Friday, May 9, 2014

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was another great day in Chiang Rai.  The weather was partly cloudy with an afternoon downpour that ended in time for us to swim.  We have moved into the official season of the rain.  As if it wasn't already here (555).

The 'Zany Day' song known only to Lisa and Barry was "We Gotta Get You A Woman" by Todd Rundgren.  'Old School Friday' may also be a challenge for some.  "You broke my heart 'cause I couldn't dance.  You didn't even want me around, and now I'm back to let you know I can really shake'em down.  __ __ __ __? (I can really move).  __ __ __ __ (I'm in the groove).  Ah, __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __?"  Hint:  There seems to be a musical question in there.  The group name has to do with shape.  I think it's a dance song (555).

Today was the 'Royal Ploughing Ceremony', which marks the beginning of the rice planting season along with the rainy season.  The Royal Oxen plough a ceremonial 'field' and are offered various grains and grasses.  Based on their choice, it is determined how the harvest will be.  This year they chose water and grass, which translates to abundant water and lots of food.  There is much pomp and circumstance during the ceremony and it is watched on TVs throughout the Kingdom.

When you buy gas in Thailand, it's usually not just a gas station.  There is always some kind of store on the lot.  The government owned PT gas stations in Northern Thailand have a unique layout.  There is a 7-11 and an Amazon Coffee shop.  The Amazon shops are unique in that they always have beautiful landscaping that give you a tropical feeling.  They are each a little different, but all very special.  Today, while getting gas, I took this photo of one of the local 'jungles'.


When moving to Thailand we were aware of the difference in voltage.  The current here is 220 volts, compared to 120 in the U.S.  This means you either buy appliances made to take the higher voltage, or buy what is called a 'step down' in order to use 120v products.  We have had several of these devices through the years, and now need a new one. They are not readily available, but we remember a place to go.  We still have a few things that are 'old school', like a cassette deck, and a turn-table. 

The adventure for the day was to visit a fairly new store called 'Thai Watsuda', at the southern tip of Chiang Rai city.  When it was under construction we had no idea what it was going to be.  The building looks like a giant airplane hanger.  I found out that it is part of a chain that offers discount building and home supplies.  When we arrived, before we got to the main part of the store, we saw rows of stoves.  There were table top stoves and cabinet stoves.  Some were white, some pink with flowers.  The place has no doors as we know them.  You just walk into this big space and get overwhelmed.  We did not find the step down we were looking for, but we did get a bag of light bulbs for a very low price.

We had several aftershocks today and one big aftershocker.  There is still an 'edge' in the air.  I talked to two friends today and both mentioned the quake and how tense they still feel.  The latest report says there have been over 270 aftershocks, which is not fair at all (555).  The real tension comes for people who live near other buildings that have had damage.  Does this mean your house might fall apart, is it safe?  Hmm.

Cat has been part of a team that has been going around in her village, assessing the damage.  Many houses collapsed or lost walls.  Her old school was also damaged.  She will be coming home tomorrow.  My guess is, she could use a break from all she's been seeing this week.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.  Stay tuned for the 'Funnies'.  Formula One this weekend.  Zoom.

            Peace,
                      Danny


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