Happy 2 year anniversary Pete. Time flies when you are having retirement fun. Regarding your new group = PPC (Pete's Picking Circle) are your neighbors cool with this type of fun? If it was in my condo room, I think that some of my neighbors might start pounding on the walls 🫣 I am ashamed to say that I was never in a Trader Joe's and after you showed us all of those yummy and unique pumpkin based treats --> I am now very curious to visit one. All the best Pete 👍🤩
Time just won't slow down! Luckily, we don't have a neighbor to our left. There wouldn't be any shared walls with our living room and so far, our D&D games haven't gotten any complaints. I wouldn't do any amplified music, just acoustics and only during the day so I'm hoping it wouldn't be too loud. If it is, then we'll just move to the beach or maybe one of the local lounges.
The seasons is what I would miss the most. The brisk fall nights and having snowy winters. The change in spring is how you appreciate the hot months imo
Going on 4 years now living in Hua Hin with my Thai wife of 16 years. We used to live in Arizona so yes miss Mexican food big time. Nothing close here at all! But don’t miss much else and we aren’t going back. El Barrio’s menu was a bit weird but better than most we’ve tried.
Great job Pete! I have about 3 years until I make the leap, but look forward to retiring in Thailand ASAP. Your positive attitude mirrors my own, and you've become one of my favorite You Tubers for your perspective on retirement in Thailand. You touch here on something I've been wondering about... I'm a performing songwriter, doing original pop/rock/blues/soul/r&b/country songs in vintage styles ranging from 1950's to 1990's. I just play for fun, currently performing regularly for old folks at the dementia care home where my mother lives, as well as parties and gatherings. I don't ever need to make a single dollar or baht from music, but I sure would love to continue performing in Thailand. I understand the laws are strict about foreigners "working" in public spaces, but I figure there must be some private spaces where we can share our music. I would love to have a conversation with you sometime, at your convenience. Who knows, maybe we'll end up collaborating?! If you are open to this, let me know how to get in touch. I will be visiting, staying in Dongtan Beach, late January to mid February, so perhaps we could even have a face to face chat. Let me know what you're up for, and keep up the great channel!!! -Doug
Hey Doug, I’ve got my email listed in the description of all of my video and regularly meet up with viewers. Yeah, playing music here can be a problem unfortunately but there are some options for playing. I think technically they’re mostly (if not all) illegal but reasonably safe. There’s a couple open jams and open mics in town. While we aren’t allowed to volunteer on a retirement visa, many places like children’s homes or elderly centers would be happy to have you come by and aren’t likely to ask for a work permit or anything. I might get to play guitar at our next charity event. Definitely reach out and we can try to get together when you’re visiting.
Another great video Pete! I am still a little over 2 years out from moving to Pattaya area but will be there again on the 13th on December (less then 2 weeks) and look forward to it as always. I would have to agree on what you do miss about the states. Growning up in LA myself and moving to Vegas 40 years ago, I think you hit on all the points that I think about missing. Friends, family, cooler weather and oh yeah, Mexican food! I am also a huge live music fan as well and will be seeing King Diamond and Overkill tonight here in Vegas but being older and paying the prices for tickets these days, I won't miss what these shows charge to see, glad I got to see all the big ones while affordable. Anyway, hope you and Koi are well and maybe catch up for a drink in the next few weeks. Take care and keep up the good work.
I only miss my family and my band from back home. If I had multi millions I'd relocate my brother and band mate here to Thailand and would try getting gigs to show off our funky bluesy sounds. I'm a bassist but don't live in Pattaya anymore
Pete, I’ve solved your Mexican craving. The place is called Gringos Cantina in Ko Samui. 166, 99, Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand. It’s a fantastic restaurant! I went there in April when I visited Thailand right after I left Pattaya. Just a quick flight out of Pattaya international airport , Lol.
@@peteonretreat2023It was just a suggestion if you ever take a weekend trip over there. I was there on a guided tour in April. I had just left Pattaya. I don’t know if you remember but you and I missed each other when I was there, but I had to leave to start that tour. While I was in Ko Samui I had a craving for Mexican. We ended up at that restaurant. The owner is retired, from the U.S.
