Riding in a Bangkok Taxi will be one of the craziest rides of your life. From switching lanes every 5 seconds, taking up 2 lanes, driving not in a lane, sudden stops, crazy maneuvers and not having seat belts makes one want to hold onto dear life.
Ok it's not THAT bad, but it's still crazy. Let me tell you how it works.
The taxis out here are usually Yellow/Green, Yellow, Blue or Pink. If they have a little red light on inside the car (that says something in Thai), that means it is available. Here is the cool part. Most of the taxi's are tricked out Toyota Corollas. Some of them have body kits, crazy lights, chrome door handles or a spoiler. The best is when you get inside and they have a sick sound system. Then you put on 107fm and blast western music.
The taxis are usually clean and don't smell like a dead body.
So you get in and say Sawadee Ka and tell them where you need to go. Sometimes they understand some English which is awesome and comes in really handy. Although, when you just want to chill and they keep talking, it's a bit annoying. You have to make sure they start the meter otherwise they will tell you some crazy rate at the end of your journey. Some charge more if there is lots of traffic, which is bull because there is ALWAYS traffic. Bangkok has the worst traffic ever. No matter what time of day, it is always crowded.
Here is another thing. I noticed their gas meter is always at empty. But then they manage to drive me for 30 min to a casting. So I was thinking, dang! these Corollas have good gas mileage.
One day, the Taxi driver needed to get gas. So he pulled up to the gas station and they opened up the hood to the car. I thought this was odd. And the worker put the hose in the engine. I thought maybe they were topping up the coolant or something. I had noticed before that there are these HUGE tanks in the trunks of the taxis. I then put two and two together. The gas pumps through the engine, to the massive tank in the trunk and the driver restarts the meter in the car and calculates how many miles until he needs to top up again. That is why the gas meter is always empty, cause it doesn't go in the regular gas tank. But then this made me think, What if we get rear ended?????? The trunk is FULL of gasoline!! I do not think this is safe at all. No way.
Taxi driver can be fun. When a car full of models get in, things get crazy. I usually sit in the front because there is more room. I have had very interesting conversations. I have been asked if I am married. I've been asked where I live and how long am I staying. I've been stared at. I had one taxi driver teach me how to count to 5 in Thai. But I forgot already. Some know already which radio station to put on. But they are usually pretty nice. You just have to act like you know where they are going so they don't try and take you the long way.
I have to say, I am pretty pleased with the taxi service here.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Epiphany
Epiphanies. They happen to us a few times in our lives. Sometimes you have one and your world lights up. Sometimes you have one and it makes you feel a little down.
Today I am a little frustrated. I have been working a lot this week (which is good), but my body is worn out. I haven't had time to head to the store, so I'm pretty low on foods. And I haven't been getting as much sleep as I need to. So today I have just been tired and in deep thought. The same questions and feelings keep popping into my brain. Why am I not happy? I think about every detail in my life and find what makes me feel good and what makes me feel whatever. Then I find what upsets me and try and find ways to accept it, or change it.
Then I thought today, maybe modeling is not what I am supposed to be doing. Waiting in castings, waiting in fashion shows and getting little money (compared to the US). Modeling should maybe be my side job, while I focus on a career.
The owner had his driver take a few of us to a casting this afternoon for a catalog shoot. His car is a really nice Mercedes that is incredibly comfortable. So as I sunk into the plush leather seats, my mind was racing.
We arrived at a large house which is where the photographer lives and where his studio is located. It's a pretty nice place, that had exotic birds I have never seen before in the living room.
We sat in the sitting area of the studio and the photographer put on some music. The first song that came on, had lyrics that said I'm 500 miles from home, and something just about being away and wanting to come back. Then the next song was about how the singer is trying to get to California. Most of the songs that played were about California. And the creepy part was, it was like the playlist just new what I was thinking and played song after song about how I felt.
Then the songs switched to all the classic rock songs that Dad used to listen to and love. Sitting there, my mind racing, missing dad. I almost cried. But I held it in with all the strength I had. But it was so hard, know that I will never be able to listen to those songs with him again.
When the photographer found out I was from LA, he got super excited. He used to live in San Fran and loved telling me about how much he loved it there. He was also excited because he has never shot an American model before. So that was kind of cool.
This guy is a little older and has scars and all sorts of stories to tell. He is a world traveler and is very in touch with his creative side. His English is pretty good, minus his heavy accent. Boring, is a word that could never be used to describe him.
Before he left, he read all of our palms. He looked at mine a little longer and he said I will be successful, but not as a model. He asked me what I studied and he said I would be a wonderful actor (Radio Jessica). It was shocking that he said those things to me without even knowing me. He was right. I'm trying to slowly switch careers and some how he got that just by looking at my hands. This makes me want to come home and get started on the rest of my life. I'm ready to move on. This was my epiphany.I need to do what I am passionate about. And right now, I am not sure if it's modeling.
Today I am a little frustrated. I have been working a lot this week (which is good), but my body is worn out. I haven't had time to head to the store, so I'm pretty low on foods. And I haven't been getting as much sleep as I need to. So today I have just been tired and in deep thought. The same questions and feelings keep popping into my brain. Why am I not happy? I think about every detail in my life and find what makes me feel good and what makes me feel whatever. Then I find what upsets me and try and find ways to accept it, or change it.
Then I thought today, maybe modeling is not what I am supposed to be doing. Waiting in castings, waiting in fashion shows and getting little money (compared to the US). Modeling should maybe be my side job, while I focus on a career.
The owner had his driver take a few of us to a casting this afternoon for a catalog shoot. His car is a really nice Mercedes that is incredibly comfortable. So as I sunk into the plush leather seats, my mind was racing.
We arrived at a large house which is where the photographer lives and where his studio is located. It's a pretty nice place, that had exotic birds I have never seen before in the living room.
We sat in the sitting area of the studio and the photographer put on some music. The first song that came on, had lyrics that said I'm 500 miles from home, and something just about being away and wanting to come back. Then the next song was about how the singer is trying to get to California. Most of the songs that played were about California. And the creepy part was, it was like the playlist just new what I was thinking and played song after song about how I felt.
