Destiny

Hi,

Today I got the truck serviced, which can be an experience. The rain came, briefly, and BamBam had a Birthday. Also, more reflections/insights on driving in Chiang Rai.

I'm happy to see that we've started the week off with a song you know. If you need more, here's the bridge:
"I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day, and ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way. But my silent fears have gripped me long before I reach the phone, long before my tongue has tripped me. Must I always be alone? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ....." Clue: Do you really need one?

So BamBam is one year old. There wasn't much fanfare or celebration. She is a dog after all. There was some joking about cake, but nobody moved. (Ha) She's become a very loving dog in this short year. She has developed some patterns that make us smile and she can still go from mellow to crazy in a heartbeat. Looking at her 'baby pictures' is a trip. So small and delicate. Right now she's still trying hard to maintain dominance over Daku. I think she's going to have her paws full. He'll most likely weigh as much as her in two or three weeks.

Going to the Toyota dealership is always an adventure. It's a grand, modern complex on the highway and is maintained very nicely. As soon as I pulled into the service parking stall, I was greeted by a young woman who took down the milage and escorted me into the reception area. She gave me a number and said 'Please sit down'. It's like this every time. Then I waited for my number to appear on the screen above the row of service consultants. I had an appointed time and they almost got to me on time. After the paperwork I went through the "new car" showroom to the waiting area. It was much cooler there so the wait wasn't too bad. I played with my phone, watched some Thai T.V. and nearly panicked when the clock hit noon and I looked into the garage and everyone started taking off their work aprons. I could see my truck and the guys were leaving for lunch. The lights went out in the work area and I was thinking I'd be stuck there. It's happened before. Just then a mechanic appeared and got into the truck and drove it out to the carwash area. Hmm, must be done. Close. I didn't actually leave the lot until a little after 1pm. Still, it only took a two hour wait instead of all day. And all that without the help of an English speaking employee.

While on the subject of motor vehicles, there are a few things you should know if you ever want to drive like a local. I can't speak for the big cities but up here, things seem to be based on some vague traffic 'traditions'. If you're going to turn right (like a left turn in the U.S.) and the car in front of you is also turning, stay close to their rear bumper and just force your way through the intersection. That one really gets me. If you find it necessary to turn in front of oncoming traffic, it seems to be OK to take your time. The theory is that if they can see you they'll slow down. When approaching a red light, do so as fast as you can. Don't expect to be given the right of way for anything. Merging in an alternate manner is unheard of, and stopping for pedestrians is also just not done. Personally, I brake for women with children, older people and monks. Many basic traffic laws are merely "suggestions." There are no traffic police, and no pursuit vehicles so it's like wide open to a certain degree. Staying in the 'flow' seems to be the safest route. Tomorrow we'll explore life on two wheels.

Time for Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"One meets their destiny often in the road they take to avoid it."
~French Proverb

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