Thanks, Pete, for the awesome videos and for letting us have a glimpse into your life. I definitely agree that Thailand has great movies, I actually shed a few tears. I miss Mild Slim Jims and Nathan Hot Dogs 🌭.
Hi Pete. Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. I have been to Disneyland CA and Paris. I want to do the Japan and China in the next two years. I am a singer. I'd love to be a part of your picking circle. 😊 Thank you for the update video.
@peteonretreat2023 Hi Pete. No, we will be there by April, hopefully. I think I want to do Tokyo first then do a 3 week China trip to do the two there and Universal Studio. My spouse is from Fullerton/Anaheim and has never been to a Universal park. I hope you make a video if you do go to China.
@@peteonretreat2023 HK Disney, while one of the smaller parks, has the most beautiful setting of any of Disney's parks. If you go to HK, don't miss Ocean Park, a huge, sprawling theme park that actually draws more attendance than Disney!
Feel free to email me when you two get here (email is in every video description). I will make some videos if/when we go to HK but I'll probably upload them on my 2nd channel (I'm working on releasing that one soon) My travel videos just hurt the algorithm too much so I'm not really putting them out here. I still need to do my Japan and Cambodia videos.
Nice! I just gave them a like on FB. We’re talking about a weekend trip to BK in the next month or two. Maybe I can catch them. I love funk, especially with horns.
I would also miss Trader Joes. And compared to Austin pretty much any place is going to be letdown for live music. I'm surprised you didn't mention BBQ. Having lived in Portland and Denver, we had quiet a few transplants from Austin. Mostly what they would tell me they missed, was really good Mexican and really good BBQ. What about burger places? I know they have McDonald's and Burger King, do they have any good burger places like Whataburger or 5 Guys?
I love barbecue but I just never ate it a lot. Austin definitely has great barbecue though. Pattaya has some great burger places. Smash burgers are pretty big now and there some good ones. A lot of people love Kraken, but it’s not really for me. Prime Burger and Peaky Blinders are really good too. Lots of good burgers in town.
I am a retired professional musician in Las Vegas. How difficult is it to get into a working jazz or blues band in Pattaya? What do you know about life inside the Pattaya scene? Are there a lot of venues? Thanks, in advance.😊
For a regular paying gig, I don’t think it’s very easy but you might find a gig as a house performer at a restaurant. For a hustle gigger (finding regular weekly shows), I think it’s easier and I think there’s a lack of Blue’s players here but maybe that’s because of demand. That said, I don’t know how easy the legality of it all is or how difficult the process of making it legal is. There’s several foreigners playing out here but I don’t know how many of them have the proper visa/permits. Paul Jackson is probably the most popular western guitarist out here and can play 7 nights a week if he wants to, but at different venues. There’s a few venues but it’s definitely mostly bars and restaurants. Plenty of those! There’s 2 jazz clubs, but I don’t know if they pay or just make tips or it’s more of a hobby love thing. What do you play? I think the Jazz Pit has a house band but there’s always room for more horns, right? The lifestyle scene is a lot of what you make of it. Lots of touristy stuff or red light life but there’s also lots of families and chill people outside of that. I’m a gamer and there’s a few of us out here too. Lots of golf, tennis, pool… travel people, beach bums… plenty of drinkers (not my thing).
@peteonretreat2023 Thank you for that very in-depth answer. I play drums. I quit playing professionally a couple of years ago, due to some significant health issues. I have played on the Las Vegas Strip, worked on cruise ships and have toured with numerous "A" level legacy artists, as well as having played a gazillion "gigs-from-hell.". At this point in my life, I have no ambitions other than making pleasing noises with friends and peers. I now have the financial stability to sustain that life. If I can play 3-4 nights a week with some other good players, for fun, profit, and dinner and beer, I'd be quite satisfied...
