Spot

Martin gets the credit for finding my regular spot in Bangkok. I met him at the bar through a then mutual friend who thought we had enough in common to make the unprovoked introduction. He pre-dates my arrival by years. Whereas I first landed after the world had been recovering from what’s often referred to as the Asian Financial Crisis, Martin first arrived there in its midst and, to no surprise, hasn’t left, which is hard for me to comprehend. But to each his own.

With regard to my comment about the Asian Financial Crisis, it’s important to understand perspective. For example, while we refer to the war that was fought in Vietnam between the north Vietnamese, south Vietnamese, and their allies, respectively, as the Vietnam War, Vietnamese people call it the American War. You can call something whatever you want, but it’s important to understand your audience. Both names are correct, but a statement won’t hold weight if it’s not understood. Now, I don’t know if local Asians have a different name for the Asian Financial Crisis. It wouldn’t surprise me though. Also, if someone says something that you know is not correct (pronunciation included), please don’t fix the mistake UNLESS asked. It’s definitely not polite coming from a westerner, especially if you’re physically in that individual’s country. Not that I fully agree with it but, take it from me, that’s just how it is.

Getting back to the topic, Martin and I would meet up at the bar, or elsewhere on the soi, a few nights per week, minimum, for years. Grey Goose was his favorite spirit. From the first time I met him, he’d always have a bottle on-hand, which several bars would gladly store behind the counter on-the-house. They also didn’t charge him any cork fees. I wasn’t much into Vodka Red Bull but drank it for some time in the spirit of friendship. I’d pick up a bottle of Grey Goose at a duty-free shop about every other week from the get-go. He shared his stash with me from then on out.

So, Martin had sent me a message, more than once, to meet him on the second floor. I wouldn’t have bothered to walk upstairs back then. While Bangkok – Southeast Asia in general – was becoming more familiar, I was still a shell of my-current-self.

Turns out he preferred the first floor. His spot was on the upper row of seats right beside the DJ. That’s where we met. He liked the vibe. He liked its visibility. And its proximity to the DJ to make song requests. I liked to be in the background. It gave me time to think.