I have lived in this neighborhood for 20 years now. I have so many friends here, even though no one speaks English and I am unable to learn Thai due to an auditory disability. (Even Tuk speaks English poorly, not practicing it enough with me since she never has been one for conversation.)
My neighbors know me well enough because I had a very short introductory note translated into Thai by a rare Thai friend who once studied in America. I made copies of the note and give it out to neighbors. It explains that I cannot learn Thai but that I thank everyone for making me feel at home here; and also that I am a retired teacher, a farmboy, a veteran combat Marine, and a fellow Buddhist (who meditates while walking in the neighborhood). I feel that I am accepted by the locals: the store clerks, street vendors, security guards, taxi drivers and motorcycle-taxi drivers, as well as the folks along "China Row" (the stretch of street going to the river, which I stroll frequently).
My nightlife has been significantly curtailed in recent years. Maybe I'm getting old. Fifteen years ago, I was out regularly exploring music venues, especially the excellent Blues bars that were everywhere in Bangkok until the Covid pandemic closed things down. The Rock Pub still flourishes, and I try to stop by and say hello to my old friends there once every few months (they play Zeppelin's "Rock & Roll" for me). I belong to a private movie club in the city and try to see some of their rare films. I haven't been a regular at my Libertarian meet up very much, since member attendance has fallen off a bit.
In other news, my Zebra Dove friends successfully hatched a 4th chick on their old nest up under the roof of my veranda. Before this new one could fly, it sat with its mother looking down at me as I went about my daily routines. I would do the Tai Chi form "The Crane", standing on one foot, and looking up I would see two pair of eyes watching my every move! I miss them now that the nest is empty.
-Zenwind.
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