Making friends with a stranger in Beijing, having an appointment with an Indian friend at an unfamiliar venue and cooking takoyaki with a lovely family in Japan are parts of the travelling book Pra Thed Baan Puen (Neighbourdude Country) written by Nath Suppavatee.
Unlike the recognisable books about his volunteer experiences in Japan and South Korea -- Yu Yee Pun Yang Ma Pa (Living In Japan Like A Wolf) and Kao Lee Tai Tee Non (Under The Bed In South Korea), Neighbourdude Country takes readers to observe his intriguing relationships and activities with international friends.
"My previous books were about my volunteer experiences allowing me to live without pay for my meals and accommodation. I have travelled a lot and made friends with many people in many countries. The latest book, Neighbourdude Country, is about activities that my international friends and I did together in their countries," Nath said.
At the age of 36, most people prefer to stick with their routine rather than trying something different, but Nath hasn't been afraid of changes at all. In the past, the author quit jobs to be a volunteer a couple of times. A few months ago, he left the homeland for Taipei to learn Mandarin as well as looking for possibilities to live in Taiwan.
Neighbourdude Country. Salmon Books
Following his book launch, Life spoke to Nath via Skype about his unusual experiences in Neighbourdude Country, his life in Taipei and his latest Facebook page Taipei Daily.
Is visiting your friends in their countries different from travelling abroad alone?
It's different. When I travel to other countries, I always search for information from the internet and well-known websites such as Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor and go to tourist attractions. But when I visit my international friends in their countries, they take me to where local people go. Likewise, when they come to Thailand, I take them for street food outside the Yaowarat area or Rot Fai Market. They are usually impressed with khao moo daeng (barbecue pork on rice), which they don't see in any reviews.
Francis, from stranger to friend in Beijing. Nath Suppavatee
Why did you decide to meet Francis, a stranger who became your friend in Beijing?
It took me four hours to think about going out to meet him after midnight at a club. I usually meet new friends during daytime in a public place, so I debated with myself a lot whether he was nice or was a swindler, but it was a rare opportunity. I didn't know when I would return to Beijing again and my friend introduced him to me through WeChat. If something bad happened, I could tell my friend about it, so I decided to go.
Taiji, a friend in Japan. Nath Suppavatee
How was the takoyaki (octopus ball snack) you made in Japan with the family of your friend, Yuta?
It was different from other takoyaki because they put anything in the flour, such as cornflakes, kimchi and cheese. It is similar to how Thais make crepes and khanom Tokyo, which we add anything we like. That takoyaki was delectable and it was fun to make. It was the first time I did takoyaki myself.
View from Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. Nath Suppavatee
Have you ever experienced culture shock?
Not really. I travel a lot, but when I was at a house of Indian people I didn't want to do nothing while they were busy, so I entered their kitchen and asked if I could help out. They told me that in India, a kitchen is a place for women only. It is their culture. Men are fed first. At first, I thought they didn't let me in the kitchen because I was a guest, but I later noticed that other Indian guys did nothing while waiting for their meals.
Taipei Daily by Nath Suppavatee. Photo: facebook.com/taipeidailyy
You are now in Taiwan. What do you like about it?
I am happy. I think Bangkok is more modern than Taipei, but Taipei has better management. I worked in Bangkok and faced problems about public transportation and pollution every day. It never changes, so I tried to live elsewhere. When I was in Bangkok, I hated the rain. There was traffic, floods and broken sidewalks. It is always raining in Taipei, but I don't have any problem with it. I realised that I didn't hate rain. I hated an unfriendly city during the rain. In Taipei, there is no traffic or late public transportation. When stepping on a sidewalk, it isn't cracked causing water to pop up like in Bangkok.
View from Calton hill in Scotland Nath Suppavatee
Why did you decide to create Taipei Daily?
I usually share what happens in my daily life on Facebook to remind myself about it, but I was afraid that writing about my daily activity in Taiwan may bother other friends on my personal Facebook page. Then, I decided to open Taipei Daily, which is a journal to record what I'm doing. When I leave Taiwan, I will close the page.
Nath Suppavatee, the author of Neighbordue Country Nath Suppavatee
What was it like to live in Taiwan during the coronavirus outbreak?
The Taiwanese government had a sharp approach to handle the pandemic until we felt trust in them. During Tomb Sweeping Day, the Central Epidemic Command Center sent text messages urging people to social distance and advising what to do if they wanted to travel during the period.
On the subway, if you don't wear a mask, you can't board. On a train, if you take your mask off, you will be fined. If you feel sick and go out and get caught, you will be fined too. The law is very strict. Now, I attend online classes because the university found a student was infected with Covid-19. The university was closed. The classmates and instructors who attended the same class as the patient had to have self-quarantine for 14 days.
Have they provided any services to foreigners in this situation?
I don't receive welfare like citizens, but the government is concerned about us too. To purchase masks, you must have a National Health Insurance card. I can't have this kind of card due to my visa, but they give free three masks per week for us.
Making takoyaki with a Japanese family. Nath Suppavatee
What did you gain from travelling?
Travelling and learning are two things that I can do as much as I like. Many people asked me why I quit my job at this age to study a language. For me, whatever I learn, it will be with me forever. It is worthwhile. Travelling is an experience that you can't gain from school. Travelling allows me to learn about myself and where I visited. I learn what I like or don't like and what I can or can't stand. I learned how to adjust into various cultures and societies. Reading books and surfing websites can't compare to our first-hand experience.
