Well, my little surprise is over and it didn't work. Oh well, they'll be more opportunities in the future. It's along story, but Val knows I'm in Bangkok and we're going to meet up in Cambodia in a few days. Actually, I'll be there in a few days and she'll be there on the 11th. I can't wait! This week and a half has felt like forever:(

Today I had a relaxing day planned. First, go trade in a couple of books at a used book store. Next, head over to see the main branch of the public library. and then work my way back to my neighborhood and check in at the Fed Ex office to see if my package has arrived.

Little did I know that finding a used book store in Bangkok would be such an adventure. I guess that's why I'm here. First I checked in the hotel lobby at the directory labeled "The closest..." which has everything from bookstores to weight machines. I found two bookstores within walking distance and set out. The first one was a chain called Asia Books. All they had were new books. I asked about a used bookstore and they told me their location about 6-7 blocks away had used books. So, I headed off further down the same street and kept my eyes open. I got to the location and went inside. It was an exact copy of the first store. They informed me that none of their locations sold used books! I asked if there was a used book store nearby and they said the closest one was called 'Elite' books and it was on the same street (it's a major street) between Soi 23 and Soi 24. So, off I went again. I arrived at Soi 23 and walked up to Soi 24, but saw nothing that looked like a bookstore. I decided to check across the street even though the woman had been pretty clear on which side of the street the shop is on. Crossing this street is no east task. There are elevated pedestrian walkways every 2-3 blocks and you have to use them. It is actually two streets with a small meridian between them. The first is a 4 lane one-way road. The second is 3 lanes with 2 going in the same direction as the other 4. I guess no one drives the other direction in this town:)

I eventually got to the other side and noticed that the streets were only at Soi 18 and Soi 19. So, I thought maybe I hadn't walked far enough and kept heading up the street. I finally got to about Soi 27 when I looked on the other side of the street and saw that the streets were already up to Soi 37 by then. This was very strange that the streets on either side didn't line up, but hey, who am I but a tourist who can't even find a bookstore! As I was about to turn around and head back, I finally spotted a sign that read 'bookstore' in old beat up neon that looked like it hadn't lit up in 10 years. As I looked closer I could see a smaller sing below it that said new and used books.

Rather than backtrack 2 blocks to find an overpass, I did the tourist thing and cut across 7 lanes of traffic. It only took about a minute and I'm sure I was swore at more than once in Thai, but I just smiled and waved as I cut off cars and scooters. When I got to the other side of the street I saw the name Elite Books painted on the window. Finally! I went in, exchanged my two books and walked out 80 baht (almost $2) poorer, but with new reading material.

By now it was almost 2:00 and plans to visit the library were a stretch, but I still had notions of trying it. I started to head back to my hotel to drop off the books, grab a few things, and head back out. The walk back was nearly a mile and I started to get mighty thirsty. I thought a beer sounded good, but I wanted to be sure and not wander into a 'beer bar'. I had already been approached a few times on the way back with guys trying to hand out flyers to different bars. The flyers had pictures of cute Thai girls on them and they all were saying "it's happy hour"!

I eventually found a place called Bully's Pub that looked like an Irish Pub and had a sign for Paulener Hefe-Wiezen so I ducked inside to grab lunch and a cold beer. WOW! The place was huge. Nice and cool, mostly ex-pats there and no-one hassling you for a 'date'. The food was decent and the beer was frosty. Best beer I've had in weeks. I knew it was good when my food came and suddenly I heard familiar lyrics over the PA system "when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door..." Yes, it was Jerry singing Uncle John's Band.

I stayed for over an hour before finally heading back into the heat. When I got outside I started heading towards my hotel when I suddenly realized I was only about 50 yards from my turn! I had never walked on this side of the street so I hadn't realized how close the place was. I will definitely be back there tomorrow for a few cold ones!

I got back to the hotel just as it started to drizzle a little. Within a half hour we had nearly an inch of rain fall. Needless to say, I never made it to the library. I guess that may be my goal for tomorrow. After I've had a few cold ones at Bully's!

Until next time,

Eric