By the Lake with the Locals

A local girl I met the previous evening on the city’s party street — where she struck up a conversation with me outside the door of a bar — invites me to go to the lake with her and her friend. I agree, and she picks me up from my accommodation on her scooter. Her name is Sopõõn. She is an English teacher and has also lived in Europe for some time. She is very cheerful, energetic, and well-educated, and unlike most locals, she speaks excellent English. Her friend doesn’t speak at all — she just smiles the whole time. Nevertheless, we spend a lovely time by the lake. They have brought rice and chicken with them to eat.

After a long day at the lake, I stop by my guesthouse to change clothes and then go to Sopõõn’s place for dinner together with her friend. I learn many interesting things about the local culture and customs, and also that Sopõõn is actually half Lao (originally from Laos). Since I have to start my journey back to Bangkok early the next morning, the evening doesn’t last very long. A warm farewell follows, and as a keepsake, I receive Sopõõn’s playlist.