This was a frank and unusual piece, but I'm a little surprised that you went that far into your backpacking trip without considering the cultural differences- such as ladyboys being far more common and accepted. Of course he wasn't going to be ashamed when you discovered his membership card to the boys' club.

punter

WOW! Worst writing ever! It's like the kind of essay you'd hand in for school or something. Pretty damn awful.

Bah. You should have 'fucked her in ass.'

Not original or well written.

I liked it - I smiled and grimaced during certain sections and thought the writing was clever.

Yeah, I don't know what's up with all the criticism on this site. I liked it.

Who edited this? Muay Thai is the martial art, not Maui Thai- that sounds like a take-out joint in Lahaina

One thing I learned in Thailand... any Thai woman with a rack is most likely a ladyboy.

I don't understand the nitpicking about the writing either. Are you looking for D.H. Lawrence? Not a story I would ever have written under my own name and photo, but it sheds some light on what is probably a very common experience for solo men in Thailand.

Yes, very surprised to see all the literary critics. May or may not be the most sophisticating writing I've ever seen, but certainly better than I could do. Regardless, I found it brave, honest and sincere.

I really liked this. I have been to Thailand, and heard about the 'ladyboys' while I was there. As a woman, it was interesting to hear about a part of Thailand that went right over my head.

Wow, apparently the writer isn't concerned about HIV AT ALL.

awesome piece, and excellently written. definitely merits a "thank you for sharing." also highly relatable for those of us who have been there.......

what a thoughtful story. i've traveled on my own a lot, and though i've never been to thailand, i can really relate to the sense of loneliness and longing you sometimes experience. especially if everyone around you is partying/with someone. very honest!

Yeah, critics.... go easy will ya? I liked it as a good short piece emphasizing the feelings of the scene, not the logistics. I liked the "heads up" to the untraveled that traveling alone is often a lonely experience.

Very frank and introspective. Interesting read, for sure.

I thought it was refreshingly honest and vulnerable writing. And you're far from average-looking.

A charming and sweet piece. The story I mean. Liked it a lot!

The story & writing were fine, My main issue was that you need to respect the identities of those around you, no matter how awkward you may feel. This WOMAN did not turn male (as you referred to her through pronouns) once she came out to you. She is as much a woman as she was before you knew about her transgenderism,

I lived in Thailand for a while and tourists like the writer are insufferable to be around. They make asses of themselves around locals, learn nothing about country or the people, then go home and perpetuate stereotypes about hookers, trannies and partying on Islands. Believe me, Thai people are judging them harshly despite all the smiling that goes on.

Enjoyable and nicely written.