Secret

Hi,

I’m writing to you from Chiang Mai, Thailand.  The weather was great all the way here, and it was hot but bearable in this big city.  

‘Easy Monday’ was very easy for a lot of you.  It even brought back some memories.  Here’s a little more:

“But at night it’s a different world.  Go out and find a girl.  Come on, come on, and dance all night, despite the heat it’ll be alright.  And babe, don’t you know it’s a pity that the days can’t be like the nights in the __ __ __ __, in the __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Hey, it’s ‘Easy Monday’.  Work with the lyrics.

The bus ride from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai was pretty smooth.  We passed the time watching a few episodes of Star Trek The Next Generation and gazing out at the jungle in the mountain passes.  The VIP bus has a cabin attendant and ours was very nice.  Cold water and cookies on take-off, and hand wipes before landing (555).

Our visit to the Consulate was made very memorable thanks to the courteous staff.  We don’t mind going there because we are always treated with respect and smiles.  Even the security guys are friendly and non-adversarial.  This time we took only what we needed in our bags.  The reason for this is because when you enter, you give them your stuff.  While you’re inside doing business they take phones, sharp things, etc. and put it into plastic bags.  You get the plastic bag back when you leave and have to pack it all away.    

There is a young woman who works in the restaurant at the hotel who remembers us each time we visit.  Today we asked if they could make up a special meal for me and she took care of it.  While we were eating I heard some music that I liked and she went and found out who it was.  I love this place.   Today’s photo was taken in the lobby.  We walked in as some of the staff was doing their daily ‘2pm Dance’.  Needless to say, it’s a very happy staff.

When it was time to go out and browse at the Warowot Market, a huge complex of shops and booths, I went to get into a Tuk-Tuk and didn’t realize it had an extension on the rear of the roof.  I got a cut on my forehead and the hotel staff raced to get a first-aid kit.  It’s not very bad, and Lisa cleaned it and we were off to the market.  It wasn’t a very fruitful adventure since a lot of shops were closing for the day.  Maybe next time we’ll find interesting things.

The D2 Hotel is on the big road that becomes the Night Bazaar each evening.  We cruised that on our way back to the hotel.  In a shop full of pashminas and bags we met the owner.  He is from Kashmir in Northern India and is very interested in art.  When I mentioned that Lisa was an artist we got into a big conversation.  Now we have a new friend in Chiang Mai.  He had his assistant give us his ‘Thai discount’, which was very cool.  More about our trip tomorrow.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

             Peace,

                       Danny

“All journeys have secret destinations

of which the traveler is unaware.

~Martin Buber