my romance with Nam Tuam

“In a relationship” may be the best way to describe this romance considering that I’m still deep in it… literally 2 feet of it inside our living room. Nam Tuam means “flood” in Thai and the “romance” is a hate-hate affair.

I was introduced to Nam four years ago when I first set foot in Thailand. She pays me a casual visit every monsoon season but we never kissed until this year when she went right into my house even if I had a good sandbag barrier at the door.

I have been through about a couple of love affairs in my life but not one has been this deep. Instead of getting my heart pierced I got my ego shattered.

What pride have you got left if you are forced from the comforts of home, lugging a hastily packed bag and some provisions for higher ground? Where is your dignity if you have to wade through Leptospira infested murky water that has been through a thousand sewers to get to your house for more things while the rest of the community watch you zombie-walk down the waterlogged street? 

As you can see I was forced by circumstances into this romance and no matter how I hate it I have no recourse but to say, “I do.”

I realize that this affair like all romances is initially psychological and to a larger extent physical. The climax is not likened to the gasp of orgasmic ecstasy but rather the numbing spasmic pain that is a result of hauling everything in the ground floor to the second floor. 

The urgency of the situation supplies the adrenaline, which then takes its toll in the coming days as you cope with the withdrawal of the hormone. The length of time you have been alive on earth is directly proportionate to the length and intensity of suffering from this flight-or-fight event.

Sad to say, but this romance is also a home-breaker. My wife won’t have anything to do with this illegitimate affair and she distanced herself from me. She and the rest of the family now live with a friend in one of the high rise condos of central Bangkok and will only take me back after I break off with Nam.

Oh Nam Tuam, how deep is your love?

Thailand Flood 2011

Every monsoon season Thailand gets inundated because of the topography of high mountains in the north and low lying planes and marshes towards the south. The 33 big dams and the great Chao Phraya river serve as both blessing and curse depending on the amount of rainfall.

This year is the first time that I have really feared about our house getting flooded. As of this writing we're still dry but you will see in the photos why my fears are well founded.

Just click on the first photo to get the rest of my problem:-((

Amari Watergate & BMW Midnight Run

This was the 14th Amari Watergate Hotel and BMW Midnight Run and I couldn't resist joining this marathon for 2 reasons: first, the proceeds were for the HIV kids in the orphanage featured in the documentary "Living with the Tiger" and second was the chance to try running at night in the heart of Bangkok.

In terms of physical effort this run was not much considering the distance and the temperature, but the fun was great with everyone in high spirits.

just click on the first photo for the rest of story.