ChristianKiev

22. Day / 3rd winter trip

normally I would have had booked the ALOFT hotel, right next to the WESTIN - but this time, strangely, it was much more expensive. Since I had also found a BRG rate for the WESTIN, the booking was a no-brainer.

The night was terrible in any respect, but at the ALOFT it would certainly not be much better. Why? Both hotels are at the beginning of the runway of SFO airport.


When the airplanes gave full throttle it became very, very noisy inside the room. At least at this moments we couldnt hear the noise of the in-room refrigerator anymore (I nevertheless somehow switched it off in the night).

So we did not need an alarm clock anyway, we were awake anyway.

The typical platinum breakfast waited for us: scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, fruits (including huge, but tasteless blueberries), toast, waffles and syrup (not to be confused with maple syrup).




But anyhow, the quality was better than at the WESTIN on Maui, just the restaurant was quite dirty.

Luggage packed, thrown into the car and left, heading north. Because of the heavy traffic around 10am, the navigation system directed us around San Francisco, first over the Bay Bridge, where we took a short detour to Treasure Island, with a nice view of San Francisco.


Via Route 80 and 37 we passed slowly through the beautiful landscape to Point Reyes Station, drove to 'Point Reyes National Park', parked our car


at one of the official parking lots.

In my opinion, here is one of the most beautiful beaches I've visit. Every time when I visit San Francisco I drive to Point Reyes Beach.




We went to the southern tip of the peninsula, where a lighthouse is located on a cliff, with a magnificent view over the long beach.


Back the narrow, curvy road


via Point Reyes Station to the next highlight of the day: 'Tomales Bay Oysters'.

We usually visit 'Hog Island Oysters' in Marshall, unfortunately the oyster opener had his day off - and my oyster knife I had, unfortunately, not with me.

So removed on north to 'Nicks Cove', where we stopped for a small lunch.


Quite special,


with a beautiful view of the bay.


Although the oysters were delicious - but at the price quite small.


Also the Clam Chowder was nothing special,


at least Mac & Cheese was tasty (and saturating).


Paid US $ 70 incl. tip paid and drove back through the hilly landscape to 101 South. The traffic was quite heavy, but no comparison to the traffic jam towards the north.

Via Golden Gate Bridge towards 280 and 380 direction airport.

Refueled the car and drove to the car rental return at SFO, where we returned the car on the 3rd floor. Conclusion of the Infiniti: although inside it's much nicer than the Santa Fee, it doest drive any better, rather worse.

We took the elevator down to the exit and immediately back up again to the Air Link. What stupid system! On arrival it's different, more clever.

By Air Link to terminal G, where we went to the LH check-in.


Since we were quite early, there was no queue.


Baggage dropped, boarding passes received.


Outside for a quick smoked, escorted through security to the lounge.

The escort service really helped to save time, we were within minutes through security.

Lufthansa is using the UNITED lounge at SFO airport,


this was already well-known to me.


So I was not surprised about the food offered, had expected nothing else.






At 20:25 we left the lounge, made our way to the gate.

ChristianKiev

23. Day / 3rd winter trip

Because we had no more passion to sit in the lounge, it was 20:25 when we arrive to Gate 101, where the boarding process should begin at that time.

On the far right was the FIRST/HON zone, so we were waiting on the red carpet.

At 20:30 the boarding process started, but this time Y-Class was first. Only about 2 minutes later we were also allowed to enter through the front door.

We were already aware that the flight would be fully booked in all classes, took our requested middle seats in second row.

I think the LH-FIRST Class design (A340-600) is well-known,


just 1.5 years ago we had the 'luck' to fly this route with the last A340 with old FIRST Class design.

In a brief conversation with the Purser we discussed the outcome of the pilot stake, which ruined our flight to the US.

To my surprise the pilot appeared himself, spoke to every F-guest, informed about the flight time and the expected bad weather along the route, mentioned that it would get very bumpy on the 2nd half of the flight, so we should try to sleep early.

The Amenity kits today were of different brand for men and women, for me the RIMOWA kit in green/beige,


for V. this one:


For welcome drinks, we've chosen, in addition to the obligatory Coke Zero, a glass of champagne.


Even I try and try - champagne isn't to my taste. So the steward changed for a second Coke Zero.

On time we were airborne, the guests at the WESTIN will have been awake again.

As cruising flight altitude was reached the dinner was served,


3 of the fellow travelers were already asleep. I remember from my time when I was still working: I had hated other passengers who were eating late at night, the noise of knife & forks - because I had to sleep, to be in working condition the next morning.

The table was prepared, I enjoyed my reading a German car magazine, long time haven't had one.

First, there was a courgette roll with cream cheese on olives and dried tomatoes.


This should be LH-FIRST Class standard?

Afterwards some aquaculture caviar, not bad, but no comparison to real caviar. Instead of the 'traditional supplements', which are, of course, anything but 'traditional', we selected a slice of bread and some butter - that's the only way to eat caviar.


As second appetizer arrived some 'Asian' duck breast with fruit sauce on canned vegetables/mushrooms.

I ordered a glass of Riesling. Why do I do this again and again? Slowly I should have learned that I do not like the taste of alcohol. A sip and again I changed for Coke Zero.

Salad and/or soup? Nothing at all - even Aeroflot offers this in Business Class.

Due to technical reasons a steak in the airplane never is served 'rare', therefore we both decided for the seafood option:


This dish did not look very nice, but the taste was even worse. The 'patty' of crab, shrimp and mussels was more 'bread' than seafood, very hard, like a stone.

The exceptionally attentive stewardess offered to check out the business class selection, which kind of main was on offer. After 5 minutes she came back, informed that there wouldn't be any difference, since in Business Class exactly the same food, only in smaller portion size, would be offered.

So we went straight for cheese (mediocre) and dessert,


an apricot cake with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream

The formerly delicious pralines ending the mean aren't available anymore on inbound flights (but on outbound flights).

