Am I suddenly old? Everyone is smiling and helping me!

[simon43]

I jump into a taxi to go to the nearby shopping centre.  I pay the driver at our destination and he hands back the small tip that I gave him. I press the tip money into his hand and he is all genuine smiles.

 

I go to the supermarket, getting the items on my list.  As I push my trolley slowly down the aisles, women (young and old smile at me).  I check that my trouser zip is not undone!!

 

At the cashier payout, I pay the cashier and start to put my items into my backpack.  Several young women crowd round to help me, fetching extra bags from the cashier and packing my items.  All smile genuine smiles as they help me.

 

I go to the pharmacy and buy some cough syrup.  Again, as I put the purchase into my bags, 3 young staff help me to put my backpack on my back.

 

Throughout my shopping trip this morning, total strangers smile at me and say hello.

 

So...... what's happened?  Do I suddenly look decrepit?  Do I have $100 notes glued to my jacket?

 

No!  The only difference between my shopping trip last week and today, is that last week I went shopping in Thailand and today I am shopping in the city of Mandalay, in Myanmar, where civil war is rife and a white-skinned foreigner is rarer than a virgin in Soi Cowboy...

 

Perhaps they are smiling and helping out of pity for the foreigner who missed the last plane out of dodge 🙂  (An exaggeration actually, there are flights every day).

 

As to how I have ended up (AGAIN!) in Myanmar, let's just say that my sense of direction at airports isn't very good in my old age 🙂

 

 

[georgegeorgia]

It's exactly opposite when I was in Thailand 

Even though I'm very fit for my age (in the gym most days of the week ) I still got people push in front of me etc 

Some people even walk into you in the street ,phone in hand not paying attention or the the gang of 4 walking side by side as you have to stop ! and go to the side to let THEM pass !

 

In Thailand and I don't know MYANMAR but in Thailand they have LESS respect that the West I believe to older farang guys 

 

I have NEVER had anyone hold a door open for me in Thailand like in the Western countries 

They just push in 

 

I remember in Thailand people barging into the lift BEFORE I got out !

 

I remember walking towards a glass door in the Condo I was staying in (Pattaya Arcadia Beach Resort) and I went to walk with my bags when Asian girls just barged in front of me letting the door slam in my face this is in Thailand !

 

Yesterday I'm in Brisbane Australia and several times young people held the door open for me in the Airbnb Condo I was staying in 

I was surprised,this is Australia yet they were more polite young people than Thailand!

 

Last night Im walking in Brisbane a young tattooed guy moved to the side to let me pass ,you wouldn't find that in Thailand 

 

Now MYANMAR I don't know ,I want to go ,and if I do I expect to stay with YOU Simon 

 

Anyone here saying people especially YOUNGER people in Thailand have more RESPECT and MANNERS towards older farang than in the WESTERN Countries is bull<deleted> ....maybe they did in the PAST but not now !

 

 

 

 

[Henk Langeweg]

Maybe you are pregnant ...

[Hummin]

54 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

 

I have NEVER had anyone hold a door open for me in Thailand like in the Western countries 

They just push in 

 

My two days last week in Bangkok, they opened the doors for me a few places. At our hotel and the restaurants we visited.

[bendejo]

Store workers wanted to see if you stole anything and put it in your backpack.

 

[scottiejohn]

21 minutes ago, bendejo said:

Store workers wanted to see if you stole anything and put it in your backpack.

 

Store workers wanted to see if you stole anything and put it in your Zimmer frame bag  backpack.

[StreetCowboy]

A few years back, I was embarrassed about getting ushered to the front of the Covid-check queue at the supermarket as an “elderly” person - particularly since I had cycled there.

[billd766]

4 hours ago, simon43 said:

I jump into a taxi to go to the nearby shopping centre.  I pay the driver at our destination and he hands back the small tip that I gave him. I press the tip money into his hand and he is all genuine smiles.

 

I go to the supermarket, getting the items on my list.  As I push my trolley slowly down the aisles, women (young and old smile at me).  I check that my trouser zip is not undone!!

 

At the cashier payout, I pay the cashier and start to put my items into my backpack.  Several young women crowd round to help me, fetching extra bags from the cashier and packing my items.  All smile genuine smiles as they help me.

