. . . . . Isn't there a bounty on wise-ass Canadians right now?

Didn't know that. What are you offering?

The only thing I don't have is a large group of American's patting themselves on the back thinking they are the worlds best nation running around to different parts of the planet and saying, "aren't you glad you have me as your friend?".

The "I'm so cool, I hate America" crowd isn't much better, but fanatics of all stripes are to be avoided.

There is a happy medium somewhere in between the I hate America and I love America. I think it's called Chiang Mai. (for me anyway). But from time to time, I do remember why I don't live there.

I love America! Just don't make me live there. It's a great place to say when asked Where you come from?

Richard and jingthing,

I like visiting the US (back to see mum + play tourist) every now and then just to seeeeee... (fill in the blank). Can't beat Chiang Mai though!

I like visiting the US (back to see mum + play tourist) every now and then just to seeeeee... (fill in the blank). Can't beat Chiang Mai though!

Hmmm presumably either an American who can spell Mum instead of Mom or has a mother who moved there from an English speaking country (which excludes America and Canada)

CB

Hmmm presumably . . . has a mother who moved there from an English speaking country (which excludes America and Canada)

Hmmm . . . presumably that would exclude Strine-land as well?

I like visiting the US (back to see mum + play tourist) every now and then just to seeeeee... (fill in the blank). Can't beat Chiang Mai though!

Hmmm presumably either an American who can spell Mum instead of Mom or has a mother who moved there from an English speaking country (which excludes America and Canada)

CB

yuck, yuck! Correct at the time of press! I can spell m-u-m. Written just to appease the delicate Brit senses. BTW - I'm a real Yanqui...

The people are still nice, but you'll get the 1 - 2percenters in any part of Thailand who'll ruin it for the rest. Hu man Nat ure as some of you other older folk / long term folk would know (re: Bernard Trink - niteowl). And the food and nature spots are as well...

Always makes me think of this song by the Eagles when talking about the way Thailand used to be....

They called it paradice the place to be...

She came from Providence,

the one in Rhode Island

Where the old world shadows hang

heavy in the air

She packed her hopes and dreams

like a refugee

Just as her father came across the sea

She heard about a place

people were smilin'

They spoke about the red man's way,

and how they loved the land

And they came from everywhere

to the Great Divide

Seeking a place to stand

or a place to hide

Down in the crowded bars,

out for a good time,

Can't wait to tell you all,

what it's like up there

And they called it paradise

I don't know why

Somebody laid the mountains low

while the town got high

Then the chilly winds blew down

Across the desert

through the canyons of the coast, to

the Malibu

Where the pretty people play,

hungry for power

to light their neon way

and give them things to do

Some rich men came and raped the land,

Nobody caught 'em

Put up a bunch of ugly

boxes, and Jesus,

people bought 'em

And they called it paradise

The place to be

They watched the hazy sun,

sinking in the sea

We can leave it all behind

and sail to Thailand

just like the missionaries

did, so many years ago

They even brought a neon

sign: "Jesus is coming"

Brought the white man's burden down

Brought the white man's reign

Who will provide the grand design?

What is yours and what is mine?

'Cause there is no more new frontier

We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and

justify our bloody deeds,

in the name of destiny and the name

of God

And you can see them there,

On Sunday morning

They stand up and sing about

what it's like up there

They call it paradise

I don't know why

You call someplace paradise,

kiss it goodbye

Sorry to be copletely off-topic ...

The people are still nice, but you'll get the 1 - 2percenters in any part of Thailand who'll ruin it for the rest. Hu man Nat ure as some of you other older folk / long term folk would know (re: Bernard Trink - niteowl). And the food and nature spots are as well...

...anyone know what has become of Trink?

Not moving to CM until April/May, will add my 3 once I've been there a while

Sorry to be copletely off-topic ...

The people are still nice, but you'll get the 1 - 2percenters in any part of Thailand who'll ruin it for the rest. Hu man Nat ure as some of you other older folk / long term folk would know (re: Bernard Trink - niteowl). And the food and nature spots are as well...

...anyone know what has become of Trink?

Not moving to CM until April/May, will add my 3 once I've been there a while

In 2003, The Bangkok Post dropped The Nite Owl column without fanfare by a new editor, who just decided it was time for Trink to go. There was no announcement that it was ending, nor any farewell party for the long time columnist. The "Nite Owl" column simply vanished. Trink was still writing book reviews for the Post and for a time did his own web site, but he is now more or less retired.

Yeah,

I remember him getting dumped (and the posts here that ensued) and the web site - was quite hot for while - then he seemed to disappear - can't imagine him retiring though. Was it really 5 years ago ???