The only farang in the village

If you watch "Little Britain" at all, you'll understand the above title. If not, go and watch "Little Britain" - it's classic!!

I'm in Ban Rai, Uthai Thani province, which is about 3 hours northwest of Bangkok, verging on the Burma border. It's at a bit of an elevation, so very dry and stupidly, sweltering hot during the day. Mornings are cool and I need a wind breaker driving the motorbike to the gym at 6:30am. But by the time the sun rises, it begins to heat up very quickly. Mid-day, 3pm, is unbearable.

I've been training in the mornings, first going for a 30 min run, and then hitting pads for an hour. Not too heavy, but after not training seriously for the last months, all I really want to do is gain back some strength and stamina. Technique hasn't left me, just the ability to go for hours! My foot is holding up somewhat well - it's a bit sore today after yesterday's run, pads, and then a trek in the jungle to Tham Phu Wai (Phu Wai cave) so took it easy this morning and will go for a massage later this afternoon, with some sparring later in the evening.

Training with other instructors/fighters is always a learning experience for me. For one, it allows me to learn new styles, new techniques, and not get caught doing the same exact things over and over. The other thing I find it does is increase my loyalty and appreciation and respect for my own gym and Kru. I have discovered that my standards are pretty high, which I believe to be a good thing. Doesn't mean I'm not smart enough to learn from someone new though. Grin!! I've learned a few combinations and techniques this week that will come in handy back home.

On Tuesday, I helped Kin teach young kids (ages 4-12) Muay Thai in a sort of after-school program that he has going on. It was great fun!! Young girls, 5 and 6 years old, doing spinning elbows! Some of them are naturals and should really be encouraged to train more.

Yesterday, one of Kin's friends took me to Tham Phu Wai (Phu Wai cave) which is located near the idyllic Wat Tham Khao Wong. The cave is a huge karst system, but it appears to be somewhat dry. The nice thing is that it hasn't been "tourist-i-fied" and all lit up or disrupted. It has a few signs simply pointing the way through the main cave, but otherwise it has been left alone. There are a few stalagtites in formation that they have, wisely, roped off. I saw a plethora of bats, as well as 2 large snacks (cave pythons?) and this huge, wicked-looking spider/scorpion thing that had massive pincers that I'm glad was 2 feet above my head!! It was a fun trip. I wish I spoke Thai, or that my guides and Kin's friends spoke English. It's a bit hard to be in a place where I cannot communicate at all except by pointing and grinning.

I'm looking forward to getting back to BKK and heading south to the beach. I might head to Ao Phang-Nga and meet up with B&W, but that's yet to be decided. I need some beach time actually. I've enjoyed being here, but I feel a bit watched over and need to be on a bit more of an independent schedule. Kin's been very hospitable and a great tour guide though. I leave for BKK on Saturday, then take the overnight train to Surat Thani. From there, either to Koh Phangan or the Ao Phang-Nga, we'll see!!! Actually, it all depends on how my foot feels. I want to train, to get back into shape, but also want to make sure my foot is fine for training at home.