Pattaya was my official residence from 2000 to 2008. The city was a refuge for scoundrels. Its nightlife was reminiscent of New York in the late-70s. Go-go bars, rent boys, and transvestites. Nothing like it was left on earth and I renamed the city the Last Babylon. The title didn’t take, since many people wanted to resurrect the old beach town into a five-star destination for upscale tourists. Condos popped up everywhere. My favorite haunts were destroyed by developers. The real estate fever gripped the residents like a boat choking a chicken. The population swelled from 90,000 to 160,000 and more were coming each week. After an arrest for ‘copyright infringement’ by the Thai cyber police I decided to return to New York, leaving my two families. The Day was May 13, 2008

I thought I would be able to return fast. A few months work in the city and my pockets would be filled however the economy was faltering in the states. Banks were failing thanks to voodoo economic practices and businesses based on consumer spending were going out of business by the hundreds. My only job offer was to take care a mad dog in Palm Beach. The pay was $400/week. The crazy dog ate better than me. The summer passed without my accumulating enough money for a ticket to the Orient. All my money went to supporting my two families. I dreamed of resuming my life in Pattaya.

Beer, bikes, and beach along with two families.

Another seven months ticked off the calender with my working as a jeweler. People don’t really buy diamonds during an economic crisis, but I luckily sold a ruby for a million dollars. I got paid in May, but worked another month to secure my job. I bought a ticket last week. $1150. I called both my wives and told them conflicting dates of arrival.

The mia noi got first shot.

I landed at Bangkok Airport. She was waiting at the terminal. A driver took us down to Pattaya. It was dark on the motorway. Little change was apparent on the ride. Her soi in Jomtien seemed unchanged as well. My son Fenway gave me a smile and my mia moi and I made love for the first time in a year.

The nest morning I drove to Pattaya at sunrise.

Revelers were coming home from Walking Street. Their faces drawn after a long night of drinking. I was glad I wasn’t them and realized that I didn’t really want to live here anymore. It’s a city that had its time, although I’m sure for others it’s still their dream destination.

Of course my opinion could change in a heart beat.

Babylon has a funny way of sneaking up on you.