Thursday, June 25, 2009
Open your own freaking door!
Was out for about 10 hrs today and finally made it back home after working on a few reports at the local hospital. I was coming in late and my favorite doorman was going to be on duty, so I figured Id grab him a coffee to help his night shift breeze by a bit easier. I wait in this long line, end up leaving, then feel bad so I go back in the line and buy him the coffee and walk it back to my condo. I get to the condo and have a little speech planned, in Thai, about how I appreciate him and that it is hot outside...I was also even ready with a few responses depending upon his response, kind of like those children's books---if you want the red monster to die, turn to page 35; if you want him to kill your partner, turn to page 71. Anyway, I was ready for any response and I start gliding into the parking lot. I see him across the way and smile and say the few lines in Thai and he welcomes me back with one of my few predicted responses; then I see, right behind him, the other doorman that I forgot was going to be on duty tonight. Now I look like a complete jackass and I don't even know how to apologize in the damn language. I use sorry more than anyone and I forgot to learn the damn word, I know "sorry, i accidently bumped into you", but I dont know a sorry approriate for "I didnt know you were working tonight". Anyway, trying to be a hero now I am just some rude punk who they probably think has a crush on one of the doormen.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Somebody somwhere
Every imagine what else is going on in the world? Maybe, probably...but it is funny to open your mind to think of all the things that may happen every minute, somewhere in the world. As we speak somebody just bought a new computer, stepped on a nail, found a bug in their food, shaved for the first time, lifted weights then looked at their self in the mirror, told a bad joke, found out their child died, popped a bubble, posted a picture of their ultrasound online, found money on the ground, ate sushi, found out they had a deadly disease, ignored a phone call, spilled wine on someone, told another bad joke, broke an ikea desk after having trouble putting it together, got a text from a boyfriend breaking up with them, changed the channel, or maybe just woke up to go get married today. So many things are going on in the world around us and we know of only what we choose to know. Lets open our minds, open our hearts, and gain awareness of the troubles and joys of our communities and the communities afar.
Ask questions and make the most of our daily lives.
:)
Ask questions and make the most of our daily lives.
:)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Letters from the Cave
Deep inside the dungeon of Sukhumvit Soi, I write sprawled out in the spread eagle-position...
Life is good, learning a bit of the language and some of the traditional cooking as well. It is nice learning the language because I got a jump start knowing that "motorcycle" is the same in both english and Thai. There are only about 4 words that are the same in the comparing languages, but its fair to say that I know those four really well. I have tried to make complete sentences out of the 4 nouns with no luck. Its funny when speaking with some of the models who are working out here, they have all gathered the essentials of the language(thank you, hi, how much) and don't care to much to venture past that. Then, like a typical well-versed model, amaze me with "Its soo hard" when asked why they don't learn the language. They always say it as if its some kind of position that no one has ever taken before. Its real nice to be in the class after not being in school for over 5 years, 5 years!! It's been a while since having to wake up early, call someone teacher, or text in my pocket..its certainly a fun challenge learning the peculiar language. It is far more advanced than English, in many ways...but then decades behind in other ways. It is a tonal language, there are 5 tones(mid, low, falling, high, rising). Each word has one of the 5 tones, if you say high instead of rising it may mean calling your grandma a horse. It is incredibly difficult to learn this portion of it since it has hundreds of sounds that are not in any of the westernized languages...but the grammar of the language is amazingly simple, far more than that of English or Spanish. No past tense or present tense or real sentence structure.
