Left Bangkok early yesterday and took the train to Ayuthaya, the former capital. It was deserted several centuries ago when the Thais were under constant attacks from those pesky Burmese. A fair-sized modern city has now sprung up supported by the tourists who come to see the array of chedis and wats ruins. From what I can gather chedis are where the ashes of kings and Buddhas are stored and wats are like little temples. Ayuthaya also has one bloody big Buddha, in bronze no less - I'll load some pics soon.
Didn't stay overnight, instead got a night train to Chiang Mai and my four-day 'life improvement' course. So far I have just had to fill in a survey of more than 100 questions ranging from how stressful my work is (not very anymore) to whether I have ever felt like ending it all. Tomorrow the talking therapies begin. I don't mind at all - they don't want much of my time - and I am holed up for four nights in this great complex. I've stayed in very grand hotels in India (only when it's free of course) and although this is not as opulent, its probably nicer - rows of little white villas, a swimming pool, and all my food and booze seemingly on the house. Right now I am in the library, using the free internet, drinking complimentary cognac - it's a hard life.
After four days of ravaging my innermost demons I am going on a three-day trek elephant riding, rafting and meeting the hill tribes of northern Thailand. I had hoped to go with some Danish friends I met in Bangkok, but it would be unfair to ask them to hang around for four days while this crowd crack my soul open like an egg on the frying pan of life.
Finally, just a word on Thais, who I think are phenomenal. But there's a contradiction in that although they are naturally very friendly and hospitable and even when they are trying to scam you they are so good-natured they more resemble a kid stealing your car keys than a serious con-artist, however, 'face' is unbelieveably important to them and they can actually be quite dangerous. I've heard horror stories of extreme violence from Thais if they think they are losing face. It's obviously important to be polite as we're guests in this country, but it can also be very important for your health.
Didn't stay overnight, instead got a night train to Chiang Mai and my four-day 'life improvement' course. So far I have just had to fill in a survey of more than 100 questions ranging from how stressful my work is (not very anymore) to whether I have ever felt like ending it all. Tomorrow the talking therapies begin. I don't mind at all - they don't want much of my time - and I am holed up for four nights in this great complex. I've stayed in very grand hotels in India (only when it's free of course) and although this is not as opulent, its probably nicer - rows of little white villas, a swimming pool, and all my food and booze seemingly on the house. Right now I am in the library, using the free internet, drinking complimentary cognac - it's a hard life.
After four days of ravaging my innermost demons I am going on a three-day trek elephant riding, rafting and meeting the hill tribes of northern Thailand. I had hoped to go with some Danish friends I met in Bangkok, but it would be unfair to ask them to hang around for four days while this crowd crack my soul open like an egg on the frying pan of life.
Finally, just a word on Thais, who I think are phenomenal. But there's a contradiction in that although they are naturally very friendly and hospitable and even when they are trying to scam you they are so good-natured they more resemble a kid stealing your car keys than a serious con-artist, however, 'face' is unbelieveably important to them and they can actually be quite dangerous. I've heard horror stories of extreme violence from Thais if they think they are losing face. It's obviously important to be polite as we're guests in this country, but it can also be very important for your health.
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