We have made it to Pai. Such a small and peaceful town when compared to Bangkok. The amenities for the price you pay on accommodation is far worth it.
But the tale of my accommodation and the 15 hrs it took to get here is not what's on my mind. It is the uncertainty of my situation. I have already received an expected response from loved ones back home - with regard to my last post. Fact of the matter is that I am sick of planning for things. For once in my life I feel liberated. Against all reasonable actions I have decided to calm down and not decide anything for the mean while. I think what has hurt the most has been the assumption of suspicious behavior on park of my GF. Admittedly, those that know me understand that I am very naive and could quite easily be taken advantage of. The problem is that I have cried for help in the past. And it hasn't got me anywhere. Essentially I control my own self. I must make these decisions with my own interests in mind. I think those concerned are worried either that: first and foremost that I am being swindled and that I'll have to come home in a couple of weeks because I have no money. Secondly is that I will simply never come home and live my days in Thailand. "Neglecting real responsibilities".
Now I have always said that I want to move and live in another country. Personally I would love to study here if I can. So my question is this:
Is there anything wrong with deciding to stay longer or indefinitely? Should I do the "Right thing" and go back to Australia to study? Or should I do the irresponsible thing and live my life as I choose?
My apologies for the seemingly negative post. It's not. I'm just going through this phase at the moment.
Nengi,
ReplyDeleteYour brother is absolutely delighted that you are having such a great time in Thailand with Na ... and I was jealous that he could view it in such pure and simple terms; his previous experiences could have made him suspicious, but no ... your happiness simply made him happy too. It made me think ... I want to be more like him ... so I've decided to lighten up.
Go for it Nengi, have a great time, and start telling us what you and Na are doing and seeing and how exciting it all is. I want to share your experience and your happiness.
Tell us what is it about the Thai culture that makes it so different? Tell us about the 15 hour trip to Pai, and the accommodation. And put some more photos up on the blog for us to see ... no more negative feedback ... that's a promise.
"Neglecting real responsabilities" !?
ReplyDeleteI think that "your" reaponsability is on "you" isn't it ?? You can study wherever oyu want...the only thing that matter regarding education is how good will you be in the end. How well preparied will you be ? How preparied will you be to achieve your goals considering your background.
I'm sure that you may found good local Unis in Thai, but decide where you want to work and wha tdo you want to do with your title and experience. Consider those things but without fear. The clock is running but still you have some time...
Now stop this sissy talk and fight !! And send photos bastard !! =D
and yes, of course, cheers !! hehehe
Lets take a vote. I vote that you stay as long as you need. If that happens to be forever, well thats up to you to decide.
ReplyDeleteI think you will find that anyone who has acted negatively towards your actions just wants to make sure you are ok. For a very long time i think you were reliant on a few specific people in your life. Now that has changed and they may not yet have noticed it.
What you are doing is the right thing.
r u useing conies?
ReplyDeleteneng!
ReplyDeletei know the acest guy who lived in thailand for 8 years and got married and only got back a year ago!
also, its not irresponsible. its a choice which shouldnt have a judgement placed on it. youre not your uncle and your not your dads worst fears. his fears no longer count. you are a free man! free to do as your heart desires! its not like yo have a multimillion dollar company that youre neglecting or a child that needs you. so go for it neng!
by the way, i miss you!
whats hes uncle got to do with it?babyjenks
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone.
ReplyDeleteThings seem much clearer now. I'm still happy and I'll be heading out to do my visa run in a couple of days. That entails one long trip to Mae sai (a border town between Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). We cross the border for about an hour and then we come back and jump back on the bus to head back to Pai. All because I need to extend my visa.
Anyway, thanks again and I'll try to do a new entry tomorrow morning along with uploading some photos.
Catcha.
Nengi
u rule
ReplyDeleteYeah babyjenks, what does his uncle have to do with it?????? His uncle, aunt and cousins have been very good to Ben over the last 12 months, and I'm sure Ben has appreciated their support. Ben, hope your having a good time, doing lots of climbing, which is why you went........ look forward to hearing what uni courses you get into, and seeing you back in sunny Brisvegas in late Jan. If things are really serious with you and Na why don't she come back with you..... It would be much easier (and cheaper) for you to study over here, you speak the language for starters, and think about what it costs all your international student housemates to and education in a foreign country. Quite possibly somewhere in the the vicinity for $40-$50K. Quite a lot of money you are applying for arts degrees. Don't take this the wrong way. And who is babyjenks anyway, she doesn't know your uncle from a bar of soap. Speaking of which, give him a call. You can reverse the charges.
ReplyDeleteHey Ben!
ReplyDeleteWow... sounds like you are having such an exciting time over there... the wonderment of it all! Enjoy this wonder with no stress! Seriously, you are young… enjoy the adventure! Babyjenks is right... no business, no child, no mortgage payments etc weighing you down - go for it! I'm sure your family and loved ones will miss you, but you'll eventually return all the 'richer' for it. You know, it has been suggested that emotion is a physical response to the thoughts that you have and are therefore directly induced by the language you use with yourself. Constant thoughts about what you ‘should’ be doing and how ‘irresponsible’ you’re being are hurting only yourself! No matter how much people may want to make sure you are ok, their ultimate aim must surely be to see you happy, and you sound happier than I have heard you sound in years. Congratulations… you’re finally there… let go and enjoy it!
Lu xxx
Sorry for any confusion. Baby Jenks is my oldest and dearest friend. I don't think he was being critical toward my uncle or any family members. Well he can be critical toward my father, as I am anyway. I think he was merely making an observation that my father disagread with actions made by my uncle. We all know my father isn't all there anyway. Babyjenks was merely stating that I can make a free choice, and without serious repercusions to my loved ones. Sorry for the confusion, as tenuous and confusing the link may be. I have spoken to Babyjenks on many occasions of how happy I was to finally meet the other side of my family and how much they have helped me in the past. Sorry I haven't made many calls yet. Most of my numbers are mobiles which are a little hard and expensive to make from Na's Mobile.
ReplyDeleteHey Ben, it's Gem. Hope your well & enjoying your adventure. Good to see you have not lost any of your paranoia. Some really great photo's you have been taking, can't wait to see the rest of them when you come home.
ReplyDeleteRemember, if it's not on it's not on!!!!
Take it easy bloke & see ya when you come back..Be safe be good.
p.s. fuck what anyone else thinks, your living it not them.