[Random Monkey Pun]

Hokay, so... let's see: it'll surprise no one to learn that I'm still in Chiang Mai - but, get this, no disasters recently! Ankle's well on the mend and as a bonus it gives me a new set of colour blotches every morning to marvel at. Although, given recent events, I should probably avoid tempting fate, I've pencilled in Saturday for departure. You listening up there?!
Couple of nights ago I attended what will surely be the most unusual and memorable birthday party I go to for quite some time - I've now seen the inside of another Chiang Mai hospital: I'm doing the rounds, so to speak (sorry). This time there wasn't anything wrong with me - had gone for a drink with the Chiang Mai girl from Friday night when it turned out that a friend of hers, in fact one of the French dudes I'd met then, had been ill with a mystery stomach ailment for four or five days and needed taking to hospital plus general looking-after. Aor (the young lady) asked if I wanted to go along and, not having much else planned, I thought why not? Hospitals are always a laugh after all. Went along with Aor, her sister and French dude's Thai girlfriend and we set ourselves up in his room (the Thai medical system continues to astonish - he got cable tv, dvd player, kitchen facilities, ensuite and, get this, a minibar...plus, best of all, he pushes a button and an attractive young nurse arrives! Might have to look at injuring myself again in the near future). It emerged that it was the girlfriend's birthday, and as she wasn't going to leave him the only option was to get beers, whiskey and snacks from the 7-11 and have our own little party on his balcony: another feature of the room was a superb view of Chiang Mai by night, as if the rest wasn't enough. The staff seemed to have seen it all before; I dare say they have.
Yesterday I went to the zoo which was pretty fun (simple pleasures are the best), quite an impressive collection, inc the bad-assest like tigers (ordinary type plus white Bengals which I hadn't seen before), cougars, crocodiles etc. and the most aaah-inducing like pandas (couldn't quite make myself believe it wasn't a bloke in a suit, they don't look real!). Two slightly rank but amusing moments: firstly, what looked very much like a terrapin gangbang (2 gents on a lady since you ask); secondly, what was indisputably a Rhesus monkey knocking one out - in fact, you might say he was (ready?), quite literally, (brace yourself) spanking the...yep you got it. Absolutely bloody hilarious - sitting on top of a pole, front and centre stage; it was the look on his face that made it: staring into space with a furrowed brow, looked like he was philosophising or brooding on quantum mechanics. Having shared a laugh with the Thai family who were also watching, I beat a hasty retreat before we got the money shot. Did get a couple of photos first though of course, I serve my public.
I'm sure you're all desperate to see them so I'll see if I can sort that out now, take it easy y'all and keep commenting! Love the feedback :o)