coke in a bag

During my eight hours at the "purple palace" (school), I like to take little drink breaks in order to feel a bit more free and possibly get to know some locals. Today was a big day for Christina and me, we didn't go to the token 7-11, instead we took the road less traveled through the school's back exit. Our friend Jaeb showed us the new area after lunch and pointed out where we could get "coke in a bag." Bagged liquid is quite a delicacy in Thailand and it saves loads on cups, tops and room in trash-cans. So Chris and I met up after out last classes and set forth on our voyage to get a drink. The first place rejected us, but we were persistent and went to the next, where I was to ask. The shopkeeper we a gentle old man who seemed delighted to help. I promptly asked him if he sold coke in a bag by touching a plastic bag and pointing at a coke bottle. He got excited, nodded and proceeded to get the bottle and put it directly in the bag. Thinking that I could help out the process by telling him that I meant direct liquid to bag contact by asking for ice was a bad idea, because he just pulled out a huge bad of ice and tried to hand it to me. Meanwhile, Christina thinks this is HILARIOUS and is laughing so hard I think it offended the shopkeeper, who threw up his arms at us as we quickly exited.

I was determined and ended up getting my cokeinabag from the first lady- success. Christina got a sprite, cause apparently that sounds like diet coke. On our walk back I literally stumbled upon a dried out frog corps. Yummy. Things like that don't even phase me anymore, until I get flashback of days long ago where air con and fresh air are readily available. When we got back to school, the younger children were having their Tae-kwan-do lesson outside and some teachers were sitting at a table; all watching the foreigners parade in delighted to have out cokeinabag. One teacher, who we have coined "Chad" was laughing hysterically at us. Scot (Dixon), we decided he was one of those people you would love and enjoy the mysteriousness of him along with Xtina and me. I am sure you will be hearing more about Chad, and while I am at it, I should also introduce "Gunther" the school "guard"/ doorman who has 3 teeth and helps call our taxi every afternoon. He also salutes us in the mornings.

In other news, I went to hear the Bangkok Symphony on Tuesday night. Delightful. Water to my soul. I hadn't felt so relaxed since being in the city. Which also made me realize how much I love cities, there is so much to do at any given time, even if its sitting at the park watching people pass by.

And then I think to myself, "what a wonderful world."

P.S.

I've learned the command "to color" in Thai, its been a gift from God. Plus some kids think I know Thai and I may had had something to do with that, to bad it's "English only class."