Gratitude

Hi,
Happy Thanksgiving! Whether you celebrate it or not, give some thanks. I'll admit, there is a dubious origin to the whole thing, but the concept is sound.
So, nobody knows the song? Oh my, where were you in '66? If you were a teen or older, you should know this one.
"Just __ __ __, You won't see me follow you back home. Now as the rain beats down upon my weary eyes, for me it cries." Hint: Her name has four letters and begins with an 'R'. That ought to spark something. (Ha)
Today was 'Wat Day'. First we traveled 13 kilometers south of town to Wat Rong Khun. The sun was breaking through the clouds as we arrived. Perfect. Part of the beauty of the 'White Temple' is the fact that there are little mirrors cut to fit the shape of most of the ornamentation. I told you about the place back in January, but for those who don't remember or weren't reading this, it's a temple constructed by a very prominent Thai artist named Chalermchai Kositpipat. He wanted to build an artistic tribute to The Buddha, for all to enjoy. It's named after the town he's from, and it's where he built it. In short, he wanted to leave a legacy. The temple has been under construction for about five years and is half done. If you want to know more about it, see Mr. Google. There are many sites, and lots of photos. (I put some on Flickr)
As we were approaching the Wat, Supat asked if we'd like to meet Chalermchai. There was a chorus of 'Yes' and he said he'd find him if he was there, and make sure we met him. Soon after he parked the car, he called me on his cell and directed me to where he was. There beside him was the artist. We got a very cordial reception, posed for pictures and he was delighted to learn that we lived in Chiang Rai. Then it was off to the main building, which is like a small chapel, for lack of a better word. Photos are not allowed inside, so you'll just have to come on over and see for yourself. The mural inside is finally complete on the back wall. It's a very dramatic political statement about, among other things, the oil monster.
There is a gift shop with T-shirts and posters of his art. We wandered around, looked at the detail in the sculptured work and set out for part two.
On our way to Wat Doi Kow Kwai, on top of Buffalo Hill, Supat spotted some people harvesting rice. He really wanted us to have the experience, so he pulled over. Kristy and I headed for the field while Lisa photographed the adventure. Supat gave us visual instruction and we were handed sickles and we went to work. The rice had already been pushed over, so we grabbed a bit of the stalk with the tip of the sickle, pulled it up, took it in hand and sliced the bunch. Set it aside and do it again. Now we know.
After the 'harvest', we headed for the hill. If you recall, this is the home of 'Sii Hoo, Ha Dtah', a mythical creature with 'four ears and five eyes', who eats hot coals and leaves gold for you to clean up. (nice job) This time we took turns ringing the big gong. When hit hard enough, there is a thumping overtone that sets the dogs to howling and vibrates in you chest. There was a woman there who rubbed the center of the gong and it rang in a high overtone. We all tried it, but Lisa was the only one to succeed. There are some fun pics on Flickr, so check it out.
We had another great lunch and just hung out for a while. Then Kristy went across the street and got the full treatment from our friend Roong. Massage and hair wash and style. After dinner we went to the NB for you know what.
Now it's time to relax. Have a Wonderful Day.

Peace,
Danny

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics