Never a Dull Moment

Thailand is always surprising me with new things. Yesterday, I ate the strangest thing - actually I had one for breakfast today as well. One of the parents brought this "thai delicacy" in for the staff. It was a green flavoured? tortilla with sesame seeds, and you fill it with what looks and feels like hair... yes... hair that would be on a person's head.... but it tastes like cotton candy. Anyway, you wrap this hair in this tortilla.... and get a mad sugar rush. Strange... and it actually feels like you are eating hair.

I also witnessed yesterday, something absolutely disgusting... so I thought I would share. As I was riding the motorbike (more on that later) we drove past a man who had pulled over to the side of the road... residential street... to go to the bathroom. I relayed this to some friends later who comforted me by saying that is completely normal and I should just get used to it.

I received very funny looks on my motorbike yesterday - but perhaps that was because I opted to take a motorbike to the hospital and it is an odd way to arrive there. (no - there was no knife through my finger, and no blood... just a regular check up). But honestly, I arrived at the hospital in about 5 minutes and it would have taken at least 30 minutes in a regular taxi, thanks to the motorbike who (mom, dad, don't read this part) weaves in and out of traffic to get where you are going at the fastest possible speed.

We had our staff party last night at a German Beer Brewery. This huge place that basically brings a keg to your table and you just keep going. It was all in good fun. There were great performers on stage - including one from a lovely thai man dressed in drag. Quite hilarious.

So... I'm off this weekend to Koh Samet... I need some beach time before going to chilly Canada. And we have a long weekend! Can't think of a better way to spend it.

Legally Able to Work

So, I have been in Thailand for three months - and working for two. Finally, today, I have a work permit, a visa that will allow me to stay in the country for as long as I like without having to leave and come back (hopefully) and a visa that will allow me back in, if and when I decide to take a trip across the border. I must have signed my name to at least fifty sheets of paper, all trying to proove that I am who I say I am. Thailand, as I have heard, is famous for people forging everything from Passports, to high school diplomas, to work contracts. The people at immigration and the labour board are beyond meticulous. Thank goodness I have never had to go alone - always with a Thai staff member. But alas, it is settled. FINALLY!!!

Today was yellow day at school. The entire school had to dress in yellow - even me. I can't remember the last time, if ever, I wore yellow. This was all in honour of the King, whose birthday is on Wednesday. We had a picture taken in the shape of a heart, indicating that we love the King, and we have a book of messages for him, basically saying, Long live the King. We even get a day off, in his honour, apparently to celebrate his birthday. The foreigh staff from our school, are having a pool party.

Christmas is fast approaching - I can't believe how fast. If I hear Frosty the Snowman one more time, I may have to hurt somebody, but I should probably get over that, because tomorrow morning I will be hearing it at least three times.

So, I am taking requests for anything thai... whatever you think that may be - and I am coming home to spend Christmas with my family. Anything anyone wants, please let me know and I will do my best. I wish I could bring a seletion of Thai food with me, but that seems quite impossible.

Signing off..