From Ireland - The Ugly American - From Tipperary to Santiago

[Kevin Considine]

THE UGLY AMERICAN:

Yupha, a Thai espat, is the owner of the Enchanted Kitchen, a wonderful French Thai restaurant in Mullinavat, Kilkenny. I stayed in their upstairs upstairs B&B last night so they let me have my afternoon tea in the comfortable waiting area of the restaurant 1 hour before it opens. So I ask for some milk which they bring in a pouring cup. A short time later I see a glass of milk and egg roll appetizer on the bar. I’m thinking how hospitable as I eat the egg roll, which was delicious by the way, and thoughtfully return the milk back to their kitchen staff as it was unneeded as I already had some. Twenty minutes later I see the glass of milk back on the bar and another order of appetizer. Being a frequent traveler to Thailand I should know that they often put out food for gods and ancestors. I was so embarrassed as once again I am the “Ugly American”. But we had a good laugh over it. Fortunately, The God in the photo is Mother Nature who has a great sense of humor. And the Thai and Irish people as well.
Yupha, with Mother Nature and her milk and spring roll offering after my blunder. Their restaurant is an unexpected gem off the beaten track in Mullinavat, Kilkenny.

 

[Anamya]

Mother Nature must have laughed a lot! But I'm sure she was fine sharing food with a hungry pilgrim

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I am the “Ugly American”

Just a reminder that the ugly American was the good guy who lived with the natives and worked for their welfare against the U.S. government interests represented by the CIA.

 

[RJM]

I have been to Thailand a few times, and to America as well. I have seen my share if spirit houses and offerings of course. It never occurred to me to help myself to that food and drink.
I have met a lot of Americans when in the military, working and traveling overseas. I never saw them act any uglier than citizens of other countries, and I worked and had contact with citizens of several countries. That incident sounds to me not to be country of origin specific, but instead what Americans I knew would refer to it being a "brain fart".

 

[Kevin Considine]

“The Ugly American” was just a title to my post and taken from a wonderful book of that name by Eugene Burdick. I was simply making light of the situation. . Fortunately, with a sincere apology everyone involved saw the humor in it and we ended up having a pleasant and fun evening. I like to not take myself and life too seriously,