@ I think that’s possible. I know a house band drummer out here but he’s been in London for a few months. Really cool cat, has toured world wide and has great chops. He says the gig he got here paid pretty dang well (better than most) and I really like the venue. I don’t think the legality was 100% but the right people are paid 😉 His weekly 5 night schedule was Russian music one night (lots of Russians in this area), Caribbean one night, rock night, R&B night and then hosting an open jam night. I feel like most of the work in Pattaya is top 40, pop and some rock though. A keyboardist I know in high demand has 6 weekly regular gigs (mostly pop, oldies, etc) and does a ton of events. He put a band together for the jazz fest a few weeks ago. Anyway, I can introduce you to a few people if you come out here sometime.
@@peteonretreat2023 Thank you ☺️ That is very kind offer on your part. I'm not absolutely certain exactly when I'll be in that part of the world, however I am hoping for mid-Summer '25.
Also, Pete on retreat, how hot does it feel in Pattaya in the summer? does it feel hotter then Florida in the summer? People mainly stay in? Is it miserable for a few months?
I think the heat is comparable, the humidity too. People probably stay in more but I see plenty of people go outside too. The beach will have chairs in the shade and lots of places have air conditioning. It can be miserable if you’re working or walking outside during the day for sure but it’s not that bad.
Tickets are about $6 (I wasn’t clear in the video but that the standard price). They have 2 expensive theaters two. The Porch is $18 (I think) but is a large theater with large sun chairs and it comes with a popcorn and drink. First Class is $20 but has recliners and a small buffet before the movie. They have a lot of the same snacks (I’m a fan of 50/50 popcorn with Sriracha and cheese flavors mixed), bad nachos, candies and icecream. Maybe hotdogs too.
There’s a good variety of sushi here. Our favorite place is definitely B- grade but it’s a cheap all you can eat buffet. I went to a top end omakase place for my friend’s birthday and it was amazing!
Everyone has an accent and everyone here’s things differently lol. Another commenter just said I pronounce it Pa tee ya 🤷🏻♂️ Now, I’m craving a po tay to though! 😆
@@peteonretreat2023 Its interesting ,How Foreigners have such a hard time Pronouncing it (Pattaya) :) no one says it right :) its easy Pa ta ya cheers ,love Pratamnak . My stomping ground maybe see you on the trail . Khrup
@ I know Thai people that say it differently too depending on where they’re from. I started with several pronunciations when I got here and this is just the one the stuck.
Naw, I don't miss the house I sold, all the possessions I sold, the traffic, the Texas heat, the rat race, the egos, the insane costs of living, the drama, the politics, the depression, the division, etc. lol
Thumbs up 👍 Pete
Many thanks 🙏🏼 MSR
Happy 2 year anniversary Pete.
Time flies when you are having retirement fun.
Regarding your new group = PPC (Pete's Picking Circle) are your neighbors cool with this type of fun? If it was in my condo room, I think that some of my neighbors might start pounding on the walls 🫣
I am ashamed to say that I was never in a Trader Joe's and after you showed us all of those yummy and unique pumpkin based treats --> I am now very curious to visit one.
All the best Pete 👍🤩
Time just won't slow down! Luckily, we don't have a neighbor to our left. There wouldn't be any shared walls with our living room and so far, our D&D games haven't gotten any complaints. I wouldn't do any amplified music, just acoustics and only during the day so I'm hoping it wouldn't be too loud. If it is, then we'll just move to the beach or maybe one of the local lounges.
The seasons is what I would miss the most. The brisk fall nights and having snowy winters. The change in spring is how you appreciate the hot months imo
That’s funny, the 3-4 degree from hot/wet season to cool/dry season here makes me appreciate every single degree lol
Going on 4 years now living in Hua Hin with my Thai wife of 16 years. We used to live in Arizona so yes miss Mexican food big time. Nothing close here at all! But don’t miss much else and we aren’t going back. El Barrio’s menu was a bit weird but better than most we’ve tried.