Then the songs switched to all the classic rock songs that Dad used to listen to and love. Sitting there, my mind racing, missing dad. I almost cried. But I held it in with all the strength I had. But it was so hard, know that I will never be able to listen to those songs with him again.
When the photographer found out I was from LA, he got super excited. He used to live in San Fran and loved telling me about how much he loved it there. He was also excited because he has never shot an American model before. So that was kind of cool.
This guy is a little older and has scars and all sorts of stories to tell. He is a world traveler and is very in touch with his creative side. His English is pretty good, minus his heavy accent. Boring, is a word that could never be used to describe him.
Before he left, he read all of our palms. He looked at mine a little longer and he said I will be successful, but not as a model. He asked me what I studied and he said I would be a wonderful actor (Radio Jessica). It was shocking that he said those things to me without even knowing me. He was right. I'm trying to slowly switch careers and some how he got that just by looking at my hands. This makes me want to come home and get started on the rest of my life. I'm ready to move on. This was my epiphany.I need to do what I am passionate about. And right now, I am not sure if it's modeling.
Friday, February 18, 2011
God Bless America
So in my third week here I have decided that America just effin rocks. Ok it's not perfect... like how they are putting taxes on these ridiculous items. But there is a reason why so many people want to go and why they make movies about coming to Los Angeles and other places in the US (Eg. Due Date and El Norte). And now I know why so many people don't have passports. It's cause America rocks and why leave?
Okay okay. I'm totally biased. I grew up in the valley and will always be a valley girl. I grew up in a comfortable lifestyle and got everything I ever needed or wanted. I grew up in a place where if your parents don't get you a new Mercedes for your 16th birthday, you're a total loser and you should just jump off a bridge because you will always be a loser. So I grew up in a comfortable place in the US.
It's not until you leave home when you realize that you take things for granted like balsamic vinegar. Why is it expensive in Asia?? And Oatmeal?? Also, small things like being able to flush toilet paper down the toilet and not have to throw it in the bin (Gross I know). But then there are cool things about Asia like cheap taxis and fresh fruit stands.
Okay okay I know you want to hear some gossip. And to answer your questions- No I have not met any hot Thai men. Yes, I have seen plenty of Lady Boys (Usually at castings not just walking on the streets). I haven't been to the beach nor to a temple. Hopefully I will experience those last two things very soon.
I know I said I am not going to frequent Thai clubs anymore but I did go out last weekend. I got invited to a night out where you wear white if you are single. When I was told it was more like a lounge than a club, I became more interested. So I went with one of the American girls and with another girl from HK who talks like she is from Beverly Hills. I felt right at home. We get to this place called Whiskey Mix which looks like an upscale bar and had 2 floors of lots of space. It had that Hotel Roosevelt kind of feel to it. We sat and chatted about how we love Latin men and all told our stories about our recent Latins. Then we talked about LA and how we all plan about getting our own places there. It was awesome.
Then Ms. HK wanted to show me this bar that was not too far from this place called Iron Fairies or something similar. It's owned by a muscly Aussie who is probably 35 but looks older either due to smoking or too much sun (probably both) We get inside and there is a live jazz band playing. It was awesome. This place is incredibly narrow, so there is no such thing as personal space in this place. But from what Ms. HK told me, his parents are collectors of iron objects or were antique hunters, I can't remember. But this muscle Aussie guy believed in fairies and has these iron fairies scattered throughout the bar and wrote a famous book about fairies. Then Ms. HK takes us upstairs which were deadly to walk up and down in heels. She then took us into this secret room which is hidden behind a bookshelf. It was crazy cool and we entered a room with 2 gay guys and another girl, possibly a model. Gay guy number one was awesome. His dad I guess is someone important and has a few houses back in Cali. He is going to attend FIDM in LA. When I mentioned that tuition there is expensive the response I got was "Is it? Oh I didn't know that" (In super flamboyant gay voice) Either he hasn't applied yet, or money is not an issue for his family. I feel it's the latter.
So we headed back to Whiskey Mix and ordered double deep fried french fries. Ya know, a healthy meal. Then I was given tickets for drinks and we head for the bar. My favorite drink is the Mojito, and I ended up having 3. We moved to the dance floor and I discovered I am a shitty dancer. I decided that maybe if I had more drinks I would magically get better. Unfortunately that did not happen at all because instead of dancing, I had to pee every 3 minutes.
I was tired from all the crap dancing and the trips to the bathroom so I sat in this interesting, red leather couch. These two asian guys who look like skater dudes from Venice Beach were dancing hip hop next to me by the bar. Idk what it is, but I really admire people who dance hip hop because I wish I could. But I discovered I am way too white and skinny to be busting out a hip hop move. So I watched these guys in awe.
Casper from Poland is very white like me. I like meeting people who could possibly be more white than me, but once we compare skin... I am always the whitest. :( So I asked him if he was a model and he said no. He works in the movie business. I then was interested in how he is involved. He works behind the scenes or something (I was buzzed, I don't remember everything he said, geez) When he told me he works a lot in LA, I asked him what he has worked on. As soon as he had this face like "I'm the shit" and said "You wouldn't believe me if I told you". I instantly got irritated. Ugh... another Hollywood guy... and in Thailand! There is just no escaping.
Then Mr. Hollywood asked me out to dinner. I responded and asked how much will he pay me. He didn't like this and walked of.
Then Mexican Thai skater boy came back and we talked about partying and his cheating ex girlfriend. It got me thinking about a certain someone at home whom I miss, so I left.
So I guess Thai night life isn't THAT bad after all ;)
So check this out. I grew up with a pretty feminist mother. And women stereotypes have just never really worked out in our family. Although, my mother is an excellent cook and loves to cook for us. (Yes!) Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree so I have been cooking meals myself here in the model house.
When I was cooking quesadillas, the Brazilian smelt my cooking and said "Oooooo! You can cook? OOOoo you can get married!" I kid you not. I thought this was hilarious and sad at the same time. Why is it thought that you must cook to be a wife? So tonight, I was cooking chicken and this girl from Latvia says "Oooo cooking? You will make good wife!" Really? I'm not sure to take this as a sign that I should get married or a sign that women in our world have a messed up vision of what a wife is. Wives order take out too ya know.
