From Thailand

I was in the deep south of Thailand-- where tourists no longer dare to go because of the sectarian skirmishes that have taken place there. I met this elderly woman, a very gentle woman, who invited me to sit a spell with her. I did.

Using our hands, we told each other our ages. Using her hands, she told me she liked my hair, my skin, that she thought I was beautiful. I did the best to tell her the same.