Floating Market

I recently experienced my first Sunday night, Surat Thani floating market a couple Sundays ago. So fun.  Chanphen and her nephew accompanied me for the evening. We set out for some local Thai food.  The market takes place along the river, just to the west of the big bridge, along a boardwalk.  Across the river is Lamphu Island, just to the north, a river-width's distance.  We set into the market scene just as the sun was beginning to set. I have seen many gorgeous sunsets, boy was this a unique site for me.  The sun was a neon hot pink round sphere with three giant swirly waves running horizontally through it.  Chanphen told me that she has never seen anything like it.  I tried getting a picture, but failed to do the sight any justice. The sunset was huge.  I don't think I will forget it. Looking forward to more.  Next time I hit the Sunday Floating Market, I will try to get there by 5:30 to see it all.

As we perused the food vendors, Chanphen filled me in on the food and set up.  First we stopped for some bubble tea.  This is a creamy coconut drink served throughout Thailand, day to night, from vending carts.  The beverage is rather sweet and served warm.  Often times the dessert-like drink is contained in a plastic bag.  The colorful beads or bubbles are actually tapioca (starch).  The milky liquid is combination of coconut milk with sugar.  Are those artificial colors you are seeing? Nope! All natural.  The coloration is due to a combination of herbs, flower, leaves, and vegetables. Some of the coloring agents include: the pea flower (pictured above), Thai sweet potato, pandan leaf, and taro. If you are in the mood for some interesting texture and some sweet colorful fun, you might appreciate this Thai treat. Cost, ~25 baht per bag.

As we carried on  through the market, Chanphen found an open spot near the river for us to sit and eat. A table even. So, she laid her newspapers down on the mats and on the table (she brought newspapers to sit on because she said the mats weren't clean enough for eating and sitting).  We then carried on and purchased some food.  She suggested the local Pad Thai.  I stood in line while she gathered a few other items. I have tried various pad Thais and this was my favorite thus far.  She said that it was the best place to get it in Surat Thani (at least from street vending).  The dish was complete with noodles, stir-fried shrimp, bits of pork, fish, bamboo shoots, spring onions, peanuts, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, fish sauce, and garlic.  Leafy herbs, greens, a basil were served on the side. There we sat sharing the dish with our chopsticks at hand, sitting on our Thai newspaper. Cost, 40 baht for the two of us to share.  Her nephew found eventually and brought some food to our tables, for us to share.  His choices, barbequed chicken on stick and some fermented sticky rice in banana leaves.  The chicken was good, with an interesting red sauce.  The rice was fermented in all its glory, not striking much appeal to my palate, but worth a taste. The rice is fermented overnight in a banana leaf envelope with an herb that he couldn't recall the name of.

After completing the meal, we set out for some entertainment.  Chanphen suggested we head to the staging area.  She pulled me to the front several Thais crowded around two performing men. It was more than interesting and entertaining.  To top the night, an older Thai man launched homemade coconut ice cream over his back to selected Thais. Note, I was the only farang there.  Chanphen was adamant that I partake.  I really felt like I shouldn't (lots of Thais and children) and fought her hand tugging at me.  Finally, all 80 lbs of her pushed me though the front of the crowd and a Thai man cheered for me.  Soon, all eyes were on me and I was standing there.  I looked back and Chanphen was looking at me telling me too go on.  So there I went. Unlike the Thai's that volunteered* to go up front, the ice cream launching man came up to me and wanted to know where I was from and shook my hand.  He handed me a glass and there he went. Launched the ice cream wod into my cup from 30 feet away.  Everyone cheered, several people took my picture and/or video'd me. Fun nonetheless. An exciting Sunday night in the books. Eager for my next Surat Sunday night.