Okay okay. I'm totally biased. I grew up in the valley and will always be a valley girl. I grew up in a comfortable lifestyle and got everything I ever needed or wanted. I grew up in a place where if your parents don't get you a new Mercedes for your 16th birthday, you're a total loser and you should just jump off a bridge because you will always be a loser. So I grew up in a comfortable place in the US.
It's not until you leave home when you realize that you take things for granted like balsamic vinegar. Why is it expensive in Asia?? And Oatmeal?? Also, small things like being able to flush toilet paper down the toilet and not have to throw it in the bin (Gross I know). But then there are cool things about Asia like cheap taxis and fresh fruit stands.
Okay okay I know you want to hear some gossip. And to answer your questions- No I have not met any hot Thai men. Yes, I have seen plenty of Lady Boys (Usually at castings not just walking on the streets). I haven't been to the beach nor to a temple. Hopefully I will experience those last two things very soon.
I know I said I am not going to frequent Thai clubs anymore but I did go out last weekend. I got invited to a night out where you wear white if you are single. When I was told it was more like a lounge than a club, I became more interested. So I went with one of the American girls and with another girl from HK who talks like she is from Beverly Hills. I felt right at home. We get to this place called Whiskey Mix which looks like an upscale bar and had 2 floors of lots of space. It had that Hotel Roosevelt kind of feel to it. We sat and chatted about how we love Latin men and all told our stories about our recent Latins. Then we talked about LA and how we all plan about getting our own places there. It was awesome.
Then Ms. HK wanted to show me this bar that was not too far from this place called Iron Fairies or something similar. It's owned by a muscly Aussie who is probably 35 but looks older either due to smoking or too much sun (probably both) We get inside and there is a live jazz band playing. It was awesome. This place is incredibly narrow, so there is no such thing as personal space in this place. But from what Ms. HK told me, his parents are collectors of iron objects or were antique hunters, I can't remember. But this muscle Aussie guy believed in fairies and has these iron fairies scattered throughout the bar and wrote a famous book about fairies. Then Ms. HK takes us upstairs which were deadly to walk up and down in heels. She then took us into this secret room which is hidden behind a bookshelf. It was crazy cool and we entered a room with 2 gay guys and another girl, possibly a model. Gay guy number one was awesome. His dad I guess is someone important and has a few houses back in Cali. He is going to attend FIDM in LA. When I mentioned that tuition there is expensive the response I got was "Is it? Oh I didn't know that" (In super flamboyant gay voice) Either he hasn't applied yet, or money is not an issue for his family. I feel it's the latter.
So we headed back to Whiskey Mix and ordered double deep fried french fries. Ya know, a healthy meal. Then I was given tickets for drinks and we head for the bar. My favorite drink is the Mojito, and I ended up having 3. We moved to the dance floor and I discovered I am a shitty dancer. I decided that maybe if I had more drinks I would magically get better. Unfortunately that did not happen at all because instead of dancing, I had to pee every 3 minutes.
I was tired from all the crap dancing and the trips to the bathroom so I sat in this interesting, red leather couch. These two asian guys who look like skater dudes from Venice Beach were dancing hip hop next to me by the bar. Idk what it is, but I really admire people who dance hip hop because I wish I could. But I discovered I am way too white and skinny to be busting out a hip hop move. So I watched these guys in awe.
Casper from Poland is very white like me. I like meeting people who could possibly be more white than me, but once we compare skin... I am always the whitest. :( So I asked him if he was a model and he said no. He works in the movie business. I then was interested in how he is involved. He works behind the scenes or something (I was buzzed, I don't remember everything he said, geez) When he told me he works a lot in LA, I asked him what he has worked on. As soon as he had this face like "I'm the shit" and said "You wouldn't believe me if I told you". I instantly got irritated. Ugh... another Hollywood guy... and in Thailand! There is just no escaping.
Then Mr. Hollywood asked me out to dinner. I responded and asked how much will he pay me. He didn't like this and walked of.
Then Mexican Thai skater boy came back and we talked about partying and his cheating ex girlfriend. It got me thinking about a certain someone at home whom I miss, so I left.
So I guess Thai night life isn't THAT bad after all ;)
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| Sign ups for the pool table competition. |
 | ||||||
| The DJ who rocked it |
When I was cooking quesadillas, the Brazilian smelt my cooking and said "Oooooo! You can cook? OOOoo you can get married!" I kid you not. I thought this was hilarious and sad at the same time. Why is it thought that you must cook to be a wife? So tonight, I was cooking chicken and this girl from Latvia says "Oooo cooking? You will make good wife!" Really? I'm not sure to take this as a sign that I should get married or a sign that women in our world have a messed up vision of what a wife is. Wives order take out too ya know.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
I am addicted to coconuts
As I had hoped for, this week had improved since getting lost for the crappy car magazine casting. We had more castings where we didn't get lost, I got my pocket money and was able to buy food. Food= Happy Jessica.
More models came in this week. Two males from Russia and one female from Romania who is the same age as me. The Russian guys are pretty cool as they speak English pretty well and understand my American humor. Not only do they understand, they absolutely love it.
On the day of their arrival we had an Agency Dinner. An Agency Dinner is when the owner of the agency takes out everyone in the agency to a very fancy restaurant. We arrived at a Thai restaurant that felt like we entered a new world. All the walls were wood panels along with the floors. There were antique artifacts throughout the restaurant and we were greeted by lovely ladies in traditional silk attire, with Sawadee Ka and a bow. It was like we were royalty.
We had to take off our shoes and walk upstairs to a special large room. I entered the room to find a very long, low table and these Thai cousins that look like This. After everyone had a smoke (Minus me of course), we got settled in our seats and the food started to arrive. It was soooo yummy!!
It was so delicious and this is how my coconut addiction started. It was only 20 Baht!
I went with the Brazilian later that day to visit a friend of hers. He is a male model that lives in an apartment complex that used to be a hospital. The place is apparently haunted.
The next day after our Agency Dinner, the owner's driver took his girlfriend, the Romanian and I to his apartment complex where we can use the gym and pool area. It was so nice. I immediately got on a lounge chair and passed out for a while. The warm air and the sound of calm water can make one fall asleep pretty quickly. I felt like I was in Palm Springs or Vegas.
