Thinking

Hi,
I understand that you, in the U.S. are observing a holiday today. Over here, the beat goes on, but remembering is good.
Speaking of remembering, some of you remembered "Walk Like A Man" by Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons. Do you know this one? "I want you to want me I need you so badly I can't think of anything but you.." Hint: It's by a group, fronted by a 'little' guy, and he's losing his mind (so to speak).
Saturday we had lunch with our new friend Dee. Very interesting guy from England. He's been in LOS (Land of Smles) a long time. He raised a daughter by himself and teaches English at an elementary school. He's a landscape architect by profession and has been involved in the building of many houses. We got lots of good tips and information and got some great insights into the culture. At one point we were talking about the way Thai people seem to ask questions that are considered personal in the west. We're always asked our age, how much we sold our house for, what do we do, why are we here, and on and on. He explained that there's a need to know how we fit into their lives. The age thing, for instance, has to do with the level of respect we are due. Since we are older, we are given more respect than if we were the same age. It's a simplified version of a complex social structure. We talked about the land that Supat had found. Dee said he'd check it out and tell us about it on Sunday.
Sunday Dee and Supat came over and Dee had drawn a diagram of the property, and had written out points that made the land fit into our desires. The excitement level began to build. Today we went out and saw the land. It's north of town and near the Maekok River. There's a large house next door that's owned by a really nice policeman. After looking and talking about the area, the neighbor invited us to come and look at his house. It's a beautiful Thai style house with lots of wood. At one point, we entered a room that was like a shrine room, with pictures of Buddha and the King and Queen. Supat noticed a very nice medallion and asked about it. Apparently it was given to our host by the Queen. We were duly impressed. We got copies of the Chanote (the deed) and we'll have it checked out at the land office.
Earlier today we went by Fat Free and paid for our new bikes. Later, they delivered them to the house. I'm loving the service here. I got a chance to go for a quick spin before dark and I'm very happy. The bikes are from Taiwan and they're kind of a unisex style that looks like what would be called a 'girls bike' in the west. They came with a basket, a rack on the back and a bell. (ding ding)
Oh, last night we went to the Night Bazaar for a round of shopping. We also went to the bus station, which is right next door. We bought tickets for our first 'solo' road trip to Chiang Mai. Wednesday morning we're taking the V.I.P. bus (also known as the big green bus) for an overnighter. We will be going to immigration to get 're-entry permits' so when we leave in December and March, we can get back into the country. We'll stay in a hotel, visit the local NB and come back Thursday.
Now you know all our business to date. I'll be posting a picture of the new bike, the land and more motorbike shots.
Have a Wonderfilled Week.

Peace,
Danny

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"Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
~Shakespeare

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

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