The good, the smiley and the Thai
There are so many surprises everyday within this wonderful country. For example, while riding today, I stopped at a roadside place which appeared to be a restaurant. As it turned out it was a day of mourning after a head of the village has passed away recently. I had no idea at the time since there was 'happy' music blasting out of gigantic speakers and everybody appeared to have a good time. Old ladies invited me inside and set me a table full of traditional Thai dishes. Needles to say my usual Cow Pot breakfast routine was substituted with great food. After being offered beer at about 9 am and not really sure as to what the celebration was about, I asked one guy and he explained the situation to me. I did feel kind of awkward, interrupting their affairs, however, they seemed more than happy to have me there. The generosity and warmth being offer by Thai people to complete strangers is quite overwhelming sometimes.
Another thing about death. Thai people and Buddhist in general I assume treat death very lightly, unlike us in NA.
For example, while sitting at a bar with some Thai people, an English guy asks:
-How is Joe Doe doing?
-Maybe he's dead. - A Thai person answers, completely serious.
Example 2.
An English teacher was waiting for her class to begin and one boy was present in class. So she asks:
-Where is the rest of the class?
-They're all dead. - Answers the boy
-All of them?
-Yes, all of them.
After a tough day yesterday, 134 km and being offered accommodations by a Thai policeman at the 'Love Inn Motel', hmm I wonder what that place was all about (I was too tired to engage in any extra curricular activities) ... Well I stayed at some other cheesy in with brothel like lighting inside. It is very difficult to find decent accommodations in those little towns.
On on upside, today I'm staying in a wonderful garden setting guest house in Kamphaeng Phet. I had the pleasure off seeing old temples and ruins within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ALL TO MYSELF ON A BIKE!!! No tourists around, amazing. More sightseeing tomorrow as another heritage site will be at my disposal. One more day on a bike and then a rest day. Wee!
Another thing about death. Thai people and Buddhist in general I assume treat death very lightly, unlike us in NA.
For example, while sitting at a bar with some Thai people, an English guy asks:
-How is Joe Doe doing?
-Maybe he's dead. - A Thai person answers, completely serious.
Example 2.
An English teacher was waiting for her class to begin and one boy was present in class. So she asks:
-Where is the rest of the class?
-They're all dead. - Answers the boy
-All of them?
-Yes, all of them.
After a tough day yesterday, 134 km and being offered accommodations by a Thai policeman at the 'Love Inn Motel', hmm I wonder what that place was all about (I was too tired to engage in any extra curricular activities) ... Well I stayed at some other cheesy in with brothel like lighting inside. It is very difficult to find decent accommodations in those little towns.
On on upside, today I'm staying in a wonderful garden setting guest house in Kamphaeng Phet. I had the pleasure off seeing old temples and ruins within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ALL TO MYSELF ON A BIKE!!! No tourists around, amazing. More sightseeing tomorrow as another heritage site will be at my disposal. One more day on a bike and then a rest day. Wee!
posted by Rob at 1:10 AM
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