So now I am here, I had to run home for an hour while the maid handles business and cleans up all my hair off the tile floor of the condo...now that I have a white tile floor I realize how much hair I lose on a daily basis, I am constantly sweeping hair into the garbage(under the fridge) and wondering why I never noticed this loss of hair. They say the average person loses about 80 strands per week...thats a lot of hair! I suppose we have millions of hair follicles and I have never taken the time to actually count the hair on the tile, but I am guessing that I am well above the average human. I am now 23 and my mother and her father lost hair at an early age, so I suppose it is now aroundabout my time to start losing my hair...so like a convict ordering steak on his last meal, I am letting it grow out real long for my remaining years of follicle stardum. Its hard for a man to face such a fact, even harder when you are sweeping up yesterday's treasures as you are losing them...no sooner have they been swept away under the stove then they are falling from your head. Maybe something about the heat and humidity makes them fall faster, or maybe grow faster too? I figure vegetation and fruits grow faster and healthier in humid climates, why not my hair follicles? Well maybe because they are already dead when they come out of my skull...could be one hypothesis...that or maybe tile increases the speed of hair loss in men. Regardless of what it is, its an exciting part of my day to see the hair on the ground, lets me know that another day has passed. I would take the rogaines or hair loss serums, but its a bit more fun to have something to wake up and be bitter about. Kind of like when you offer something to someone and they suggest their choice, and you dont like it...but then feel bad when you express that you dont like it and give them the chance to pursue their choice, but they are now even more bitter and immature than you so refuse your chance.
"Where would you rather go eat, Taco Bell or Wendys?"...
"Id love to go to Wendys!" ...
"Oh man, well I was hoping youd say Taco Bell....can we go there instead" ...
"You gave me the choice! Whyd you even ask!? Fine, Taco Bell...UGH!" ...
"OK OK OK we can go to Wendys,,sorry!" ..
"Nope, thats fine....Taco Bell"
Life is good, learning a bit of the language and some of the traditional cooking as well. It is nice learning the language because I got a jump start knowing that "motorcycle" is the same in both english and Thai. There are only about 4 words that are the same in the comparing languages, but its fair to say that I know those four really well. I have tried to make complete sentences out of the 4 nouns with no luck. Its funny when speaking with some of the models who are working out here, they have all gathered the essentials of the language(thank you, hi, how much) and don't care to much to venture past that. Then, like a typical well-versed model, amaze me with "Its soo hard" when asked why they don't learn the language. They always say it as if its some kind of position that no one has ever taken before. Its real nice to be in the class after not being in school for over 5 years, 5 years!! It's been a while since having to wake up early, call someone teacher, or text in my pocket..its certainly a fun challenge learning the peculiar language. It is far more advanced than English, in many ways...but then decades behind in other ways. It is a tonal language, there are 5 tones(mid, low, falling, high, rising). Each word has one of the 5 tones, if you say high instead of rising it may mean calling your grandma a horse. It is incredibly difficult to learn this portion of it since it has hundreds of sounds that are not in any of the westernized languages...but the grammar of the language is amazingly simple, far more than that of English or Spanish. No past tense or present tense or real sentence structure.
So now I am here, I had to run home for an hour while the maid handles business and cleans up all my hair off the tile floor of the condo...now that I have a white tile floor I realize how much hair I lose on a daily basis, I am constantly sweeping hair into the garbage(under the fridge) and wondering why I never noticed this loss of hair. They say the average person loses about 80 strands per week...thats a lot of hair! I suppose we have millions of hair follicles and I have never taken the time to actually count the hair on the tile, but I am guessing that I am well above the average human. I am now 23 and my mother and her father lost hair at an early age, so I suppose it is now aroundabout my time to start losing my hair...so like a convict ordering steak on his last meal, I am letting it grow out real long for my remaining years of follicle stardum. Its hard for a man to face such a fact, even harder when you are sweeping up yesterday's treasures as you are losing them...no sooner have they been swept away under the stove then they are falling from your head. Maybe something about the heat and humidity makes them fall faster, or maybe grow faster too? I figure vegetation and fruits grow faster and healthier in humid climates, why not my hair follicles? Well maybe because they are already dead when they come out of my skull...could be one hypothesis...that or maybe tile increases the speed of hair loss in men. Regardless of what it is, its an exciting part of my day to see the hair on the ground, lets me know that another day has passed. I would take the rogaines or hair loss serums, but its a bit more fun to have something to wake up and be bitter about. Kind of like when you offer something to someone and they suggest their choice, and you dont like it...but then feel bad when you express that you dont like it and give them the chance to pursue their choice, but they are now even more bitter and immature than you so refuse your chance.
