I had the wherewithal to take a deck of UNO cards with me to Thailand in 2016 which served as an amazing connection tool I would use to interact with people when the opportunity presented itself which turned out to be whenever and wherever I might find myself. This was a big hit particularly with young people. However, I mostly played on a daily basis with fellow teacher Nick T. who like me loved playing no matter where we were, day or night, sickness or in good health. Nick, a very handsome, well built, superman looking guy from Washington D. C. was one of my closest friends in Mueang Loei, Thailand who conveniently lived right next door to me in our serviced apartments in the middle of town. I spent much of my free time with him for my daily meals and whatnot. Nick was one of a hand full of foreign English teachers in a group who would regularly meet up for beers at Mike’s Ice Cream Shop ( selling craft beer was illegal at the time ) after a long, hot day of teaching to commiserate about the days goings on at our respective schools and any other Thailand related news of the day that did or did not directly affect us. Impromptu games of UNO were a fun way of letting go of the day.
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UNO also came in quite handy as a connection tool for both he and I in a variety of ways which included creating ease and comfort just before seducing my first Thai girlfriend who had never before been with another man other than her former husband and father of her nine year old son. This seemingly innocent tactic caught on like wildfire for Nick as he became privy to my smooth strategy and purchased his own deck(s) of UNO cards finding similar successes with the Thai ladies he sought after. Not that he needed such a crutch. In the end, I probably should not have allowed myself to physically engage with the young woman who would soon become my girlfriend and eventually seek money from me. I also made the error of going to meet her family only to find out that this was a traditional precursor to marriage. I freaked out at the thought of that although I was willing to go through with it. Due to my fear, we ended up having a rather ugly break up that I feel bad about. However, I did dodge that bullet thankfully. Later, I did manage to meet someone else shortly thereafter who was better suited for me. Unfortunately, it was too difficult to maintain the relationship after I return home t the states. Live and learn. UNO anyone?