Philosophic Travels - Thailand, Australia & South Africa
Friday, December 12, 2003
Ending Remarks ~ Australia.
Well, we have been in Australia for a whole month, and although one month isn’t much time in the massive country we have learnt a few things.
Don’t try to schedule too much when visiting here.
Trying to see Australia in a month would be like trying to see the United States in a month. This place is massive. There are great wonders and attractions offered by this great country however they are also separated by great distances. As our plans were to only see and do but a few things, we were able to accomplish what we wanted to without much disappointment.
Ya Gotta Drink Beer to Fit in Mate:
I think we all know that Australians are known for their partying and beer drinking. Leave your Shelia at home, and head to the pub to make some great drunken friends. Aussie’s are big beer drinkers and it is a big part of their lifestyle.
Sports & More Sports:
This is an outdoor country. These okes spend much of their time outdoors and participating in sports. We had the opportunity to witness this with the Rugby World Cup hosted here. If they can’t participate, then they’ll substitute for a vocal spectator….and that doesn’t exclude the copious consumption of beer.
Flies and more Flies:
If nobody has told you there is a most annoying fly in this country. This particular fly seeks moisture wherever it can find it. This includes flying into your eyes, nose, ears and mouth. In the outback these things will make you go mad. The Aussie’s solution to this is more beer.
Stay away from Melbourne if you suffer from Hay fever:
I never knew that I suffered from hay fever, until I reached Melbourne. This place is awful in the summer months. The pollen counts here are the highest in the world. There is so much you can see it in the air, but drinking beer helps.
Philosophical Note:
The Aussie’s are a rough and tough group. They like their beer and they like their sports and they like to PARTY. Their driving lacks any finesse, their food is very americanised, and their unwritten philosophy is to plough through the necessaries in life to get to the next party…Party on Mate!
Overall our experience has been a good one here, and we will definitely be back. I’ll be bringing my hay fever tablets too.
Ok, I’ve done my piece. After much peer pressure…there…it’s done. Now I’m going back to the poolside…;)
Sunday, November 02, 2003
The Art of Negotiation. We have probably negotiated 30-40 times for various articles over the last week. The amount of xmas shopping we have done has, to say the least, been excessive but all this negotiation has taught us a few tricks and saved a few dollars. So if you are interested in our 'Semi-Ruthless' tactics read further.
Most Thai's like to negotiate. It gives both parties the opportunity to walk away from a deal feeling that they got their own 'Deal of a Century'. It certainly has been the feeling we had many times (Regardless if it truly was or not).
It is refreshing for the first day to negotiate, but this becomes very tiresome after the first half dozen trades. Imagine trying to fill your grocery shopping cart by engaging in a negotiation for each item; Ad nauseam.
Relentlessly, we attacked every negotiation and found a neat little system that seemed to work with the methods the Thai's employ. On many occasions, Lisa was able to negotiate a 600% reduction in the price. Even Mr. Conservative (I) was shocked.
I don't believe it is the bottom price that really counts, but the process to get to that price. Both Lisa and I have enjoyed our journey to our 'Deals of the Century'.
The system was semi-ruthless but simple. Open negotiations, allowing the seller to provide the opening bid. Sincerely, offer the most ridiculous bottom price, but not so low that it is offensive. For example, the asking price is B1,300, offer B200. Provided the return bid was sincere, the reply is always "Oh no, I loose money..". This offers the buyer the best starting position. Then the process of exchanging bids between the parties (here this process is done with a calculator) takes place until the buyer feels that the actual value of the item has been met. If we felt the B1,300 item was only worth B300 we would stick to the price, then after an exchange of offers walk away. Most of the time the offer would be met as we turn to leave.
We leave feeling that we have purchased an item at a fantastic price and the seller knowing the cost of the item, has made the choice to either accept or ignore our tender. The remarkable part of the process we found was the mark-up on items. Continuously, Lisa and I were able to negotiate lower and lower prices, giving to the incredibly low manufacturing costs here in this country.
Road Rage. North American culture, or even an element of the developed world, is the known phenomenon of 'Road Rage'. We probably have all been part of it, seen it, or experienced it.
