FolkGuitar

'Passing when the way ahead is not clear...' It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that passing on a blind curve or at the crest of a hill can be more than just dangerous. It's a flat-out admission of stupidity, and we see it every single day on Thai roads. 'Cutting inside of a turning vehicle.' I've stopped worrying about this one. If I'm making a turn, have my directional signals on, and I'm far enough over so anyone behind me knows I'm turning, yet some idiot thinks it's OK to cut inside my turn, he's not my problem at that point.

I brought my non-Thai wife to Thailand when I retired in 2001. We're both happy to be here, together, and wouldn't want it any other way.

'Self-Defense' does not necessarily mean 'fighting.' It means taking control of a situation so the outcome is NOT getting hurt or having to hurt the other person. Most of us are older. VERY few of us have had a real 'fight' since junior high school. Perhaps some pushing and chest bumping, but no 'real' fight. However, many of us still think we've 'got it.' Fact is, we don't. Fighting is a skill, and just like any other skill, it needs to be practiced regularly to be effective. But 'self-defense' doesn't mean long hours in the gym. There are things one learns in a 'good' self-defense class that a person of any age can master in a few minutes that can put you in control of a situation, especially when being grabbed by another person. And THAT is the goal of self-defense... you controlling the situation. Being in control means you have choices.

Do you want the OED definition? Or the definition in common usage today?

I do wish that sometimes I could turn them off... even for just a little while... both empathy and compassion. Empathy hurts. Compassion requires putting yourself out there. That's work. But... thank God I feel 'em.

From the SE corner of the moat, turn east on Sridonchai Road, make the first right after Suriwong Book Center, down about 300m on the right. This place has a lot!

With the Japanese cultural norm of "women are like Christmas cake. After the 25th (birthday) they are stale," it's very difficult for older men to even meet older women, as there are almost no mixed social venues for them. Few Japanese women go out partying after their twenties. By then, they plan to be married and quit their jobs as office girls and elevator operators (you need a college degree to get the job of elevator operator in Japan.) If they have not married by 25, many will seek the help of a Marriage Broker. Today 20%-25% of Japanese marriages are arranged by a broker hired (not by parents) by by the man or woman wishing to get married. The man NEEDS to be married if he is to move up through the ranks at work. And the woman 'prefers' to get married and end her working life. That's the culture. Period! Older women go out together in groups often. Unless your spoken Japanese is up to the task, they will not interact with strangers beyond pleasantries. It's also the cultural norm for Japanese people to 'hide their light under a basket.' They don't care much for people who are attention whores. They say "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down." I'm wondering (actually, I'm not...) how you plan, not only to meet women your own age (although many Japanese girls do have 'Daddy Complexes' because dad is always working and never around,) much less the really bright ones. I retired to Thailand after years of teaching Cross-Cultural Studies at a large Japanese university. Unless you plan to pay for it, you probably will spend your time alone.

In case any riders are considering a new helmet after reading this thread, you might wish to think about a full-face helmet. Here are the stats on the percentage of strikes during an accident on various parts of the shell.

What do you think the dog was doing when he was humping your leg? Asking to go walkies?

Hearing aid wearers have been dealing with this problem for years... and solving it. Go to a hearing aid shop and ask for 'sports retainers' for your devices. They are silicon strips that curl around inside the outer ear shell, locking the device into the ear canal. (The retainers shown here are still straight because they are unused. Normally they would be curled into a 'c' configuration following the shape of your ear) You can see them attached to the bottoms of the hearing aids in the picture. They even hold my hearing aids in place putting on and taking off my motorcycle helmet.

Bike accidents are no fun at all! Heal up quickly and well!

I remember the Merry V. It was quite popular back in the day. In fact, I was headed there my first time in Bangkok, but saw the New Siam as I was walking by, and stopped there instead.

What a surprise! I guess there must be a couple of curves on the Mae Hong Son loop... Too bad the driver didn't know that or that perhaps the 'alert encouragement' he swallowed to help him stay awake for 11 days so he could earn more money didn't really keep him alert.

I started visiting (as a tourist) in 1991, staying in Thailand for a couple of months each year, a month or two scuba diving on Koh Tao, then traveling around the country, landing in Bangkok for a few days before returning to Japan. I always stayed in the 'New Siam Guest House' behind the Wat. Those were fun days, with my A/C room costing 150 Baht a night. Meals on Khao San Road, people-watching. I did that every year until I finally moved to Thailand in 2001. By that time KSR was already becoming too gentrified. These days, it's nothing like its former 'glory.'

It's remarkable how angry and upset some people get when told that other don't mind staying in Chiang Mai during the Burning Season, and feel no need to leave the area for two months. I wonder why that is? Why would they get so upset that others react differently to the situation. I can understand ignoring their feelings, but getting angry at complete strangers because they are comfortable? That makes no sense.

This forum has long had the reputation of being a snake pit. That's why so many expats join, read the forum for a few weeks, and leave. If a thread goes over three pages, you can be pretty sure it's already turned into a shouting match having nothing to do with the OPs first post.

Personally, I don't think video game 'cause' the shootings, only that they desensitize kids to death, a condition that they may 'understand' on a scientific level, but of which they don't fully 'internalize' at that age, so that the games gives the unbalanced ones 'permission' and 'inspiration' to act out.

Yes, I've seen both boiled and refined... but... they are in rather small bottles, meant for mixing into oil paints for canvas rather than painting on woodwork. Perhaps the have half-liter as the largest?

Check your tire pressure. I find that it's far more critical for slow-speed riding with 2up than just me alone.

Most large stationary stores will carry it, as well as art supply stores.

I was a heavy smoker for 40+ years, but quit 25 years ago. And you're correct, I misspoke. The smog does interfere with some of the photos I'd like to take. That bothers me.

Please excuse me. I should have said; 'we' don't have a problem.

Love? Money? Why do (average) people get married in the West vs why they (average) marry in Thailand? In the west, we hope it's for love. It usually is the primary reason, adding in security as second. In Thailand, Survival is the usual primary reason. And not just survival for the woman, but possible for her whole family. And the family water buffalo, too! If love is present, it makes it all the nicer, but not required. Ask any farang who married their bargirl girlfriend.

There are a few remote areas in the world today that aren't affected by seasonal air pollution, but I doubt there are any cities that remain clear all year around. This year, many US and Canadian cities had much worse air pollution than northern Thailand! We've lived here 23 years, and have never been bothered by the air pollution. We have never felt the need to leave during Burning Season, although we do turn on two (1,000 baht each) air purifiers in our house, and for perhaps 2-3 weeks in the middle of the season will put on N95 masks when we go outside. We do not stop playing, we do not stop traveling, nor do we stop or change ANY of our normal daily routine because of the air quality. We just deal with it as we would any other climate condition. Blizzard... we put on snow tires and drive a little slower. Rain... we use an umbrella and don't wear good shoes. Air Pollution... we use air purifiers at home and masks outside. No problem. ????

That's very true. The BMI scale was NOT meant for Weight Lifters or Body Builders, but for the 'average' person. So... 175 in your 'prime?' What' your height and weight now? You were willing to tell us these numbers from your 'prime.' How about today?