South At The Border
Neat piles of garbage and debris from the flood line the streets at intervals. At the New Season Hotel, faint traces of mud reach half way up the front side of the reception desk. The marble floors still show traces of water drying out. While the 7-Eleven is still empty and just beginning to restock, the McDonald's is in business and serves a fine Egg McMuffin and rich cup of coffee. Hat Yai is waisting no time getting back to business. Last week, an aerial photo in the newspaper brought to mind New Orleans after Katrina... city blocks marked not by streets but by canals of cream-colored coffee. The city thrives on the trade corridor from Malaysia. Along the four-lane highway to the south, groves of rubber trees, papaya and palm thrive. Further south, the city of Sadao manages the never-ending flow of people back and forth across the border with Malaysia. Thais, western tourists, monks, muslims in traditional dress. And trucks. Lots of trucks.