(probably) my last day in Pai…

“Give us a smile”, said these two impressive blond Swedish girls, as I was just sitting by myself outside the local convenience store, contemplating my situation. I must be showing signs of loneliness, and it seems to attract lots of motherly girls. Sadly, Erica’s gone. I went to catch a nap, and she just went to read some emails and when she got back she just started packing. Apparently, there’s a better job offer at Bangkok so she’s going back to Chang-Mai to see where she’d like to go work for the next year.
At first I thought it’s great that she could change her plans so quickly, really check out her options and just go back if she feels like it. I also felt like I might need some space for myself. But a couple๓ of moments after she left I realized I’m really on my own and that I don’t know anyone here. There were times in my life when I really liked being by myself. The lonewolf, needing no body around. But being there, and so suddenly, had its effect on me. But, that’s fine, I guess. Some days you’re up, some you’re down. In the meanwhile, there are them Swedish girls.

Had my first Thai lesson just now and she had no idea what I wanted. “You special, you different” she muttered in anger. I just didn’t want to repeat words like a mechanic robot, so I tried a different angel. I’d start reading, and then I’ll try and speak. So we went over the 44 constants, 32 vowels, 5 tones (pitchs) and it’s all messed up, but pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Now, all I need is to practice with some local newspaper and a dictionary. Could be nice to be able to understand the local signs. Wonder how long I’d be able to keep my interest up.

As I was searching for lunch yesterday, I saw this nice Indian Cuisine place. The only guy there, who was sitting at the entrance, had a familiar look about him and then I noticed the small “Momo Shakshoka” sign. Yeah, another Israeli from Jerusalem, who married this local Thai lady who’s running the Indian Restaurant. He’s about the most relaxed person I’ve met. Every word that comes out is special, pronounced very slowly, after long minutes of deep thought and meditation. For the two hours I sat and talked with him, we exchanged about 6 sentences as he was just having some water and a smoke, looking at some distant unknown horizon with the “ฯ’ve seen it all“ look. His wife’s having a baby soon, and no matter if it comes out a boy or a girl, it will be nicknamed Momo, to go along with the Jerusalem Shakshoka. He has a bamboo house he built with his two bare hands for a ridiculous sum of money. I respect that kind of a life.

I think this is my last day here at Pai. I just might take a serious-size Motor Bike and start riding Mae-hou-song up north towards the Borma border. I have a day to think things over, so I’ll just have to see where it leads me…