Suphanburi

Sorry this will be a long post.

Last night was bundles of fun even if all we did was eat Pad Thai at this little food stall they call their own since they go every night almost, drink some Leo and Singha beer from their corner store guy called “Tony,” walked past a shrine with tons of roosters all around, and played Uno.

Today I got adopted by Wattana, the others school director. She is hilarious, kind, and overall amazing. She borrowed her sister-in-law’s Jeep to fit one extra person (me) for the day’s excursions when she didn’t have to. She brought us to the Samchuk market. When it was lunch around then, we had these yummy fish noodles – Pom Yii Nam. There were 3 kinds of noodles with fish and tofu in it. I also got Cha Yin otherwise known as Thai Iced Tea, and it was quite refreshing. Sweeter than I imagined, but it was great even without the boba.

Maybe because we didn’t let her pay for lunch, Wattana cracked a prank on us. She told us to say “Chee” as we all gathered for a picture. Normal thing to say when taking photos right? But when we did, she erupted in laughter. Apparently what we thought as “Cheese” or as Thais say it “Chee” is saying “Pee,” and we did that in a restaurant full of people. Glad she got some giggles out of that, and that we can’t understand what Thais say when we do something stupid.

So could it get any better? Yup! She took us to the Buengchawark Underwater Aquarium. Woot! We got to see all these pretty and strange freshwater fish, along with a crocodile farm. And it got even better. Allison came to town! We went for more noodles at the same place the night before, but this time I got Pad-See-Ew. It didn’t taste the same as home, but much better even though the ingredients appeared the same. Maybe it’s the sauce or maybe it’s tastier because it’s more “authentic?” Guess I won’t know until I try to cook it when I take lessons (if I can find someone to teach me!). For dessert, we went for Banana Roti. DEE-liious. I am definitely getting spoiled on this weekend trip…good company, internet, something to go to at night, and a variety of food stalls.

Ok I really need to stop gushing, but this long weekend trip was fun even if I didn’t go to the beach or somewhere far since it was one of the few long weekends. I think I just needed to be in a larger town than U-Thong.

The next day we went to a clothing market in downtown Suphanburi and then off we went to Thailand’s Walmart – Tesco/Lotus.

Shopping in another country has always been fascinating to me. I don’t even have to buy anything; just seeing what products other countries produce is intriguing. Shopping for clothes for example is not just about the different items available, but the fabric and the sizing to me. When I think Thailand, I think loose cotton clothing, shorts, linen pants. I however saw fleece pants decorated in sheep, long sleeves, and warmers for their “winter.” I never expected this. Also, when I think Thailand, I imagine the clothes to be made for smaller sized people. I just didn’t quite imagine how small. So even though I am what many call tiny, I’m not a XS. No scoffing. True. I could be a S in the mornings (that is when we’re the tiniest) or after I work out, but mainly I’m a M in the states. In Europe, I was a 4. In HK I was a M/L. Here in Thailand however, I am a L. What my friends call Thai small might not apply to them, but I’m having issues as well.  I guess it’s just one way of reiterating how Americans don’t completely fit in despite efforts to since we are larger than they are. (too harsh?)

Throughout this weekend, we for the majority of the time walked. Walking outside at 7:30 A.M. isn’t bad because it’s not too hot. Come 9:30/10 A.M. it’s intense. Noon was killer. On Sunday, we roughed it to Tesco after the clothing market, sweating bullets as we walked. After basking in the air-conditioned building, we quickly in unison decided to take a sorng-taa-ou back to the apartments.

Little two-rowed trucks act as buses are great ways to get round for cheap. No seatbelts, and little strings to signal the driver when one wants to get off for about 8B. If it’s this cheap to travel locally, it can’t cost too much to travel when I want to go to Bangkok or other locations on weekends. I guess I’ll find out about the van/bus fare to Bangkok next weekend when I go to meet the girls.  I know do know though that while vans are comfortable because of the AC and might be faster, buses are just as good if there are no time constraints. I took one back to U-Thong for half the cost of the van when I was traveling to Suphanburi, there was AC though not as strong, and while the bus never “stopped” to let people out, it slowed down more so for me since I was a farang and probably didn’t know how to get out “properly.”

I don’t know how other weekends will compare, but I had a great first weekend in Thailand. I pray as my time in Thailand evolves, my expectations do as well and I’ll keep being amazed. Maybe the “honeymoon” isn’t completely over. :)