After my recent 90 day, my 16th visit since 2004,first since 2019 and COVID. I was looking things over to see if I really wanted to stay for retirement. I stayed in a furnished condo (the Base). I originally stayed a few nights at the hard rock hotel using points I earned from the Florida Hard Rock casinos I had. One of the staff there had a wife who was a real estate agent and plugged into the area. It worked out well. Tv channel and internet was excellent. Was quiet room. couch was very comfy and often I slept on that. Kitchen and fridge were fine. AC was fine. Roof top pool not very good. Nowhere near enough lounge chairs. no cushions of course. Road traffic on Second road and Pattaya klang bumper to bumper during Dec-Feb. Low sugar Coke tastes horrible. Still hard or impossible to get Florida Orange juice Not from Concentrate. Thai tangerine or whatever juice just doesn't make the grade. Orange juice served at restaurants is no good. its just yech. Did enjoy the various breakfast choices thought at Hungry Hippo. Robinhood Nest, and others. Laundry shop run by lady just off of soi bukhao was fantastic. BKK arrival and departure really no issues. Immigration lines were not long. I arrived Dec 7, 11 am. Carry on only. A bit of a walk from the EVA terminal. Not an issue for me as I travel light. BKK BTS sky train still a bargain. I am in no hurry and enjoy looking out the window. I do miss the availability of seats as the cars are now pretty busy and less places to sit. I used to ride the BTS all around bangkok. Can't beat the massage prices and availability. I noticed many massage shops in Pattaya were now open earlier in the morning than they used to. Barber haircut lady on Soi Bukhao was great. Quick #4 buzz all around, in and out. Nice to chat with too. Ladyboys more prevalent than in years past. No hassles or problems though. Walking Street a dissapointment. So many of the older places are closed. Oh well. Soi 7 and Soi 8 changed so much. Closed hotels. Gosh, Eastiny Place was my first stay back in 2004. They had a great travel office. Moto Taxis still work fine for the occasional direct travel versus baht bus. Still love the baht bus. I don't drive when over there. Pattaya very convenient for me, being a walker. Several meals at Cooper spoon. Very very nice and highly recommend it. German restaurants north end of Pattaya were pretty good past Terminal 21. Area really grown up over the years. Big Buddha top of the hill still a joy to visit. Chinese Pavilion just below the top and to the left as you walk up is greatly overlooked and worth a visit walk around. South Pattaya absolutely surprised by the number of Indians. Still hate the tree hack job all along Beach Road. Harsh night stadium lights. I remember when there was shade trees, park benches even flower beds dating back to 2004 my first visit. High level stuff: whatever the over 180 day stay in country may actually mean for taxation reporting. So hate the fact the USA and other embassies no longer do the Retirement extension income affidavit. Not a new issue. been that way for many years now. Might just visit 179 days each year going forward after I dosh up from this job. Time will tell. Plane fare from USA (LAX) EVA Premium Economy $2,700 USD, Up until 2019 used to be <$1,700 USD.
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