January 4, 2014

I have no specific plans today, a common theme to the start of many days. My back is much improved, so a goal is to get back to yoga practice later today. There is an elemental Yin Yoga class later this afternoon which would be quite nice for my current state.

Walk to Wat Suan Dok

I did walk down to Chiang Mai Gate, the eastern of the two gates on the south side of the wall, then along the south side past Sean Rung Gate, the western of the two gates on the south, and up the western side to Suan Dok Gate on the western side of the wall.

Then I walked out to Wat Suan Dok, a very serene and peaceful temple. I always thought this is a good place to meditate. It turns out there are meditation classes here, so others have the same feeling. I have yet to learn the details or schedule.

On the walk back, you just never know who you will encounter. This lizard is at least half a meter long from nose to tip of tail (about 18-20 inches). Not large, but by no means small. He just sat there, peacefully as I made a couple of photos.

The days are getting warmer, so while the Thai people are now becoming comfortable, I am sweating more. This means drinking more water, an easy thing. And fruit juice or a banana-pineapple smoothie in the afternoon is not not bad, either. I dd get back to yoga, and it was quite refreshing to be back in a class.

Boutique della Pasta

Talking to Poppy, the sister who runs 3-Sis Guest House, I mentioned that I was planning on going to Kanjana on Ratchadamneon Road Soi 5 (Lane 5), probably for pumpkin curry for dinner. She told me one of her favorite restaurants was also on Soi 5, an Italian pasta and pizza place called Boutique della Pasta. I went to Kanjana, but they were closed tonight. So I ventured further down the soi, found Boutique della Pasta, and had a very delicious meal! I ordered the bruschetta to start with, and it was the best I have had in years. The olive oil was delicious, and there was not too much garlic mixed in with the tomatoes. The bread was very lightly toasted and had a very nice texture and flavor. After the bruschetta, my taste buds were in heaven. I also ordered ravioli with ricotta cheese, pinenuts, and raisins with a mushroom sauce. I’m not a big mushroom lover, but this dish kept me and my taste buds in the heavenly state — beautiful and delicious. My regret is that I did not have my camera – it was a beautiful meal. This means I must return, have that meal again, and make a photograph. (I can do it, I know I can do it!)