Rain makes the already slick sidewalks even more treacherous when you're walking around in flipflops. The uneven bricks that more frequently wobble than not when you walk on them have surprised me with a spray of water shooting out of them onto my legs more than once after such a downpour. What is one more obstacle on the path---the puddles add to the pipes, cables, uneven ledges (there are apparently no regulations on the size and height of curbs or stairs as they reach a sidwalk), people begging, dogs lounging, debris of all sorts, foodcarts, and motorcycles (which tend to ride as much on the sidewalk as on the street!)---it amazes me what things have become "normal" to me. Chris, who used to frequently trip over uneven sidewalks in Philadelphia (because he is used to Montreal sidewalks that have to be smooth for the sidewalk snowplows to work in the winter without tearing up the sidewalks), said that we will be grateful for Philadelphia sidewalks after living here!
Yesterday, Chris and I toted around precious cargo as we maneuvered our way through the sidewalks making our way through our checklists: We were carrying all of our handpainted wedding invitations and RSVP cards! We picked them up yesterday morning from Judith of Jaab Cards. They look absolutely lovely (if we don't say so ourselves) and we are sure that the bright yellow envelopes will stand out nicely in the mail! This weekend, as it seems nearly most hours spent together these days, was filled with wedding planning. After we picked up the invitations, we bolted our way to meet with the lady who is making our wedding rings. They are going to be very simple and elegant (like most things of and for the wedding) and nature-inspired. We think it is cheaper to get them made here---and regardless, it is easier! Laurie, the artist, is from LA originally, but she has lived in Bangkok for 17 years. My friend, Mair, recommended her to us as Laurie made Mair's engagement ring.
Next stop after that to Rajawongse's Tailor shop. He is by far the best-known and best tailor in Bangkok for Men's clothes. I am quite envious of Chris for I have not found the equivalent for women's clothing. Victor (the main guy who meets and greets and takes orders) is quite a man. He works with his brother, and they have at least 60 tailors working for them to make the clothes. Dignitaries from all over the world have suits made at this one tailor in Bangkok. (Even the former president went there---I can't hold that against Victor!) Victor has this amazing ability to remember most details about people. Every time we go there, there is a line of people, and he handles everyone as though they are the only ones in the shop! He remembered Chris and me after the first time we went there so Chris could have a suit made. Then, when we went to the St. David's Ball, Chris called the day before (on a Friday) and ordered a white shirt to go with his suit. Victor kept his measurements and the shirt was ready by Saturday afternoon. I brought Dad there, but I suspect from his behavior that personal issues and discomfort with Victor prevented him from getting a shirt made there. His loss!
So, Chris and I stopped in yesterday with the picture of the tuxedo that we want for the wedding. Victor remembered that we had asked him about it over a month ago (when we picked up the shirt for the ball) and he remembered that the tux was for our wedding! He is such a people person with real skill! He is an honest business man, too---he doesn't ever try to sell someone what they don't want or won't need. He is very straightforward and confident in his work and what he can offer to the customers. The fact that he remembers the smallest of things about people---even their names---is such a good party trick, too! I can't even guess how many people must come through his door every day (in the 10 minutes we were there, at least 3 people came in after us, and two were waiting for him in various stages of picking up and trying on clothing), and somehow, SOMEHOW, he manages to provide personal attention to every single person---spouse's and significant other's included!
That is such a rare find anywhere---especially in the SE Asia where everyone is always trying to sell Farang's something. (My god, we are walking ATM machines and supposedly, all of us Westerner's are chockfull of money and interested in spending all of it! The concept of browsing hasn't reached their attention! Yesterday, on the final stop of the day, Chris and I popped into the men's section of the department store on our way to the office supply section just to LOOK at ties. In a few seconds of us stopping we had 5 sales' clerks hovering over us tying ties and pulling out anything in which we showed the remotest interest. It is not easy for me to maintain calm composure as I don't really enjoy shopping to beginwith--and Chris knows this! I like looking and imagining with just occasional buying, but that is all but non-existent here! So, Chris looked at me, and knew that I was getting very annoyed, so we left immediately.)
The one place where they leave me the heck alone is in the office and art's supply section of the store---which is a good thing, too, because I absolutely love office supplies! Pens, pencils, markers, notepads of all sizes, highlighters, planners, pencil and pen cases, colored pencils, scissors, stickers, notepads, postits, flags---I love office supplies! And they get such good ones here! There is such a greater variety---with stuff from Germany and other European countries, and then with the gridded notepads used in Europe and Asia---I am like a kid in a candy store. Heck, I was never really enthralled by the candy store, actually. I used to beg to go to the office supply store when I was a kid! My freshman roommate in college thought I was neurotic because I had a favorite pen. Fortunately, it has been great comfort to know that I am in great company with a lot of medical students! I've met quite a few folks in the medical profession who have specific preferences when it comes to pens, pencils, highlighters, and other office supplies.
Yesterday, I took Chris to the office and art supply section so we could find a permanent fine point marker to use on the invitations. As I bounced around from one section to the other showing him how I've looked at so many cool journals, notepads, planners, etc, I think he was amazed to see the girl who was just about to bolt from the salesclerk's in the men's department, suddenly excited about possibility in the Office Supply section! (Yes, I have already stocked up on postit notes and flags!)
I do not know calligraphy, and I am a bit out of practice with the cursive, but I will say that the invitations I wrote out towards the end of the night (of writing out our address SO MANY TIMES) showed great improvement! So, last night, I addressed all RSVP cards and most of the invitations while Chris worked on the insert with the hotel directions (en anglais et en francais) with the movie "Love Actually" playing in the background. I love that movie! And there are parts that make me cry EVERY TIME I see it! The last time I saw it was around Christmas when I was home alone recovering from jetlag and preparing to make the trip to West Virginia.
Today, we don't have that much to share. We spent the day inside working on the inserts and more wedding stuff. How could it take so much time???
