Melting pot.

In Somdet I am one of three white faces. One being a 70 year old man. Another being a 40 year old woman.  To say I am the minority is an understatement. The town is about 10,000 people and about 10 people speak english. I go out of my house and am stared at every step of the way. I have learned its not just because I'm white. It's because I'm a young woman. Typically young Thai woman are not seen out alone. Especially at night.

Now, please don't misunderstand. These are incredibly nice people. They smile and wave if I do. They're curious.

Only 1% of tourists visit northeast Thaialnd (otherwise called Isaan). They are intrigued by me and my funny way of doing things, just as much as I am intrigued by them.

After being here for exactly 10 days I found myself craving western food and culture. So, to give in, I have treated myself to a trip to the big city (laughing)!

I am in Khon Kaen, Thailand. It's the gateway to Isaan and it's as big as Des Moines, but it's the happening big city in these parts, so I took the three hour bus ride out west.

I currently sit in a German brewpub, with Thai servers that wai (bow) at you as you enter while saying "hello, good evening" in perfect English. They bring me a large German dark beer, brewed on site.  

First off, I had the choice between large and small for my beer... I chose large and it is a half liter. I have to remind myself I'm in a whiskey culture, not a beer culture!

As I sit enjoying my Thai German beer, a Thai hipster band begins to play cheesy Thai AND American music. They alternate between the two. The best part? They are dressed in all white, matching, with their brown leather vests!

I was going to order food, but as I looked over the menu, I found myself craving the mystery Thai street meats and the confusion of the streets.  I may not know what I'm eating, but damn, it's good.

So, while my life can be frustrating nowadays, it's not without rewards.  I have been both ripped off and rewarded by Thai people that don't speak a word of English. You cannot let the ones who rip you off ruin those that don't.

I have been given random motorbike rides by strangers when I looked lost.  I have been given free food when I forgot to bring the right amount of baht.  I have been bowed at and smiled at with more enthusiasm over the last 10 days than I have seen my whole life.  Thai people frustrate and amaze me in equal amounts every single hour of every single day.

So, I will finish my German beer as I listen to the Thai guy with gauges and hipster pants serenade me in Thai, then venture onto the crazy streets. I will have no idea what's going on, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

My dunkel beer.

He kept posing and winking at me.