I was getting lost on purpose in Bangkok and I came across this really cool and seemingly hidden Buddhist Monastery. In the corner of it, I found this school where young boys are brought to be trained in the ways of Buddha. These kids were all very surprised to see me, since they don’t see anyone else for most of their schooling – especially white guys with big cameras.

They all ran over to me and that kid with the popsicle was the most engaging, asking me what kind of person I was and what the thing in my hand was. I told him it was a camera, for taking pictures, then asked him to pose so I could show him. He and the other kids hammed it up for a minute then came over to look at the pictures… they were totally fascinated.

I asked him his name, and he said, “Boy”

I further inquired, “What do you mean? You mean your name is ‘Boy’?”

“Yes.”

“And what is his name,” I asked, pointing at the other kid.

“Oh, that is Boy too,” he remarked, as if it was a silly question.

It reminded me a bit of the Marklar deal, and it was all very strange. Then the master-Buddhist Monk came over and asked me to leave because I was disturbing the children.