Durian

Durian is one of M's favorite fruits. Its smell and taste are repulsive to some, but many of my Thai friends really like it. I can eat it, but as it is expensive and not something I salivate over, I have never bought it for myself. The outside has large, sharp spines. Those who open the shell to retrieve the pale flesh inside (packaged on the right) wear thick gloves to protect their hands.

M just graduated and was given money for durian as a present. She spent almost 200 Baht on a whole small durian. As we walked away from the durian stand, she handed the bag to me to hold and said, "Guard this with your life."