Friday, March 5                     

Ko Sichang is a quiet little island just off the shore of Sriracha.  The lack of traffic, combined with the surrounding clean water and fresh air, can make for a very relaxing getaway.  We’ll take a van up to the pier, then ferry over to the island, where we’ll transfer to their version of the tuk-tuk.  We’ll visit the Chinese temple, the old palace ruins where the Vimanmek Mansion in Bangkok once stood, beautiful beaches, and the Institute of Marine Sciences.

We’ll lunch on the island before catching the ferry back to the mainland.  On the way home, we’ll stop at the Meyer Cookware showroom in Laem Chabang for some quick shopping.

This is a great opportunity to do some exploration close to home, at a location that is largely overlooked by Pattaya dwellers.  If you’d like to join us, please contact Peggy Wragge, or look for the sign-up sheet we’ll have at the Luncheon at Pan Pan.  See you there!

Wednesday, March 17  -  7:30 am

We are now taking sign-ups for Celia’s Bangkok trip scheduled for March 17.  This time, we’ll take the river taxi all the way to the last stop, then hoof it over to Khao San Road.  This popular spot in Bangkok has long been known by back-packers for having some of the best deals in town, whether it be accommodations, eateries, or shopping.  It’s a lively, colorful part of Bangkok, and Celia’s next stop as she continues our exploration of Bangkok.

Once again, we’ll meet at the bus station on Pattaya Nua (North Pattaya Road) near Sukhumvit, at 7:30 am.  As usual, this trip is limited to only 6 people, so don’t delay, contact Peggy Wragge to sign-up.

Tuesday, March 2  -  10:30 am – 2:00 pm    

Our next function will be the March Luncheon at Pan Pan Restaurant, on Thappraya Road at the Theprasit Junction.   There is always good food and limited space, so be sure to reserve early.

E-mail Robyn Cedotal with your full name, and cc to Connie Kwok, no later than Saturday, February 27th.  They’ll send you a confirmation of your reservation.  If you signed up at the Coffee Morning at the Sheraton, there is no need to register again.  For directions, please contact Pan Pan direct at 038-251874.  See you there!

photo by avlxyz

Friday, February 26  -  9:00 am                                      

If you can put on make-up and paint fingernails, the ladies at Garonyawet Disabled Ladies Home would love to see you for our monthly get-together.  Everyone will meet at Foodland at 9:00 am, and return there around 12:00 noon.  Please contact Marjolijn Bakker-Van or Monique van Deursen to sign up.

Saturday, February 20th  -  10 am – 4 pm

This weekend, The International School of the Regent’s is hosting their annual International Day.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a trip around the world in a few hours, as the students from 42 different cultures will represent their individual countries in a classroom, and also at the International Cafe, the World Football tournament, the World Music performances on stage, and the World Fashion Show.

It promises to be entertaining, educational, and most of all, fun!  The Regent’s School is located on Highway 36, just before the Motorway junction.  All proceeds from the event go to the charity projects supported by The Regent’s School.

Thursday, February 25  -  1:30 pm

We’ve all been invited to a belated Valentine’s party for the children at the Fountain of Life Children’s Center.  Please, come and enjoy the games and light refreshments.  It’s a joy to see the smiling children’s faces!

For directions or for more information on the Center please contact them at 038-361720, or by e-mail at www.fountainoflifepattaya.com.

Thursday, February 25 – 3:00 – 4:30 pm

The talk this month is entitled The Heart of Buddhist Meditation.  A medieval Zen story of skillfulness will illustrate the essential base for Buddhist practice: concentration and compassion.

During the talk, you will consider how the skillful use of these qualities illuminates the fundamental Buddhist understanding of The Three Marks of Existence, which are:  Suffering, Impermanence, and No-Self.

Lecturer, Dr. Stewart McFarlane is a well known scholar of Chinese Religions and Buddhism, and a teacher of Chinese Martial Arts.  He was Director of Asian Studies at Liverpool Hope University until his retirement in 2004.  He is author of many publications on Buddhism, Chinese Religions and Martial Arts, and has served in the close personal security team protecting His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his UK visits.

He now lives in Thailand and works with rescued elephants.

North Star Library is located on the west side of Sukhumvit Road, just north of Pattaya Klang and next to the Redemptorist Center.

Saturday & Sunday, February 20 & 21  -  Le Café Royale  -  6:30 pm – 9 pm

Pattaya Players invite you to yet another fast-paced, interactive murder mystery dinner production entitled Café Murder at Le Café Royale in South Pattaya.  This production is the fourth in a series of uniquely interactive theatrical offerings, written by Nathan Hartswick and directed by Ray Lightbown.  Each guest will be responsible for figuring out the mystery of the night and will be encouraged to interact with the cast members who will be milling about throughout the evening.  In addition, the ever-popular singing troupe, “El Duo” will be performing in between scenes.  As an added bonus, we will be awarding prizes to the table group who can correctly identify the killer and his/her villainous motive!  Prizes will be given to the most accurate and most creative sleuths of the evening!

Much like Pattaya Players previous murder mysteries, Café Murder is played strictly for laughs.  Audience members are encouraged to dress fancily and interact with the guests and players as the plot unfolds around them.  Though audience members are encouraged to “get in character” and join in on the fun — they may also choose to just sit back and enjoy the show.

The show runs only two nights, and tickets must be purchased in advance as seating is limited.  To purchase tickets, either stop by the restaurant or e-mail to pattayaplayers@gmail.com.  The cost for an entire evening of an “all you can eat buffet”, entertainment and murder is just 1,000 THB/person.

February 8 - February 13, 2010

Our Trips and Travel committee has put together a fabulous trip to India for us.  Included are stops in Delhi, the country’s capital and the hub of tourism in Northern India; Agra, home of the most precious jewel in the country’s crown, the Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the Pink City of beautiful gardens and a rich history, that is a shoppers paradise.

Cost for 5 days / 4 nights is approximately 35,000 THB (Twin Share), and includes return economy class airfare, airport-hotel transfers.  This trip is fully booked at this time, but you may contact Anja Schoof or Monique van Deursen for more information.

         Wednesday, February 17   

Also known as Soi Wanit, this narrow little lane is tucked in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown and is the place to be if you’re looking for – well, anything.  It is lined on both sides with shop after shop offering everything from fabrics to craft and hobbie supplies, toys to Thai handicrafts, jewelry to undies.  It really is fascinating, and a must do if you haven’t already. 

Our own Celia Pickin, well known for her frequent trips to Bangkok, will be your shopping guide for the day, and will take you by air conditioned bus, sky train, and river ferry through the heart of Bangkok and into Chinatown, in search of those perfect items you’ve been looking for.  And then,  just when your arms are weary of carrying all those packages, back to the river for lunch and your journey home.

Meet at 7:30 am at the bus station on Pattaya Nua (North Pattaya Road).  The cost of the trip is 400 THB, and covers transportation only.  No payment is required in advance.  Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a handbag that closes securely to deter any pickpockets.  Also, keep your cell phone with you.  (You can’t get lost, but you may get separated from the group.)  Most of all, have fun and enjoy this Bangkok gem! 

So sorry, limited to 6 people, and fully booked at this time.  (Celia will be doing a Bangkok trip on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.  You may sign up for any of these trips at any time by contacting Peggy Wragge.)