4 years ago when Beth and mark suggested being a kitchen rep at uni, I didn't expect to get much but a CV boost out of it, it turned out to be one of the many best parts of uni leading to so many great things. Apparently the skills are universal too, last night I cracked out the familiar feelings of making sure everyone it to where they wanted to be including buying a drink from 7-eleven so Nick didn't have to down his before we went to the most hippy/backpacker bar ever (Han Fran- I expect you have been there or you will coincide at some point) called the Rooftop in Chiang Mai. From the neon room on the way up to the cross legged bar area with open top views of the stars I was very happy with my bright blue "Sex on the Rooftop". Soon after this I went back into KR mode to make sure Pablo was hydrated and safe on his way home with the hotel business card as directions for tuktuk drivers (a trick I actually learned on tour in 2011). Then i chilled with an english guy and girl who were about to start uni, felt right at help. This great night lead to the great 15 minute pack this morning to make my minibus to the Laos border. Due to early morning pickup and late night return. And I remembered to take my first anti malaria pill. I am on it!

Yesterday evening I met a couple from Otley (20 mins drive from my house) at my Thai cookery class, here were also 4 Aussies and 4 San Francos an we had a ball cooking up various curries, appetisers, soups and sides. My maslon curry (with extra coconut honey) was terrific, as were my spring rolls and pan-fried rice. Me and Lopi both agreed that he soup was rubbish and i eventually persuaded her hat we needed i move on, but it may have been down our inability to slice finely than Aom's teaching... But we had the curries etc so we were fine, in fact it's probably a good job we didn't like it, on the wall as we walked in there was painted "our cooking is so good that it makes you look pregnant"... I think it was such a blast because the company was up for a riot, trying or best to follow the instructions and everyone looking out for each other (and me the loner). I can't wait to see the San Francos again in a few months, they are as mad, lovely, fun and adorable as my family at home but with better accents :p Aom is the lady holding the pink egg which is apparently black inside. Check out Kelsey's face behind!

Status
• I feel bad that my hangover munchies are basically donuts and fake Oreos washed down with strawberry fanta, because I didn't have time for breakfast and the street vendors aren't up yet :( ...
• Really excited to see Laos and try out some new currency at some tubing bars then head north for some hiking...
• Sick of hotels and ready to go back to dorms, but the packages for travel are cheaper and don't have that option...
• Scenic Thai countryside flying by is pretty...
• I can't haggle for myself for love nor money but apparently fresher rep Alex can for other people!...

Fact: When addressing strangers in Thai you add 'krap' to the phrase if you're a guy or 'kai' if you're a lady, eg kar pun krap is thank you.