So last night I decided that I would go to the club with a few other models. It was one of the Russian boy's birthday last night so I figured I would go and celebrate with them. I went with the Romanian who had organized everything with the boys. I realized last night that she is not the brightest crayon in the box. Everything she had told me was totally wrong and I was incredibly frustrating. She didn't know where to go, her phone had no money. She was just completely under prepared which is not how I roll. 3 taxis later, we finally got to the boys place.
The Romanian informed me we were going to have dinner and then go out. Oh but wait, the boys already ate... So now I was irritated and hungry. Luckily, the boys were very entertaining at their place trying to put peanut M&Ms in their mouth. Example below:
So the boys came with me to get some food which was nice of them. The Romanian didn't eat anything but coconut ice cream and coke. Hmmm healthy. I of course, because of my addiction, also had coconut cream ice cream (along with my fried rice and chicken. yum). I then decided to teach the Russians an American joke. "That's what she said". This was very entertaining for me to hear them say "That's what she said!!" In thick Russian accents. Although, for the rest of the night, all I would hear was "That's what she said". Whoops.
So we get to the Circle club. You get to the top floor to find it full of models and smoke. There were a few Asian men around, but this room was mostly filled up by models. Very drunk models. It was hip hop night which was nice. If it was house music I would have left in 5 minutes. Instead I managed to stay an hour in a smokey room and sipping on a really disgusting pineapple vodka. (It's because it didn't have coconut, that's why it sucked)
I was checking out the place and watching models standing on tables and shelves dancing like strippers. A room full of sexy boys and girls can only mean one thing; STDs. I kept my drink close by.
Watching people look stupid while I'm sober is only fun for a short amount of time. But the birthday boy was dancing like a maniac and didn't want to leave. So I stayed longer.
I was thinking, Damn, Hollywood has way better clubs. Then of course, every hip hop song was about California, Long Beach, the West Side and such. Which just made me super homesick. :(
I need to explain how clubs in Asia work. If you are a model, you get in for free. Sometimes, if you come early, they also provide you a delicious dinner. Sometimes, they pay models to come to the club. Then, they give you tickets that you can use at the bar and order free drinks. This is why models love going to the club and why they are all drunk.
I don't think I will be frequenting Thai clubs often on my trip out here.
Fin.
More models came in this week. Two males from Russia and one female from Romania who is the same age as me. The Russian guys are pretty cool as they speak English pretty well and understand my American humor. Not only do they understand, they absolutely love it.
On the day of their arrival we had an Agency Dinner. An Agency Dinner is when the owner of the agency takes out everyone in the agency to a very fancy restaurant. We arrived at a Thai restaurant that felt like we entered a new world. All the walls were wood panels along with the floors. There were antique artifacts throughout the restaurant and we were greeted by lovely ladies in traditional silk attire, with Sawadee Ka and a bow. It was like we were royalty.
We had to take off our shoes and walk upstairs to a special large room. I entered the room to find a very long, low table and these Thai cousins that look like This. After everyone had a smoke (Minus me of course), we got settled in our seats and the food started to arrive. It was soooo yummy!!
 |
| Rice in Pineapple, curry and coconut smoothies |
 |
| The Hungarian and her pineapple smoothie |
 | ||
| Pretty, huh? |
Earlier in the day we had a casting for a magazine. Afterwards we all decided to get some lunch and I spotted a fruit stand that I wanted to visit. I spotted a coconut.
It was so delicious and this is how my coconut addiction started. It was only 20 Baht!
I went with the Brazilian later that day to visit a friend of hers. He is a male model that lives in an apartment complex that used to be a hospital. The place is apparently haunted.
 | |||
| The view from his place |
So last night I decided that I would go to the club with a few other models. It was one of the Russian boy's birthday last night so I figured I would go and celebrate with them. I went with the Romanian who had organized everything with the boys. I realized last night that she is not the brightest crayon in the box. Everything she had told me was totally wrong and I was incredibly frustrating. She didn't know where to go, her phone had no money. She was just completely under prepared which is not how I roll. 3 taxis later, we finally got to the boys place.
The Romanian informed me we were going to have dinner and then go out. Oh but wait, the boys already ate... So now I was irritated and hungry. Luckily, the boys were very entertaining at their place trying to put peanut M&Ms in their mouth. Example below:
So the boys came with me to get some food which was nice of them. The Romanian didn't eat anything but coconut ice cream and coke. Hmmm healthy. I of course, because of my addiction, also had coconut cream ice cream (along with my fried rice and chicken. yum). I then decided to teach the Russians an American joke. "That's what she said". This was very entertaining for me to hear them say "That's what she said!!" In thick Russian accents. Although, for the rest of the night, all I would hear was "That's what she said". Whoops.
So we get to the Circle club. You get to the top floor to find it full of models and smoke. There were a few Asian men around, but this room was mostly filled up by models. Very drunk models. It was hip hop night which was nice. If it was house music I would have left in 5 minutes. Instead I managed to stay an hour in a smokey room and sipping on a really disgusting pineapple vodka. (It's because it didn't have coconut, that's why it sucked)
I was checking out the place and watching models standing on tables and shelves dancing like strippers. A room full of sexy boys and girls can only mean one thing; STDs. I kept my drink close by.
Watching people look stupid while I'm sober is only fun for a short amount of time. But the birthday boy was dancing like a maniac and didn't want to leave. So I stayed longer.
I was thinking, Damn, Hollywood has way better clubs. Then of course, every hip hop song was about California, Long Beach, the West Side and such. Which just made me super homesick. :(
 | |||
| crazies |
I don't think I will be frequenting Thai clubs often on my trip out here.
Fin.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Castings Today
Today we had two castings. One for a fashion show and another for a car magazine. At the fashion show casting, there were over 100 models present. Which meant we were all waiting at least 2 hours before it was our turn for the casting.
Our bookers give us "maps" (Which are computer drawn maps that are not drawn to scale, and very basic), for us to present to the Taxi driver. Then we just have to hope that he knows where he's going. So we arrived at the casting place and pay the driver, and we all split the fare. We sign in and I try and find a place to sit, but all the seats have been taken. I try and sit on a chair that is being occupied by a few gallon water tank. I start to read until my butt turns numb and I look for another place to sit. I find a bench upstairs which would make me really anti social if I sat there, but it was either have a numb ass or be antisocial. Antisocial won.
