Pattaya

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to squeeze in a beach trip while in Thailand, but my host family has once again shown me how generous they are. We made the 2.5 hour drive to Pattaya from Bangkok last weekend for a beach day. I just want to reiterate that last fact really quick: Two and a half hours, in a place where the driving laws are apparently just suggestions. If you're someone like me who suffers from horrible car sickness any time you just think about a moving vehicle, then Thailand is the place for you. Just remember to bring your own puke bucket and a heavy supply of colorful words to silently scream in your head during the drive. The trip was well worth it though, because I had a perfect day on the beach with my host family. The sun was bright, the water was cool, and my spirits were high.



I was repeatedly informed by my family that Pattaya doesn't have the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, especially this time of year. The best time to see crystal, clear blue water in Pattaya is December and January, but Phuket (pronounced Poo Khet) has beautiful, paradise-like water all year round. However, we don't have time to make the 9 hour trip to the south of Thailand. Besides, beggars can't be choosers. Any beach that isn't covered beneath three feet of seaweed is beautiful when you live near Galveston, Texas.* Look at that water though; it may not be the most beautiful in all of Thailand, but Pattaya proved to have a gorgeous view of the water and mountains.

* No offense, Galveston! I'll happily take what I can get. 





Fun fact: This trip was my first time riding a jet ski! We also got pulled around on a banana boat, another first for me. I don't have pictures from that ride, because my host mom was too busy dying of laughter as we were repeatedly knocked off and dragged alongside the giant banana. I've not yet decided how I feel about the banana boat. I took it as a personal challenge to not get thrown off, and I'm not pleased with the score: Dawn- 2, Banana Boat- 6.