Thailand has many scattered holidays, much more than in the United States. This past Saturday was one of those holidays, I believe it was to honor Buddah. It was recognized on Saturday but we were still given Monday off. Niice, 3 day weekend! What better way to spend a long weekend than at the beach?!!?! Along with my fellow AIESEC friends, we made the 3 hour trek to Pattaya, a tourist beach known for their, um, female companions. This was not our final destination, but we had plans to attend a Hard Rock Cafe party. This particular party was a “foam” party. Quite frankly, I had a vague idea of what to expect, but nothing in my head matched the reality of what I was about to venture into. After dinner we went to the hotel to get changed. I came down in jeans and a collared shirt. “You may want to change” was the response I got walking downstairs. I went up to put on some khaki shorts, but this was still too much clothing. We got to the hotel and nervously walk into the pool area where the party is being held. On the deck of the pool is a DJ in a tower overlooking the party. There is a fenced off area to your left and the pool to the right. Let’s just say many Europeans vacation in Pattaya and are very comfortable with their bodies. Yes, this meant many beautiful blondes in tiny bikinis. It also means old, fat men in speedos just as tiny. It was the men who danced even crazier than the women. I am really uncomfortable, I have never been to anything remotely close to this. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. I stripped down and went to the foam pit. The next part of the evening can only be described as an eclectic mix of people rubbing up on other people with an inordinate amount of soapy foam acting as a sexual lubricant. I’ve said too much.
The next day we were off to the small island of Ko Somet. While this island is becoming more touristy, it pales in comparison to Pattaya. It takes an brief 45 minute boat ride to get to the island. When you get there it’s pure relaxation. What else did you expect from clear water and sandy beaches? While I enjoyed the sun, what I enjoyed just as much was the food. It was so nice to have the option of eating something other than rice. While the club sandwhich was nothing to write home about (whoops, I guess i’m doing that now) it was nice having meats and cheeses between to slices of bread. After a weekend at the beach, I am nice and tan and already planning my next visit.
March 5th, 2007
