when i grow up…

Thailand is a country where you can get anything you want at whatever time you want. This is a place where you can purchase a tailored suit, enjoy a fantastic and in-expensive meal over looking some of the most amazing scenery and purchase a wife all within a day.

I am not one to judge, but I cannot understand how you can build a relationship where you cannot communicate with each other. During my few days in Pattaya, I saw many many young Thai girls (and I mean girls) holding hands, having dinner, and lounging by the pool with a much older gentleman, usually Caucasian. I lounge and observe from afar and the couple is usually silent. He is reading his paper, and she is rubbing oil on his beer belly.

I am not sure what these girls are viewed as from the perspective of the locals, and am not sure if this is a goal they set to achieve as little girls. Like how we set a goal to be a doctor or teacher when we grow up, do these girls aim to grow up and marry a westerner? I walk down the streets of Pattaya and store front after store front are girls and ladies of all ages and types sitting and waiting. Be it a bar, a karaoke place, a restaurant, or even a corner store, they are waiting, patiently waiting.

As a single female traveling with another single female, we were propositioned many times during our stay, especially in the elevator of our 5 star hotel. Though we are Canadians, we Asians all look alike I assume. Countless times, we were asked “home?” or “together come with me.” Ingrained in my hotelier attitude and happy travel mindset, I generally smile and greet someone when they step in to the elevator. However, in Thailand, I had to kick this habit as I learned it was an open invitation. Lesson learned.

~ by totallyvee on November 7, 2009.