Long day

Well I have learned more about BKK. They do stop around 1:30 - I know because it rather woke me up .. .the pillow stopped boom boom. I found that 2 Advil and some nice Ipod music will put me down for about an hour. The alarm woke me at 6:30am. I was to let the cooking school know that I made it here.. and while I did send an e-mail last night, I told them that I would call in the morning.. so I now know how to use the tele.. (pick up receiver, wait for dial tone, put in 5 bt, wait for second dial tone, then dial number and if they want more money they will tell you.. local calls are 5. The cooking man sounded surprised... but said fine and then told me to get to another hotel by 8:30. I realize that I have been in training for my time here. The bed at the Elephant reserve was only slightly harder ... They sell these beds by the road... and then toss a matress on them.. and two sheets- but the shower was hot. Oh.. my reputation has preceded me.. the towel is blue - a lighter blue that the towel I had to buy. ..the other info... McDonald's.. which I would not go to under ordinary times.. does not serve breakfast. So I got an Americano Pro (medium).... scary.. starting to become assimilated. Anyway...with only a coffee.. the van picked me up at a great hotel... well not so great.. but it did not smell like sewer and the lobby was enclosed. Since the sign said to take everything with you.. I took my pack with my stuff...and dropped off 2k of laundry.. my last sudsing. I could have walked about and gotten it cheaper.. or asked a young person still on the street with beer since.. I am not sure when... I also found some new alley off of alley off alley that has a new set of dogs... I am going to write something about the dogs at some point when I get home and "beef" this out. I will just say.. the dogs here are very well endowed.
So back to the day. I wore my new light blue fisherman pants... I thought I would look more "civil" or "mature" or whatever.... and my English shirt. This class cost me about 45-50 $..so the kind of folks that go don't stay at a guest house.
We picked up two Aussies and two Brits and me.. and we were joined by two other Brits and two Aussies. Hard to believe that US is a minority.. but it is. I will not go into a long discussion about the cooking since I intend to cook this meal for many of you. We started with making tomatoes roses... and cucumber leaves.. another .. time that I tried not to just start laughing. My rose had short stubby pedals.. and my leaf was deformed The folks started talking with each other.. and when we did the second item.. they sent a helper offer to hover... hey. I can cook.. I just can't make roses. The second was an appetiser that was put into a leave with some sauces and then deep fried... mmmm and then we made friend prawn with tamarind sauce. I learned to fix the shrimp and then tie them up.. I could have done without the little feelers and eyes.. but they looked cute. I did not beat my papaya as hard as I should have. They told me to hold it like a baby and then wack away.. well they have a tool that can be used.. and that was much better.. I bought the tool.. so don't fear. The last was duck in a sauce with eggplant etc.. I should tell you all I found a new Internet that was air cooled.. and everyone but me is using an Internet phone service.. in Brit/Aussie tones. one girl was using the photo device and kissing the screen... and crying.. but I will try to stay focused.
Anyway it was a very nice lunch.. I did OK with the chili and actually put in 4-5.. and did not sweat.
We got to eat there and I had a beer and bought the peeler.. and took lots of pics.
I took a ride back a long way and got out near one of the big parks and walked and walked. I found an eye glass place picked out some Marie someone designer glasses and they will be about $180 with scratch resistance. If they are any good.. I will be happy. Not the great ones that I had before ..but OK
I went to one of the very large shopping centers that had a large food area. Prada, farrago etc.. all the names I see in the books... are in this place.. including toys are us and tops.. I had some scrambled eggs and potatoes.. just felt very very hot and dirty and wanted some comfort food. I was miles ... and I mean miles away from "home" so I took a taxi for 200 bt.. about $6. There was a horrendous travel mess.. and it was worth the money ... since I got in and he did a very large u turn... amazing.. like turning at the can of worms around 6. Since I am here.. I lived. I was going to get a foot massage tonight and pamper me.. but when I picked up my laundry and went to the toilet.. I am light blue all over.... the heat was very great today and I perspired.. and the cheap pants (1/2 the cost of the taxi ride) just don't hold the color. I am going to wash them all several times before I give them away... I got scarves last week at the market and we negotiated some pretty good deals... I saw they today in a fancy shop for 120-150.... feel good about that. Well I want to go have a beer and get hot and tired.. might do the massage and tell them I am from the blue islands. I hope to get up and go to the river area tomorrow... I am doing well.. I am sure it will be good to get back.. my buddies are still in NYC... mmm b.