Mai pen lai?

Bad news. I've picked up the Indian side-head-wobble and the Asian shrug.

Although they might sound like side-effects of some terrible disease, I can assure you this is the entirely social affliction of 'mai pen lai' (what to do?). It is the optimistic fatalism that prevents the consistent inconsistency of Asia from turning into heart attacks and strokes. But it's also possibly a factor in the fact that it's been difficult for me to find things to write about for the past couple of weeks. I'm not really sure why. I guess part of it is that Asia isn't so 'new' anymore; seeing an elephant wandering down the street or people having picnics in the back of moving pick-up trucks is pretty much an everyday occurrence. Maybe I'm growing too complacent. Meh. (Accompanied with Indian side-head-wobble and Asian shrug).

Since my last blog entry, I thought I'd go 'way out' and actually try Durian fruit. In a word: don't. Please, for the love of God, don't. It tastes just like it smells.

What else? I decided to spend a few days travelling alone. My Mum will probably die when she reads that. Sorry, Mum. But a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do.

People seem to be far more chatty when they think you're a lone traveller - particularly if they are fellow 'lone travellers'. You spend more time people watching and connecting with the locals. Also, Thai people are more helpful. Especially the women. They all seemed very concerned for me, which was very touching. I hope it wasn't because I was putting out 'help me, I'm in distress' vibes. I wasn't trying to. It was a little bit daunting, knowing the drop in odds you've just acquired going from 'group' to 'lone white female'. But some things can only be learned through action.

Also, Thai is an annoyingly tonal language.

Louise: 'Please, we go Sai Mai Tai?'
Taxi man: 'Sai Mai Tai?!' -looks confused-
Louise: 'Sai Mai Tai?'
Taxi man: -shrug-
Louise: 'Sai Mai Tai?'
Taxi man: -head wobble-
Louise: 'Sai Mai Tai?'
Taxi man: 'Oh! Sai Mai Tai!!' -laughs his head off-
Louise: -sigh-

Now, when speaking Thai this is understandable. The main frustration is when you try and speak your own language. Most Thai's seem to have taken their tonal mentality with them into the world of English - hence, you have to pronounce everything in a Thai accent about 3 times before they'll have half an idea what you're trying to say. If they speak any English at all. It's very hard to speak with a Thai accent without sounding like you're taking the piss.

...there is definitely more to say but my brain doesn't seem to want to get at it right now. It is possible that I have been partially addled by the heat. Or dodgyAsian alcohol.

Meh. Mai pen lai?