Fast food friend
(Ronald McDonald performing the ‘wai’ greeting: Service Station, Thailand)
Ronald is one of at least two international mascots I have noticed in this exact pose, Bibendum, the Mitchelin was spotted in Bangkok, exactly like this. Everywhere in Thailand, people perform this traditional greeting called the ‘wai’. It is usually younger people greeting elders, or any person in the service industry to a customer. So in shops, hotels, massage parlours, always we were welcomed in the same way, with a bow and the hands being pressed together. It is quite strange at first and took some getting used to, but I found it an interesting phenomena and quite lovely as a respectful yet irrepressibly smiley gesture. It was strange to see old Ronald and Bibendum having a go too, though I suppose it makes sense for international brands to appear local, but it felt a little strange to see these mascots using such respectful, personal body language
The very latest news is that I am sick now – Ying has passed his noxious flu-like illness onto me, but no big surprise there. I didn’t get any picture apples, but he did buy me some juice yesterday. I’m too dedicated to this journal to miss a day. Now back to bed…
Poor you. Get well soon!!