Paying it forward…..
From hating Bangkok to actually loving it for what it has given me. It has made me open my eyes to what a rat race we live in, people are just so busy within themselves and not bothered about anybody else. People here are very quick to judge, I have been called Osama, or they think I am an Arab or just a stinking ignorant Indian. When I tell them I am from the UK, they look at me with disbelief.
Apart from one, the Sikhs have been very unfriendly. This has actually stopped me from visiting the Gurdwara. My friend was doing an Akhand Paath, I asked what help can I give, he looked at me confused, help?! We just give the money to the Gurdwara and they take care of everything. We then only attend on Sunday. Here money talks…..!!
In the ‘ghetto’ you see people living in one bedroom houses, sorry that is incorrect and I should say one room houses. Everything is done in the one room, it is a living room, bedroom, kitchen and dining room in one, if lucky the toilet is outside. Yet, when you walk past they are happy to say hello and talk to you. Some people are actually offering me food! No matter how little food they have, they are always eating, smiling and joking as a family. We have so much yet we always want more…..!! The media, a fantastic marketing tool always brain washes us into thinking ‘we need that…..!’ Or ‘we should look like this…..!’
There is a huge drinking and drug culture here. From doing a quick search there is no support network here for people to talk or resolve their issues. There is a Kundalini Yoga class downtown but they charge 400 baht per class (about £8 GBP). This is a huge amount of money so the clientele will be well off.
The people in the ghetto have got used to me, well I do stand out! Probably the only guy there with a beard and moustache! They always have time to talk to me. The motorbike taxis are always discussing football, now I do not know a thing about the sport so I just mention a few club names and they cheer me! The stall holders are always asking how am I or where am I going. It is a genuine interest. Of course this relationship did not happen overnight but built over the last three months.
I have got so much out of Bangkok but given back nothing. Now this really upsets me, the Thais are amazing and once you build a bond are very friendly.
If you have any ideas how we can help, please do comment or email me…..
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