5 months now in Ireland and I am still trying to put on a brave face!

Racism is an interesting subject. After spending 6 years in Thailand as a farang I think I have been on the receiving end of negative jibes, comments and attitudes.

But I really cant blame the Thais for their behaviour. After all, I do think that most of the foreigners living in Thailand do NOT represent the normal majority! It seems like Thailand attracts more and more of the unsavoury types. As globalisation takes over the world I think Thailand faces an interesting challenge on how to keep the numbers and types of foreigners under control. IMHO, I think they are making a complete mess of it all at the moment.

Ireland is not doing much better. In Ireland, I am on the other side of the fence. I am Irish and I have grown up most of my life in Ireland. Up to about 10 or 15 years ago it would be unusually to see a black or asian person walking the streets. Now, they are everywhere. The number of immigrants in Ireland is unbelievable. I have nothing against immigration and in fact I think it is a great thing – as long as it is controlled.

This is not happening in Ireland. There has been way too much immigration in such a short period of time. Unfortunately I think this is only going to create problems down the line. If the immigrants do not integrate with the Irish people then they will start a “them” and “us” attitude which will be very damaging.

So how do I propose to deal with this problem? Simple really. Just apply a points system. Yes, descriminate against people. Yes, it may not be politically correct in this day and age but I think we have become too afraid to make decisions like this JUST because it may make us loo bad! That is no way to run a country – or even to act as a person. You have got to protect what you believe in. Ireland needs protection now and by adopting a much more restrictive immigration policy I think it will be a positive move. In a few more years time, these policies can be relaxed but at least it will send a clear message to the people who exploit others and who know where to look for an easy target (Ireland) that they should look elsewhere!

In amongst all this I am trying to get a visa for Nang to visit Ireland. At this stage I think we are going to settle on a tourist visa for 3 months and hopefully we can get it extended for another 3 months. I am not sure about that yet. In the meantime I am going to investigate the student option and the working visa option.

I am planning on making my trip to Thailand for the last 2 weeks in October. I cant wait to get there. Over the last few months I really have started to appreciate how good my life was when I was in Thailand. Its true what they say – that you really only appreciate something after it is taken away from you!

I suppose I am getting old too. Over the last few weeks its the first time that I have really felt like that I have been getting old. No big deal really – just an observation!

I am also making a genuine effort to eat healthy and get more exercise. Almost every day I have been walking the pier in Dun Laoghaire – it takes about an hour – door to door. Actually, makes me feel a lot better but I just dont know when I am going to get the time to do it when the winter nights hit home and its dark at 4pm! Jeez, already I am starting to get depressed about that!

This weekend definitely had a Thai flavour to it. I went to the Dublin Thai Centre which is a Thai massage place in town. When I was in Thailand I used to go for a massage about once a week. It was a great way to chill out and relax. So yesterday I decided I needed a treat and made a booking. When I entered the place I said Sawadee Krap and they all just giggled. I suppose they thought that I was just going to be able to say that and nothing else. So they chatted about me in Thai but of course I could understand what they were saying! Unfortuntely it wasnt very complementary – something about being fat!! More walks on the pier needed!

Anyway, they were really nice in there and it was great being able to speak Thai again. The massage was basic – nothing great – but I suppose I will be going back just for the experience. They also recommended a great Thai restaurant where they like to eat – Ruen Thai in Ranelagh. I will have to check it out one day!

Stocks are still taking a battering but I am looking at the Thai stock market now. Perhaps it is worth some investment. With elections planned for the end of this year and more and more global investors looking to get into the Asian market I think Thailand offers great potential. But they HAVE to get the elections sorted first!

I am also trying to register online so that I can do my own tax returns. They dont make it easy to register – loads of faxes, letters and other proof required but i suppose once it is all set up it should make things easier.

No other major developmep

United won the Community Shield today. It wasnt a bad game and it has given me a taste of what is ahead. I really have missed the Premier LEague and I hope that it will be an exciting season. Nani came on in the second half and fell on his arse straight off. His second involvement was to give the ball away. Not a great start but lets hope he turns out as good as Ronaldo!

I am still playing a little bit of pool in my brothers house – i have got to know the table now and I dont think anyone in the house will be able to beat me!

The new website is coming on great. I cant wait till I can launch it. I really think it will become something big. I reckon there is probably another months development work involved but I am enjoying the challenge

Quiet again. I havent been drinking much and I have to say that I dont miss it all that much. I am enjoying my own space and time. Living with 3 other people is not easy. I have lived on my own and/or with Nang for the last 6 years and I always could do what I wanted and when I wanted it. Not the same when you are sharing with people. I find myself up in my room more often than I really should be!

I have some great DVD’s that I brought back from Thailand and I have the 42″ screen so that is helping me pass the time!

Still putting on a brave face. Weather has been crap again which doesnt help.

I am planning for my trip to Thailand now so there is light at the end of the tunnel!