Better Late Than Never

[ATMwalking]

I’m 250+ posts past total forum newbee, but I figure an introduction is still good.

I came to Thailand on a whim vacation over 4 years ago and haven’t got around to leaving yet. From just a backpack and now too much stuff…what happened! Anyway, I am glad I settled in as I think of home being Phuket.

I lurked on the board for a few years before I decided to get active. There really is a good group of people on this forum. Also, I have made plenty of mistakes while living here. Newer people may benefit from my real-life thai learning curve. You have to make this place work for you or it will chew you up and spit you out.

From that first day rock star cocaine “sexy man” high until now, I am still really excited about this place. I went through the various phases of being shy about going with bar girls, taking way too many girls, parting and drinking all the time, to burn out and bitterness. Now I am into taking the best of this place when I want it and ignoring the rest.

I try and mix in some thai culture into who I am, but don’t forget I will always be a foreigner. I’ve played with many BGs and had several university educated non-BG girlfriends. I’ve dabbled in business ideas here but never committed. I’ve seen many good people have a great life here and others make mistakes then wash out. You’ll meet some of the world’s richest people here as well as scheming guys that were on their last baht five years ago. Phuket is roadside noodle-shack local and world-class cosmopolitan at the same time. It’s an interesting place to live.

My interests include trying to get decent internet speeds, home theater, surfing/body boarding, and trying different restaurants run by some great cooks from all over the world. I also find time to float around in the pool with a cold gin & tonic in hand. Thinking of getting a boat next year when some of the new marinas are finished. When I get tired of up-country/island life, I find myself popping up to BKK for some city fun.

While the naughty p4p side of life here is great fun, there are plenty of other sides to this island. I am often going to the openings of new restaurants and bars outside of the “scene” and outside Patong. I’ve been holding back on posting that stuff because I wasn’t sure if anyone is interested.

I would say to new people, don’t be shy. Jump in.

Thanks for reading.

[georgelondon]

welcome atm...good on ya for staying on in los...wish i could when i visit.

[Hobbsy]

nice intro ATM. Enjoy your posts and hope to meet up in MTB one night.

[Nanook]

Hi ATM,

Better late than never...

Welcome to the board and we are looking forward for your input based on a "living in LOS" experience...

[Mav]

Nice intoduction ATM....always wondered what your background was.....what country are you originially from ?

[K2]

Better late than never indeed ATM - enjoyed the intro and 4 years is a bit of a watershed - once you've been here that long you are pretty sure if you want to stay or go.

Be good to meet up one day - MTB - Dragon - wherever - always up for new pastures

and a warm (formal) welcome.

[ATMwalking]

Thanks. Would be fun to hook up for drinks.

[Pad Mc]

Good post ATM...

You are/were a lucky man at 34 to be able to go to LOS backpacking and then end up staying for 4 years.

Might catch up with you for a few sometime, you could tell me how its done!

[IRISH JONNY]

a belated welcome..........
ij

[Rex7777]

So, have you noticed a change over the last four years? I was first in Patong in the year 2000, and it just doesn't seem to be the same place anymore. Or maybe it's just me? Of course, you might not notice if you live here...

Rex

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Pad Mc

go to LOS backpacking and then end up staying for 4 years. ...you could tell me how its done!

Start with burnout from years of 90 hour work weeks on start-ups, mix in some luck, and paying my respects at the patong/kathu hill Chinese temple.

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Rex7777

So, have you noticed a change over the last four years? I was first in Patong in the year 2000, and it just doesn't seem to be the same place anymore. Or maybe it's just me? Of course, you might not notice if you live here...

Rex

Part of the reason I moved out. Hard to get around and park. I think with the past few hard years it is a little less friendly. Nanai is a shocking zoo now when before it was an escape. I have to be in the right mood now to go to Patong. Lots of other places on the island for fun, food, and relaxation. Of course I still think Patong is awesome for what it is and never want to be too far.

[Pad Mc]

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

and paying my respects at the patong/kathu hill Chinese temple.

55

Really?????? I might give it a go.

[ATMwalking]

honestly and seriously

[Captain]

Hi ATM, wellcome.
Of course I am interested in the good restaurants, so any tip wellcome.

[marc26]

ATM
i think your a great addition to the board. someone with your experience and local knowledge is always welcome here. i should be out in february and would like to meet up, doesnt have to be patong

[ATMwalking]

Not anit-patong here. Drinks always good anywhere

[cybernator_uk]

Hi ATM and a late welcome to the board... Enjoy your posts and look forward to sharing a beer in MTB sometime... Keep up the good posting.

[sishow]

Hi, another respected poster is always welcome (Just like myself...... ahem!!?).

It amazes me that so many people can go to los and end up somehow staying for good! I would love too, but looks unlikely unless I can find either a job or a cheap business to buy that will somehow make alot of money.

Still I think the next few months im here will be a laugh!

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Captain

Hi ATM, wellcome.
Of course I am interested in the good restaurants, so any tip wellcome.

Forgot to reply with this suggestion.

If you are missing a good Belgian run restarant, try L'Orfeo in Rawai. Just down from Don's Mall.

Had probably the best filet mignon I have ever had in phuket at this place. Fresh grain feed beef. Cooked perfectly. Excellent mushroom sauce. Making me hungry thinking about it. Great food and atmosphere.

Found this site that has a map at the bottom. Phuket Restaurants: International Food

[Captain]

Thanks. Haven't found any good Belgian restaurants on the island yet. Had a good French one in Chalong, La Mousson, but seems the boss died.
There must be a good Belgian restaurant opening soon (or allready open) close to Kathu waterfall. Will try it if open.

[Lightemup]

Good intro, lets have a beer one day.

[Dodger]

Heh, Captain, not Belgian but a really good restaurant is called 9th Floor it is located funnily enough on the 9th floor in the Sky Inn, Ratty Road. I had been to the Sky Inn a few times in the past visiting bg's rooms or friends of bg's, always thought of it as a fairly scruffy apartment block offering 5k per month rooms to bg's or lb's.

Went today and was impressed by the restaurants signage, stupid I know but it just looks quality. Went up to the 9th floor and was actually a little early as they do not start serving customers until after 4pm, but they were serving friends and the quality of the restaurant, its views over Patong and most importantly the presentation of their food was absolutely first class. Met the owner, he said they had only been open 8 weeks but previously he has had restaurants on the island for the last 10 years, really nice french guy (think it was French accent, bit poor on accents), he took time to show me his menu and although slightly higher price than the norm it was not outrageous, appetisers about 180, steak about 580, also a good wine list.

And if you are reading this Paul (Marc26) a definate for you to visit and reckon you will like as well. Have you tried this place Lil?

[Denver]

The Nok and Chicken Bar is the one I was trying to remember Dodge. Also at the SkyInn. It was a while ago and I can't remember why I ended up there but I remember them playing songs I actually knew the words too!

Not even sure if it is still going or in the same hands.

[easyrider_au]

Quot