Birthday Buddha, mop, massage and men's insoles
This morning I lay in bed and enjoyed yet another beautiful sunrise. I then received birthday phone calls and opened my cards from family and friends. I even received some e-cards! Thank you for all your thoughts. Being in your hearts has always meant so much to me, but now, being so far away and alone here, your love and friendship is even more precious. I hope you all feel the same from me.
On Friday, I had to receive a facial from our trainers to critique. We are opening a spa in Dar Es Salam and the trainers have created a signature facial for it, so we had to experience and critique it. So, as I enjoyed the fresh product facial from Anne, trainer Kay gave my lower half a Thai massage. What a treat! Afterward I told them they had given me a great early birthday present without them knowing it!
As I have a big project due on Wednesday, I pretty much have worked through the weekend. I did take half the day today to play-hence the title of this blog. I decided to take the ferry up the river to the infamous Khao San Road. There were a few things I wanted to buy for the apartment, and that destination allowed me to be on the river the longest and do some bargaining. I really like to try and buy things from the cart vendors. It helps them to make a living, and it makes the item feel so much more personal. As I entered the Khao San area, I ran into a vendor selling… mops! I have been looking to buy one to complete my apt. cleaning supplies. Even though I have a serviced apt., the job the cleaners do is hysterical. One time when instructed to clean only the floors, they didn’t do the bathroom, but took the top sheet off the bed, turned it upside down (lace was tucked into the bottom of the bed) and remade the bed. Another time they threw out the garbage can with the garbage, and another time only moved items on the bathroom counter without cleaning it at all! Pretty funny. So, decided to give up and clean it myself. It is so small that it takes no time at all to do it myself. I purchased a mop and a dust pan and headed off for Khao Sanh. I got some strange looks cruising with my mop.
As I entered Khao San, I recongnized a woman at a clothing stand. Yes, it was a woman who worked in my beachside massage for me-Tanmayo! What a small world. She was here teaching some massage courses and now on her way to India for a couple of weeks, then will call me on her way back to HI. Window shopped for awhile, then I ventured into a Monk supply shop and finally found the perfect Buddha. I have been looking for one seated dispelling fear or in teaching and in gold too. So, Buddha hung with me as I shopped some more. Wandered into a great little massage place and got talked into Thai massage. Met Tukta-sweet and talented girl! Very nice, inexpensive and except for the loud French boys on the mats nearby (those Frenchies…), it was a perfect birthday treat to myself.
Looking for a plain old extension cord to plug the fountain into so I don’t need to move the couch everytime to turn it on or off. Seems simple, yes? NO! Very difficult to find- only can find the ones with the strip of many plugs. Looked at the department store to no avail, but did find some cushy insoles for my running shoes. Last week I bought a pair-to cut down to size, for ladies- and got home only to find that even without cutting them, they were way too short!!!! So, today bought the men’s size and only had to trim off about ¼ inch!!! Still searching for bras. I ask at every store, for a 36. Seems to be nonexistent. I am an Amazon woman here……
I have a friend. I am in love. She is the 3 legged dog that recently underwent an amputation at her hip from some hack vet or maybe the local blacksmith. It is finally healing. “3 legs” is finally getting to trust me and this morning she was lying in front of our building so we hung out and I petted her for quite awhile. Bought her some chicken today and found her down near the mosque and fed her. What a sweet and strong soul to survive the street life. Took a photo of her with a disposable camera and will try and have it made into a CD and then can put it onto this site!!!!
Speaking of the mosque… they put up 2 new loudspeakers… right outside of my balcony. So, even with my earplugs jammed into my ears, at 4:30 am it is LOUD. I went today and checked out the speakers. They are new and only connected with some tape. And, they are reachable from the fence below with a hook on a stick. The plan of attack is taking shape. I talked to the Buddhist manager of our bldg. He thinks it is illegal for them to put them up on the public post. He says that they won’t be able to put me in jail even if they do catch me dismantling the speakers…..
Mom went to MD last week. She will be in brace 4 weeks more, but is weight-bearing to 30% now and promised me that she will try driving this week. Susanne and Richard have been taking good care of her, bringing flowers and weekly dinners. Pauli and Christina are gardening and doing every other day chores. She gets dinners from St Theresa’s still and her friends Lois and Diana do errands and visit. Kika the security guard stops by often on her night shift. So, mom is plugging along…
Dan from Maui is going to Shanghia in July, and will stop in Thailand for a 10 day visit. I have plans for us to visit both Chaing Mai and Phuket area! He will be leaving July 5th or so, so if you have anything to send with him, check with him before that.
Well, guess I have yakked long enough!!!! Just want you to know what is up here in this exotic, crazy land in my life.
Take care!!!! Be well. Hugs-
Monk
posted by Monica @ 9:49 PM
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