Three Weeks With My Brother: 2.1

Feb. 4-5, 2016

We didn't have room for all our guests in our condo.  Luckily, there is a hotel on the property, so Ron and L stayed just across the parking lot from us.  They caught up on some z's in the morning, and the other guys headed to Dongtan Beach, just south of us.  Later, Ron, L and I took a short walk up the hill, and saw the back of the "Pattaya City" sign.  We went over to the beach and had a nice lunch at Sandbar By the Sea.  Bob and P joined us toward the end.  We were without the driver, who was picking Tim up from work, so Ron, L and I walked up the road from the beach to grab a taxi.  We decided to ride a Baht bus for a bit (they don't go all the way to our condo), and jumped on one that was very full.  It took us perhaps half-way back, then we hit the pavement again.  This stretch of road was really hot and busy with traffic.  We started looking for a taxi, but it took quite a while before we found one.  We were ready to cool off in the pool by the time we got back.  B, P and M got back a short time later.

The back of the "Y" in "Pattaya"

A lunch companion

For my sister who owns Shenanigans
in Houghton Lake, MI

We all had dinner together back at the condo - so great to share our home with family, if only for a couple of days.  Ron and L turned in, and the rest of us were convinced to go out to Walking Street.  This was the last chance for Bob, P and M to see it.  We had a good time and laughed a lot, stopping at the "Sugar Shack" for drinks.  The ladies seemed thrilled to have customers, but were a bit challenged by orders for something other than beer.  We guessed they were looking up directions for how to make them.  We were amused that they brought them to the table one at a time, with great discussion behind the bar between appearances.

Stuffed animal cart passing behind M at Sugar Shack

A street vendor got Tim's attention, determined to sell him a wrist band from her trove of trinkets.  The interaction between the two of them was very entertaining, to say the least!  He did, after intense negotiations, purchase a wristband.  A baht bus ride took us home.

Friday was B, P and M's last day with us.  Tim had to go to work, so Ron and L joined the four of us for a lovely breakfast next door at the Sheraton Hotel.  Then the guys got their things packed up while I pulled the sheets for a quick wash.  Ron and L would be moving over to our place for the next few days.  They checked out of their hotel room and brought their things over.

Morning coffee on the deck

Ron was interested in having a suit made while he was here, so the six of us squeezed into the car with Mick, and he drove us over to see AMA Tailors.  We were welcomed us like old friends; the owner amazingly called me by name and asked after Tim.  A tray of cold drinks was presented, and we sat in our "usual" spot.  Ron made his selections and got measured, while the guys wandered around the corner.












Next, we headed up to the north end of town to my favorite tea shop, Tea Village.  Both Vee and Lita were there, and generously spent a great deal of time with our group, allowing us to sample many different teas and sharing their vast tea knowledge.  We learned that some Thais believe Blue Pea Tea, or Butterfly Tea, will make one's hair darker; some even put it directly on a baby's head and eyebrows.  We saw the pictures to prove it.  The ginger tea was a big hit with everyone, and we all went away with a bag.

Afterward, Mick dropped us up on Big Buddha Hill, where we enjoyed the view.  A huge crowd of Indian tourists filled the stairs for photographs, so we waited for them to finish before heading up.  Bob picked up a cage of birds to release at the top.  When we finished, we made the trek down the hill and back to the condo in the hot and humid afternoon sun.  We all hit the pool and cooled off, then got ready for dinner.

Now we were eight, including the driver, and got really cozy for the drive to dinner at the Glass House.  We had a delightful meal on the beach as the sun set, and watched Chinese lanterns being sent to the heavens; a fitting celebration of our time together.

Mick dropped us back and the condo and drove B, P and M to the airport.  I so enjoyed our time together, and hope it will not be too long before we see each other again.  Bon voyage!