After an action packed time in Myanmar, it was time to relax. We got a bus from Bangkok to Pattaya and took a songthaew to Jomtien beach, south of Pattaya. Unlike its neighbour, Jomtien is a family / couple resort with a long tree lined promenade. The majority of Jomtien's visitors are Russians and Scandies and the place has a really sedate and relaxed feel to it. Just what we needed. After us both being ill in Myanmar we were craving good food and Thailand always delivers. After being away from the UK for 15 months We crave some UK classics and often ask each other "If you could have any meal now, what would you have?" The usual replies are roast dinner, fish, chips and curry from our local chippy or a sausage dinner. So, in addition to stocking up on Thai curries, we headed into Pattaya to Robin's nest or the Pig and Whistle for a carvery or sausage and mash or pie and chips.
Our days were pretty routine, I would often get up at 6:30am and go for a run along the shaded prom, great breakfast at 8am at our guesthouse Shakespeare Traktir (600 baht per night = around £12). Then back to the room for some air con before a walk along the prom with a stop for tea at Blue hotel. Blue Hotel attracted a group of around 6 UK/US ex-pats (or immigrants if you will) who sat there moaning all morning. Then back for more air con before lunch and perhaps another walk. Evenings were spent having a stroll along the prom up to the night market where you could buy very cheap local food, fast food and drinks including beer and cocktails. The night market has a large seating area too next to the DJ, who blasted out the same dance playlist everynight. It was a nice atmosphere and no drunken louts either. As you can imagine, not too many photo opps here. The only event was me tripping up on one of my runs and grazing my leg. When you are hardened long term travellers like us, you do need a bit of downtime and we filled our boots with downtime for three weeks. Next main stop Bali for er... more relaxation and downtime.