Beef noodles with an exotic taste

‘That’s an expensive stomach,’ said Maiyuu, giving my belly a disapproving prod.

‘No, not expensive...we just have to invest in it often,’ I said, referring to my large appetite, and the fact that I like to eat.

The day before pay day, our money has run out, as it usually does at this time.

‘If you sold it, you’d probably never get the investment back,’I added.

‘We could chop you up and sell it as kuay teow neua nam khon (beef noodles),’ suggested Maiyuu.

‘You could only sell it the once – once it’s gone, that’s it,’I replied.

‘Yes...but it would last all week,’ said Maiyuu.

Roll on pay day!

Where heroes are made

I have a farang hero.

He's a work friend, though really he's my boss.

He’s in his 50s, and looks like a balloon, so much so that he has trouble keeping his pants up.

We come from different generations, but were born in the same country; a nation of immigrants.

My friend’s mother is an immigrant Italian, while my family comes from relatively boring Irish/Anglo stock. But we click, or at least, I like to think so.

I admire him because he's one of the few in there prepared to give direction as a boss, express his displeasure openly, and and stand up to people where necessary.

Thais give anyone any guidance...too confrontational, and yet without it, workplaces can run into the ground.

So, here's to you, mate. You're great!

A close shave

A street fair was in progress when I turned up at Mum's shop in Pin Khlao, on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok.

The fair comes out every year at this time for the King's birthday.

Stalls were selling food and clothes. Some traders had also set up carnival-style attractions, such as a Ferris-wheel ride, inflated slide, and shoot-a-hoop things.

I didn't spot many handsome guys - maybe they are saving themselves up for HM's birthday on Saturday, when the fair will really get going. When I was there on Tuesday, crowds were still warming up.