Lisa and I have found that in the total of 8 days that we have been here in Bangkok, we have seen three accidents. A high percentage, but considering the driving style here, that's pretty good. The traffic here is a bubbling madness of zipping tuk-tuks, weaving motorcycles, lurching taxis' and paranoid luxury car owners all rushing to a stand still. So considering the epidemic madness that could ensue with all the vehicular interaction, it is a wonder there aren't continous reports of road rage. But in this place, there seems to be a very civil approach to these altercations. When they can, they laugh, shrug it off if possible and generally continue with everyday life. Very remarkable. Although, our observations are very limited in this regard, the general attitude towards accidents is outstanding. Maybe this is a lesson we can learn back home?
Friday, October 31, 2003
Patpong. So you guys want to know about this interesting place? It is a world famous tourist destination and from our experience, also a real tourist ghetto (yet another one).
For the most part Patpong is a throw back to the 1960's and 1970's seedy hetero and gay scene in Bangkok; a scene that was very prolific and has lead to the Patpong of today. The Neon lit buildings cover about 4 acres of land and some where between 35 and 40 go-go bars, discos and resturants litter the streetside. Although, the area was mostly supported by the Airline staff of over 15 airlines as well as the military and police services in the 1960's, it was the arrival of the US and Australian Soldiers in the early 1970's that really gave this place a name in North America.
Today, it is a much different place full of touts, outdoor vendors, and people trying to sell you everything under the sun from deepfried cockroaches and wormy-things to rip-off designer clothes...and of course the mainstay of the area - SEX.
It's the 'fuky-fuky' shows, porn and other seedy 'things' that have really given Patpong the name it has today. The go-go bars sport names like 'Pussy Galore' and 'Super Pussy' and we were also told of a place called 'Supergirls' that is infamous for its sex-on-a-flying motorcycle show. huh? gotta see that one to believe it.
Previously heading the words of our faithful travel companion, "The Lonely Planet" (which everyone and their dog has a copy of) we decided to read any of the warning that might be given before going to such a place. For the most part, there wasn't much really said about the area, however The lonely Planet cited the following:
"Avoid bars touting 'free' sex shows as there are usually hidden charges and when you try to ditch the outrageous bill, the doors are suddenly blocked by muscle bouncers"
This didn't quite happen to us, however we did accidently happen to walk down the promanade two streets down where all the bouncers were, but they were only there for the boy shows. ewwww.
We were greeted with many 'sales reps' with very graphic cards with and international menu of 'sexual postitions' and acts that can be had in this area. It all was very much of an experience..
As to what we actually got up to..Well it's late and we'll have to get to that tomorrow. hehe.
Seeing as though Lisa is sending out congratulations, I'll send out a few as well. A little thanks to all the folks who have commented on the site. Thanks for all your input, we appreciate the feedback.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Trains passing in the night. Travelling by trains, or "training" as it is called is an interesting experience. Everything changes around you. The only thing constant is the car you're in. People board, people depart, and there is always a constant flux of bodies moving back and forth. The view from the window offers gradual scene changes from rolling hills to flat landscapes, from rural areas to metropolitans. All this in the comfort of your own car. In a way "training" is much like watching a movie, except your in the movie; scenes changing, actors moving in an out of screen and all the time, acting in this foreign titled movie. Admission the price of the ticket, duration, the lenght of the trip.
Taking the train in Thailand has been an interesting experience. Referencing my experience in Europe, I thought that a 2nd class fair would suit our needs when leaving Bangkok 3 weeks ago. Anxious, from all the noise, hussle, and pollution we wanted to leave at the earlist convenience. However, we found out the all the 2nd class fairs had been booked and the only next available fair would be a 1st class ticket the next day - we booked the ticket.
Boarding the train, we were shocked with the standard of quality a first class ticket offered. The ticket offered a cabin to ourselves, but we were not comforted by this fact as the seats walls and floor were in a deplorable condition. The 'air conditioning' we had so eagerly paid for offered a random supply of 'havana heat' and 'meat-locker chills'. Our environment lacked the basic amenities, and the beds themselves had obscure and unknown residues left on them. Aside from my semi-conscious nightmares of the parasites unseen by the naked eye sharing our accomodation; it was an awful trip.
Two days coming back from southern Thailand, we again ventured onto the train to take us back to Bangkok. My fears of the first trip defintely haunted me. However, we were pleasantly surprised. Fresh linen covered the beds, towels, blankets and pillows plastic wraped and the floors and walls recently cleaned. Water, glasses and soap also provided. This was all very nice to see. Our ride back to Bangkok was a total of 11 pleasantly spent hours on a train.
