Hi,
We had another hot, rainless weekend here in Chiang Rai. In between various activities we watched the finals of the French Open and the Canadian Gran Prix. So glad we can record these things and not have to stay up late to watch then ‘live’. The forecasts are now calling for thunderstorms ‘in the area’, which could mean anything and nothing. Hmm.
The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Riot in Cell Block #9” original hit by The Robins. The lyrics I gave you were from the Blues Bros. version, but you didn’t know the song anyway. Lisa and Cousin Trudye knew it. ‘Easy Monday’ is next, and I think it should be a snap. “__ __ __ __, every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take I’ll be watching you.” Hint: The cops are watching.
Our Saturday excursion to Boon Rawd Farm was very enjoyable. It’s been months since we were there last, and we noticed changes. There is a new lake, and new construction underway. They also added a bunch of new speed-bumps on the main road. This would not be a problem if they had painted them like the existing ones. In keeping with the wild animal theme, the old bumps have either zebra stripes or giraffe patterns, so you can see them. The new ones are basically invisible until your vehicle is launched. Most uncomfortable for the back seat passenger. We met a few new people at lunch and had fun talking with our friends. The view was spectacular since all the fields were green from the rain. The heat was oppressive but we spent most of the time in an air/con dining room. When the room became too cold, we decided it was best to leave. When the weather gets a little cooler we’ll have to go back to the ‘farm’ and do it again.
Sunday morning we went to Big C a little later than usual and paid the price. Oh, the humanity.
In the afternoon our new friends Anthony and Amelia came over. Anthony is a Ph.D. candidate studying the Buddhist temple building practices and traditions. Amelia is an artist and is teaching art at the International School. They brought some snacks and Blue joined us at the table for conversation and munching. Then the four of us got in the pool and talked for about an hour. We shared observations about life in Chiang Rai and learned a lot about the temple building system. Many artists and craftsmen go to technical school and study very specific subjects dealing with traditional Buddhist art and temple making. We learned that there is a company devoted to building giant statues like the one up the road from us. Some temple construction is based on donations, which means that it could take a long time for their completion. Anthony told us of a temple that took 17 years to finish. We hope to spend more time with them in the future.
Today we were invited to the property owned by the family connected with Doi Chaang Coffee. Khun Noot and her daughter Kwan showed us the progress they have made on their amazing coffee shop/restaurant/library. They have more trees than before, due in part to a friend of the family who brings a new tree every week. There are almost 300 different trees on the land. One of the most exciting things to see was the new water feature, shown below.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
“Fear of failure must never be
the reason not to try something.”
~Frederick Smith
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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