". Didn't take me long before I was
bored and need of food. I came across a seafood and steak place and
thought I am in! I ordered rock lobster and steak, the menu described it
as Surf and Shure. Turned up and was way to expensive for the quality
that arrive. Got to remember tomorrow, don't eat on this street!
Unsatisfied
with the dinner I started wandering again. Saw a bar with woman holding
signs up. One of them said "Sleep with me and get a free breakfast".
Hardly a compelling sales pitch as I have free breakfast at the hotel
and don't have to share it with anyone. However, it was better than the
"Fist my ass" sign next to it.
Oh well, more wandering and
thought screw it, enough photos for the first night. Need a drink. Sat
down at a place called "Carousel" where you sit on a revolving platform.
Whatever. Ordered a drink and a girl almost vaulted the bar to sit
beside me. What's your name ... what you do ... where you stay ... where
you from ... Oh I love you my boyfriend, buy me a drink!!!!
If
only the girls would vary the routine I think they would be at least a
little entertaining. Played the dice game for a little while and brought
the lucky girls a drink. I also managed to score a few free drinks
because I one a few times! The reason they have games like connect four,
the Jackpot dice game and pool is that the girls that work there have
limited English and personality so are unlikely to keep someone
entertained with their sparkling wit!
Anyway, few too many
drinks later decided to head home. "Oh, but I don't want you go!" came
the howl of protest from the bar girl. I bet you don't, I am not blind
drunk enough to think you are my girlfriend. "Bye bye I said" and off
ambled off to the skanky hotel room. Tomorrow, Real bar! Real food!
Anyway, on to the pictures.
 |
| Not your typical night time shot of Pattaya |
 |
| The Pattaya sign and proves it's raining |
 |
| The bar I ended up drinking at |
 |
| Not quite how I remember the movie |
