Why Hello There Gentlemen

Looking back over last night I realized something. I have discovered the world of gentlemen. A lot of the farang that I hang out with now are real gentlemen and I mean they are consistently so. Many people have moments where they display gentlemanly behavior but I honestly think that I am now in the company of through and through gentlemen. I have been further educated on foreign customs, such as whenever I am invited out with the guys I am never expected to pay. With the invitation comes the assumption that I will not pay. When we are traveling, say walking somewhere, I am not allowed to be the last one in line. At least one of the guys will always be behind me. If I say I want to go home, there are no questions or pleading or attempts to convince me otherwise. They have no resentment, it is just so in their nature that of course what I say is correct and good. As I was told last night, "We take care of our lady." Now, before you jump to conclusions that are utterly wrong, I am not involved with any of these men, nor are they making inappropriate advances. I am one of the guys, but at the same time, I am still very much a lady. And that is what they call me all the time. A lady. Now these men are not uptight and they love their fun, but as they say, you can still have your fun but be a gentleman about it. The whole thing just makes me blink a few times since all of this is so different, but I enjoy being in the company of gentlemen. And somehow I do not find their behavior condescending at all. Maybe that is because they respect me and yet genuinely care for my well being. Whatever the case may be, the bond between farang is strong and now there is another woman in our group. She is Thai but lived in America for a while and is married to an English man. I met them both yesterday and she sought me out. Welcome.

So yes, last night was fun. Laughing, hanging, dancing. Tonight I do not think I will join in the fun again, but not because it isn't enjoyable. I am not longer going to go to Phitsanaluk, but instead I will have a relaxing day. Sing a little, talk a little, dance a little, laugh a little. And sleep! On Monday my teachers are going to take me to get some traditional Thai clothes, so that is something to look forward to. I am sure more stories will come from this weekend, but this is all for now.