So today I received my diploma from the Sabai Massage school. The test (though the english was awkward) was far easier than anything I took back in the US. There were only 4 questions and you even got to use your manual.

After 3 days, I learned leg, arm, abdominal, back, and shoulder massage and managed not to hurt anyone. However, I feel totally out of whack. Maybe I spent too long in the night market last night, b/c I over slept this morning. Monday and Tuesday I got up without even owning a watch, but once I bought one I didnt wake up until I heard the national anthem playing at 8am! Or maybe its because I had some rookie practicing on me for the last 3 days.

Despite being about massage... massage school is quite rigorous. You spend alot of hours watching the instructors do the massage, and then you spend some time letting some novice beat you up... and then finally you spend your time beating someone else up. And lets not forget the huge amount of information they are throwing at you. The official government approved massage is 2 hours long, comprising over 130 positions. So you have to remember all the positions, how to sit, what hand position, etc. Really quite complicated and I have a new respect for the legitimate masseurs. So I am glad that I only signed up for the 3 day course, b/c I can't take it anymore.

Tomorrow morning... I am taking my scout-bag and heading up to Pai for a few days. Its supposed to be even more beautiful. I'll let you know what the view is like from my bungalow. Then I will either run through Mae Hong Son or just come straight back to Chang Mai. I would like to get to the sunday market to finish my christmas shopping. I'm close, but it will be nice to be finished b/c 1. it'll take atleast a month to post home and 2. then i can save my bahts! Then I might take another quick trip up to Chang Rai, but then I am definitely headed back south. The decision then will be to go slowly through Suhkothai, Ayuthaya, and Kantchatabri or to fly down to the islands! Hmm.... its a tough one.

Sorry, this one wasnt all that exhilarating. Massage school just doesnt lend itself to stories of great adventure.