Smile

Hi,

We had a warm weekend here in Chiang Rai. As a result, we spent a lot of time inside, in the cooler air. Daku was 9 weeks old Saturday and is still growing every day. The pool is more tolerable and we're getting close to the wettest week of the year.

The song you heard in your head this weekend should have been "Yackety Yack" by The Coasters. I'd say it's time to move forward in time a bit. "You went to school to learn girl, things you never, never knew before. Like "I" before "E" except after "C" and why 2 plus 2 makes 4. __ __ __ it's easy as 1 2 3...." Clue: This was a family affair, so young they couldn't drive. If you know your 'schoolin' this should be easy.

Saturday we hung out at the house. Lisa gave Napa a ballet lesson in the afternoon and after dinner we went to Big C. We figured that since Walking Street is such a big attraction, the store wouldn't be crowded. Hmm, wrong again. The lot was nearly full and the stores were all busy. On our way to Big C we stopped and got gas. It's still amazing how far we seem to go on a tank full. Another one of those pleasant surprises around here.

Sunday we swam. What a treat to be able to get back into the water and get some exercise. It's also a great relief from the heat. The water feels cold at first but after a lap it's great. One of the strange things about it is that as you move around there are pockets of warm water, then cold. The pool isn't heated so it's not like swimming near a warm outlet. It's just warm here, cold there. Hmm.

We had dinner overlooking the Night Bazaar and it was early enough that we got to watch the vendors setting up. Each night they 'build' their little booths and set out their wares. We noticed one young woman carefully setting out her silver chains, making sure each one was precisely set on the table. When we called for our check (check bin) it was delivered to us by the owner's daughter who is about five. With great pride she handed me the bill and wai'd. Learning the business early.

We're still noticing the fact that some of the vendors are in different locations since the remodel. There was one woman we didn't see in her usual space and we liked the clothes she made. As we strolled toward the bus station exit we spotted a beautiful dress and from the back of the booth we saw her big smile. It was good to know that she was still there. We have made many friends at the Night Bazaar and it's nice to keep up with them.

Today I had to go to the CAT office. That's our internet provider. We've been having a problem keeping a signal so I went to the source. It was determined that it was probably a problem with the cell site in our area. They had me call the Bangkok office to report the problem. While on the phone with a tech, I had to give him my email address. He spoke adequate English, but when it came to spelling out 'thaifunk' we hit a brick wall with the 'f'. He kept hearing an 's'. Finally I said 'f' as in 'football' and I could hear his joy at understanding. "Yes, footbun". OK then. Yes, the adventure continues. Still don't have the connection right, so I'll have to go back tomorrow and be a little more emphatic about it.

Have a Good Week and I'll be in touch when I can.

Peace,
Danny

"No matter who says what,
you should accept it with a smile
and do your own work."
~Mother Teresa

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