Decimation is a misunderstood word. Most people think it means a 90% elimination, whereas its actual definition comes from the Roman Legion punishment for mutiny. One in ten men were chosen from the ranks for execution and decimation is what is happening to the ranks of go-go and bar girls this high season.
The Winchester Arms has been enjoying a renaissance in Jomtien. Cars and motor scooters crowd the parking lot. Sean, the manager, confesses to have no idea why the short-time pub is popular with the punters. “Loose girls, cold beer, and free food is a formula for success.”
If you opened a bar with the same formula in Des Moines, Iowa, the traffic off the Interstate would be backed up to the state line.
In both directions.
This Sunday I stopped in the bar on the way to see my mia noi.
The dark bar was packed with geezers eagerly awaiting the buffet like Bowery Bums milling before the soon-to-be opened liquor store. They attacked the food with the hunger of retirement refugees. I’d seen the same hunger at blue-plate special diners in Florida. They all were saving their money to drink but not go with the girls, because there were precious few.
“I’ve lost 17 girls since December 7th.”
“Same on Soi 6.” His friend remarked surveying his plate of ribs. “These guys come out here after years of being ignored by women and after one shirt-time they fall in love.”
“And you can’t blame the girls for leaving the bars.” I saw them flee the bars and go-gos as soon as they got their hooks into a reasonable prospect ie money and love-sick. “It’s not like any of them are really whores in the old sense or these guys sex tourists.”
“I’m losing even the fat girls.” Sean moaned into his beer. “But they’ll be back.”
“Some but not all.” The buses from Isaan were not as full as they were in previous years.
Not that I care.
I’ll wait out high season and then the girls will be calling out, “Hey, sexy.”
Even I can believe that lie if I avoid looking in a mirror so until then it’s back to my beer.
My one true friend.
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