We're not perverts I swear

12/30/08

Walked to the U.S. embassy to register and check on any new travel advisories for our trip to the troubled southern Thailand border. At the entrance, like most U.S. government buildings, was a security checkpoint. Two security guards helped us unload restricted items, such as, cell phones, cameras, and any other suspicious object. Eddy and I each own a high-tech water filter that emits UV rays from a cylindrical cathode light tube, destroying all harmful bacteria. Its round, wand shape resembles a miniature Star Wars light saber, and is about the length and size of a candle. Its public use generally draws skeptical curiosity, but it's highly efficient, and as living proof I can tell you it works and is a must have for any serious backpacker. It is called the Steripen.

The confused security guards were suspicious and confiscated them along with our phones and cameras. They gave us in exchange a numbered pick-up slip for later. We then proceeded inside to take care of our business.

A half our later we returned to claim our belongings. The chuckling guards gathered around us as we pulled the Steripens out. With great curiosity and interest they asked, in broken English, what this futuristic device was for. We held up our water bottles and gave them a demonstration. Laughing, they acted out what they had thought it was used for. One guard bent over and the other pantomimed with a probing fist, thrusting in and out like he had a dildo in his hand. We all had a great laugh together before we left.

In a society where ladyboys, hookers, and every form of sexual perversion is not only tolerated, but accepted as commonplace, we can only wonder what image they had in their heads as they bet on the Steripen's function.