These last few days are chill days, time for me and Claudia to relax. We aren't up for long bus rides to other parts of Thailand, and there's not much else around this region that we're really gung ho about seeing. We also don't want to head back to Bangkok sooner than necessary, especially since Claudia will be there for a while once her sister arrives. So we're staying put in Trat.

We've wandered the streets and markets, relaxed in cafes and geeked out a lot. Claudia found a new pair of flip-flops, as her Tevas have been annoying her more and more. At the night market we also found the best fried chicken I've ever had. Crispy, moist, with a hint of garlic in the batter... and 50 cents for a breast large enough for me and Claudia to chow down on.

We also found a certain something I'd been on the lookout for. Trat is famous for a yellow herbal oil that's made by a local woman. I'd been curious to try it, especially to see if it might help the dry skin problem that I often have with my arms. We found a pharmacy that sold it for 80 baht ($2) a bottle. It works for damn near anything, from rashes to bug bites to joint pain. And it's doing wonders on my arms. I think I may have to buy more. Claudia and I have nicknamed it "tingle juice" for the sensation it gives when you put it on.

Otherwise, we're just enjoying each other's company, eating yummy food and drinking delicious coffee. It's a good way to spend my last few days, just hanging out, talking about the now and the later, and just being together for a little while longer.