In the seventies I parked my truck in one of our clients parking lots in Toronto and called Mum and Dad, proudly boasting this mobile device from which I was making the phone call. It was the size of a shoe box with the huge battery.
The first computers filled a room, with banks of futuristic looking machines with whirling discs and slots gobbling perforated cards. Now they can fit through a letter box.
But what an enormous capacity these tiny contrivances have. In a little over a decade, many people have become millionaires, skillfully utilizing the Internet.
The current U.S. President swept into power with masterful use of this medium, particularly among young people that have grown up alongside this innovation. After a questionable first term, he was returned for a second shot as his opponents struggled to recapitulate his perception of the Internet.
But is the Internet a curse or a blessing ? If you have read the previous chapter and my assumptions are correct, the verdict would be a curse. But if I had better understood the far reaching tentacles of this phenomenon and not leaked personal information to be distributed, it could have been an enormous blessing.
On the plus side, I continue to be amazed at the wealth of information out there with a simple search.
I can spend hours on this invention amassing information on numerous interests. Or enjoy a never ending supply of free videos, ranging from Blues music to therapeutic classics by Henry Cate. For dog lovers and for an insight into Thailand's casual recreational diversions, one may find some of his videos very relaxing. Most are accompanied by easy to listen to music.
Henry Cate appears to share similar political and social predispositions as myself and offers a multitude of material. But if you search and scroll through his selection, you will find the dog titles such as "All Doggies" and "A Happy Summer" plus many more.
Extensive use of terra cotta sculptures abound along with topiary on a scale I have never seen before.
Natural lakes are blended cleverly into the flowing landscape, while other areas bow to a formal approach with precisely trimmed hedges and bushes framing a variety of fountains and sculptures.
For the romantics, hearts on valentine day.
My companion for a few days" Dang." Many Thai do not see or are even aware of these wonderful gardens. Much better pictures can be seen on their website, by the name in the first picture.
This time visiting Thailand I was much better prepared. On my visit a year ago I was in a state of shock on finding a community so amicable, welcoming me regardless of any idiosyncrasies.
I have so much to be thankful for here in the U.K. I almost feel guilty comparing contrasts between the two life styles. But Thailand and Pattaya in particular represent many of the experiences I have hankered for in vain most of my life.
One such incident occurred late one night. During the day time the beach is filled with blocks of deck chairs. Each block the chairs are a different color and managed by the owner of that block of chairs, who rent them out for pennies. At night time, the chairs are all stacked up and in certain areas huge blankets are spread out on the sand, with no obvious owners. As soon as one avails themselves of this convenience, someone appears from no where, to collect a modest fee. ( The Thai innovation persists around the clock.)
One night around 3.00a.m. I was walking along the promenade, awestruck by all the activity at this late hour. Music from the late night bars drifts across the beach road, competing with the sounds of the waves lapping on the beach from the Gulf of Thailand. People milling around the vendors carts, for a slice of chilled melon or a spicy chicken breast. Beautiful guys and girls meandering along, seeking some kind of interaction.
As I moved down to the beach I came across a group of young men relaxing after their work, on one of the blankets laid out. I did not know any of them, but they recognized me from an earlier visit to the go go club they worked at. They invited me to join them, which I was very pleased to do. As I settled onto the blanket I was handed a fruit spritzer.
I very much enjoyed their company for about an hour, laughing and joking etc. Some of the time they would speak to each other in Thai and that was fine. They have musical monotones in their vocabulary and are a pleasure just to listen to.
When I got up to leave, one of them walked up with me to the promenade, then he passed over the beach road to a 7/11 store. I followed him in and noticed he was stocking up on spritzers. Having drunk 2 or 3 of theirs I felt it only fitting to pop for a case, which he took back to the others, with a smile and a polite thank you. This seemingly insignificant incident, typifies their friendly disposition towards us and left me with another warm memory.
The "Live and let live" philosophy of these people, does not make these distinctions. They go about their business, allowing others to do likewise, as long as they are not hurting anyone.
Two uniformed policemen I observed walking down Walking St. holding hands, passed without attention.
Peter Chang, innovative owner of P.C. Air a S.E.Asian Airline Company recognized the potential of "Ladyboys" recruiting them as stewardess staff. Their sensitivity towards the requirements of both male a female passengers, could give them an advantage. Some are strikingly good looking as seen in their beauty contests.
