Why Do Aussies Live In Thailand?

[khall64au]

WHy do people care so much about ozzies at all that they waste their breath writing about them...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

because we're SPECIAL?????

[kayo]

[khall64au]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Kavo but we are all not the same mate ....... do u really come from Centro Americo ?

[khall64au]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Kavo but we are all not the same mate ....... do u really come from Centro Americo ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kavo, I just realised you r from El Lago Atitlan...... I saw the spaceship too

[kayo]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Kavo but we are all not the same mate ....... do u really come from Centro Americo ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kavo, I just realised you r from El Lago Atitlan...... I saw the spaceship too

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah I've ben living here for about nearly a year now.

What's that about a space ship?

Not familiar with that story. Fill me in?

Regards,

Kayo

PS> I'm only kdding about ozzies... Mostly.

[udon]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Kavo but we are all not the same mate ....... do u really come from Centro Americo ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kavo, I just realised you r from El Lago Atitlan...... I saw the spaceship too

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Time you were in bed K.hall, or no bedtime story this morning.... dirty stopout!

Edited July 12, 2005 by udon

[khall64au]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Kavo but we are all not the same mate ....... do u really come from Centro Americo ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kavo, I just realised you r from El Lago Atitlan...... I saw the spaceship too

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah I've ben living here for about nearly a year now.

What's that about a space ship?

Not familiar with that story. Fill me in?

Regards,

Kayo

PS> I'm only kdding about ozzies... Mostly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lake Atitlan in Panajachel, right? In the late 80's or early 90's locals witnessed an enormous spaceship rise from depths of the lake - which is so deep that it cannot be measured. It's a caldera- a volcanic crater lake.

Anyway, I didn't actually SEE the spaceship. but I did buy a postcard

True story!

K. Hall

[khall64au]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Kavo but we are all not the same mate ....... do u really come from Centro Americo ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kavo, I just realised you r from El Lago Atitlan...... I saw the spaceship too

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Time you were in bed K.hall, or no bedtime story this morning.... dirty stopout!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes dad... sorry dad... didn't realise the time dad. I did go straight to bed after you told me off. Honest!

[udon]

Good girl, do you want The Three Bears or Toxin In Wonderland tonite?

[kayo]

     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kavo, I just realised you r from El Lago Atitlan...... I saw the spaceship too

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah I've ben living here for about nearly a year now.

What's that about a space ship?

Not familiar with that story. Fill me in?

Regards,

Kayo

PS> I'm only kdding about ozzies... Mostly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lake Atitlan in Panajachel, right? In the late 80's or early 90's locals witnessed an enormous spaceship rise from depths of the lake - which is so deep that it cannot be measured. It's a caldera- a volcanic crater lake.

Anyway, I didn't actually SEE the spaceship. but I did buy a postcard

True story!

K. Hall

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi,

Yes location correct... I'm going to look up the story...

...

Other assorted facts about Lago Atitlan found whilst researching Spaceships:

er... few, coz I'm knackered... Apparently U2 filmed a video in the village of San Pedro, across the pond from me.

and from a friend's story.

Lake Atitlán (Ah-teat-LAN) lies nestled a mile high in the Western Highlands of Guatemala and holds a very special place in Mayan religion and folklore. The Maya believe that it’s the "umbilicus of the mother earth," and in it lies the opening to the underworld, from which all souls emerge at birth and where they return upon physical death. The lake lies in the crater of an extinct volcano, with the dormant volcanoes of Tolimán (Tol-lee-MAHN), San Pedro, and Atitlán rising sharply from its shores. Adding to the lake’s mystery is the fact that no surface streams flow into or out of it. Lake Atitlán looks as if it rose directly from the mouth of the volcano at its fiery conclusion, and in fact is fed solely by underground springs within the crater.

