Right now we have a regular number of 9 to 10, or sometimes 12.  Our meetings are quite interesting and lively, and we really do discuss topics that can be heated sometimes.  We believe that is what a good book club should do – encourage thinking and acceptance of ideas from one another.

The book we discussed this month was titled “The Help”.  It was written by American writer Kathryn Stockett.

It centers around a young 22 year old returning home to Mississippi from college.  Skeeter goes through a personal transformation as she questions the status of the black “help” and their white employers.  Bear in mind that the book takes place in a southern US state in the 1960’s – a time when the majority of whites continue to cling to the old days of a clear delineation of the black and white races.  Skeeter is not like the rest and she sets out to write a book depicting the conditions of “the Help”.  She does this with the co-operation and encouragement of 12 black maids, and in fact the book Skeeter writes is done through the eyes of “the Help”.

The book is a very thought-provoking one and we encourage our PILC members to read it.  It touches on the sensitive subjects of racial prejudice, friendships, love, goodness and along with that, evil.  It was a great read.

Connie Kwok

Welcome aboard to the paradise ship, A-One the Royal Cruise Hotel Pattaya where gentle waves meet unique cruise design.

The hotel faces the fascinating sea view of Pattaya beach front promenade in North Pattaya Beach.  This unique ship shaped building was the venue for the April Coffee Morning.

Around 50 PILC ladies attended the Coffee Morning, as the weather is really starting to heat up, here in Pattaya.  The room was set up in a relaxed manner with armchairs and coffee tables.  The used books, of course were on display, with many ladies browsing the selection and quite a few sales were made.  The money from the used book sales all goes directly toward our welfare projects, so don’t forget to support Sherryl and browse the used books.

Peggy was very organised with Trips and Travel, and had all the sign-up sheets ready for the upcoming tours.

After the registration and book browsing and tour sign ups, it was time for all to sit down, relax with a cuppa and catch up with friends….after all that’s the main reason why we all come.  There was much chatter, one would have thought that there may have been more than the 50 ladies in the room.  There was both sweet and savoury food snacks available for all to enjoy, and much coffee and tea was enjoyed.

Anja made the announcements of upcoming events, Tours and Travel and requested volunteers to help with the Garage Sale on the 4th and 5th June.

We welcomed two new members, Allison Lutton from Britain and Diane Rogers from Australia.  A very warm welcome ladies.

Then it was back to a second cuppa for some and continued catching up with friends.  It appeared a good morning was had by all who attended.  Hope to see you all at the next PILC Coffee Morning.

Wednesday and Thursday, June 9 – 10 

We’ll start early on Wednesday, and travel by mini-van to Bangkok and on to Ayutthaya, where we’ll visit the ancient ruins of this once glorious capital of Siam, lunch at a local restaurant, and tour the lovely Bang Pa In, summer palace to the kings of Thailand. 

Immediately afterwards, we’ll board the former rice barge that’s been transformed into a beautiful and unique boutique hotel.  We’ll cruise down river, enjoying an elegant dinner, drinks, and good conversation with other PILC members before retiring to our air-conditioned cabins for a good night’s rest.

In the morning, a nice breakfast will be waiting for us on deck to start off the cruise back into Bangkok.  Once there, we’ll disembark and take a coach back to Pattaya, arriving in the early afternoon. 

This is a unique way to take in the splendors of Ayutthaya and promises to be quite memorable.   Strictly limited to 12 people.  Please sign-up as soon as possible.  Contact Peggy Wragge for details.

From Our Vice President:

Dear Ladies,

We’ve all seen her at PILC events.  She’s that elegant woman with the gorgeous flowing hair, the willowy figure, and the perpetual tan.  She is Silvia Muta.

But what exactly do we know about her?  It gives me great pleasure this month to fill you in on our own Silvia.

Silvia hails from Raffaela, Santa Fe Province in central Argentina, a little city of 80,000 people.  With her son Matias (“Baby” to her) and husband Hugo, she settled in Pattaya seven years ago.  The three fell in love with Pattaya from the get go, and the reasons for their love affair with their adopted city include their “love of the sea, the beautiful beaches and the easy-going lifestyle of Pattaya”.  As well, Silvia is quite fond of the active ex-pat community here which, naturally, includes PILC, of which she has been an active member since 2003.  Upon moving to Pattaya, Silvia didn’t speak a word of English.  Speaking with her today, one would never have guessed that – as her English is quite impecable.

Trained as a Civil Engineer, with the last 10 years on the Council of her city, Silvia was the head of Environmental and Urban Planning of Raffaela, and she was in charge of strategic planning of all environmental programs, housing projects, buildings and public services in Raffaela.  This position led her into the political arena somewhat, but, she claims to have been a politician of the “honest kind”.  We believe you Silvia – we expect nothing else from you.

PILC members, let me tell you now of one of Silvia’s great contributions to our Club.  She single-handedly and without fan-fare, created the PILC’s Best Map Guide of Pattaya concept and successfully implemented it for the past several years.  Thanks to her wonderful efforts, PILC has raised hundreds of thousands of baht, all of which goes directly to our Welfare projects.  Kudos Silvia!!

Silvia is obviously a woman of many talents and interests and they include reading, yoga, aerobics, swimming, painting, and her newest accomplishment, creative writing.  With any luck, we may be priviledged enough to read some of her works in our PILC newsletters in the future.

