Science

Hi,

We had another hot day today.  No rain again and that’s a good thing.  Everyone is hoping that things stay dry so the water can be pumped out of the cave where the boys are still trapped.  The less water, the easier they can exit.

So, a couple of people got the ‘Zany Day’ song, so far.  Here is the second verse of this disturbingly zany song.

“Seasons came and changed the time.  When I grew up, I called him mine.  He would always laugh and say, ‘Remember when we used to play?’  __ __, (__ __ __ __).  __ __, (__ __ __ __). __ __, (__ __ __).  __ __ (__ __ __ __ __ __).”  Clue:  All of the little lines are not the same phrases, but would totally give it away (555).  

Before we left on our adventure today, we searched for a menu from Hacienda Cafe and Bakery.  There is no Mexican food in the hacienda, nada.  We met Susan and Noy after finding the place with no problems.  It used to be a big house that was converted into what it is today.  The first thought that came to mind was, ‘This doesn’t feel like Thailand’.  It has a lot of European style art, classical music playing in the background, and menu items that might be labeled Euro/Thai.  The food was good and the view of the valley was spectacular.  During lunch it was noted that there are three venues we can visit with distinct views.  Chivit Tamma Da has a river view, The Wanderer has the woods, and Hacienda has a valley and a foothill.  We learned more about lettuce and pesticides today.  There is always something to learn when spending time with Susan and Noy.  Today’s big lesson:  Just because it’s hydroponically grown does not mean it’s organic and pesticide free.  Noy explained that most farms do not completely seal their growing beds from the outside world.  It means that plants can be contaminated by spray from other farms, or, because pests get on the crops, they are sprayed while growing in their hydroponic tanks.  Now we know.

Today’s photo was taken from the upstairs porch at Hacienda Cafe.  

One of the nice things about this heatwave with no rain is the warmish pool.  It gets a little better every day.  Today was a good temp for an easy workout.  

I’m finding it interesting to hear perspectives on cities from visitors.  I had dinner this evening with a friend who has lived in Saigon for 20 years.  When I mentioned that Chiang Mai felt dense and very congested, he commented that it felt relaxed to him, compared to Saigon.  We both agreed that Chiang Rai was a very relaxed atmosphere, even when the traffic ‘seemed’ heavy.  This musical hook sums it up pretty good, “Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what.”  (Cool Points if you know the tune and who made it famous)

Have a Thrilling Thursday.  Note: Just realized that I wished you a Thrilling Thursday on Wednesday as well.  Oops.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Science is a beautiful gift to 

humanity; we should not

distort it.”

~A.P.J. Abdul Kalam