Those little things I done

*Shrieks
A giant elephant came charging at me… in one effortless snatch, its trunk wrapped tightly around my bunch of banana and sugarcanes.
And there was I. Wrestling with that burly robber, protecting my 20 Baht elephant feed.
Of course, I was no match for it. Standing there in astonishment, I could do nothing but to watch that bully chomping down the entire bunch of banana; followed by the sugarcanes that seemed to 'flow' right down its throat.

In view of all excited tourists that were watching the drama between the tiny, wide-eyed Asian and that gigantic beast, the robber gave a polite thank you bow and turned to join its mates.

It was great fun. After 3 days of tension and stress, I finally got to wander around in Chiang Mai for 1 day, all by myself. This tour managing business was totally new to me- hardly a breather of time for me to grasp things fully. But just like what Ethan said- get thrown into water and you will learn how to swim faster. Won’t said that I have done a fantastic job but I know that I will the next time.

I learnt a great deal during this journey and from my colleague, Asiah.. She had pushed me beyond to certain limits that I have not ventured before. 4 days with her have made me realise what I can accomplish more. She can form her own fan club at any time, any place with anyone. The passengers adored her. To them, she’s the fun factor in Chiang Mai beside the shopping trips and delicious local fares. She’s not that easy to work with as, being a perfectionist, you will expect everything to go according to your whims and deadline.

Asiah and me with the local tour guides, Peo and John

I can’t say that I love travelling alone that much- but it sure gave you another kinda experience that you will not enjoy with your travelling mates. That freedom to do whatever you please, that sense of accomplishment when you found your way to the designated attraction and that in-depth understanding about people (locals and foreigners)~ I guess when you are alone, people tend to open up more freely to you.

If you have thought that I am a social animal, this is not entirely true. I always just have been friendly- and there’s a fine line between social and friendly. I don’t strike causal conversations with strangers but I guess I do now, after a day alone in Chiang Mai.

My delightful English companion on this 1hr elephant ride, Paul (who got a tad too excited when we spotted a bright turquoise lizard..)


Elephants that draw better than me.... Insulting..

Chiang Mai is quite an appealing alternative from Bangkok. If you think that BKK’s shopping is fabulous, you may change your mind after a day spends in the Sunday Market and Night Bazaar. The hawkers there are friendlier, goods are cheaper and of better quality. (But of course, good bargaining skills are still a necessity~ I bought a painting with original price of 550 Baht at 100 Baht).

The Sunday Market
Do you know that everyday at 8am and 6pm, Thailand national anthem will be broadcast in the public and all movements are to be stopped? You will see everyone on their feet, froze for 2 minutes. And yes, it includes the road traffic as well. Imagine our amazement when everyone on the Night Market street stood to attention. Wish I can get a shot but don't wanna risk being stoned....



The gigantic bed that I slept on, during my last night in Chiang Mai...








That comes with a strange key....(have no idea what to make of this heavy key handle? A weapon? A puzzle piece to be fit in the room? Or as a welcome gesture- dildo for guests?)

Chiang Mai is definitely a great place for people who want best of the two worlds~ shopping spree and beautiful nature tourism. Let me know if you wish to go there soon.... cos I’ll be right there with you!

Meanwhile, Tioman.. here I come!!

Before I go

Leaving for Chiang Mai tomorrow.
Nervous like hell. I have never led a tour group before. Now I have been assigned as TOUR MANAGER to bring a group of doctors over- ALONE…
Performing group check-in, making sure my passengers intact and whole and resisting the urge to make police report of 'lost' passengers…..

I feel like I have just being requested to perform a brain surgery for a dying patient…

Send me a group of rowdy children- I can control and suppress their mischief. But I'm totally unsure of my capability to ‘manage’ 60 doctors. I can’t possibly use sweets to lure them back to their seats, glare at them when they are late for departure or coax shamelessly when they are upset….. *Hmmm… can I?

Argghh..

I must survive the 6 hours of independency.
I must survive the 6 hours of independency.
I must survive the 6 hours of independency.

I will
I will
I will~ I hope..

Nevertheless, on the brighter side, I will be traveling much for this April’s weekends, leaving footprints in Chiang Mai, Tioman then Beijing…

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee………. here I come..

Welcome to Moonlight Bunny Ranch

Music of rhythmic heartbeats and sexy sirens of a saxophone in the background…
A womanly figure loomed seductively out of the darkness and towards the light beam cast by the lonely lamp post. She stretched out for the pole, began to gyrate against it, purring as she went on performing an almost orgasmic dance routine.
Then she stopped. And looked straight into the camera, gave a devilish smile….
“Meooow… I’m lonely here. Just like you are…. I’ll make your fantasies come true. Your best night ever… Meoowww….” She moaned.

Lights dimmed.

“ Kitty Fantasy Land” flashed in neon pink against the darkness.
“Head down to your nearest neighborhood Kitty Fantasy Land outlet for a mind-blowing experience today. We’re now open 24/7. 1st 100 customers of the day will get an exclusive hand job, on the house. So, what are you waiting for? Come visit us. Soon….” A silky voiceover boomed.

