The Svelte Thai Women And The Won Sigh Foreigner
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
The Svelte Thai Women and the “Won Sigh” Foreigner
A Memorable Thai Experience
Word Count: 1019
Summary:
When I first arrived in Thailand, I was immediately struck by the grace and grooming of the Thai women?"they were absolutely svelte. I felt like Gulliver among the Lilliputians.
As a new expat eager to explore, I was thrilled to visit iconic sites like the Reclining Buddha and gold-encrusted temples. Yet, my first mission was shopping. Facing sweltering heat and humidity, an air-conditioned mall seemed perfect. I hoped to find a cute sundress to make my 38DD bust and 30-inch waist look svelte.
Supporting the local economy was essential, so I took advice from my hotel’s concierge: “Try Robinson’s Department Store in downtown Bangkok. Very nice clothes for you, Ma’am.”
The Shopping Adventure
Robinson’s, right here in Bangkok? After a hot tuk-tuk ride, I arrived ready to splurge. But as I entered the Women’s Department, I paused. These clothes were tiny?"more suited for teens. Who wears a size 2? Was I in a Barbie and Ken world?
Approaching me was a young woman who looked like a teenager but turned out to be the salesgirl. “Good morning!” she greeted.
“Oh,” I stammered, surprising myself. She was petite but clearly in her 20s. “Uh, is there a Women’s Department in this store?”
“Yes,” she smiled expectantly.
“Oh. Can you show me?”
“Mai kow jai ka.”
Confused, I handed her my Thai-to-English book. She pointed to a phrase, conveying she didn’t understand.
“Okay. Sorry.” I pointed to my body, tugging at my dress’s waist. “Clothes. For me.”
“Yes,” she smiled, looking at her feet. “Please follow me.”
She led me to an area where other well-fed tourists were browsing. I whispered to a fellow shopper, “Is it because we’re foreigners?”
With a sarcastic smile, she replied, “Yeah, honey, because we’re larger-than-life foreigners!” Her laughter echoed.
I glanced around and realized everyone here was beyond the typical size two proportions.
Cultural Observations
I was bewildered by these svelte women and suspected their secret was bulimia. But as I explored Bangkok, I noticed that neatness was a cultural norm. Department stores were pristine; clothes perfectly folded and arranged with precision, unlike the streets filled with litter.
For larger sizes, imports were outrageously priced, yet Thai clothes were cheap and stylish?"if you were under five feet tall and weighed less than 90 pounds. Determined, I decided I would diet to achieve a svelte figure before leaving Thailand.
Shopping was an eye-opener; salespeople were attentive, offering Thai greetings and assistance. Returning to the States without such service would be tough.
The “Won Sigh” Revelation
After months in Thailand, I discovered the secret behind clothing segregation. Salespeople skillfully guided larger customers to the “Won Sigh” section?"where loose, baggy outfits claimed to fit all. It was a kind way of acknowledging our size without offense.
Conclusion
As I left Robinson’s wearing my new muumuu, I caught my reflection?"I looked like Hilo Hattie in sandals.
Excerpted from "A Broad Abroad in Thailand" by Dodie Cross, with permission.
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