Gweilo Speaks!
I got an email from my best friend in the whole world Conrad over at (the former) Gweilodiaries. I don't generally publish email contents and won't this time, but here's a synopsis of what he said:
He's fine. He's burned-out on blogging and won't return any time soon. He's busy and let his URL lapse. He learned that someone was trying to uncover his real name and identity, and since his career would suffer if that happened he decided what the hell and just went off the air. (I understand that completely, by the way. I often wonder whether it was wise for me to use my real name. Thankfully, it's an incredibly common name.)
He made no mention of mysterious, vindictive women, so those of you who had that in the "What Happened to Gweilo" betting pool can tear up your tickets in frustration. Ditto those who figured the Chinese government somehow suppressed him. He is, instead, just someone who discovered that blogging was not a forever thing.
I, personally, will miss not only Gweilodiaries but also Conrad's dripping-with-acid scorn, which he directed my way in both comments and emails. Guys like me, we need to be bitch-slapped once in a while. Keeps us honest. Conrad provided that service with patient condescension.
Conrad, feel free to post comments anytime you want. I mean, as if I could even stop you.
Now that we've got all that out of the way, I guess I'm looking for a new Best Friend in the Whole World. The qualifications are: Nasty wit broadly applied, located somewhere overseas, willingness to patiently answer inane emails.
Any takers?
UPDATE: By the way, the results on the Gweilo Poll, as of this minute, are:
- He's Dead -- 12%
- He's Not Dead -- 16%
- He's Laughing at Us -- 72%
Tom, thanks for the email.
Conrad, thanks for nothing, babe. I knew you were getting burned out on blogging. It happens. Don't forget to keep up on those meds (mainly the antibiotics). Take care!
Posted by: michelle | 01/27/2005 at 11:38 AM
Thank you Tom. Thank you Conrad. Thank you Michelle. Gweilo, rest quietly, gain steadily, fly freely.
Posted by: kauaian | 01/27/2005 at 12:54 PM
Tom: thank you for sending me the update.
Conrad: I just want to say thank you for a very entertaining and informative blog. There are many I read routinely that deal with the U.S., Europe, Mid-East, etc. but few that offer insight into Asia. You did that and with a sense of humour.
Thank you and please let everyone know if you plan to return.
Posted by: John B | 01/28/2005 at 06:30 PM
How appropriate, that "Over the Rainbow" was playing (jazz piano) just as I clicked on this link. '>)
Posted by: Born Free | 01/29/2005 at 01:08 PM
Conrad! I will miss girl friday! Simon take up the post!
Posted by: bdg | 01/31/2005 at 01:33 PM
Don't bother bringing the GweiloDiaries back Conrad - it was a festering pile of dogs turd.
Much better to see crap like that flushed down the toilet than stinking the net out.
Posted by: Happy Lad in Wan Chai | 02/01/2005 at 09:53 AM
Nude Asian chicks do up the site visits. Tom? Maybe you should take up Girl Friday. Uh, I wasn't volunteering to be your debut submission though.
Posted by: michelle | 02/01/2005 at 09:17 PM