The Road Less Traveled

By Pattaya Pete

In keeping with this month's Pattaya's Animal Kingdom theme I would like to touch on the topic from the standpoint of someone who lives here with his own kind of animal planet. For those of you who may be reading this with the eyes of a Tourist, you might come to realize that underneath what might look like craziness in terms of the people who have decided to live here there is a normalcy for some of us that in some respect could be compared to living in the "civilized world".

The way one lives in Thailand is a varied as the many different people presently residing here. Some prefer having the companionship of a husband, wife, or children. Still others find it quite feasible in Thailand (read affordable) to have several "Boarders or Guests" over for "sleep-overs" living a life that could be comparable to any rock star. For me personally, I have always found plenty of entertainment and comfort in Animal Husbandry. I recently purchased a pair of Bengal Cats that set me back a month's salary and they are a fine addition to the goose, rabbits, snakes, turtles, fish, iguana, and birds that constitute my animal kingdom family.

Of course being free and single allows me to live an unencumbered lifestyle with the responsibilities that one realizes caring for so many animal guests. Presently this hobby costs me approximately 7,000 Baht per month in just food and basic care. Still I suppose it's slightly cheaper than having a steady girlfriend and my dog seldom questions where I've been.

When it really comes down to it, living the way you really want to live can make a profound difference in one's life. Some of the best times I've had in Thailand have been spent at the local Fishing Park or in my yard watching the many different dramas unfold. In my humble opinion, living is a process of sharing, giving and taking love wherever and whenever you can find it. Life can be found in Pattaya in it's people and in those we share our special moments with and yes even with Pattaya's Animal Kingdom.