Zzz 4th

Twas the 4th of July. And I nearly forgot. Literally in my own little world.  

Some of you know, it's one of my favorite holidays.. it's hot, it's sunny, there's good grilled food, it's a national holiday, it's perfectly alright to celebrate all day and all night (and a week or two before and after if you live in SD), and giant colorful firebombs in the sky...and if you're lucky you have amazing childhood memories around a lake with your family. 

 I had a long day. A long exhausting day of work. I stopped quickly for some yogurt and oatmeal after work, then straight home as I had to leave soon enough for my English conversation with Goi. I was so tired. I struggled to make it through the school day, let alone to hang out with some of my friends in a somewhat organized fashion.  After the lesson, they asked if I would join them for supper. In my mind I was thinking (I just want to go to bed), but my voice said, 'yes, I'd like that.' I regretted saying it but tried to keep up my optimism. Did I mention I was exhausted? My chest even felt tight I was so tired, I could feel my eyes starting to fall. But, I was optimistic about the matter.

Anyways, we ended up at Crossroads, a Thai restaurant along the Tippi River, near Koh Lamphu (Exercise Island).  My first experience there. I sat down. The waitress handed me a menu that was so full of food.  I didn't even know what to think and didn't want to think.  A book of food. Prom suggested I share some food with him and Goi, I easily agreed to the idea.  Within 5 minutes, 5 dishes found there way to our table.  Seafood, seafood. Lots and lots of seafood.  Sidenote - I don't like shrimp but I keep trying it for some reason. I actualy really liked the shrimp at this restaurant. The dish was amazing and had some great flavor. Also the largest shrimp I have ever tried.

Moving on. Are you wondering what's in my mouth in the above photo? First let me just fill you in on one little tidbit.  On my mom's side of the family, every Christmas Eve, we have oyster stew (except for last year when Nick came..so weird). Anyways, I have always gone for the other soup option, as oysters don't tend to appeal to me.  Here it goes, the truth.. I have NEVER tried the soup. Ever. Cindy, I know you're shocked, try to calm yourself.  

So this is how the rest of my story goes. Prom said, "Oh you don't have this in America, do you?" I said, "yes, but that we didn't usually eat them raw, especially not in the Midwest."  He told me that I didn't need to eat it and that he and Goi would not be offended. I said, "Ya know, I have tried a lot of things in Thailand and not turned anything down. Tonight I think I am going to pass on the raw oysters." Then it started to bother me.  Prom ended his closing thought with, "You know it not gonna to kill you." That's his quote, he says it ALL the TIME. 

Apparently 5 minutes is enough to bring me to reality. When in Rome... When in Thailand.. After explaining the 'When in Rome' to Prom, I decided it was go time. I picked up the gooey, chilled shell, splashed it with some lime juice (stared at it for a few seconds), and bit down - Prom caught a snap to show all of you, he insisted.  There you have it. I don't eat cooked oysters approved by US guidelines, but I do eat fresh-catch bottom-dwellers from local Surat nets.

Prom: How is it?

Me: Umm, it's tastes like the gooey center of the Tippi Riiver.

Prom: (He laughs) Don't worry it not gonna kill you.

Me: I'm not sure I want to finish all of this. 

Prom: You know, us Thai's, we don't eat oysters like that. We eat the whole thing at once. We believe it's like eating the sole of the oyster.

Me: Umm, I just wanted a small piece.

Prom: (laughs and laughs) Just kidding, it not true. I joking.

Me: You're just a funny guy aren't you Prom.

Prom: It's ok, now you know what it's like. Oh, wait you were suppose to dip it in these two sauces, and chili flakes, splash it with lime, and then garnish it with caramelized onions.

Me: Next time fill me in on that a little sooner.

Prom: You eat raw steak in the US, right? It's pretty much the same thing.

Me: Prom, I don't even know how to respond to that.