Culture Clash

One of the things I've noticed most since being abroad is how much American culture is exported. When I was in Thailand, I took a 10-hour bus ride to Bangkok where they played "Die Hard 3" dubbed in Thai. You haven't lived until you've heard the Thai voice they use for Samuel L. Jackson. Another funny thing is that one of my co-teachers occasionally thanks me for things that he likes about America. For example:

Him: Hey Brett.
Me: Hey.
Him: "Remember the Titans." Thank you.
Me: You're welcome.

It's good and bad. I went to the movie theater last week and the only movies playing were American; "Marley and Me" and some movie about a Playboy bunny. I was slightly ashamed.

The pervasiveness of American culture is apparent even where you might least expect it. I went to the Taiwan Lantern Festival, a showcase of traditional Taiwanese lanterns from all over Taiwan celebrating Chinese New Year (it's the year of the bull). While I'm perusing, I suddenly hear Busta Rhymes' "A-rab Money" blaring through the speakers and I turn around and see some Taiwanese breakdancers on the main stage. That act was followed by two Taiwanese rappers (a guy and a girl) rapping in Chinese to Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady."

I can't say I don't contribute to this trend. This week my students are learning comparatives (harder, better, faster, smarter) so I played Kanye West's "Stronger." They loved it. I even had a dance-off with one of my students. I think you know who won.

Aight, here are some pics of the lanterns from the Lantern Festival (it looks a lot cooler at night). Also some pics of my co-teachers with some Ladyboys from their trip to Thailand.

Thailand pics

Good times



My man Jackson. He's from Hawaii. If that explains anything...



Life's a beach

Clint and Marianne. My South African peoples

Me on an elephant with Clint's momma

Everything on the table is mine except the LSAT book

Me and Mary. Yeaaa roommates!

Feeding some monkeys. A lot like teaching, actually. JK

Don't mess wit me. Actually I saw 2 Thai boxing fights that were awesome. Lots of elbows and blood

Me and Natasha. She calls me "Mien Bao" which in Chinese means "bread" bcuz it sound like "Brett"

beautiful sunsets. There were a lot of these.

French dude, mad cool. And Alana laxin out.

Again. Beauty-full

Some Swedish friends we made in Bangkok.

That's the man right thur.

Mien Bao and Natasha

Keepin it real

So....how was Thailand?

It was amazing. Thank you for asking. I mean, it was truly Fabolous (like the rapper). I had like two vacations in one. The first 10 days I spent at the beach, drinking shakes made from blended fruit, goin to clubs, watching the sunset ("if you couldn't see the sun risin off the shores of Thailand" as Jigga put it).

The second 10 days were drastically different. I checked in (is that the right phrase?) to a Bhuddhist monestary for a 10-day silent mediation retreat. No talkin for 10 days. Wakin up at 4 AM. Two vegetarian meals a day. I even took off my glasses so I wouldn't be distracted by the hot European girls in yoga pants. But it was really an incredible experience. Wake up before sunrise. I slept on a slab of concrete and what they called a "Bhudda pillow" which is literally a block of wood. Also, sitting for 45 minutes straight is excruciatingly painful. Feel free to try it. I also heard some lectures from Thai monks about death. You know how it is. The long and short is that I learned a lot about myself and reached new levels of mental concentration.

Tip: IF you see a group of Thai prostitutes, cross the street. I had to escape from this one ho who grabbed my shirt as I was walkin by. I took her arm off me but then she grabbed me again so I started running and then she chased me down the street for about a block. Luckily for our hero, I am fast as lightning. And she was in high heels. But another "ladyboy" gave me a ride back to my hotel one night and was very polite so they not all bad.

Maybe pics in a separate post. Stay tuned. It's good to be back, y'all.