The guidebooks look down at Pattaya as a bit seedy, if not sleazy. I don't doubt there are more beautiful and culturally rich places in Thailand, but we were here for the training at the nearby camp. Anyway, we had a good time.

"Welcome to Pattaya." Well, any metal sign on a waterfront is bound to get a little rusty.	Carrying things the old fashioned way. Off to the right is an internet cafe.
Shrine on the sidewalk next to a bar advertising "lady boxers."	Ripley's Believe It or Not. At ground level are the Sizzler and Au Bon Pain restaurants.

Extremely friendly and apparently happy and healthy kids, who were just hanging out by the garbage bins unattended and in one case completely naked.	Manicure, pedicure, and massage on the beach by a mother and daughter team. Total cost: 600 baht (about $13) plus tip.