Monks, Guitars, and Cats

Last Morning at the Pagoda Inn

Free Bird Cafe

Doing Laundry at the CM

I wrote a post card to Rick this afternoon and mentioned how time and experience have reversed positions. In Urbana time is a heavy experience, a repeating process of routines and experiences, but on the road, in a foreign country, time becomes lighter in relation to the sensual experiences which flak the mind. Everything is new, the only routine being no routine. 

I left the Pagoda Inn this morning, having made a reservation at CM Apartments, a few blocks down the road. 

I now relax in bed at the CM. The room is a pleasing white, with no pictures, sterile furniture, and a balcony.  The CM is located on Moon Muang Road Lane 7, which is a narrow, cobbled soi in the old part of the city, with interesting shops, stalls, massage joints, and restaurants. 

Two hundred meters down the road is Free Bird Cafe. I stopped in this afternoon and sat in a shaded garden eating red curry soup with brown rice. A cat wandered over and kept me company as I ate and wrote postcards.

The price of CM is expensive (950 baht/night), but this is the busy season and places are hard to get. I will be here tomorrow, and maybe longer, as I feel a need to settle somewhere, even if it's only for a few nights. 

Meanwhile I have been contacting places which accept long term stays. I have an appointment to see The Dome.

This morning I was up before dawn and wandered the streets with my camera. I passed monks walking with alms bowls, and as the sun came up I stopped at a restaurant called Nice Kitchen. I ordered a banana pancake and wrote a letter to Rachel. As I was leaving the owner said "Come back soon."

Before checking in at the CM this afternoon, I walked about with my full pack and passed a row of shops selling guitars. If I end up staying a month I may buy one and sell it when leaving.