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On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:27:03 -0400, Peter Hendra
wrote: On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:13:12 +0700, Bruce wrote: On Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:31:40 -0400, Peter Hendra wrote: On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:02:00 +0700, Bruce wrote: I guess where Wilbur misses the boat is his remark that "Lawyers who are worth make, what, about 500 dollars an hour so he ought to be able to afford a real boat and a classy boat", and Wilbur is probably right. But instead of buying a boat that meets Wilbur's standards for a proper boat the guy went out and bought what HE wanted. Probably what a lot of people do -- ignore Wilbur and buy what they want.... Much snipped Besides, after being retired for ten years I've forgotten most of my Bahasa Indonesia and can hardly bargain with a Malaysian taxi any more. Bruce in Bangkok (brucepaigeatgmaildotcom) You shouldn't have to. They speak English but some try that ploy on matsallehs like you and I if they think we're not local. It's the Indian ones who always seem to have a non-functioning meter. Just ask them to take you to the Police station. The meter suddenly works. Larry, you might try this electronics fix sometime. Peter who still prefers Penang to Bangkok where the most beautiful women were men. P.S. Bruce, have you seen the movie "Beautiful Boxer'? My wife and I once saw her box. Great boxer and very beautiful. We loved the bit where she dropped her opponent and then kissed him on the head. My girls watched the movie recently and decided that they would like to learn Thai Kick Boxing. Still trying to find someone in Penang who could teach them. What meters? I have never even seen a taxi in Penang that had a meter. Always, "how much to Mokta...", "Long way, Boss, 50 Ringgit". I admit, they do have a shuttle bus that runs around the downtown area but you get on the bus and go somewhere and then get back on the bus to come back and it takes a different road. Where to get off? By the way, I relayed your comments about Bangkok beautiful women to my wife who says that if you believe that then your taste in partners is highly suspect. She says that she's heard all about that geezer (from Penang, was he?) that got put in jail down there for playing games with his driver. Tit for Tat..... Kick boxing may look like fun and games in the movies but it is a damned brutal sport. To get the full benefit you need to go to the up-country matches where the young boxers are not as well trained and are fighting for a week's pay. Tell your daughters to imagine someone slamming their elbow in their face then kicking them as hard as they can just under the ribs. Bruce in Bangkok (brucepaigeatgmaildotcom) -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#2
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![]() What meters? I have never even seen a taxi in Penang that had a meter. Always, "how much to Mokta...", "Long way, Boss, 50 Ringgit". I admit, they do have a shuttle bus that runs around the downtown area but you get on the bus and go somewhere and then get back on the bus to come back and it takes a different road. Where to get off? By the way, I relayed your comments about Bangkok beautiful women to my wife who says that if you believe that then your taste in partners is highly suspect. She says that she's heard all about that geezer (from Penang, was he?) that got put in jail down there for playing games with his driver. Tit for Tat..... Kick boxing may look like fun and games in the movies but it is a damned brutal sport. To get the full benefit you need to go to the up-country matches where the young boxers are not as well trained and are fighting for a week's pay. Tell your daughters to imagine someone slamming their elbow in their face then kicking them as hard as they can just under the ribs. Bruce in Bangkok (brucepaigeatgmaildotcom) Excellent Bruce, Quid pro quo. My respectful regards to your Lady wife. I have never had a driver. Yes we have different laws here. Twice now I have been out walking along the street (not in Penang) with my friends' Malay kids who were staying with us for the holidays on the yacht, holding their hands etc., when I have been accosted by the police as to what I was doing with them and why was I holding my niece's hand (she was about 12 or 13 at the time) as I was obviously not a blood relative. The kids had to say "But he's our uncle". The papers sometimes have some delightful stories along the same lines such as when a male police sergeant and a female constable were charged with 'fraternisation' after being found in a hotel room. Their story was that they were on surveilance. However, when the religious police knocked on the door he opened it with only a towel around his waist. As I am of Greek ethnic origin, I embrace my friends - perfectly acceptable in the Middle East and southern Europe. The Malays have gotten used to me hugging them even though they only ever shake hands. I am waiting for the religious police to haul me in on the matter. You know of course that there are seperate supermarket check-out queues for men amnd women in Kelantan state? Love this country. Peter |
