Anyway, the walking market has quite a different atmosphere from the morning and evening markets. While those markets mostly focus on fresh fruits/veggies and meats, they also sell some clothing and prepared foods. This market was all about strolling around, shopping for clothes and other amenities, and enjoying food/music. The close of the street starting from the wat near my house and going for several blocks. There are musicians all over the place and tons of different foods to try. I had a new dessert tonight--crushed ices, gelatin cubes, some fruits (I know there was a prune in there at least), and god knows what else. There are many variations on this theme--it is quite similar to ro mit, and I do enjoy it quite a lot.
One interesting thing I had learned before heading to the market is the way Thais buy clothing. Most places you get clothing you can't try it on. Because of this, you pretty much guess and hope that you are buying the right size and that it looks good. However, you can't always be right, so people end up with clothing they can't wear, don't love, or are just kind of tired of it. Add to that the fact that Thais love to shop, and you end up with a pretty huge wardrobe. The solution? Recycle it! During markets like this one, people will bring out all the clothing that didn't work out for some reason or another and sell it really cheap. It's a good way to pick up interesting clothing if you are willing to take a risk with sizes (I am larger than the average Thai, so this is not a great option for me).
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| Wat Hua Wiangtai |
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| Wat at night |
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| So much food! |
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| Some of the "recycled" clothing |
It was a lot of fun wandering the streets. Everyone was out since the sun had set and it had cooled down a bit (still relative--it was 95 F not factoring in the humidity). I also stopped in a (real) shop and got yet another Thai outfit. The blouse was really pretty--it has flowers embroidered on it, so it is a bit more interesting that the other one I got. And unfortunately the first shopkeeper was right--I am definitely an XL when it comes to Thai garments. But I did find a nice one, so that is good. I also got a matching skirt, this time a purply-red. Now here comes the catch--this one wasn't a wrap skirt with ties. Instead it is a giant tube with some ties on the back. I tried to get them to show me how to wear it, but as far as we got is them miming stepping into the tube. Ah well, I decided I would use the vast resources of the internet to figure it out.
It turns out that this type of skirt is called a pha sin. It is (probably) originally from Laos, and is a very traditional garment in Northern Thailand. In fact, I found out about it in a book called Things Thai--these skirts are shown in a mural in the most famous wat in Nan. However, it is not commonly used anymore except for traditional ceremonies. I did find out that you fold in over much the same as a wrap skirt and then roll the top--thank you random book! So hopefully I won't embarrass myself too much. All in all today was definitely a splurge day--spent about $70 on all the clothing. However, considering that I only just ran out of the $500 I came with, and that includes paying my first month of rent, I guess I can handle it.
Oh, and guess what else I stumbled upon...the red stick! It must be that the troop leader carries one of these staffs, but it was funny to see them for sale on my stroll around town. I also think I have picked out where I am getting my bike. They have a bunch of decent ones with baskets, bells, kickstands, and decent looking seats that aren't too hideously expensive. Maybe I will grab one tomorrow so I can do some more exploring.
As of yet no rain. I am not too hopeful anymore.
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