Back and forth I swim across the 25 meters of water held in this neighborhood pool. After about 30 minutes, I realize that the rain had started again. It has been falling off and on all day. Today's rain is not what one might think of when they hear the words "monsoon season". Instead, the rain has been barely noticable, except that it gave the surrounding air a refreshing, cool feeling. Even as I was swimming, I hadn't noticed that the falling water had started again, but I suppose that was because I was already as wet as could be.
A few minutes later, I am down the small narrow soi, waiting for my noodle soup to arrive as I listen to the water falling on the canvas tent above my head, and flowing down through a few holes onto the bare concrete floor. The puddles of water around my feet reflect the bright florescent tubes and bare naked light bulbs hanging randomly around the open-air dining area.
Behind me, to my right, a karaoke machine is blasting out Thai folk songs. Behind me, to my left, a dueling machine is belting out Thai power ballads. The falling water certainly hasn't dampened the spirits of those around me. Small red metallic tables with red plastic stools are full of Thai people who don't seem to mind being the dampness of their clothes or the humidity in the air.
And then my ba mee noodles arrive, sitting in delicious garlic and spice filled water. The hot flavorful water is like comfort food to me, even as it warms me up until beads of sweat drip off my forehead.
Ah, water. The source of life, indeed.
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This post was selected as one of the "Favorite Posts of 2005". To read more "Favorites", then visit Favorite Posts of 2005.
I am an American who retired here in Pattaya in November '04, and am spending my first wet season in Thailand. I am glad to get any rain, as we need all we can get.
Robert
Stu-
I really liked this journal entry. I could visualize it, feel it, hear it, taste it. Yup. I love the explorer's palette. Another world you are experiencing. So, do you pay for this website and how in the world did you graph your journal frequency...or why? You must be one for numbers.
Just curious. It would be great to get a .com of my own, but it's got to cost.
Again, I really enjoyed your journal entries. It's a great way to "catch up" and it's more personal than email or IM.
Nate.