My only conclusion to all this is, as with much of the things in Thailand, the expectation of the same quality of service would be much like the expectation of winning the lottery.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Hippies on Holiday. Well there seems to have been a metamorphasis of sorts. Not really the caterpiller to the Monarch, but one nonetheless, that has effected both Lisa and I. It seems that Lisa and I, dare I say us 'North Vancouver Yuppies' have changed into a more relaxed, easy going, lassie faire (excuse et moi, moi francaise et mal) couple of hippy look-a-likes.
Before we left, I didn't want to be bothered with the daily rituals of having to keep my hair, so I had Lisa just shave it all off. Yes, for those who know me, I did. I had it all shaved off. ( I bet you can't wait for the photos, hehe). Anyways, it has served it's purpose. But I must admit that I was equally as shocked with the result as many of you must imagine. With this, I also haven't bothered to touch a razor in a month.
Our wardrobe has also changed considerably. Our daily wear consists of a bathing suit, a sarong for Lisa and a locally purchased shirt for me. Included are Lisa's charming bracelets she purchased locally. Our evening wear includes (both of us) a pair of "Fisherman Pants" a unisex, unisized string tied cotton/hemp pantaloon. And with all our outfits, our everpresent flip-flops.
With our now matching tans, my overgrown facial hair and our traditional clothes we, if anything, give the impression of laidback beatnicks of the Koh Samui beach.
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Another note that I feel needs mentioning. I am quite glad that our little stint here in Thailand is coming to an end. Not due to our lack of enjoyment, but rather due to my natural tendancy to familiarity. Familiarity does breed contempt (at least for I). There are a few items worth noting, which I will include on list of irritants:
1. Noise: I (the grumpy 'old' one) does like noise too much. So places like Bangkok aren't always pleasant - at the best of times.
2. Pollution: Yes, this is a major issue. We haven't seen any stars in this part of the world, and the thought of all the particulants in the air sends shivers down my back.
Not that I want to be a drag, but for those who are interested in travelling, and are accustomed to their '1st world pleasures' (as I am guilty of), this must be duly noted.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Flip-Flop Ettiquette. I've noticed mothers across the world have implored their children not to drag their feet. This seems to hold true for all countries except Asia. I could never figure this out and had always left it to bad manners. However, I have now found that there is much more to this. The way of the 'flip-flop' seems to be more of an art, much like the art of tanning which needs much practice.
My lack of finesse with flip-flops became apparent in the many downpours we have had in the last few days, resulting in a constant upshoot of water with every step I took. These water projectiles from every slip-slop would dench the back of my legs, lower back and even reach nearby Lisa (who was not very amused).
I now understand the fine art of draging my feet and why only us Westerners call them FLIP-FLOPS...
In the last few days I can be found practicing my new found talents in the many puddles around.
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Street Side Gourmet. Most mornings Lisa and I wake early to make our morning jaunt to the local markets in the nearby town. The walk to the markets takes us along a 20 minute stretch of the beach before we move into one of the intersecting streets to meet the vendors with their goods.
Many of the stores are only opening their doors by the time we arrive, around 07h00. The store front vendors are met with other mobile street vendors on dirty two-stroke motorcycles with sidecars showcasing their food stuffs, all squacking and bardering their goods. In one particular morning in this marketplace, we were able to purchase 10 mini croissants (freshly deepfried), 10 haugouw (pork dumplings), 2 coffees (yes we were able to find coffees on this little island), 3 orders of chicken and rice (gotta save some for lunch too), 2 steamed BBQ pork buns, and a bunch of bananas (15) all for a nominal amount of 115 Baht; about 4 dollars.
I wouldn't claim that these street side establishments have anything close to our standards of hygiene. And, I admit I have a very fragile constitution and even so, haven't had any bad experiences....yet.
When it rains it pours. Last night the rain came down in a torrential downpour, tatooing against the windws all night long. We woke up to many little puddles on the floor, from our leaking shake roof. Without paying much attention we left our bungalow for our morning jaunt to the local morning markets in town. We arrived back in the room with a surprising phone call, notifying us that management has changed rooms on our behalf. This was a pleasant surprise, as much of our interaction with the locals left us believing their particiaption in any activity would be the bare minimun possible. They say the locals are much friendlier then the hotel folk, and we have found that to be true. However, this may just be becuase they have already been jaded by all the tourism in the community.
