Tag Archives: thai

Swearing in Thai

Like most farangs I had a hard time learning Thai. It has taken years and only those Thais who know me well can decipher what I’m trying to say with a Bostonian accent. Conversely most of what is said to me is too fast for my ears to catch the meaning, but one day I […]

PenangThai O Visa

Penang in 1991 was a step into the modern world for any traveler leaving Sumatra. Paved roads were a welcome relief after a bone-grinding bus ride from Lake Toba. The streets were lined with sailor bars. Brothels lurked down dark alleys. Slim Chinese girls strolled by in high heels and their hot pants tempted everyone’s eyes. Muslim, Hindu, Westerner. […]