Yeah, I’m not moving anywhere just for good Mexican food lol
Great job Pete! I have about 3 years until I make the leap, but look forward to retiring in Thailand ASAP. Your positive attitude mirrors my own, and you've become one of my favorite You Tubers for your perspective on retirement in Thailand. You touch here on something I've been wondering about... I'm a performing songwriter, doing original pop/rock/blues/soul/r&b/country songs in vintage styles ranging from 1950's to 1990's. I just play for fun, currently performing regularly for old folks at the dementia care home where my mother lives, as well as parties and gatherings. I don't ever need to make a single dollar or baht from music, but I sure would love to continue performing in Thailand. I understand the laws are strict about foreigners "working" in public spaces, but I figure there must be some private spaces where we can share our music. I would love to have a conversation with you sometime, at your convenience. Who knows, maybe we'll end up collaborating?! If you are open to this, let me know how to get in touch. I will be visiting, staying in Dongtan Beach, late January to mid February, so perhaps we could even have a face to face chat. Let me know what you're up for, and keep up the great channel!!! -Doug
Hey Doug, I’ve got my email listed in the description of all of my video and regularly meet up with viewers. Yeah, playing music here can be a problem unfortunately but there are some options for playing. I think technically they’re mostly (if not all) illegal but reasonably safe. There’s a couple open jams and open mics in town. While we aren’t allowed to volunteer on a retirement visa, many places like children’s homes or elderly centers would be happy to have you come by and aren’t likely to ask for a work permit or anything. I might get to play guitar at our next charity event. Definitely reach out and we can try to get together when you’re visiting.
Yep the Orange county LA area music scene is one of the best. Im in Texas now heading to Pattaya tonight and will be hunting down live bands !!
Yes Petes Picking circle !!
I’ll have to let you know if the Secret Army Band is playing next Sunday. Full horn section, great band.
Another great video Pete! I am still a little over 2 years out from moving to Pattaya area but will be there again on the 13th on December (less then 2 weeks) and look forward to it as always. I would have to agree on what you do miss about the states. Growning up in LA myself and moving to Vegas 40 years ago, I think you hit on all the points that I think about missing. Friends, family, cooler weather and oh yeah, Mexican food! I am also a huge live music fan as well and will be seeing King Diamond and Overkill tonight here in Vegas but being older and paying the prices for tickets these days, I won't miss what these shows charge to see, glad I got to see all the big ones while affordable. Anyway, hope you and Koi are well and maybe catch up for a drink in the next few weeks. Take care and keep up the good work.
Ticket prices are insane now! I guess everything is but man, I miss affordable concerts 😅
Reach out when you get here. I can likely find time. 🙏🏼
I only miss my family and my band from back home. If I had multi millions I'd relocate my brother and band mate here to Thailand and would try getting gigs to show off our funky bluesy sounds. I'm a bassist but don't live in Pattaya anymore
If I was rich, I’d definitely fly some of my friends out here for some reunion shows.
Pete, I’ve solved your Mexican craving. The place is called Gringos Cantina in Ko Samui.
166, 99, Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand.
It’s a fantastic restaurant! I went there in April when I visited Thailand right after I left Pattaya.
Just a quick flight out of Pattaya international airport , Lol.
I do want to go to Koh Samui… now I just need to remember this when I go.
@@peteonretreat2023It was just a suggestion if you ever take a weekend trip over there. I was there on a guided tour in April. I had just left Pattaya. I don’t know if you remember but you and I missed each other when I was there, but I had to leave to start that tour. While I was in Ko Samui I had a craving for Mexican. We ended up at that restaurant. The owner is retired, from the U.S.
@@peterandretta8328 I definitely want to check it out. The island has been on n my list since I got here. Maybe we’ll go in the spring.
I spent a month in Thailand and couldn't wait to get back to autumn in new England
I almost just said I miss having seasons but it’s really just the cool weather. I do not miss Texas summers 😅
Thanks, Pete, for the awesome videos and for letting us have a glimpse into your life. I definitely agree that Thailand has great movies, I actually shed a few tears. I miss Mild Slim Jims and Nathan Hot Dogs 🌭.
Thank you for sharing what you miss. I really should’ve asked for that in the video. I’m horrible at comment fishing lol
Step into a Slim Jim!
Dude, if you like indie films, you have to see Anora starring Mikey Madison. Mark my words. She deserves an Oscar nomination!
Just added it to my list! Thanks for the recommendation 🙏🏼
Hi Pete. Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. I have been to Disneyland CA and Paris. I want to do the Japan and China in the next two years. I am a singer. I'd love to be a part of your picking circle. 😊 Thank you for the update video.
