Always expect the unexpected

This week's title was my closing line and promise from last week.  Yes, I did make my needed stand for myself last week.  It was time and I did it.  Because I had acted for my integrity, I did feel a renewed sense of energy.  That was a natural outcome but there was another outcome that was totally from left field, which left me gasping for breath.  It was the total lack of any recognition form the recipient of my stance.  Life just went on with a lecture on Thai ways and a briefing on the next task.  It was as if I had said nothing but I did say something.

My only sense is that my experience spoke of the other world that is Thailand and Asia.  I never expected what I got but that is how it is here.  Even after so long here, I never cease to be taken aback by the unexpected.  I live in a totally different world from my Australia.  Such is my Bangkok.

What was at play? Avoidance of conflict? Manipulation? Cultural dissonance?  Tolerance? Or was it just the person involved?  Maybe it was a mixture of all five or more.  Ultimately, I can't say.  All that aside, the reality was that I had done what I needed to do and could do.  No more was needed - or at least for now.

I did go away feeling reinvigorated, ready to face the world, but I also felt as always here a sense of mystery surrounding how people operate and survive in the east.  So life goes on and I can continue on my quest to try and do my bit in the world in this somewhat strange place I call home - my Bangkok.