billythehat
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Posts posted by billythehat
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On 11/20/2025 at 8:44 AM, xylophone said:
Well a kindly "nudge" from another poster on this thread has prompted me to post again after a long layoff, both me and the thread!
Although my fractured coccyx appears to have healed, the damage/non-use of the glutes has meant that I am not able to walk distances, although that is improving as time goes on, so any foray down to Bangla these days is certainly out of the question; and that also means that my once frequent trips to Blue Beach Café and Restaurant, are no more, although I must endeavour to get back down there because I enjoy the food and I have friends who eat and drink there.
In the meantime I have frequented Churrasco a few times because it is nearby and I have to say that the steaks at that place are the best I've ever tasted anywhere, and this combined with the fabulous wait folk make for a good evening out, and just recently I tried their Wagyu burger, complete with accoutrements and that was also fabulous – – and the best thing is that it is just about in walking distance, or I can take my motorbike and park nearby which I have done on occasion.
I have managed to drive my car down to La Capaninna and eat there and it has become one of, if not my most favourite Italian restaurant, so I'm spoilt for choice provided I can get around a little.
I have no idea what the monstrosity called, "Patongo" was meant to be, but it seems a total waste of space and money because there's next to nothing there at the moment apart from a couple or three outlets selling food and its deserted.
Although the traffic here at the moment is bad, and the state of the traffic matches the state of the roads, which would appear to indicate plenty of tourists, but according to a couple of friends who have massage shops here, there is a dire shortage of customers, with them saying that it's quietest they've ever known it and they are hoping for a bumper "high season".......hmmmm, not sure about that.
I have encountered a few Russians here, one of whom I met at my recent visit to the driving licence centre way south of here, and he was an okay guy with a reasonable sense of humour, of which most Russians are supposedly devoid!
And talking about my visit to the DLT, it was a nightmare and I had to go on three separate days (don't ask why, it's tedious) and on the first visit there was a queue of over one hundred people, and some, and the same on the second and third days, so I wasted three days of my life queueing to get both my driving licences renewed, even though I did the tests online and although it shortens the actual time I was in front of the machine, it did nothing to alleviate the pain of waiting many hours in the queues. There has to be a better way than this!!!!!
As has been mentioned previously, there are a few Russians here who are buying up properties, and the ones I've seen are mostly small guesthouse type properties for a few million baht, although one in Soi Banzaan has been bought by some Greeks and it is an extremely small property and as yet I haven't seen any activity in or around it??
It is my birthday coming up this Sunday and I will be 78 years old on that day, something I never thought I would achieve given the life I've led and the dangerous situations and countries like been in, however I'm still enjoying my red wine, the occasional trip to a good restaurant and a weekly meeting with my lovely Thai daughter in Phuket town, because she is just fantastic and for me, makes my life worth living.
I will end on that note as I've had a long layoff from the thread, and can't think of much else to write about, and it doesn't help that I'm still getting dizzy spells from my motorbike accident/concussions so until next time, goodbye for now.
78? Yep, they breed them lads tough in Sussex! I had no idea anybody was older than LIK!
Can’t make the steak lunch this year due to the recent passing of my dear brother who’d been suffering from blood cancer. Apart from the loss and grief, what I can impart to the living is to make sure all your affairs are in order before you depart to the choir invisible. Anyone who has/going through the probate process will know what I’m talking about here.
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1 hour ago, simon43 said:
So this is my situation:
I have been living in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos (my current home) for about 22 years. Next June I will start to receive my UK state pension of about $1,000 (equivalent), and although I am still teaching science online (getting about $1,500-$2,000) income each month, I want to consider if I can have a modest and healthy life living in Thailand using only my state pension.
This is because who knows what might happen health-wise etc which might mean that I can no longer teach online... I need to think long-term.... Would young kids really want to learn from an 80-year old teacher?
Now why am I thinking of Ao Nang? Surely I can live more cheaply in north Laos? Well, yes and no. Although I currently rent a lovely old house on the outskirts of Luang Nang, the rent is $400/month, the air pollution is not good in the burning season (I have a long-term chronic lung 'condition'), and I have no relatives here to call upon in times of dire need. I could rent a house for perhaps $300, but the savings are not huge.
