THAILAND -- April 19, 2001 Some 5,000 U.S. troops will come to Thailand to take part in Cobra Gold--the biggest joint U.S. military exercise in Asia this year--and a handful will stay to join the war on drugs. The U.S. military has mounted low-level military training missions in Thailand under a programme called Baker Torch for several years. But the new, more secretive Task Force 399 involvement will be its most important in the kingdom.
»Time:1:44 PM
The doctor said I might have to get surgery again. I think that's because of the poor job done in the first place. Not sure if I'll do it again. * It's still really hot here. I want to go to the pool. * I noticed that service in Thailand is vastly different from that of the US. My dining experience last night at The Pickle Factory proved very different than my experience at a Mexican place on the way to Galveston. In the Mexican restaurant, the server when through most of her traditional routine, but with enough warmth that is seemed she was genuinely interested.
Here's the formula: "How are you folks doing this.. morning/afternoon/evening? My name is blah, and I'll be your server." "Our special is...." "Can I get you something to drink while you look at the menu?" < making decision > "Are you folks ready to order? .. blah blah blah... "OK, I'll get those right out for you."
"Here you go.... Holler if you need anything. "How is everything?" "Can I get you anything else? No? Ok, I'll be right back with the check" "I'll take this anytime you're ready" "You folks have a good morning/afternoon/evening!"
Thailand: The server stands at the table after you sit down, just long enough to show that they have done their job. Just as you are to order, they run off. Upon loosing the attention of this server, you flag down another server and give them your order. Upon your party getting their food at varying intervals, you proceed with the meal. Special request require either a long game of eye tag, or a shout across the room. Upon finishing, it’s best to shout, “checkbill” at the nearest server you can find or make a swirling motion with you finger if you have the patience to wait for eye contact. The server will come over and collect all the little order slips that had been sitting on your table. (Hmm… why don’t I take one or two slips out next time…) They come back with the slips stapled together and a circled number on the front. Since tipping is a still a grey area, use these rules:
No tip if: Outside, no air-con, 10% tip is included, the place is owned by traditional Chinese.
Tip if: Air –con, the server has been attentive or the place is an international venue.
»Time:1:59 PM
Just got back from USA. This is my first day back at work after the Thai New Year holiday. I spent one day at Kao Sarn Rd, shooting my imported Super Soaker water gun. I must say, mine was the coolest gun there. I hung out with new friend May.. and we wandered the streets getting powder slapped on our faces and many reoccouring water fights. Monday was a holiday as well, so I stayed home and played with my Palm V and Derek and I played Red Alert 2. It is so hot here, and I made a few trips to the pool to keep cool. And thanks to that sunburn in Galveston, TX, I am now sporting a half-way decent tan. Hope to keep it up, but this indoors stuff keeps me white.
»Time:10:03 AM
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»Time:10:36 AM
