7-11, Ratatouille, and a Dog Named Tramp (Updated: Check PS)

 April 8, 2026

Yesterday zipped by me and my sleep cycle has not adjusted itself yet; hence, I'm just now getting back to my journal.  I intimated in the last entry that there was an adventure to be had upon arrival at my service apartment late Friday night and here we go. 

In my earlier journal, I gave full credit to both Jeju Air and Delta for serving reasonably good tasting meals. I had 3 meals across my 31 hour trip, but after checking into my apartment at 11:30PM, I wanted a little something, plus- I needed a few basic supplies for my kitchen until I could do proper grocery shop run.

As the university van brought me to my apartment Friday night, I was a bit disappointed to see that my new neighborhood did not appear to have any restaurants nor food shops/ stalls but at 11:30PM and feeling the heavy haze of fatigue, not sure what I would have seen anyway.  The staff member at the front desk told me that the 7-11 would be open and gave me directions.  So, off I went after instructing the staff member to "Call the Thai Army if I am not back in 1 hour". I was being quasi serious and he did not look to sure himself if I meant it. 

The street that my apartment is on is quite narrow.  While it doesn't meet the definition of an alley, it is the width of one vehicle and not much more. Turn Right- Got it.  And in appoximately 1 1/2 blocks, I popped out onto a busy 4- lane road with traffic bollards down the median. But it is during that 1 1/2 block journey that I met Ratatouille- well, him and his gang. I am going to try again tonight to get pictures, so come back and check out this post again tomorrow. 

The block had scant street lighting that cast small silver pools onto the road that did little to keep the darkness at bay and had me do a bit of second guessing as to the wisdom of my night time excursion, but the street seemed smooth and I did not see anyone about, so I pushed on until my heart took a hard leap into my throat when I heard scurrying about as I came parallel to three trash barrels..... which were teeming with rats.  Not mice, but 8-12 inch bodied rats!  They seemed more preturbed at my interrupting their dinner than being a threat to me, but with a laugh and a shudder, I left Ratatouille and his friends to their feast.  

  

    Ratatouille                                                     Ratatouille's Cousins

Once I popped onto the road, I realized that there is no sidewalk.  Traffic in Thailand moves in the same direction as the British so by turning right towards the traffic signal, I walked against the traffic swirling about but I could easily be seen and in short order I made it to the traffic light where surprise.... no pedestrian walk way. Fortunately, given the time of night, the traffic was not horrible and I stood at the corner, allowing the traffic signals to go through one full cycle before giving it a go and crossing the 4 lanes to the other side. A quick left turn and in less than a block, I was at the 7-11 and so was "Tramp" (think Lady and the Tramp). 

I'm not fond of dogs that I do not know, particularly in SE Asia. And here was a large, mangy looking black shepard mix, I will call Tramp, stretched out right...next.... to the front door. Sigh. Well, I could see people inside the 7-11 but then again, I look very different.  Is my difference going to startle him? Sometimes it does.  I've had dogs chase me on a bike and come up to me none to friendly a few times in Cambodia. But I swallowed the lump in my throat and pushed ahead and Tramp merely raised his nose in the air before deciding I was not worth his attention and went back to snoozing.  I truly appreciated being ignored. 

Now let me explain about 7-11's over here. I love 'em. When my daughter, Sarah, lived in Okinawa, she would tell me that she was picking up dinner at the 7-11 near their home.  I was aghast as to what kind of junk food is she eating?!! Until, I went to visit her and she took me to the store. Oh my goodness, they had all kinds of fresh foods as well as packaged foods. More than once it was me that suggested 7-11 for dinner!  So, I must admit to having high hopes for this one.  Their refrigerated case held a wide variety of options. The pictured product is not the one that I actually bought Friday night as they were sold out last night upon my return.  I bought a noodle and pork dumpling soup that hit the spot for a late night repast but you get the idea. 

  Fresh Fruits

 

    Unusual "meat products" for snacking                           Yum- seaweed (Yum for someone else.)

 

Coca-lite (diet coke), some juice, among other things and back to the apartment I went. The staff member seemed relieved that he didn't have to call the Thai Army and after enjoying a bit of soup, a beverage and a hot shower, I finally made it to bed at 1AM Saturday. 

So, fast forward to last night when again, about 9PM or so, I made a 7-11 run. As I passed the trash barrels, Ratatoulli and his gang rudely didn't ask about my day but neither did they seem as frantic scurrying for cover (not that I think this is necessarily a good thing!) and Tramp was not outside the 7-11.  So, with confidence I pushed open the door to the store and while looking for laundry detergent, there was Tramp.  Stretched out on the floor of a narrow aisle.  Fortunately, he didn't pay me any attention and even moreso, the laundry detergent was on another aisle. 

I am quickly settling into a routine and with that rhythm comes a peace. More insights to come! 

Stepping Off the Sidewalk... Into New Adventures,

 Karen 

PS... Just took a snapshot of "Lady" and "Tramp".  Lady was taking a snooze inside the 7-11 while Tramp gave me a one-eyed drowsy look when I entered.  As I was paying for my purchase, I felt a LICK.  Lady came up and was giving the back of my legs a wash.  Obviously, I smelled like the lasagne that I had for dinner.  While Lady is not a cocker spaniel by any means (the original "Lady" in the Disney Movie), I thought it only appropriate to name her such. The staff put food out for them, so they have been pseudo-adopted :-) and they don't give me a start as they did upon first meeting. 

         Lady                                                and the                                     Tramp

Disclaimer: The content of my writing strictly represents my personal views and not those of the University of Florida, the U.S. government, the Department of State, or partner organizations.