My Thai ex #3 owns a modern, 2 bedroom house about 2km back from the Ao Nang beachfront. I persuaded her to buy this newly-built house (on a mortgage) many years ago as an investment, or in case her small hotel business in Phuket fails. Well, what with Covid and the general economic situation in Phuket, he hotel just ticks over and she is often unable to rent her house in Ao Nang, even for the monthly rent of 5,000 baht. She has had many problems paying the low monthly mortgage fee, but the house is not under any sort of repossession order (yet).
(I'm thinking aloud here!). I can rent her house for 5,000/month, (because she wants someone to live in the house to look after it, and to keep the bank happy with regular mortgage payments - she's not looking to make any profit). The burning season doesn't affect Krabi as bad as North Laos (We used to run a guesthouse together in Ao Nang about 16 years ago). The sea-air will be good for my lungs. Medical amenities are nearby (I don't need any regular medical facilities, but who knows as a get older).
For my retirement visa, I would need to use.. er .. available means! But I've done that before a few years ago and never had any problems.
So what would be the disadvantage of living in Ao Nang in my ex #3's house? I should emphasize that I've known this ex for more than 20 years, and although we were not suitable in a marriage (she doesn't do sex!!), we get on very well as very good friends. She is intelligent and honest, with zero interest in any kind of relationship, with either a Thai or foreigner.
Comments appreciated!
$1000? I assume you’re quoting per month which maybe a reasonable approximation although I don’t know why you didn’t quote the King’s pound! Should you have a private pension pot, all the better. Current UK full state pension is about £200 per week depending on marital status and having at least 30 years of paying in full NI contributions upon reaching the retirement age of 67 for men to qualify for full state pension. Sure, move anywhere you want to but do keep your passport up to date for any escape that may or not be required (you mention health issues) and to pick up some free spare choppers/specs whilst in the UK! The expense of international travel could be a problem but I guess you’ve covered this issue in the future pension budget.
As to be teaching the unteachable at 80 years young, that would seem an admirable goal to help negate the terminal boredom of living there full time in retirement, especially for an active mind.
Ao Nang, dunno, as I’ve only stayed there a couple of times, mainly just passing through. Myself, I would go back for a month to see if it still was for me as we sometimes remember times/places being better than they actually were. Up to you, Farang.
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2 minutes ago, CharlieH said:
Was that "Camp Coffee " , that was awful stuff, mostly chicory if I remember.
aye, that was it, dosed by the teaspoon to naughty kids!
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12 hours ago, The Cobra said:
I find as I am getting older that I often reflect back on how things have changed from when I was a kid. What do you remember ?
Here are some of the things that come to mind,
Dad starting the car with a handle.
Mother fighting with a clothes wringer
Lighting a fire in the living room.
Carrying coal
Lighting it with paraffin block firelighters.
Keeping pigeons as pets
Sunday night bathtime
Test card on TV
Only 2 channels
45, 33 and 78 records
Radiograms
Fruit salad, black-jacks, bronco busters
Coppers had capes that walked the street.
Milk delivered in glass bottles
Phonecall from a box in the street.
Party lines
Pathe News before the A and B movie
Saturday cinema
Saturday job in a Butchers
Sunday was a day of rest and everything was closed.
Playing "kick the can"
What do you remember ? Not what you were told about but actually remember from when you were a kid ?
Introduction of drinkable coffee. There was a liquid substitute coffee liquid that came in a bottle (can’t remember the name) that tasted awful.
No ‘alternative’ teas. Cocoa powder with hot creamy milk and sugar was a treat.
My hardworking mum having 3 jobs. I didn’t personally appreciate the sacrifices she made when we were kids until became an adult with responsibilities.
My dad introducing us to curry powder leading to a lifetime addiction to spicy food.
His wardrobe smelling of Old Spice after shave lotion and Brylcreem hair cream. He never used anything else.
A constipated Uncle Ron not reading the label on a bottle of Syrup of Figs and chugging the whole bottle down – we laughed like drains for a week after the outcome!
Riding old pedal petrol mopeds on the nearby disused railway line (the tracks long removed), again leading to a lifetime of riding motorcycles.
