Back in Bangkok

Hi all, Stef left very early this morning so I hope she is on her way and not stuck in an airport somewhere like her trip out here. Her trip didn't go quite as planned, but she was a good sport about everything- the flight drama, walking at a snails pace, et- and should have some good stories. We spent 2 nights in Pattaya, and what an experience that was! It was the first time I've experienced culture shock on this trip, though what culture I was shocked at I'm not sure. let's just say its a lot of old, fat, balding European men who come for the young, scantily clad, local women- i'm sure you can imagine the rest. And if you can't, you're better off. Tony, who Stef had met during the long journey here, was also in the area, and we were glad to have him around. I'm never the one to say this- but it was nice to have a big man walking around with us! Although no one really bothered Stef and I, except a little girl pulling on my chair trying to get me to buy gum. Silly girl, little did she know i taught kids and i can ignore a bratty child all day!

We returned to Bangkok on Friday and did some shopping- and discovered a Loft! You Japan folk will appreciate my excitement! It wasn't anywhere near as great as the ones in Japan, but it was nice to have a feeling of home after Pattaya. We went to another store that was very japan-like too, I began to forget what country I was in. The Thai's also make some similar noises to japanese people, which i find comforting in a way.

Today was a rest day, just went to bookstores (am letting myself get used to bigger English book sections slowly so i don't OD when i get back!) and watched a movie at the theater. So I don't think i mentioned yet the extreme king worshipping that goes on here. They LOVE their king, his picture is everywhere, plus it was recently his birthday so people are still walking around with i love the king shirts on. At certain times of the day the national anthem is paid and everyone has to stop what they're doing and stand respectfully, it's like someone hit the pause button cause it goes back to chaos after that. At the beginning of every movie it is also played, which I knew about, so i also stood with the crowd- i'm not sure but I think it's actually the law. I wasnt' prepared for the hilarity of the video clip that goes with it- a montage of the country and it's people, plus shots of the king travelling around, with an operatic soundtrack, it was hard for me not to laugh. can you imagine if in the states they played the national anthem with a video of Bush trying to look intelligent in various situations? There'd be a riot! Started by me!