It's Ok... I'm A Limo Driver

[daily dose of imagery] city hall reflected

Link: [daily dose of imagery] city hall reflected.

Podcast #2

This podcast thing is pretty fun, I know with time, I will get better, but all I have got is 3 chords, and the truth, I will try to get Steve and Kari and possibly Stefan in on the next one, who knows what we talk about when we get drunk off nasty beer.... well let me start buy saying thank you for downloading the last episode, the next one is enhanced for itunes, so let me know how it looks, it works great with my sony ericcson phone.. well let me give it to you... and please keep me informed as to what you would like to hear about
Ian

Download bangkok_podcast_2.m4a

Bangkok Podcast #1

Hey gang, I just tried out the podcasting thing with Garageband. This will be the 1st podcast of many. So let me know what you think and if there are any topics you would like me to discuss or any questions you would like answered then shoot me an email at itrimble@gmail.com or add a comment... well I hope you enjoy !! Apebeater OUT !!

Download bangkok_podcast_1.m4a

Ajarn Ian

Let me tell you what has been going on... I have now been working at a high school for 4 weeks and will be enjoying yet another paid holiday off because of the king... the roads will be closed so we can not get to school... tommorow I will get someone to take a picture of me in a festive yellow shirt, because yellow is the royal color, I don't know, I just don't know... well well, it is quite odd, because over here the students pay respect to their teacher by waing or bowing at them as a sign of respect, I think I have a cold again because the streets were flooding from the continual downpoor, but once I was inside the cozy confines of a english bub all the pain went away, I only drank coke, and one was free, oh wello, later on last night I went to the irish pub, The Dubliner, where me and some cohorts always play team trivia with the host Lee Shamrock, it is quite good fun, and we never get to MAO, or Drunk... because we all have to be at work the next day.... well I will send you some pics of my place shortly, it is good to finally come home to a laptop again.... ha ha ha ha ha.... just kidding, i am posting this from an etch a sketch, filled with chocolate sand, can you believe that ?

The Cult Of Mac

I used to be an atheist, before I discovered Steve Jobs.

I am a traditional girl

"I am a traditional girl" or..  "After three dates, where nothing happens, I get a text message.."I love you !" ... excuse me, I hardly even know you... perhaps that is why all the songs in Thailand are about Broken hearts... I have one word of advice that I will take from Chris Rocks' book of philosophy..  "SLOW DOWN"  give a man some breathing room... that is the absolute worse thing that you can tell a man, we will be very scared if those three words are uttered... so it is better not mentioned...This was something that I have heard many times during my enduring tenure in Bangkok.  It drives me insane, but I deal with it.  There is a growing rift between the youth (15-25) and the older generation (26-30ish) and it is very apparent.  I have gone out with both age groups and the differences are startling.  The younger generation is more westernized and more physically expressive in their feelings, whereas their older countrymen & countrywomen are more conservative in showing feelings.  What is an attractive man of myself to do ?  Should I (A) go with the younger crowd and have a midlife crisis, and start wearing my pants down to my ankles, and get both my ears pierced, and walk around with my shirt open, or should I (B) go with the older more relaxed crowd and not pretend about anything.  I must admit the younger crowd has more energy, but the older crowd had more money, and I do not always have to pay.  But I have to hand it to both (A) and  (B) they both dress like they are teenagers.. this is definately the fashion capitol of Asia..... so these are the tough choices I have to deal with in my life...

And now for something completely different... I ordered a macbook pro, so I will FINALLY have a computer of my own, and the pictures can start rolling in... also I am going to teach a film class this term and what better way to edit movies, than use a mac... if you haven't checked out the new ads, please GO NOW and see them, all my geek brethren, you will surely appreciate this...

Shout Outs... Northland, Playa-Joe, Mastamine (or would you like me to call you your christian name ?), congrats on the GED, Norweisha, Saniel, Framomi, Jim-Bob, Marmaduke... bet you thought I forgot about that...Justin, Matt Rey, Nugget, McPop's, McMom's, Grandaddy. and everyone else... peace out.. I have got to go and teach two young 26 year old women, and conversate about the latest Mission Impossible movie.. was it me ?  or is Tom finally starting to show his age ?  He needs more pancake batter around the eyes... aight then

Apebeater out..

So Wat De Kap !!

A commenter asked a while ago I if was happy teaching English.

The short answer is yes, and the longer answer is a qualified yes. There are two issues in terms of being happy in the job, I think.

