Essence of Pattaya

I lie to you not people...this IS the essence of Pattaya! This seaside tourist destination is all about old men sporting the infamous banana hammock who come here to woo the young Thai women (and men in some cases)! Welcome to Pattaya! Not only is playful Pattaya the sex capitol of the world, but it does have some nice little beaches to lounge on. Less than 2 hours from Bangkok, it makes a perfect weekend getaway, which was just what Lauren, Thomas and I needed!

We arrived in Pattaya around lunchtime after easily hopping on the bus in Bangkok. The bus system in Thailand is pretty good - you can get anywhere you want at a moment's notice. There is no need to pre-book tickets here. All you have to do it show up, hop on and head to wherever your heart desires (it is Thailand after all). After arriving in Pattaya, our hearts took us to the a world-famous transvestite attraction!

The Tiffany Show is Southeast Asia's first transvestite cabaret show! Open for over 28 years, the show has literally put Pattaya on Thailand's tourist map. The show originally featured just a few ladyboys belting out all the famous hits of Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. However, now the Tiffany Show is a full-blown theatre experience, complete with colorful, gaudy costumes and an array of musical numbers. My favorite? It definitely had to be the manly-looking moop belting out our sister Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." Exquisite!

After taking in the glitz and glamour of Miss Tiffany's, we spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and soaking in the blue skies of Pattaya! Laying on the beach provided endless opportunities to count creepy old men who venture to Pattaya for reasons none of us really want to know about! I also got to quell my craving for more Indian food at Pattaya's numerous Indian curry houses and do a bit of shopping at the lovely street markets. All in all, definitely a good weekend (super cultural, may I add)!

Unfortunately, the week back to school has been dragging on FOR-EV-ER! It's finally Friday tomorrow and just one week until payday, hallelujah! Also unfortunately, I don't think I am going to run the marathon/half-marathon, which would have been this weekend. With all the shenanigans of the month, I was totally unable to fully prepare for the race. However, Thomas and I have decided to try and enter the NYC Marathon in November, so watch out for me then!

Breaking awesome news! There is a new 7-11 convenience store opening up right around the corner outside Lauren and I's mooban! Let's just say, we couldn't be more excited! It saves us at least a 5 minute walk (10 minutes there and back), which means we can totally make late-night 7-11 runs for yogurt, weird Thai snacks, water, Cornetto ice cream cones and of course, stock up on phone cards. I think this 7-11 has to be like number 8,000 or something in Thailand, seriously. Well, take care all and the weekend is upon us, so get excited!