It's now been six months that I've been a resident of the Kingdom
of Thailand.
When I first came here, it was the differences between here and the USA that overwhelmed me. I struggled to understand the culture and my place in it. See, however exotic Thailand may seem to the average American, there is a big ex-pat community here. Over 200,000 foreigners live in this country, and most of them live where I do, Bangkok.
Maybe what I find strangest about living here is how accepting and ordinary I am here. I look totally different than 299 out of every 300 people in Bangkok, and although I get some looks, Bangkokians are, on the whole, really good at just ignoring me.
There are exceptions, of course. It also helps that I kinda approach the world, this world in particular, with a naivete and goofy demeanor wherein I can be the misunderstood 'farang' and everyone plays along.
As I get to six months here, being the blithe, open mouthed newbie isn't something I can pull off anymore. I still love and thrive and seeing new places and experiencing new things, but those are becoming harder and harder to find.
What I need to do now is figure out what I what I want to do here, now that I know a little but about the place.
This video was made using clips from the last six months, from 74 videos, chosen at random using dice.
When I first came here, it was the differences between here and the USA that overwhelmed me. I struggled to understand the culture and my place in it. See, however exotic Thailand may seem to the average American, there is a big ex-pat community here. Over 200,000 foreigners live in this country, and most of them live where I do, Bangkok.
Maybe what I find strangest about living here is how accepting and ordinary I am here. I look totally different than 299 out of every 300 people in Bangkok, and although I get some looks, Bangkokians are, on the whole, really good at just ignoring me.
There are exceptions, of course. It also helps that I kinda approach the world, this world in particular, with a naivete and goofy demeanor wherein I can be the misunderstood 'farang' and everyone plays along.
As I get to six months here, being the blithe, open mouthed newbie isn't something I can pull off anymore. I still love and thrive and seeing new places and experiencing new things, but those are becoming harder and harder to find.
What I need to do now is figure out what I what I want to do here, now that I know a little but about the place.
This video was made using clips from the last six months, from 74 videos, chosen at random using dice.
i can't believe it's already been six months. What a fantastic journey you have had. Do you see yourself settling in Bangkok? Or are there other lands you want to explore?
ReplyDeleteI have read that hoping to change your life by going to a different place does not really work very well. The big thing is you are the same person.
ReplyDeleteI had hoped living in the RV would change my relationship with Dad, but we are still the same people.
I'm not saying it is impossible to do things different or better. We are better. But it is not just the place.
Gil,
ReplyDeleteKudos on surviving bravely in a New World.
try reading about culture shock. it isnt what is sounds like. It is basically when you stop being a tourist and become a regular resident. all the problems you had before you left, weight/dating/money/career/ ect all come back to visit you. your problems are like luggage.... you take them everywhere you go. It is just easy to ignore them for a while being distracted with the newness of a different environment. a lot of your reasons for moving abroad were healthy, but sooner or later you have to deal with the unpleasant ones too. you are doing the right thing by recognizing that they exist and trying to get a handle on it. Being in asia isnt a magical cure and not all the women are standing in line to date a farang. and you are just as broke there as you were in the USA. the only difference is that now you dont have the magical cure all of moving to asia to help you avoid dealing with life.
ReplyDeletethe good news is that the quicker you get thru your issues the sooner you can get back to enjoying your life in bangers and elsewhere. life is great.