Bangkok 13 November

Weekend, was pretty cool.

Went to Chatuchak, and bought some new sneakers, looked at undies but I really don't feel the need to emblazon my ass with "hello kitty" or any other cutesy cartoon motiff which is about all you can get (well that or crutchless undies for the working girl). Followed that with a trip over the river to my friends for a swim and mexican dinner. The weather is fantastic at the moment, everyday another perfect blood and gold sunset with pink and orange skies.

I would love to tell you about the characters who were in attendance at dinner but I fear it will have to wait for a semi fictional account so I can avoid litigation.

So sunday I finally found myself in little India, sandwiched between Thewet flower market and China town proper. A rabbit warren for the senses, bright swathes of clothe from India, silk, rayon, chiffon layered in rainbows everywhere you look, the garish colours of Indian sweets, clouds of incense fight there way between the crowds pressing down the narrow aisles. women in Saris wind their way between a phalanx of men who exude that slightly sleazy predatory oil that Indians are so well known for. I got totally lost and disoriented which is great fun if you have the time to look for yourself and then together work out how to get the hell out. You burst out onto one street after another and are faced with another rabbit warren, going with your instinct or getting out your map which probably doesn't have the little street your on listed anyway.

I did finally find my way back to the dock. Bkk at the moment around the banks of the Chao Phraya (and various other places) is still sandbagged as the water regularly leaps over the retaining walls or simply seeps up through the cobble stones on the streets that run along the river bank. The paddock outside our house is currently a swamp, in fact I saw a woman navigating her canoe across it just the other day. I finally believe Bkk is sinking, though by the time next years rains come I'm sure everyone will be desperate for them once again.

A new system of discipline is being implemented in the classroom tomorrow as one child complained about the old system (it's no wonder these kids are spoiled). We are actually going to be allowed to send kids to the principal. I think it's a great idea, hopefully it will result in better classroom behaviour but we shall see.

Anyway, it's time to go. Catch y'all later.
Love Nikki Jayne.