More and more models were coming in and I got to see my competition. There are lots of pretty girls here. And there are the odd few where you're like, you're a model? But hey, models are people too and no one is perfect.
An hour goes by and a shipment of Brazilian men come in. I just love Brazilians. They just seem so happy and always greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. They are so kind to each other and always laughing. And of course they are all gorgeous. I'm talking about boys and girls here. They just rock and I get along with them the best.
So another hour goes by and solitaire on my iPod is getting a bit boring. I even tried reading for an hour, but I was getting pretty restless and my butt fell asleep again.
My number was finally called and I went inside the studio and was greeted by 5 different people so I have no idea who the client was, so I could kindly greet him or her in Thai. My clothes were quickly whipped off and I had new ones put on and next thing I knew I was wearing something like spanky pants. Then I had to do the catwalk, change again, walk again and then "Thank you for coming". So then me and 2 other girls had to take a cab to the next casting.
It was me, a Brazilian girl and another girl from Hungary who is drop dead gorgeous. The Brazilian and I started chatting because the girl from Hungary doesn't speak English very well. Apparently the Brazilian has been away from home modeling for 4 years. I was stunned. I was thinking I have been in Thailand for a week and I'm already ready to come home. My mind was stirring.
We find a cab and give him our "map". The map sucked and he of course didn't know where to take us.
The convo went like this:
Driver: "Blah blah blah BLAH blah blah something Thai blah blah"
Me "Uhh....Here"
*Pointing at a building on map which I think is where we are going
Driver" "Blah. Blah blah blah."
Me" We go here"
Driver looks confused
Driver "Blah blah"
Me" Jesus... Who's got a phone?"
Brazil "My phone has no credit"
*I look at Hungary. Her head in the clouds as I ask if we can use her phone to call the agency for help. Meanwhile, she is playing with her phone
*Finally she understands. I call the agency
*The phone rings
Phone" Blah blah blah Something Thai, Blah blah blah. Blah blah Something Chinese, blah blah. The number you have dialed is not in service"
I'm getting pissed now.
Finally I make a break through and manage to get in touch with the agency. They are confused as to what
I want. I just want them to tell the driver where to go... Finally, 5 min and 10 baht later, we are on our way.
After 30 min, the driver drops us off on a road that is half closed due to construction. They are putting down a new road and wet cement is everywhere. I see, according to our "map" that we need to go down a short road. So we did and we got totally lost.
We tried asking these men who were fixing the telephone polls to point us in the right direction. But they would either laugh or ignore us as if we were homeless scum. Having no phone and no money left, I felt pretty helpless. We walked some more and passed a women at her stand cooking some pastry thing.
We decide to call the agency again. They think we want to go home and don't understand "lost". I was getting so frustrated. I then asked for our booker who speaks English and even she was confused on what we needed. We then had to hand over the phone to the lady cooking her pastry. Then the phone went to another woman, then another woman on her bike with her son. Finally, she said for us to follow and that we did. But first we needed some food.
The Brazilian very kindly bought me some because I have no more pocket money left. This also had put me in a bad mood because I don't have money to even eat. I have money in my bank, but I am trying to just use the pocket money the agency gives me, which has proven to not be enough.
So we follow this lady who very kindly leads us to the casting. But the stupidest part was that the road to get there was all wet cement. So, 3 models in heels are trying to walk through this construction zone and not get wet cement on ourselves.
Then all the sudden- AHHHHHHHHH!
The Brazilian has fallen in the cement. Luckily she stopped her whole body from falling in with her hand, but her arm was elbow deep in wet cement. Luckily for her, there was a hose nearby and she rinsed off. I was just thinking how ridiculous this all was.
Moving on, we made it to the casting. We then find out that this car magazine totally sucks and is in search of super sexy girls to model with these cars. I may be sexy to some men (;-D) but I know my look and I am not the sexy type to be in a car magazine. So after going through all this crap, and realizing I would not get this job, made me pretty frustrated. Oh and of course, for the casting we had to be in our bra and shorts. Whatever, I hope the photographer enjoyed it.
So then we headed back home and the Brazilian and I got to know each other a bit better. Looks like me and her will be hanging out a bit more. She is 18 and has been modeling abroad for 4 years...
Today's experiences had me thinking a lot. Do I really want to be away from home for such a long time like the Brazilian? Is this what I really want to be doing in my life right now? Getting lost, paying for taxis, not knowing where castings are? Not having enough money to eat? Maybe today was just a bad day. But if it's like this all this week, I'm going to do something drastic.
Our bookers give us "maps" (Which are computer drawn maps that are not drawn to scale, and very basic), for us to present to the Taxi driver. Then we just have to hope that he knows where he's going. So we arrived at the casting place and pay the driver, and we all split the fare. We sign in and I try and find a place to sit, but all the seats have been taken. I try and sit on a chair that is being occupied by a few gallon water tank. I start to read until my butt turns numb and I look for another place to sit. I find a bench upstairs which would make me really anti social if I sat there, but it was either have a numb ass or be antisocial. Antisocial won.
More and more models were coming in and I got to see my competition. There are lots of pretty girls here. And there are the odd few where you're like, you're a model? But hey, models are people too and no one is perfect.
An hour goes by and a shipment of Brazilian men come in. I just love Brazilians. They just seem so happy and always greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. They are so kind to each other and always laughing. And of course they are all gorgeous. I'm talking about boys and girls here. They just rock and I get along with them the best.
So another hour goes by and solitaire on my iPod is getting a bit boring. I even tried reading for an hour, but I was getting pretty restless and my butt fell asleep again.
My number was finally called and I went inside the studio and was greeted by 5 different people so I have no idea who the client was, so I could kindly greet him or her in Thai. My clothes were quickly whipped off and I had new ones put on and next thing I knew I was wearing something like spanky pants. Then I had to do the catwalk, change again, walk again and then "Thank you for coming". So then me and 2 other girls had to take a cab to the next casting.
It was me, a Brazilian girl and another girl from Hungary who is drop dead gorgeous. The Brazilian and I started chatting because the girl from Hungary doesn't speak English very well. Apparently the Brazilian has been away from home modeling for 4 years. I was stunned. I was thinking I have been in Thailand for a week and I'm already ready to come home. My mind was stirring.
