Love

Hi,
Today I had a revelation about driving protocol, we had a meeting with our attorney, and preparations for our trip moved into high gear.
I'm happy to report that I got tons of correct answers on the song. It was "Use Me" by Bill Withers. In honor of the weather where we're headed, I give you this little number: "Strolling along country roads with my baby, it starts to rain, it begins to pour..." Clue: This singer told us breaking us was hard to do, but in this tune he keeps a sense of humor.
You've read many accounts of my experiences driving in Chiang Rai. Well, today it hit me that there's a reason people turn right, in front of opposing traffic when the light turns green. I noticed that the oncoming traffic seemed to wait for them to turn and that maybe it's an unspoken courtesy. It relieves the pressure on the lane with the turners. If all the motorbikes make their turn, then the rest of the lane can proceed. You see, when a light is red, all the bikes cluster at the head of the waiting cars. If they all waited for the oncoming lane to clear, the traffic behind them would not make the light. Crazy, but simple. Another reason why it's called 'Amazing Thailand'.
How nice it is that our attorney, Khun Preecha, makes house calls. We met today to go over papers we have to get signed while we're in America, regarding our property. He's an interesting fellow. When we asked him what he was doing for New Years, he said he'd be spending it with his mom and dad. What a guy.
Leaving the country for almost four weeks means lots of preparation. Aside from making sure Boot has what she needs to run the house, there's the concept of packing. How much to take and planning for the weather are the general categories. The details can be exhausting. Since the weather is colder than what we're experiencing here, that part gets difficult. Warmer clothes take up more space. As far as how much to take, well, it becomes a matter of practicality. If it was just clothes it would be easy but there's always more stuff to pack. There's the gifts for family, the gadgets I can't do without, and the new weight limits imposed by the airlines. Before starting, it seems overwhelming but as we go along, it gets better. I suppose we could just 'rough it' and travel with a change of clothes and a toothbrush. (Ha)
Speaking of traveling, I have news for you. During our dinner on Saturday night we were talking about our trip and I casually referred to our trip to 'The West'. Ruud pointed out that we were actually going to the '...far, far East'. We all had a big laugh and an 'Ah Ha' over that one. Thing about it, we're actually traveling east. So, those of you in America are not in the West, from our point of reference. Hmm.
That brings us to a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Love is the light that dissolves all walls between souls, families and nations."
~Paramahansa Yogananda


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

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