My conclusion for the food: while on outbound flights from FRA or MUC in LH, in First Class, partly served good food, is the SFO catering was of low quality, here UNITED clearly had the better food on First-Class flights. With but non of the food of both airlines can keep up with the Business meals of Austrian or even ANA.

On such trips I always recognize how good we eat at home.

Since we had changed to our 'sleeping dresses' while on the ground, we were ready to rest, felt asleep while watching a movie; so far the flight had been very quiet, in contrary to the captain's announcement.

Just 3 hours before arrival I was suddenly awake due to heavy turbulences.

After it calmed down, I went to the washroom (very nice once, always clean, with high quality amenities) to get fresh, then breakfast was served:


For me scrambled eggs, medium, with caviar, some cold cuts and a croissant.


I just adore the muesli of LH, wonderfully creamy. Unfortunately, this it's mainly served out of FRA and MUC.

My resume to the LH-FIRST-Class: there's no need to fly First-Class on Lufthansa, you can sleep as well in Business Class. The food is anyway identical. For me the added value compared to Business Class isn't worth more than US $ 300. What do you get? More privacy, some caviar and cleaner, nicer washrooms. In my opinion, Lufthansa has two options: either they upgrade their FIRST-Class to be really exceptional - or you can completely eliminate it. Because at the moment, with the same food, a bed here and there, the difference between C and F is just too small to justify the price tag.

For me the reason for First-Class have been the status miles, in combination with ticket price departing from Amsterdam. This trip, including the positioning flights, brought me just over 76,000 miles, after all, over 12 miles per US $ - and the SENATOR (*G) tier until 02/2020.

At MUC airport, of course, we docked at Gate 48, at the very end of the terminal. Since the stewardesses didn't block the isles between Business Class and First Class, the hole Business Class pushed forward into the First Class cabin - which made packing not easier.

We went to Lufthansa FIRST-Class lounge, with miniature Christmas market.


First I had a smoked a at the smoking room of the lounge, then said 'goodbye' to V., who flew directly to Kiev later the same day.

I myself went to Gate 28 for my flight to Frankfurt.

The boarding process was delayed, the Business Class of the Airbus 321 had a load of only about 50%. I sat on a 2D and slept the whole flight until the landing at FRA.

We docked at Gate A1,I went to the FIRST Class lounge with Christmas decoration.


Actually, I wasn't hungry too much, so I just took some salmon from the buffet,




ordered the 'Christmas dish', deer with red cabbage and dumpling. I ate a little bit and left for Gate A13, where, at my arrival, the boarding process of LH 1002 to Amsterdam began.

Back to 2D. Up in the air I skipped dinner - I was just glad soon to arrival at the day's destination.

At AMS I had to walk 10 minutes to the baggage claim area, where my suitcase arrived after another 10 minutes - however defective. So I went to the office, reported, received a form with the statement that I should now contact LH customer car by Email. A new suitcase wasn't in stock.

Again through the entire terminal to the citizenM Schipol hotel, checked in at the machine, created my key and paid by CC.

This time, there was no longer any selection, only "high floor, office view" available. The room, in contrast to the one at my last stay, didn't have a separated bathroom. Instead everything was just inside the room.

(I wouldn't like to have such a room when traveling together with somebody)

In addition, the in-room-iPad, which controls all light, A/C, blinds etc., did't work at all. So I had to go down to the lobby and get some spare charger for it.

Straight to bed, early in the morning the trip would go on.

ChristianKiev

24. Day / 3rd winter trip

While I had been extremely tired on the flights between Munich and Amsterdam, I hardly couldn't get any sleep after my arrival at the hotel.

Somehow I managed to fall asleep around 02:30 to be awake 1 hour later again. No change for sleep. So decided to jump into the shower, which wasn't so easy.

Why do have hotels have so complicated shower systems, where you first have to read the instructions??? At the citizenM you have to close the shower door tightly before you can turn on the water. Therefore you'll get the complete cold water until its temperated. Especially in the early morning, when it takes time until hot water is supplied, this is not a pleasure!

Okay, somehow I had understood the function of the two knobs, had to decide which of the two offered shower gels I should use:


Now, however, it was much too early, even for my early bird flight. So some more internet - and, of course, I got hungry, the problem of the time change! Fortunately, I had a protein bar in my luggage.

Shortly after 5 I checked out, took a luggage cart and moved towards the terminal building.

LOT, as well as LH and SWISS, is located at terminal 1, so again, through the whole airport. LOT had opened only one check-in-counter on my arrival, but luckily I was allowed to go straight for check-in.

Luggage dropped, boarding passes for my two today's flights received


and to the priority access of the security (today even the PC-Charger had to be unpacked).

Within minutes I arrived at the departure area and went up to Lounge 26, which between 05:30 and 06:00 opens.


So I went to the smoking room, on the way noticed the following:


When the lounge opened I went inside, took a seat and made myself a double espresso. Since I know the food of LOT, I decided to prepare two bread rolls for breakfast.

Then it was time to start the walk to Gate B27, where I arrived just at the beginning of the boarding process.


Priority boarding with LOT always works well and so I took my seat 2A in the Embraer.

With 1 ½ rows of Business Class the load was 3/1, so I could change easily to 1A due to more legroom.

With a 15 minutes delay we left AMS, the captain apologized twice.

When we arrived at flight altitude, the 'breakfast' was served.




Who can eat something like this for breakfast? Maybe a sleepless night with too much alcohol?

Cold rice with apple sauce, baked plums and some cereal, and a plate of pickles, filled olives and pumpkin. Grrrrr! I was so glad to have eaten two small rolls in the lounge. So I took two croissants and ate them with the cherry jam.

I took a nap, and soon we landed at 1 degree C at Warsaw airport.


Since the plane was docked at a non-Schengen gate, bus transfer was announced, for C and Y + the usual VIP-minibus.


Into the terminal and to the passport control, where was quite a queue. When I was in the queue I understood why: all passports were checked quite extensively with a magnifying glass, also mine, then check in the computer. Strange, I had never had such a thing before.

