We were great friends

Thai tradition commands that each house must be feng shui. No bed near a window,  don’t let a mirror face your bed, the toilet must not face the toilet door. I used to go to Colin's restaurant early, before the crowds arrived.  That way I had him all for myself.  Quite frequently I got to taste test a new drink that he was concocting. This particular day he was fuming mad when I arrived.  He wanted a toilet installed in a tiny room for the upstairs guests.  Well, the Thais did it according to feng shui. The door opened just wide enough for a skinny person to squeeze through sideways. No chance that Colin could ever use that toilet. The door  hit against the toilet.  Toilets are not bolted down, they are cemented in place. The only way to take the toilet out was to demolish the toilet and cement.  Of course you have to buy a new toilet and cement.  I told him then, and a few other occasions,: "don't get so excited, it's not good for your health, get used to the Thai way."    Colin had years of cooking experience, his skills were superb.  He also had people skills.     Each time Colin came to town, he always stopped by my house with a gift, be it licorice, seeds or a small appliance. Without fail.    Over the years I had a few of my birthday parties at his restaurant. When I borrowed something from him, he delivered and picked it up.  He was a bit of a dreamer, some of his plans for the future seemed unlikely.  Thanks for the great memories.

Sakon Nakhon