"Where would you rather go eat, Taco Bell or Wendys?"...
"Id love to go to Wendys!" ...
"Oh man, well I was hoping youd say Taco Bell....can we go there instead" ...
"You gave me the choice! Whyd you even ask!? Fine, Taco Bell...UGH!" ...
"OK OK OK we can go to Wendys,,sorry!" ..
"Nope, thats fine....Taco Bell"
Saturday, June 13, 2009
What do I do out here?
I have averaged that question one time per day for the past 2 weeks and many more times before leaving. It is a very simple, and completely un-irritating, question that I would probably ask any one who packed up and went 15,000 miles away. So, all anger aside, I will do my best to answer the question without making myself sound like too much of a snob.
Most of my time during my first week here were full of Basic Operating Procedures for anyone who settles down into a new city. Now I have moved quite a few times, and a few times to different cities/states, but never out of country...so that adds an interesting twist and inconvenience to the whole settling-in phase. So initially I was spending my days doing the tedious duties: opening a bank account; searching for a place to live; activating a phone service; meeting with clients NGOs lawyers and a few friends; getting a monthly pass for railway(BTS); and doing random things in between there to keep my sanity(massages, manicures, facials, good food, lying on blogs). From my experiences of moving, I know that it is stressful and tiresome for the initial part of the move. Especially when moving to a new city, there are always those times where you may spend wondering what to do or may spend a meal alone, but this is such a great displeasure because it forces us into finding out more about oursevles and jump out of our comfort zone.
Now since my first week is clearly over, I have been fortunate to settle in and starting to feel like somewhat of a native--besides of course the white skin, facial hair, US passport, completely different language, lack of knowledge of the city, lack of knowledge of etiquette(you cant point ur toes at anyone here!), 6'1" frame that towers over many(pronounced mini)-people, and so many other very noticeable differences. I have been very warmly accepted by the locals and by the migrants. Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles"; at a very young age the individuals are taught to smile at all times when talking with someone, no matter the level of anger or uncomfort. Now some people would try to get them to break that smile, like tourists tease the British gaurds at the gate of Royal quarters, but many tourists often find themselves smiling right along with them. It is exciting to see so much love and positive energy in a country flooded with poverty, curruption and crime. It is certainly an inspriing time for myself, to give up a sense of time and greed and money, and fall into the locals' way of life.
I have been fortunate to meet some great people here. Several international models have been kind enough to take me around with them on trips to eat, beach, yoga, nightlife or just tell me stories about other parts of the world. Thailand is the hub of SE Asia, so hundreds of Euros and Russian models flock to here each year to get a piece of the rice cake. Also, I have teamed up with a very kind and knowledgable group of lawyers, which I met during my last visit and have worked with several times a week during my time away from the country. We are currently working on a highly public case regarding a migrant from communist china who has lost his migrant status and is being deported next friday unless our appeal is strong enough. I was very fortunate to write the draft appeal, because of my knowledge of English writing and arguementive capabilities, and we are also releasing press for his case to gain even more public attention this week. The case has been published in the NY Times, Washington Post and of course every major medium out here.
I have started teaching English to the refugees who are here seeking a better way of life, free from oppression and violence in their home country. It is one of the nicer things I have done for myself and for others, giving them a chance to compete in a struggling economy and difficult market--English is the second language in many places, so having the ability to conversate in English makes them more marketbale...aka more MONEY HONEY. No money, No honey.
I am also volunteering at an orphanage. I will be going on a somewhat regular basis and so far it is exciting working with these children who have been kicked to the curb by their families. Whether it be because of death, poverty, rape, or pure chance...these kids have an unusually positive attitude towards there horrible living conditions.