Having a paper round, a Saturday job, being a golf caddy and dragging wet coal sacks up the steep hill to where we lived….eeeee it were tuff but seemed quite normal, you just got on with it.
Collecting early Marvel comics – probably worth a few shillings now.
Living with neighbours that knew it each other and looked out for them. Everyone knew everyone.
Yer mates from school and what mischief we got up to.
The local chippy that didn’t cost an arm and a leg for a meal. Always a big queue on a Friday and I loved the onion vinegar supplied from the giant glass jar of pickled onions. Never got the gherkins thing though…
Collecting old stamps (later stolen by some scumbag) and an interest in astronomy. I remember the wonder of viewing the heavens through a proper telescope.
Keeping pets although my dad never liked or wanted a dog in the house.
Secondary school teachers with anger management issues, especially after they’d had a few scoops in the pub opposite the school at dinnertime.
The kindness of most adults when we were young.
Mum taking us to her Bingo club on a Thursday night – no problem for us boys as it meant plenty of crisps and coke all evening!
Disco/activity clubs for young lads and lasses to meet up and socialize and then a skateboard race home after.
You could buy a packet of 5 Park Drive cigarettes.
Party 7 beer cans, Old English Cider, milk stout and packets and packets of real crisps.
The one Chinese takeaway in town.
Sports day at school.
Walking for miles to get somewhere where there was no local transport in town. Never a problem.
Visits from the local chimney sweep. He kept champion winning sheep dogs and out-lived his wife and son. He never complained and had many interesting stories of his youth, one of which was riding speedway bikes at the Wimbledon Speedway.
Checking out the female babysitters.
Having jabs for various diseases.
My dad’s sister married a Canadian pilot (she was a WAAF in WW2) and emigrated to Canada after the war. She would send the occasional parcel of a round of extra strong mature Canadian cheese. It was delicious and until this day, I cannot eat mild cheeses.
My immediate neighbour was a Scottish man. We understood (my dad’s fault entirely) that his name was Jock and we called him that. Later, we kids discovered his real name was John although he or his wife never corrected us! His mum lived with them and used to feed Hedgehogs in the evening. I haven’t seen one for years now.
The trauma of my parent’s divorce and its affect later in life.
Searching for crabs amongst the mussel beds under the white chalk cliffs where folk sold cockles, mussels, large crabs and lobsters. Mum liked jellied Ells. Our opinion was that she was welcome to them and no, we didn’t want any!
A wee bit later, the importance of education and learning a trade.
Having proper seasons; it pretty much always snowed at Christmas and the other seasons followed their course.
Watching the first moon landing on an old black and white telly and loved watching Star Trek.
Dad always had his radio on somewhere in the house. He used to play piano at the local pub near his air-base during WW2.
The one coal fire in the house to huddle around during the cold winter. You could have hung meat for keeping in the other rooms. Going to bed with hot water bottles.
And so much more but I’ll leave it there for now. I had an operation yesterday and feeling a bit sore and groggy from the anesthetic this morning.
All those moments lost in time…pass me that tissue box would you please?
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8 hours ago, xylophone said:A friend of mine has just returned to Patong, so I will be out on Friday and also Saturday because I'm attending winetasting function at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel, although hopefully I don't get carried away with the winetasting – – as is my wont!
So there will be some more feedback, and even today I learnt a little bit more about Patong when I was shopping in Jungceylon.
I was talking to a girl I knew from way back, because she was now "manning" one of the property booths, and she is a very personable Thai lady with pretty good spoken English, so hopefully she will do well. As we were talking along came the manager, whom I have also known for a few years, and I commented on the fact that a friend of mine had rented here very cheaply and he agreed that the rents were coming down, not only in hotels, but also for apartments and condos in Patong.
I also asked if the Russians were still busy buying up in Laguna, and he said that it had died down quite markedly, and one of the reasons was their inability to be able to get money out of Russia, because apparently the Russian government was making it extremely difficult because they didn't want large amounts of money leaving the country at this particular time, either through transfers, companies or credit cards, so it seems like they are serious.
All up, it makes it more affordable for the everyday tourist.