Like many good South Americans, she also indulges in her love of champagne, sparkling wines, and some good old fashioned wine.  The following is her recipe for authentic Argentinian Sangria:

“Mix red wine.  Add sugar according to your taste, and a little lemon juice.  And ice, ice.”

Easy as pie, ladies – even I can do that Silvia.

I asked Silvia to write down something about herself that she would like us to know.  This is what she wrote down verbatum.

“I have, as the majority of Argentineans, European ancestors.  German and Italian run in my blood.  So, I am stubborn, hard working, competitive, perfectionist, bossy – these come from Mama’s side, the German one.

“I am temperamental, party lover, wine drinker, and I speak loud and moving continuously my hands – these come from Papa’s side, the Italian one.  And then I am an engineer, that means rigid minded, always planning, organizing every single things, and giving orders – some of the bossy thing comes from here too.  And at last, and only to make the whole mixture a little bit explosive, I am an Aries woman – if you know what I mean.”

Silvia, thank you for sharing yourself with us this month.  We thank you for being part of PILC and we love you.

Connie Kwok

Tuesday, June 15  -  10:30 am  

Another Coffee Morning, another great opportunity to catch up with friends, meet our newest members, and pickup your copy of the Tropics Topics newsletter.  This month, it’ll all be happening at the beautiful Pullman Pattaya Asiawan Resort and Spa, a new venue for us.

Reservations are required, so remember to e-mail Jan Marek and cc Connie Kwok no later than Saturday, June 12th, if you plan on attending.  They’ll e-mail you a confirmation of your reservation.

The Pullman Pattaya Asiawan is located off Soi 16 on Wongamat Beach in Naklua.  Take Pattaya-Naklua Road to Soi 16.  Turn toward the beach, and continue on this road until you reach the first intersection.  Turn left, and you’ll see the hotel on the right side.  For more detailed directions, please contact the resort at 038-411940.

photo by U-g-g-B-o-y

             Tuesday, May 18  -  10:30 am

Please join us at Dicey Reilly’s for this month’s Coffee Morning.  Meet old friends and new while catching up on everyone’s summer plans, as well as PILC goings on.

If you’d like to attend, reservations are required and can be made by e-mailing Robyn Cedotal no later than Saturday, May 15.  If you’ve signed the Coffee Morning sheet at Casa Pascal, there is no need to reserve again.  Just a reminder, also, to pickup your copy of the Tropics Topics newsletter while there.  Maybe those of your absent friends and neighbors, too.

Dicey Reilly’s is located on 2nd Road, just in front of the Marriott, and across the street from Casa Pascal.  (It was formerly the Mooore Bar & Grill.)  If you need more information, please call them direct at 038-411755.

photo by Kenn Wilson

Tuesday, June 1  -  10:30 am

We’ll be at the sleek and modern dusitD2 this month for our Luncheon.  Located on 2nd Road, just next to (and south of) The Avenue shopping mall, this will be an easy one to get to by baht bus, and easy parking if you have your own car.

To reserve your seat, e-mail Robyn Cedotal no later than Saturday, May 29.

Thursday, May 20  -  10:00 am – 5:00 pm  -  Eastern Star Club House

Yes, it’s 15 years now that the Rayong Ladies Circle have been presenting their May Bazaar.  For the entry price of only 100 THB, you are automatically entered in the Lucky Draw Door Prize.  Other opportunities include Raffle, Refreshments, lots of Shopping, and all to help the RLC raise money for their local Charities.

Some of the vendors wares include furniture, jewelry, orchids, used books, carpets, stainless steel goods, home decorations, kids educational items, and much, much more.  It’s a great day out!  See you there.

Eastern Star Golf Course is located in Ban Chang, and can be found on the PILC’s Best Map Guide of Pattaya.  Follow the signs to the Club House.  For detailed directions, call them at 038-630410-5.

  Able the Disabled Foundation (Riding for the Disabled) is a registered foundation that provides therapy and riding for the disabled.  The horse’s movement is therapeutic and improves the child’s balance/posture, co-ordination, concentration, self-esteem, and muscle development.  The horse’s movement naturally in walk simulates the movement of the human walk.  The warmth of the horse’s body, and rhythmic gait, relaxes spastic muscles and stimulates muscular development.  Only special horses, with quiet temperaments, unlimited patience and deeply giving natures, are suitable for this work.

Volunteers Needed.  Able the Disabled relies entirely on volunteers for its operation and support for its funding.  There is a constant need for motivated, cheerful and reliable people to help.  It is not necessary to know anything about horses, or disabled children, to make a big difference in the lives of these riders.  Riding for the Disabled teaches its volunteers what they need to know in order to lead a pony or walk by the side of a child.

To volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Sandra Cooper at 086-848-3684, or Horseshoe Point at 038-248026.

Wednesday, May 26  -  North Star Library  -  15:00 – 16:30

North Star Library offers talks by guest speakers from time to time, and this month has our own Barbara Barkemeyer talking about the Baha’i Faith and its Spiritual and Practical Principles.

Barbara, who was born in Germany, lived most of her life in Switzerland and in France, and is now a permanent resident of Pattaya, is a psychotherapist.

North Star Library is located on Sukhumvit Road between Central Pattaya (Pattaya Klang) and North Pattaya Road (Pattaya Nua).  It is close to the Redemptorist Center (Mahathai School).  Admission to the talk is free.