Until recently, I never saw the actual depth of the lake printed, but rather came across curiosity-invoking comments such as "in excess of 1000 feet." National Geographic appeared to fuel the myth of this being a bottomless lake and thus the opening to the underworld while doing research for a story on the lake in the 1940s. Using the most sophisticated equipment available at the time, they were unable to determine the lake’s depth, and word is that they couldn’t find the absolute bottom. They estimated the depth to be "up to 1,500 feet" in the article. Apparently someone has now determined a bottom, and according to the Guatemala Tourist Guide the lake’s official depth is 1,119 feet (341 meters.)

The paved road to Lake Atitlán rises and falls over and over as it winds through the mountains, ending at the town of Panajachel (PAH-na-ha-CHEL), often called just "Pana", and the lake. I guess when I think of the crater of a volcano, I’m thinking of something roughly the size of a football stadium. But this lake is huge for a volcanic lake at 150 square miles of surface water, capped with its three volcanoes , which were staring right at me as I quickly boarded the last ferry of the day to Santiago. The sunset was about to begin, and the lake is famous for these wonders.

I settled in on the ferry as it pulled out from the dock. As I looked around me, I could see the entire crater making this lake, and the three 10,000-foot dormant volcanoes around it suddenly seem puny in comparison. Right on cue the lighting director turned up the crimson in the clouds, and it caused the mountains around the lake to take on a deep indigo color. These folks sure know how to welcome a person, I thought to myself. I couldn’t have scripted it any better.

A road connecting a number of Indian villages circles the lake. Santiago Atitlán is one of them, and lies directly across the lake from Pana on the south shore. The easiest  access is by boat however, whether it’s public ferry, private motorboat, or a fishermen’s dugout canoe, called a cayuco. Regardless of transport method, entering town is like taking a giant step back in time. Indigenous women (who prefer this term to Indian) stoop by the water’s edge washing clothes in the lake. Men and boys  work gathering firewood and picking coffee beans. The roads are mostly unpaved, though this is changing rapidly as cars become more prevalent. Today it’s still mostly pickup trucks, all acting as unofficial taxis for tourists and locals alike.

I went to Santiago specifically to meet the Tzutujil (Zoo-too-EEL) tribe of Mayan descendants living there. Guatemala has an indigenous population of approximately fifty percent, but in Santiago it’s ninety-five percent. White folks stick out like flashing Christmas ornaments. Why I felt such a strong calling is hard to say. I’ve been attracted to Mayan history for decades. In recent years, the travails of their modern-day descendants have horrified me. I was also hoping to learn more about their current religious beliefs. Mayan religion became a passion of mine when I read the Popal Vuh, or ancient Mayan bible, some years back. The similarities to the modern Christian Bible are stunning, and the Maya reportedly "wrote" theirs before the time of Christ. (The written language didn’t exist until much later, so timing can be argued if you’re so inclined.)

Catholicism was initially forced on the Maya after the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. Since none of the indigenous people spoke Spanish or Latin, and virtually none of the Spanish bothered to learn the local language, there was very little communication between the two groups. The Maya merely changed the names and dates of their religious deities and celebrations to comply with those of Catholicism. Since the native population went through the motions of being Catholic and observed their holidays, they were Catholic as far as the Spanish were concerned and peace was maintained. Today there are several different religions practiced in Santiago: traditional Mayan known as costumbre, Catholic, and Evangelical. The Evangelical is the newest of these, and is apparently similar to Evangelical faiths in the United States. Several of their services were held while I was in town, all outside with large speakers broadcasting the service to the entire village.

One of the saints we visited that day is the most notorious of Mayan religious figures. He is Maximón (Ma-shee-MONE), the drinking and smoking deity. Maximón has been revered in Santiago since the mid-nineteenth century and is  represented by a three-and-a-half foot wooden statue clothed in colorful scarves. Maximón’s main trait is the enjoyment of vices, and he is reputed to seduce women in town after dark. He’s generally considered a combination of the Mayan god Mam and the apostle Simon Peter. Many other towns of Guatemala have adopted Maximón also and believe he shares traits of Judas Iscariot, the Antichrist, and even Pedro de Alvarado, the Spanish conquistador who conquered Central America under Cortez. My guide referred to him as "Lord of the Middle." Peter Canby in his book The Heart of the Sky—Travels Among the Maya says Maximón is the attraction of opposites: day to night, wet to dry, male to female. Maximón is usually seen with a large cigar in his mouth. On several special occasions, a likeness of Christ and Maximón are marched down the streets side-by-side but are not permitted to face each other. Only during Semana Santa, or Holy Week (Easter), do they face each other in a final confrontation. The Maya see no problem with this dichotomy of good versus evil with the two deities; both represent inseparable parts of the workings of the world. Atitecos (At-tea-TEK-ohs), as the residents of Santiago Atitlán are called, sometimes pray to Maximón for worldly needs.