I arrived to the non-Schengen area where I was surprised about a flight to Zurich with SWISS. Since when Switzerland is non-Schengen?

I went downstairs to the lounge, which was also quite crowded.


In comparison to the in-flight-meal of LOT, the food was a treat,




especially the Prince Polo (piled like gold bars) pleased me.

On time to Gate 21, where boarding started at 11:05. This time there were again 1 ½ rows of C (load 2/3) and 1 row of Y+.

At flight altitude, as usual, drinks and lunch were served.




By the way, this time the same food for C and Y+.

The rest of the flight passed in half-sleep.

Shortly before arrival we passed through the dense cloud cover, were flying in from the south, towards Odessa. Finally!


The bus was already waiting for transfer to the terminal. This time I was so clever and let all the others get off, so I wasn't standing too long in the cold of the bus, secured myself a place right at the door.

And so I was the first one at the passport and on the luggage belt.

All luggage came - except mine. So I had to fill the forms for customs and then went upstairs to the LOT office. The lady told me that my luggage had yet not been located, that there was no message. The explained that it could take up to two or three days until it would possibly arrive.

With my hand luggage out of the terminal, ordered a Taxi by APP, which brought me back home.

Instead of resting I had to go shopping, to replace the necessary items in my checked luggage. The lady at the LOT office told that I would get reimbursed at a maximum of US $ 200.

This was our 3rd winter trip of the season 2016/2017, rarely we were so glad to be back home, even we had the first snow that day.

roadwarriorafrica

Thanks for sharing an awesome trip report. Looking forward to more.

Caciucco

Great reports, thanks for sharing too!

HLT1904

Thanks for sharing the great trip reports. Too bad your food was so bad in Greece. I have been there a few times and to a few different islands. I have found the small town local Tavernas to have the best food.

ChristianKiev

1. Day / 4th winter trip

This longer trip to Asia began January, 31st. 7 weeks have passed since our arrival from Hawaii.

Unfortunately, our labrador did not make it into 2017, despite heavy drugs and narcotics against his pain, so our New Year and Christmas (we celebrate on January, 7th) was a very sad one. Even though I swore that this was my last dog, it was only a little more than three weeks, and we ran into a homeless dog-puppy, who sat with his approximately two months of age in the icy cold in front of our house in the snow.


Yes, a young dog is a lot of work, but rally brings sunshine into our lives.

We visited In Kiev for a few days, where it was also gray & cold. On a Saturday night, we were prepared for some party, we ruined a tire in a huge pothole - which then ruined our evening. The roads in Ukraine are getting worse from year to year, and a trip by night is no longer recommended, even on the main streets.

At least the gray disappeared for some days, got pretty nice sunshine, at -8 degrees C and strong, cold wind from the Black Sea.

So at least there wasn't any risk that the flight would be cancelled due to fog, which happens quite often in autumn and winter.


So the plan for the first day of the trip was to go to the gym in the morning, then leave for the airport. But when I looked at the car I noticed an almost flat back tire. So instead of sport I slowly drove to the tire-guy where a rim problem was diagnosed. In some pothole we must have bent the rim so much that it did not seal the tire anymore.

Just 2 hours before departure, the 33 kg suitcase was loaded into the car and we drove to 'Odessa International Airport'. When the new terminal opens I'll really miss this characteristic 'monument' from Soviet times.

We parked the car at the guarded caring lot and moved inside.


is better to offer a bad lounge with heating, soft sofas, internet and drinks/snacks than justOf course nobody noticed (including the check-in staff) that business class passengers were to check in at the assigned business class counter, so the queue was relatively long. But everything went smoothly, I said 'goodbye' to V. and went through security- and passport control to the departure area.

As a LOT-Business Class passenger or *G, you can visit the renovated CIP lounge,




a service that neither LH nor OS offers. Because this lounge does not meet the minimum standards of LH and OS, you have to sit outside on one of the metal benches instead. The logic behind this I haven't understood until today. For me a bad lounge is better than nothing.

Boarding was announced on time, for Business-Class passengers a minibus was already waiting. Within very short time I arrived at the Embraer 170 of the LOT, we were allowed to enter first.


This time there are 2 ½ rows C, and 2 rows Y+. Load: 4/5 and 3/8.

Photos of the LOT-Business Class I posted before, so no pics this time.

In bright sunshine we taxied to the runway, with a view towards the old- and emerging terminal.


The take-off process each and every time is experience: the bad condition of the runway makes the aircraft rumble, the more speed the aircraft puts up, the more it rumbles - and then suddenly, when the aircraft takes off, it's getting very silent.

I took a look back at the new suburbs of Odessa


as we turned direction northwest.

The typical LOT food was served, a liver paste and some smoked salmon with caper.


The landscape below us changed quickly. If the snow had almost disappeared in and around Odessa, it was now all white down there.

On time we arrived at the WAW airport, but docked at a Schengen gate, so it was again a minibus to bring us to the non-Schengen arrival hall. Passport- and security check were done quickly, I first went to a completely overcrowded smoking cabin.

After I got my dose I went up to the LOT-Lounge, as always completely overcrowded, without a chance to grab a seat. After a while I found myself a space, took a few vegetable strips, secretly packed a few Prince-Polo waffles in my travel bag.

Already it was time to go to Gate 41. A quick stop at the larger (and mostly empty) smoking room at the very end of the terminal building, near Gate 43.

For the flight to Frankfurt waited a B 737/400 with new cabin design. Very narrow seats in very cold design, only slightly more comfortable than the NEK-seats of Lufthansa short-haul Business Class.

The announcements were so loud that I almost fell from my seat on 1A. According to the crew, the volume is, unfortunately, not adjustable.

Once again on time we took off, I slept for half an hour. When I woke up I was asked if I wanted my snack, I do not want to call this a meal.


We landed at the northern runway of FRA airport. Of course we drove and drove to the other end of the airport, where we got an apron position. At first I was annoyed that there was a bus ride again - but sometimes one is lucky: we were straight to terminal B, so I didn't have to walk from Terminal A (Schengen) to terminal B (non-Schengen).

