Joseph in Asia (part 16)

The rumors that the Avani hotel where we stay in Pattaya will close are getting stronger. The hotel has no fewer than 300 rooms, of which only a few are occupied.

This morning we were having breakfast with a total of eight people and saw the staff conversing with each other somewhat nervously due to the fact that the main management of the hotel was in a meeting. We already have another smaller hotel in mind that will remain open and have our approval.

Daily activities

As a hobby photographer and member of a photo club, I once again walk along the boulevard along the sea and capture a few scenes here and there. The beach is deserted, the deckchairs empty and the umbrellas are folded waiting for better times. A few try to sell a bottle of drink to the thrifty passers-by, but all around it is doom and gloom. Every now and then a so-called 10 baht van passes by, desperately honking its horn to pick up a customer, but most of them drive around without a single passenger. The driver will become discouraged and will hardly be able to recoup the fuel used.

Pity a lot of people who can hardly earn anything to make a living and they are many.
When the sun goes down and the pink glow descends on the sea, we cannot help but think of these people, no matter how beautiful that recurring scene is every evening.

This evening we eat in the luxurious Casa Pascal Restaurant opposite our hotel. When we take a seat at the table, the waiting staff makes a joke and almost measures the distance between the two of us. We enjoy a delicious lobster soup followed by a delicious fish dish that is filleted on the spot at the table. Overall a nice restaurant with good staff and an attentive chef.
We are well aware that we lack nothing but that many small business people do not have it easy during this period.

Annoying message

This morning we learn that the Avani Resort will close indefinitely on Friday. So the rumor we heard earlier turns out to be true. So we have to say goodbye to the beautiful sea view and the beautiful tropical garden. We can understand the decision because with a total of eight guests you cannot profitably operate a 5-star hotel with 300 rooms and a lot of staff in Thailand.

The staff receives a partial salary payment, so we hear from a staff member.

All restaurants have had to close their doors by government order and are only allowed to sell takeaway meals. Hotels are exempt from this measure and may only serve guests staying at the hotel. Frankly, that is not a punishment in our hotel. The beautiful restaurant is located in the middle of a tropical garden surrounded by a beautiful water feature where we fully enjoy the served seafood and the great atmosphere all around. We feel privileged and always think of the many who are having an extra hard time right now. To understand that, you must have seen a walk along the deserted beach and the many closed shops, restaurants and small merchants. It is infuriating and pitiful.

Tomorrow we are forced to move to another hotel, but there too we will try to keep a cool head and prefer simple common sense. With more than eight crosses behind us, we are both no longer among the youngest, but the wisdom of life cannot be underestimated. Thereby; not to forget: we are far from tired of life, vital and eager to travel. The world is big and life is beautiful if you look with the right eye and attitude. The corona virus will also be overcome, we have no doubts about that and we will undoubtedly be able to return home. When that remains an open question.