 

I go to the pharmacy and buy some cough syrup.  Again, as I put the purchase into my bags, 3 young staff help me to put my backpack on my back.

 

Throughout my shopping trip this morning, total strangers smile at me and say hello.

 

So...... what's happened?  Do I suddenly look decrepit?  Do I have $100 notes glued to my jacket?

 

No!  The only difference between my shopping trip last week and today, is that last week I went shopping in Thailand and today I am shopping in the city of Mandalay, in Myanmar, where civil war is rife and a white-skinned foreigner is rarer than a virgin in Soi Cowboy...

 

Perhaps they are smiling and helping out of pity for the foreigner who missed the last plane out of dodge 🙂  (An exaggeration actually, there are flights every day).

 

As to how I have ended up (AGAIN!) in Myanmar, let's just say that my sense of direction at airports isn't very good in my old age 🙂

 

 

When I go to the local pharmacy, the lady comes from behind the counter and helps me down the 3 steps and I get a genuine smile. The post office manager does the same for me when I simply buy a bottle of OTOP honey.

 

The staff in the local supermarket ask what I want and fetch it for me.

 

To me it is like the UK used to be 50 or 60 years ago.

 

To me (at 80) the Thai people are always kind, helpful and smile genuine smiles. Perhaps because I am old, perhaps because I live in rural Thailand and not in a tourist area. Perhaps because I am polite, smile a lot and try to speak Thai if I can.

 

I have no idea, but I am grateful and thankful for the attention.

[georgegeorgia]

2 hours ago, billd766 said:

When I go to the local pharmacy, the lady comes from behind the counter and helps me down the 3 steps and I get a genuine smile. The post office manager does the same for me when I simply buy a bottle of OTOP honey.

 

The staff in the local supermarket ask what I want and fetch it for me.

 

To me it is like the UK used to be 50 or 60 years ago.

 

To me (at 80) the Thai people are always kind, helpful and smile genuine smiles. Perhaps because I am old, perhaps because I live in rural Thailand and not in a tourist area. Perhaps because I am polite, smile a lot and try to speak Thai if I can.

 

I have no idea, but I am grateful and thankful for the attention.

Yes maybe it's the rural area ,you wouldn't find that in Pattaya 

[BangkokReady]

Most likely they're very pleased to see someone they consider to be a tourist, as it symbolises the return of a group that potentially means a significant increase in income.

 

I went to Vietnam just after covid and the local people were very excited to see a foreigner.  I went again a year later and the reaction was far more sedate.

 

Enjoy it for the pleasant experience that it is, but don't expect it to be permanent.

[JimTripper]

5 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

Most likely they're very pleased to see someone they consider to be a tourist, as it symbolises the return of a group that potentially means a significant increase in income.

 

I went to Vietnam just after covid and the local people were very excited to see a foreigner.  I went again a year later and the reaction was far more sedate.

 

Enjoy it for the pleasant experience that it is, but don't expect it to be permanent.

You so horny, you do bukkake, you love it loong time...

[CallumWK]

4 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

I went to Vietnam just after covid and the local people were very excited to see a foreigner.

 

 

[Rampant Rabbit]

6 hours ago, Henk Langeweg said:

Maybe you are pregnant ...

or stagnant?😂

[Lacessit]

7 hours ago, simon43 said:

I jump into a taxi to go to the nearby shopping centre.  I pay the driver at our destination and he hands back the small tip that I gave him. I press the tip money into his hand and he is all genuine smiles.

 

I go to the supermarket, getting the items on my list.  As I push my trolley slowly down the aisles, women (young and old smile at me).  I check that my trouser zip is not undone!!

 

At the cashier payout, I pay the cashier and start to put my items into my backpack.  Several young women crowd round to help me, fetching extra bags from the cashier and packing my items.  All smile genuine smiles as they help me.

 

I go to the pharmacy and buy some cough syrup.  Again, as I put the purchase into my bags, 3 young staff help me to put my backpack on my back.

 

Throughout my shopping trip this morning, total strangers smile at me and say hello.

 

So...... what's happened?  Do I suddenly look decrepit?  Do I have $100 notes glued to my jacket?

 

No!  The only difference between my shopping trip last week and today, is that last week I went shopping in Thailand and today I am shopping in the city of Mandalay, in Myanmar, where civil war is rife and a white-skinned foreigner is rarer than a virgin in Soi Cowboy...