Once again through passport control to leave the Schengen area and up to the Senator lounge in terminal B, which fortunately has an integrated smoking room.

After an espresso (food I'll get on the plane) it was already time again to walk the gate for TG 923 to Bangkok.

When I booked the flight there still was a First-Class. But due to equipment change with 2-class-configuration (B-777), however, I was downgraded to Business-Class.

On the way to Gate B26 I passed a smoking room. So a last dose of nicotine, because for a next few hours - except for some nicotine chewing gum - I'll be on detox.

On arrival at the gate my name was called, I should go to the counter. Please no change of seat!

But it was all fine, I had only to called to give my departure date and -flight number since I had booked a one-way ticket.

There was a separate entrance for Business Class passengers, so everything worked out really quick.

I haven't flown on TG for a longer time, especially on long-haul flights in Business Class, therefore was anxious.

I remember my last TG-C flight from Bangkok to Brisbane, with quite hard tiled seats (worse than LH at the time). I could hardly think of any sleeping at that time. Even the TG-F I found not so great (about 8 years ago), changed to LH-F or the LH-C when a bulkhead seat (which you manually could make full-flat) was available.

waSo even more, I was positively surprised when I got inside the cabin, the Business-Class product is very airy, especially the 1-2-1 configuration offers a real added value compared to LX and LH.

I had reserved 20B, a window-seat at the rear, slightly smaller Business Class cabin with only 28 seats.


The B-seats are open to the corridor, whereby the free space at the window can very well be used as storage. The A-seats offer a more private feel, as they are located at the window and are blocked by the table/storage towards the aisle. Disadvantage? You have to put all your stuff in the overhead-bin, as there is no storage space towards the window. Also the hanged jacket disturbed if one wanted to go to the aisle.

Since the rear cabin was only occupied by 5 passengers (the front, larger cabin, with 34 seats loaded by 11 passengers), I could easily switch from 20B to 21A.

Luckily, with only 5 passengers and no children is a very quiet (except for the rattling of the T7-engines which are always very noisy). The washrooms were also much nicer than at LH/LX/OS, 'more comfortable', cosy - even equipped with cloth handkerchiefs.

The service was really good, friendly - but not as extreme as before at TG-First (which was over the top).

Before start a drink of your choice was served, for me, of course, this one:


With little delay we were pulled from the gate, headed towards the West runway.

As we reached travel altitude, a desired drink and nuts (no peanuts, thank you!) were served.


I zapped through the movie offer, picked some typically stupid Hollywood make, decided better to read some magazines.

The menu offered either European or Thai meal,


I decided for the latter.

So the food was served Thai style, all at once, looked quite appealing.


For airline food it was really tasty, also because of the spiciness.

For dessert, however, I switched back to Europe, got a small nut cake with fruit sauce and ice cream.


As bedtime treat a praline and already it was time to move the seat into horizontal position to catch up some sleep.

ChristianKiev

2. Day / 4th winter trip

After sleeping for a few hours, I was gently awakened by the mood light, got the first espresso served, beautifully strong.

For breakfast


I had chosen the European version, limited myself to fruits


(tasteless), omelette with mushrooms and grilled tomatoes.


Spent some time reading before we approached BKK-Airport.

In my ranking for Business Class products, I have to classify TG directly behind ANA, however, clearly better than OS and LH. A big point are the clean, hygienic washrooms. At TG, they are regularly cleaned, an feature other airlines should think about.

20 minutes ahead of the planned arrival time we docked at Gate C1, I went to passport control.

For TG-Business-Class-passengers there's a separate access on the left, so I, without a long wait, I arrived at the luggage belt, where my luggage was delivered just at this moment. Through customs control to SIXT, where a friend of mine already expected me (he had spent the time between his arrival in the morning and my arrival at the airport hotel).

By shuttle to the SIXT station, where I, thanks to SIXT Diamond status, received a Toyota Camry Hybrid instead booked Toyota Vios.

It was a bit difficult to get to the highway, but eventually we found our way to Pattaya. The first half of the route is always a pleasure. You pay a toll of US $ 1.80 for about 25 miles, which prevents the majority of Thai drivers from using this highway. The second half is, however, always a little bit more stressful, many cars, trucks and buses.

Since I was traveling with a friend, we had decided against a hotel, rented a 'luxury apartment' in the North Pattaya area via AirBnB.

We found the building quite fast,


carried the luggage into the lobby


and waited for the person to hand over the keys.

Our apartment with living room,


open kitchen,


two bedrooms and two bathrooms was located on the 7th floor, overlooking Pattaya and sea.


I gave the larger bedroom with sea view to my friend, took the smaller one with side view




and private bathroom.


the elevator was very comfortable, because it drove from the lobby directly to the apartment and from the apartment to the roof terrace on the 37th floor.

It is also practical, that a parking lot is attached to the apartment building. What wasn't so nice were the cleaning standards, not the first time this happened to me when renting an apartment via AirBnB. For me it was quite dirty, the bathrooms didn't meet our hygiene standards, urgently needed some intense cleaning. So we arranged daily cleaning of the apartment, which we would control.

Quickly unpacked suitcases, jumped under the shower and went for shopping of the essentials.

On the way to Central Festival Shopping Mall we had heavy traffic which I didn't expect.

Since we were hungry we had a snack in the food court (Thai Papaya salad), then bought the necessary items such as fruits, low-fat milk, fat-free yoghurt, Granola, water & Coke Zero. Still there was time for pedicure before we drove back to the apartment (which meanwhile was cleaned much better, maybe because we paid for it).

After everything was stowed away and we had a little rest we went for a small dinner at the food outlet of Foodland supermarket on Central Pattaya Road.

Although 24 hours a day open there're always at lot of customers, so we had to wait until 2 seats at the counter were available. Here you'll find people from all classes, from the owner of a Mercedes S-class to the motorcycle-taxi-driver.


