Four Go RTW

So we've got about 10 days left in Jomtien, and I thought I'd put some pics up from around the place. Also for the benefit of the bilingual mother of three who has no idea where we are most of the time, and others who's geography may be hazy I've also added a clever little map thing (is it obvious I've nothing to do but packing...?!) If you click on the 'our route round the world' link at the top of the page it should bring it up.

Since we arrived in Jomtien/Pattaya our sole mode of transport (other than foot) has been the songthaew, or 'baht bus' as it's called locally. These are basically pick-up trucks with a frame welded on top and bench seats added along the sides. Here they run a basic route for 10 baht a head, or you can 'private hire' them for a negotiable fare agreed before you set off. They're pretty good - cheap, fast and lots of them, plus you can get a load of Tesco's shopping in the back!

A Baht Bus (even I'm not lax enough to put 2 kids on a scooter yet!):

Most Tuesdays and Fridays we are at the huge market in South Pattaya stocking up on fruit and veg, cheap dvd's, t-shirts, nail polish, hair clips you name it. South Pattaya Road is where the locals shop, where we pick up our favourite frozen smoothie from the 'strawberry lady' (we only wondered if her ice was good after the event!) and recover in the coffee place after braving the market. It's busy and bustling, asian and GREAT - I love it!

South Pattaya Road (South Pattaya Rd pics courtesy of Hannah and Rhys):

If you've got a toothache or fancy a bit of bling you could pop into one of the handy guys down the left hand side of the street:

Which side should I have the diamond do you think?:

Of course you do have to be careful of safety standards in Thailand, as is obvious from the Baht Bus there are few handy seatbelt laws etc, and if you happen to come across any construction work you need to mind you don't fall down a hole as they won't be coned off. Also check overhead for live cables falling....oh and the traffic as you have to walk around the Cherry Picker:

This kind of thing is not reassuring when you head off up the Pattaya Park Tower in the tin can and the 2 bits of wire that masquerade as a cable car, great view from the top though!!:

Well, we have one more visitor to entertain while Chris finishes his speciality courses and then we hit the road again!

See ya

All love CRFS xxxx