Modeling out here is very different, in so many ways. Where I used to get MAYBE 2 castings a week, I am now getting 3-5 per day. Jobs are abbundant here; however, they are all low paying. Simliar to how NY clients would travel to surrounding states to find cheaper models, Asian clients seek models from Thailand because of the low wages that most models are paid down here. Now low wages, in the modeling world, is still by no means untolerable, but it is interesting to see the way that economy affects so many things in this industry. It is positive for myself, I am given the opportunity to get paid to go to amazing cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and Korea on a regular basis. I hope that the clients have the same enthusiasm towards me as I do towards them though, haha.
Other than that, I am still finding time to learn the language, work out, yoga and enjoy the great people I have met thus far. I will not go on such a bragging/talking streak in future blogs, but I suppose this was my one chance. Howd I do? haha (losing followers as we speak).
I wish you all well and appreciate you all for reading.
Checkmate
Most of my time during my first week here were full of Basic Operating Procedures for anyone who settles down into a new city. Now I have moved quite a few times, and a few times to different cities/states, but never out of country...so that adds an interesting twist and inconvenience to the whole settling-in phase. So initially I was spending my days doing the tedious duties: opening a bank account; searching for a place to live; activating a phone service; meeting with clients NGOs lawyers and a few friends; getting a monthly pass for railway(BTS); and doing random things in between there to keep my sanity(massages, manicures, facials, good food, lying on blogs). From my experiences of moving, I know that it is stressful and tiresome for the initial part of the move. Especially when moving to a new city, there are always those times where you may spend wondering what to do or may spend a meal alone, but this is such a great displeasure because it forces us into finding out more about oursevles and jump out of our comfort zone.
Now since my first week is clearly over, I have been fortunate to settle in and starting to feel like somewhat of a native--besides of course the white skin, facial hair, US passport, completely different language, lack of knowledge of the city, lack of knowledge of etiquette(you cant point ur toes at anyone here!), 6'1" frame that towers over many(pronounced mini)-people, and so many other very noticeable differences. I have been very warmly accepted by the locals and by the migrants. Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles"; at a very young age the individuals are taught to smile at all times when talking with someone, no matter the level of anger or uncomfort. Now some people would try to get them to break that smile, like tourists tease the British gaurds at the gate of Royal quarters, but many tourists often find themselves smiling right along with them. It is exciting to see so much love and positive energy in a country flooded with poverty, curruption and crime. It is certainly an inspriing time for myself, to give up a sense of time and greed and money, and fall into the locals' way of life.
I have been fortunate to meet some great people here. Several international models have been kind enough to take me around with them on trips to eat, beach, yoga, nightlife or just tell me stories about other parts of the world. Thailand is the hub of SE Asia, so hundreds of Euros and Russian models flock to here each year to get a piece of the rice cake. Also, I have teamed up with a very kind and knowledgable group of lawyers, which I met during my last visit and have worked with several times a week during my time away from the country. We are currently working on a highly public case regarding a migrant from communist china who has lost his migrant status and is being deported next friday unless our appeal is strong enough. I was very fortunate to write the draft appeal, because of my knowledge of English writing and arguementive capabilities, and we are also releasing press for his case to gain even more public attention this week. The case has been published in the NY Times, Washington Post and of course every major medium out here.
I have started teaching English to the refugees who are here seeking a better way of life, free from oppression and violence in their home country. It is one of the nicer things I have done for myself and for others, giving them a chance to compete in a struggling economy and difficult market--English is the second language in many places, so having the ability to conversate in English makes them more marketbale...aka more MONEY HONEY. No money, No honey.
I am also volunteering at an orphanage. I will be going on a somewhat regular basis and so far it is exciting working with these children who have been kicked to the curb by their families. Whether it be because of death, poverty, rape, or pure chance...these kids have an unusually positive attitude towards there horrible living conditions.
Modeling out here is very different, in so many ways. Where I used to get MAYBE 2 castings a week, I am now getting 3-5 per day. Jobs are abbundant here; however, they are all low paying. Simliar to how NY clients would travel to surrounding states to find cheaper models, Asian clients seek models from Thailand because of the low wages that most models are paid down here. Now low wages, in the modeling world, is still by no means untolerable, but it is interesting to see the way that economy affects so many things in this industry. It is positive for myself, I am given the opportunity to get paid to go to amazing cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and Korea on a regular basis. I hope that the clients have the same enthusiasm towards me as I do towards them though, haha.
