GypsyT

Dumaguete weather by Weather Spark; 50% Miserable, rest of the time Oppressive. Otherwise very interesting place. https://weatherspark.com/y/139283/Average-Weather-in-Dumaguete-Philippines-Year-Round

CM 115 https://www.aqi.in/us/dashboard/thailand/chiang-mai Manila 25 - CM beats Manila hand down....

A month ago. At that 3 day holiday time. I wasn't the only one shown the door.

I was one day in Mexico City on the way to Lime, Peru. Barely could breath... and so smokey LA looked fresh compared to it. I got headache. Reason; Why is Mexico City so smoggy? "Located in the crater of an extinct volcano, Mexico City is about 2,240 metres above sea level. The lower atmospheric oxygen levels at this altitude cause incomplete fuel combustion in engines and higher emissions of carbon monoxide and other compounds. Intense sunlight turns these into higher than normal smog levels." Otherwise I agree; lot to see and very rich in arts but won't be back.

"think i got two choices.. going back to europe or trying get in via Cambodia. everything! luggage,cards,cash.. in condo where gf (longtime) is waiting." I've done 3 runs and noticed when I have Thai gf with me everything is so easy! They smile, say "Pls, this way Sir" and so on. Maybe she should join you and try again with her? Use "Thai only " line, like I did.

I think you did not have proper TM30. The first torture was for that in Blg B. The 2nd was for 30 day extension. The counter robots has no power to stamp anything. It's done by "specialists" in the van outside. There's a copy station now, no need to leave your spot on line. At least it worked for me fine. But you are right - the whole process is painful. PS. Dr Jack54- I was sent packing when I tried to get extension 4 days before expiration day. Was told to come back 2 days later and then, thanks to holiday and Sunday, it was processed 2 days too late but no fine. The whole system sucks...

Pick your city; https://happy-city-index.com/ - My favorite is Weelington, NZ

Sounds good! They just didn't know there were fresh meat in town...

55yrs age and visa 285usd/yearly

A friend of mine moved to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and built up nice business there. I had a chance to join 50-50 deal but that time LA still was OK so I stayed. One day I go to see him. The city is very beautiful. "In fact, it's one of the safest cities in all of Mexico, and is widely regarded as safer than some US cities. Many Mexicans jokingly refer to San Miguel de Allende as Disneyland because it's the sort of place that makes for a gentle introduction to Mexico, especially for first time visitors." But no place is 100% safe in Mexico. Is San Miguel de Allende safe from cartels? "Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence.16 Mar 2023"

You mean Rompho? Not true now. Bars are full, market super busy and smiles everywhere.

That's the worse way to start relationship.... Thai gals are not stupid - she will dump you. Or change her plans to con you before you know it! Keep posted, blow-by-blow how it went.

Exactly! Like Laguna Seca race track in California. It's an iconic race track on most beautiful setting. https://www.thedrive.com/news/a-public-nuisance-laguna-secas-neighbors-sue-track-want-it-shut-down

Costa Rica and Panama are still good, even great. "Costa Rica is one of the few countries without armed forces and, alongside Panama" I've been to Costa Rica and ladies are similar to Thailand regarding friendliness toward farangs -:) Panama is using US $$$ so that's a plus. There are many beautiful islands and many expats from the US and other western countries. But as you say Thailand is one of the best but too much bureaucracy to my liking. The goalpost is always shifting... Maybe best to live in Cambodia (easy 12mo visa for $ 300) and make easy 30 day entries to Thailand and easy 45 day trips to Vietnam. No paperwork, just walk in.

The latest fireworks were by two Thai fishing club groups. Great people! Police and offices were guests at party and fireworks. They had great food and lot of fun. Great band too. Fireworks belong to Jomtien party evenings. They don't shoot at night. Get used to or move.

Honestly don't remember. I was in love.... Thai baby got my attention. I guess if there were ferry and we had to unload I'd remember that.

90 days per entry is very easy and enough for me. "Currently, tourists with U.S. passports do not need visas for short-term visits (up to three months)." When does Thailand wake up? Or do I have to join Russian army, make a visit with Mr Kalashnikov to Ukraine and then get visa free 90 day stays in Thailand?

Hotels knowingly cheat. Many hotel close to airports list Google Map location VERY CLOSE to get suckers to book and then find out they are miles away. Booking agents allow this.

I came to Pattaya first time in 1974 or 1975. Bus from Bangkok took 3-4 hours... Last part were dirt road through thick forest where elephants were pulling big logs. I didn't see or meet any US soldiers. Not in uniform at least. Mostly pack packer types and Thai families from Bangkok. There were only one modern hotel, full of British Airways personnel. Big fat women had one or two scared looking Thai boys in tow on the way to her room... That was only "sex tourist" type action I ever saw. I had my sweet Thai baby from Bangkok as guide but that doesn't count since I was in LOVE.

It's not that bad in the US. I'd say 80% is safe and OK to live but when it's bad - it really is! What is bad is politics! And getting worse... People hate each other more and more. That's bad's and sad. That's why I only spend 2-3 months a year in the US. After next election even that may end...

-;)

Don't worry, won't bother them. What is "sleaze"? I'm near normal guy who likes Ladies. A lot, and have had good luck in Pattaya. Taxi drivers included. As a matter of fact one caused me to cancel my flight -;)

Take a room in the cheapest hotel and get a copy of their screenshot report. Then go to get paper copy at Immi. Takes 30-45min if you go there 8am. You need a copy of passport info page AND arrival stamp, both signed by you. Now you got all papers to get your extension. And time to think how to report in future.

Thank you both! Lady taxi; I don't like when they ask "flight time". I know what time I need to be there. Also, if she happens too be sexy I miss my flight... Pattaya taxi seems to be OK even if they don't know how to spell Bangkok on Rates page -:)

I've had mixed, mainly bad, luck Jomtien to DMK taxi services provided by hotels. I wanna be there latest 9.00am. Can someone recommend a good one with Camry level car? Previously I have paid 1300 - 1700 THB. Thanks!