The city is clothed in black for the mandatory 30 day mourning period for the King's sister. Chatuchak is as busy as ever. It is hot, humid and hard to believe that I left 32 degree weather to find myself drenched after the first 5 minutes outside the AC room at the New See-am II. 93 degrees, 100% humidity. Anything you want at the weekend market. After 2 hours I have to stop and refuel and after 3 hours I am suffering the first effects of dehydration. We stop for lunch right as I begin to realize I can';t make one more decision. Lunch is delicious...somtam, khao niew, gai yang, cold cold water, cries of the kanom krock vendor in my ear, high sing song pleas for one more sale, someone in a cartoon character suit strutting up and down the uncovered asile that separates the sections of the steamy tin roofed market. How hot he must be, it is impossible to comprehend. The market swings into full blown mid-day action...colors, textures, throngs of people so thick you have to walk sideways clutching your bags, the sweat pouring off your skin, trying to remember to drink more water. I suddenly realize I have reached my limit as my stomach cramps and my head begins to explode. Sarah and Du deposit me in the back of an air con taxi with multiple admonitions to the driver to use the meter, to get me back to the hotel safely.
My second shower of the day. I lay like a loaf of sodden bread in my phasin, waiting for the AC and fan to do their work. I drink more water. I read. Then its back downstairs into the heat. Its an illusion, lying there and thinking that this time you won't be so hot when you step outside the room. A bit more conversation, a fruit shake, dress for dinner, and out again. After dinner the others take a stroll down Saturday night on Kao San. I opt for the banana roti and a walk back to the hotel, my room, and one more shower.
Tomorrow is Laos and I hope it will be cooler, at least at night.
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