We’re talking about going to Hong Kong Disney this next year. Are you in Thailand now?
@peteonretreat2023 Hi Pete. No, we will be there by April, hopefully. I think I want to do Tokyo first then do a 3 week China trip to do the two there and Universal Studio. My spouse is from Fullerton/Anaheim and has never been to a Universal park. I hope you make a video if you do go to China.
@@peteonretreat2023 HK Disney, while one of the smaller parks, has the most beautiful setting of any of Disney's parks. If you go to HK, don't miss Ocean Park, a huge, sprawling theme park that actually draws more attendance than Disney!
@@dougemailbox awesome, thanks for the tip!
Feel free to email me when you two get here (email is in every video description). I will make some videos if/when we go to HK but I'll probably upload them on my 2nd channel (I'm working on releasing that one soon) My travel videos just hurt the algorithm too much so I'm not really putting them out here. I still need to do my Japan and Cambodia videos.
Never heard of Trader Joe’s Pete but it looks awesome 🎉
They’re pretty dang cool. Lots of great snacks, frozen food, wine and sauces.
Thank you so much 🍀💚🌿🌷
Absolutely my pleasure 🙏🏼✌🏼🙂
I'm into funk. There's a great funk cover band that plays in BKK called supergoods. I try catch them when I go there
Nice! I just gave them a like on FB. We’re talking about a weekend trip to BK in the next month or two. Maybe I can catch them.
I love funk, especially with horns.
@peteonretreat2023 highly recommended mate. Really funky group. Bangkok mojo on Thursday nights are their regular haunts. Good people too.
A fellow Los Angeleno living in Thailand 🇹🇭🙌
I’ve met a few now.
I❤️LA ✌🏼
try going to tiggle bittes , its off of Thepratist road , I like there mexican food and its a cool place too .
It’s been on my list forever and I’ve driven by a few times. Thanks for recommending it… now I just need to go. 🌮 🙏🏼🙂
Mate. You should try the fish tacos at taco house on lake maprachan. Bloody good food there mate
Taco House is my favorite Mexican place in town. Their fish tacos are good for sure but I usually get the carne asada.
@@peteonretreat2023 fair enough. I don't like carne 😉
I would also miss Trader Joes. And compared to Austin pretty much any place is going to be letdown for live music. I'm surprised you didn't mention BBQ. Having lived in Portland and Denver, we had quiet a few transplants from Austin. Mostly what they would tell me they missed, was really good Mexican and really good BBQ. What about burger places? I know they have McDonald's and Burger King, do they have any good burger places like Whataburger or 5 Guys?
I love barbecue but I just never ate it a lot. Austin definitely has great barbecue though.
Pattaya has some great burger places. Smash burgers are pretty big now and there some good ones. A lot of people love Kraken, but it’s not really for me. Prime Burger and Peaky Blinders are really good too. Lots of good burgers in town.
New cheese steak place is awsome
I’ll have to check it out, thanks 🙏🏼
I am a retired professional musician in Las Vegas. How difficult is it to get into a working jazz or blues band in Pattaya? What do you know about life inside the Pattaya scene? Are there a lot of venues?
Thanks, in advance.😊
For a regular paying gig, I don’t think it’s very easy but you might find a gig as a house performer at a restaurant. For a hustle gigger (finding regular weekly shows), I think it’s easier and I think there’s a lack of Blue’s players here but maybe that’s because of demand. That said, I don’t know how easy the legality of it all is or how difficult the process of making it legal is. There’s several foreigners playing out here but I don’t know how many of them have the proper visa/permits. Paul Jackson is probably the most popular western guitarist out here and can play 7 nights a week if he wants to, but at different venues.
There’s a few venues but it’s definitely mostly bars and restaurants. Plenty of those! There’s 2 jazz clubs, but I don’t know if they pay or just make tips or it’s more of a hobby love thing. What do you play? I think the Jazz Pit has a house band but there’s always room for more horns, right?
The lifestyle scene is a lot of what you make of it. Lots of touristy stuff or red light life but there’s also lots of families and chill people outside of that. I’m a gamer and there’s a few of us out here too. Lots of golf, tennis, pool… travel people, beach bums… plenty of drinkers (not my thing).
