A quick update

Posted on November 14, 2006
Filed Under Daily News, Mae Sot |

I’ve been fighting a cold for the last few days, so I haven’t been getting out much recently, besides trips to 7-11 to stock up on orange juice boxes!

Otherwise, I’ve been house hunting. Unfortunately, there is not much available in my price range at present, and what is in my price range…Let’s just say that in many of them, I would not want to walk around barefoot! Either that or they are too far out of town, necessitating the renting/purchasing of a motorbike, which only adds to the cost.

However, the good news is I’ve found a church, although the Gospel Baptist church is a long way from the Vine. There is no jumping up and down or dancing in the aisles here. In fact most hymns are sung sitting down. But it’s the only English service in town.

The church was founded by Philippine missionaries from Iloilo, so at least I get to practice my Cebuano.

But, I do miss The Vine. And not just for the worship…

Shortly after arriving, I called into this place (Mae Sot’s first western style coffee bar) one evening and ordered a ‘regular white coffee’.

Taste Hazel coffee shop

Here is a brief extract of the conversation that took place between myself and the two (2) bar staff:

Bar Staff: Do, you want that black or with milk?

Me: White, with milk.

Bar Staff: Do you want that hot or with ice?

Me: Errr, hot, just a regular white coffee, with milk

Bar Staff: Do you want that with foam, like a cappuccino?

Me: No, just a regular white coffee, please.

At this point, they had to call the manager, and I went through the same process with him. But, eventually, they were able to produce a cup of hot coffee, served black, with a sachet of creamer. It was also served with a small jug of syrup.

I explained to the manger that I didn’t need the syrup, but could I have some sugar. He hesitated and said he would see what he could do.

A few minutes later, he reappeared with two packets of white sugar and apologized as this was all they had.

“Don’t worry,” I said, “That will do just fine.”

Vine Center coffee bar… I miss you.