Hi,
Chiang Rai is back in a familiar weather pattern. Sunny and hot with an afternoon rain. Today it was more wind than rain, but it was dramatic. This evening we are in the midst of a big thunder storm with rain. BamBam is freaking out and Daku seems a bit concerned. We braved two popular shopping areas for supplies, and survived.
The 'Zany Day' song was "Life In The Fast Lane" by The Eagles. Now we go way back, with a male duo asking:
"__ __ __? I have seen you before. __ __ __? May I walk you to your door? It's so hard to find a personality with charms like yours for me. Ooh-ooh, ohh-ooh, ooh-wee. __ __ __? Is it Mary or Sue? __ __ __? Do I stand a chance with you? It's so hard to find...." Hint: This classic R&B oldie asks a better question than 'What's your sign' (555).
One of the fun things about Songkran is the way the staff at so many stores dress in colorful, flower shirts. We learned last year, that there is an historical connection to the Hawaiian shirts and Thailand. Some time during the '50s, after a trip to Hawaii, the dance of the luau was mixed with Tai Lue, a traditional Thai dance, to form what is now called Northern Thai 'Lanna' style. That trip formed a connection that is still present today. Now the shirts don't come from Hawaii, mostly from Thailand and China, but it doesn't matter. Everyone at Makro and Big C is decked out in some form of 'Songkran shirt'. It adds to the festive atmosphere.
This morning, after Makro, we went to the Big Market (Talat) downtown. As we made our way down one of the main aisles, we hit a traffic jam. Two women had set up a table in front of a stall and were selling children's swimwear. One of the women sounded like a barker at a carnival midway. She had a big crowd around her and they were selling like crazy. Since kids are going to be wet anyway, why not dress them in swim outfits, even though they won't be swimming.
Many shops on the streets were already closed for the long holiday. With Songkran landing on a Sunday this year, it gives many workers a long weekend plus the following week. We can hear the music playing from somewhere across the river, and it will be like this for the next 10 or 12 days. It's mostly the bass and bass drum, until one of the pro acts performs, and then we'll get to hear everything. There have been occasional explosions of fireworks, which will escalate this weekend.
Yesterday, at Wat Rong Khun we took this photo of thousands of tags that each have a personal message written on them by visitors to the complex. Some are prayers, some just names, and some are offerings. We have no idea just how many there are, but it's a lot.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for a 'Funny'.
Peace,
Danny
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
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