On a previous visit on the very last day I met this young Thai man, that just about blew my mind. With looks to kill for and a personality that belies his youthful years, this was the kind of person you can only hope to dream about, if you are lucky. At that time I made a note in my journal "Best guy ever"
Guess what ! on my very first day this trip, once again he walks into my life. I was privileged to hook up with him several times during this stay, but as mentioned in a previous post, I have concerns about getting too closely embroiled, leading to heart aching goodbyes, therefore our sojourns where shorter than would otherwise have been the case.
I did however break this golden rule on Valentines Day when we spent an amazing 24hrs. together. He also broke one of his golden rules in agreeing to take me to see his apartment, after cajoling from me. It was no hardship for me, firmly gripping on to him on the back of his motorcycle as we zigzagged through the crazy Pattaya traffic halfway across the city.
While these encounters can be exhilarating, I make an effort to keep my feet on the ground and abnegate overtures of committed affection, when they occur. I am cognizant I am an old man, well past my best shelf life and recognize such vocabulary can be all part of the vernacular of this part of the World. But that is not to say a meaningful relationship can not develop, nor that some young men can in fact experience passion during some congenial activities with an older caring consort.
I observed a couple of improvements since my last visit. The South End of the Pattaya Promenade was getting quite dilapidated and now has been dressed up with a nice new boardwalk. One morning during an early morning walk I spotted a guy climb down from the boardwalk and drop into the sea below. I thought that would make a cute video clip so I asked him if he would repeat the incident for me to film. Much to the amusement of his female companions he jumped at the chance to pick up an easy 100 B. and after discarding shoes and socks over the fence he went. Standing in the shallow water, he obliged with several poses, before climbing back up.
While I was there it received a lick of paint.
Not sure when it was installed, but likely recently.
So I took a motor cycle taxi to the top of the mountain.
As you can see the driver kindly struck a pose for me when we got there.
But nobody seemed to know how to get to the sign. There is a network of roads up there and I spent a couple of hours hiking in the heat trying to find the sign deck.
I wonder what history this site has. Those concrete weights look like they have been there for awhile. The dog sleeping in the shade, on the small bench seat, less so.
A police officer in the station set me on the right track to find the sign deck.
This one obviously the modern version, all machines and no free weights.
One wonders how many people even know these free facilities are available, as long as you can make it up there.
If walking, I found getting there, exercise enough!
The deck runs the length of the sign which is huge when up close. The view over the bay is quite spectacular (Well worth the effort to get there.) It out does the view from the "Viewpoint" by the lighthouse, partly because it lines up so well with the bay. The closest section of buildings, protruding towards the sea is Walking St. with the narrow beach curving towards the North.
Another objective this trip was to spend more time and explore the island Koh Larn. I had visited once before two years ago, at which time we rented a speed boat. But that is quite expensive, so this time on my several trips over I used the ferry, which is only 30 Th B (Less than a pound return) It only takes about 50 min and is a pleasant run. The boats runs about hourly.
If I have any criticism of Pattaya, it would be the beach. It is very narrow and when you walk into the sea it drops off quite quickly. The water quality could perhaps be questionable. Also the deck chairs are the old fashioned folding type, which I do not find too comfortable. Other than a few more cute boys, Jomtien does not score much higher on my card.
But just a short ferry ride away.................
But there are several other beaches on the island, so I took a motor cycle tour around all the beaches, taking photos of each one, but finished up spending most of my time at Tawaen Beach..
There are a lot of people but also there is a lot of space and excellent services.
The water is very clear and the beach drops off very gradually, giving ample time for kids to play. The motor cycle tour itself was quite an experience, with some panoramic views from the mountain roads down into the various bays
Frank lives in Pattaya and keeps us overseas fans updated on what is going on locally. Being an adept photographer he often brightens up our day with enticing eye candy. But while endearing his models are always tastefully presented.
We met up for an evening meal at the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant. He was accompanied by a very handsome model he was currently working with.
Being a regular Frank secured a table on one of the lookout decks, with a very nice view out into the gulf
Chicken, rice and coconut slithers in a creamy sauce topped with cashews. I am normaly not very adventuresome with food, but outdid myself with this one.
Considering the excellent ambiance, prices where very reasonable.