TV Advertisement ends.

This is the best estimation I can have, that you will get- when prostitution gets legalized. Just like what Dennis Hof, owner of the World Famous Bunny Ranch promotes non-bashfully.

The World Famous Bunny Ranch is a legalized brothel in America, Nevada- in the middle of the uncaring desert, manifesting like a mirage for those sex-thirst men, only to be a real solution to all their sexual dreams.
Can’t decide what kinda services you want from the girls? Don’t fret! Bunny Ranch’s extensive menu will assist you in making the right decision for a purrfect night.
Need to fulfill a dangerous fetish like heels stomping on your balls? The Ranch has it!
Need to de-virginse your sons with wonderful experience? The Ranch girls promise a ball-rolling time!
And the amazing part is that- all the women who work there (sex workers) are there because they LOVE sex and enjoyed being paid for doing what they love. They live together like a big family of sisters, shared giggles over men, exchanging sex tips and travel during their off days.

Clients can pick their desired choice from the buffet line of women and sex workers can accept or reject clients according to their own whims. For the sex workers’ protection, clients are to be screened for sex diseases before- only allowed to proceed after they proven to be negative.

I suppose that’s what we meant by having a perfect job. *Grasps*
Interested to work there? Just fill in the online form, send in your best/sexist/nude photograph at http://www.bunnyranch.net/main.php and the Ranch will contact you for interview shortly.

After reading Flesh and Thorns, Lynn commented that I should be writing about Sex Tourism for our final year thesis. Yeah. Maybe I should. Philosophizing about Gay tourism didn’t get me much points.. *Arrggh..
Lynn’s brother asked if I have been driven to prostitution before- why the heck I am so bitter about the whole thing?

Well, I am writing that entry with such gusto- not out of revulsion for the ancient barter trade. But rather, in deep sympathy for unwilling sex workers.

Maybe Dennis Hof is right. By legalizing prostitution, women will be better protected.

But Mr Hof, any idea how are we going to cope with the new set of problems - the morality issues. Like young girls turning casually to sex trade for fast cash to fulfill materialistic needs. Like a new world that is heavily laced with suspiciousness and sleaziness. Just like in “Dogville”

In the movie <Dogville>, Nicole Kidman was held captive in a small village to be a sex slave for the men folks. Women in the village treated her with malice and venom. Guys paid her no respect. The once peaceful village became a nightmarish, hostile place to be alive in.

But then again, there could never be a definite right or wrong on anything. How many times are we challenged in the steadfast rules and acquired knowledge? Even though we affirm that they are so positively righteous and reasonable, there’s bound to be some happenings along the way that shake the foundation of beliefs and perceptions.

Will legalized prostitution be a positive impact? For the society? In the name of morals? Or simply for men’s easy access to sex?

Short note

I feel like Fuck..
Fuck- not the action verb- but as an adjective.

Have skimmed through a friend's blog which eventually led me to some mutual friends' blogs.. some polymates'.

Felt so left out of the whole thing. I regretted not making use of my poly years to get to know my mates better. All I have been doing- was just burrowing myself in studies and bracing for the freaky long journeys back home. Wenting said that she disliked the sight of me back then- cos I seem soo arrogant and proud..

Anyway, Gotta head out for Esplanade now.. Dear old Melyvn treatin me to one of the Mosaic performances..

Will hit my blog later..

Win a hot date!

Dear Reader,
You now stand a chance to win a hot, Hot, HOT date with the infamous writer, Ashley by just answering a question about her at the below link:

http://kevan.org/johari?name=koashley

Good Luck!
Ashley,
The infamous Writer

P.s: We regret to inform that only winner would be notified.

Before time runs out

Feeling totally wretched about my overseas studies plan. There are tons of feedbacks from people around me. Some are superbly encouraging while the disheartening ones get stuck in that pessimistic part of my brain.

Those down to earth will tell me that I am of certain age- I should be thinking about settling down with a stable job, starting a family and such…. Instead of carrying such a heavy financial burden for 10 years.

They could be right. After all, blissful marriages, filial children and carefree retirements are the ultimate goals we seek in life. I could almost feel ashamed that I am NOT even thinking about these at all, like a normal woman should.

But please do give me a break. I don’t think I can stomach such nice little life.

To begin with- where is my to-be husband?

Should I let my hard-earned Dip with Merit go to waste? I have slogged and fought hard to keep my grades to Distinctions- not because I need to get a good husband. I simply want to do the best in this path I have chosen.

A curious little woman I am, who wants to see the World. Not contented with just one small fraction of the World~ The mini but mighty Singapore…. Give the World to meee, Baby! Yaah!.
For clarification, I am not even aiming to be a CEO or whatsoever. Those high flyers’ politics games are too complex and disturbing for my simple self.

All I wanted is a career that I am proud of. That brings me to exciting new heights of life constantly! I just can’t be stuck in a monotone pace of life... Blame it on my star sign, Gemini

I am truly not easily satisfied. So much so that I want to toughen and excite myself for the challenges ahead~ by living it out in a foreign land.
Ok.. I must admit I am currently begging Ethan and Gerald to take leave and accompany me to Australia for a brotherly morale support- Now that Lynn is most likely to stay in Singapore..

