Ups and downs

Is life in Thailand similar to paradise on earth? No, it's just... life. There are some great things about it; and then there are unbelievably annoying things about it, such as

- slow walkers on the sidewalks: I've always considered myself a slow walker but have recently changed my mind. Bangkok is the capital city of slow walking and even though it usually doesn't bother me, when I'm in a hurry or trying to get out of the pouring rain... it does;

- old Western men hanging out with young Thai women: as much as I try to tell myself that that's how it is, I don't think I will ever accept it. And that's also how it is;

- pricks who overcharge you and act as if they're doing you a favour: I kind of came to terms with the fact that I'll be overcharged whenever I buy stuff (having a Western look does that to you around here) but I will never get used to men (that's right, I never had this problem with women) overcharging you and behaving as if you should be thankful for it. In Asia, in general, and Thailand, in particular, there's something called "loosing face"; clearly, this will never happen to these guys because in order to loose something, you need to have it in the first place.

However, the truth of the matter is that

- it's always hot: you don't need to put on endless layers of clothes, your nose will never freeze as soon as you step out of the house - the temperature is always high. Regardless of whether it rains or not;

- people smile all the time: it's quite amazing but it's true. Also, they will go out of their way to serve you well and that's nice;

- life seems to thrive around here: there's an inspiring energy in the air and that energy reflects on everything and everyone; there are always flowers blooming, the fruits are always ripe and the people are always pleased with what the next day might bring...