Same same, but different

One of the more interesting components of our job at Assumption is the interaction with the other (mostly male) farang teachers on campus. In our office, it's become pretty common to hear someone say, "As soon as you're finished searching thaiwives.com, can I use that computer to write a lesson plan?" They like to complain about everything, especially problems that they are perfectly capable of resolving themselves (like the temperature of the a/c, or the lack of toilet paper in the bathroom.) Leave it to farangs to complain about eating rice, in Thailand, more than two days in a row- you've got a motorcycle, use it to drive the two blocks off campus to 7-11, or the 5 minutes to the ocean-side steak house!
Some have been around for a while and others are new, just like us. The veterans are pretty jaded by their experiences thus far in Thailand, while the newbies remain uncomfortable with the stigmas which befall them as single men coming to Thailand. Case in point, here is an exerpt from a conversation in the canteen last week:

"So, what brings you to Thailand?" (Keeks)
"Me? I like the food... and the culture. You know, same as everyone, I guess. Why? What brings you girls here?"
"Sure, the food and culture are great." (Keeks)
"Yeah, same as you then. Food and culture..."
(awkward silence)
"I came here for the women." (Mac)

We might just make it out of this place with our sense of humor still in tact...