Happy 4th of july

I miss the celebrations of Good ol’ America. This is the day I usually enjoy the most of all the US festivities and celebrations we have nowadays. But here in Thailand, living a Buddhist life, it feels like any other day. Half around the world, most people here don’t even know it’s Independence Day. I learned this morning that Columbus’s life does not exist here on Phi Phi. He could have as well circled past India (if he had made the same terrible calculations the “right way” around) and ended up here – think about the consequences for history! Thai people would be Indians!

My work here in Thailand might soon conclude. I was asked to write my assessment but instead expressed my disappointment. So far, a reaction is missing; I wish someone would sit down and talk reasonably and with a positive and bright future in sight. My clashes with HR (as laughable as they seem) have pulled a nerve on me. We still need to focus on a mission statement; the team mood is peculiarly fragile. I would like someone to step forward and utilize my knowledge. We now refer to each other as villagers and are micro-managed about how we manage.

On the other hand, my kitchen team is super. They have leaped an enormous step forward. We can confidentially produce a consistent five-star cuisine, but I need much more time to polish the personalities into great chefs. Like Jamie Oliver, I have succeeded in leading a team of foremost inexperienced chefs and teamed them up with a solid staff, which shows that they’re enjoying their profession. Working with all of them has been a rewarding experience. We came in eighth at the wedding cake competition in Bangkok! Today, they gave me a framed image of their King, which is an honor and a sign of acceptance. I am proud.

The school for orphans next door is great fun. I love the kids. So far, we still need some help with prescription glasses and basic school materials. Thank you to all the guests who supported us; I have received clothes and writing material from friends and bloggers worldwide.

Today, we have an Australian film crew in-house. I love it when we advertise the resort; it’s the most needed entity to get this boat floating. If the weather holds up, we’ll have a few spectacular culinary moments. I’m afraid the monsoon that hit China and the Philippines will arrive here within the next twenty-four hours.

There is a Thai snack consisting of baby shrimp, cashew nuts, garlic, lemon grass galangal and Kaffir lime leaves. It’s all tossed together and deep fried; I find it a fascinating top for seafood salads and poached squid. I am trying to create an Italian Seafood Salad with Fusion Thai Spices, and the feedback has been positive so far. I’ve adapted to the spicy cuisine here; I now eat dishes I considered impossible to munch on a few months back, which are way too hot for my tongue. It doesn’t even burn anymore when I get “rid” of it…

I’m back in the kitchen. To this day, I’m still cranking up twelve-hour daily shifts, and I crave a long-awaited rest. The spa team has discovered I am up for any treatments they learn; I was fully waxed yesterday… a pleasant yet weird feeling! The ladyboy commented that I was a step closer to him – uh, no!

I will be missing the memorial service for my friend Lou, whose family has arranged this get-together around my schedule. It pains me not to be there in person. Gosh, I miss this soul!

Viva Italia. They will win the World Cup. I have adapted that football is a huge huge thing here. They can’t believe I don’t play this sport, knowing that FIFA is located in Switzerland. I get so many eye-rolls. My response: There is not one flat piece of land big enough on white-sand Phi Phi island for a football field. Could you not pick on me?

Please send your comments; I enjoy hearing from all of you.
chef Raphael