Courage 2

Hi,
We've had a very full day here in Chiang Mai. It started with the buffet breakfast, which was complimentary. No flowers though. They throw quite a spread, with a wide variety of choices. Many of the offerings are things we don't eat, so it's pretty easy to keep it simple. I'll get to the rest of the day in a minute.
It's funny how the second day of clues almost always brings many answers. A lot of you recognized "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan.
Lane wrote in with a little background:This song probably refers to The Wake Forest "Demon Deacons," whose football team had losing streaks during the 1977 (1-10) and 1978 seasons (1-10) which paralleled one of several of The University Of Alabama's extended winning streaks, including back-to-back National Championships during the 1978 and 1979 seasons under Coach Paul W. Bryant. Alabama is known as "The Crimson Tide": "They got a name for the winners in the world, and I want a name when I lose. They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues" Now you know.
"...I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end. But I always thought that I'd see you again." Clues: There are a couple of elements involved here. It's time to make you think.
After breakfast, we had a woman at the front desk show us where the art stores were on a map. Our plan was to tackle that bit of business and then figure out how to get to Hang Dong. We went down to the corner and engaged a Tuk-Tuk to take us to the closest store. While we were waiting, we saw a convertible model. We'd never seen a topless Tuk-Tuk and the idea of riding around in the hot sun just didn't appeal to us. Our driver took us right to the location and Lisa was able to find some paints and pallets, but no canvases. We figured the best thing to do was hail another ride and head for the second store. We found a really neat guy who knew where it was and we got a real good taste of Chiang Mai in the morning. Busy streets, but no heavy traffic. At our second stop we found what we were looking for. The driver waited for us and brought us back to the hotel.
We had lunch at our 'spot' and Lisa had the bright idea to ask the owner if he knew anyone with a car. He made a couple of calls and a friend of his came and took us to Hang Dong and waited while we looked around. The heat was oppressive so we only stayed an hour, but saw lots of beautiful furniture. We got some ideas for what we'll need and I bought another Didgeridoo. Some of you may recall that I got one there in October. I found out today that they were made in Bali. Hmm. Anyway, it was a worthwhile trip and it helped us narrow our focus for the house.
Songkran officially begins on number 13, but apparently the water begins tomorrow. On our way to Hang Dong, there was a big splash of water on the windshield. Someone was doing a little practicing. We called Supat to make sure he could pick us up at the bus station tomorrow. We were going to have Khun Sing pick us up in his Tuk-Tuk, but the thought of us and our luggage getting soaked changed our plans.
The August Chronicles: A few weeks ago August sent us an email, with the help of his dad. It was a 'painting' he'd done of some flowers. A pleasant surprise. This morning we called and talked to Jeff and C-Bass. When it was August's turn, he told us he was very busy with many things to do. Homework, piano practice and getting ready for bed. Then, after he'd signed off with 'Talk to Jeff', he returned to the phone to say he wanted to play something for us on the piano. He proceeded to play a very intricate, advanced piece of music that blew us away. What a guy.
Our camera is back, safe and sound in Chiang Rai, so I'll be able to post some pics of the house with its roof and Kalae. Today's quote is another about courage. I forgot to tell you about a young man we saw last night at the NB. He was walking down the sidewalk playing a large electric piano and holding a plastic cup. He was blind and it struck me that this was an incredible display of courage. To put oneself in the chaotic space of the crowded sidewalk, with strangers bumping, merchants hawking and uneven surfaces spoke volumes.
It's time for a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny


"Courageous risks are life-giving, they help you grow,
make you brave, and better than you think you are."
~Joan L. Curcio

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

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