Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
A couple of years ago officials in Bangkok declared that the sidewalks were too congested so food stalls and other selling would be banned. I wondered how that would work because those food stalls feed the city and are a very significant part of the city's infrastructure. Besides this fact, they are the source of income for thousands of people. Of course there was a hue and cry about the decision and the officials couldn't just back down because of the loss of face. So, when the dust settled it was decided that there would have to be one day a week with no sidewalk selling, at least no stalls. That day is Monday, today, and the sidewalks were much less congested. But tomorrow it will all return and this was done "the Thai way"...big pronouncement but little effect.
Lunch today was at the "lean-to" stall place. Last time I purchased at the 2nd stall inside so today I walked the whole length. There are 13, stalls each run by different persons. My two egg omelette on rice cost $1.00 and was prepared in less than five minutes. Thai omelettes are much better than are American omelettes. While this has been clear to me the reason for this difference was recently explained. In America a little oil is placed in the pan so the omelette doesn't stick. In Thailand oil is a major ingredient of the batter which then is stir fried in a wok. There really is no comparison and the family mocked me for happily eating an omelette every morning for breakfast...always served with rice, of course. Naturally everything is better with oil.
Speaking of eggs, well I was sort of, Thai don't refrigerate eggs, at least not until they are brought home. There are egg stores, about the size of a single garage, with nothing but eggs stacked five feet high and graded by size. The larger the egg the higher the price. Purchase is per egg and the eggs you buy are placed in a plastic bag for transport. The store has a large door, like a garage door, open for business. The temperature in the store is at least as high as outdoors. Why don't the eggs spoil in the heat? Because they have not been washed, yet they always appear clean. Washing removes a protective membrane. Perhaps they know something we don't, and, oh yes, they are all brown.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: 1. the lunch lean-to, 2. elderly woman selling pastries on the sidewalk, 3. the hospital cafeteria in Ayutthaya, 4. & 5. the two retired teachers who came for my farewell.
Lunch today was at the "lean-to" stall place. Last time I purchased at the 2nd stall inside so today I walked the whole length. There are 13, stalls each run by different persons. My two egg omelette on rice cost $1.00 and was prepared in less than five minutes. Thai omelettes are much better than are American omelettes. While this has been clear to me the reason for this difference was recently explained. In America a little oil is placed in the pan so the omelette doesn't stick. In Thailand oil is a major ingredient of the batter which then is stir fried in a wok. There really is no comparison and the family mocked me for happily eating an omelette every morning for breakfast...always served with rice, of course. Naturally everything is better with oil.
Speaking of eggs, well I was sort of, Thai don't refrigerate eggs, at least not until they are brought home. There are egg stores, about the size of a single garage, with nothing but eggs stacked five feet high and graded by size. The larger the egg the higher the price. Purchase is per egg and the eggs you buy are placed in a plastic bag for transport. The store has a large door, like a garage door, open for business. The temperature in the store is at least as high as outdoors. Why don't the eggs spoil in the heat? Because they have not been washed, yet they always appear clean. Washing removes a protective membrane. Perhaps they know something we don't, and, oh yes, they are all brown.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: 1. the lunch lean-to, 2. elderly woman selling pastries on the sidewalk, 3. the hospital cafeteria in Ayutthaya, 4. & 5. the two retired teachers who came for my farewell.
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