Long winded post but take an intriguing 5 minutes and read it...
There are three types of foreigners I find in Thailand. First being ones like myself who spend some time traveling around the world in search for a “once in a lifetime” experience and intend on eventually going back to the real world. The second is my favorite kind of resident. The western backpacker who comes looking for a something to fill his counter-culture void and never leaves. Be it lack of means for transport back home, or simply the love of a chill out, dread-locked lifestyle. Wandering and performing on the streets of Southeast Asia, rucksack in tow, looking like a seasoned vagrant (or at least attempting to do so with bamboo tattoos and piercings). Not to say that these certain types are “posers” an adjective once used for kids who shopped at the local punk store to express their “individuality” in the form of hardcore attire and fake noserings. But, I do think that this traveler is somewhat disconnected with the real world and though intended to do so has no grasp on what exists in the future or outside the confines of their alternative lifestyle. Is he in fact just setting up a new lifestyle that simply reflects his prior situation juxtaposed with hostel beds, hippie clothes, and a diet of street food? What is he trying to accomplish - a pause in existence?
Then I remembered the movie The Beach (2000) with Leo looking for a similar experience so I watched it again…After some Hollywood action shots and special effects he winds up in a beach colony of the previously described travelers. A sort of “Lord of the Flies” type place where a hemp-clothed group of people call the assertive Tilda Swinton their leader. Are we naturally led to assume societal roles – business as usual? Structure is necessary obviously…So back to this traveler – Leo for all intensive purposes – does he really think this crackpot idea is going to pan out in the end. He mustn’t believe this plan is the gateway to happiness in the long term. We are innately led to structure and accomplishment. Hands down the factor that ensures our sanity.
Then…I stumble across the very person I hadn’t previously knew existed.”That guy”. With 50 year old dreads. A tattered ensemble and tattoos from a skeevy Thai parlor. Roaming the streets, spreading the unintentional “I’ve been here WAY too long” presence. What does he do? Where is his family? Where is he spending the holidays? Kids?! Thus, reminding all of us travelers that this “once in a lifetime” experience is just that. These are questions I ask myself when participating in my favorite people-watching pastime...