We find a cab and give him our "map". The map sucked and he of course didn't know where to take us.
The convo went like this:
Driver: "Blah blah blah BLAH blah blah something Thai blah blah"
Me "Uhh....Here"
*Pointing at a building on map which I think is where we are going
Driver" "Blah. Blah blah blah."
Me" We go here"
Driver looks confused
Driver "Blah blah"
Me" Jesus... Who's got a phone?"
Brazil "My phone has no credit"
*I look at Hungary. Her head in the clouds as I ask if we can use her phone to call the agency for help. Meanwhile, she is playing with her phone
*Finally she understands. I call the agency
*The phone rings
Phone" Blah blah blah Something Thai, Blah blah blah. Blah blah Something Chinese, blah blah. The number you have dialed is not in service"
I'm getting pissed now.
Finally I make a break through and manage to get in touch with the agency. They are confused as to what
I want. I just want them to tell the driver where to go... Finally, 5 min and 10 baht later, we are on our way.
After 30 min, the driver drops us off on a road that is half closed due to construction. They are putting down a new road and wet cement is everywhere. I see, according to our "map" that we need to go down a short road. So we did and we got totally lost.
We tried asking these men who were fixing the telephone polls to point us in the right direction. But they would either laugh or ignore us as if we were homeless scum. Having no phone and no money left, I felt pretty helpless. We walked some more and passed a women at her stand cooking some pastry thing.
 |
| The Edison of Bangkok. I'm glad they don't work in my neighborhood. |
 |
| Lady cooking her pastry thingie. The lady on the right helped us (yay) |
We decide to call the agency again. They think we want to go home and don't understand "lost". I was getting so frustrated. I then asked for our booker who speaks English and even she was confused on what we needed. We then had to hand over the phone to the lady cooking her pastry. Then the phone went to another woman, then another woman on her bike with her son. Finally, she said for us to follow and that we did. But first we needed some food.
The Brazilian very kindly bought me some because I have no more pocket money left. This also had put me in a bad mood because I don't have money to even eat. I have money in my bank, but I am trying to just use the pocket money the agency gives me, which has proven to not be enough.
So we follow this lady who very kindly leads us to the casting. But the stupidest part was that the road to get there was all wet cement. So, 3 models in heels are trying to walk through this construction zone and not get wet cement on ourselves.
Then all the sudden- AHHHHHHHHH!
The Brazilian has fallen in the cement. Luckily she stopped her whole body from falling in with her hand, but her arm was elbow deep in wet cement. Luckily for her, there was a hose nearby and she rinsed off. I was just thinking how ridiculous this all was.
Moving on, we made it to the casting. We then find out that this car magazine totally sucks and is in search of super sexy girls to model with these cars. I may be sexy to some men (;-D) but I know my look and I am not the sexy type to be in a car magazine. So after going through all this crap, and realizing I would not get this job, made me pretty frustrated. Oh and of course, for the casting we had to be in our bra and shorts. Whatever, I hope the photographer enjoyed it.
So then we headed back home and the Brazilian and I got to know each other a bit better. Looks like me and her will be hanging out a bit more. She is 18 and has been modeling abroad for 4 years...
Today's experiences had me thinking a lot. Do I really want to be away from home for such a long time like the Brazilian? Is this what I really want to be doing in my life right now? Getting lost, paying for taxis, not knowing where castings are? Not having enough money to eat? Maybe today was just a bad day. But if it's like this all this week, I'm going to do something drastic.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tranquility
I just have to see this time as my vacation I guess. Because I am not doing much here in Thailand except resting, eating and reading "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell". That and talking to people on Skype, Facebook, Aol, Gmail, and Gtalk. It's incredible how well I can keep in contact with everyone because of this thing called technology. It's pretty awesome.
I have discovered today that I am not used to walking a lot because my calves are killing me. Just going up and down our stairs is like razors on my muscles. Not a great feeling.
My roommate went on an adventure to find a park and I stayed behind and had time to myself. I loved it. I sat outside in the shade and just relaxed. I listened to the birds and watched our maid pick mangoes with a 25ft piece of bamboo stick. She then gave me a mango :) As I was sitting outside alone, I all the sudden heard this heavy panting and saw a Beagle run right up to me. He was so cute. But once he saw I had no food, he quickly buggered off and sniffed every part of the yard in hopes there would be something for him to eat. I then heard crunching leaves out on the grass, which I thought was the maid. But I then found that it was a second dog. I had heard there was a Beagle on premises, but I didn't know there was a second dog. And apparently there is a cat too somewhere. I don't actually know who they belong to. But the dogs seem to love the maid...
Check out this video. You can also see the shrine we have. It's really pretty.
I have discovered today that I am not used to walking a lot because my calves are killing me. Just going up and down our stairs is like razors on my muscles. Not a great feeling.
My roommate went on an adventure to find a park and I stayed behind and had time to myself. I loved it. I sat outside in the shade and just relaxed. I listened to the birds and watched our maid pick mangoes with a 25ft piece of bamboo stick. She then gave me a mango :) As I was sitting outside alone, I all the sudden heard this heavy panting and saw a Beagle run right up to me. He was so cute. But once he saw I had no food, he quickly buggered off and sniffed every part of the yard in hopes there would be something for him to eat. I then heard crunching leaves out on the grass, which I thought was the maid. But I then found that it was a second dog. I had heard there was a Beagle on premises, but I didn't know there was a second dog. And apparently there is a cat too somewhere. I don't actually know who they belong to. But the dogs seem to love the maid...
Check out this video. You can also see the shrine we have. It's really pretty.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Food and Shopping
So I have been in Thailand for 5 days now and I have not yet had Thai food until today. But I will get to that in a minute.
Being jet lagged has made going out during the day difficult. Trying to get over a 14 hour time difference is not that easy. But I think I am getting over it at a proper pace. So even though I really wanted to lay in my bed and nap, I went out with my roommate and our booker, Nicky, to the whole sale market. After passing the Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari and Bentley dealerships (I guess I live in a nice area) we entered a more dense part of the city. We were dropped off by a temple and Nicky led us to the market. But getting there was quite an adventure.
