Wknd 2

With my Tourist Visa expiring soon, I had to start getting my documents ready for an Immigrant-B Visa. After obtaining doctors notes, passport photos and my TEFL certificate, the only thing left was my Bachelor's Degree. Having UVic mail my Certificate of Degree Completion over a month ago to the wrong address (damn Thai street names), I had to scout it out and make my way. Meeting the assistant manager of another english teaching company, I finally had everything gathered. After a few beers and hours of chatting, she invited me out to a bar for some live music. Not wanting to be rude since she had just offered me a job for next semester, I agreed. I was actually already planning on going to Co-Art to meet the girls for one of their birthdays lol, there's only so many good spots for cheap drinks and great tunes. The awesome set-list, impressive performance and tons of foreigners kept me there until 3:30am, practically ruining my Saturday (but no regrets).

Yet another elephant taking a midnight cruise

Sunday was then the day for crossing a few things off my list, exploring Hat Yai Nai and Gim Yong markets, as well as checking out the third largest reclining Buddha in the entire world. After scanning basically every stall in both of the markets, I made it to the incredible Wat Hat Yai Nai.

Laying 35 metres long, 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide, my jaw literally dropped as I have never seen anything like it. Able to go inside of the Buddha, there is a shrine and mausoleum with hundreds of lockers in the walls interred with the remains of dead people.

A little creeped out and absolutely starving, I went over to where everybody else was eating (the only way to be safe in Thailand). After enjoying whatever they brought me since there was no menu, I attempted to pay but they wouldn't take a baht. To my surprise, I realized this is common in temples as monks are permanent residents. Feeling like I'd stolen, I didn't mind spending $1 to get a motorbike ride back to town as my walk there had left me drenched in sweat. Strolling through a couple more blocks of the market, I came across my version of fruit heaven. Purchasing enough to feed an entire family for a week but only a few days at the rate I go through it, I am ready to begin another week of teaching.