Living and working in Bangkok was an exhausting process. I had a job which demanded long hours, and a commute in the Bangkok traffic which made the day even longer. Then of course I had to find time for a social life.
She who must be obeyed is firmly of the opinion that I was a playboy during my time in Bangkok. I am firmly of the opinion that I was just enjoying one of the most vibrant cities on the planet as best I could. In truth, I didn’t go out much during the week, too bloody tired. Instead I would sit at my computer and pursue young ladies via the internet. I corresponded with many, chatted on-line with a few, met up with a handful, had a relationship with less than a handful, and married one of them.
It was fun, if a little scary, to meet up with someone you had only previously met on-line; but I suspect that, quite rightly, they were even more wary. But without exception, everyone I met was interesting and worthy of at least a dinner and some conversation, which is probably more than some of them felt about me. Most of them were Thai ladies, although I did fly to Taipei one weekend to have dinner with a Taiwanese doctor. But that’s another story.
My confidant throughout these interesting times was a Thai guy who worked in the same company. He was also in the midst of relationship issues and we shared common interests in techie hobbies, photography, computers, drinking beer and hanging out. We would meet up at weekends and sit in locations noted for their Thai babe observational opportunities. Over a coffee or a beer we would admire the passing talent and do nothing at all about pursuing our temporary objects of desire.
Although he is now working in Malaysia, he has remained my best friend in Thailand and we stay in touch almost daily. Although my personal life is now resolved, his remains in turmoil and last I heard he was engaged to one lady, being pursued by a previous girlfriend and pining after one that got away. Updates, fuelled by alcohol are required; and he is coming to stay for the weekend so we can catch up and go take some photos.
According to she who must be obeyed, he is my “dude”, and who am I to argue. So the dude descends on us this evening, expect a lack of posts tomorrow.