Grasp

Hi,

It was another one of those days. Clear sky, warm air, and a faint breeze. Plans were changed, new words learned, and we discovered a new Chiang Rai treasure.

The 'Easy' song was "Shining Star" by Earth, Wind and Fire". Today's song may be a challenge for some:
"I can turn the grey sky blue, I can make it rain whenever I want it to. I can build a castle from a singer grain of sand..." Clues: The title is in six words (although it sounds like 5 when I sing it). Don't be tempted by their imagination, these guys have a serious case of unrequited love.

The plan to drive down to Wat Rong Khun got changed. Boot and Tan got invited to go to Mae Sai with Boot's friend Nowaan instead. We spent the morning dealing with the final stages of the waterfall and explaining to Kek that stones in the flower beds were not OK. He's supposed to come and remove them tomorrow. It's a lot of temptation for the dogs. Better to have them gone.

Since Boot was in Mae Sai, that meant we had to get our own lunch. There were none of our usual supplies so we splurged and went over to the Dusit Island Resort for lunch. The dining room looks out on the Mae Kok river and the lush green foliage on the other side. The grounds are nicely kept so it's fun to just look out. The place was empty and that was a little weird. Actually, it's always empty at lunch time. Most of their guests are out doing tourist things at lunch time. We thought back to 2001 when we stayed there on our first visit. It was like a dream, and now we're neighbors. Hmm.

We went to school this afternoon and learned all about telling time. It's very different than how we do it in English. We had learned some of this before, but today's lesson was the first time we had it all presented the way people really talk. We also are learning that there are certain words that have formal and polite forms, depending on who you're talking to and where you are in the country. It's a slow process, but we're in no rush.

After class we went over to Doi Chaang Coffee to refill our supply. While standing at the cash register we noticed a sign stating that they had a new antique shop next door. Just as we entered the shop, the owner appeared from the rear. It was Khun Newt, who manages Doi Channg and is married to Khun Wicha. We had a magical time having her explain the origins of the many things in the shop. Most of the items are Akha antiques from her private collection. It's a treasure hunter's paradise. Since only duplicate items are for sale, the shop is more like a museum. I would definitely add this to the list of 'must see' places in Chiang Rai.

We just got home from having dinner with Boot and Tan at Leelavadee (Plumeria). It's actually pronounced with the v as a w, in case you're working on your Thai. (Ha) We had a fun time during dinner. It's nice to just spend time together. We got to learn a little more about Tan from her big sister. There was lots of laughter and plenty of food. Our waiter teased me because every time we go there I order the same thing. That's because it's not 'spicy'. He had everyone laughing about it though. I guess that means he likes me.

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"The beginning of wisdom is a firm grasp of the obvious."
~Unknown

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