The end?

I think this is the end of Jeff of Arabia, reason being: I am no longer in Arabia. Now it is off to Shanghai. Please follow me there in my new oh so exciting blog: http://shanghai-ed-ucator.blogspot.com/
See you in the funny pages.

The Year of the Ox Reading 8: "The Thai Resistance Movement during World War II"

I never really knew much about Thailand during World War Two. They were invaded by Japan and then they became allies with Japan. That's about a much as we get in history books. So when I picked this one up I was kind of excited. I shouldn't have been. This has all of the makings of the research that is needed to write a good book, but this really isn't my cup of tea in history books. Too many details on the leaders but nothing about life in Thailand during the time. I think a more balanced approach would have been to include the reasons why there was a resistance needed against the Japanese. How were the people of Thailand affected by the war? This book tells you none of those things. Many it doesn't set out to do these things, but it could have been much better if it had.
Well there you have it.

Going to China early

Should I? That is the question I currently have. It seems that I can arrive in Shanghai earlier if I want to. But do I want to? I would be staying at a friend's house but he isn't there. Instead I would be there with a teacher from Cambodia who is there taking care of the cats. It would be nice to actually be somewhere where I wasn't running around all of the time, so i will think about it. I don't think I would leave before the 10th of July, which would be arriving three weeks early. I will have to see.
My trip has been mostly stress free so far, but it would be nice to have a place to hang my hat. (Note to self: buy hat.) Plus Shanghai will be an amazing place to explore before I start my new job. If I get tired there I can always take side trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou.
So what do you think dear reader? Hello? Is anyone there?

The Year of the Ox Reading 7: "Liberal Fascism"

I must say this was a powerhouse of a book. One of the most informative that I have read in years. It completely changed the way I look at fascism and the do gooders of the Democratic Party. It shows that at heart they are striving for the same thing: the elevation of the state over the individual. The author doesn't say the FDR, Hillary and Wilson are evil Nazis but says their goals are the same, to create a situation where the government can intrude into every aspect of the private affairs of the individual.
It is also very well documented and you will surprised at some of the things the supposed good liberals of the past said. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The Year of the Ox Reading 6: "The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made."

This title combines all of my geeky factors. It takes my love for movie making, my interest in science fiction and my interest in the workings of Hollywood into one very interesting tome.
This is about the movies that got away and were never made. We learn about Tim Burton's take on Superman, efforts to make many a Star Trek, why it took so long to get a Fantastic Four and Spiderman on the screen, and a lot about many more movies.
If you like movies and movie making and are a little geeky boy like me then you might like this one. He has another book that I am going to try and snag on this trip but I might not find it before moving to China.
Have fun.

Alone

There is nothing quite as lonely as a tourist town full of whores. Everyone is with someone, either with friends or loved ones, real or imagined. And yet I am not taking part in the charade. Just a tourist alone.
A week has come and gone since I left my apartment. It was my home for six years. The other afternoon while waking from a nap I thought I was there. It just felt like I was back. I don't like being homeless.
One of the reasons I am starting to not like travelling is being alone. I need someone to travel with but somehow haven't managed to get anyone. I have a rather strange group of friends. What an odd bunch they are. Come on fellows you know it's true. And yet all of them have somehow managed to get married. I might be the last man standing. Even my dirty old man friend is talking about getting hitched. What am I doing wrong?
So here I sit in Bangkok while others do whatever others do. Six more weeks until I am in my new home. I am looking forward to Shanghai since I think it is a place I can not travel from. I am tired of travelling alone. Maybe it will be better just to stay put in my new home.

Left

There is a sadness that comes with leaving any place you have been for a while. I spent six years in Kuwait so you know I would feel sad. I had a friend picking me up at 3 pm for the ride to the airport. I was waiting in my apartment but then the maid showed up and kind of spoilt the mood of departure.
When I arrived at the airport I said goodbye to my friend, gave the bags to the Indian man with the cart and then a few minutes later I went to check in. My bags were too heavy but the flight was mostly empty. They said it would be no problem. Then I checked in and like that my feelings of dread of leaving evaporated. And then I was free of Kuwait.
I am sure that this is some kind of culture shock but I was happy to leave.
Arriving in Bangkok I was worried that my hotel would make me wait since I was so early. They didn't. So I was able to check in 7 hourse early. I love being in Thailand. My room costs about a quarter of what the room I stayed in Istanbul costs, but it is three times bigger and has a pool. I don't know why people travel anywhere else.
Well that is a brief update.