First of all, I guess my brain decided to turn off as I was walking down the stairs because I collapsed (for no reason) and fell down the stairs. I didn't really care at first until I saw this white man look at me like "idiot". It did not feel great and now I am in desperate need of a pedicure.
Then Nicky leads us through, lets call it "The Back Way" to this mall. Nicky spoke to these two cooks and next thing I know we are being lead through a kitchen which is actually an ally that smelt like crap. The Thai people were looking at Gabbi and I like we should not be in these neck of the woods. They were all preparing food that did not look like they were prepared in sanitary conditions and there were stray cats everywhere. I have never seen so many stray cats and dogs in my life until Bangkok.
Okay so imagine this: You are walking in flip flops through a small ally market that has blue and green tarp over the walkway for shade. To your left is a fence of steal, to your right, Thai people and their stands of food and other cheapy products like old shampoo. The smell makes your nostrils flare and the pathway is very uneven. Cats are watching you as you walk by, others are scratching their fleas on you. You reach a "courtyard" with make shift chairs and tables, some look like they were stolen from a Mc Donalds patio.
Then you pass through the steal fence on the left and enter a wide field of gravel. It's a construction site surrounded by slum apartments who all have their laundry hanging outside. Workers in their bulldozers stare at you like you're an alien as you reach a river canal and have to figure out how to cross it. You spot a bridge and see two women crossing it. But you can't get there because there is debris everywhere. You then find you must cross through the debris that consists of wood, metal, cloth, rocks and God knows what. You cross over the debris while keeping in mind you have not had your TB booster so don't cut your damn foot.
Okay, you've reached the bridge. So you think it's all good until some 8 yr old comes whizzing along on the bridge on a motor scooter and almost runs you off the bridge. He passes and you reach another ally market that doesn't smell quite as bad. It's hot, but then you pass a stand that is selling huge blocks of ice. You feel the cool as you pass by it. You reach a road where then you find that cars do not stop for pedestrians. But being a model has it's perks. The drivers want you to pass in front of them so they can watch you. Thank you fellas... So you cross safely and reach this wholesale market. You have reached a building with 6 floors of cheap clothes...
Okay, had fun being in my shoes? ok so here is the thing about shopping. You gotta eat first otherwise you will be grumpy. So Nicky took us to this coffee shop where I finally had a full meal. I ordered some pork dish with rice that tasted great and had some coconut cream desert with it. Yum :)
Okay so then we went shopping blah blah blah. Bought a shirt, whoopie. But honestly, I have found WAY better deals in LA. I am really not impressed with the pricing out here. People say it's cheap. And yes, some things are. But when i shop at the grocery store and at this market today, I get better deals at Vons and Burlington Coat Factory (And they don't sell fake designer things, maybe mocks, but not "same sames")
I did venture with Gabbi to a fruit stand down the road and bought pre-cut pinapple, green mango, and watermelon for less than a dollar. So yes, that is cheap. Although, I hope the guy had clean hands and didn't sneeze on the fruit.
My next subject is models and food. I have noticed that models I have lived with eat like crap. They either don't eat, eat out all the time, or eat candy. Seriously. They smoke, drink, and eat candy. Trust me, you stay skinny when you do this, but I feel like your personality really suffers. The kitchen is usually empty and I am seriously tempted to just cook myself a feast one day. And I think I will.... I gotta put those pots and pans to use!
Well, after my long day, Nicky then bought me two dresses which was very kind of her. (yay)
Being jet lagged has made going out during the day difficult. Trying to get over a 14 hour time difference is not that easy. But I think I am getting over it at a proper pace. So even though I really wanted to lay in my bed and nap, I went out with my roommate and our booker, Nicky, to the whole sale market. After passing the Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari and Bentley dealerships (I guess I live in a nice area) we entered a more dense part of the city. We were dropped off by a temple and Nicky led us to the market. But getting there was quite an adventure.
First of all, I guess my brain decided to turn off as I was walking down the stairs because I collapsed (for no reason) and fell down the stairs. I didn't really care at first until I saw this white man look at me like "idiot". It did not feel great and now I am in desperate need of a pedicure.
Then Nicky leads us through, lets call it "The Back Way" to this mall. Nicky spoke to these two cooks and next thing I know we are being lead through a kitchen which is actually an ally that smelt like crap. The Thai people were looking at Gabbi and I like we should not be in these neck of the woods. They were all preparing food that did not look like they were prepared in sanitary conditions and there were stray cats everywhere. I have never seen so many stray cats and dogs in my life until Bangkok.
Okay so imagine this: You are walking in flip flops through a small ally market that has blue and green tarp over the walkway for shade. To your left is a fence of steal, to your right, Thai people and their stands of food and other cheapy products like old shampoo. The smell makes your nostrils flare and the pathway is very uneven. Cats are watching you as you walk by, others are scratching their fleas on you. You reach a "courtyard" with make shift chairs and tables, some look like they were stolen from a Mc Donalds patio.
Then you pass through the steal fence on the left and enter a wide field of gravel. It's a construction site surrounded by slum apartments who all have their laundry hanging outside. Workers in their bulldozers stare at you like you're an alien as you reach a river canal and have to figure out how to cross it. You spot a bridge and see two women crossing it. But you can't get there because there is debris everywhere. You then find you must cross through the debris that consists of wood, metal, cloth, rocks and God knows what. You cross over the debris while keeping in mind you have not had your TB booster so don't cut your damn foot.
Okay, you've reached the bridge. So you think it's all good until some 8 yr old comes whizzing along on the bridge on a motor scooter and almost runs you off the bridge. He passes and you reach another ally market that doesn't smell quite as bad. It's hot, but then you pass a stand that is selling huge blocks of ice. You feel the cool as you pass by it. You reach a road where then you find that cars do not stop for pedestrians. But being a model has it's perks. The drivers want you to pass in front of them so they can watch you. Thank you fellas... So you cross safely and reach this wholesale market. You have reached a building with 6 floors of cheap clothes...
