I can cycle 40 minutes quickly for a curry

We cycled out to our only Indian (actually Pakistani run) curry restaurant today because it was a beautiful sunny day. The staff were happy to see us again and we also ran into two of the students that came to Thailand with us. It takes about 45-50 minutes to get there, but when we are really curry-hungry, we can make it in 40. Having been away for so long, I've lost my cycle legs so it was a struggle, but of course I made it since I was in dire need of something spicy. The minute that place goes out of business, we are outta this small town. How is it that this native English speaker (as we're known in the business) orders her Indian curry in Japanese from a Pakistani waitress ?

Today I came across this awesome blog. http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/
This is a woman after my own heart as she not only talks about Indian food, but also posts the full recipes as well as good photos. This could rival my all time favourite (although another genre altogether) blog by Clotilde Dusoulier called Chocolate and Zucchini http://chocolateandzucchini.com/. The beauty of her site is that it has a lot of writing to go with the food and food porn (In case you didn't know, that's the photos that make you want to eat alll this lovely food.) as well as a forum. I love the message boards. I was on one of my favourites earlier and suddenly felt a craving for marmalade. Since it's now 10.30 pm, I'm trying to control myself but these things are definitely dangerous! I've really got to get to bed now so I can get up and have marmalade on toast for breakfast...if only we could get good bread here!!

Laos

Lao text
Originally uploaded by Shanti, shanti.

I've posted some new photos on Flickr. I'm quickly using up my free space. So THAT'S how they get you to start paying for Flickr!

Missing you already!

I'm already missing the array of food that reminds you that your tongue can detect numerous flavours and sensations, sweet, salty, sour, pungent, spicy... The exciting thing is that the two airmail parcels, as well as the two seamail boxes of spices and pastes have already arrived and we've been cooking away. I was welcomed with a comfort food meal of burritos with all the trimmings. But, before that, we'd spent a night in Tokyo and went to a restaurant run by a surfer who'd spent time in Hawaii. We all went for the fish and chips with homemade tartare sauce. Good kai!
It seems like all the busyness I left behind is rapping at my door. I've been hiding in the flat so I don't get sucked into the vortex of never-ending work. But I'm still getting e-mails, phonecalls, txt messages, and visitors. Plus, I was so inspired by my trip to get on with things in my field that I don't know if I'm coming or going. I haven't even started classes yet. Who's got time for that!?

Buddha image in Phi Mai

Buddha image in Phi Mai
Originally uploaded by Shanti, shanti.

More new photos on Flickr including most views of the house. Have a look:-)

"My truck"

"My truck"
Originally uploaded by Shanti, shanti.

Check out Flickr for some new photos. They're coming slow but somewhat steady.

37 degrees

I guess the hot season is already here as it's supposed to be 37 degrees today. It only feels like a thousand though. I've got to make it across town to my travel agent to pick up my tickets for Laos. Yes, I splurged on plane tickets when I could've taken the train and bus combo. But now that it's 37 degrees I'm using the heat as my excuse.
The e-mails flinging back and forth about the conference in Vientienne are unrelenting. The timetable has changed three times already. Since I don't want to spend all my internet time on getting involved in this part I've sent an e-mail to the organiser saying that I'd just prepare all my materials here in Bangkok and then find out what's what when I arrive. I'd just as soon go with the flow anyway. I really feel for the guy who organises this as it's become really big with numerous presenters. He's a saint. I remember when I first met him at a Peace as a Global Language conference and someone said he could "organise the hind legs off a donkey". I guess I know what that means now.
Just wanted to mention that I spent an hour waiting for photos to upload yesterday onto Flickr and then only two of them actually made it. How annoying. I'm currently waiting for more to upload at a different cafe now as I type this. Sorry to anyone who is looking if the photos seem a bit random. It's just whatever I can get uploaded.

Truck heaven

I about jumped in and rolled around in it when I saw this parked next to us!

It's going to be pretty difficult to go back to Japan and eat stuff without these important ingredients. I might have to carry some in my pocket for emergencies!