Udon Thani
Posted by Stuart at 10:42 PM on March 09, 2003Luckily my motorbike was waiting for me at the Thai border when I arrived yesterday afternoon. Whew! I picked it up and rode the 2 KM back to Nong Khai, turned it in, walked to the bus station and rode south to Udon Thani.
In Udon, my friend Fa from Bangkok just happened to be there visiting his family, so I gave him a call. I should have known it, but even though his family was at home preparing dinner, they insisted on taking me out to eat. Fa's father did all of the ordering and definitely picked things I have never had (nor would ever order) -- small snails in curry sauce, fried fish intestines, and some kind of new soup. I have to admit though, it was all very tasty. I finished off dinner with a very un-Thai butterscotch sundae. Mmmm!
Fa's parents insisted that I stay at their house overnight, which I did. I also mentioned that I wanted to visit the museum at Ban Chiang, and so his mother drove me and him there today.
The museum at Ban Chiang was good, although the exhibits hadn't been updated in about 20 years. In any case, Ban Chiang is a site where a lot of archeological work was done to uncover a prehistoric culture from about 4,000 years ago. The pottery that was found in the burial sites has a very unique design -- and of course is now known as Ban Chiang style. The only souvenier I bought on my Isaan trip was a small piece of Ban Chiang pottery for my room.
Tonight, Fa and I will take the bus south together. He is going back to Bangkok and I will get off in Korat to visit the Khmer ruins at Phanom Rung tomorrow.
Yes, I knew what I was eating. I always ask first. Snails are not that exotic; I've had escargot before. I always say that I avoid "organs", but the fish stomach/intestines were not bad at all. Maybe its just "mammal organs" that I am not a huge fan of.
Once again, a wonderful example of a very accomodating, welcoming people.
Did you know what you were eating when you were eating it? Or was it an after the fact kind of a deal? I imagine, though, that curry sauce can cover up about any taste. hehehe!
Love you!!