Random thoughts...

So I'm back to 'filler notes' - funny/interesting things about Thailand to keep you entertained:

*I just recently participated in a 'Run for Relief' - a fundraiser for Burmese Villagers started by a local org that works in and around the Burma border. It is a great cause. it's motto is: "for a million villagers, running is not a choice", makes you think.... But, before you congratulate me, i only jogged the first part of the 3 mile run, and walked the rest. I am officially an old woman - my herniated disc was acting up, what can i say! sucks!! i must prepare my back, though, our next staff retreat is an overnight hiking trip! But i was happy to be a part of a great fundraiser.

*I decided to cure the lonliness of not having a roommate (you know i have had them my whole life!) by getting a fish! :) I haven't had one since i was young...the story of a little goldfish that could - he was a good goldfish. i named him Mick (after Mick Dundee from the exciting and hilarious movie 'Crocidile Dundee' starring Paul Hogan - but i digress)...well, he was a good friend, Mick, but he died after only a week, and i vowed i would never have one again. who wants to go through that kind of pain - not me! But after sharing a room with Sally for the past 3 months, i got used to someone being around and thought a fish would be a nice addition to my room. So, at the local market they sell all kinds of fish - big fish, little fish, long fish, spotted fish - you get the drift. So i picked out a sparkly small yellow one (25 cents!) and the guy threw another one in for FREE - whoohoo! Now "Sallieeee" (long version for 'Sally'!) had a friend - "Jenjira"! :) So i was so excited to have a pet - i got a little glass container, rocks, food, etc and loved and cared for them like they were my own children! For a whole DAY i did that...then they died! :( what the heck??? One that night, one the next morning (i'm guessing from a broken heart). how depressing! :( that's it - i hate fish and will NEVER do that again! That's why i don't have plants either.

*I have experienced KAREOKE in Thailand - and it certainly won't be the last time! :) i've actually done it 4 times so far, 3 times at this kareoke sing along place with THEME rooms (safari, cemetary, school bus - hysterical! *way better than Do-Re-Mi in boston!), and once in a Mall! Glass walls for spectators to see! very funny. although since i just couldn't keep my big mouth shut, now word is spreading and people want me to just break into song on a dime!? thailand is NOT so different than home! :) hahaha. but the sentiment is sweet and i love adoring fans.

*It is customary for people that receive a gift to NOT open it in front of the person. It is said that they open it alone in case they don't like the gift! :) hahaha. It has also been said that they don't open it in front of others so it doesn't look like they are showing it off. I don't know - but it's sort of nice because there is no pressure, but bad when you are excited about what you gave and want to see their reaction!

*There are many 'Katoeys' here ("lady boys", or transvestites/transexuals). They are everywhere it seems - i can't really tell them apart sometimes!? It's actually pretty sad...they are very confused, and oddly accepted in society and not accepted, at the same time...? it has been said that boys in thailand are naturally more feminine than in other cultures because, some say, they are usually raised by their mothers and have her as a role model, and therefore are more sensitive and 'girlie'...? (thai women are the bread winners and caretakers of the family - no matter what age, unfortunately). **On a funny note, I have to say, they are good at foot massages, as i found out - my friend laughed out loud when i said "she is so strong!" :) no wonder why. hahaha.

*KFC (kentucky fried chicken) has sinks in the resturant! i love it! very useful.

*Pizza hut and Pizza Company like to use thousand island dressing on their pizzas, as well as giving Ketchup as a condiment!? Thai's love ketchup on their pizza!

*I am also 'becoming Thai' - taking 2 showers a day, because of the oppressive heat (100 degrees or so) and filthy streets to walk on.

*It is common knowledge that Thai men in particular keep their pinkie fingernails longer than the rest so they can more easily pick their noses!!?? NO LIE! Gross!

*I thought it may be easier to call 711 convienence store "jet sip et", thai words for the numbers 7 and 11 - but they don't get it! :) they know it as '711'. hahaha.

*I've noticed Thai people wear shoes that are either too big or too small for them...this troubles me for some reason. Maybe that is because i can't find my shoe size either..?! *but i did find MY store!!

*If you are a foreigner - it is very easy to get in and out of places without trouble. Like, a lot of places are gated off with security monitoring (condo complexes, shopping malls, border crossings, etc) and if you are farang, you can most of the time just wave and they let you in.... if you're Thai, you get stopped.

*There are TONS of Geckos around here! they are in the woods, streets, on buildings, in buildings. they mostly come out at night and love the light. i have a few little friends in my room too! they make a kind of croking sound, but luckily, harmless! i think they eat the mosquitoes too, i haven't used my mosquito beater in a while. i just pray i don't have a 'big daddy' in there - they are HUGE and run fast!? :(

*I just bought myself flowers (because they are beautiful, cheap, and basically I deserve them!) How can you resist when they are $1.50 for 2 dozen!?

*In Thailand, the months of March and April seem to be the months of restarting the harvest. this means burning everything in sight!? they burn the fields and trees and old crops to get ready for the new crops and season to start. it seems odd, but maybe there is a method to the madness...however, the haze and smell of smoke that lingers around the city is awful! :(

*I found a Thailand Winery! On my way back from a visit in Chiang Rai with a local org, my coworker and i stopped so i could buy my sister some wine (she is a wine conosseiur!). It was beautiful and quiet. the only thing was that it was mango, lychee, and herbal fruit wine! not exactly the 'good' stuff! :) but i got some anyways, it's the thought that counts! and it is autheticly made in thailand - how cool is that?! :)