Except Thursday

Chinatown in Penang, Malaysia

Incense burns in front of the temple where locals (lined up at right) come to pay respects to . . . their ancestors maybe? We didn't ask.

Miami Café

This little restaurant is across the street from us, right on the water. We make a visit every day. This particular spot was hit hard by the tsunami of 2005, when the 22-day-old child of the owners was swept out to sea, borne on a mattress — and then swept right back in to be deposited safely at the restaurant. She is hailed as "Miracle Baby" and is a minor tourist attraction. We're told by our British friend here that the girl is spoiled beyond repair, but we've witnessed her to be absolutely charming and cheerful—always scampering around the restaurant with a wide smile. I'll try to get a picture of her next time we're down there.

Our Practice Space in Bangkok

Bangkok Miscellany 2

Caught a baby.

You've all seen Asians eat entire fish before. It's weird. I did it once. Once.

Can't name a single one.

Restaurant Row, Bangkok

At the end of our street, Soi 38, there was a string of restaurants. Cart-kitchens in the front, seating in the back. Best food in Bangkok. Entree = $1.30.


This was our favorite, featuring a conglomerate of five different carts, all serving different dishes.


Sweet girl selling mango sticky rice. I probably ate twenty that month.

Don't even think about it.

With dinner most nights, I drank a whole coconut. The spoon is for digging out the coconut meat afterward.