City of Angels

No no, we're not discussing Los Angeles even though her name makes her a legitimate one.

We're going to explore why Bangkok can be the city of angels too.

First of all, "Bangkok" is not the name Thai people give to the capital of the country. In the past, yes, but now we call her "Krungthep."

"Krung" means city or metropolis while "thep" is used to refer to the beautiful immortals that populate the paradise.

While Bangkokians are adamant that they are understood to resemble the gorgeous citizens up there, upcounty people, pitifully looking at themselves, have no choice but to play along. And, visiting Bangkok is in any small town person's to-do list before, well, they actually (hopefully) ascend up there.

Then, there is another celestial element about Bangkok.


Anywhere you go, whether it be a house, a hotel, an office building, a mall, a police station, the immigration bureau etc., if you look closely, you will see that every compound is protected by a guardian that resides in an ornate little house. And us mere mortals, should never ever degrade him or her or them w/ the word "dead people."

They are not dead. They are angels. It's true they might have been one of us several hundred lives ago. But obviously, they had done some noble things, so after the transition (which might be bluntly described as "death,") their souls were elevated big time! Who elevated them? No one! Just the way the universe works.

There are several classes of angels and the closer they are to human beings, the further away from Nirvana. These property guardians are very involved in human affairs and do respond to our wishes. Generally, it's the prosperity of the business operated within their jurisdiction that we expect of them.

The strategy is daily provision of fine food, good drink, beautiful desert, and appropriate flowers. Make sure you don't eat, crave, smell, or appreciate any of those first. Our angels really do not tolerate second-hand offerings!!!


Back to touchable "angels", of the Bangkokian type. They are everywhere and available in all kinds of form, or 'orientation" if you want me to be specific.

While some deserve the title, some simply seem to think that they do. I'm strictly talking about appearance here. Just go to, for example, any Starbucks, any Califonia Fitness, Bed Supper Club, DJ Station, or any skytrain or subway.

As for me, I'm about a hundred light years away from resembling an angel, but if you insisted, I wouldn't decline.

I mean I'm already a citizen of a city that many nickname "A Shopping Paradise," "The Thai Food Paradise" and of couse "A Sex Paradise."

I mean Why not?

Homely Joe

P.S. Note that I put the spirit house photo above the people one.
Well, 'cause it can never be the other way 'round!

Somethin's coming over

There were times when things used to be so predictable. There were times when you could correctly guess what you saw. There were times when you could be so sure.

It is not always the case any more.

Nowadays, when you buy food from a food court in a mall, if you don't pay attention, you would think that the shop assistants are Thai. They look just like Thai people, maybe except for a fairer skin. Wait until they speak.

If you're guessing Burmese, you're right!

You walk into a luxurious hotel/serviced residence and contact a receptionist. You think he's cute and just your type. You're generally drawn to the sexiness of Thai-Chinese boys and this cutie couldn't be anything else. Let me tell you there is a strong possibility that he speaks Cantonese as his first language because he's from Hong Kong.

Then, there is a good-looking Thai girl you approach on the street for direction. You're impressed w/ her impeccable English, and wonder if she's been educated abroad or has a really good job. She immediately corrects you that she's just a secretary, but yes, she's educated abroad because Manila is where she's from.

Also, when you see a white man in a white dress shirt, never be too quick to assume that he works here in a top management position. If it was ten years ago, you could.

And, there is no need to mention the construction workers. Cambodia fares pretty dominantly in this field.

Last month, we were surprised to receive so many resumes from non-Thai candidates - Indian, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Filipino, Hong Konger, and Laotian. We had an opening for a guest relation officer who would be my subordinate. It was interesting to see many foreigners are willing to work 6 days a week for 12,000 Baht per month. In US dollars? It's about 360.

Just the other day, I freaked out! A messenger came to our building to deliver a rented DVD. His skin is so fair. He has slanting eyes. He bowed w/ such humility. And his Thai accent! Oh my goodness, I asked if he was Thai. No, he's not. He's from Tokyo! A messenger!

There's something going on in this 'same- same' city. Talk about infiltration?

Joe

Thai Mentality – Strolling Nation

Dinner w/ Jeffrey and David delighted me in many ways. Free food and smooth wine! And, what else?

While Jeffrey is about to finish decorating his condo in Bangkok, David has been living here for 2 years. The two Americans, from Irvine, Califfonia, and Houston, Texas respectively, are in love w/ the city and plan to make it their permanent home.

They raved about their new home in many ways, but there's one thing so far that drives them nuts. The pace of Bangkok!

People are often in their way and neither of them are able to bring themselves to say "it's ok." Imagine Jeffrey racing against time furniture shopping for his place or David rushing to meet his bf knowing he is already half an hour late.

Two of the issues they mentioned are people not forming a single line when using an escalator or blocking the already crowded sidewalks by standing and talking on their cellphone, always, it seems, in the most inopportune spot!

Explanation: (but don't take it as the whole reason why Thailand is, and likely will remain, a strolling nation. I believe what I'm going to say is only part of the picture, but a very noteworthy one.)

Once upon the time, Thailand was an agricultural nation. The majority of people worked their rice paddies with a water buffalo.

Right now,Thailand has changed a lot but the mindset of the people remains from before.

We don't walk fast, not because we're not in a hurry or because we don't want to finish things and get over w/ them. But somewhere in our consciousness we are told to take it slowly, and in the eye of many westerners, it becomes strolling instead of walking. But we do walk, I contest.

However there is one matter we are programed to consider, and it's called 'manners." If you walk as fast as some westerners might want you to, people will ask you this question w/ their piercing eyes.

"Have you lost your buffalo? Why are you walking like that?"

Although the vast majority of Thai people, especially in Bangkok, have never owned a water buffalo, none of us would ever want to exhibit behavior that would cause others to wonder if we have, indeed, lost our buffalo.

P.S. Scroll down a bit to read "Thai Mentality - Introduction"