A note on people here laughing and staring at me…

Apparently, my nose ring is hilarious and fascinating. I didn’t realize it before, but found out through looks and giggles and being stared at by everyone, especially children and middle-aged men. I have come so close to taking it out. The attention is not flattering. It is annoying. I don’t like children, and I don’t like being stared at. I know, I know. Most people here have never seen it before. But do they realize it is rude to stare? I said to Anne, “You know, I never laugh at foreigners in America. I never make them feel uncomfortable like that.” And she said, “Well there are more of them in America than here” and that is true, but still. Come on, Thailand. Give me a break. I’ve seen plenty of Thai punk boys here with crazy hair, tattoos, and facial piercings. Boys that are much more extreme than myself. Stare at them a little.

Also, a few times when I have spoken simple thai words, such as hello (sa-wat-dee ka) and thank you, I get laughed at. Xavier wai-ed at someone the other day and they laughed at him.

I try not to take offense to all this mockery, but I get embarrassed easily. even worse, after they are finished laughing at me, they talk in Thai amongst themselves and I have no idea what they’re saying. When people see my nose ring, they turn to each other and point to their noses and start speaking in Thai. I HATE it.