Making the Rounds

With less than thirty days to go until Sakon Nakhon's yearly Main Event, it was time to cruise around town and see if preparations were underway.

Did not see any wax castle construction at a number of temples. Apparently still a bit early for that.
Not much action at the local lake either.

Along the shore van, truck and minibus drivers were parked, obviously resting until it was time for their next run.
In the distance you could see some preparatory work under way, as plants were uprooted to clear the way for the boat racing track.

Then I was off to the local sidewalk market. Bought some berries, and was really surprised when an extra handful was added to my purchase. The same happened when I bought some corn. Two more than what I had bargained for.

What I was really looking for was tabaco.
I'd been told if you can't stop smoking, then at least get away from smoking paper and filters.

I had recently started smoking a pipe and did notice it's not as harsh on my throat than cigs. But the price of pipe tabaco at Bt 370 ($11) per pack was a bit much.

Pointing at my pipe I asked a samlot driver where I could buy tabaco. He pointed and gave me directions, no pressures. I handed him the 20 baht it would have cost for him to take me there, and walked.
I found the place where tabaco is sold at Bt 100 ($3) per kilo. Not bad either. Think I'll throw in some cherry extract to make my own cherry blend