Daily Log: 3. 1. 2005

Today a lot of filming was done off site. We first went to the Phimai Temple to do about 6.5 hours of filming. The temple was amazing in the morning light and it was so nice to be there when it wasn’t burning hot outside. After spending the 6 and a half hours at the temple, we went back to the Inn for a little rest and relaxation. Around 2:30, Lisa and myself went to a place called the Banyan Tree. The Banyan tree is a 350-year-old tree that has sprawled its roots over an area of 35,000 square feet. In the tangle of this huge tree fortune tellers set up ‘shop’ and there is a Buddhist temple where one can pray and meditate. I was going to get my fortune read but the teller who speaks English was away for the day so I just have to go back another day!

After spending about an hour and a half at the Banyan tree, Lisa and I went to the downtown Phimai food market. I had been to other markets in Phimai but not the downtown food market, which I had high expectations for. I expected there to be tons of vendors with tons of unfamiliar foods and smells. Well, my expectations were met! I had never in all my life seen such different foods than I am used to. I saw tons of different types of meats, different parts of animals that would be later used to cook up and eat. Also, there were tons of fried crickets, various juices, many native fruits, and honeybee hive slices. The honeycombs were partially raveled onto a stick, and it was covered in honey, bees (both dead and alive) and bee larvae. I (for some crazy reason) thought it would be a great idea to try it. So I bought one, and took a bite. Much to my surprise it was the foulest thing I have ever tasted. It tasted like a weird mixture between rotten popcorn, and some other undetectable tastes. After I swallowed a small chunk of it, I started to gag and as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t swallow the honey chunk. So… I walked slowly down the line of vendors before I spit the honey chunk into my hand. I waited a little while to spit it out so I wouldn’t offend the woman I bought it from.

Later I decided to try another unknown ‘dessert’. The dessert was a green gelatin rolled in a yellow rice substance. ONCE AGAIN, my taste buds were deceived and I forced myself to eat what I had bitten off! No longer will I try unknown substances from the downtown food market, unless the community fellows tell me that it’s okay! I trust their judgment and I would assume they wouldn’t let me buy and eat something that would make me feel unpleasant once I ate it.

The market itself was absolutely incredible though. There were tons of people, people singing in the streets, and even a drum band walked by. Everyone seemed to be happy and eager to have us try what he or she was selling. In addition to the food that was being sold, there were clothing vendors selling the latest trends in Thailand. I didn’t really look too much at the clothes selection, because the food vendors were so interesting. I am glad that I tried the foods I did, despite the fact I didn’t enjoy them. I never would have known I didn’t like them, unless I tried!

I am also excited to go back to the Banyan tree and have my fortune read. I will surely keep everyone posted on what the teller says. Word ‘on the street’ is that he is pretty accurate and that he sometimes tells the bad things, not the good. But either way it will be really interesting to see what he can pick out about myself. Maybe he will have some advice about the which foods I should be eating, and which foods I shouldn’t be eating. :-)

Goodnight!
Jamie