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When “the plan is no longer the plan”

I woke to the sound of gongs from the temple down the street, matching a memory rhythm of gliding on a swing as a child, and I swear my body, breath, and mind synced to the pace at this moment. What a wonderful way to greet the day.

We found a filling breakfast of rice, sausage, holy basil, and fried egg at a restaurant called “Delicious” in Chiangkhan, owned by D’s friend. He insisted I not leave Thailand without knowing holy basil, famed for its supportive properties for stomach and lungs*.

I have felt incredibly safe here in Thailand. People are friendly and open. Market vendors leave supplies in their stalls easily available for the taking but no one does. Homeowners store chairs, plants, and tools along the street and no one worries whether or not they’ll be there in the morning.

Thais are also an incredibly trusting people. Days ago the neighbor across the street hosted a housewarming party (complete with chanting monks, food, and dozens of people) while D was in the hospital and later he asked me if I went. I explained that I wasn’t invited and he laughed and said that would never be a problem in Thailand; I could have shown up and people would have welcomed me in as family. Then he went on to tell stories of days when he owned a bike tour company here and crashed parties all the time with his tour guests to the delight of everyone!

What visit to Thailand is complete without a Thai massage? My first experience was excellent and cleared out some chi that had been stuck for a while! Have you ever had a Thai massage? If so, what did you think of it? If not, have you considered it?

It’s amazing how much the heat of the sun can burn through a bank of smoke. At day’s end we meandered to the boat house on the Mekong for some meditation and being nature. Today was the first day temps have been under 102° since my arrival. 95° feels much cooler than it used to. Haha.

We had planned dinner of cabbage and rice at the house just with family but a butcher friend called out of the blue to offer fresh beef for one of my favorite recipes called goi (like tartare) plus an accompanying surprise so we pivoted. D said “The plan is no longer the plan. We have a new plan” and together with our guests we put on a feast fit for royalty. Their arrival set off a super fun, spontaneous dance party in the street. It’s a beautiful experience to watch friends share and bond over a meal.

Besides the goi (thinly sliced raw beef with garlic chili dipping sauce), miang cam (leaves stuffed with veggies and tamarind sauce), tapioca sausage, rice, sautéed cabbage and garlic, and jackfruit, the friend brought a Thai delicacy: red ant eggs.

You read that right.

And yes I tried them. High in protein, they taste like what you’d imagine, made better by a special sauce while lightly sautéing. They are so coveted, they cost more than steak!

Steak $9 vs ant eggs $13/kg

Have you ever tried this delicacy? Would you?

I’ve got recipes for you when I return from this trip.

It’s been a full day. I’ll see you next time. Thanks so much for following along.

Love, Wen

*I am not a healthcare professional. See your doctor, nutritionist, or herbalist before starting a new health care regime.

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2 Comments

  1. I am not adventurous when it comes to food, so impressed with hearing about everything you have enjoyed consuming!
    I’m interested in what a Thai massage is like? Is it as hands-on as a US massage? Is it more like Reiki work?
    Very cool to hear about the open house party approach, and how safe things are – what a great culture of respect.

    1. Great questions, Diana! A Thai massage involves the practitioner standing on you while holding ropes hanging from the ceiling to support some of their weight. They stand on legs, feet, back, buttocks as well as using knees and elbows to break up stubborn places. Some areas are more intense than others but I felt liberated after mine. Just don’t go after a meal. I’d recommend first thing in the morning on a very empty stomach ?