Kiwi

My kiwi buddie had just climbed out of the pool and sat on his lawn lounger and poured yet another Pinot noir. He always said it was his poison. We had been chatting on WhatsApp and covered the subject of yet another return,reunion,in Bangkok.He loved the city,as I did as well - we had met there by chance at a hotel reception,as I was leaving and he,arriving. Our last meet had been a great break away from both our businesses and the significantly different life of Thailand was the very essence of change we both sought. When one experiences the night life and ALL that runs in parallel with this,it is hard to forget and to not try and repeat. The days were for rest - the nights were,well,the opposite. From Bangkok to Buriram,Patong to Phuket, beers to birds and days to nights. It became a blur from day one to thirty one. So he sat up and climbed into his wicker seat and suggested we try another trip. So the usual ideas flowed until the Pinot noir ended,and we agreed on an idea and put forth a date which would suit us both. He was the keener of the two,and by the nature of his business was able to make a decision quite sooner than I. I looked forward to the break as it would take me away from the long hours and stress of my business. So I agreed and we set about arranging the meet. Covid arrived. Brakes on. Both now stranded on a move forward. ‘Not to worry’ he always said. This’ll be over in a jiffy. It wasn’t and …. the worst happened. The kiwi mate caught Covid - in the early days,he said it would pass. Days did pass,Covid did not. He went for a walk on the beach one morning at his holiday home. Got half way. Lost his wind. Stopped and fell. An hour later he was in hospital. We talked every second day - one morning he texted…‘that’s me mate’. He passed away an hour later. No trip-no mate. Who knows - perhaps a return to paradise,just without a great mate. Here is to you buddie,I hope there’s Pinot noir up there,somewhere.

Nasiadai, Some have found permanency in marriage,some have found other shores,some have passed on and some have just aged. And some remain on Thai 360….take a seat.

Last stool Golden Beer Bar …. the times I mirrored that! Nice one Cyril!

Some of us here, some of us not! Those of us here,will remember those of us not here. And in five years, Some of us here, some of us not.

Not so much one’s age that bothers these days,it's the departure of many mates whom have shared the LOS experience with us.Bugger!

Seasons greetings all 😊

Sad RIP.

A few friends joined for a sundowner a month back. Friends of same interest and all having spent time in LOS. Ages varied - 40 to late 60’s. We are friends from differing countries. So the question arose - at what age does LOS appeal end? Some of the answers… 1. Never. 2. Time of pension. 3. Physical ability to travel. 4. Financial. 5. Changing priorities of age. What the chaps all agreed was the great memories LOS had delivered. I suppose as we age,the energy of youth and physical attraction slowly changes. It may never be a complete change,however, change it does. …from a personal perspective,having lost a close travel buddie to Covid,who travelled with me,from the early 2000’s through Thailand, I do think twice before making travel plans. However, travel starts again in 2023,without my travel mate,and I look forward to a cold pint on a beach in Rawai,the three hour massage in the hot spa just inland from same beach,and the countless nights meeting and being ‘hosted’ by those delightful ladies whom never seem to stop with those lady drinks. So I’ll return - by myself ✌️.

Keen as any other. Only mid 2023/24 would be ok for me. Quite happy to alter a schedule to meet. My last meet was in NEP in Woodstock.

One soldier at a time. last month I lost my travel buddie. I’d posted about him a few times. We did the trek scene often. Had the reunion in LOS a while back. I miss the chap.

This chap posts great clips of LOS. Perhaps one of the best.

Good days ahead guys - highly doubt we’ll see another 2021. Positive thoughts with LOS foremost . Best.

How life changes our time and desires. Had a long chat to a buddie ( of many years ) this morning. We are both from NZ however met in Bangkok in 2000. Both now in our 60s and see LOS in a different perspective. Ten or so visits and 20 years later - could never repeat the pace of years back. Mind you,business has an impact as well. Nonetheless we both look forward to a few pints / the sand beaches of Phuket/ the never ending smiles in the bars late into the night/ and the freedom of time on or hands. Give me that pint !

Hey guys,what are YOUR views on some of the posters on Utube, who post video clips on life in LOS? Some are well posted with great facts and information. Quality clips. Others are constantly posting with very little REAL info and are constantly requesting 'fund support'. A recent viewer stated that he stopped 'supporting' a Utuber after meeting him in person. "I'm not giving him my money to drink beer all day while I work for my money''. Comments?