think about thoughts

Traveling aboard is something that many youths would be delighted do if given the opportunity. Certainly, this is a general assumption but with strong validity from personal experiences and the proportion of youths traveling aboard with their peers. This is only true for such an era like this, which can be narrowed down to greater affluence. Such affluence gives people an opportunity to view the world beyond their borders. A different feel, smell, sight and most importantly experience. This would be one of the driving motivation for them to leave their borders. No doubt, they get what they see from the mass media but it’s only when they start to walk the ‘unglamorous areas, then will the view of traveling takes a turn. Honestly, such sights have the power to engage, deter or to be angry about. When people have the means to control, it might not necessary be the best. With power that comes with lack of discipline, will merely lead to self destruction.

My recent trip to Bangkok experience is a small fraction of what’s describe above. No doubt, my main motivation to Thailand was simply shopping. Hence, it was fulfilled till a state of euphoria after purchasing clothes, watches and so much more.The fun ended off with a slight pain that was worthwhile such as carrying many bags while heading back to the airport. Yet this doesn’t necessary means it was extremely joyful because when i consider what i saw on the streets while i was buying freely at those flee markets. To some, it’s entertainment but to me it was just a sense of discontentment for those kids that were performing with musical instruments, plays, juggling ball or even going around to collect money. Instead of building up the euphoria level while my spending was utopia, i questioned what have they done to deserve this? No doubt, their family circumstances has brought them to this state. Then i wonder, those stuff that i purchased were they also the same people that manufactured it? Yes, i learn about child labor when i was Secondary Four but now it’s at my sight. Though the young ones have accepted their current state of life and learn to be contented with, i still believe there is a slight slice of hope within them longing to live their lives freely. Our spending may bring us tremendous joy, but only their undeserved sweat.

Night market is certainly one of those that everyone tourist look forward too. Before i came to this unknown land, i’ve always heard Mothers do not like their Husband to travel to Thailand. For what particular reasons, i do not fully comprehend.However, it was only when we were at Patpong-(one of those few night market attractions) those reasons surfaced. Initially i was excited because of more shops but soon disgusted at what happened before our naked eyes. Just when i could be even more disgusted and make judgment about their jobs, i once again realized that they did not sign up for such jobs with anticipation but stifled opportunities led them to such state. I wonder when will they ever be tired of those fake smiles they are putting up. What is entertainment and pleasure to tourist is a loss of true self worth that they take on something that was not originally theirs. No doubt tourist ability to control their worth with cash is enough to compensate their dignity. So honestly, what’s there to lose?  Yet, i still believe that this was not the life that they have dream of.

It’s only after we settled down at a pub that gave us a ‘clean impression’ then we were horrified. It was their country pride and maybe icon. They were listed for being the top 3. Goodness,  young boys of no more than my age throw themselves to foreigners not because of their skin colour but the those papers with a value. Yes, outwardly all parties are enjoying. But tell me, does those boys really want such a job? To those buying them for hours, they are just like any toy. How do such boys feel? I just thought to myself, the ability to control can make a human to a dog. This is once again an assumption, but at least true for what i saw.

For all these services, your $40 bucks gives you great pleasure if you call it, but their rice bowl.

I have came to realize that such places are not meant for me to go alone for if i did, i wonder where will i be right now. I was only kept ’safe to a degree’ because of the company that went with me. I wonder, even if a man is strong willed but when he is placed in such vulnerable situations will he stand strong? I honestly doubt he can. Imagine, every step you take for the next few hundreds is filled with surrounding temptations. Still, i have come to comprehend that man’s will power alone is useless but only when we walk right with the spirit and the voice that lingers within just keep guiding us then we might overcome.

Still, what can a voice do unless tough love is shown to oneself.

This entire trip was certain enjoyable but it made me wonder about this world that i’m living in.

Broken and distorted lives that is covered up by fun.

God, give me the opportunity to work beyond this island and such a power that allows me to change this situation for your kingdom cause.

hoe