I’ve been on the dating apps since arriving. I would say that 50-60% of local matches are simply offering sex. I had been chatting to one Thai girl (May, of the same age) who was keen to meet under normal circumstances. This was my first solo outing and I could really feel my confidence and bravery growing! Getting around is fast, easy, and cheap. May picked the venue, which was on the glowing banks of the Ping River.
May was shy and kept saying how she hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed that she was not pretty enough. Come on May, I’m nice! It’s becoming clear that Thai girls are VERY insecure and face a lot of competition due to the influence of cosmetic culture. Many even whiten their skin to look more appealing as the darker folk are assumed to be from lower class families that work the fields.
May talked a mile a minute and I probably understood about 70% of what she said, but even on the dating apps, I’m finding that Thai girls don’t ask many questions about you. Not even “are you a part-time murderer?” or “will my kidneys be safe if we meet?” It’s rather a matter of “please be polite” and “I’m not a ladyboy, bar girl or freelance”. Apologies on behalf of the male race ladies.
Even poor May had dated a French chap for 9 years, and it sounded like he was not a faithful man, who started calling her fat and not pretty enough near the end… And May is BEAUTIFUL and skinny as a sexy rake. However, I since asked her how her day was going, and didn’t hear back. Perhaps the short timeframe was the reason.
I hate shopping malls, but needed an Asian adapter to charge my electronics. This Chiang Marian mall must have been EIGHT stories high! Each floor was sorted by category, with a tech level, clothes level, facial surgery level, food level etc. The latter seemed to be preparing for some kind of Durian Festival (that smelly fruit that is not allowed on public transport). There was even some kind of boxing ring in the center. Very interested to know what that’s all about.
Outside the ginormous mall, they were setting up a massive tent and stage. My friend tells me that all kinds of festivals happen at any given day of the week, that rage until the early hours. On my way to visit May, we also passed a parade with everyone holding orange balloons. It had something to do with the recent elections.
It feels like there are few foreigners here. I’m loving walking around from one place to the next in the evenings, feeling super safe, with my eyes, earholes and nostrils wide open, taking it all in. We’re were taking a shuttle bus to Pai next. I choose not to look too much into these places as I prefer unexpected surprises, but I’m sure that it will be a real treat!
Final highlights were a pub quiz with a couple of new faces. One was a retired Scottish trumpet player who just turned 70. He has played with the likes of Eric Clapton and his toots can be heard on some of the best-selling albums! Had a good dance session with the PR girls that I met on night one. They are huge fun.
Next: Thailand #7 – Life of Pai
Previously: Thailand #5: Hurling
Discover more from Roaming Unbound
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.