[writing station at a hotel cafe on Phahonyothin in Bangkok, 10/12/22] The more time a writer spends outside, looking, snooping and overhearing, the less he has for fussing over each sentence, that is, over his craft. Often running if not fleeing, I may trip over a word or comma, so again, I apologize. I’ll try to not sound like Sun Ra after four Jack Daniel’s. All things except one are always hard.
I have very fond memories of Thailand. My first visit in 88 was several months long and travelling all over, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mai Sot, Pad and many places in between.
In those days there were very few paved roads in the north and I travelled by motorbike (having never ridden one before) to some really out of the way spots. Stopping off in the tiny villages was an experience I'll never forget as the children would come out to try and rub the white (or the hair) off my forearms.
Riding along virtually untravelled roads past an old Karen woman smoking her pipe who I could see in my mirror swivelled to stare until I was out of sight.
Coming towards hundreds of branches lying in the middle of the dirt roads, only to see them slither off into the jungle. King cobras out sunning themselves...
Spending nights smoking opium with villagers who were as generous as it's possible for anyone to be. They'd have almost nothing yet would be prepared to share with a complete stranger.
Getting off a bus in one small town at 8pm to be met by the police who told me that I'd left my wallet back in the previous town but that the ex policeman who had found would wait until I returned.
A truly wonderful people. There's good and bad on every country but they're not evenly spread and as far as I'm concerned Thailand is as close to heaven on earth as it gets
Our options are paperback or Kindle, but I want one in a top quality hardcover binding, signed by the author! I agree with the blurb writers who consider this a truly first-rate, unique collection.
This is a really charmingly strange experience to read about! I hope the rest of your stay is as rewarding, and that you're able to return safely to Vietnam when you are ready. By the way -- and apologies if the question seems nosy -- but I wonder whether Vietnamese citizenship is an option, considering that you had citizenship by birth at one time in your life.
I think many of your readers -- especially fellow ex-pats -- would be glad to learn more about that. In any case, thanks again for your inimitable writing style and truly memorable adventures. The Death Cafe! Amazing.
I can get Vietnamese citizenship, but it's a drawn out process, and I hate bureaucracy. Plus, I keep thinking I'll die before it's approved, so why bother?
After a very unpleasant week, I'm just happy to be in a mellow Bangkok neighborhood. Time for another cheap beer!
Enjoy Thailand and I hope all goes well visa-wise. Bureaucracy sucks.
P.S. This is off-topic, but I don't know if you're aware, pop star Kanye West (apparently he now goes by Ye) twitted something or other about the Jews ruling the world, and bam! he was blocked from all social media faster than you can say Kabbalah. Now apparently he's being chased out of Chase bank as well. Meanwhile Sarah Silverman twitted that "no white people stood for the poor Jews when Kanye persecuted them". LOL. It's so weird how some of these people think. Anyway, I was reminded of your writings on the subject. Best regards.
Great story. This has to be one of the strangest businesses I've ever heard of. I've never been to Thailand but always thought it would be an interesting place to visit.
Welcome back to Thailand. I used to live in Bangkok for years but moved down the coast - the summer palace - with my thai family. So Hua Hin has both the king of my castle and the king of the country.
Anyway, you should venture outside of Bangkok. There is always a room for you to crash here along the coast.
I have very fond memories of Thailand. My first visit in 88 was several months long and travelling all over, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mai Sot, Pad and many places in between.
In those days there were very few paved roads in the north and I travelled by motorbike (having never ridden one before) to some really out of the way spots. Stopping off in the tiny villages was an experience I'll never forget as the children would come out to try and rub the white (or the hair) off my forearms.
Riding along virtually untravelled roads past an old Karen woman smoking her pipe who I could see in my mirror swivelled to stare until I was out of sight.
Coming towards hundreds of branches lying in the middle of the dirt roads, only to see them slither off into the jungle. King cobras out sunning themselves...
Spending nights smoking opium with villagers who were as generous as it's possible for anyone to be. They'd have almost nothing yet would be prepared to share with a complete stranger.
Getting off a bus in one small town at 8pm to be met by the police who told me that I'd left my wallet back in the previous town but that the ex policeman who had found would wait until I returned.
A truly wonderful people. There's good and bad on every country but they're not evenly spread and as far as I'm concerned Thailand is as close to heaven on earth as it gets
I commented earlier but want to add a note for anyone here who has not seen Linh's magnum opus:
https://www.amazon.com/Postcards-End-America-Linh-Dinh/dp/1609806530/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pb_opt?ie=UTF8
Our options are paperback or Kindle, but I want one in a top quality hardcover binding, signed by the author! I agree with the blurb writers who consider this a truly first-rate, unique collection.
Stay safe and well, Linh San.
Thirteen bucks is pretty cheap to get born again. God bless you one and all!
Very funny. This should become part of a play. As in write a stage play.
This is a really charmingly strange experience to read about! I hope the rest of your stay is as rewarding, and that you're able to return safely to Vietnam when you are ready. By the way -- and apologies if the question seems nosy -- but I wonder whether Vietnamese citizenship is an option, considering that you had citizenship by birth at one time in your life.
I think many of your readers -- especially fellow ex-pats -- would be glad to learn more about that. In any case, thanks again for your inimitable writing style and truly memorable adventures. The Death Cafe! Amazing.
Hi LinhDinhFan,
I can get Vietnamese citizenship, but it's a drawn out process, and I hate bureaucracy. Plus, I keep thinking I'll die before it's approved, so why bother?
After a very unpleasant week, I'm just happy to be in a mellow Bangkok neighborhood. Time for another cheap beer!
Take care, brother,
Linh
"Plus, I keep thinking I'll die before it's approved, so why bother?"
Dang it Linh! You shouldn't have gone in that cafe! More powerful than TV!
Dear Linh,
Fucking hysterical! Keep on snooping. That picture!
Jay
Lihn,
Enjoy Thailand and I hope all goes well visa-wise. Bureaucracy sucks.
P.S. This is off-topic, but I don't know if you're aware, pop star Kanye West (apparently he now goes by Ye) twitted something or other about the Jews ruling the world, and bam! he was blocked from all social media faster than you can say Kabbalah. Now apparently he's being chased out of Chase bank as well. Meanwhile Sarah Silverman twitted that "no white people stood for the poor Jews when Kanye persecuted them". LOL. It's so weird how some of these people think. Anyway, I was reminded of your writings on the subject. Best regards.
Thanks for another fascinating esaay. I just bought your book with the link that your fan provided!
Great story. This has to be one of the strangest businesses I've ever heard of. I've never been to Thailand but always thought it would be an interesting place to visit.
Did the "cafe" actually have coffee?
Hi JustPlainBill,
Yes, they have a nice selection of drinks. A cappuccino was included with my ticket.
There were so many oddities there, I didn't mention everything. About to leave, I ran into two statues of Socrates.
Linh
Welcome back to Thailand. I used to live in Bangkok for years but moved down the coast - the summer palace - with my thai family. So Hua Hin has both the king of my castle and the king of the country.
Anyway, you should venture outside of Bangkok. There is always a room for you to crash here along the coast.
Hey Linh, you look like a freaking rock star in that wig lol
Providence has led you to Bangkok for some reason.
What a Story !
Lol the Death Cafe is new to me!!!