Life

Hi,

Today I'll fill you in on the Sunday adventures of our three traveling house guests. The Festival of Loy Kratong is coming up this weekend, but it sounds like it's happening now. Fireworks of all description are either making loud noises, or pretty colors in the night sky.

The 'Easy' song was recognized by a few of you. Maybe the chorus will cause the title to spring into your mind. Hmm.
"__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ just be close at hand. You don't have to stay forever, I will understand. Believe me, believe me, I can't help but love you. But believe me, I'll never tie you down..." Hint: This is either true love or desperation.

Sunday morning was the last opportunity we had to go exploring, so I came up with an agenda that would fill the time, the eyes, and the mind. We started with a quick walk through the Chiang Rai Train Library. Then it was south on the Super Highway to Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). This is a 'must see' for anyone coming this way. The visual impact of the exterior is enough to drop the jaw, but the inside of the temple, the gift shop, and the gallery are like being immersed in the dreams of a prolific artist. We spent about an hour checking everything out. If you Google Wat Rong Khun you will begin to understand. Being there in person is still the best way to see it, with sunlight bouncing off the thousands of mirror bits embedded in the white architecture.

It was approaching lunch time when we arrived at Big C. We went to Black Canyon, our favorite restaurant there, and everyone enjoyed yet another Thai meal. After lunch we toured the complex, to get an overview of the only 'mall' in Chiang Rai at this time. Something bigger is in the works but it's a couple of years off.

Our next stop was King Mengrai Square. This is a monument that is visited by tourists and Thais from all over Thailand. King Mengrai is the father of the Lanna Kingdom, before it was part of Thailand. The legend is that he made Chiang Rai the capitol because his elephant liked it here. People come and leave flowers, light incense, and offer prayers. When passing the square in cars, or on motorbikes you will often see people offering a 'wai' to Mengrai as a sign of respect.

We finally arrived back at the house just in time to get ready for the afternoon party we were having. Our guests got a chance to meet some of our friends and hang out. It was a great mix of people and the party was a big success. The whole visit was a wonderful experience for all of us. We got closer with Karen Jo, and got to know Sandy and Kenwood. We'll probably get together in Culver City while we're there, for some Thai food. (Ha)

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."
~Soren Kierkegaard

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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