The Little Things

It seems that the little things in this country are often the most challenging.  

For example, I had to work up the courage to go to the bank.  I had to pump myself up just to go have my bank book updated.  It seems simple, I know, but it isn’t.  My school goes through the government bank, which conveniently has a staff with almost no knowledge of the English language.  And while I continue to impress myself with my Thai, bank terminology is definitely not my forte.  

Then of course, there is the dreaded grocery store.  I am very lucky to be in Khon Kaen where we have an awesome TOPs.  The grocery store carries tons of products from the US, Australia and England.  There are very few products that I can’t find there.  I love to bake, so the grocery store is wonderful.  Almost.  

The grocery store is on the bottom level of Central, our newest, biggest, brightest and most crowded mall.  Going to Central is a pain.  People drive hours from the middle of Nowhere, Thailand to come to Central Plaza.  These are people who have never ridden on escalators.  They don’t know how.  And no, I’m not kidding.  These people stand at the bottom, waiting for someone else to go ahead and show them how to do it.  Sometimes they try, other times they hesitantly step towards it before backing away, and other times, they just walk away.  Elf, anyone?

Buddy the Elf Video

But escalators aren’t the only problem.  Thai people are slow walkers and completely oblivious to, well, everything.  There is no passing Thai people.  You just have to wait for a hallway to become a small amount wider, and jump in that space before the Thai people are even aware of it.  Then, quickly jump back in front of them, and be on your way.  It’s an art.

On top of all of this, the parking is on the far end of Central, the opposite end from TOPs.  It is a very, very long walk.

Let’s just say, I have become a master.

I had a dinner party for about 8 people last night, and this is what I drove home from the grocery store.  The key is to put bags inside of bags.  Never put chocolate or butter on the floorboard of the motorbike.  Always put flour and sugar on the floorboard.  Any oddly shaped bags should be on the handlebars.  And, never expect to have a place to put your feet on the drive home.

This is what I came home with.  I was able to prepare a delicious meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green salad, mixed vegetables, and a peanut butter cup cheesecake for dessert!

  

I have leftovers in the fridge.  mmmmMmmm.