The food is very cheap and extremely delicious, and you can watch the preparation of it, on the spot.


I ordered rice with vegetables, chicken and cashew nuts


as well as rice noodles with vegetables and chicken, which I properly seasoned with chilli powder, fish sauce and sugar.


Since my friend was in Pattaya for the first time, we did a little city-tour, past countless entertainment bars before we parked the car on Second Road near Walking Street. So I showed him what one has to see at least once:


We looked for a outside-place with a good view of the action, enjoyed at even more than 30 degrees C an ice-cold Coke Zero.

After we went for a foot massage. Not far from Walking Street there's a good selection. We were looking for a massage place, took a seat, and gave our feet a nice treat.

(Yes, I asked: 'can I make a photo?')

We slowly got really tired, so drove back to the apartment, where the day ended.

ChristianKiev

3. Day / 4th winter trip

Some might ask 'why Pattaya???'. The reason is easy to explain: while my working life I owned a house in the south of Pattaya, Jomtien, used this as my base for visiting my offices and customers around Asia. So the area is well known to me. Pattaya offers a relaxing feel, good restaurants. But I would only recommend when you're fine driving your own car, because this gives you freedom to move around since many of the nicer spots are outside the center.

To get into the Thai time-zone as quickly as possible, I had set my alarm clock to shortly after 9, had a shower and prepared, as long as my friend was still asleep, our breakfast, consisting of delicious fruits, granola and yoghurt.

With a short stop at 'La Baguette' for a double espresso, we headed to Jomtien, where is the gym which I'm using when in Pattaya.


The traffic on the Sukhumvit Road was devastating, also because of construction due to which partly only one lane was open.

In the gym we bought a membership for a week, changed and went inside, for my friend the first serious workout for a long time.


What I like about this gym is, that it's Russian-owned, so most of the customers are Russian. Therefore I can communicate easily, understand the mentality - and most are up for serious training, not just some cardio.

The gym has been enlarged to almost double the size since last year, very positive.




After 2 hours of workout we headed back to the apartment, to shower and have a protein-shake.

After we had refueled we went back to city center. Adidas products are very cheap in Thailand, even at the official stores. So we bought some clothes for training, my friend urgently needed a few essentials.

Because of the heavy traffic, the time went by and we headed south, where my favorite seafood restaurant is located. First I used small side streets to reach the south of Jomtien, where we then turned on to Sukhumvit.

After a good half-an-hour drive we reached at 'Preecha Seafood'.


Passed the aquariums with all sorts of seafood to a plastic table with plastic chairs,


in first row, overlooking the sea and the skyscrapers of the 'Russian Quarter', 'Ambassador City'.

I ordered a nice selection, Som-Tam, raw shrimps with mint, chili and garlic, crab-legs in pepper sauce, mussels with thai basil,


Tom-Yum-Goong, steamed fish in lime sauce


and a ½ kilogram of shrimp, shortly grilled (in Thailand always tell this, otherwise they totally over-grill, parts then are mostly burnt and therefore dry). Rice we waived, since it was a low-carb day.

The food was, as always, outstanding, fantastic... - and at about US $ 60 for two a bargain.

Returning to North Pattaya was a true horror! Because of the construction site on Sukhumvit and a small accident we needed 90 minutes.

Quickly refreshed and returned to the city center. My friend already began to feel pain in his muscles, so we went to a massage. But to find a normal massage ('massage massage', not a 'happy-ending massage') in Pattaya after 10:30 pm was a challenge! After an hour of searching we gave up and went back to the center, looking for a shop that offered foot- and head-shoulder massage.

For 2 hours we were treated, until 02:30, at just 500 Baht (including tip), then drove back, dead tired, to the apartment and slept peacefully.

ChristianKiev

4. Day / 4th winter trip

The 4th day of this trip has been relatively uneventful. After the usual breakfast consisting cut fruits, yogurt and granola, we went a double espresso at 'La Baguette'


Ten we made our way from North-Pattaya to Jomtien, to the fitness center.

Driving in Pattaya has unfortunately become an absolute horror, jam, jam and again traffic jam. If one can make it in 30 minutes through, one is were lucky. At least Google Maps helped to avoid the biggest traffic jam. Due to this this I saw neighborhoods I never saw before.

After two hours of workout


we were completely exhausted, drove back to the apartment, despite hungry just had a protein so we had time to lay down a bit.

Since my friend complained about heavy muscle soreness I wanted to treat him with a good dinner., So we drove to Jomtien again, where 'MAYS Urban Kitchen' is located, offering impressive and outstanding food. After 45 minutes of drive we arrived, and - shock! - the restaurant wasn't there where it used to be. We called to get the new address (fortunately just 500 meters from the old location), drove there.


Instead of a garden restaurant as a year back, now it's more a 'normal' restaurant, yet very modern.


Very friendly service staff welcomed us with an Amuse Gueule.


Luckily the menu had not changed. I ordered a pomelo salad to share,


another salad of green mango and softshell crab


as well as a Tom Kha Gai.


Once again, all appetizers were outstanding. This isn't often the case when Thai food is eaten in a nice restaurant.

Since this day waspt a 'diet-day' there was green thai chicken curry

(served with glass noodles and flatbread, such as it should be)

and panang fish curry for main,


both overwhelmingly good!

My friend ordered a Thai dessert,


which did not meet his taste.

Since we needed a massage after our training, we were recommended by the restaurant owner a neighboring parlor, where she immediately made a reservation for us. So after the meal we just walked over, received a one-hour oil massage.

When driving back to North-Pattaya, now finally without traffic jam, my friend wanted to see something. So I drove through Soi 6 and Soi 6/1 where he could get a glance of the typical Pattaya night-action.

After a short detour to 'La Baguette', where we ate a mini-dessert (I can highly recommend the 'Woodland Cake')


and went back to the apartment, where the night ended quite early.

ChristianKiev

5. Day / 4th winter trip

A good thing in Pattaya (such as in Bangkok) are the very professional clinics. Therefore in the morning I went to my annual health check-up, which is why I had to get up already at 7 o'clock.