However, whilst some of the Russians leaving is a bonus, I was very much reminded of the danger posed by the jaywalking Chinese, a couple of whom decided, along with their children, to step out in front of me without looking at all and when I screeched to a halt and tooted at them they turned and smiled.......firking idiots, and this is not the first time I've had this happen (many times in fact) so I wonder which is the lesser of two evils (or as Russell Crowe said in the movie "Master and Commander", the lesser of two weevils)?
Sir, may I suggest fitting one of these to your trusty steed to deal with those pesky wandering in the street folk?
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On 11/7/2022 at 3:10 AM, xylophone said:
Thanks for the information BTH and I'm sure you're right, given your expertise in this area, however I also do believe the water run-off from the hill on the other side of the road which was "re-routed" had something to do with it, this especially as the road collapse happened about three weeks after they had finished this so-called "remedial work"!! However I bow to your superior knowledge.
Yes the old Suzuki Swift is going well and is just about to clock up 40,000 km in just over 10 years, so not really used a great deal, however I will be trying the Patong-Kathu road today in order to buy some more wine.
Are you due over to this part of the world any time soon?? If you are, don't hesitate to give me a call so that we can catch up.
All the very best. Xylo
message sent
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5 hours ago, xylophone said:
my little Suzuki Swift
The trusty Suzi still going strong I see!
To the topic under discussion and my own 2 Baht as an Engineer:
The soil is mainly a sandy loam (sand & clay) with free drainage characteristics. From the photos shown so far, the removal of the road appears to show shear failure of the road metal where the movement of the underlying soil tends to slide due to the overbearing pressure/loading on the soil. The friction of the road foundation is unable to resist the shear force of the moving soil and fails. The movement does not ‘wash away’ foundations but alters the way one structure movement affects another structure (soil friction/angle.)
If, after some deliberation and cost analysis, the road is to be retained, the stabilization of the existing soil would be a priority before any works are undertaken. The use of piling/other systems would incur, due to the soil type, to be of some considerable depth for an effective retaining structure.
Long term, the slope in this location will continue to fail due to several factors; the removal of trees etc. and the current road alignment abandoned and a new road alignment built. The soil report, post failure, and its’ recommendations should reveal the mystery…
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On 8/21/2022 at 7:23 AM, xylophone said:Perhaps Bangla/Patong is becoming a place for wrinklies/misfits/uglies/fatties and oddities, so I'm not sure quite where I fit into that mix!!!
Sir, pray allow me to suggest a suitable identity to soothe your doubt in this area.
I suggest Handsome Man a most agreeable moniker.
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16 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:
Things which makes a bar noteworthy -
Pretty staff
decent priced booze
good food
music
Sir, you missed an equally valid reason; Staff Attitude.
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On 3/16/2022 at 3:14 AM, simon43 said:
[quote]
Daily News had pictures of a foreigner with a quite reasonable set of abs, with no explanation as to where they got this.
[/quote]
I would hazard a guess - daily workouts in the gym? ????
Not necessarily in the gym…about 7 quid on Ebay...
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3 hours ago, MichaelT1988 said:Is it worth applying for a UK visitor visa for a Thai Girlfriend I've only known for 3 months?
Sure, go for it; what could possibly go wrong?
If she’s as minted as you say, I’m sure she’ll have no problems financing the return tickets for the trip herself.
I strongly advise you buy a lucky-amulet as soon as you can.
Do bear in mind that the immigration mob here has heard every tale before and can sniff BS as quickly as any trained drug pooch.
My own observations have been that relationships between the two cultures tend to last longer if you are there. Should she jump all the hurdles and get here, keep her away from other Thai women. You’ll learn the hard way the reasons why.
Finally, give it time and really get to know her. If there is a snake hiding in the grass, it will show itself and should it appear, run Sir, run like the wind.
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1 hour ago, xylophone said:Going slightly off track here at the moment, however I have it on good authority from a lady who is friends with girls who work in a couple of very large bars in Bangla, that although the bar owners do test their staff for Covid, if they find that a particularly good worker (i.e. brings in the money) has Covid, then they ask them to wear a mask and don't report it.
