Half way there!

So today marks the official halfway point. Pretty crazy I have already been here 3 1/2 weeks! It's gone by so quickly. I have really been enjoying the time here so far. It has been really nice to explore as well as train. There is a lot of free time during the day that I poke around Pattaya eating at different places and finding different coffee spots. The massages here are amazing and sooo cheap. They are only like $8 or less. I have been getting two-three a week. I am definitely going to miss them when I come home.

My training is becoming stronger now. I still have a bit of a cold which is keeping me from being at my full potential, but I think once it's gone my stamina will be the best it's ever been. Before I got sick I was averaging running about 3mi, then 8 rounds on pads plus sparring and clinching(about 2 1/2-3 hours a day at the gym). My trainer suggests taking it easy so that I can recover, so I haven't run yet this week. Hopefully I can start again in the next few days. I think the most important technique I am learning overall is to be relaxed. This is something that the Thai's master so well. Every Westerner I see get in the ring to do pads is so tensed up. It's such a strength and energy drainer. Everyday Pon (trainer) yells at everyone to relax. Occasionally I get it but majority of the time I forget. Now that I am used to the heat and all my blisters, bruises and aches have healed, I am hoping to really focus and improve my technique over the next 3 weeks.
Update: Training was just ok today. I get really frustrated with myself a lot when I want to push further than what I can actually do. Today I did 5 rounds of pads, clinching for 20min, 100 knees and 200 situps. The pads went better than yesterday, but it's amazing how quickly I feel I get out of shape. I know part of it's my body fighting the cold that I have, but it's just really frustrating. Tomorrow I am going to run a little bit. Probably no more than a mile and a half. I am realizing now more than ever how much more the running really helps with stamina in the ring.
Below is a photo of the boys goofing off and trying to be acrobats on one of the swings at the gym.

In Thailand people have different Buddhas for protection that represent the day of the week they were born on. Usually people will give each other small amulets of the Buddha for protection. There are also different ones for wealth and other blessings. Today I was shopping and ran across this small one at a pawn shop. When I bought it I didn't know that it represented Wednesday morning. I was actually born on a Saturday, but I think the meaning of it represents me more than the Saturday one. Motivated, artistic, adventurous. So, I am okay with having the wrong one. I know it wasn't given to me, but I bought it used so maybe that counts.

My English friends have made friends with a group of guys from Australia that where also staying at their hotel. The Australians friend who they were visiting in Thailand happened to be incredibly wealthy and took us out for drinks a few times and then to dinner one night. They were a fun bunch to hang with for a couple of days. It was also really nice being spoiled.
Only one of my English friends (Star) is still here with her two sons. Both Lamia and Rachel have returned to England sadly. I miss them, but it's definitely going to be worse when all of them are gone. It has been a unexpected and pleasant surprise finding people that I enjoy to hang out with. I feel very fortunate to have met them and am so excited to go visit them all in London some day. It might have to wait until the dollar gets a little stronger. Below is me and Lamia at the night market.
Not only did my friend Star meet the Australians, but her and her boys also met a brother and sister vacationing down here from Bangkok. The girl 17 is in LOVE with Stars youngest boy 11 and he in turn is planning to bring her to London to live with them when he is old enough to date her. They barely speak each others languages, but it is just soo cute. They are all about each other. I will get pictures of them and post them tomorrow.
The brother and sister also being somewhat wealthy have paid for my dinners on several occasions and took all of us bowling the other night. (I love being spoiled!)
Yesterday I found the mother of all junk stores where almost everything that you find at the night market you can find even cheaper here. I think I am going to be in trouble with this one. Definitely going to have to spend half of a day at this place.
Tonight I went out to dinner with Star and we both got massages for $6. Following that we went and had a piece of chocolate cake. It was a really nice evening. Hopefully tonight I can get some sleep. I have been tossing and turning lately trying to get to sleep anytime before 2am. Hopefully now that training is getting better and with the help of the amazing memory foam mattress that I now have thanks to my boyfriend I will be able to sleep more easily.
more to come....