 

Perhaps they are smiling and helping out of pity for the foreigner who missed the last plane out of dodge 🙂  (An exaggeration actually, there are flights every day).

 

As to how I have ended up (AGAIN!) in Myanmar, let's just say that my sense of direction at airports isn't very good in my old age 🙂

 

 

Stand on your weaker leg only for 30 seconds without losing your balance. That will tell you if you are old or not.

[atpeace]

6 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

 

Now MYANMAR I don't know ,I want to go ,and if I do I expect to stay with YOU Simon 

 

 

I live close to the border and if you plan on visiting Simon, you are welcome at my place.  My spare room has gym equipment in it but we can set you up on a blowup mattress beside the treadmill.  I'm a little odd so you should feel right at home here.

[simon43]

3 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Stand on your weaker leg only for 30 seconds without losing your balance. That will tell you if you are old or not.

Well, that's easy!  I can stand for 5 minutes without losing my balance 🙂

 

My comments about being old were tongue-in-cheek.  The help given by Myanmar people towards foreigners is normal - the fact that I am somewhat older and dressed unlike a tourist (the only non-tourist foreigners left in town are teachers), probably heightened their urge to help 🙂

[simon43]

44 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

Most likely they're very pleased to see someone they consider to be a tourist, as it symbolises the return of a group that potentially means a significant increase in income.

 

I went to Vietnam just after covid and the local people were very excited to see a foreigner.  I went again a year later and the reaction was far more sedate.

 

Enjoy it for the pleasant experience that it is, but don't expect it to be permanent.

Nope - their reaction is the reaction that I have received whenever and wherever I have worked in Myanmar over the past 12 years or so. My attire probably identifies me as a teacher, as opposed to a tourist, (do tourists wear a tie?). 

 

My post was to compare attitudes between those in Myanmar and those in Thailand.  (That's not to say that I find Thai people rude or unhelpful, only that I find people in Myanmar to display a greater level of friendliness and helpfulness than Thais).

[PoorSucker]

6 hours ago, Henk Langeweg said:

Maybe you are pregnant ...

Damn it.. Made me laugh out loud...

[Lucky Bones]

Georgie Georgie Pudding & Pie.

I must agree that I have never had  Thai person hold open a door for me.🙃🙃

[BangkokReady]

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

Nope - their reaction is the reaction that I have received whenever and wherever I have worked in Myanmar over the past 12 years or so. My attire probably identifies me as a teacher, as opposed to a tourist, (do tourists wear a tie?). 

 

Then why conceal this important detail from the original post?  Sounds like you wanted to leave that out to encourage replies.  🙄

[CallumWK]

7 hours ago, Hummin said:

 

My two days last week in Bangkok, they opened the doors for me a few places. At our hotel and the restaurants we visited.

 

I guess you arrived in that luxury taxi?

[Hummin]

7 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

I guess you arrived in that luxury taxi?

A brand new taxi yes with suspension this time.

[jvs]

8 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

It's exactly opposite when I was in Thailand 

Even though I'm very fit for my age (in the gym most days of the week ) I still got people push in front of me etc 

Some people even walk into you in the street ,phone in hand not paying attention or the the gang of 4 walking side by side as you have to stop ! and go to the side to let THEM pass !

 

In Thailand and I don't know MYANMAR but in Thailand they have LESS respect that the West I believe to older farang guys 

 

I have NEVER had anyone hold a door open for me in Thailand like in the Western countries 

They just push in 

 

I remember in Thailand people barging into the lift BEFORE I got out !

 

I remember walking towards a glass door in the Condo I was staying in (Pattaya Arcadia Beach Resort) and I went to walk with my bags when Asian girls just barged in front of me letting the door slam in my face this is in Thailand !

 

Yesterday I'm in Brisbane Australia and several times young people held the door open for me in the Airbnb Condo I was staying in 

I was surprised,this is Australia yet they were more polite young people than Thailand!

 

Last night Im walking in Brisbane a young tattooed guy moved to the side to let me pass ,you wouldn't find that in Thailand 

 

Now MYANMAR I don't know ,I want to go ,and if I do I expect to stay with YOU Simon 

 

Anyone here saying people especially YOUNGER people in Thailand have more RESPECT and MANNERS towards older farang than in the WESTERN Countries is bull<deleted> ....maybe they did in the PAST but not now !