Quite alarming if it is true, but then nothing surprises me here.
just make sure you carry one of these in ya back pocket and ask her to wear it...you can't be too careful now.
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5 hours ago, xylophone said:It has to be said that things are looking brighter, and on another note, a lady friend of mine who owns a massage shop was lamenting the fact that she couldn't get massage ladies for her second shop, and when I asked her why, she replied something along the lines of, "they think they can go to Bangla and pick up a Farang for a short time, and that's better than working full-time".
Perhaps it's always been that way?????
On that subject, I had noticed a decline in the last 5 years or so (pre-covid) in the quality of service given in said shops and trouble finding persons to deliver what it says on the tin. Laziness and ineptitude seemed to be the norm in many (too many) massage shops in Patong. I guess many lasses would not even bother with a days graft anywhere and just gravitate to selling their bumpy bits in Bangla, many forgetting that being even moderately pretty is a pre-requisite of the game.
Meanwhile, it’s an uncharacteristically mild 10 degrees here in outer earth, and a very quiet town as the folks get ready for the Christmas dinner, endure relatives they haven’t seen since last year, watch the excited faces of the kids as they unwrap their prezzies, the inevitable pointless arguments after too much booze, watch the same repeats on the telly, grandma and grandpa are already asleep on the couch still wearing crumpled paper party hats from the crackers, the Queen’s speech, the dog is very old now and cannot control its predilection for passing wind with monotonous regularity etc. Occasionally, some wizened harpy will quip to me “What do you men go to Thailand at Christmas for? Is it the women?” “No, says I, nothing special about the women, it’s just that I rather not be here listening to you.” Happy Christmas.
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8 hours ago, xylophone said:
Couldn't organise a p!ss up in a brewery comes to mind.
I've seen this quote translated in a UK travel brochure as "Bustling with Character." ????
Those grid frames on Nanai do look a wee bit slippy when wet and on a motosai...
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4 hours ago, London Lowf said:However, at the end of last week the predominant wind seemed to shift from westerly to easterly and the last few days have been pretty good with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. The downside is that the sewers are starting to stagnate and, for the first time this visit, last night I got that nostalgic aroma on a couple of occasions as I was walking along Bangla!
This item was covered in a previous topic regarding the drainage in Patong and subsequent work on the existing drainage works along the main pipework routing, appears to have done little to alleviate the poorly designed and constructed network in the town. Having a combined network of open foul water and surface water, with open grate covers over pipework laid to level inverts and upstream flows from new construction work silting up the manhole chambers, what could possibly go wrong?
The existing treatment works capacity to deal with the additional flows into the works was exceeded and untreated sewage would have been by-passed into the sea; Patong bay in this case. With the reduction of tourists, there’ll have been a substantial reduction in peak foul water flows from hotels etc. but this would not have the same effect on the existing flows through an already overburdened and poorly design system.
A tourist (from Germany) mentioned to me once about the ‘aromatics’ coming from the sewers.
I said ‘Sir, please remember, in any other country in the world you'd have to pay to get into the zoo. Here, it’s all entirely free!'
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On 12/5/2021 at 4:45 AM, London Lowf said:I did have a silly episode on Friday - I have been using the Blue Lotus bar quite regularly and usually buy a beer for a couple of the girls - in fact one is on to me the minute I sit down which I think is a bit cheeky. On Friday I saw an empty table at Heroes Bar opposite and so parked myself there - the girl from BL spotted me, gave me the evil eye and very animated throat-slashing gestures, and then pointed me out to her boss. Obviously, I will never set foot in that bar again so what was she hoping to achieve? Sometimes the Thais seem to have a very strange approach to running a business and encouraging custom.
Sir, I suggest you made her lose face amongst her university graduate friends and I refer you to page 66 of the ‘Manual of Guidance Notes for Expats, Mongers and Newbe’s in Thailand’.
Section 2.1 specifically refers to the vagaries of ‘Misunderstandings’ between the cultures.
In this instance, a ‘misunderstanding’ has occurred:
You thought she was indicating a cut-throat and visit to the local prawn farm for you.
How she would explain this, to a BIB for example, was that she was simply indicating you needed a shave and was just telling her boss that.
