Merry Christmas everyone. Although the Thais are all Buddhists and they don't have Christmas, they really put on a show here with fake Christmas trees, Santa hats, and everyone wearing red. Anything to please the tourist I suppose. 
Which brings me to my next point;  I am not in the real Thailand . Although it's fun here and cheap for me while staying for nothing in Carlos' house, this place is tourist central and peak season is hitting hard. I need to see what real Thai people do...other than serve the tourist industry here in the south. When I get to the north, things should be at least a little different. However, for now, I am off to see more of the 'not so real' Thailand. We're off to Koh Phangan Island for the new year-half-moon party. See you there......