Pattaya

International teaching has a lot of perks, one being the friends you make who then move on to pastures newer, greener and beachier. As I was making very last minute plans for my upcoming trip, Ian and Louise, from the Shanghai days, got in touch to invite me to stay with them in their Pattaya beachside pad.

My first reaction was something louder than a hesitation. Pattaya is home to the world's largest sex industry wrapped in neon lights, ping pong shows and on-the-street prostition. But I was going to be in the area (ish) and I like Ian and Louise a lot so I humbly agreed expecting the worst.

Gemma, Clare, Rosa and I made our way via a private transfer to the backwaters of Jomtien, 30-minutes south of Central Pattaya and a world away from the grit and sleaze. We bid Gemma and Clare a farewell as they made their way back to Shanghai and then ascended to the fourth floor and were greeted with panoramic views of mountains from one balcony and beach and pool from the other. The beach was there. Right there. Within nearly spitting distance.

The beachside balcony boasted lots of lounging space, bartender Ian offered a strongly poured gin and tonic, and Chez Ian and Lou became a delightful home away from home for the next three days. We bid Rosa a farewell on the second day and then my delightful hosts showed me around the finer dining (soft shell crab, oysters, catch of the day) for cut rate local prices. We lounged by the pool, we lounged by the beach, we lounged in the massage chair.

All the while having conversations you have with people who know you and get you and understand the crazy desire to travel, the insanity of living abroad, the love of this insanity.

On our last night we made our way into central Pattaya to the Hilton's rooftop perch. The views were stunning, the coastline in relief refusing to succumb to the stereotype.  Ian and Lou are aware of the maddening din of neon, about raising their daughter so close to this. But the school they work at, the place they live seemed miles away from the madness. It became a haven, a very welcome final reunion on the trip filled with reunions.

So much so that I was sad to leave and fly solo for my last leg of the trip. With a quenched spirit, onward to Koh Chang I ventured.