Pattaya baptism ~ LB-69

I write this report because I have a compelling urge to share my experiences with people I know will empathise with me. Also, I would like to give back something to the many members on this site whose posts were influencial in the planning of my first (but definately not last) trip to Thailand.

Destination: Jasmine Hotel Pattaya (Forum recommendation). Wrong location for a first timer. Nice place but the location makes it too full on. You have to walk through Walking Street to get to it and that means walking a gauntlet of hookers, hawkers, merchants, proactive taxi cab drivers & beggars. Can't fault it but next time I'll stay in a hotel not so central.

First impressions: The town is not pretty, its noisey, its got heavy traffic and I get the occasional whiff of rotten garbage. Im not impressed, but I didn't come here to study town planning. As its my first trip outside Europe I put it down to a culture shock.

First night: A little nervous I go for a reconnaissance walk to
locate the bars and clubs of particular interest (forum recommended) and get a general feel for the place. I get as far as Rita's Bar ( 10 meters from Jasmine ) before Im tempted in to sample the beer, LB's (Vicky & Nad) and short time rooms. All of which are just fine by me.
Later on I stagger down to Jenny Star Bar where I have a brief encounter with a gorgeous LB called Paula.
However, I never returned to Star Bar. Its on Walking Street and within hours of being in Pattaya I began to find this area's mix of street sellers, touts, endless gogo bars and non sexually motivated tourists (so god knows why they're there) quite off putting.

Second night: Decide to try out the much discussed 131 Club. After a 10 minute stroll down the beach front and endless harassment from Indian tailors trying to sell me bespoken suits and shirts I finally reach my destination.
What can I say: I was quite impressed. Its small but feels exclusive. Its dark but its not seedy. Its exactly as I'd hoped.
I spent several nights there and met quite a few "girls". I played pool, talked with staff and patrons, used the short time rooms and generally soaked up the atmosphere. What I found really interesting was watching the staff at work; when a customer comes in they naturally try to seduce them. Some guys are very relaxed with this attention, some are quite embaressed and some are quite nervous. I must admit my first few visits to ladyboy bars made me quite nervous but, like everything, once you've done it a few time it becomes easier.
I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Janny, Kwang, Song, Cartoon and Noon. Its an experience that has literally changed my life.

Third night : Decided that although ladyboys were my main aim I should at least try out the real girls. I thought a stroll down Walking Street would surely produce some top quality poon; I was right.
Her name was Am and she appeared out of nowhere as I aimlessly wandered through the crowds. I couldn't keep my eyes of her as she walked passed wearing a short red summer dress and strappy high heels: an absolute model of femininity.
Anyway it wasn't long before we were heading to her room which was coincidently right next to the Jasmine. Once inside we kissed lightly before lying on the bed. I wanted to savour the moment and didn't push for sex. Instead I was content to sit and chat and simply observe this gorgeous creature.
This is where fate taught me a valuable lesson about myself.
Just before we began to get a little more intimate she had a revelation for me that she hoped I wouldn't find too upsetting. Yes she was a he. I appears that even when I want a girl Im hopelessly attracted to ladyboys. That was it for the rest of the holiday my attention was fixed on the "more exotic".

I feel my trip to Thailand has changed me for ever. Wether its for good or bad only time will tell. I have not included everything that happened to me because I would have to write thousand of words but I hope someone reading it will get a more balanced idea of this strange, mad, wonderful town.
I am already planning my next trip probably in January. The UK and everyone in it seems so mundane now. I find this a very dangerous thought. its like a drug: once you come down from one high you immediately start thinking about the next. However, I think the experience can be benificial in a way: it creates a focus. I have a goal worth working for. My fantasies are now realities if I can only reach this wonderland. I only hope the country does not somehow change just as I have discovered it.
Good luck to all those who share my new hobby and thank you for having provided me with essential info for my trip.

Cheers.

Thanks for the report, Redrock.

I wouldn't get too put off by the Pattaya Walking Street scene. Like many things, it has its place and it is amazing just how "normal" it becomes after a few short days. You develop a "filter' that allows you to hone in on the things that are important to you and everything else sort of fades away (like the indian tailors, never saw them again by day 3, unless I really wanted a suit).

I agree with your assessment of Jasmine being so close to ground zero. I made the decision to change my venue for the same reason, although one couldn't ask for a better ground zero than Lita's Bar (like I didn't already spend enough time in there).

Sounds like you have the bug (like the rest of us). Enjoy it!

Automorphic

Ladyboy Guru Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 1817 Points: 1124

Redrock , I agree with what you said about Jasmine for beginners , as I was a bit overwhelmed at first but by the fith day I did'nt want to leave . I'm staying there next trip so hopefully should feel better about its proximity to Walking Street and the feel of living in a Goldfish bowl when ever I went out.
As soon as I got home I immediately made plans to go back and got very strict about saving money just so I dont have to miss out on anything.

I agree with your assessment of Walking as being a bit concentrated and "in your face"
My limited experience tells me that Walking Street is best experienced after hours-after all other venues are closed for the night. Wandering through WS at 3 or 4 am is an experience that I have yet to duplicate anywhere else.

BTW your account of your nights at Club 131 are an encouragement to me to try harder to keep improving this bar, thank you.

Cheers,

Sam