Popular Post Panserhansen Posted June 11, 2012 Popular Post Posted June 11, 2012 As some know, I live in the province between Toledo and Balamban. Next week, we're off to a holiday in Thailand - my spouse and two young boys, as well as a yaya, her cousin, so we can sneak out in the evening after bed time. One may question why we go from one holiday country to another. There are several reasons, the main thing is my father lives there, so we'll be able to spend some time with him - we see him about twice a year only. We want to get away on our vacation, becuase the family here is pretty big and we want a more peaceful month. Another thing, is that it's easier to be a tourist in Thailand. I think it's easier to live in the Philippines, but easier to be a tourist in Thailand. The infrastructure is better, they are more used to tourists, they have an international cuisine to choose from(although thai food is wonderful itself), and the beaches are public. There is also one more thing that struck my mind today. Living in the province, you are so easily noticed. People shouting "Hi Joe", "Pssst", all the time. One time I walked from our place to Toledo, about 7 km. I actually counted 120 greetings along the way. 100 "hey" or "where you going" and about 20 "hi Joe". This is so common in the province. Going to the mall, supermarket or even worse, the wet market - you know that all eyes are on you. Some people probably think I'm arrogant because I seldom return the "hi's" or "hey's", except to children. That's ok, I simply cannot return all of them. It's fun in the beginning but not every day. Jomtien is our destination, about 10-15 minutes from Pattaya. We're renting a large modern, fully furnished 2BR condo with sea view for about 40K peso. 1 minute to the beach. Pattaya is well known for its adult scene, but Jomtien is more quiet and laidback. Lots of restaurants, a nice baywalk where you can bring the stroller, swimming pool at the condo and things to do like elephant village, zoos, snake shows and other things. Several families there. We'll also head up north for a week or so. There will be plenty of tourists, which actually is a good thing. We probably won't hear a single "hi joe" during our stay. They are used to tourists here, so nobody will raise an eyebrow when we're strolling the baywalk. The beach is public with plenty of parasoles and beach chairs. 40 bath(60 peso) and you have a table, chairs and a parasole all day. Just raise your hand and the service staff will run to you with a cold beer, water, fruits or thai food, which I love. There will be vendors selling fruits, shrimps, crabs, henna tattoos, and other stuff. Just ignore them and they walk by. I think when you live in the Philippines, it's important to get out of the country at least once a year to get another perspective. I am definately looking forward to be a tourist in Thailand! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curley Posted June 11, 2012 Posted June 11, 2012 I've just had a month in Chiang Mai, the second biggest city in Thailand, very cosmopolitan, Jomtien is quite good but being taken over by the Russians, I love it but you cannot beat the Fillipinas! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonjack2847 Posted June 11, 2012 Posted June 11, 2012 Making me jealous have not been to Jomtien since February. The water park at the Pataya end is also a good day out. Have you ever been to Rayong? now that is peaceful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adventurer Posted June 11, 2012 Posted June 11, 2012 (edited) i know what you mean in some provinces like there where you live you are a side show attraction... I enjoy friendly greetings but not so much the sniggers, laughing at you not with you sort of thing.. but overall i enjoy the Philippines and it does depend where you live, where I live in the beach resort area these days they are used to foreigners so you fit n more and the locals are very polite, not like some other provinces I have been to where they bug you for a ride etc and won't take no for an answer. I would love to go to Thailand as I would enjoy their cuisine so much, it would be food heaven for me... Edited June 11, 2012 by Adventurer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panserhansen Posted June 11, 2012 Author Posted June 11, 2012 I've just had a month in Chiang Mai, the second biggest city in Thailand, very cosmopolitan, Jomtien is quite good but being taken over by the Russians, I love it but you cannot beat the Fillipinas! Been to Chiang Mai before, nice town. Well, I bring my own :-) Making me jealous have not been to Jomtien since February. The water park at the Pataya end is also a good day out. Have you ever been to Rayong? now that is peaceful. Yes, looking forward to bring the kids to the water park. Never been to Rayong yet.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curley Posted June 11, 2012 Posted June 11, 2012 I would love to go to Thailand as I would enjoy their cuisine so much, it would be food heaven for me... Just chuck in handfuls of chillis to any meal.... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cebu rocks Posted June 12, 2012 Posted June 12, 2012 I would love to go to Thailand as I would enjoy their cuisine so much, it would be food heaven for me... Just chuck in handfuls of chillis to any meal.... :) I wish it was that easy (I do chuck handfuls in my meals) galangel,basil, cilantro,mint,fresh limes,and lots of vegys make Thai food great . most of it hard to source in the RP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnMyWay Posted June 12, 2012 Posted June 12, 2012 We're renting a large modern, fully furnished 2BR condo with sea view for about 40K peso. How long are you renting for, for 40K? A week? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panserhansen Posted June 12, 2012 Author Posted June 12, 2012 We're renting a large modern, fully furnished 2BR condo with sea view for about 40K peso. How long are you renting for, for 40K? A week? Three weeks in Jomtien, then later a week up north. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnMyWay Posted June 12, 2012 Posted June 12, 2012 We're renting a large modern, fully furnished 2BR condo with sea view for about 40K peso. How long are you renting for, for 40K? A week? Three weeks in Jomtien, then later a week up north. That sounds so nice! Even though I have been "retired" for over 2 months now, I have been working my butt off and a long vacation would be so welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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