Monday, February 10, 2014

Normal

Hi,

The days seem to be getting warmer and warmer here in Chiang Rai.  It feels odd to watch the people at the Olympics in Russia, all bundled up while we have the air going over here.  

The 'Old School Friday' song was "I Wish You Love", and the artist in question was Gloria Lynne, who had the hit in 1963.  You can probably find it on Youtube.  Now it's time for 'Easy Monday' and a song that was a giant in 1983.  I think you know this one:
"__ __ __ __, and every move you make.  Every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you.  Every single day, and every word you say.  Every game you play, every night you stay, I'll be watching you."  Hint:  No, it's called 'Easy Monday' for a reason.  (555)

We are able to see the Winter Olympics via the internet, so all is not lost.  So far, it's been fun to watch and Cat saw ice-skating for the first time tonight.  

Sunday was an absolutely full day of activity.  It began with a Buddhist ceremony commemorating the 25th wedding anniversary of a couple that we've known for several years.  It was at their home just south of town.  The grounds were full of trees and water features and the lower floor of the house felt like the lobby of a grand old Thai hotel.  The back yard was the setting for the ceremony which included five monks who chanted for about 25 minutes, followed by a blessing from the head monk.  We saw many friends, met new people, and reconnected with a man we met in January of 2007 when we visited Chiang Rai to check things out.  

By the time we returned to our house, it was almost time for lunch.  Lisa, Cat and I agreed that Eliza's would be a nice place to eat so we went there.  The owner was very apologetic about not serving lunch since she had to decorate cup-cakes for a wedding.  She makes very elaborate cakes, cup-cakes and cookies and as an apology, she gave us each a cup-cake.  Next stop: Central Plaza, where we ate and left, which is pretty amazing.  It's hard to put into words, the cultural contrast of going from the huge, modern mall to the Talat (local marketplace).  We went from the pristine shops to the smell of raw shrimp and frying food.  From slick displays to stacks of whatever you want to buy.  I can tell I'm become acclimated by the fact that it was just as much fun as the mall.

After a brief relaxation period, it was time to get dressed up for the 'cocktail party' portion of the anniversary celebration.  It was held at the Mantrini Hotel and we saw more old friends.  This was a gathering of mostly professional people who own businesses or are doctors, etc.  This is the second affair that has required two 'costume changes' in one day.  Whew.  There were some stimulating conversations ranging from the effect of the political situation on the stock market, to education and culture.  All in all, it was quite a day.  

Today's photo shows the 'Happy Couple' presenting offerings to the monks and receiving blessings.  


Have a Great Week.

            Peace,
                      Danny

"If you are always trying to be normal, 
you will never know how amazing you can be."
~Maya Angelou

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