Letters from the Other Side

4.2.2 Land of the mullet, face powder and chilies

Ninth newsletter (Second trip. Second newsletter)

5 December 2007

Wow, I'm past the three months' mark and things are going so well I have to pinch myself daily. I'm so happy here in Thailand! My second experience working in Thailand is entirely different from the first. This time I have an honest and decent school that looks after me. I can proudly share the happy news with you all: last week I got my visa and legal work permit. Everything is open and above board and I can just say thank you all the way. God has blessed me. I'm blessed in Thailand!

I write so seldom (last time I was more regular with my newsletters) because I'm just so incredibly busy. I LOVE my work. It was really worth it to keep holding on to the idea that you must seek what suits you and persevere and fight for it. It's usually that thing that is the hardest for you to do, that you MUST do! That lesson (those who never give up always win) teaches you to handle the blessings when your breakthrough comes. Am I talking gibberish? Sorry, with all my blessings and contentment, I get very philosophical.

For those of you who haven't already read my previous newsletters, here are a few interesting facts that make part and parcel of my daily life in Thailand (and I added a few new ones for everyone who's already read my old newsletters).

I have to take off my shoes when I enter any Thai's house. Even at some stores because the Thais live on the second floor of their shop. I'm sitting in the Internet café and typing my newsletter out. I had to take off my shoes when I came in. I cheated a bit and carried my shoes in and then wear them under the desk – because it's a foot fungus paradise in this heat, humidity and rainy wetness.

According to the Thai calendar it is the year 2550 (after Buddha). (Watch "Little Buddha" starring Keanu Reeves).

They have their own script. It looks like something between Indian and Chinese script. Thailand sits exactly in the middle of these two great superpowers of the past. I wonder if it's not maybe an indication of how these two ancient civilizations influenced the world around them, i.e. Southeast Asia? Even in their mythology there's a unique blend of the Indian (e.g. Hanuman the monkey god) and Chinese (art at Thai temples) folklore.

They are greatly influenced by the West. They have their own Pop and Rock music in their own language. But it's funny when one can so plainly see how they are copying the West. Especially Thai "Hard Rock" music. It's actually kind of sad. Not everything the West offers is so wonderful. Sex, drugs and Rock 'n Roll is on that list. Sorry America, but you know I still love you. Now that I think about it, nobody is immune. South Africa is also greatly influenced by American films, TV and music. We are all slaves to the "zeitgeist" or spirit of the times. Afrikaans music probably looks just as ridiculous when they copy America. Everybody does it. It's actually relevant to every country, isn't it?

Today, Wednesday the 5th of December, is the king's birthday. He is eighty today and with his birthday it is also "Father's Day" because he is the "father" of all the Thais. He's reigned for 60 years and the people are crazy about him. I must say, it's lovely to see the adoration they honour him with. He was a very good, old king. He used his position to help the people, not just hide in luxury behind castle walls, like most Western monarchs. In the early 40s or 50s he encouraged the opium farmers to plant food instead and he almost entirely rid the country of this drug (I think so).