Hi folks

[papadoc]

Just dropped in to say hello.
I travel when I can, usually to Thailand and China. Ocasionaly to other places, Cambodia Europe, USA etc.
Just retired and planning my usual trip to Thailand. I often visit Bangkok and Pattaya, and have travelled overland to Phnom Phen. As I'm not going to China this year and have a few days free, I thought I would hire a car and make my first visit to Hau Hin. Will arrive about 26 January for a week between a few days in Bangkok and a week in Pattaya.
I've been on GGC and a couple of Pattaya boards and will probably be seeking help here soon, and hoping to comunicate with others during my stay.
Have a fair knowledge of travel and places and will keep my eyes open on this board if I think I can offer help on any matter.
Bye for now

Papadoc

When I was at home, I was in a better place.
Alas, we travellers must be content

[mabubba]

Welcome to the forum! Any information regarding your travels would also be interesting to read about.

[kendo]

Welcome to the board Papadoc, interesting user name, your not from Haiti by any chance.

Kendo.

[papadoc]

Welcome to the forum! Any information regarding your travels would also be interesting to read about.

A travel report might be too steamy for this spot!
However: I was with the airlines for tweny years as a travel consultant so I have a fair bit to share for specifics.

Example. Say you wanted to go to China and you flight was into HongKong. You needn't enter Hongkong.
At the airport is a transfer desk where you pay just a few dollars and give them you baggage check) and they kind of place you into bond as it were and you are escourted out the back door and onto a ferry. An hour later you are in Shenzhen Guang Dong province. On arrival at the pier you claim your baggage (even without prior arrangment) and pass through immigration. Now that's with your fellow travellers that are 97% Chinese so only about a dozen Falang, so process is very quick. It beats the "normal way" of train from HKG and entering at Lo Wu and joining the long queues!
I've also done the same thing entering Macau and in the departure lounge I think it was gate 8 you buy a ticket on a coach into Gongbei and can walk into Zhu Hai and spend a few days in this delightful (Chinese) Shopping toiurist are before catching a ferry or coach across to Guangzhou.
From Shenzhen I traveled the 18 hours by First class rail (about AUD 110.0) up to Shanghai and flew back economy a week later for about the same price.
I usually travel in mid October to mid November as the weather heat and rainfall and prices are usually at their best. But this year after returement I travelled around the world for four months. From Australia flew to SIngapore Ship via Middle East and Mediterranean to UK. A car in London for 2 months then to Spain for a weeks voluntary work then hired a car from Madrid to drive the coast leaving from Barcelona back to the UK. Then to Lax another car to Las Vegas and Prescott a part of the world I really love and have great friend there.
Been busy selling my house and just (Last week) bought a new one on the coast (QLD) so have been too busy to travel but rerally missed my usual trip. So that's what brings me to Hua Hin on a late, for me three weeks in Jan/Feb 2011.
This past couple of years I've been usung the Citadines appartments in Bangkok. They have 4 places there off Sukhumvite Sois 8, 11, 21 and 26 and I feel very comfortable in their places.

Welcome to the forum! Any information regarding your travels would also be interesting to read about.

That's one place i've never been. But during my work I carried a square leather bag. You may think of it as a Gladstione bag or an air crew bag. It also is similar to the Doctors bag so I was often caled "Doc".
Then with the advance of internet contact my kids added the Papa so I became Papadoc.
SO now you almost know my life story
By for now regards Papadoc

When I was at home, I was in a better place.
Alas, we travellers must be content

[mabubba]

Wow, I definitely am interested now. I am sure I'll have questions for you in the future!

[pharvey]

So papadoc, how long since you've done the whole China, HK to Shenzhen etc. trip?????

[papadoc]

Since 2002 I go to DongGuang every OCT/NOV However this year I missed out as explained above.
Usually have a great time in the tropical South. I don't speak Chinese so you need contacts up there. But as "they" were up there 2 months ago I will miss out this year.

My Shanghai trip was about three years ago.
The extra holiday journey to Shanghai was work connected as I was checking it out for a job I was offered.
They withdrew the offer when they found out how old i was. The B's. They wouldn't be able to do that in Aus.

regards Papadoc

When I was at home, I was in a better place.
Alas, we travellers must be content

[park1e]

welcome to the forum papadoc

[papadoc]

Thanks for the welcomes.

From Bangkok I pick up rent a car to visit Hua Hin for a week. 26 JAN-2 FEB. Any suggestions for a couple of nice day trips (in the car) would be interesting. Not into golf or fishing but like to walk, explore interesting places, markets and enjoy a nice meal.

I don't drink much but enjoy the odd glass and I'll also hope to explore some of the interesting bars of an evening.
Pleased to here suggestions or comment!!

I guess that 'cos I'm a newbie around here you can't send me a PM

regards Papadoc
_________________
When I was at home, I was in a better place.
Alas, we travellers must be content

[Big Boy]

PMs will not be enabled until you have completed 10 posts.