Meta, Verse Two

 I do not know her name.  She had that "only in Asia" scowl on her face again today.  I think of her as Mama Tudong.  And, am coming to love her in her gruff way.

I was ready, I mean really fucking ready, this time.  She'd not outfox, outwit, fool me once again.  I was gonna get my Mee Celup.

I walked in, the first customer of the day.  And, "in" is a loose word when a restaurant only has three walls.  I mean, I walked under the roof.

After a night of serious contemplation, strategizing, preparation I was really fucking ready.

(Okay, the strike through was not there when I entered.)

That says unambigously, and double checked against the big menu on the wall: "Mee Celup Beef."

Take that, Mama Tudong!!!

"No Mee Celup, you want Mee goreeng???" 

Huh?

Look over at the menu again, hmmmm what do I want.

"You want Mee goreeng!!!  Mee goreeng daging!!!"

I ain't gonna argue with you, Mama.

"You want spicy?"

"Of course I want spicy - this is Malaysia!"  (in yo' face, Mama!) "and Teh"

It wasn't spicy and she gave me ice water.

I smiled.  But I showed her.  I really fuckin' showed her...I boldly got up and went to another table and picked up the condiment rack.  I love the Thai green chili slices in sweet vinegar (this is a Tomyam restaurant and thus should be Thai.)  I made it spicy damnit.  I cleaned my plate.

For dessert I ordered the classic mango and sticky rice to really show her!  And, it was consumed entirely.  Entirely with my right hand.  Free of western utensils.  Just like a local or a Thai would.

RM9.50

I sure showed her.

I told her it was yummy.  I rubbed my belly.  (Today is a federal holiday here to celebrate Buddha's life and enlightenment - I wear my belly proudly, today.)

She smiled.


I am 100% certain she was thinking of my face tomorrow morning...