Raindrops Keep Falling
Wonderful Wi and myself woke up to the sound of raindrops falling outside once more. The morning followed a similar pattern to the first day, midday the rain stopped and the sky started to look brighter.
We were off to Jomtien beach and left the Marin Place with Wilai talking about coconut milk, fried chicken and papaya pok pok, eaten on the beach with the sea bobbing away before her. I was wondering whether the hotels supply of Tiger beer would last another two days.
When in Rome talk Italian, I’d clearly forgotten my phrasebook because the hotel chef’s supply of frozen chips had diminished quite alarmingly already. I won’t be eating Italian cuisine but I must eat more Thai food on this holiday. French fries for breakfast is not ideal.
On my many previous visits to Jomtien I have always seen falang walking hand in hand with young Thai men in this upmarket and overpriced resort. Not the prettiest sight in the world and one that won’t make any picture postcard but mai phen rai, let it be. Tourism has hit hard times in Thailand and viewing the lack of falang in Jomtien, the gay scene is looking rather flaccid.
An hour on the beach is always enough for me so I left Wilai to savour the wares of the beach food vendors and walked as straight as possible to my favourite Jomtien bar. The bar had no customers and remained so for the hour I spent there. After a few beers it was back to the beach before returning to our hotel late afternoon.
Jomtien beach was two days ago and yesterday we had our best day out so far. We took a tour guide trip to Nong Nooch Tropical and Botanical Gardens, located about 10 kilometres outside Pattaya. If any of you are now in Pattaya or about to root your toot (arse) there then put Nong Nooch near the top of your daytime hit list.
Aside from the beautiful gardens and wild life on offer Nong Nooch has a traditional Thai dancing show, Thai boxing and an elephant extravaganza that left me truly impressed. I am planning to do a separate post on Nong Nooch when I return home and so I will leave it at that.
Today is Saturday and it’s still mid morning and the sun is beating it’s rhythm already. A welcome change from the previous three days of indifferent weather.
Cool Martyn, Nong Nooch (and the P&W) are on my to do. I love Jomtien, didn’t realise it was a gay hang out! Mai pen alai etc. Enjoy!
Ben Shingleton’s last blog post..The dogs of war – Just another battle at Pornchai
Martyn your capacity to tell a good story is only exceeded by your capacity for Tiger!
Try a rice field rat or two when you head up country since I guess french fries might be in short supply.
Talking about rats where are the soi dog millionaires?
The gecko sends his apologies to WW.
Mike’s last blog post..Thailand : Awash with Rumours.
‘…walked as straight as possible to my favourite Jomtien bar.’
Hehh hehhh… I can just see you doing that too 😀
I have gay friends (not in Thailand) who toy with nervous straights when bored.
I don’t know what the range is for scoring – made him sweat, saw his hands shaking, ran him out of the bar – but I do remember that they had it down to a fine art.
Looking forward to your post on Nong Nooch!
Catherine’s last blog post..Happy Birthday Celebrations in August: Thai Temple Style
Ben – You’ll just love Nong Nooch and like your previous post they have an Orang Utan you can have your photo taken with. Impressive place.
Mike – My apologies to you Ben and everyone else but with time being precious I’m not getting to visit all your wonderful blogs as much as I would like.
I’ll give rat and chips a miss.
I didn’t see the soi dogs in Pattaya and my next episode will have to wait until next month.
No problem with the gecko and I will pass on his tips next time.
Sounds like you are having a great time Martyn….Nong Nooch is absolutely beautiful and a place that can be visited every few months as the seasons turn so do the beautiful flowers.
I’ve only gone to Jomtien for immigration purposes but it does look very inviting and much quieter than Pattaya.
Talen’s last blog post..Bangkok’s Floating Market
Catherine – I must admit I don’t have any gay friends but some of the Thai ladyboys are very, very funny to talk to. Nong Nooch was great.
Talen – Jomtien is far quieter than Pattaya and the beach is far better. Have they still got immigrtaion in Soi 8 in Pattaya, I know they used to.
By the way…I’ll add you to my blogroll link;)
Jade’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – Street Artist in Barcelona, Spain
Rat and chips sounds like a fully nutritious meal, full of good protein and carbs… oh wait, it’s a rat.
Funny article though, sounds like it was a truely homoerotic experience! Wouldn’t mind you posting a picture of your shorts though…