Looking for a quick getaway where Angel could hopefully catch up on some much needed sleep (didn't happen) and just hang out for a couple days, we headed to Pattaya. And why would we go to Pattaya Beach many asked! Yes we know it's a seedy area filled with many old white men perving on young Thai girls. Our main aim was to get out of the city, somewhere close, somewhere cheap and just lounge by a pool relaxing. This fit the bill as long as we pretty much stayed on hotel grounds :)

While we quickly realized we wouldn't be sunning ourselves ont he beach (it was pretty nasty) or walking the streets shopping at night (these were sleezy and after what happened scary), we did find relaxation and comfort at the Amari hotel where we stayed.

After a few hiccups with check in as they really had no idea about their internet 'getaway' promotion, we finally got our room. Over the next few days we enjoyed hanging out by the pool. A few thunderstorms hit each day, but living in the UAE, it was a nice change. Breakfast each mornig was great and 2 for 1 cocktails at the pool bar proved to be a bad idea, but fun times.

I was in Thailand the last week and a half visiting our good friends from Japan, Clive and Angel and there son Asher. It had been over a year since we last saw them and thankfully, Nick granted me permission to take a little vacay while he stayed in Abu Dhabi and worked :)

It was super great to see them and catch up after way too long!

The first day we went to the Grand Palace with Angel and her friend and while we visited it last year, this time we got a guide which made for a more interesting look at the place. Filled with fun facts our Thai guide was quite good although she probably was annoyed that Angel and I weren't listening as intently and were busy with our little 'photo contest' we decided to hold against each other.

The 2nd day we headed to the crazy 'JJ' market, although usually just on the weekend, it has now opened on Fridays and wasn't nearly as crowded. At the same time many of the shops weren't open either. We had a stroll through the market as Angel convinced me that I really didn't need to buy 6 sets of new silverware with bamboo handles that I had wanted since I visited last year...okay maybe she's right, I can get them in the US and they would be really heavy toting them around to the UAE and eventually back to the US. So long silverware....


We celebrated our very few purchases at the market with a trip to the infamous 'Tapas Cafe' which is located within a 5 minute walk from Angel and Clive's place for some afternoon Sangria! Angel has been raving about this place since she first arrived in Bangkok and it definitely lived up to it's hype. This was by far the yummiest Sangria I have ever had along with some delicious tapas plates, a great find!


Unfortunately from here things could've gone a little more smoothly...

I was walking back from the station to their apartment at night, yes at night and I was alone (if only Nick was there), maybe stupid looking back at it, but at the time I felt totally comfortable and it was a quick walk down the street...as I was just feet away from the entrance to their building a motor taxi (he most likely was one) zoomed up behind me and grabbed my purse.

I really had no idea what was going on, but as I had been holding on to my purse while on my shoulder I continued as my head hit the ground, flipped me on my side and dragged me a bit down the street. I still didn't know what was going on, but knew that I had to let go or my arm would've probably fallen off. The minute I let go, I think it hit me... I was just robbed... I stood up and starting screaming down the street.

It sucks that I was so close to their place and it happened, but thankful that nothing else happened and besides a few scrapes, bumps and bruises, I was safe. All that was in my purse was my camera, money and license, all which can be replaced....but it looks like Angel won our little 'photo contest'. I had some good shots from the day before though which was a bummer they were stolen!

It did put a bit of a damper on my trip being robbed. The land of smiles for me turned into the land of thieves :0) A Police report was filed, but nothing would be done, just hoping that maybe insurance will cover the camera, unlikely, but one can hope.

I know these things happen and now that it has happened to me, it will keep me on my toes for some time now, making me more conscious of what's around.

I think after this there were a lack of pictures being taken although I did have our small camera with us, it definitely wasn't the same.

We spent a few more days in Bangkok with Clive hanging out, shopping, saw X-men and of course ate loads before Angel and I got on a bus and got away for a couple days to Pattaya...

The Shangrila in Abu Dhabi is a great place to sip a few cocktails while watching the sunset over the The Grand Mosque. While Gary was visiting we headed out to the hotel and had a great evening which included some fabulous steaks from Meat and Co. as well!