Other than that, I am still finding time to learn the language, work out, yoga and enjoy the great people I have met thus far. I will not go on such a bragging/talking streak in future blogs, but I suppose this was my one chance. Howd I do? haha (losing followers as we speak).
I wish you all well and appreciate you all for reading.
Checkmate
Monday, June 8, 2009
Arent you lonely? Arent you bored?
Let me rant for a second. I have called home, to friends or family, and keep getting asked the damn question: Arent you lonely? Are you Bored out there all alone? Man, I LIVE IN A CITY OF 15 million people. Why you so damn worried about me being lonely? I have never once, not once, said I was lonely...or bored. So why would I now, during the biggest time of my life when I am happier than ever...you think I am going to bored? I am not going to write, or call home, and tell you "hey a friend took me to yoga today" or "hey I just had lunch with someone...yay!" I am not even going to write on my blog about many things I do or who I am with.Man. Yall are on my nerves. Alright, sorry for getting Kanye on you guys. Hahaaaaaaa. I love yall
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Aquarium Coffee Table
I have had an interesting past 24 hrs, and I finally have a bit of sanity back in my head, well enough to write this meaningless blog at least. Late last night during one of my cleaning parades, I decided to put good use to my wonderful investment: the aquarium coffee table. For those who dont know what these are, it is simply-but beautifuly- a large aquarium with a glass top and a wooden base that is used as a coffee table. It is about 20 Gallons and has fluorescent lights and beautiful stones that rest on it's ocean-floor ;) So I fill the bad boy up with water which takes about 30 minutes, 20 to fill it up and 10 to clean up the water I dropped while carrying the bucket to the tank(why not carry the tank to the fountain you ask: cuz it would be too damn heavy! dont question me on my blog). After filling it up I decide to go shopping for fish. Now understand I am in a country where very few people speak English, and those who do know about 80 english nouns and thats it, and unfortunately, aquarium is not one of them. So to describe to them that I want to buy fish, I move my hand in a wacw like you do when you put it out of the window of a moving car. Long story short, I end up in the deli section of a giant super market staring down at an assortment of poultry, meats, and....fish. I give up and head back to base, upon opening the door I am welcome with "squooosh, sqoooosh". My shoes are now soaking wet and Im walking in a puddle of before-aquarium water. The aquarium glass shattered and sent water all throughout my apartment and my tile flooring, huge puddles are soaking wooden furniture, bags of food, my bed, clothes, ect. The puddle is only made larger by the fact that I do NOT have towels or mops or anything that would be ready for an aquarium-spill. So Im quickly ripping off clothes from the hangers and sheets from my bed to control the tsunami, it looked like an episode of I Love Lucy and I couldnt help but think about the day that one day this will all be funny.
So after things start drying and a few hrs of soaking shirts and draining them, I realize that the wetness of everythign will certainly allow for bugs to come in..maybe even the common Thai cockroach. So I run off to the store, which again has nothing in english.....except oreos. I am in the hunt for insect bait, and some insect spray. I have trouble finding it but come across both and head back to install them so I am bug ready. I plug in the insense to deter bugs then I pop open the bait. It is bigger than I would have thought, but I figured it would just last longer. So I follow the picture instructions and throw the large manual(written in Thai) in the garbage. There are three pictures: 1-open, 2-fill with water, 3-put behind fridge. I mastermind the images and the container is behind the fridge in no time. I go take a breather in the shower and wash myself off and realize I may finally be able to relax...wrong! I come out of the shower to what looks like a fire, I can barely see in front of me and I can feel my lunges giving way immediately. I grab a shirt and run out into the hallway of the building coughing and having no idea what is going on..thinking I just fled a fire it hits me: it wasnt bug bait, it was a fumagator.