#3
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![]() "Peter Hendra" wrote in message ... Yes we have different laws here. Twice now I have been out walking along the street (not in Penang) with my friends' Malay kids who were staying with us for the holidays on the yacht, holding their hands etc., when I have been accosted by the police as to what I was doing with them and why was I holding my niece's hand (she was about 12 or 13 at the time) as I was obviously not a blood relative. The kids had to say "But he's our uncle". The papers sometimes have some delightful stories along the same lines such as when a male police sergeant and a female constable were charged with 'fraternisation' after being found in a hotel room. Their story was that they were on surveilance. However, when the religious police knocked on the door he opened it with only a towel around his waist. As I am of Greek ethnic origin, I embrace my friends - perfectly acceptable in the Middle East and southern Europe. The Malays have gotten used to me hugging them even though they only ever shake hands. I am waiting for the religious police to haul me in on the matter. You know of course that there are seperate supermarket check-out queues for men amnd women in Kelantan state? Love this country. Peter Peter, Surely you've heard the expression, "When in Rome..."? |
#4
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On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:56:06 -0600, "KLC Lewis"
wrote: "Peter Hendra" wrote in message .. . Yes we have different laws here. Twice now I have been out walking along the street (not in Penang) with my friends' Malay kids who were staying with us for the holidays on the yacht, holding their hands etc., when I have been accosted by the police as to what I was doing with them and why was I holding my niece's hand (she was about 12 or 13 at the time) as I was obviously not a blood relative. The kids had to say "But he's our uncle". The papers sometimes have some delightful stories along the same lines such as when a male police sergeant and a female constable were charged with 'fraternisation' after being found in a hotel room. Their story was that they were on surveilance. However, when the religious police knocked on the door he opened it with only a towel around his waist. As I am of Greek ethnic origin, I embrace my friends - perfectly acceptable in the Middle East and southern Europe. The Malays have gotten used to me hugging them even though they only ever shake hands. I am waiting for the religious police to haul me in on the matter. You know of course that there are seperate supermarket check-out queues for men amnd women in Kelantan state? Love this country. Peter Peter, Surely you've heard the expression, "When in Rome..."? Hi Karin, Yes I have and I usually do wherever I travel. However, I have also found that people accept genuine actions from those of other cultures. The people I work with and have close association with know me well and accept that it is part of my culture. A close friend has told me that they actually quite like the gesture. Bear in mind that sometimes we are in close poximity, 24 hours a day for days on end on small boats and so you get quite close to some of youir colleagues (no, not that close)and subsequently their families. Don't get the idea that I rush up to everyone and grab them. I usually only do it when I haven't seen them for a while or when leaving for a period such as coming back to this boat such as I do to my close friends and relations elsewhere. People don't cringe but just reciprocate the gesture of affection. Respect for other people's customs is as it should be but it does not mean that you have to be blind about it. I have read and been told by foreigners that one should never touch a Malay child's head for example. I ruffle my neice's and nephews all the time and kiss them on the forehead. It is not a matter of tolerating my behaviour but one of accepting my ways as I accept theirs. I noticed after a while that my son greeted older people by kissing their hand and touiching it to his fiorehead as the other kids did. He never saw anything strange in it and we certainly never told him to. When I worked for China Telecom and attended meetings where foreign business introduced themselves by presenting their business cards with two hands, my Chinese colleagues usually made a remark in Chinese about "another one who has attended the course" (on how to do business in China). A dog does not eat grass so I passed mine over to the visitors in return with one hand or pushed it across the table. When it comes down to it, people are just people and it is far better to just be yourself in a lot of situations. Others usually accept and appreciate that. cheers Peter |
#5