Of course the humongous debt did faze my determination; in fact the whole financial aspect is pulling me under. Days after days, I tried to speculate the risk I am going to take- that I’m getting a bit grouchy now.

The more I think about it.. the further Brisbane stays away from me.

So many times, that we find ourselves trapped in situations that a final decision is to be made. You falter and fret; counting the sleepless nights that refuse to let you forget about the issue on hand. We are scared. Petrified of failures. Apprehensive of the future that we can’t see. Totally unwilling to make a fool of ourselves for wasting an ounce of the precious time. We fear about the consequences that follow after a personal decision has been made.

But fear is inevitable in our life. It is present all the time, irritating but very much indispensable. It is the only thing that keeps us on our toes and not taking things for granted. We fear that we will end up penniless, thus we move our lazy bums and seek jobs. We fear that no one will love us, thus we pick up the courage and seek love.

Fear gives us the courage to take risks.

Gerald once asked me in front of a group of old pals at a belated Christmas cum housewarming party-

“Qiaohui, what are you most afraid of?”

I took the question a tad more serious than expected and answered:
“That people will look down on me. That I’m not as good as they have thought.”

The party fell in discomfited silence and Gerald broke it by announcing that he was afraid of flying cockroaches.

But I’m not ashamed to admit it.

A close friend once said that I did things ever so enthusiastically; only to give up halfway when it is no longer fun or new. He held his perception of me in line with the assumption that I would not be going permanently with that plan to study in Poly- I’ll give up studying eventually.

Feeling dignified, wronged and challenged, I did the best I could. Eventually, I graduated with flying colors.

Few donkey years ago, someone offered his few cents worth of advice to me.
“Ash, you can never make it in the service industry. You are not cut out for it at all.”
One year later, I became the youngest hotelier to be awarded with the highest score of performance appraisal in Grand Hyatt.

Fear of not living up to own and people’s expectations has always been the driving force behind my life. Now, guess you should be able to appreciate more why I am not going to be a normal woman going thru the average life cycle.

I just want to keep trying.
To attain what I sought for.
A fuller life. Before time runs out on me.

Flesh and Thorns

I have a confession to make. I have patronized a prostitute in my early days of youth…

Are you reeling in disgust? Heartbeats paused for a moment? Or nodding in empathy, have your curiosity rising with increasing eagerness for mind-blowing details of my encounter?

No. It was not me who did. It was my friend. And when I managed to gain control of my retarded, wide-open mouth, he got me shrieking madly with extreme facial expressions with openly displayed repulsion and shooting questions at him like an interrogating prosecutor in the courtroom..

“You went looking for prostitute?!”

Such a young, promising and innocent looking guy…I can’t bring myself to imagine him in embrace with a scantily clad Philippines woman, having sex in a dingy room, on a sweat-stained mattress…

A friend said that I am naïve. This is such a common thing and many men did that. It could be anyone… Just anyone. I beg to differ cos I am plainly out-dated or rather conservative (guess someone gonna die of laughter at the thoughts of me being conservative). Sex with a stranger is not of an eyebrow-raising topic at all.

This palpable existence of flesh trade bothers me. The types of men who pay for sex too.

In my opinion, any self-respecting men will NOT fall for such flesh traps. They hold women in reverence and will forbid themselves from contributing to this degrading, foul trade. I have always thought that only those old dirty men will be the major part of the demand; not teenagers… not the NS men... not my friends.

Maybe I am a stick in the mud but I’m strongly against sex trade and will lose any amount of respect I have for you- should you have or going to partake in this revolting business.

Think about it. The basics of Microeconomics study~ the theory of demand and supply. Should the demand for paid sex decreases; the supply of girls will need to drop. Then there will be lesser child kidnapping cases. Young girls with hungry families will not be forced to prostitution or to earn money for their pimp boyfriends. Those girls will seek proper jobs, which allow them to hold their heads high for the rest of their life.

Why are we giving those evil traffickers a chance to tear children and women from their families and subject them to such hideous abuses? What rights do they possess to earn money by selling a human life? How can you even bear to buy a twelve years old girl’s body and dignity with money with the knowledge of the consequences.

If she is your child or sister, how will you feel about her servicing men’s dirty needs for survival?

Sex tourism is such a sickening financial aid in those third world countries. These poverty stricken countries need to capitalize on this bustling form of tourism to make ends meet. The tourists that came in the country for sex with their helpless citizens have helped to contribute to the different sectors’ earnings- hotels, food establishments etc. And of course to those damned pimps, brothels and kidnappers.

Those governments know that it is not a morally right boost to economy but they were holding on to it as a ‘temporary’, desperate measure. They said they are stamping out prostitutions but the actions that followed were so feeble and lackadaisically

Then again, if you visited a prostitute, you will have the greatest contributions to the medical sector. Treatments for your well-deserved sexually transmitted, INCURABLE disease are not going to be cheap as what you have paid for that girl’s night.

There isn’t much kindness you have given to this world- so you obviously do not deserve any too. God is ultimately fair.