So after things start drying and a few hrs of soaking shirts and draining them, I realize that the wetness of everythign will certainly allow for bugs to come in..maybe even the common Thai cockroach. So I run off to the store, which again has nothing in english.....except oreos. I am in the hunt for insect bait, and some insect spray. I have trouble finding it but come across both and head back to install them so I am bug ready. I plug in the insense to deter bugs then I pop open the bait. It is bigger than I would have thought, but I figured it would just last longer. So I follow the picture instructions and throw the large manual(written in Thai) in the garbage. There are three pictures: 1-open, 2-fill with water, 3-put behind fridge. I mastermind the images and the container is behind the fridge in no time. I go take a breather in the shower and wash myself off and realize I may finally be able to relax...wrong! I come out of the shower to what looks like a fire, I can barely see in front of me and I can feel my lunges giving way immediately. I grab a shirt and run out into the hallway of the building coughing and having no idea what is going on..thinking I just fled a fire it hits me: it wasnt bug bait, it was a fumagator.
Friday, June 5, 2009
How not to get a massage, by Nick Lozito
The definition of "massage" miraculously changes after 10pm. Careful, you may have to run. "Mista mista, wait!"
Almost all the way unpacked out here, still a couple of nicknacs to put away and some minor tweaking. Maybe I will hit the street and find a street vendor turned interior decorator to fill the void in this "bachelor pad". I went and did some more shopping today, opened a bank account, bought a bunch of pillows, swam in the pool, and went to 4 fitness centers to find my preference.
Salespeople can really get on your nerves sometimes; now I understand how people fe;t when I would try to sell them anything/everything. I would walk in each gym and just ask for the prices; then I would be brought water, handed a seat and paperwork and giving the vulnerablewhitepersonwholooksrichfromoutoftown-tour. Needless to say, I am now a member at four gyms and am afraid to see the faces on the salesgirl once I say I changed my mind. haha, no . Other than that I am goign to hit the World's Largest Outdoor Market tomorrow, Jatujak. This place is incredible. It is kind of like a giant wal mart, but with all really nice stuff and no H&R Block. It has over 10,000 stalls and is broken into sections: home goods, furniture, clothing...hell you could probably buy someone if you look hard enough. The joy of the market, like most things here in Thailand, is that the vendor you are speaking with most likely made the item you are inquiring about...so there is always room to bargain and they are as desperate for money as you are for a 6 foot wood elephant with blue eyes and a smile(that means they need money really bad). The rule is to ask for HALF of whatever their initial offer is...its tough but its fun, and it doesnt offend the seller. I have been offered an item for 80 dollars, ended up buying it for 15. These are quality items too, go to Pier One and you will see "Made in Thailand" on a lot of the items. Plus oriental design is great in itself anyway.
Being monsoon season, today there was a crazy flashflood. It was very nice and sunny one minute, then two minutes later you could not see in front of you face because of the craziness of the rain. Its very common around this year they say, but it still certainly takes you by surprise...especially when on a motorcyle drinking tangerine juice. damn.
Other than that, my jetlag is starting to wear off and things are starting to settle themselves out, so come Monday I will hit the streets and get to work. Hopefully everything out in Obamaland is good and well.
Checkmate
Almost all the way unpacked out here, still a couple of nicknacs to put away and some minor tweaking. Maybe I will hit the street and find a street vendor turned interior decorator to fill the void in this "bachelor pad". I went and did some more shopping today, opened a bank account, bought a bunch of pillows, swam in the pool, and went to 4 fitness centers to find my preference.
Salespeople can really get on your nerves sometimes; now I understand how people fe;t when I would try to sell them anything/everything. I would walk in each gym and just ask for the prices; then I would be brought water, handed a seat and paperwork and giving the vulnerablewhitepersonwholooksrichfromoutoftown-tour. Needless to say, I am now a member at four gyms and am afraid to see the faces on the salesgirl once I say I changed my mind. haha, no . Other than that I am goign to hit the World's Largest Outdoor Market tomorrow, Jatujak. This place is incredible. It is kind of like a giant wal mart, but with all really nice stuff and no H&R Block. It has over 10,000 stalls and is broken into sections: home goods, furniture, clothing...hell you could probably buy someone if you look hard enough. The joy of the market, like most things here in Thailand, is that the vendor you are speaking with most likely made the item you are inquiring about...so there is always room to bargain and they are as desperate for money as you are for a 6 foot wood elephant with blue eyes and a smile(that means they need money really bad). The rule is to ask for HALF of whatever their initial offer is...its tough but its fun, and it doesnt offend the seller. I have been offered an item for 80 dollars, ended up buying it for 15. These are quality items too, go to Pier One and you will see "Made in Thailand" on a lot of the items. Plus oriental design is great in itself anyway.
