And this is where I went.

I had actually decided to take this trip at the beginning of July when we found out that there would be a three-day weekend for Mother’s Day (Queen’s birthday). There was also a four-day weekend in August, however, due to me not thinking things through, I made the plans for the shorter weekend instead of the longer. Oh well. It worked out anyhow.

My birthday was the previous weekend and I didn’t do much of anything for it. Better late than never.

Since the wen to Satun would be leaving at 9am on the 11^th, decided to spend the night in Hat Yai instead of going back to Songkhla. Would have had to get up really early on the Saturday and that is not how I wanted to start my vacation. Besides, I wanted to see what Hat Yai was like at night. Continue reading →

8.4.12

For the first time in my life, I celebrated a birthday outside of the States. Away from family and friends. Away from any of my familiar birthday haunts. No throwing myself a prom (age 29). No 1930s speak-easy party (age 30). No group sushi (every year). On my own this time around. Not that 32 is a milestone or anything. And I don’t ever get bummed about getting older. But it would have been nice to have at least one friend to spend the day with.

I did, however, get a record number (for me) of Facebook birthday wishes. Warmed my heart.

Spencer told me I had to go out and do something. He also told me that I had to find myself a birthday present, under 2,000 baht. Something that I don’t need. Something fun. He said I couldn’t get a microwave. He knows me too well. Continue reading →

Acquired: one pair of red Converse All Stars. Strictly out of necessity, of course. I have pretty much spent my money only on food, lodging and transportation since I got to Thailand. Sports day gave me the perfect excuse to buy new shoes. You know, so I can cheer for the red team next week.

My student, Mike, took me to Diana Mall to get them. Bam accompanied us and we all went to the 4^th floor to buy the shoes. They had great variety and I wasn’t even thinking about buying red ones until I saw them. Only ever had black ones, so I figured I would live a little. One thousand fifty baht ($33). Sold. The socks at the sports shoes store all looked really thick so I thought that I would just buy some socks somewhere else some other time. Note: socks are not easy to come by in Thailand. Buy them when you can. Continue reading →