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![]() "Peter Hendra" wrote in message ... Hi Karin, Yes I have and I usually do wherever I travel. However, I have also found that people accept genuine actions from those of other cultures. The people I work with and have close association with know me well and accept that it is part of my culture. A close friend has told me that they actually quite like the gesture. Bear in mind that sometimes we are in close poximity, 24 hours a day for days on end on small boats and so you get quite close to some of youir colleagues (no, not that close)and subsequently their families. Don't get the idea that I rush up to everyone and grab them. I usually only do it when I haven't seen them for a while or when leaving for a period such as coming back to this boat such as I do to my close friends and relations elsewhere. People don't cringe but just reciprocate the gesture of affection. Respect for other people's customs is as it should be but it does not mean that you have to be blind about it. I have read and been told by foreigners that one should never touch a Malay child's head for example. I ruffle my neice's and nephews all the time and kiss them on the forehead. It is not a matter of tolerating my behaviour but one of accepting my ways as I accept theirs. I noticed after a while that my son greeted older people by kissing their hand and touiching it to his fiorehead as the other kids did. He never saw anything strange in it and we certainly never told him to. When I worked for China Telecom and attended meetings where foreign business introduced themselves by presenting their business cards with two hands, my Chinese colleagues usually made a remark in Chinese about "another one who has attended the course" (on how to do business in China). A dog does not eat grass so I passed mine over to the visitors in return with one hand or pushed it across the table. When it comes down to it, people are just people and it is far better to just be yourself in a lot of situations. Others usually accept and appreciate that. cheers Peter Interesting comments, Peter, and I'm sure you are not your country's version of "The Ugly American." I have always been exceptionally aware of the image that too many Americans present when visiting foreign countries, however, and have always done my best to observe local customs and mores to the best of my ability. While I doubt that I'd be willing to adopt a burkha in those Arab countries which expect it of native women, neither would I dress like a pop tart. But then, I don't anyway. lol I suspect my natural tendency to touch the heads of children would not serve me well where Malay children are concerned, and I don't know that I would be able to supress such a subconscious act -- but I would sure have to try. The observation about Chinese businessmen strikes me as curious. I should think that they would appreciate that the foreigners had taken the trouble to learn and make an attempt to be courteous. In most Asian cultures, I believe that all gifts should be both offered with, and accepted with, both hands. Funny that this would be snickered at when done by visitors. Heck, I even do it in sushi bars. But then, I also bow in my seat when the waiter in a Denny's brings me my food. Hard to break some habits. |
#6
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On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:31:14 -0600, "KLC Lewis"
wrote: Interesting comments, Peter, and I'm sure you are not your country's version of "The Ugly American." I have always been exceptionally aware of the image that too many Americans present when visiting foreign countries, however, and have always done my best to observe local customs and mores to the best of my ability. While I doubt that I'd be willing to adopt a burkha in those Arab countries which expect it of native women, neither would I dress like a pop tart. But then, I don't anyway. lol I suspect my natural tendency to touch the heads of children would not serve me well where Malay children are concerned, and I don't know that I would be able to supress such a subconscious act -- but I would sure have to try. The observation about Chinese businessmen strikes me as curious. I should think that they would appreciate that the foreigners had taken the trouble to learn and make an attempt to be courteous. In most Asian cultures, I believe that all gifts should be both offered with, and accepted with, both hands. Funny that this would be snickered at when done by visitors. Heck, I even do it in sushi bars. But then, I also bow in my seat when the waiter in a Denny's brings me my food. Hard to break some habits. In reading your response, I have to admit that yours is the more circumspect behaviour and is appreciated in foreign lands where one does not know the locals. In hindsight I recall being more sensitive to local social customs when we were first in a lot of the areas we have been. The behaviour I exhibit now when amongst friends and work colleagues in Malaysia was not how I behaved when I first arrived. Over a period of time they and I have gotten to know and accept each other. As I said, working, sleeping and eating, laughing and talking in close proximity for days on end engenders a certain intimacy, especially when there are sometimes situations where, for safety, all must rely on each other. And, as I mentioned, people are not stupid. They can see when someone is genuine or not. Children are quite possibly the best