19 Comments
User's avatar
Gordon's avatar

Tell it like it is! Sometimes the truth hurts but it's the truth so let it be known.

Bob's avatar

I didn't realize until now… You are traveling with your fiancé?

Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

Yes indeed. I was with her for a few weeks in Japan and now I’m alone in Thailand.

Suzanne Noble's avatar

I’m in Chiang mai and loving it.

Dov's avatar

Congratulations on your engagement

Grey Rabbit Finance's avatar

Awesome my friend looking forward to hearing about the next leg of training. 👍🏻💪🏻

Reldon Welling's avatar

Max my wife and I live in the old city near Wat Phra Singh. In fact we walk there most evenings. If you and your girlfriend have time and would like to get together for coffee or some street food sometime, that would be nice.

Reldon Welling's avatar

Max sorry I didnt go into Substack so did not see your reply on Jan. 22. Let’s try again to set something up. There is a coffee shop called Happy Blue which is near Wat Phra Singh in the old town. It is just off a little side street. If that is convenient just let me know if Sunday (tomorrow) works for you. Otherwise just about anytime & place works for me since I am retired and have lots of time on my hands. My direct email is rrwelling@hotmail.com. I do review messages there promptly. All the best.

Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

Reldon, that sounds great. It’ll just be me since my fiancèe is in Japan. Would any time this Sunday work for you?

STEVE CAMPINI's avatar

Took a three week trip to Japan last year. I was impressed with the culture. Great healthy food and inexpensive. Clean, safe, great transportation and friendly, courteous, helpful people.My only disappointment was too many foreign tourists like myself. I hope they can retain their beautiful country from being ruined.

Kevin Beck's avatar

I like these updates! I have never visited Japan, and much of the cultural descriptions were new to me.

Jim Foster's avatar

5 rings is tops

Patrick Dwyer's avatar

Dear Max,

While in Thailand "learn and practice the rules of the Wai", and the greeting for meeting "Sawadii Krab" - (males only). Thais have an amazing and friendly culture, rich heritage. Try the "fermented foods". Watch out for the Thai Pepper (Mouse Poop), and learn to say "Phek Lek Noi", which means "Spicey Little". Enjoy every "minute". Great good luck, Chiang Mai is a wonderful place! (They have shoe rules too, remove when entering home and Temple, and "respectful dress code for Temple")

Bob Schaefer's avatar

Great update and thanks for sharing. I’m sure you will always remember the warmth shared by your fiancée’s relatives! Yes, illegal immigrants are terrible for all cultures when they refuse to embrace their new location’s culture.

Atlas Dad's avatar

Good stuff man. If only more cities could operate like Tokyo…we’d be much better off. Looking forward to reading about your experiences in Thailand.

Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

Thank you, Sir. Looking forward to reading more from you!

Zak the peon's avatar

As long it’s a vessel state it will continue to sell out public interest for foreign stakeholders, united nation have plans for transformation

Lauran's avatar

Many congratulations to you for finding a wonderful fiancee! It is sad to think that a whole group of radicals can cause so much trouble; but they have bad leadership. Many of the protestors are paid professionals, and go place to place as they are told. Avoid at all costs, and do not engage. Stay well and safe! Blessings!