The Road Less Traveled

By Pattaya Pete

Welcome To Pattaya – From Wherever You May Be From.

After you've been in the tropics and specifically Thailand for a while, the holidays sometimes don't seem to have the appeal they once had when you were younger and residing in your home country. The combination of warm sunny weather and Buddhist customs that sometimes masks a holiday environment is perpetuated primarily by the many Tourists that enjoy their December/January time here.

Conversely, in Bangkok, around this time period, you can see Sukhumvit Road dressed in holiday fashion with even an occasional Santa Claus and Christmas Tree, which for a Buddhist country, is another testimony of religious tolerance as well as a reason for the local Thais to participate in the party. Living here as I do, it's particularly nice at this time to meet the different holiday makers coming here and it's not un-common to form new long lasting relationships. The difficulty of course is knowing, that at some point, goodbyes will be shared with hopes that we will meet again next year.

It's interesting when you think about it that as much as the Tourist depends on the environment and its people for a good memorable holiday time, the people who live here, both Foreigners and local Thais also depend on the Tourist / Holiday Maker for their holiday enjoyment as well. That Foreigner from England, France, Iraq or the U.S. grounds everyone who lives here in a much needed reality and makes the holiday experience much more memorable than if you never would have come at all. So this month's column is dedicated to you. We are both lucky that you are here. Don't be afraid to get to know the Foreigner sitting next to you or the local Thai.

Don't worry about language differences. Usually a simple handshake, or smile will do. This party will be one we all will remember for the rest of our lives. Happy Holidays and welcome to Pattaya from all of us who live here to you wherever you may be from.