(10:23 p.m. January 20th)
Do you know what one of the really cool things about working in this heat is? Despite the fact that I am drinking litres and litres of water on the build site I never have to make a trip on the Scooter (the way they transfer you to the bathroom).
I noticed this fact on day 3 of the build – it’s now day four.
I just sweat it out.
I just had to get that out in the open – but not literally.
First of all a retraction: Actual deaths as a result of the Tsunami (discussed in yesterday’s entry was around 5k for all of Thailand) not that numbers really count in this case really matter considering that there was loss of life. However, I must appease those of my friends who are better let’s just say more accurate. It is a matter of principle.
Okay, last night – awesome Cabaret! Not nearly the quality we would expect from the “Sweeny Sisters” (sp) but entertaining nonetheless. I had a minor technical issue with my camera last night so I would like to wait to describe the details until I can get a few pics for you.
Day four on the build and it was still all about laying those bricks. The home is coming along quite nicely and we all seem to be starting to acclimatize to the heat. It is still uncomfortable but there are fringe benefits (see the first paragraph).
I went for a little walk before we started to build today and noticed a small error that made the site Engineer very happy. Before we had arrived on the site they had laid the water main across the road near the site. They didn’t dig a trench to sink the water line; instead they had just laid it across the road covering it with mortar. As a result traffic had eroded the mortar at the joint and it was completely exposed. Which could have been disastrous. Yup, I’m good (he says polishing his nails on his lapel).
I inquired with our HFH liaison today if foreigners could purchase land in Thailand, I’m in awe of this countries beauty. The answer was “No, unless you marry a National…guess I’m going to stay in Toronto for a little while (sigh)
Spent the most of the day either applying mortar or moving bricks. The team worked tireously, spirits were high.
We broke from work around 3:30 and headed for home.
After a brief break we were off to dinner, which tonight was probably one of the most memorable dinning experiences ever. We were taken to a beach side restaurant (Baah Nan – Lay) on Khao Lak Beach. We were informed that the cook was related to one of the site workers.
Before the meal we had the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset and then sat down to a meal that massaged our taste buds until we couldn’t take no more…okay maybe I had a few too many shrimp but I felt it was my duty to respect the cook.
After dinner we went back to the beach where we were treated to the spectacle of the “Thai Balloon”. The Thai balloon is a paper cylinder that is illuminated with fuel. The hot air from the fuel raises the cylinder into the night sky. The idea is that you write all of your bad thoughts on a piece of paper, which is carried off into the night sky.
We didn’t follow the tradition to the “letter” and were instead told to make a wish instead. It was a beautiful site to see 7 cylinders (one for each pair) floating off into the night sky.
Then it was back to the hotel and here I sit.
Tomorrow (Friday) is a half-day on the site and then we are going to visit a local school in Phang Nga where we will apparently be joining the Children in some activities – God I hope it isn’t Muay Thai Boxing, cause that would just be wrong. Not the boxing part; but the part where some 10 year old kicks my butt in the schoolyard. Too many painful memories.
Speaking of Muay Thai, tomorrow night “the boys” will be going to a Muay Thai tournament. For 1300 Baht we will witness 10 fights ringside and we get a free t-shirt to boot! Hoping for some great pics.
Saturday and Sunday will be off days and the team will be heading off for a “Cultural Day” on the Similan Island. I have to remember to get a wet bag for my camera.
Sunday my plan is to rent a scooter and tour around.
On an administrative note: I need a little ego stroking. Thank you very much for those of you who have subscribed and became “followers” of Thaitanic Adventures”. For those of you who have not subscribed…and continue to read….well, I’m just saying.
Well kids, time for bed – early day tomorrow.
Thanks again for reading…(even you non-followers- lol)
Hope all is well.
