The Arrival/Day One

Whoa! It was a 25 hour trip to Bangkok, Thailand. The first leg to Dubai was okay. We got seats by an exit so we had plenty of leg room. They surely over feed you on Emirates Airline.

Dubai airport was the long wait. The plane from Kuwait was late coming in so we had a 6 hour wait.


The flight to Bangkok was non-eventful. We slept a lot on that leg. So, we left Toronto at 10:00 PM on Monday and arrived Tuesday at 10:00 PM (Toronto time) in Bangkok which was 10:00 AM, Wednesday. Azhar and I took a Taxi from the airport to Pattaya where we were to meet our buddy Joe.

Inside the airport they were quoting 3,000 Bhat (Thai currency which is 3 to 1 C$) for a taxi. We passed on that because Joe had told us that we could get a taxi for 1500 bhat. Outside of the airport we got a taxi for 1500 bhat. The taxi driver gave us the sob story that he had to pay 200 bhat as a service charge. We agreed because he was smiling so much. After the 1.r hour drive to Pattaya I even gave him a 100 bhat tip as he was still smiling and had his hand out for more. I didn't mind since the whole trip was only C$60.

Joe was waiting in the hotel lobby for us, It was noon and we were 2 hours past the expected time of arrival. After checking in we went up to the roof-top bar and pool where we had a swim, drink and a cigar.

Our second stop was to get Ralph sandals. Beside the sandal shop which was in a little street side market there was a tailor shop, Azhar struck up a conversation with the guys there who were originally from Pakistan. So of course we had to buy a suit. Joe got a suit, Azhar got a suit and Ralph got 2 suits, 2 shirts with matching ties. This turned out to be an event with all of the measuring and style details such as, single back pleat, 2 button or 3 button, surgeon cuffs, inside pockets and which designer lining. The material selected was a silk, cashmear blend with Armani lining. The pants were either double pleat or flat and no cuffs. Ralph's shirts were french cuff and initials on the cuff. We arranged for a first fitting at 8:00 PM that night. Fortunately they work until 2:00 AM so we were insured that delivery would be by Friday morning.

Next we were off to get the motor scooters.

We barrelled around town dangerously with the millions of other bikers keeping in mind that this was left lane country. I was thinking that this was going to be a lot more dangerous than Pakistan.

We went to a shopping mall and strolled through Wal-mart.
The store must of had twice the number of products than a Toronto store complete with grocery and fresh fish sections. We splurged and bought a Coke and rain ponchos.



Then we were off to see Mike, a friend of Joe's who lives here permanently. He has a great condo overlooking the bay. Mike and his girlfriend hopped on their scooter and we were all off to supper. Mike lead the way. He is a very agressive driver. It was a dangerous but exciting drive. The restaurant was a Thai style restaurant. I was so tired by that time that I am sure that I was sleeping at the table with my eyes open. At least my mind shut down from time to time.

After supper we said our farewels to Mike and returned to the hotel to leave our bikes then off again we went. We caught the local bus which is a pickup truck with side benches in the back. There are little door style buttons in the bach to use when you want to get off. We went to the "walking street". This street is pedestrian only in the evening. There are many bars, loud music, restaurants and Go-Go bars all along the street.

We strolled down and back watching the street action. Afterwards we dropped in to a warf side restaurant where we had an other cigar and drinks. Azhar supplemented the evening with a fantastic foot massage, We walked back to the hotel along the water front.

I had a quick shower and was asleep within seconds. It was a world-wind day for sure.