Comments on: The One Handed Update

By: Bill Rini

Bill Rini — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:12:57 +0000

@PokerLaz: In central Bangkok I just assume they speak some English though most don’t. It’s just easier that way. The farther out you get the less and less it’s true.

On the other hand we can often speak English quite openly even in front of Thais who speak basic English simply by speaking faster, using slang words, and choosing complex words as most Thais can’t follow along.

@James: I assume you’re talking someplace like Marbella?

By: James

James — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:16:09 +0000

I know what you mean when you describe the beautiful ignorant isolation of not understanding the language. I live in spain and thought that everything was great until i learned the language and realised that everybody hated us, (english). They think that we’re all ignorant, drunk football hooligans and only tolerate us as our tourism is basically the biggest part of their economy. I suppose they’ve got a point though. English people do tend to morph into absolute morons whenever they travel anywhere. On a different note, it’s great that your arm’s recovering Bill. It’d be terrible trying to punch thai taxi drivers with your left hand if you’re a righty :).

By: PokerLaz

PokerLaz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:03:40 +0000

Haha, great post.

Having worked abroad myself, I can totally identify with that glorious feeling of isolation. The only problem for me is when I get so engrossed in solitude that I forget that although I don’t understand a word of what everyone else is saying, the chances are that they do understand some English.

Usually it’ll be when someone pushes in front of me in a supermarket and I mutter something like “there’s a queue, asshole”. That moment when they turn back and show you they’ve understood you is just too awkward!

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:22:05 +0000

Wow your stories remind me so much of when I first moved to Japan. At first you are in your own little private island because you can’t understand anything around you. Then one day, wham, it hits you like a truck!

By: Bill Rini

Bill Rini — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:59:49 +0000

How about miniature prawns . . . live! Been there, done that. Tricky to eat when they’re jumping off your spoon. :-)

By: joaquin ochoa

joaquin ochoa — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:35:43 +0000

So many classic lines in this post…not sure where to start.

The look on the cashier’s face when I buy Thai children’s books is priceless.
Look said: Perv? LOL! I kid.

I don’t know why Bill decided to talk about Bill in the third person. Maybe Bill thought it added dramatic effect.

The Rooster says that there is nothing wrong with talking about one’s self in the 3rd person. The Rooster also says that since The Rooster does it that it is o.k.

Last: You have to start a food blog here…crazy shit even at the 7-11…Awesome…been dying to see this stuff.