Editor’s Notebook
PATTAYA THAILAND, ATTRACTS TOURISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WHICH ADDS TO THE INTEREST OF THE RESORT CITY WITH ITS BEACHES, RESTAURANTS, MARKETS, ENTERTAINMENTS AND ATTRACTIONS, WRITES FLOYD COWAN. BUT EXPECT EVEN MORE.
PPattaya Thailand has a reputation. Certainly one that is deserved, but the resort city is much more than Walking Street and girlie bars.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
When I go for a morning jog along the 6k stretch of Jomtien beach, or when I get on the public transport, or when visiting Jomtien’s Night Market the unexpected can usually be expected. What makes this likely is the diverse mix of tourists. Russians, Chinese, British seem to be in greatest numbers complete with a sprinkling of people from everywhere else in the world.
This is why I like the Jomtien Night Market. I do occasionally buy things there, but mostly I spend my time waiting for Farah who likes to browse and carefully check everything out. I like to wait. I get a small jug of beer and find a place to sit and watch the world drift by. It is always interesting – just starting with clothes – some people believe they have become Thai, others seem to believe they have embarked on a safari into the wildest of jungles and all too many are wearing t-shirts with slogans that should have been retired some time ago. There are elaborate tattoos and body piercings. As there is music blaring from a small stage where children usually dance the adults get into it too. It is peacefully wild.
MAKING FRIENDS
As I usually sit alone at a table for four people always ask if they can sit with me. I’ve made friends, we’ve met up and gone for lunch, I’ve added Facebook friends and communicated with people with whom I don’t share a common language.
It is similar with the public transport which some people call Bhat Buses as you pay 10bhat and can travel long distances for that fare. The bus is a pick-up truck with benches on each side and at the back over the bumper is a space where people stand. Depending on the size of the individuals, six people can sit per side. Except when there is a drunk Russian lady – well hey, it was already 4:00 in the afternoon – who squeezes herself into the smallest of space, sitting on the edge of the seat, and seemingly oblivious to everything and everyone around her. Not always as much fun as when a large odorous person squeezes in next to you while you pray he gets off soon.
THE ART OF JOMTIEN
Jomtien beach is colourful with wooden fishing boats, yachts with names such as Mr Art, rainbow hued umbrellas shading beach beds, seafood being cooked on small charcoal burners, and the great variety of humanity that ranges from those showing off their incredibly flabby bodies to those who are very fit.
On one morning run I saw a young lady who was doing the yoga position the Chakrasana. Palms on the ground, body arched and the soles of her feet flat on the ground. Impressive enough as such. However, she had a young child on her stomach. One way to babysit. Further along were two people bowing before an orange robed monk. It all creates a mood.
CLEANING UP
Another morning, as I made my way to the beach, I could hear a dog loudly mewling. It sounded like he was in pain, but not quite. I spied him laying on the sidewalk with a lady wearing a motorcycle helmet bending over him. At first, I thought she had run into the dog and was trying to help it, but as I watched I realized she was cleaning his ears with a long swab. The dog wasn’t resisting or kicking its legs, just mewling loudly. Nearby, two other dogs watched from a safe distance. When she had finished, with a big smile on its face, the dog leapt to its feet vigorously wagging its tail. Yes, dogs can smile. She had a plastic bag of food that he happily helped himself to while she checked along his spine.
There is much to enjoy about Pattaya, though I am not sure I would have the same attitude if a passing motorcyclist leapt from his bike, pinned me to the sidewalk and commenced to cleaning my ears. Though certainly they usually do need it. It would reinforce my belief, that in Pattaya, always expect the unexpected.
Floyd Cowan Editor-in-chief