Hardly Model Behavior

Last week I went to review a spa for the magazine. While interviewing the manager, she stopped abruptly and dragged me into the following dialogue:
“I like your face… you have the body…”
“…What…?”
“Would you want to model for our new spa campaign?”
“…What…?” (Thinking to myself, ‘You’re crazy, lady…’)
You can fill in the rest. Bottom line, I was talked into this tomfoolery with the agreement that the pictures would also be used in the magazine and therefore we wouldn’t have to purchase their personal photos for the review. So I, the least likely model that I know, subsequently entered into a four hour photo shoot- looking ridiculous all the while- and posed uncomfortably in pools of rose pedals and intimidating massage chambers. Five attendants on hand- not to mention those poor souls who had the task of conquering my hair and applying makeup- were needed to get my horrified face into a smile.
In the end, they were somehow pleased with the pictures and have decided to use them on giant posters and booklets and god knows what else. The thing about it is- this is a huge spa not limited to Thailand. It’s all over Asia- China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia- you name it. My inapt face will be all over this side of the world looking like a tool in a pool of rose pedals.
Oh, the tangled webs we weave.

Sea Gypsy Village

 

Stupid, Cobra

I choked on my own saliva today.
Why? Stina- my dear, loopy Stina- booked her ticket to visit me in Thailand.
In contrast, however, yesterday I had an encounter with someone of whom I am a little less fond. Driving to work, I ran over the tail of a Cobra, who was trying (in vain, I might add) to cross the road. Stunned, I looked back- it was still alive and slithering- but dared not get close enough for it to prove its condition further. We’re warned about these fuckers all the time, but nonchalantly crossing a busy road?
(Segue)
On Sunday, Jon and I reviewed a Junk Boat in Phang Nga. The picture above is the one on which we traveled. Loaded on Dramamine, we made it to a few islands and a sea gypsy village, while managing not to ralph. The Junk Boat is a pretty staggering sight, in my opinion; infinitely better than a speedboat.
Come Monday, I had an appointment to interview and schedule a review date with a helicopter company, and got an unexpected trial ride around the island. Unless I was too young (or drugged on Dramamine to remember), this was my first stint one of these contraptions. They let us keep the side door open for a better view… who knew that was allowed? Pretty sweet, though. In a few days I’ll get to spend more time in it for the actual review, so I’ll let you know how it goes.
I finally posted a lot more pictures.
p.s. Lauren... cut me some slack. You know how I feel about marriage!
And Bartberger... I would love to visit you in Japan, and you know you are welcome to stay with me Thailand whenever!
Pastey, get back to work.