Hi,
The Chiang Mai weekend was a wonderful experience. We had great weather, a wonderful hotel, and attended a unique art exhibit opening. It rained at night so we didn't have to deal with it at all. Chiang Rai had a big storm while we were gone.
The 'Old School Friday' tune was "Sitting On The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. 'Easy Monday' should be a snap.
"You're the kind of person you meet at certain dismal dull affairs. Center of a crowd, talking much too loud, running up and down the stairs. Well, it seem to me that you have seen to much in too few years. And though you've tried, you just can't hide, your eyes are edged with tears. You better stop, look around, here it comes, here it comes... Here it comes your __ __ __." Hint: The band is currently on tour in the US. They've been at it for 50 years. The first word of the title is actually a number.
Saturday we had breakfast in the little garden coffee shop. As I read the menu, they had me at 'Mango Waffles'. The air was fresh as a result of the overnight rain and all the greenery and orchids were a perfect background. Below, is a photo taken from the second floor, looking down into the 'garden' area.
Where's Waldo?
Our morning adventure began at Thapae Gate, near the middle of town. There is a used bookstore that Lisa likes, so that was our starting point. The Tuk-Tuk let us off around the corner, where we were promptly distracted by a shop with silk shirts and cotton dresses. We finally got to the bookstore and while Lisa browsed, I stood outside and watch as a man weighed his collection of recycled plastic and metal that he had picked up the night before. I don't go into the bookstore because it has strong cat 'vibes', that could have ruined the morning for me.
We strolled down a street that was full of shops of every kind. There were things for tourists as well as collectors of antiques. It always takes a few hours to get used to the fact that there are a lot more travelers and expats in Chiang Mai. Even though this is technically the 'Low Season', there were a lot of different languages heard on the street. It also should be noted that English is spoken by Thais more in Chiang Mai than in Chiang Rai.
The 116 Art Gallery where we were going in the evening was right down the street from our hotel. When we told the women at the desk where we were going, they had their driver take us to the gallery in the courtesy Tuk-Tuk. The artist was 'presented' by a woman who is a Senator and spoke very clear English. We only knew one other couple, but it was a friendly crowd. After the ribbon was cut, a young woman sitting on the floor, played music on a traditional instrument that looks like an autoharp but is 'hammered' with tiny mallets. While she played, another woman danced with a small bowl of flower petals. It was a traditional style and she would toss the petals into the air. We were mesmerized for the duration of her dance. We met several American expats, and Lisa had a productive visit with the owner of the gallery after everyone had left. We may be taking the show on the road again in the Fall.
While we were having a grand time in Chiang Mai, the wind and rain were tearing things up in Chiang Rai. When we returned Sunday evening there was a tree down, branches and bushes bent, and lots of plant parts in the pool. Boot had kept us updated on some of it, but seeing takes it to another level. This evening we're having another big wind and rain storm. So far we've just lost another big beautiful tree that we really liked. The wind seems to have died down so it may be safe to go outside, though I don't know why I'd do that. (555)
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
~Voltaire
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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