judges of all and they have learned that this Uncle is an easy mark and will do whatever they want. As to the Chinese, it often comes as a shock to Westerners to find that a lot of Chinese consider their culture as being far superior to others. They do not gauge the worth of a culture solely by its material or technilogical success as many do in the occidental nations. Most Chinese have a general comprehension of the age of their civilisation and an awareness of the cyclic nature of Chinese dynastic economies and power. Many have spoken of their belief, rightly or wrongly, that America is on the decline economically as well as socially and that China will one day be the world power again. With all of this, a dog still does not eat grass and I refuse to become a mimic of cultures that are not my own. I show respect, yes. I take part in their cultures and learn the language, yes. I eat and stay in their homes and they in mine and we swap children for holidays and weekends. But to pretend that I am not a New Zealander would be patronising. I do however wear a sarong at home and at sea. They reciprocate by now giving their kids birthday parties with cakes and candles. if you would like, I could email you one of my newsletters of my travels that I send to friends. It was written about 5 years ago, describes life on board a Malaysian Customs patrol boat and has some photos as well. Just email me with your email handle. As I said, I love my country (ies) cheers Peter |
#7
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On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:51:09 -0400, Peter Hendra
wrote: What meters? I have never even seen a taxi in Penang that had a meter. Always, "how much to Mokta...", "Long way, Boss, 50 Ringgit". I admit, they do have a shuttle bus that runs around the downtown area but you get on the bus and go somewhere and then get back on the bus to come back and it takes a different road. Where to get off? By the way, I relayed your comments about Bangkok beautiful women to my wife who says that if you believe that then your taste in partners is highly suspect. She says that she's heard all about that geezer Much snipped You know of course that there are seperate supermarket check-out queues for men amnd women in Kelantan state? Love this country. Peter I refuse to get embroiled in a religious debate other then to say that while I worked with a large number of folks who certainly were devout I never say the animosity that appears to exist today. I spent more then twenty years in Indonesia (the largest Moslem country in the world, population wise) and never saw anything like separate supermarket lines for male and female. I know that certain hotels would refuse to rent a room to a couple who obviously weren't married but it appeared more that many hotels preferred not to be known as places of assignment. In fact many Moslems I knew in Indonesia view many of Malaysia's customs as being (dare I say it) a bit ridiculous. Enough of this subject. Bruce in Bangkok (brucepaigeatgmaildotcom) -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#8
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On Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:10:51 +0700, Bruce
wrote: On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:51:09 -0400, Peter Hendra wrote: What meters? I have never even seen a taxi in Penang that had a meter. Always, "how much to Mokta...", "Long way, Boss, 50 Ringgit". I admit, they do have a shuttle bus that runs around the downtown area but you get on the bus and go somewhere and then get back on the bus to come back and it takes a different road. Where to get off? By the way, I relayed your comments about Bangkok beautiful women to my wife who says that if you believe that then your taste in partners is highly suspect. She says that she's heard all about that geezer Much snipped You know of course that there are seperate supermarket check-out queues for men amnd women in Kelantan state? Love this country. Peter I refuse to get embroiled in a religious debate other then to say that while I worked with a large number of folks who certainly were devout I never say the animosity that appears to exist today. I spent more then twenty years in Indonesia (the largest Moslem country in the world, population wise) and never saw anything like separate supermarket lines for male and female. I know that certain hotels would refuse to rent a room to a couple who obviously weren't married but it appeared more that many hotels preferred not to be known as places of assignment. In fact many Moslems I knew in Indonesia view many of Malaysia's customs as being (dare I say it) a bit ridiculous. Enough of this subject. Bruce in Bangkok (brucepaigeatgmaildotcom) Hi Bruce, I concur entirely with your views. The headscarf for women was hardly worn 20 years ago. Now in Kelatan state, woman may be fined, and are, 50 Ringit for not wearing one. Now I am seeing a few Malay women from there wearing full burkha. When I ask why - I am informed that they are "very religious people" - ridiculous. Still, as you say, enough of this subject. cheers Peter |
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