tsunami 4th year memorial..

Day 22

Today's the 4th year memorial anniversary for the Tsunami 2004..
im sure the children back at the orphanage will be reflecting quite a bit, and having a peaceful time at the temple tonight.

many lanterns (khoom fay) will be up tonight in memory.. (white paper lanterns lighted up and released into the sky..)

Had a lazy slow day on my own.. rode the bike around the Rawai and Naiharn beaches.. realised this place seems to be where most expats stay at.. nice villas and all.
honestly, i do seem a little "outcast".. cos wherever i go.. the beaches n all.. it's just infested with caucasians.. and being the only asian girl..i prob blend into the local Thai crowd. lol.

well, on that point..there are some plus points honestly.. let's see..
I get charged local prices a lotta times.. massages..tanning deck chairs...guest houses..free rides..lol. what better can u ask for?
then...also..i don't get as much "harrassment" as the 'ang mohs' do.. "Taxi, Tuk Tuk for you sir/madam..","How are you today? Talior for you?","Come and look, i give special prices, come!",
"Jet Ski, banana boat for you?"......

and...being alone n able to talk a little thai (enough not to get lost!), i made many thai friends...
I even got a free Jet Ski ride! =) now im starting to think i do actually have a little "mei li"(charisma)..haa.
a good bargain really..it usually costs 40 bucks for a Jet Ski ride... =)

everyone is just so nice. but being on my own and all, one cannot be more careful. after some time, you just learn to travel smart and safe.
go back to the hotel early (esp in Patong..before everyone gets drunk..), dress down, wear less jewellery, smile friendly, make many local friends so you are "known" (of course, leave a good impression) it's easier to get help if you need,,
and.. speak the local language as much as you can..even when you sound like a chicken speaking duck, they feel happy that you make the effort..

oh yes, i realise fireworks are quite common here, esp these days.. there seemed to be fireworks every night since 2days before Xmas! haa. well of course, they are mainly short ones (last about 5 mins avg) and not as fancy as the ones we get in Spore definitely.

feeling a little anxious about the job hunt thing.. havent heard from the hotel im supposed to..guess they are busy with xmas events etc.. have to keep reminding myself that im running on thai time.. will keep trying..

sabaai dee..