@peteonretreat2023 Thank you for that very in-depth answer. I play drums. I quit playing professionally a couple of years ago, due to some significant health issues. I have played on the Las Vegas Strip, worked on cruise ships and have toured with numerous "A" level legacy artists, as well as having played a gazillion "gigs-from-hell.". At this point in my life, I have no ambitions other than making pleasing noises with friends and peers. I now have the financial stability to sustain that life. If I can play 3-4 nights a week with some other good players, for fun, profit, and dinner and beer, I'd be quite satisfied...
@ I think that’s possible. I know a house band drummer out here but he’s been in London for a few months. Really cool cat, has toured world wide and has great chops.
He says the gig he got here paid pretty dang well (better than most) and I really like the venue. I don’t think the legality was 100% but the right people are paid 😉
His weekly 5 night schedule was Russian music one night (lots of Russians in this area), Caribbean one night, rock night, R&B night and then hosting an open jam night.
I feel like most of the work in Pattaya is top 40, pop and some rock though. A keyboardist I know in high demand has 6 weekly regular gigs (mostly pop, oldies, etc) and does a ton of events. He put a band together for the jazz fest a few weeks ago. Anyway, I can introduce you to a few people if you come out here sometime.
@@peteonretreat2023 Thank you ☺️ That is very kind offer on your part. I'm not absolutely certain exactly when I'll be in that part of the world, however I am hoping for mid-Summer '25.
Also, Pete on retreat, how hot does it feel in Pattaya in the summer? does it feel hotter then Florida in the summer? People mainly stay in? Is it miserable for a few months?
I think the heat is comparable, the humidity too. People probably stay in more but I see plenty of people go outside too. The beach will have chairs in the shade and lots of places have air conditioning. It can be miserable if you’re working or walking outside during the day for sure but it’s not that bad.
My fav Mexican restaurant was El Coyote on Beverly-I miss a USDA 🥩-miss the Rams-Angels-Lakers-UCLA Bruins 🏈 & 🏀
LA all the way! World series champs!
Disney Tokyo is the largest Disney park in the world
Really? I can imagine it’s bigger than Disneyworld. 🤔
How much are movie tickets? Do they have the same snacks in the theater?
Tickets are about $6 (I wasn’t clear in the video but that the standard price). They have 2 expensive theaters two. The Porch is $18 (I think) but is a large theater with large sun chairs and it comes with a popcorn and drink. First Class is $20 but has recliners and a small buffet before the movie.
They have a lot of the same snacks (I’m a fan of 50/50 popcorn with Sriracha and cheese flavors mixed), bad nachos, candies and icecream. Maybe hotdogs too.
Pete on retreat, how's the sushi in Pattaya?
There’s a good variety of sushi here. Our favorite place is definitely B- grade but it’s a cheap all you can eat buffet. I went to a top end omakase place for my friend’s birthday and it was amazing!
Where is Potaya is that a suburb of Pattaya 😂 Pat' ta' ya' khrup 😊
Everyone has an accent and everyone here’s things differently lol. Another commenter just said I pronounce it Pa tee ya 🤷🏻♂️
Now, I’m craving a po tay to though! 😆
Great job, all be in Pratamnak very soon.
@@peteonretreat2023 Its interesting ,How Foreigners have such a hard time Pronouncing it (Pattaya) :) no one says it right :) its easy Pa ta ya cheers ,love Pratamnak . My stomping ground maybe see you on the trail . Khrup
@ I know Thai people that say it differently too depending on where they’re from. I started with several pronunciations when I got here and this is just the one the stuck.
@peteonretreat2023 Great condo evaluation bye the way I remember when it was a hotel Great spot . Cheers happy home 🏡
I believe Green Day are playing in BKK
I might need to look into that. I just started playing She on guitar a few weeks ago.
Guy who misses his whole life.
Naw, I don't miss the house I sold, all the possessions I sold, the traffic, the Texas heat, the rat race, the egos, the insane costs of living, the drama, the politics, the depression, the division, etc. lol