THAILAND: LAND OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
It is seven in the evening and Bangkok's infamous Nana Plaza is coming to life.  Neon signs are flickering on;  flowers sellers and peanut sellers and garland sellers are already making their rounds; vans briefly block the narrow passageway into Nana to make last-minute deliveries of ice and soft drinks; sounds of music, laughter and motorcycle engines pierce the humid air; wispy curls of incense smoke rise above shrines dedicated to Brahma, Buddha, locals gods and various animist spirits.  Dancers are enjoying last minute chili-flavored snacks or are already inside the go-go bars putting on their makeup.  Men in short-sleeve shirts are laughing and drinking with the women working the beer bars, and killing time before the go-go action begins.  Uninhibited eroticism permeates an evening air already so full of sensual promise that the Marquis de Sade himself might feel the need to run for cover.