Categories

Recent Entries
Archives

February 11, 2005

More Details...

I wanted to add a few more interesting details about our travels so far. I keep trying to add these to the entries, but I always feel rushed (since the timer is ticking) or the Beer Changs make me forget the whole thing. In order to counteract all that, I started writing down little notes to help me remember...

Girly Boys

I saw this before when I was in the Phillipines, but Asians give high regards to their population of cross-dressing homosexuals. These extremely feminine (and friendly) men have normal jobs during the day, but at night they get dressed up as women and perform in visually stunning cabaret shows. It's hugely popular with tourists to go check them out, but Shaunna and I haven't spent any time doing it yet.... like I said, I've seen it before.

What is interesting about this (to me at least) is that these guys are pretty convincing as women. While we were eating at a wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant in Chiang Mai (called Jerusalem Falafel), I noticed a cute girl wandering around serving food and drinks. Obviously I didn't really pay close attention to her... merely saw a girl, made a mental note and went on about my business. Then Shaunna asked if I noticed the "girly" guy in the black shirt... I did an immediate double-take. Sure enough.

I've seen them here and there throughout our travels, and I'm always amazed. There is a terrible homophobia trend in America that would completely prevent these "girly boys" from being themselves in public. It's a sad reflection of our moral codes (inhibitions?) in the States, particularly in the "Home of the Free" where we promote individualism and all that jazz. These dudes ain't hurting nobody... unless, of course, you get all ashamed from checking them out (thinking they're women)... whatever. I find it pretty amusing.

White Men with Thai Girls

Once again, this is nothing new to me... but it's been a long time since I saw older white men wandering through the streets with young Asian girls. In the Navy it is pretty normal to find a "bar girl" and hire her to be your guide, escort, and friend. After 45 days at sea with a bunch of dudes, it's extremely convenient to do this, especially since your time on shore is so limited.

But I am constantly intrigued by the phenomenon when it's civilian men who are clearly travelling alone. The Thai sex industry is a bit over-hyped and romanticized to a certain degree, but this is a good example of how it works.

These older guys will come to Thailand, find a girl and basically be her "patron" while they are visiting the country. The relationship is mutually beneficial. The girl gets to eat out at fancy restaurants, have clothes bought for them, treated well, etc etc. The guys get to feel young and important again while having a personal translator to take care of business, barter good prices, etc etc.

Good news, ladies: I hear the same thing happens in Jamaica with middle-aged white women and the local Jamaican men.

Shaunna and I see them out all the time at the restaurants, and it's been a constant source of humor for us. It may seem wierd to some people... but whatever. We're totally fascinated by all of it.

Stray Dogs

There are stray dogs all over Thailand. Apparently, the locals don't like to kill them or try to cut down on the population. Although the dogs don't get much respect (and occasionally they get a boot in the butt), the people here don't pay them any mind. Some people even put bowls of food out in the streets for them. As such, there are mangy mutts running around... and alot of really cute puppies.

Thai Time / Erratic Service

Being from Austin, I'm used to slow service and a carefree attitude. But the Thais really take it to a new level. At some restaurants, you can expect to spend a couple of hours waiting for your meal and bill to reach your table. Also, some places will bring everything to the table at once - appetizers, drinks, main course, and sometimes dessert. At other places, the meals come out in random order... Shaunna will get her main course, then mine will appear 15 minutes later.

I've given up trying to expect timely, normal service. I have slowed down to Thai time, and I'm taking a really easy approach to it all.

"Whatever Happens Happens"

This has been the mantra that Shaunna and I use for this trip. Before we left the states, we knew that bad situations would surely arrise on this trip. It's near impossible to spend five weeks anywhere and not have at least one emergency to occur. So we made a promise to let whatever happen and not get uptight or worried about it. It's helped us endure a couple of crazy situations, and I definitely recommend this attitude for anyone that plans on making any extended excursions.

"Farang"

The Thai people refer to Westerners as farang. It's a name taken from the Thai word for French - but it applies to all Euro's, Aussies, and Yanks. Sometimes, it's used as a derogatory name... sorta like an inside slang word that can also be used to curse us... and for that reason, I find it pretty funny.

The clever people at Chiang Dao Nest have these kickass t-shirts that say "farang" in big white letters. They only made a handful of them, and I was quick to buy one. I wore it out to eat with Shaunna the other night, and everywhere we went I could hear the local Thai people laughing and clapping their hands. Even some Euro's were laughing. I had fun making fun of myself and entertaining everyone at the same time.

Posted by coywest on February 11, 2005 07:20 PM
Category: Random Ramblings
Comments

Girly Boys : they're always welcome in the warehouse disrtict


White Men with Thai Girls: they may be on to something here and "any port in a storm"


Stray Dogs: i would hate to see these dogs and i would want to feed them


Thai Time / Erratic Service: that would bug the shit out of me but after a while i'm sure i would just say "fuck it"


Whatever Happens Happens: that's a great rule of thumb for for dealing with some of the "crazy situations" you'll encounter in the institution known as marriage.


Farang: i have a new word now and i thank you.

Posted by: bobby-jo on February 12, 2005 02:10 AM

I'm headin' back to Jamaica...

Posted by: Dawn T. on February 12, 2005 05:56 AM

this blog simply brightens up the drudgery of being in the office. and its making me want to take a dope 5 week excursion with my lady, but I think we're going to head to slovakia, ukraine and the siberian tundra.

Posted by: waxmatik on February 15, 2005 02:07 AM
Email this page
Email this entry to:


Your email address:


Message (optional):




Designed & Hosted by the BootsnAll Travel Network