One of the old Catholic mandates has evolved into a distinguishing and now famous Mayan trait. Presumably to better track and control the locals, the Church insisted that each village weave and wear a style of clothing unique to that village. This developed into a rich tradition and is still followed by many today, though no longer required. The Tzutujil are well known as expert backstrap weavers, an ancient style of weaving where the woman sits on the ground with a strap around her back and connected to the other end of the loom. The Tzutujil wear the most famous "costume" of Guatemala. Men wear knee-high white pants with maroon stripes, fastened with a long colorful waistband, and a long-sleeve shirt. The women wear white wool huipiles (blouses) with maroon and purple vertical stripes, then covered with embroidered bird designs. The cortes (skirts) are a long piece of colorful fabric wrapped around their body. The women’s costume is sometimes topped off with a tocoyal, which is a 20-meter-long piece of fabric that is rolled around the head to simulate a radiant sun. This last part seems to be worn only on special occasions these days. Unless offered a few coins, the Tzutujil don’t like their picture taken because they believe that a picture causes them to lose a piece of their soul. The few coins seem to ease the threat. Some people travel great distances to see this costume. I’m fortunate to have acquired a picture for your perusal.

I left Santiago Atitlán knowing I would return soon. I have to, even if only to better understand the attraction and power that it seems to hold for me. A part of my healing will happen here, I think. I felt like I was home for the very first time again. The last time I experienced this feeling was in Boulder in 1975, and I promptly moved here. (Why don’t I get this feeling when I’m at the beach? I’ve always considered myself part fish, and I love the Yucatan, yet both ‘home’ feelings have come in the mountains at 5,000 feet high. Then again, I learned a long time ago that I’m not really in charge of my life. I just go where I’m led.) Perhaps some more writing will occur by the pristine Lake Atitlan also, which Aldous Huxley called "the most beautiful lake in the world." 

Er...I'm knackered and it's friday and we are bound to have a big night tonight, so I must return tomorrow to search for spaceships.

[ozzydom]

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Udon, are they referring to that friendly game where they players regularly gather into little groups and sniff each others bum?

[udon]

Yes, & official thuggery

[deepdiver]

Anzac day may me think why is it many Australians choose to live in Thailand.

Australia is a huge continent with every variety and variation of geography and climate anyone could wish. There is a well functioning democracy, education and health service, the “best beer in the world”, world class rugby of both sorts, best cricket teams, tennis etc (too many sports!), Sheilas that can take your breath away, relative full employment.

Why, oh why, come to live or work in Thailand?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

good topic...same question for Belgiums,dutch, french etc etc...

probably alcohol, sheelas they can't get in there homecountry, and the cheap life !!!

[Nignoy]

Anzac day may me think why is it many Australians choose to live in Thailand.

Australia is a huge continent with every variety and variation of geography and climate anyone could wish. There is a well functioning democracy, education and health service, the “best beer in the world”, world class rugby of both sorts, best cricket teams, tennis etc (too many sports!), Sheilas that can take your breath away, relative full employment.

Why, oh why, come to live or work in Thailand?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A question very easily answered , it is far safer on the roads in Thailand Nignoy

[sonong1]

Jai Dee

A very good point:

"I actually enjoy working with and teaching/mentoring the Thai engineers that work for me. I get some personal gratification out of watching someone develop not only in their knowledge and approach to work, but also in their attitude towards others. I've been proud to observe some of my engineers refusing to take sh1t from other Thais... as they used to do 3 years ago."