Okay, had fun being in my shoes? ok so here is the thing about shopping. You gotta eat first otherwise you will be grumpy. So Nicky took us to this coffee shop where I finally had a full meal. I ordered some pork dish with rice that tasted great and had some coconut cream desert with it. Yum :)
Okay so then we went shopping blah blah blah. Bought a shirt, whoopie. But honestly, I have found WAY better deals in LA. I am really not impressed with the pricing out here. People say it's cheap. And yes, some things are. But when i shop at the grocery store and at this market today, I get better deals at Vons and Burlington Coat Factory (And they don't sell fake designer things, maybe mocks, but not "same sames")
 |
| Vulgar! |
I did venture with Gabbi to a fruit stand down the road and bought pre-cut pinapple, green mango, and watermelon for less than a dollar. So yes, that is cheap. Although, I hope the guy had clean hands and didn't sneeze on the fruit.
 |
| Gabbi buying fruits |
My next subject is models and food. I have noticed that models I have lived with eat like crap. They either don't eat, eat out all the time, or eat candy. Seriously. They smoke, drink, and eat candy. Trust me, you stay skinny when you do this, but I feel like your personality really suffers. The kitchen is usually empty and I am seriously tempted to just cook myself a feast one day. And I think I will.... I gotta put those pots and pans to use!
Well, after my long day, Nicky then bought me two dresses which was very kind of her. (yay)
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| I think this is telling the traffic... |
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| The Expensive Mall |
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I have arrived in Thailand
So after being on a plane for 17 1/2 hours, and listening to the Owl City CD 80 times(Which totally rocks btw), I have finally arrived in Bangkok, Thailand. I had a layover in Hong Kong and I was able to find a Starbucks and treat myself to a creamy cheese cake (yum!) And text/call some people that I already missed back home. Then I was off on a plane again for 2.5 hours to BK.
I was really nervous at customs in Thailand because I did not have a Visa, but apparently, I am in the clear for 30 days as an American (go usa!).
Last time in China, no one was there to pick me up from the airport for almost 2 hours. That was seriously the GREATEST feeling in the world. But this time, there was a girl who had my comp card and picked me out of the crowd. I was so relieved that she was there.
Okay, Thailand is really cool. First of all, it's clean. I did not see litter anywhere. Also, everyone has new cars. I didn't see one clonker on the road. People still drive crazy, but it is still in an organized manner.
The owner of my agency then called the girl who picked me up and informed me that I had two castings that day. I was like... uh... 17 1/2 hour flight.. Um hello?? But I sucked it up and decided I shouldn't sleep like I wanted to. I need to get over my jet lag, and sleeping in mid afternoon BK time would not help me.
I arrived at the house which is also where the agency is located. It's a pretty nice place. There are 5 bedrooms each with at least 2 girls in a room. So there are a lot of us. The estrogen level is pretty high here. I actually still don't know how many people live here haha. I'm sure I'll find out one day soon.We keep all our doors closed because of mosquitoes, so I haven't actually met everyone yet.
But there are a lot of rules here. It's kind of crazy, but I feel they are necessary to keep this place in good shape. There is no smoking inside which is the best rule they have, and no shoes upstairs. This place has really pretty wood flooring. So, compared to what other models have told me about living in Milan and Paris and such, this is heaven for sure. My bed is comfy and I have A/C too.
I do share a room with a really nice Polish girl. Our beds are squished together so it's like we sleep in the same bed, but it worked out ok last night so I am not complaining about it.
We also have a maid who cleans everything, and who even does our laundry! Cool right?? She cleans the dishes too. The owner has now hired a security guard to guard to house at night. So we are also pretty safe here.
I did my two castings and got to see the rest of the models in the area. Needless to say, everyone is pretty attractive and there are more English speakers this time.
The Thai people are really nice and don't stare at you like you are an alien, which I appreciate.
The supermarket is also pretty nice and has stuff from all over the world so it looks like I will be able to eat the same things I did at home. Of course, while I am out here I need to try some traditional Thai food.
Well, this is just the beginning of my 3 month contract in Thailand...
My agency website
I was really nervous at customs in Thailand because I did not have a Visa, but apparently, I am in the clear for 30 days as an American (go usa!).
Last time in China, no one was there to pick me up from the airport for almost 2 hours. That was seriously the GREATEST feeling in the world. But this time, there was a girl who had my comp card and picked me out of the crowd. I was so relieved that she was there.
Okay, Thailand is really cool. First of all, it's clean. I did not see litter anywhere. Also, everyone has new cars. I didn't see one clonker on the road. People still drive crazy, but it is still in an organized manner.
 |
| Cambodia |
 |
| Bangkok |
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| Hong Kong Airport and it's tropical mountains. |
The owner of my agency then called the girl who picked me up and informed me that I had two castings that day. I was like... uh... 17 1/2 hour flight.. Um hello?? But I sucked it up and decided I shouldn't sleep like I wanted to. I need to get over my jet lag, and sleeping in mid afternoon BK time would not help me.
I arrived at the house which is also where the agency is located. It's a pretty nice place. There are 5 bedrooms each with at least 2 girls in a room. So there are a lot of us. The estrogen level is pretty high here. I actually still don't know how many people live here haha. I'm sure I'll find out one day soon.We keep all our doors closed because of mosquitoes, so I haven't actually met everyone yet.
But there are a lot of rules here. It's kind of crazy, but I feel they are necessary to keep this place in good shape. There is no smoking inside which is the best rule they have, and no shoes upstairs. This place has really pretty wood flooring. So, compared to what other models have told me about living in Milan and Paris and such, this is heaven for sure. My bed is comfy and I have A/C too.
I do share a room with a really nice Polish girl. Our beds are squished together so it's like we sleep in the same bed, but it worked out ok last night so I am not complaining about it.
We also have a maid who cleans everything, and who even does our laundry! Cool right?? She cleans the dishes too. The owner has now hired a security guard to guard to house at night. So we are also pretty safe here.
I did my two castings and got to see the rest of the models in the area. Needless to say, everyone is pretty attractive and there are more English speakers this time.
The Thai people are really nice and don't stare at you like you are an alien, which I appreciate.
The supermarket is also pretty nice and has stuff from all over the world so it looks like I will be able to eat the same things I did at home. Of course, while I am out here I need to try some traditional Thai food.
Well, this is just the beginning of my 3 month contract in Thailand...
My agency website
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| My comp card |
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