Day Two

Activities:

Azhar called me at 7:30 AM to go for a swim with him. I declined because I was still so tired from the travelling.

We were supposed to meet Joe in the lobby at 9:00 to go to a special place where they have an excellent buffet. But, since I was up already I met up with Azhar around 8:30 AM and talked him into walking down the street with me to an Internet cafe where I uploaded pictures from my camera and started blogging the day before. I was still typing at 9:15 AM and Joe was at the door calling me to go. He had arranged to meet up with his buddy with whom he went to Cambodia at 9:00 AM and I was late. So I stopped mid stream and hopped on the back of Azhar's motor bike. He dropped me off at the hotel parking garage where I picked up my bike and we were then off to the Lek Hotel for a great breakfast.

The buffet was substantial and only cost 120 bhat (about C$3.00) Jimmy, Joe's friend is a great guy. He is a retired teacher who taught math at John Abbot College in Montreal. This is Tanya's old school but Jimmy was gone when Tanya was there.

After breakfast we were back on the bikes and off for our pant fitting at the tailor's. Only minor adjustments were required. We made a jacket fitting appointment for 11:00 PM that night.

Back on the bikes and down to the water front. We drove out onto the long wharf for a great view back onto the city.

Still on the bikes, we drove up the mountain to see the Buddha statue. I have some great pictures which I'll load later. It is a very pretty and spiritual spot.

Then off to the beach. We rented beach chairs and ordered Coca Colas all around. We were accosted by every wandering vendor on the beach. I bought a clear pair of glasses for night riding. Azhar ordered up a foot massage so I followed suit.
I also ordered a pedicure which resulted in me lying back with my coke and a cigar while two girls pampered my feet. It was a bit opulent but what the hey, I'm on vacation.

After the beach Joe agreed to let me blog some more. While I was doing that Azhar went for a hair cut. Obviously I was taking too long on the blog because both Azhar and Joe dragged me out of there. So back on the bikes and off to Joe's buddy Mike's place across town.

Mike has a condo on the beach with a great view and swimming pool. Mike has a Thai girlfriend who is very quiet. Maybe it's the language but she didn't speak enough to determine. A lovely girl anyway.

Off we went again. Back to the tailor for the suit jacket fitting. After the fitting Joe took us to the Big C shopping mall. Joe loves shopping malls. Shopping is big here with a 10 million plus population. I finally had the opportunity to buy some guitar picks for my Scouting buddy Robin.

I have 3 shopping requests. Buy guitar picks, souvenir spoons and post cards for a Cub.

We had supper at a local Thai restaurant. The food is great but the servings are small.

Azhar was going for a massage and Joe wanted to do some personal errands so I agreed to join Azhar at the shop next to the hotel. There are more massage shops than internet shops. Well, I only wanted an upper back and neck massage so when I was instructed to take of my pants I reiterated that I only wanted from the waist up worked on. I was very suspicios of her motives. Anyway we proceeded as best we could with her broken English and my reservations. Azhar was 2 mats over from me and was getting the Thai massage with no problems at all. Every now and then he would ask whether or not I was okay. Well after 45 minutes I requested that she stop. I think she was doing more damage to my neck than good. Azhar was disappointed that he didn't get the last 15 minutes. He is such a massage sl%t! I was happy just to get out of there.

We met up with Joe for drinks across the street from the hotel at a street bar. This gives the wandering streeyt vendors easy access to us. We were kept busy ignoring the sales pitches. AFter an hour or so Azhar was missing his massage so he went off looking for a more upscale establishment. That was Azhar's 4th massage since arriving.

Joe and I continued with our beers until close to 3:00 AM.