Puttin' around in Pattaya

I've been checking thestar.com daily to find out what the weather is like in Toronto, which is a bit of a defeatist move on my part. I'm here in the sweltering 30 degree heat with a looming future of -6 degrees with snowfall in a week's time. Which, my dear Reader, is not a favourable change in weather for me after effectively having a 7 month summer. But one should not dwell on the not-so-niceties of life, for I am returning to the warmth and love of my family and friends. Plus I have a closet full of winter clothes waiting to see the light of day (although my roommate informs me she's been giving them plenty of exercise). And, I look forward to continuing my independent study project of learning how to ice skate, which I'm sure the harbourfront ice rink will be primed for upon my return. So I shall continue to look on the bright side and be utterly greatful for this amazing journey I've had over the past 80 some days.

But since it's not over yet, I have been taking advantage of the environment. I spent the day in a lounge chair on the beach in front of my Uncle's shop, reading a 2005 GQ Men of the Year issue, which gave me new found insights on Simon Cowell, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan. Feeling I needed to have a bit of activity, I decided to rent a jet ski, which if you've been keeping up with my blog, I had already done a few weeks ago. But this time was different. I splurged and got one of the high powered Yamaha monsters that had me crashing over the waves at a reported 70 miles (MILES!) per hour. Salt water spraying into my eyes, the gulf brilliantly sparkling with the mid-day sun, the sound of the wind screaming in my ears as I revved the engine...and me laughing maniacaly the whole time, drunk with power. It brought me joy.

I've been taking walks up and down the strip, taking pictures of sights that I've grown accustomed to, but know are anomalies in Canada. Vendors selling creatures from the sea, thousands of beach umbrellas lined up down the beach, and brightly coloured buildings side by side...you know that kind of stuff.

Tomorrow will be my last day in Pattaya, then I'll be heading to Bangkok from Saturday until I leave on Monday evening. There's a few more Wats (=temple) I need to see in the capital. Plus, I will likely have a bit of space in my new suitcase (Backpacking, who was I joking!) so I needs to get my shoppin on! It's really weird that I'm leaving. It's also really weird that I've been away for this long. Feeling very blessed.

Sea-dooing to ice skating in 5 days. wow.