Complicated

Working Women:

I have to say out of all the countries I’ve been to thus far, I find women to have an exceedingly profound visibility within the Japanese workforce. Now, just to clarify, I am referring to the everyday job. The higher paid positions I wouldn’t have a clue only because it’s not as if I work for a Japanese corporation. It does surprise me however to see women: driving delivery trucks, pumping gas, driving a taxi, and many others. Gender for these jobs seems to be of no consequence unlike in other countries. Speaking on this, even some leisure activities have lost the gender stereotype such as riding a motorcycle. Yes, now I know women ride motorcycles in the US, but I don’t think to the same extent as here! To be honest, I have probably witnessed more women riding motorcycles here than men. And I’m not talking a Suzuki or any other Japanese brand, but most often it’s a Harley Davidson. Of course, those who drive motorcycles here are of a younger age and typically I get the feeling it’s a fashion statement made amongst those individuals. It’s comforting in a way to see the mold broken.

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Complicated, Food, Lessons Learned

Michael Jackson

So the other day I used my aweosme Japanese skillage. I had the most intelligent conversation ever! Then I came and said “マキャルジャクソンは人参です.” “Michael Jackson wa ninjin desu”. My teacher just stared at me and laughed. I said, “Real encouraging!” Here’s what I really said,… I guess with all the surgery he had it isn’t far from the truth.

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Complicated

Bird Bombs Away!

Now mom always told me never look up when a bird flies overhead. She also said if you did, it could get you in the mouth. Well, today I did the exact opposite, I looked. Sure enough, I got the chance to see a crow missile with a perfect arch in my direct path of walking. So…. I stopped, and guess what,… it landed harmlessy inches from my feet. Had I been walking it would have been a direct hit on the head. If you don’t look ahead of where you walk, how can you know to prevent it?

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Travel

Welcome to Thailand: Phuket Edition

Now for Phuket, I figure this is the best time as any to bring up Thai women. Thailand is a huge destination for men being that you can easily find a companion to travel with you. Of course, you have to pay (the employer for their missed time at work and the food they happen to eat while in your company), but I hear they can be great tour guides as well.  Regardless, Phuket (more in particular Patong Beach) is a giant party, a small New Orleans. A great place to check out a Go-Go bar or just relax on the beach. There are also the infamous Tuk-Tuks (with four wheels) and plenty more shopping to do. The big attraction at Phuket is the bars. Most of them have hostesses and dancing girls to get the crowd. I also found a few men dressed in drag and really getting into the dancing stages. So more or less, no matter your interests, when in Phuket, you can find it.

I took it easy after all the craziness in Bangkok. I drank a little, checked out the hotspots and spent a lot of time on the beach day and night. Phuket was awesome, but there’s no real culture to see. Like I mentioned, it’s a great destination for drinking and having a blast. So if you are looking for a great party after some traveling, Phuket should be the next stop.

Lastly, don’t forget to get that fish massage, it’s a “Must Try.”

 

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Travel

Welcome to Thailand: Part 2

Next are the sites! The architecture is amazing. Honestly, I have never seen buildings that can even match (yet) the ones in Thailand. They shine brightly in the sunlight and have all sorts of intricate designs and artwork. It was all very eyecatching.

Royal Palace

Royal Palace

When in Bangkok, the must sees are Wat Pho, and the Royal Palace (see the previous part 1. The first and last images are the royal palace, the second photo is wat pho). Just don’t misjudge the actual size of the Royal Palace, the grounds are HUGE. It took about half the day to explore. There is also the giant reclining Buddha (no photos because it was sooo dark…)!

While paroosing the streets, there was this super friendly bike rental guy (who coincidentally had no more bikes to rent) that was very adamant about visiting the “Lucky Buddha” as well the Chinese Market. I didn’t get the chance to swing by either, but I am sure they are great places to visit.

Royal Palace

Royal Palace

Getting around can be pretty easy. The bus network is quite extensive but traffic is always pretty tight and the pollution is pretty bad, so take care! Usually on the buses they have a lady with a box who will collect your fare. Bicycles aren’t a bad idea, if you can actually find one before they are all gone, just be careful because the roads and side walks are always super packed. Of course, I can’t forget the ever-popular three wheeled terror truck. “Tuk-Tuk?” No I don’t want to ride your “Tuk-Tuk.” Tuk-Tuks are EVERYWHERE. These guys are like your super taxi drivers of Thailand. Think of the movie Taxi, and these guys are the spitting image of the crazy Marseillan driver.  Usually they have seats in the truck bay, but there is the occassional seatless joyride. Most tourists take them, but I enjoyed the walking. I’d say, at least ride once for the experience.

Infamous Tuk Tuk

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