Have I mentioned the food here? Oh my goodness. . . When I went to Switzerland, I practically starved for the first week, because they didn't seem to realize that I didn't know where/how to get food. But here! Whooo!

Yesterday was a classic food day. It was the day after we had returned to our little village in Southern Thailand, and, instead of teaching, the headmaster took us to the local high school where his good friend works. Kara and I were a little unclear about why we were going, but we knew that the government was coming to evaluate the school. Once we got there, it was clear that they wanted us to mingle with the English class and, if the government asked, tell them that we were teaching English here. Kara and I weren't so enthused about this facade, but we played along. We are guests, afterall.

After the government officials had come through our area, one of the teachers took us down to the cafeteria to eat lunch with the students--a quite simple but delicious yellow curry with rice noodles and fresh pineapple, beans, and cucumbers. Afterward we toured some of the science displays and then were led into a large stadium. We were shown to a seat next to our headmaster and then served another meal. This time there was a selection of soup, curried meats, noodles, and rice. The food was too good to resist, despite the fact that we weren't the least bit hungry.

That night Somai took us to eat at his family's little roadside eatery. Roadside eateries are not like the ones in the USA--cheap, quick food. It's often here and in the little markets that you find the best (and cheapest!) food. Somai's family brought out some deliciously marinated pork, a big bowl of greens, as well as a metal contraption with coals in the bottom. There was a dome over the coals and then a little moat in a circle around the edge. We took the sliced pork and draped it onto the dome to cook. Then we poured water into the moat, and it was soon bowling. The greens went into the moat, the water being marinated by the pork drippings! Ohhhh my goodness, it was my favorite meal yet. We ate and ate and put more and more pork on.

But then, just as I was getting full, they brought out more food! I couldn't believe it! And then, of course, no meal would be complete without the fresh fruit that is simply bursting from the trees. I don't think I'm going to be able to eat fruit in the states for awhile after I come home. I'm just too spoiled here.

So, in any case, you don't need to worry about me losing weight here. The last volunteer said that she gained 5 kilos during her 4 weeks. It's not hard to believe. My caretakers here are always worried that the food is going to be too spicy for me, but I've actually found everything quite bearable...well, more than bearable!