i know why the caged bird sings..

In Thailand, it is quite possible to buy everything you could possibly dream of at a street stall. Flip flops? Sure, right next to the pad thai stand outside of your hostel. Shampoo? Sure, right next to the other pad thai stand that's next to the flip flop stand. Northface backpack? Sure, right next to the vegetarian pad thai stand that also serves eggrolls that's next to the shampoo stand. (Pad thai seems to be the Visa in Thailand; it's everywhere you want it to be. And you betcha we took full advantage of that every night, circa 3am, after popping a Pepto pill each). Anything you want at the tip of your hands: Hello Kitty paraphernalia, buckets of booze, friendship bracelets, fresh fruit.

If you so care choose, it's also quite easy to buy "company" for 15 minutes or for an entire week, depending on your travel plans, of course. How lonely it must be for an elderly single retiree to scuba dive and dine on the island of Ko Samet, about 5 hours off the southern coast of Thailand, when everyone else is paired up. Yeah? Looking for company? Sign up down the road, to the left, stand right next to the pad thai stand.

Ping pong show? Uhhhh, WIKIPEDIA that shiznatch.

And if you're feeling really charitable, it's also possible for you to give money to support animal rights. Oh yes, right on the streets of Bangkok. A woman was walking around, meandering, outside a bar in Patpong. In her hands, she had about 6 cages with what looked like little brown stones in them. When we politely called her over to ask what we could procure from her, she smiled oh so coyly and replied, "If you pay me, I will set these birds free."

Everything so conveniently laid out. Everyone so willing and eager to cater to your every need or want.

Oh Thailand, it sings for you.

PS-Who is "1234567890"? We are completely befuddled.

Love,

Jess

fisherman pants and water taxis

I think buying a pair of thai fisherman pants means I've officially become a backpacker...yeah?

The pants are awesome--navy blue linen capris that feel like the perfect thing to be wearing in this heat...so soft and comfy...and the best part, only 90 baht...aka less than $3. I know, right.

Anyway, in other news. Ant and I navigated through the streets of Bangkok today and only got lost, um, like 6 or 7 times. We took two river taxis, which are probably the most amazing thing ever invented (after the thai fisherman pants, of course). They go up and down the rivers in Bangkok avoiding all traffic and pollution--the breeze and views of the city are unbeatable. We then made our way to the Hindu Temple in Bangkok (the Bhatias would be so proud) and through the Red Light district (wow). We also found the most amazing gourmet grocery store and food court inside of a mall that would put any U.S. food court to shame. Ohhh, and there was also a really interesting exhibit downtown about global warming with gorgeous aerial photos of places all over the earth being affected by our pollution and waste...it's just nice to know that people around the world are thinking about this, ya know? (not to get all emo).

Jess lands tonight (knock on wood)...and then the three of us are heading to Koh Samet for a few days...getting outta the city and to the BEACH! We'll definitely be black when we get back...hopefully.

BKK is HOTT.

BKK = bangkok. Not to be confused with the two other southeast asian airports I had layovers in-- Taipei and Hong Kong. It took 24+ hours to get here, but I made it! (Yes, Jess, I'm giving you shit...for...missing...your...flight...to se asia...) :)

Anyway, so BKK is HOTT. No, like literally, really really hot. In fact, I don't think I've stopped sweating since I've landed...unless the shower counts.

My last 1.5 days have been spent eating pad thai and spring rolls and drinking fresh mango shakes from street vendors, riding in tuk tuk's (aka auto-rickshaws) and getting foot massages (yes, plural). Oh, and I visited the most amazing market ever- Chakatuk market...it was HUGE...and had everything from puppies and rabbits for sale (no seriously) to the best top 40 hip-hop ever. I have decided a full day will be dedicated to this market on my way back to the states (send requests this way).

...Ant arrives tomorrow...and Jess...well, who knows...

harbinger?

I was trying to be efficient; late-night karaoke in Eastern Market with the gang meant that I was going to pass by the Northeast Public Library.

It was after business hours. I had 4 books on Native Americans that needed to be returned before June 23rd. I saw the book drop and thought, "How convenient!" I shoved my books in and closed the door.

Jess (to herself after realizing she only had her keys and wallet in her hand): Where is my phone?!?!?! Linds! CALL MY PHONE!

(5 seconds after hearing "Stickwitu" blaring from INSIDE the book drop)

Jess: I'm an idiot!

Email > phone calls?

lots of words of advice from mama bhatia...

Please e-mail jess 's address,.email address&phone no. also send me phone nos.of Kate.Katelyn ,Emily and Kat.Also the name of your Insurance company

Please leave your inportant papers in a folder with Monish.

Please email us .

at least every other day when u are travelling (if u wan't us to remain sane)Carry Mace --buy it here.BE SAFE---No late nites out.Try not to take a drink from any strangers.CLEAN WATER is a MUST.No sharing drinks.No Sex! (I am just nervous--not preaching.So take a deep breath)

Let us know if u need anything at any time---do not hestitate.Hope u sent your boxes by now.

We will miss u--------.Let us know about location in India as soon as u know.(NOT BIHAR PLEASE)

LOVE Mom

who do we think we are?

and the countdown begins...