This would go well on the teaching thread it supports people like Ken, Marko, Bkk Phil and all the other professionals and shows the Snooty whinging i have a degree so i can teach better than thee crowd there is life after Uni.

Sonong1

[ray23]

Anzac day may me think why is it many Australians choose to live in Thailand.

Australia is a huge continent with every variety and variation of geography and climate anyone could wish. There is a well functioning democracy, education and health service, the “best beer in the world”, world class rugby of both sorts, best cricket teams, tennis etc (too many sports!), Sheilas that can take your breath away, relative full employment.

Why, oh why, come to live or work in Thailand?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To get away from all the Brits who go to Oz for all the things you just mentioned.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was wonsdering how long it was going to take before Ozzie got into this. I have no idea wa]\hy anyone comes here, but from the Ozzie friends I have I'm gald they did enough said

[Jai Dee]

This would go well on the teaching thread it supports people like Ken, Marko, Bkk Phil and all the other professionals and shows the Snooty whinging i have a degree so i can teach better than thee crowd there is life after Uni.

Thanks Sonong1

I must admit I've been surprised that others have not mentioned this subject... I know it happens... improving one's life through educating/helping others is a big buzz for me... I have made so many Thai friends through helping them and we have mutual respect for each other. And it is so pleasant to be invited to their homes to meet their friends, and to be waied with respect by everyone.

I can't say this would happen in Oz...

[Khutan]

My main Reasons;

1. The Tax System

2. Being over-governed.

3. My profession is melting-down in Australia.

Comments:

1. I pay every Satang of Tax that I am meant to in Thailand, and I don't really mind doing it. My Gross pay here is far less than what I was earning in Australia, but what I have in my bank account every pay-day is alot more than what I got in Australia, even with the position of the Baht Vs AUD.

Why did I have to hire a team of accountants in Australia, just to run a business as a side-line to my main job. The whole intention of setting up a business as a side line was to provide employment to people.

2. So the cost of compliance to Legislation is just stupid. Apart from paying the tax, it is also justfying to the government Income Tax, Superannuation, Training, Safe-Workplace etc etc. I was in the position to put on three more people, but I was looking at the financials of the company, only to realise that I was carrying a 36% on-cost of the employees. That means that there is an additional 36% in costs for the employer to pay. So it was overtime for all.

Look at some of the stupid legislation in Australia, at all 3 levels of Government.

3. The IT industry in Australia is just melting into nothing. I knew it a few years ago, as a Manager in a "Well known company" that we needed each year to shrink the workforce by considerable percentages, as the work was going offshore. YEs they call it "Global Recourse" or "LCC" - Low cost country, etc etc, but at the end of the day, they spent all this money setting up these low cost shops in India. This was because of pressure on major contracts to reduce costs some times up to 40%, and in the majority they were either Government Contracts or Organisations where the Government was a major Shareholder. So in essence, the Govt in Australia was saying "Ok, send this work to another country where non-Australian can do the work......

That was the final straw for me, the Australian Government really doesn't care about whats going on in the IT industry. For me, it is an industry in Australia with the lowest amount of oversight. I also think its objectionable that high-value contracts from the Government are let to companies who don't pay Australian Tax, Don't have the same working conditions (Annual Leave, Safe-Workplace, Workers Compensation, training etc).

Now I happily work here in Thailand, I give lots of knowledge to Thai's, I have set up businesses here and provided employment, and now I hope to make a positive difference here.

In the IT industry in Thailand, generally the local Thai's are clever and very easy to train, once motivated. They just aren't aware of what you would call "World Standard" or "Worlds Best Practice", but that is only training.

There are so many more comparisons I could make, but I will let people comment on what I have said.

[BaanOz]

3. My profession is melting-down in Australia.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mattnich,

Not sure if this has been mentioned here yet but have heard about the IR changes the government are making?

Under the changes, awards would be simplified, with long service leave, notice of termination, superannuation and jury duty no longer covered.

Businesses with up to 100 employees would be exempt from unfair dismissal laws.

Here is some ABC News on it

IR Changes

Cheers, BaanOz