How Do I Get The Yellow Truck To STOP!?

I actually slept somewhat good last night which is promising as I want to get back on a normal sleeping schedule! I had my breakfast, checked my email and headed downstairs!

My original plan was to sleep in a bit this morning, drop off my laundry, walk to the grocery store and go to the orphanage in the afternoon. But last night Prachit had emailed me saying she would pick us up at 9:00am. So I decided I would do the morning and have the afternoon to rest and get some errands done.

After waiting downstairs until 9:15am I finally called her --- but no answer --- so I also sent her a text. I decided I would just take the truck (no big deal) but then realized I didn’t have my sunglasses (again not a HUGE deal..this makes me sound like a diva..ok ok I am BUT I do get a headache from squinting) so I came back upstairs. I then realized that by the time I got to the orphanage it would be just about time to leave! So I decided I would just stick to my original plan and go in the afternoon!

My only guess was that I had told Krista I would meet her at the orphanage in the afternoon, so maybe she and Prachit met downstairs earlier and left, thinking I wasn’t going!

I went and dropped off my laundry so I would have clean clothes this weekend and then walked to the grocery store. I am not positive, but this may be my favorite grocery store yet. It is big, clean, has AC (all things to look for in a good grocery store) AND plays classical music so I can relax while grocery shopping. I picked up some snacks for this weekend (since I will only be eating Thai food) and also some snacks for the kids (I feel bad I am only doing half days so will hopefully make up for it with some goodies!)

I had my lunch (half of PB&J) and I was off! Now here is the scoop..I walk about 10 minutes straight down my road to catch the yellow truck. Once I get on the yellow truck it drives back up the same street and turns right before my hostel. So I thought, instead of wasting time walking all the way down, to just come back, why don’t I catch it closer to me. I don’t mind the walk but I am all about efficiently using my time, so I figured I might as well walk in the direction of where I need to go! I thought this was a really good idea, but I was proven wrong.

It took longer than I expected for the first yellow truck to come by and when it did I waved him down, but he simply waved back! I was so offended! Ha! This happened about 5 more times (yes I kept track) before I decided I was clearly missing something! I obviously was not worth them picking me up (hey I WAS worth 15 baht!) At one point a red one pulled over (I didn’t even wave him over) and I wanted to say “you are not going where I need to go” but I showed him my paper, he asked how much, I said 15 baht and he laughed as he drove away.

I walked back to find my man waiting at the table and showed him my card as he pointed to the truck I needed to be on. I wish I spoke Thai so I could ask him why nobody picked me up! But, I was thinking about it, and I realized we never stop until we get to the “halfwayish” mark where we stop for 10 minutes. So maybe that’s the first stop? I guess I will never know!

The kids seemed awfully cranky today and it was so hot in the room. I took a baby outside for a while (this was the only way he would stop crying) and there was a group of students from Chiang Mai University so there were lots of things to watch! They did a puppet show and I THINK it was the three little bears, although the puppets didn’t look like bears but they had three difference houses so that was my only guess! We stayed outside until it started pouring (I think that’s why it was so muggy) and at 4:30 Prachit picked us up!

I tried to ask what had happened this morning but since English isn’t either of their mother tongues I didn’t really understand and it wasn’t a big deal!

I came back to rest for a little bit before going out for dinner. I was craving pasta and headed to an Italian place near the markets. I spent a little bit of time looking around the market and I did buy a few more gifts AND something for myself (and my mom). It is a black and white (she likes black and white) bag with flowers on it! I think it’s pretty!

I came back very tired and after a shower I was able to skype both my mom and Kate! Oh how I love skype! Also, I added pictures and videos. Like always..I will probably delete the videos in a few days and upload new ones so check those out first!

Hugs and kisses from the yellow trucks that don’t want me!