Somtam Salad

Yesterday Byrd, Gaan, and a new friend named Tiana, all went to Phuket for the day. Byrd wanted to watch as many movies as he possibly could. I think in the end, him and Gaan went to two...Tiana and I couldn't sit still that long. We initially went to "Underworld" and I think Tiana and I lasted all of 5 minutes...we left when the werewolves started eating people's faces, and walked into the Thai version of Charlies Angels. Seriously, it was just a rip off...it had the same plot, same characters, just all in Thai with a few Thai things thrown in (like a lady boy, and sniff kissing).

The boys told us to meet them back there later in the evening (because they wanted to see another movie), and we ventured into Phuket Town not knowing where we were going at all!!! Here is where the confusion began...a taxi driver asked us if we needed a ride, and I bartered him down considerably and he then told me he would give me my price if we went to this shop to look around. I made sure that we didn't have to buy anything once we got to this shop, and that we didn't have to buy him his gas or anything, and then agreed to go, still not completely understanding what we were agreeing to. About 5 minutes into the drive he pulls into this parking lot, and about 5 Thai people came and opened our doors and escorted us into this building...there was like a procession for us...the hall was all lined with Thai people bowing to us, and greeting us, and leading us into this giant shop. I felt like we were celebreties, and I felt like we were doing something illegal. As we wandered around awkwardly, we were followed closely by 3 or 4 Thai people each. It was so strange. We really weren't sure what we were to be doing in there!!! We made sure we covered the entire store and walked out the exit and back into our taxi. I still have no idea what the heck all that was about, but our taxi ride was cheap!!!

Later that evening, we met up with the boys again and began our long journey home. We were all starving so we stopped along the rode and Byrd ordered us food. Now, to give you a bit of history, there are 2 kinds of food here that I don't like, but always seem to follow me around wherever I go. One of them is the squishy meat ball (fish, pork, or beef...all gross), and papaya salad (somtam). Well, when my food arrived it was FULL of meat balls. I died a little on the inside. Thankfully Gaan threw in a disclaimer that if we didn't like them we didn't have to eat them. I know these guys well enough to know that they won't be offended if I don't eat something...he was more than happy to eat my share. Then today, Gaan and I went out for lunch and he ordered the food...when it arrived there was my despised papaya salad...now, this one is a little more difficult to reject being as it's the national Thai dish...I think if I rejected the dish, there is a possibility that Thailand would reject me...spit me right out. I don't even know how many times I have eaten Somtam since I came to Thailand. Possibly too many times to count. I'm praying that one day I will truly begin to enjoy this dish...I keep telling myself it's an acquired taste. Anyway, I now know how to make it, so when I come home I can share the wealth with all of you, my dear friends...prepare yourselves, because you WILL eat it!!!