Today, after tracking down the American Women's club on my own (it will offer a chance to get involved in community service here) I finally dared step into an establishment offering pedicures, among many other services; we have passed it many times but I needed to master (or possibly butcher) a few words in Thai to be sure I could communicate on a basic level. Plus, to get to the TenTen spa, I had to walk through a bakery/restaurant so there was another stumbling block. What if they asked me what I wanted? I don't know how to say "nothing" yet.
Anyway, back to the pedicure. I am glad I finally made it. I tend to resist the inclination to pamper myself but after 2 weeks of walking the streets in my Chaco's on a daily basis, my feet were feeling sore and rough, and looking like they felt that way too. Not only did they speak better English than I speak Thai, I was brought a very strong ginger tea, which was quite refreshing, and a pile of magazines. Now you may think I speak with a heavy Southern accent but here they don't know where I hail from. So the stack of publications included one from each of the following: Germany, France, Thailand and Britain. I, of course, could read only the British gossip mag but I thumbed through the others, and ooh-la-la, does France show plenty in their ads that would not be seen anywhere in the U.S. except behind the counter.
Anyway, I was pampered plenty and it was a refreshing break from the busy streets. The cost was 500 baht, which is about $16.00.
When I was done, I was energized enough to track down some chocolate chips, the last missing ingredient in my oatmeal cookies - Tom can't wait! Then I stopped at a roadside stand and ordered a Veg Pad Thai to go, shelling out $1.00 for the dish which is quite good, with enough left for lunch tomorrow.
Now one of my next goals is to be able to post photos on this site. Don't hold your breath.
