My final thoughts on Korat? Big city pollution without the nightlife of Bangkok. History and a city moat without the charm of Chiang Mai. But, in its defense, I still had a great time.
For example, last night after another delicious dinner I was wandering around town looking for something fun to do. Eventually I gave up and sat down on the sidewalk to watch life go by. Five minutes later a teen-aged boy sat down next to me and started talking to me in Thai. Two minutes after that his friend came over and sat next to him. Ten minutes later I was surrounded by about 12 guys with apparently nothing to do other than hang out with a tourist who didn't speak their language.
It was an educational experience, to say the least. I learned a few new Thai words and I learned what the youth of Korat do on a Monday night (sit around and talk about the girls passing by on motorbikes). After an hour or so of this, I was offered a ride back to my hotel, which I gladly accepted.
This morning I took the bus to Khon Kaen. First impressions? Damn it's HOT here. According to the little weather sticker right now, its 95 F. Whew. Next stop after this: Udon Thani and Nong Khai on the Laotian border.
Just meeting friends and influencing people all over the world!!!
Thai foods --- do they vary according to geography?
Does Thailand have a winter? Oh yes - nevermind - you just came out of that not too long ago . . . I remember.
How are the Thai lessons coming along??
Love you!!
Hi Stuart,
Today I had the frustrating experience of not being able to find an internet connection in a big hotel in downtown Chicago. I'm really curious how you are able to connect each day especially in "remote" places.
Beth: Yes, Thai food varies by region. Of course food from different regions are available everywhere (for example, there is a really good "Lao-Isaan" restaurant near my apartment in Bangkok). I don't quite know exactly the differences, but Isaan food seems to be spiced with a lot of chili, as opposed to the curry that is popular in the south. Sausages are also very big here. I had a delicious fried egg and sausage, coffee, and 2 glasses of fresh-squeezed orange juice breakfast this morning for 67 baht (US$1.50). Mmm mmm good!
Charles: Sometimes finding internet connections is not easy, but my Lonley Planet book often comes in handy here. Of course, the speed of the connection usually leaves a lot to be desired (I miss DSL!) and I usually have to share the room with a bunch of loud teenage boys playing Ragnarok (a popular online game that apparently involves a lot of explosions). But at 15 baht (35 cents) per hour I can't really complain.
Hanging out with a bunch of local teanagers definitely a great way to learn their language. I bet they taught you a bunch of slang and bad words too, didn't they?
97 F in the winter? That is crazy!!! How hot does it get in the summer?
David: I have no idea how hot it gets in the summer, but I don't think I want to be here to find out. Actually, it is already summer here -- Thailand only has three seasons: winter, summer, and rainy. So we are in the first part of summer now.
And yes, the best way to learn a language is to try to communicate with someone who doesn't speak yours. In Bangkok everyone for the most part speaks English to me. If I really want to learn Thai, then I should move to the countryside.