Masman

I haven't had masman curry since Kristin and I found it in Hollywood. I'll probably have to go back to Hollywood to enjoy it again. I couldn't find it in Chiang Mai, and haven't found it in Bangkok. When I ask for it, people (including concierge types) look at me like I'm crazy. It just isn't popular.

I've just stopped in a little internet shop in Bangkok because I need a rest. I've been walking around the old neighborhood all morning trying to find something familiar. Our old office (2nd floor) and domicile (3rd floor) has undergone major remodeling and is now an Italian restaurant. Coincidentally, the Eva Airlines owned hotel is now right next to that property, so I popped in to see if any of my old students were around. Incredibly, the desk showed me the entire crew list but I didn't know anybody who is here at the moment.

Just a couple of kilometers away from the old home/office, at the top of Silom Road, there used to be a restaurant owned by a good friend and his wife. His name is Naris and we met when we worked together in the NCO Club up in Udorn back in 1967. He introduced me to many different foods while we were up there, most of which he wouldn't identify to me until after we'd finished eating. I was much braver in those days. Years later I talked him into working for us here in Bangkok and it was in his restaurant that I was first introduced to masman curry. His place is gone, of course, and in its place is a trendy spot called "au bon pain." I stopped in for a croissant and latte, served with a smile and some nostalgia.

Masman curry and thai iced coffee with an old friend would have been much better.