I like the check-up's in Thailand, since the hospitals are very well equipped and the service is excellent.

At 8 o'clock I arrived at the largest hospital, 'Bangkok Hospital Pattaya'

(Food stalls at the side entrance)

I changed into hospital clothes. Why in Thailand as a European you always get size XL will remain a miracle to me. So I changed to the smallest available size, L, which was still far to big for me.

Already at 10:15 I was done, including stress-ECG and bone scan. I was finally allowed to eat something, had an apple with me.

After an hour of waiting with free instant coffee


I got an explaining of my results (must lose 2 kg) and was heading for the cash desk. Luckily there was a 50% discount, so I paid for the 'premium package', including kidney function test, about US $ 500.

Already at 11:30 am I was back to the car, drove back to the apartment where I had to contact the owner because of the non-functioning air conditioning in the master bedroom wasn't working anymore.

After this was done we went to the car, driving to Central Festival Shopping Mall to take our lunch.

Since we had another low-carb day, we decided to have Japanese Teppanyaki on 6th floor. There we took a seat at the counter, ordered a set menu with New Zealand sirloin steak,


Vegetables, a small bowl of rice and dashi soup, plus some scallops and stir fried mushrooms.


Super delicious, the meat tender, the scallops in the middle still beautifully glassy. The bill came to US $ 35, for 2 persons.

To 'La Baguette' for a double espresso before we had to go back to the apartment - because the cleaning lady would arrive at 3pm.

Of course, she appeared only with 30 minutes delay, then told us immediately that she would only change linens and towels, she would have no time to clean. No, not with us.

After some rest we decided for an unknown restaurant in Northern Pattaya, with excellent reviews in Tripadvisor, currently #7 for Pattaya.

'Mai Thai Cuisine' looks quite neat from the outside,


the interior wannabe-stylish.


We got a place inside and the drink list, mainly cocktails and Belgian beer (the owner probably is a Belgian and his Thai wife) and an Amuse Gueule.


As an appetizer I chose a Thai beef salad,


which proved to be inedible due to extremely chewy meat (Thai beef). I pointed this out to the service staff, so the salad was cleared and taken from the bill - If I would like an alternative, I was unfortunately not asked.

Also the main courses, in my case chicken with vegetables and Morning Glory turned out to be very average. I have even at roadside food stalls much better.

Not really full we continued to the center, my friend wanted to visit a Club.

I have been to Pattaya for over 10 years, but never been to a Club. So we decided for the supposedly best 'high class' Club in town, 'MIXX', at the very end of Walking Street.

Drove there, entered the car park. This one really surprised me: a fully automated car park, in which you park the car on a platform, receive the parking ticket and see your car being parked away automatically.

We crossed the street and entered the entertainment complex where 'MIXX' is located inside, drove up the escalator. When we arrived at the floor where 'MIXX' is located nothing at all appeared to 'high class'! Into the club - where I've been surprised even more. That the customers would mainly be Europeans, Indians, Arabs, Chinese and Thais, was clear to me before. That I did not have to dress-up for Pattaya, also. BUT: how the guests were dressed was just shocking for me: Muscle shirts, bathing shorts, three-quarter trousers and sandals with socks was the standard. I thought, at least, there would be some pretty Russian girls, but also this turned out to be wrong. Every village Club in Ukraine offers better views.

Possibly the Club would get better with lots of alcohol - but hardly with Coke Zero.


But my friend liked it, and so I stayed until shortly after 3, at least the music was okay, especially in the lower floor with Western and Russian techno music.

After 4 Coke Zero (and countless Gin-Tonic for my friend) we left the Club to go to the car park where the robotic parking system unfortunately returned the correct car - instead of a nice Lamborghini.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxl...ature=youtu.be

So finally we were on the way back to the apartment.

But that shouldn't be it. At the crossing of 3rd Road and South Pattaya Road I came into an alcohol control. The policemen were visibly pleased with the prospect of a drunken foreigner. But the alcohol measurement device had indicated '0.0' and I was allowed to go on driving. Finally at 4 I was falling into my bed.

ChristianKiev

6. Day / 4th winter trip

Sunday in Pattaya, which is for me traditional, 'Mantra-Brunch-Day'. But let's start from the beginning:

The technician for the broken A/C, who did of course not appear yesterday, woke us up at 11, what a joy! Quickly transferred my still very drunk friend to the bathroom, so the technician could perform his job in the Master-Bedroom.

When he had done, it was already time to go leave for restaurant 'Mantra'.


'Mantra' belongs to the Pattaya Amari Hotel and has been the address for stylish ambience and good food for nearly ten years.


Sundays a brunch is offered at US $ 60/person or at US $ 110/person including 'free-flow' of wine and champagne.

The menu consists of various buffets, appetizers (Italian cold cuts, European cheese and Asian fusion dishes),


Seafood (oysters, crab legs, mussels, shrimp and rock lobster) and


Sushi/Sashimi, plus 4 cooking stations for pizza, Indian-, Chinese- and European cuisine as well as a dessert buffet with chocolate fountains and pancake station. In addition, a menu is available, where one can selected unlimited dishes, e.g. Goose liver with cherry sauce,


different Dim Sum and Peking duck rolls


or various baked oysters.

After spending two hours eating very well, drinking a lot of espresso and having a good time, we drove through the heaviest Sunday traffic to Central Festival Shopping Mall to refresh our stocks of water, fruits and fat-free yogurt.

Back to the apartment, my friend needs some rest, I went to the gym on 39th floor.


For an apartment complex, this gym is okay, but not for a proper workout. Anyway that day only cardio was on the list.

I sat down on the bike and enjoyed the view


- because the Wi-Fi signal was too bad to watch a movie on YouTube.

After an hour or so I went upstairs to the roof, checking out the infinity pool with sea view,


quite crowded on Sunday.

If one were look right one could see the relatively new temple, which I had visited years ago, when it was still under construction.


