"We goin Sizzlaah...We goin Sizzlaah"!

Our office has been working so hard on cases (and getting lots of positive results!) ...and had a great evaluation of our overall program...that our boss treated us to SIZZLER! It was awesome! I can't remember the last time I ate there - they haven't been around New England for years and years. I even did my 'we goin sizzler' song/dance, from one of my favorite movies "Heavyweights"...one of Ben Stiller's best roles as the fitness guru!! (way before Dodgeball, my friends! It's a must see!) They loved it and we caused a nice big scene in front of the restaurant (NOT just the loud americans!) - good times were had by all! :)

On Sunday, my roommate and coworker did a legal/preventative talk at a local church on the work our org does, and how they can be alert for human slavery.
It was a great way to help educate native people on the evil out there that promises good jobs and great money...at a very costly price. You wouldn't believe how many stories have been told of their own friends at church that have been coerced or deceived into jobs into prostitution or bonded slavery...it's horrible. I hope to be able to do a talk later on about the social work aspect of education and prevention of this type of injustice.

Later, we took a tuk-tuk (motorcycle of sorts, with a roof and a two-seater in the back...) to Tapae Gate for some shopping in the local market (silly farang!) There's a ton of street musicians and local merchandise to buy (very cheap for the most part...except for those that want to haggle the farang!) There are even Monks! There are temple gates, massage stands, and slews of people!

Sally was craving Mexican food and we found a restaurant nearby, in the red light district!
It was interesting going back there...it feels weird to take pictures but here is a simple view of the street. There were lots of farang hovering around the waitresses in nearby bars, like 'Cherry Bar' or "Number 1's" - of course, where we were was a reputable restaurant! It just saddened me to see these girls out there, with painted faces and fake smiles selling their beauty for a bargain. There has to be a better way to reach them?! There are a handful of ministries around, but it still doesn't scratch the surface of the problem here....While we were eating, we were approached by a 'flower girl' and her mother. I don't know if she was just selling flowers or not, but it was late at night and she was only 5 years old, dirty and tired. Of course we couldn't say no and bought 5 flowers and befriended her - she was so sweet and so gentle. Later, she caught up with us and tried to scare us from different hiding spots as we walked! She took a liking to me and seemed to think I was the best to scare! It was still shocking to see her in her ratty shoes running down the busy streets, in late-night crowds of men trying to make money and make friends...innocence and growing up too fast - running by in a flash...that face will be etched in my mind forever.
One last stop - The Rooftop Bar! It's an interesting place - natural feel to it - veggie food menu and bare feet! Nice and relaxing atmosphere. It has an amazing view of the market and sky! The end of an eventful day! :)