Vietianne, 14-03-2008. The inner Sanctum Sanctorum of Wat Si Saket has got nice murals but are, unfortunately, in a serious state of neglect. The Sanctum Sanctorum itself is dank and has this particular smell of bird poop gather over many years in an abandoned church spire. The bird poop smell is mixed with the smell of dirty unwashed socks - take off your shoes before entering - belonging to the members of the many organised, tour-guided groups of farangs that come in a-plenty. Most of them in their mid fifties and hung with heavy and expensive camara equipment. The ohs and ahs are rife in the dank air while they listen in awe to their guide. I've placed myself near a wall on the floor and eavesdrop on the explanations. Huge images of Lord Buddha against ... read more

Bangkok, 12-03-2008. In the traveller's scene some bars,hotels and restaurants have a habit of becoming popular overnight, or disappaer in the blink of an eye. Either because of friendly staff, a good location and/or excelent food. The Gecko Bar is such a place. Being located on Soi Rambuttri and right behind the temple, the Gecko is great for people watching during the evenings. The many food stalls in front of the Gecko turn out tasty thai food as well as european dishes, and their beer is ice-cold. After six big Cheers beer and a long phylosophy converstaion with a german bloke, I was certainly ready for bed but opted instead on two more big Leo beer down at Khao San Road, drinking them outside in the street. More people watching and Mr. German soon showed up ... read more

Bangkok, early evening. It's getting close to 18.00 h. and time for my appointment with Joy, Nong's daughter. We meet in front of the Lumpini Stadium, the famous Muay Thai boxing stadium. Through the crowd of locals and farangs I can see her well before reaching the place. It has been a year on the day since last I saw her, she looks even more beautifull now as she did then. She is happy and overjoyed to see me, we wai each other and while we walk down the busy Rama 4 road to our favourite food stall on Chilom Road, she babbles to me about her job, her mom - "she is on Kho Samui now, she has Norway boyfriend now" - and her brother Jay, the stories of the day ect. Her english is ... read more

Schiphol Airport, 09-03-2008. An hour and a half before take-off, just minutes before boarding, I drink an ice-cold Heineken big can and observe my fellow travellers while working on my Heineken, the nr. one export produce of Holland. Mixed Thai/Dutch couples, the male always dutch and the ladynative thai. Together with a bunch of beautiful looking children. hey all look happy, a contented little family....Forget about race difference, forget about western male exploitation of poor asian females. They are happy and obviously on a family visit.... read more