Questionable

This is my local 7-11.

Everyone's got their 'local', which isn't surprising considering there are over six thousand 7-11's in Thailand, half of which are in Bangkok.  So I guess you could say mine's not that special.  Except that it is.  For around the corner is my crew.

This crew consists of, what I consider, some of the best motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok.  They always look out for me, get me where I'm going safely and cut me sweet deals in the process.

I mean, check out this crew.

You've gotta love 'em.  

The Bangkok motorcycle taxi driver is easily identifiable by the bright orange vest that he dons.  To me, this vest represents a certain degree of professionalism.  I like to think that the moto taxi driver has to earn this vest, pass a series of difficult challenges, perhaps a written exam in there somewhere.  I like to think that if one is wearing this vest, there is a level of trust that he knows what he is doing.  I like to think that this vest guarantees my safety while hurtling through the streets of this big, bad city.  

I like to think a lot of things.

This might be why walking past this store the other day was a bit disconcerting.

Are the orange vests...for sale?  Can any Somchai off the street be a motorcycle taxi driver for the right price?  

Can I be a motorcycle taxi driver?

Happy New Year!

May you find exactly what it is that you have been looking for...

May you find time to rest when you are weary...

May you always have plenty to eat...

May you continue to dig deep when others have long since given up...

Happy 2011!

Merry Christmas! Love, Thailand

It is nearly 100 degrees today.

But that doesn't mean that Bangkok isn't getting into the Christmas spirit.  Nay!  The malls are decked with boughs of holly, twenty foot firs and all the consumer goods you could dream of.  Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time, dancing and prancing in Siam Square, in the frosty air (conditioning).

But you know, it's nice to see that Thailand hasn't fallen prey to the Western consumer-driven aspect of it all...

With that said, Thailand is still going to find a way to put their stamp on the whole affair.

After all, it just wouldn't be A Very Thai Christmas without somebody dressing as sexy Mrs. Claus.

Merry Christmas!  Love, Thailand.

High Brow

Decorating my apartment is an ongoing process.  Week by week, I add a little bit more - a rug here, a lamp there.  It's really starting to come together and feel like a little home. And while I have hung a few pictures, I am always on the lookout for good, interesting art to adorn the walls. 

I want this art to tell visitors to my home something about me.  I want them to look at this art and think - Wow, she really is very cultured.  She appreciates fine art.  She must be a very interesting person with whom to spend time. 

I want this art to do all the work for me.

That's why I am going to buy this.

Bangkok Box Office

I am what you might call a cinema buff, a cinephile, a connoisseur of fine films.  I have a checklist for what makes a good movie and I refer to it often.  These include a respected director, moving cinematography, intelligent script-writing, a talented ensemble cast and thoughtful use of pinwheel hats.

Which is why I have high hopes for this.

With Oscar season just around the corner, I think we might be in for a sweep this year, folks.

The Thai Tom Hanks.

The Experts Are Never Wrong

I have never been one to suffer from allergies.

But if this outfit is any indication of the kind of fun allergy-sufferers are having without me...

Sign me up.

The 38

I ride the city bus home from work everyday.  It is a time to relax, unwind and see funny things.

It is a time when I am confident that I will go home, cook a healthy meal, go the gym and grade all of the papers in my bag - all while simultaneously doing yoga and cleaning my apartment.

It is a time of innocence.

And though it will set you back roughly a quarter, I assure you that this is money well-spent.

From the wooden floors...

To the plethora of fans spinning recycled air, blowing dust off the unwritten mandate that everyone on the bus, regardless of age, must be wearing a uniform of some sort.

This is the 38.

And I respect that checking the rearview mirror is important to my bus driver.

While the absence of a dashboard clearly is not.

Can't hate on the 38.