 

 

 

 

Good thing you are not here then right?

[ModdaPunk]

How is it now in Myanmar ?

Who's winning (really) ?

Can't trust western mass medias.

[jvs]

5 minutes ago, ModdaPunk said:

How is it now in Myanmar ?

Who's winning (really) ?

Can't trust western mass medias.

Really? Maybe check on truth social?

oh the irony!

[swissie]

3 hours ago, simon43 said:

Nope - their reaction is the reaction that I have received whenever and wherever I have worked in Myanmar over the past 12 years or so. My attire probably identifies me as a teacher, as opposed to a tourist, (do tourists wear a tie?). 

 

My post was to compare attitudes between those in Myanmar and those in Thailand.  (That's not to say that I find Thai people rude or unhelpful, only that I find people in Myanmar to display a greater level of friendliness and helpfulness than Thais).

Simon has been a "world traveller", always with his HAM operational gear. His former posts
suggest that he loved S/E Asia very much. But as time changes so fast, he may have found out that Myanmar has changed very little compared to other countries that he called "home" before. An endless civil war does not allow for fast changes.

Myanmar may well be the last refuge for Farangs that do not feel at home in their former "home" in S/E Asia.

Maybe not a bad choice as a Farang getting old. As "old age" is respected much in Myanmar still. Very much opposed to other S/E Asian countries, where hospitals ask about their "Farang Health Insurance" coverage first.

[georgegeorgia]

4 hours ago, swissie said:

Simon has been a "world traveller", always with his HAM operational gear. His former posts
suggest that he loved S/E Asia very much. But as time changes so fast, he may have found out that Myanmar has changed very little compared to other countries that he called "home" before. An endless civil war does not allow for fast changes.

Myanmar may well be the last refuge for Farangs that do not feel at home in their former "home" in S/E Asia.

Maybe not a bad choice as a Farang getting old. As "old age" is respected much in Myanmar still. Very much opposed to other S/E Asian countries, where hospitals ask about their "Farang Health Insurance" coverage first.

I'm not sure of that !

I recall a Professor of a Australian university working for that lady PM was jailed for years in Myanmar and was released only last year saying he was treated badly 

[simon43]

6 hours ago, swissie said:

Simon has been a "world traveller", always with his HAM operational gear. His former posts
suggest that he loved S/E Asia very much. But as time changes so fast, he may have found out that Myanmar has changed very little compared to other countries that he called "home" before. An endless civil war does not allow for fast changes.

Myanmar may well be the last refuge for Farangs that do not feel at home in their former "home" in S/E Asia.

Maybe not a bad choice as a Farang getting old. As "old age" is respected much in Myanmar still. Very much opposed to other S/E Asian countries, where hospitals ask about their "Farang Health Insurance" coverage first.

Sadly, there is no retirement visa in Myanmar.  To stay long-term (1 year repeating), you either need to have a business visa associated with your employment, or you need to marry a local.  Hmm, marry one of those beautiful, slim Burmese ladies?  Now that's a thought.......

[arick]

Number one you're white number two you probably look relaxed today and you don't look miserable. Nothing to do with age.

[Mai mee]

22 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Sadly, there is no retirement visa in Myanmar.  To stay long-term (1 year repeating), you either need to have a business visa associated with your employment, or you need to marry a local.  Hmm, marry one of those beautiful, slim Burmese ladies?  Now that's a thought.......

Don't you have enough ex-wives already Simon?

 

Last time I was in Myanmar was 2015 or so, spent about a month riding around on the slowest trains in the world 😉. Loved it then, wish I could check it out again now, but it seems FAR too dangerous at present. I've always thought the Burmese were the sweetest people you'd ever find. Their governments, not so much.

 

Back here in Thailand, I've had to confront the psychological effects of my status change from "Handsum Man" to Papa... It happened seemingly quickly, but it's taken me probably 5 years to get over it and accept the reality of it all.... Time marches on and I'm ok with it now. At last years Songkran festivities a charming young lady was dispatched to usher me to a chair under the canopy in the "revered elders" section, hahaha. I politely thanked her and declined, but this year, I might just surrender.

 

Hats off and Godspeed,

Gordo

HS0ZPC