The flight was sort of OK outbound. The return was awful. 1970's package flight to Spain seat pitch. Sardine City, dreadful food, poor service because of understaffing, a drink if one could get it....I won't name the airline but at one time they were very good. Such are the effects of the last three years.
My first impression after a gap of five years was, more expensive, again after recent times it had to be more expensive. Bangkok appeared much the same with some places disappeared and others modernised. My favourite fish restaurant 'Somboon' was just as good as before but again more expensive. I was surprised however at the demise of Pantip, the 5 floors of technology now a ghost building. Areas closed and shuttered down, with very few companies offering products. Gone are the days of the many small holdings selling allegedly copy dvd's, repair services and computer equipment sales. An 'Alladin's Cave' of modern technology. After some enquiries I discovered that many now order online. A couple of names were offered. I prefer my old Pantip, oh well such is progress?
I found a truly great restaurant in Soi 4 , Sukhumvit. The sign advertised the Swan Club with an appropraite Swan. Restaurant, bar advertised live music. I enjoyed the food and the friendly staff. Highly recommended.
I took a taxi called Pim to Pattaya and stayed in the Na Kleaua area. Brilliant accommodation for the price. Walking around I noticed a hotel called Quba, defined as 'Boutique'. I was suddenly a long way away in the island of Cuba. I sensed the ghost of Ernest Hemingway.
I found the infamous 'Walking Street' disappointing, a provence of India, or so it seemed. The traditional British, American, German etc. Have now moved to LK Metro and that is where the old atmosphere of 'Walking Street' now resides. Much else is similar, with some modernisations and new places. Again prices higher but still cheap compared with Western Europe, especially the hotels. It may have been my perception but I found the party atmosphere was not quite there, numbers have returned, at least during March. Yet, that certain fun atmosphere was not quite as I remember.