Since my friend was still suffering from severe muscle soreness, the first thing we did in the evening was getting a massage near our apartment building.


This massage was so far the best in Pattaya.

Since we became a bit hungry, we drove to Central Pattaya, where a street-food-market on South-Pattaya-Road is located, operating from around 11pm. We parked the car in the parking lot of the temple and lingered through the market, checked out the food on offer.

First we made a stop at a stall at a side street,


ordered glass noodle salad with seafood and chicken feet.


Very spicy and refreshing.

After a few chickens skewers, we crossed the street, ordered at noodle soup stall and took a seat.

The noodle soup,


spiced up with fish sauce, chilipaste, rice vinegar and sugar, was once again delicious - we were sweating due to the temperature and the spiciness.

On the way back to the apartment a short stop for a one-hour foot massage, to end the day.

ChristianKiev

7th & 8th day / 4th winter trip

The 7th day was just passing by - although we had done nothing special:

After the usual fruit/yoghurt/-granola breakfast we drove to Jomtien for sports, performed a 2-hour-workout.

Afterwards we were driving to South Pattaya, where the men's toys store is located, a department store with 3 floors of all kind of electronics. Here one gets everything, from genuine Apple products to Chinese fake devices, but also repair services. Since my iPhone 6S had only very bad Wi-Fi reception and GPS positioning, I had to decide, either to buy an iPhone 7+ or to repair my old one, if possible.

Since I wanted to avoid iPhone 7 I was very happy that they offer to repair mine at just US $ 15 within 30 minutes, which we spent by having a relatively bad lunch across the street, consisting of Spicy Seafood salad.

a quick massage for the stressed legs and back to the apartment, because the cleaning lady should appear. Should! Of course, we waited and waited, the lady's phone also was switched off. After an hour of waiting she called: Sorry, today no time, will come tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock. No, not at 8! So at least we for 10.

In the evening again to the city center where my friend wanted to visit a Go-Go bar,


my personal horror. Totally unmotivated, ugly Thai girls, dancing on the podium, while extremely fat men were drinking beer in underwear-style-clothes. My mood was gone!

I then went outside, looked for a food stand,


ordered noodles with chicken

(not great at all)

and looked at the hustle and bustle of the street. Back to my friend, whose alcohol level had increased significantly in my absence - no wonder, even 2-Gin-Tonic stood in front of him.

Around 03:30 I managed to get him out of the bar, but this time I had to take care that he was not overrun. So I pushed him into the car, where he immediately fell asleep. Luckily, we made it into the apartment relatively easily.

On the 8th day of the trip, I had to get up early (when you have fallen asleep at 4, everything is actually 'early') to receive the cleaning ladies - my friend was definitely not awake by 10. So the ladies cleaned the apartment within an hour.

I had to print something, looked for a copy shop. But this is not so easy, many do not exist anymore. Here I praised a hotel with service, I think an apartment I rented the last time.

At 'La Baguette' I had a double espresso before driving back to the apartment, where my friend also slowly awoke from his coma.

I went to 39th floor, completed my cardio routine (40 minutes of bicycle at pulse 140) and did some abdominal exercises.

In the afternoon, once again, to the massage, 2 hours of relief for the muscles. It's unbelievable how massages soften everything, especially with continuous training.

Afterwards we were hungry, went directly to 'MAY's Urban Kitchen' in Jomtien. The restaurant was very busy, we got the last table.

After the Amuse Gueule


I ordered chicken salad and two more salads, one with soft shell crab


as well as one with grilled river prawns.


As main courses we received curry with imported beef (more expensive, but not too chewy like Thai beef),


a 'Golden Curry' with Soft Shell Crab


and some vegetables, my favorite, Morning Glory.


While everything was delicious again, we both found the 'Golden Curry' outstanding, extremely fine in taste, harmonizing with the delicious crabs.

Since this meal had already had enough calories, I remained with Coke Zero, while my friend enjoyed a delicious-looking juice followed by a pancake ice cream dessert.

While I am upset with most modern restaurants for Thai food (because at most street food stalls food stalls you eat far better), 'MAYs' for me is the exception. Here one has managed to create a tasty modern Thai cuisine in modern setting.

From the restaurant we drove to 'La Baguette' for a double espresso

(Sweets I skipped, even if it was very hard)

and back to the apartment.

ChristianKiev

9. Day / 4th winter trip

Our last day in Pattaya started with the standard breakfast and a following double espresso at 'La Baguette' before we hit the gym at 11 am.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYfn...ature=youtu.be

It was interesting to see how my friend was moaning despite of low weight, how he was sweating - such as I was 1 ½ years ago.

At 13:30 we were freshly showered on the road, refueled the Hybrid Camry. The average fuel consumption was sobering: 9.6 liters per 100 kilometers, so approx. 40 mpg, which creates a modern down-sized gasoline-engine without the effort of the whole hybrid technology and the additional battery weight.

On the way back to the apartment, a stop at the Foodland supermarket on Central Pattaya Road, where we had at just for US $ 8.50 an excellent seafood rice noodle salad and two main courses including 2 Coke Zero.

At the apartment we recovered and checked Emails, before we went to the massage. Unfortunately the girl who did me the massage yesterday was not there, so I had to try with another. And this one kneaded me so hard, no matter I told her do perform softer, that I had pain for the full 60 minutes. So I skipped the 2nd hour, just waited for my friend.

As we had our last day in Pattaya, it was another 40 minutes south to my favorite restaurant, 'Preecha Seafood'.

An hour before they closed, we arrived at 7:30 pm (the restaurant was full until the last table), got a plastic table with wipes and plastic chairs after a small wait, were ready for our low-carb dinner. I ordered wonderfully sweet raw prawns with chili, garlic and mint leaves, and a seafood salad,


delicious mussels with red curry paste and thai basil,


as well as 1 kg river prawns in black pepper sauce and vegetables as main dishes,


Morning Glory with garlic and for my friend another ½ kg of River-Prawns, steamed.

