Tomorrow morning is day 1 of the World Championships – welcome to the show.  A few more boats have arrived and there are decidedly fewer crew in the bar tonight (might also have something to do with the killer party and BBQ last night here).  You can feel that things have cranked up a notch and this on top of some very sore bodies not yet recovered from the sun and chop induced cuts and bruises.

Today was a welcome lay-day.  Big plans quickly evaporated to more mellow efforts.  Suits were measured and zinc-oxide sourced.  Spicier Tom Yam was found too – hard to imagine.  The day also gave us all a chance to reflect on the past 10 days and some of the amazing experiences we’ve had.

Things work differently here – particularly the way work gets done.  Thai’s have a bit of fun doing everything, but the unloading of the containers may take the cake.

We’ve also been thinking back to our interesting trip to the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo.  We’re kind of questioning their conservation philosophy a bit.  We were told that there were Crocodiles to be seen, but not thousands in multiple huge swampy enclosures.  A high creep-factor along with coming face to face with a tougher group than what we’re seeing on the start-lines here.

Oh…, you can buy crocodile meat at the zoo shop…

Tough too are Thai shoppers – it seems like a national past-time so we decided to join in.  A  tailor was recommended and off our bunch and Sean went.  Eleven suits were ordered but not before Mr. Paul had politely commented to Maddy that “only old momma’s would pick that” – this from a fellow whose shop is on Walking Street!  Mr. Paul also took a shining to Sean.

Jokes aside, there are going to be some well dressed sailors coming back to Calgary.

It’s late, big day tomorrow, more to reflect on after the races tomorrow. Warm-up is over and now we play for real.  Wish you all could be here – shopping or racing!