Chapter 20 and 21, pp. 207-223 Summary and Analysis

Chap. 20- The author flies to Bangkok, Thailand and then takes a train north to Nong Khai, then crosses the river to Vientiane, Laos. The bars and brothels in Vientiane are known for their sexual offerings. The women who serve beer in bars are often naked and will have sex with foreign men on the spot. The author returns to Nong Khai Station and takes the train going south all the way to Singapore. The author loves the wooden sleeper cars, with their wide berths and Thai style shower jars in the bathroom, which he relates to the Thai national character. The author meets an American salesman, who tells of being at the White Rose bar in Vientiane and being solicited by a woman who is dressed. The man goes upstairs with her, and the...