(for me too boring)

I can only say: this restaurant, the served food, is worth a side-trip to Pattaya.

At 20:30 we were already back to the car, drove in the direction of Northern Pattaya in heavy traffic. The reason for the traffic jam was once again a motorcyclist who lost the battle with a SUV - no wonder, the way they drive.

As dessert, a double espresso at 'La Baguette' and back to the apartment to pack suitcases.

This year's conclusion to Pattaya: yes, Pattaya is a huge, ....-hole '(sorry, but it just corresponds to the truth) - but a super comfortable one. Much more relaxed than Bangkok, with excellent Thai food. Everything is relaxed - and the hospitals & massages outstanding (mostly). The whole sex tourism I skip, also the sex tourists, at best, because Pattaya offers areas with high-quality restaurants, and just a great fitness studio.

ChristianKiev

10. Day / 4th winter trip

Instead of ten o'clock, as agreed, the representative of the landlord already arrived at the apartment at 09:30 - we were not finished by that time. She then calculated how much water & electricity we used, made up her calculation. So we had to pay another US $ 100.

We loaded our suitcases, drove to 'La Baguette', I needed caffeine urgently, my friend in addition had a toasted ham&cheese croissant.

(calories and cholesterol pure)

And already we were on the road, took the highway in the direction of Bangkok. The first part is again a public expressway, 8-lane, but still extremely busy. Similar to the US you're allowed to overtake on each lane, which created quite some chaos, so you must always jumps between the lanes, in order to be able to overtake - extremely annoying when also constantly trucks are changing lanes also. Somehow, the whole is more like a Nintendo game in real. Moreover, my Swedish friend is of the softer nature, constantly pointed me to things I had seen before, always said 'we have no time to be in hospital!!!!'. Well since this disturbed me, I then somehow made the music louder so I didn't hear him anymore, he took his notebook, trying not to mention the traffic.

Everything went well up to BKK airport - but then it was devastating. From the airport to the Sheraton Grande on Sukhumvit (further SGS, my 'home' in Bangkok) we needed, 1 ½ hours.

Quickly gave our luggage to the bell boy and drove on to the SIXT office on the Rama IV street - another 45 minutes.

With SIXT everything went smoothly, and so 10 minutes later we sat in the taxi, reached after 'only' 35 minutes drive the hotel again.

At check-in they were a bit irritated, that it wasn't a mistake I booked 2 rooms in my name. Of course the hotel was fully booked, but they found my friend a room, with Sukhumvit view.

On the way to the hotel I had checked via the SPG-APP if there was a 'luxury suite' available for upgrade - but there was no room available at all. So it was clear to me that no upgrade will be done. But to my surprise they had already blocked a '02' luxury suite for me, my favorite.




Unpacked suitcases, changed to sports clothes and went to the gym on 3rd floor for cardio.

After my training I went to 'TOPS' supermarket inside the Robinson Mall, bought low-fat-milk, Coke-Zero and apples - I was starving.

The SPG-Platinum cocktails and -snacks were served at the Sheraton Grande's pool area from 6pm. We arrived at 18:30, ordered Coke Zero and Gin-Tonic. The snacks were nothing special, small bread slices with mushrooms, mini croissants with cheese and ham as well as peanuts


- I gave it to my friend.

Already we had to go to dinner, I was extremely hungry, except for a yogurt for breakfast and an apple had eaten nothing all day, also in anticipation of dinner.

So we were walking to Soi 31 where restaurant 'ISAO' is located,


for me one of the best modern Japanese restaurants. To make a reservation is always a problem, instead one has to go, write in the waiting list and be passion until a table or seats at the counter are available. But we were lucky, immediately received 2 seats at the counter, where I anyway prefer to sit.

We received warm, salted Edame (as freebie), lightly fried tofu in a slightly sour sesame sauce, steamed spinach in a thick sesame paste and the excellent Sushi Sandwich.


We continued with sushi roll 'Jackie', the special at ISAO,


and my personal highlight, the gratinated clam 'Volcano'.


Finally, crab-meat croquettes with katsu (japanese curry) and salad.


We were full!

This culinary dream, including two Coke Zero, was priced at only US $ 50 (for 2 persons), a better price/performance ratio is hard to get.

A fast walk back, via Soi Cowboy, to Sheraton Grande.

Since my friend wanted to go out in the late evening, but I was quite exhausted, I accompanied him to the 'SPASSO' at Grand Hyatt


where a pretty bad live band was 'performing'.

After two Coke Zero I left him alone to his hunting instinct, made my way back to the hotel. The taxis right outside the Hyatt requested 250 baht for the drive, so I went down to the street where I found a regular cab (80 Baht by meter).

Here is my personal conclusion about renting an apartment over a hotel room:
MINUS:
- cleanliness
- service
- equipment
- check-in / -out times
PLUS:
- kitchen
- a bit cheaper than 2 hotel rooms (about 10 - 15%) in a comparable location

When you go to holiday with a friend, living together in an apartment can be both, an advantage and a disadvantage. The fact is, one lives closer together than in two separate hotel rooms.

I personally would prefer a hotel room, because of the cleanliness. The bathroom,

Also mattress (without protective cover!!!) was terrible; kitchen, furniture etc. of rather poor quality, more like a 2* hotel.

Furthermore, from home, I am used to the 'service', that every other day the bed is fresh freshly made, the linen exchanged, the bathroom daily cleaned and the towels changed - and on holiday I don't like to get a lot less than at home. Although we were willing to pay for this service, it just did not work, we wasted a lot of time waiting.

Also hotels offer more in other respects, e.g. in the morning to get an espresso to the room, that problems (as with the A/C) quickly are solved. Okay, an apartment has the advantage of a kitchen - but also in the hotels I can use the fridge for my essentials.

In any case, now I was happily at the SGS with lots of clean, soft towels, bathrobe and slippers, a scale-free bathroom, daily cleaning- plus turn-down-service and, of course, unlimited espresso delivered by the butler service.