Either you run the day or the day runs you. –Jim Rohn

I don’t feel like I have anything particularly interesting or profound to write about today, but like Faulkner said, “…it may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” Just keep writing. Just keep writing. Just keep writing.

I do a lot of my really focused thinking, ironically enough, on the back of the motorbike taxis. The world just sort of flies by and the wind takes your hair and you are surrounded by the good, bad and ugly smells of this city. Whether it be paint thinner, sewage waste, the flower garlands or the spicy meats being grilled on the roadside- you have no other choice but to be completely consumed by Bangkok. Motorbikes are efficient, inexpensive and they don’t get stuck in traffic. Now I know following this post I’ll get a slew of emails, “ALEX BE CAREFUL!!” or rather, “Do not go on those things” but I believe I will live by “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I am keeping my allergies under control and that really is my biggest threat in this city, so while I’m stuck eating Special K instead of all the wonders Thailand has to offer, I will continue to (safely) enjoy this one real connection to the city.

Yesterday morning the votes came in- and like most predicted, Yingluk Chinnawat (#1 on all the campaign posters) won the seat for Prime Minister. She is a red shirt. I think my neighborhood was split between politician's (the two front runners) #1 and #10. One of my students today informed me that she is really concerned about working for the poor of the city- that explains the #1 signs around here. Her brother was the Prime Minister a few years back and in 2006 was removed by a coup d’état. He owned one of the largest telecommunication companies in SE Asia- then there was talk about corruption ((shocking, I know)) because he sold Thai businesses to foreigners and he has been living in exile in Dubai ever since. Although, Pung, has explained that he has done a lot of good for the poor of the country as well. Many believe she will formally forgive her brother so he can return to Thailand.

Either way, there was this guy #5, Chuvit, who had the most amazing campaign posters. He always looked angry, except when posing with a pit-bull (?!?!) and all his signs read (in English) “Against corruption!!” A week or so ago I asked Ben about him; he said he was a pretty interesting dude to read up on… more to read. He used to own a brothel too!

My most challenging accomplishment of the day, however, was that I got a Thai pool membership! The best part is that it is adjacent to the park where I’ve been running, reading and hanging out at. Pung (who I owe a thousand thank yous) took me around today to get all the paperwork I needed to become a member- a note from a doctor that says you’re healthy, a copy of your passport and two 1’’ passport sized photos. My doctors note cost me $1.50, for a dozen passport pictures just $4 and my membership and ID card- another $1.50. It’s good for a year and I just pay .50 cents every time I go to the pool. It’s heaven and from what I’ve read, almost always empty; Thai people don’t like getting tan, they like their skin as white as possible. I think I’ve found a new reading/journaling spot. There is even a banana tree shading the pool deck!

Still on the hunt for red ants AND it looks like there may be an SIT reunion on the beach in 10 days!! Amy Johnson is headed to Thailand to work up by the Burma boarder and she will be in Bangkok for a few days, so I hope I have convinced her to join me on my long weekend beach trip! Koh Samet, here we come!!!

((PICTURES OF MUSIC CLASS, CHUVIT CAMPAIGN POSTERS, THE POOL AND MY MEMBERSHIP CARD))

XOXO ABA