The manual advises that you remain calm, pull your stomach in, look the other way and under no circumstances wobble over to her bar and bar-fine one of her mates. Simples really.
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12 hours ago, xylophone said:
the words of a song by Joe Jackson came to mind......
Still touring, new tour starting in Ireland next year. ????
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Comparing the old photo with the current 2021 view.
Note the similar roof shape of the structure to the right of Bangla Road (old with green tiles and dormer) and current image (brown tiles and same dormer construction) – Location of grounds to Patong Beach Hotel.
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3 hours ago, Olmate said:Yep.. I was there in 75... nothing like the great photo.
Probably on the money there, Chief.
This photo was taken looking up Bangla, circa mid to late 70’s.
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On 11/27/2021 at 10:14 AM, KarenBravo said:Soi Sansabai, before the third road was built was a small, dead-end Soi. At the end of it, was a housing project call Baan Benjamus. I think eventually, these were all bought out a few years after they were built as the land-price started to rocket.
The south side units were small bars, some with pool-tables. The North side units were mainly small restaurants. Pizzeria moved there away from their original place that was in front of what is now Jungceylon. Later on, they stayed in Soi Sansabai, but switched sides.
The Yorkshire in was there as was a small bar that served great fish'n'chips. The bar was named after the rather down and out looking owner. His name escapes me.
The Soi really wasn't big enough to have a night out in. It was used for a quick bite and a beer before hitting Bangla.
Yep, definitely a dead-end! Aeriel photo circa late 1970’s ??
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23 hours ago, xylophone said:
Well BTH, little side Sois are no longer there, and when you ventured through them and onto the car park, indeed there were a few bars which had set up shop on the perimeter of it, including a few in the middle, and the large music bar on the far side was called, "Hippie Road Bar" and occasionally had a good band playing there.
However that's all disappeared now, along with the other bars around it because they've all been knocked down, waiting for a hotel development by the looks of things.
Earlier on, there was one Indian restaurant in the Soi, called the, Indian Curry Club (ICC) however in recent times another one opened up, quite a bit larger and painted inside and out in vivid white which gave one the impression of being in a mortuary, so it's no wonder it had hardly any customers!
As KarenBravo has said, the Italian/pizza place on the right-hand side heading towards Bangla moved across the road some while ago and IMO also improved its food.
There were bars down there although I only frequented one called, "Wicked Bar" which was bought by three Kiwi guys, and it was quite a lively place at one time, although before that it was run by an Aussie and was called "Billabong Bar" and I occasionally watched sport in it.
Later on when the Yorkshire Inn was taken over and cleaned up, by a guy called Paul, I think his name was, the food was very good and I enjoyed a few good meals there with visiting friends who wanted some traditional English fayre.
There are still a couple of other small restaurants down there, one of them being in the front of the Summer Breeze small hotel, and I have attended a couple of Christmas dinners there, and they were good.
As KB has said, it wasn't really big enough to have raging night out, but was worth a visit for the food at the Yorkshire and/or the sport there or at the Billabong bar.
PS. Also sad to note that the entrance to Soi Sansabai, off what is known as "middle road" has had the top section of it completely demolished; that would be the section opposite the restaurant/hotel/pool place called Chang??
Posted a couple of days ago on YouTube; Sansabai from about 8 minutes on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVjMYW_oZfE
Yes, I remember the ICC (Indian Curry Club) in Sansabai. I would often fuel up in there before heading off for the night. Not a bad curry either.
The soi looks very different at the top end now as the usual cash-cows/investors are absent.
Wonder where they’re storing all those unused tuk-tuks?
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On 11/25/2021 at 2:48 AM, xylophone said:One of the highlights of my evening was the fact that "The Yorkshire Inn" was open and still serving good food!
A few notes on Soi Sansabai.
When I used to stay in Patong, I would always stay in the Alexander Hotel in Soi Sai Kor, run by American Dave and his missus, Pim. When leaving the hotel in the evening heading and for Bangla (as in more recent years, other options for the party trail had either disappeared or had gone forever), I would wobble down Sansabai on-route to the local Circus Maximus known as Bangla Road.
During its halcyon days, Sansabai had quite a life of its own with cheap digs for the cheap Charlies, massage shops, lots of eateries, 7/11’s and wot not. There were side soi’s lined with bars full of lasses too old for Bangla and mainly built for comfort, leading to the car park which had a few open bars and was the location for a very friendly live music bar (XP, remind us of the name please). I spent many a night here when I got bored of Bangla and it was only a short stagger back to the hotel, often at 3 or 4 in the morning. Lovely non-hassling staff, no lady boys and very popular with bikers too.
Further down the soi, were the eateries, mainly Pizza or curry houses of varying ambience and quality, some soi facing bars where ancient gentlemen that had forgotten to go home, sat nailed to bar stools, sipping from a bottle of cheap brew. These stools were always fully occupied as they would have offered the perfect seat for people watching and letching at the painted bar lasses going to work in Bangla.
Then, motosai parking was a free-for-all, park wherever you can affair, and with vehicles going up or down plus the evening foot traffic, there was always a bottle neck at the bottom end. The buzz was hustle and never pushy, indeed a good place to fuel up, steady the tiller and head over the road to a totally different type of temple.
So, apart from The Yorkshire Hotel, what is left there now? XP may have some updates on the subject.
I can only go back to circa 2001 and know nowt of what that area was like before that time. We need somebody little more, ahem sage, to embroider the story of Sansabai. I believe LIK (as he is mentioned in the Domesday Book) may have some notes to impart on the subject. Others, feel free to chime in with your memories.
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1 hour ago, xylophone said:Ventured out on Tuesday evening, with a couple of friends, to celebrate my 74th birthday and I chose to eat at the "Yorkshire Inn", and it was a good decision because the food was excellent, the place was as clean as a new pin and the owner/manager Mike, was a great host.
The menu had some of the old favourites like steak and ale pie, lasagna, and fish and chips, along with various steaks and a selection of Thai favourites; so a well-balanced menu and not pricey at all.
After that it was down to Bangla, which was surprisingly crowded, considering that up to 10 bars/restaurants have been closed on the pretext that they were too noisy, however common knowledge has it that a couple of girls had tested positive for Covid and had visited these very places, so the authorities closed them down.
That didn't stop the crowds mingling in and around Bangla and it was very lively, and good to see the Blue Lotus Café (formerly Smiley Bar) doing brisk business, although just along a bit at the entrance to Soi Sea Dragon, the front bar which was previously literally swarming with ex Suzie Wong girls, was closed, so I've no idea where they went.
The big Bar Funk was closed as was Sweeties and New York, leaving only Red Hot as the major music bar, so that's where I ended up, and it was packed.
Good to see it was doing a roaring trade, this especially as the band are exceptionally good, and their rendition of a couple of "Queen" songs was brilliant. I couldn't match them in that department, however got some great applause for, "It's My Life", "Don't Stop Believing and "Summer of 69" and that was most pleasing as it made my evening. However 11 PM came round all too soon and it was off home on the back of a motorbike taxi.
Despite all of the problems, Bangla and Patong are fighting hard to stay alive and offer something to the tourists as well as the locals, so that's very encouraging and long may it continue.
74? C’mon XP, fess up (again), I have it from a very reliable source, Joy from the ‘Clown’s Pocket Bar’, that you told her you were a totally believable 61 years young.
“their rendition of a couple of "Queen" songs was brilliant. I couldn't match them in that department,”
Indeed, prancing around the stage wearing Freddy’s trademark tight black leggings and luxuriant moustache may have bought in the BIB who would have closed the bar in such an event. I understand that after your applauded renditions, knickers were thrown onto the stage? Well done Sir.
Happy Birthday.
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1 hour ago, GrandPapillon said:
link? always game for a funny story to read ????
This reminded me that I hadn’t heard from Phet for many years. I assume he’s now retired and tapping out his memoirs somewhere in the west midlands of England.
This link shows he was still scribbling tales of Lalaland after we met up in Bangkok in 2011 for a pizza and a few scoops of ale.
https://brokenmanrepaired.wordpress.com/page/2/
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Is Britain going to let these young people die?
in What the Papers are Saying
The whole argument nailed hard in one line. Nice one Pop’s.