Christmas in Thailand Pt 2/Address!

Ok, maybe I didn't have a tree, or family, or any Christmas cookies, but I did end up with a few presents (even if I bought half of them myself). I already mentioned the books from Anna's mom (thanks again!) My friend Julia also bought me some Thai fisherman pants. They are these huge pants that are like long, huge shorts. They have a huge waistband, but you fold in one side and tie a string around your waist like a belt. To make a long story short, they are like the Thai version of basketball shorts, so obviously I love them. (I put a few pics in at the bottom so you can see how they work.) Two other of my presents, I bought at the night market. First, some white Havaianas sandals that I bargained down from 380 bhat to 200 bhat. (I use the word 'bargained' loosely - he quoted me 380, I said 200 and he immediately accepted. Its a little unnerving when they immediately accept your first offer. I almost cut the price in half and he still said yes right away! Made me feel like I got ripped off despite paying only $5.50 for them.) Second, I picked up a bootleg copy of the first season of Dexter. That I did bargain down from 400 to 260. I was a little nervous buying some bootleg DVD's, but they seem to work Ok. The quality isn't the best, its slightly blurry, almost like an old VHS tape, but you can still watch it just fine. I have only watched the first episode, but fingers crossed the rest work just as well. (Sidenote; the first season of Dexter is one of the greatest seasons of TV I have ever seen. Everyone go watch it.) (Sidenote #2; Season 4 of Dexter...WHAT???) Last, I actually spent the most money on a single book. I bought 'The Girl Who Played With Fire,' the sequel to 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.' I couldn't find it used anywhere, so I found it new for 380 bhat, or almost as much as I spent on a season of Dexter AND a pair of sandals. Whatever, its Christmas, and I loved the first book.

Sorry I just spent 370 words on my Christmas presents, but its amazing how $20 worth of material goods can give you sort of a faux happiness when you are a little bummed about being alone. Also when you are pinching every penny and don't have a job yet, just the very act of buying something and splurging on yourself (even if its only on a few things) can cheer you up immensely. Its almost a little pathetic how happy I get when I look down at my new sandals, or how I don't even want to start my book because I don't want to finish it! Furthermore, schools were closed all weekend, so I really just didn't have a lot going on in my life the last few days. I walk around the city exploring, trying not to spend money and spend my nights watching 30 Rock with Julia. Woo hoo. So yes, my Christmas presents were the most exciting thing in my life in the last few days. :)

Lastly, I was going to try and get a PO Box to get mail, but I haven't been able to find anything like that around here. Buttttt, I talked to the owner of my guesthouse and he said I can just get mail here. Since so many people have asked for my address, I figured I would just post it on my blog. No idea how long it will take things to get here, and I also don't know how long I'll be in this place, though it should be at least for the next two months. Obviously, I don't expect anything from anyone, but I'm just trying to say that if you are planning on sending something, A) thank you very much in advance, and B) sooner is much better than later. Ok, here it is:

Mike Keefer

Room 408

17/2 Loikroh Rd, Soi 1

Changklan

Chiangmai 50100

If anyone has any questions, let me know. Hope everyone is doing well back home, and if I don't talk to you, have a happy New Year!

TPWWLT - Sports Guy's Podcast with Chris Connelly

PS - Me in my new fisherman pants: