Random thoughts

June 10, 2011 5:55 a.m. Thai time

Yes, I am up early.  Actually, I have not slept much tonight.  That 4 ½ hour nap yesterday afternoon has really messed me up.  I have some random thoughts that I have forgotten to add to previous additions to this blog.  New paragraphs will mean that I am changing the subject.

Last night I hand washed most of the clothes I have worn so far.  There is a washing machine but all clothes are lined dried at this university.  There are rows of clothes lines to hang your clothes upon washing.

Beds – our beds are really firm, no I mean rock hard.  I made the mistake of plopping down on the bed the first night here.  Big mistake.  I have a bruise on my bottom as a souvenir for that costly action.  I am not complaining.  They are magic mattresses where if you place your self carefully on the mattress you will get a great night’s sleep.  However, once awake the mattress become rock hard again as if to say get up your done sleeping.

I have a super power.  It is not sexy like running faster than a speeding bullet or x-ray vision but it is practical.  My super power is the ability to find a public restroom on any crowded block.  I told you it wasn’t sexy.  My traveling companions are grateful though so I will not disparage this unique gift.

Speaking of bathrooms there is something in each bathroom that I have visited that I have yet to figure out why this particular item is there.  There is a spray hose in every bathroom I have visited, even public bathrooms.  What is it used for?  I have not found a delicate way to bring this up since all of leaders thus far have been men.  I can’t wait for Pam to lead our discussion so that I can pull her aside and ask her the question.  None of my traveling companions have figured out what those hoses are for either.

McDonalds – well unfortunately I have had to go to my old standby when I travel.  Being allergic to onions sure can make your life miserable.  Chicken nuggets are the standby when I travel and everything served has onions in it.  I have a few questions for the McDonald’s corporation.  Why are chicken nuggets in every country I have visited less greasy then in the states?  You figure out that problem and I would eat in your restaurant more often.  Also, there are so many great dipping sauces in other countries.  Why not have dipping sauces around the world promotion?  That would also get me back in your restaurant in the states.  The Thai version of the hot and spicy sauce is awesome.  The curry sauce is the U.K. is downright brilliant.  McDonald’s are you listening?

Donna – I have stayed to fast to not buying any clothes in Thailand.  So when you see the pictures from today don’t think where did she get that skirt?  Remember that purple skirt was in the back of my closet?  Remember how I packed it the day before I left?   I am really glad that I packed it.  Skirts really are a good option for this trip.  Did you really believe me when I said I wasn’t going to buy any clothes?  Oh, well…

There is a huge mountain view from my window.  However, I did not even realize that I had a mountain view until 24 hours after we got here.  I felt like I was the most unobservant person in the world.  I mean this thing is HUGE.  I have walked each morning for exercise and not noticed the mountain.  I have figured out why.   Each morning the mountain has been shrouded by clouds.  The mountain does not show itself until the afternoon.  We will be going into the mountains in a few days. I can’t wait.  I will try to get a picture one afternoon since it is a magnificent site.

Weather – it is winter in Thailand so to the Thai people this is the cold season.  We have seen people were winter coats.  It has been really mild like the low 70s.  In the evening I have been wearing a light jacket but most folks are fine without a jacket.  Also, it is overcast here but not in the same sense that we are used to.  The best weather term I can come up with is sunny with lots of clouds (as opposed to more sun than clouds).  That is the best I can describe of the weather.