Today is the third day since Val left and I'm still not finding any work. The island has just gotten really slow. Tomorrow I plan to go back around to the dive shops I've already visited and at least let them know I'm still looking. Several people warned me it was going to be slow in May, but June supposedly picks up. We'll see how long I last before I get the itch to move on and see more of Thailand before I need to meet up with Val in Cambodia.

One irony is that while she was here the weather was cloudy a lot and we had some serious rain. Since she left it has been sunny and hot. Perfect weather for working on that tan. Oh well, sacrifices we have to make.

I did a little shopping at the 'supermarket' today and found several items that just made my laugh. First, I found Pepperidge Farms cookies. Not just any Pepperidge Farm cookies, but the Sausalitos. Val can attest to this, they are the only kind I like! The package was ridiculously expensive and I decided to pass on it. I know it's there and if I decide later, I may go back for some. I also found that they had V-8 juice. Again, not just any V-8, but the hot spicy kind. Since I have been carrying a bottle of Tabasco sauce with me since Australia, I broke down and bought some, along with a bottle of Vodka so I can have Bloody Mary's once in a while. They also had Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice so I can also make Sea Breezes. It was like shopping in Fred Meyer's, except they make you take your shoes off before you can enter the store:)

I seem to have adopted a pet here in my room! The bathroom wall is concrete block and some of them have slots in them for ventilation. This is common here since it's so hot and humid. The owner of this place has taken it one step further and placed screens over them. A novel idea ... let in the fresh air, but try to keep the insects out! There is about an inch gap between the screen and the wall. Earlier today a rather huge Gecko found his way in there and can't seem to get back out. I say Gecko, but it looks more like a small Iguana. If he stays in there for a day or two, I may need to figure out a way to let him loose. I really don' think he can get back out on his own. If I get really bored, I'll take a photo and post it on the site.

That's it for now. I miss Val something terrible and hope she's having a good time!

Eric