26th August

Earlier this week we went down to Lumpini night market.  It seemed rather subdued and many stalls were closed which was a result, we were told of the troubles earlier this year.  Business is only just starting up again and many folk are still staying away or at least the farang who spend the money ( it means foreigner but is the same as the word for guava)  The market is composed of brightly lit, covered alleyways selling many items of Thai culture including every branded lable you can think of at bargin prices.  Bargining is the norm and is something which takes some time to adjust to since things seem pretty cheap anyway.  Still it doesn't do not to take part and one quickly slips into saying to each other 'that was steep.  Lets go somewhere else'  Although busy the market was not full and over half the stalls were closed.  we walked round for an hour or so and bought nothing.  Not because there wasn't anything to buy.  There was some lovely stuff.  We just have two years in which to sellect exactly what we want so why rush.  We left a house full of things and have no desire to fill up another except with things that are really special.  Most of the most important things aren't for sale anyway.