Being monsoon season, today there was a crazy flashflood. It was very nice and sunny one minute, then two minutes later you could not see in front of you face because of the craziness of the rain. Its very common around this year they say, but it still certainly takes you by surprise...especially when on a motorcyle drinking tangerine juice. damn.
Other than that, my jetlag is starting to wear off and things are starting to settle themselves out, so come Monday I will hit the streets and get to work. Hopefully everything out in Obamaland is good and well.
Checkmate
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Settled in
Ahhhhhhhh. I am finally moved into my new place out here in Bangkok, Thailand...and what a place it is. Living in a crazy city without a moment to breath, I decided to splurge a bit and treat myself to a nice place with some nice amenities. Being comfortable with your home is very important, especially when that is your getaway from everything else. I will post a few pictures once I learn how to, but the view is incredible and the apartment is very comfortable- had to upgrade and get the aquarium-coffee table, haha. Its nice to be out here and among the people, I have tried to be friendly to an australian neighbor I have and that has been rewarding thus far. He showed me around a bit and got me a free month at his gym, pretty nice because I was thinking about working out, and paying, for the membership at the apartment's gym but it is pretty lousy compared to the one I he introduced me to.
Everthing else of the trip is completely new. Lost in Translation, if you will. The things we forever take for granit are now absent and can be frustrating. The difficulty of finding things in huge stores without being able to ask or read signs, the silence of taxi rides because of lack of a common language, every few minutes a child pulling at your shirt begging for money...it is all eye opening and certainly different from what we are used to. This is not what freedom sounds like, or is it? It is hard to say one is suffering or unhappy when they have very little to compare it to, this is life for so many, so out here I am a bit of an outcast and certainly a minority.
I ate lunch in the Bumrungrad Hospital Foodcourt today...wow! It has been rated by newsweek and cbs and nbc as one of the top hospitals in the world--and is HUGE in the world of Medical Tourism(where people travel around the world to get inexpensive surgeries). There are Saudi's everywhere, getting major operations done at a fraction of the cost it is in their country....all spending our oil money to buy their wives a new nose. Fill er up!
Life is good, it will certainly take a while to make myself more comfortable here, it is nice to be uncomfortable and lost though, certainly a change..... I know I will never fit in, but hopefully I learn to be more acceptable and stay safe in the villages of this beautiful country.
Everthing else of the trip is completely new. Lost in Translation, if you will. The things we forever take for granit are now absent and can be frustrating. The difficulty of finding things in huge stores without being able to ask or read signs, the silence of taxi rides because of lack of a common language, every few minutes a child pulling at your shirt begging for money...it is all eye opening and certainly different from what we are used to. This is not what freedom sounds like, or is it? It is hard to say one is suffering or unhappy when they have very little to compare it to, this is life for so many, so out here I am a bit of an outcast and certainly a minority.
I ate lunch in the Bumrungrad Hospital Foodcourt today...wow! It has been rated by newsweek and cbs and nbc as one of the top hospitals in the world--and is HUGE in the world of Medical Tourism(where people travel around the world to get inexpensive surgeries). There are Saudi's everywhere, getting major operations done at a fraction of the cost it is in their country....all spending our oil money to buy their wives a new nose. Fill er up!
Life is good, it will certainly take a while to make myself more comfortable here, it is nice to be uncomfortable and lost though, certainly a change..... I know I will never fit in, but hopefully I learn to be more acceptable and stay safe in the villages of this beautiful country.
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