I have learned a new ethnic slur…”eurotrash”…which apparently refers to the white Europeans who come to third world countries claiming to be somebody big back home but selfishly feeding off the local generosity…the word, I think, usually used by the Americans. I think neo-nazi but instead of big and burly they are usually heroin thin and covered with tatoos.
Arrived on Koh Samui a couple days ago on Bangkok Air to the smiling faces of Doug and Luk at the small open-air airport on Koh Samui. (Koh means island.) While waiting for the luggage Luk, looking cute in her pigtails, was approached by four young good-looking guys just off the plane who I think maybe were from northern Africa. Not wasting any time “I love you,” one said to Luk. She just laughed and said she was “already marry!”
Doug and Luk live on the non-touristed side of the island…north of Chaweng, in an area called Thong Krut. Their lovely house is one back from the beach…their nearest neighbor a Belgian guy who has lived here 10 years. Another neighbor across the way is a retired engineer from England who is building his own hover craft…only 11 in the world with wings he says.
Doug has been cooking Thai…going to the local market each morning for fresh puk (vegetables) and seafood. In the evenings, looking out at the blood-red sun setting behind the ocean, Doug sighs…grateful for his life here in “paradise” with Luk.
Doug and Luk call me every morning. Sometimes I am awake and sometimes not. This morning Luk says “Good morning mom!” “I love mom!” “I miss mom!” “One more day!” Doug gets on the phone and tells me that Luk says I’d better take a “shower lay down” before I leave Bangkok for Koh Samui while I still have a bathtub!
In front of the Rumburi Esthetique, on Sukhumvit 39, next door to my dentist, a sign offers, at Special Price, Cosmechanic, Face Lift and Anti Wrinkle, Sparkling Face & Pore Treatment, Anti Cellulite & Fluid Drain, Body Slim & Firming, Breast Enlargement & Firming, Massage, Beauty Eyelash Extention, Beauty Ritual Night To Be Indonesian Bride!
Some friends that spent a year in Thailand with the Peace Corps have said there is an additional Thai value that is called “riaproy.” “It means polite and well-mannered; neat. It also means orderly; ready-to-go. Rarely do you see a sloppily-groomed Thai. Daily baths and freshly-laundered and pressed clothes are the norm. Riaproy also refers to polite behavior, and fits with the concept of “jai yen” (cool or calm heart) and the importance of avoiding confrontation, saving face, etc. You can see riaproy behavior on public transportation, when adults give their seats to children, and teens and adults give their seats to elderly people (or grey-headed ones like me!) Another example of riaproy might be the beautifully displayed fruits, vegetables and fish in the most ordinary markets. When a Thai person says, “She is riaproy”, it is a compliment. A riaproy person is a good model of behavior and appearance admired by Thai people.”
Sidewalk Seamstress
Small Family
Taking A Break From Shopping
Iced Coffee Stands
Eggs For Sale
Soup Stand
BBQ
BBQ2
BBQ3
Fruit Stand
Last night I hopped a motorcycle taxi at the corner. “Where you from?” the cute young driver asked. “America,” I said. “America Pie” he sang to me all the way to my dentist appointment. “I used to work at cocktail bar,” he laughed, “and I learn all the words to American Pie!” I enjoyed the song but really hoped I wasn’t going to lose my knees as he dodged in and out the cars and other cyclists at terrifying speed.
Bar Girls Waiting For Customers To Buy Them A Beer And Whatever…
Laughingnomad 