Isn't Thailand unique? I guess each person might happen upon that one place on this earth, regardless of their birthplace, that is completely foreign and simultaneously familiar... for me of course it was Thailand. That crazy place was like nothing I've ever experienced before yet was as comfortable as home.

Some other life.. not this one. That's what I tell myself when I dream a return visit. I want to live there, in the bosom of my attraction. Lol, an apropos expression but ridiculous... like my affinity for the Thai.

I'm still at odds with the meshing of cultures.... how much can I change? I'm the kind of American with a flag outside my house.. and I take it down when it rains...and it never touches the ground. How could I live along the Chao Phraya?

Some other life.

I met a beauty right here.... she was weird. She said Tea isn't part of her culture. I think she was being difficult. I love Thai tea. Maybe it's like Chinese food.. maybe Thai tea is just in America. (I buy it in bulk at a Chinese market)... I don't look for a white chick, I don't look for any chick.. especially the SE Asian one that really is the only reason I'm here being expressive... most likely I will click post, click log-off and .. well last time I was here was March 2011.. I think that was after this site changed and I wanted to check it out.

You know, strangers and public alike, I met a few people on here that are still my friends after years...

Years of chats, videos, pictures and stories shared... as good as the friends I spent tonight with... and better.

I typically prefer to sign off with a confrontational remark but I've resolved for the upcoming year to be more like Buddha. ...at least to be persistent in my attempt to be less involved and therefore kinder... or impartial. I'm always confused and hate multiple choice questions.

This night has sucked. I hope this site rocks it...and you all have an enjoyable 2012.

yeah, whatever....

Oh...Thailand will change you for sure. I think coffee is more a part of Thailand now than tea is. Anyway, happy 2012 to you too.

Thailand is unique in many ways and just like everywhere else in the world in many others.

Saying tea is not part of Thai culture is like saying Fanta is not part of Thai culture. It's sort of relative. If tons of people drink something, at what point is it part of the culture? Or, is a popular drink ever part of a people's culture. Is Coca Cola part of American culture? Isn't the US split something like 60/40 Coke-Pepsi?

I prefer pepsi than tea when i lived in Bangkok but now I love hot chocolate coz this country where i live is cold and windy... glad you like Thailand.

Thailand, as well as any other country, is unique. Perceptions of a country (including Thailand) are also unique. At least to the person experiencing it. Bill, Bob, Iain, Soda, you and myself have experienced Thailand. For everyone of us, this experience is different. This is why we fight a bit about it . It always depends on where you go, whom you meet, what your expectations are and so on.

I remember my stay in South Africa in 1992. For me, everything was ok and the only time where I was thinking a bit was when I crossed Jo'Burg after dark from my place to Table Mountain for some pics because there was NOBODY on the streets. Colleagues of mine, having travelled the same place only one month later told me that there was a severe problem and they were afraid. It always depends when you are where and under which circumstances. I would not travel Israel or Syria these days as I did in the mid-90s, just to give one example. In 2002, I walked Kabul without problems, in 2008, I only drove there with a hardened vehicle and body armour. ****!

Come to Thailand, see the beauties (I don't mean the bar girls), but be careful. The Land of Smiles might smile on you, if you are not applying common sense!

I have the choice of living anywhere in the world, and I chose Thailand for very good reasons.

Try not to be like Buddha, he is dead, and his parts spread all over the world buried in the base of temples, and stupas. Be alive, and enjoy this place to it's fullest potential.

I have the choice of living anywhere in the world' date=' and I chose Thailand for very good reasons.

Try not to be like Buddha, he is dead, and his parts spread all over the world buried in the base of temples, and stupas. Be alive, and enjoy this place to it's fullest potential.[/quote']

Being an agnostic, I would say that once anyone would have the power to force me to a religion, it would be Buddhism. Other than with the "Religions of the Book" (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), as well as other world religions, Buddhism is more a life philosophy than a "religion". And - in the name of Buddha, there have been no wars whatsoever!

Thailand is certainly "unique" and has made a positive impression on almost everyone I know who has traveled there. The reason....? Well, I guess this country touches everyone in their own way. For me I suppose it was just so different than any place that I have ever traveled....the sights, sounds and smells. It just seemed "alive".

I am fortunate that through my travels to Thailand, I have met some truly wonderful people who have made my experience there just "that much better" and I look forward to once again returning and catching up on old times with some of those friends.