Is It Time To Pack Yet?

I have a confession to make.  I am the world’s absolute worst packer.  And it’s not because I’m ridiculously bad at folding, or is it because I tend to under-pack, or even worse, over-pack—ok, you got me, that might also be a reason—but it’s because if and when I have the choice not to pack, I simply choose not to.  And let me just tell you something; I just about always have the choice not to pack.

Should I head to the Queen Victoria Building?  Or pack?  QVB.  Balmain or pack?  Balmain.  Beach it at Bondi, or pack?  Beach it.  Let me just give you a hint just in case you’ve failed to catch on, packing is never the right answer, unless the question is which should I not do?  Have fun?  Or pack?  PACK.  But I swear there’s reason behind this, and laziness isn’t it.

You see, it’s as if, by putting packing aside, I can delay the inevitable.  In choosing not to empty out my room, I can remain in my state of denial, and in choosing not to pack, I can trick myself for a moment longer, that I might be able to remain not only carefree and in this state of pure bliss, but also here, in Aussieland.

And let me just tell you now, I’ve been good at tricking myself.  I mean really good.  In fact, in this last week, I’ve pretty much been doing everything but packing.  Take yesterday for example.  Blessed with clear skies and sunshine after a week of cold and rain, I met up with a friend to grab lunch in the city.  And if I had the chance to choose this over packing again, I’d do so in a heartbeat, because the restaurant, the experience, the food—it was all an absolute treat!

House, a restaurant known for producing amazing street food of Northeast Thailand, is located on 202 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010.  Prior to our little lunch, I had no idea that the ingredients and flavors of Thai cuisines varied depending on region.  Or I guess, it was never something I really gave much thought to, but it does make complete sense!  Apparently the cuisine of the northeast region is a lot spicier than the cuisine of central Thailand.  Sign me up!

There was a lot to choose from, and every dish sounded heavenly!  I wasn't feeling too hungry, but let me tell you something--that changed completely once I had the chance to skim the menu!  We ended up ordering Gai Yang, served with sticky rice (number 1), the Panang Curry (number 8), and a side of papaya salad with salted crab!

If I could turn back the clock and relive this moment, I would.  The sauces, the flavors...I've fallen in love with Thai food once again.  I couldn't even pick a favorite, that's how good everything was.  The papaya salad was extremely spicy, and this is coming from someone who thought they could handle heat!  The cabbage helped to balance out the dish and the peanuts were such a nice surprise!  The salty crab added such an oomph!  By the way, some words of advice for you, don't try eating the crab!  The Panang curry was a lot more mild than the salad, and it was just such a cozy and hearty dish!  It leaves you so satisfied and warm!  And as for the grilled chicken and sticky rice...yum!!  In my honest opinion, everything should be served with sticky rice, always.  It's just so much fun to eat!  It was also great with the two sauces!  The darker sauce was a lot more runny and sour in taste, whereas the brighter red sauce was a lot thicker and sweeter!  It reminded me a bit of tamarind!  I preferred the brighter sauce with my sticky rice!

Happy Kimmy with her not-so-happy salted crab...

I'm sorry you had to see this, but I'm even more sorry that you couldn't be apart of this little culinary delight!  

Well, I guess it's time for me to pack!  Or I could always go into the city...

Yours truly,

Kimmy