In a college English course somewhat fancifully called “Rhetoric”, I was introduced to a form of writing called “stream of consciousness” and the purveyors of that kind of literature were dubious female writers like Virginia Woolf (the kinds of writers I avoid like the plague). I wont be endearing myself to fans of Ms Woolf, but I reckon that species must be fairly rare anyway.
Embarking on a blog after ages, if left unchecked I’m likely to do what Ms Woolf does best…spring random thoughts on unsuspecting readers. So I come focused - a man on a mission. Going straight to the point - the Thai conundrum. I’ve got a fairly interesting kind of job offer in Bangkok, Thailand. I’ve visited Thailand as a casual visitor and while I like its beaches and the smiling faces, I’m not gripped at the prospect of having nobody to talk to in good old English. When I visited Pattaya, my vocal chords had a holiday too. I asked for a fork, they brought me a Coke. And after many futile attempts at asking directions to the toilet, I had to fall back on that trusted signal we employed in kindergarten. I have nothing against Thai people - they’re sweet, fairly uncomplicated folks but somehow life’s calling certainly doesn't seem to be immigrating to Thailand.
Strangely, while I dig into Russell and Peter Watson - the kinds of blokes that plumb the depths of philosophy, I’m not the deep thinking kind. So I’m sidestepping the more philosophical question that crops up of whether life’s meant to be enjoyed (the offer comes with a house, some good money and a nice car to drive) or whether life’s about achieving something in a career that I’ll look back at with pride when I’m pushing 60. I’m inclined to stick to simpler subjects like the economy and the relative potential future in India Vs Thailand. Obviously India to me is immensely more happening. So I’m more or less inclined towards taking that long-term view as opposed to myopic visions of imminent luxury and time.
Lets see how the cookie crumbles…..
Embarking on a blog after ages, if left unchecked I’m likely to do what Ms Woolf does best…spring random thoughts on unsuspecting readers. So I come focused - a man on a mission. Going straight to the point - the Thai conundrum. I’ve got a fairly interesting kind of job offer in Bangkok, Thailand. I’ve visited Thailand as a casual visitor and while I like its beaches and the smiling faces, I’m not gripped at the prospect of having nobody to talk to in good old English. When I visited Pattaya, my vocal chords had a holiday too. I asked for a fork, they brought me a Coke. And after many futile attempts at asking directions to the toilet, I had to fall back on that trusted signal we employed in kindergarten. I have nothing against Thai people - they’re sweet, fairly uncomplicated folks but somehow life’s calling certainly doesn't seem to be immigrating to Thailand.
Strangely, while I dig into Russell and Peter Watson - the kinds of blokes that plumb the depths of philosophy, I’m not the deep thinking kind. So I’m sidestepping the more philosophical question that crops up of whether life’s meant to be enjoyed (the offer comes with a house, some good money and a nice car to drive) or whether life’s about achieving something in a career that I’ll look back at with pride when I’m pushing 60. I’m inclined to stick to simpler subjects like the economy and the relative potential future in India Vs Thailand. Obviously India to me is immensely more happening. So I’m more or less inclined towards taking that long-term view as opposed to myopic visions of imminent luxury and time.
Lets see how the cookie crumbles…..
3 comments:
Reading your post was somewhat of a déjà vu for me ....
2007, same month... i was facing a similar predicament... till i realised that along with the economical rationale for moving, this also offers an opportunity to experience a totally different culture.
I took the plunge... and am glad to say that i dont regret it.... as YET!
:)
But, of course, to each his own. Good wishes for whatever you choose!
Thanks. I don't regret my decision either. The problem is, I never regret decisions in life even where I know they were grossly wrong.
But life right now is awesome. I'm on a hugely complicated deal now - the works, you know - tax, legal and financial structuring, all thrown in together...the kind of stuff I live for. If not for anything else, this deal's made the decision of staying on worth its while. More later, once I check out your blog.....don't know you from Adam, really.
i was in a similar dilemma, exactly a year back.. but i took the plunge. One year..and i am still repentant. but what will be, will be.. thats what they say right!:)
good write!
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