As made very clear in the last chapter, I very much enjoy the gay go go clubs/bars. Not just in the sybaritic sense, but also the mere fact that such places actually exist and in abundance. I am sure there is not another country in the World where this is duplicated on such a scale.
It is comforting to find everything is well regulated also. Everyone in the industry has to carry Government issued picture I.D.s. When a guest brings a visitor to the hotel, the I.D. is carefully examined and deposited at the front desk. If the visitor leaves on his own, before returning the I.D. the room is called to ensure everything is fine.
The authorities are also very strict on drug enforcement. I have seen no use of drugs whatsoever. That is not to say they are not around, I am sure they are as is the case worldwide. Unfortunately my stays have been quite short. Over a longer duration, some indication of attempted drug use could surface, which I would of course repudiate.
Having been here the previous year, I returned to the clubs where I had struck up friendships, hoping to renew acquaintances. But I found there is a fast turnover of employees, as many move around or return to the countryside of their origin. While this is disappointing in the short term, in some respect that is probably for the best, as I try to avoid any long term entanglement.
With so many Gay Go Go clubs/bars to visit, there are of course a huge diversity of young men strutting their stuff. A few of the performers are not too inspiring. Either they are not feeling the music or don't really want to be there. Most of them are quite good and exude varying degrees of felicity, with their come-hither smiles.
Then there are some that are really in the zone. I saw a few outstanding dancers at different clubs that where captivating. There every sinew, seem to respond to the ritualistic call of the pulsating music as they move their bodies in synchronous seductive responses to the rhythm. To quote a line from "The girl can,t help it" "Makes Grandpa feel like 21"
When I am impressed with a performer I feel it is appropriate to show appreciation by sending a modest tip via the waiter. Such action is always graciously acknowledged. Sometimes I may be inspired to offer an invitation to one of the young men, to join me for a drink. Again the help of the waiter could be enlisted, or the simple lifting of one's glass simultaneous with a nod in his direction will invoke an appropriate response.
Usually he will point at himself with an inquiring expression. With another nod, he will be at the table before the glass can be set back down. I understand they make a proportion of the cost of their drinks, which of course they should.
When the chemistry is right, we may agree to spend some time together. Most speak enough English to get by, but if I feel their use of our language is limited, I will go to reception at the hotel for a three way discussion to discuss plans. The hotel staff are bilingual.
I try to emphasize, what would he really like to do. Go to a movie, beach, dance club, restaurant, karaoke or play pool ? The only interest I don,t subscribe to is a shopping spree. You do the maths.
If the vibes are right, ultimately we will retire to the hotel. I find the Thai men extremely attractive in that they are usually smaller stature and not too masculine, being mostly void of facial hair, unlike the hirsute men, so prevalent in most other countries of the World.. I treat them with the respect they deserve and this is always reciprocated.
At the hotel, I prefer events to flow naturally, often with aesthetic requital. Our mutual comfort levels usurp expectations. I have limitations, which are sometimes not understood, but adhered to.
At this phase of my epoch, incursion into the Thai culture has proved to be most rewarding, having attained social and emotional contentment, on a level previously not thought possible.
It would seem ironic that such fulfillment should occur so late in my life, but I acquiesce with this remarkable revelation with so much appreciation, even more so when it would now seem, I have so little to offer.
On my last trip I visited this home and it was such a pleasure to see these little children scampering around so happily.
I met Liz the driving force in Pattaya, a most gracious lady. She arranged a breakfast meeting at the "Cabbages & Condoms" Restaurant. How is that for a cool name for a restaurant? Think not, read on.
You are met on entering with a mannequin dressed in a suit made with condoms, plus other similar decor.
His actions led to dramatic reductions in sexually transmitted diseases, throughout the country, saving countless lives.
We where privileged to meet him briefly, at which time he explained his current projects. One is raising funds to make available wheelchairs for students at hundreds of schools, throughout Thailand. The second is" The Village Toy Library". A project to create a new generation of Youth Philanthropists.
This is run by a fellow countryman and registered here in the U.K. I have not met Don, but I understand he has been very effective in raising funds for the kid's sponsorship program.
Children in Thailand have free schooling, but they have to wear stipulated school uniforms. Some families in Pattaya have to prioritize, placing food on the table ahead of uniforms etc. A sponsored child is helped through his school years with uniforms and sundries and when deemed necessary food packages. They also provide support to kids in slums, with food, clothing and other necessities.