Valentine's/Party night

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today I eat something other than noodles. I walked for 45min through the middle of the Island and into the village to shop for groceries at the “Supper”mart. It was pretty interesting to do my own shopping in bulk and have no major sets back etc. My baby talk Thai mixed with some English, got the job done. There was one funny moment when I was trying to find some chocken broth, and decided the best way I could ask for it would be to call it Naam Gai(chicken water). The guy just looked at me with a puzzled look on his face, until another Thai lady who spoke English piped up and said, “Ah… STOCK”! In the end, they didn’t have any, but I did grab yellow curry, fish sauce, coconut milk, chicken, rice, noodles, eggs, fruits and veggies, yoghurt, plastic wrap, jam, margarine,sweet chili sauce, salt/pepper, dish soap and scubber, loaf of bread, and of course a flat of beer. It all comes to about $40can, and with the plastic wrap and cooler, I should be able to make it all last before anything spoils. Cooking should be fun considering I enjoy it at home. I will let you know how I make out. I flag down a motorcycle taxi and we run it all back home. The entire round trip only takes me 2hrs, which amazes the Burmese staff. The cooler works out great, and I have not bought to much for it. At noon I head over to use the internet to file my taxes and reply to the many “Where are you”, “Are you ok”, and “Why haven’t you written” emails many have sent. Once those were out of the way, I lounged on my balcony sampling my freshly chilled beers until 6pm, and then got ready to go over to the party. It was a lot of fun, and a great way to meet a few new people as I am finally starting to feel somewhat social. There are 3 guys from Canada, 2 gals from Germany, Chiyoko and Chris, and the English guy who is the guest of hnor and is on his way the following morning. There’s a huge spread of delicious Thai foods, wine and beer. I have 2 helping as it is the first “real” food I’ve had in about 3 days. Tim, one of the Canadians, brings out his guitar, and Chris starts out on the harmonica. We have a “sing-a-song” to songs by the Stones, Dead, Beatles etc and things wind down about 11pm. I thank everyone for the hospitality, and head home to my first case of the bed spins in quite awhile.