1. Do you enjoy doing it day to day?
2. What are the long term prospects for it?

As for the answer to number 1, I do enjoy teaching everyday for the most part.  It is just those pesty kids that drive me up the wall, that I really (dis)like.   Their idea of fun is turning off the lights and screaming that the top of their lungs.  Or playing the game, of running head first into teacher's privates.  Oh Joy... but with the exception of those, teaching english has brought me new happinesss, that I never experienced at any other job.   I get to put on a show every day, and if I have to teach the same thing more than once, each time I try to bring something new to the table.  As any teacher and they will agree.  The hours are pretty good as well.  I work around 20-25 hours a week, and do well by Thai standards.   I can go to bars or clubs whenever I want... I could even drink during the day, but I would not be of much use to my kids, so I don't.   I like the power and respect that comes with being a teacher.  I used to dread the thought of ever wanting to teach, but now it is not bad, I am honing my craft, and have really made some good friends through my classes. 

2.  Is this a long term thing ?   I do not know.  I know that I do not plan to live in Thailand forever, but it is a great country in terms, of people, ethics, and generosity.  Everyone is always so giving.  Everyone is always smiling, the family is the most important, and everyone is so eager to please.  The only thing that  worries me, is what would life be like back home after I have lived abroad for a while.  I know that before, I was super depressed.  So I think I might come back in small increments.  A month here, a weekend there.... but not anytime soon... I am looking at October before that happens... so be on the lookout for Old Ian... to come to your town...

Hello..it's late

Hello everybody, how are you doing ?  I am exhausted, as I am now working every day, I found time to squeeze this in while I am in between classes, this month I will make around $60,000 bht, which is 12 times the average thai wage.. so I will take off next month and half to get ready for the Thai New Years called Song Kran... it is a good thing that everything is so cheap... I am off to do some computer shopping see ya later and I hope all is well

Ian

Ha Ha

You really have no idea unless you've lived here, but Bangkok is really the place to be in the world right now. I'm so busy living my life I barely have time to think about updating. Spring is in the air and life is rousing. I don't remember a time as good as this. So carefree. From adoring, genuine Thai girls, to my fortunate job, the only job I've ever loved, to learning Thai, which really is a beautiful language, to the raucous nightlife, the people from all over the world...I can't express in this simple post how much my life has improved and how happy I feel here day to day. It really is another world. These days I am flaring with inspiration. I have so much to write about. I only wish I had the diligence and the talent needed to pen it all out. I will try, though, sooner or later. Perhaps when I'm off for two months this summer. What a trip this has been so far. If it wasn't for the fact I feel cautious about what I can say knowing all the people that read this I'd do it all right here. It's not for everybody, sure, and there are some downsides, but I really continue to feel I am so very lucky to be living here right now. I don't want to be anywhere else.

Thai Massages 200 Baht

Anybody fancy a thai massage ? Was the question that John asked.  Why not ? I thought to myself, I had never had a thai massage so I figured what the heck, it can't be all that bad.  20 minutes later we were off the sky train and onto the steamy streets of bangkok.  We walked for about 20 minutes and then saw a place that advertised 200 baht for one hour thai massages.  200 baht is about $5 dollars.  We walked in and it was dark inside, and we were greeted by two young smiling thai girls.  They told us to take off our sandals and walk upstairs.  Once we were up there, they had us take off our clothes, "Shit" I told myself, I did not think that this was that kind of place, even though they exist all over the place.   They then handed us some pajamas that we put on and then turned down the lights to "set the mood". First off, let me tell you that this is not a gentle massage, they literally kick the shit out of your body, and then stomp on your balls for good measure.  The massage always starts off light, and then the girls start rubbing with increased vigor, until you scream out "Mama Mia" at the top of your lungs.  The girls thought it was quite funny that I was in so much pain.  I was not as amused.  The worst part was when they pulled my legs behind my head and had me in the pretzel position.  I had no idea that I was that flexible and I have been walking funny ever since.  Then she had me in a crab positon and lifted me up and poped my back something awful.  She did this twice and the second time she misjudged and I fell over.  It was quite funny and embarassing at the same time.  Then she turned me over and started rubbing closer and closer to my crotch.  Where is this going ?  Why is she touching there ?  What happens if I pitch a tent ?  Sweat started to trickle down from my forehead as she squeezed and mashed and turned my crotch area and inner thighs into silly putty.  At the end we layed down, held each other and smoked a cigarette.  "AH" I breathed out.  This was the beginning of something very beautiful.  I got up, and cursed her and her family under my breath and she said, next time come back for oil massage !! Mr. EEEN    Oh boy I thought !!, I'll have to think about it... Drink please !!