Friday Funnies

Hi,

We had another gorgeous day in Chiang Rai. The temps dropped into the mid-50s last night so the morning was chilly. Loy Krathong was celebrated by the masses at the local fairgrounds and we had a mixed evening. Tonight it all happens again.

The '81 Wednesday' song was "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes. Nice to see so many right answers. Let's see how you do with 'Old School Friday'. We've 'sung' this song before so it should be familiar to some of you:
"Tell me, tell me, tell me, oh __ __ __ __ __ __. I've got to know the answer was it someone from above. Oh I wonder, wonder who, be-do-do-do who, __ __ __ __ __ __?" Clue: It's about the authorship of a piece of literature, by a vocal group with an unlikely name.

When we left our house last evening it was about 5:45. As we turned the corner onto the main road we were confronted with heavy traffic inching toward the bridge over the Mae Kok River. There were vendors on the side of the road and men directing traffic into makeshift parking lots. On the other side of the bridge we saw cars double-parked, tons of motorbikes, and throngs of people on foot, making their way onto the grounds where the music was blasting along with the fireworks.

The turnout for the party at Jaffee's was light, but the food was delicious. One of the guests brought a few home-made Krathongs and materials to make more. At one point in the evening she sat on the floor and constructed one using a slice from the stalk of a banana tree, banana leaves and a few flowers. It was interesting to see how it came together. After we ate we sent a few lanterns into the air and watched as hundreds went up in the distance from the fairgrounds. Then it was time to go to the river. The air was cold, but the wind made it colder. We pressed on and made it to the 'beach'. It's really just some rocks by the the river. What looked like steps to the water ended wtih a 6 foot drop. We moved up river a bit and it was suggested that we just climb over the rocks to the bank. Lisa and I chose not to do this since it was dark. Jaffee and two others went down and launched their Krathongs, which were immediately swept into the shore a few yards down river. We ended up launching more lanterns back at the house and came home with our Krathongs. When we got to the main road leading to the bridge the traffic had tripled, and there were many more people than last year. We found out this morning that many people came up from Bangkok so they could celebrate away from the flood. The music and fireworks continued until about 12:30, although some explosions were heard at 3am and even 5am.

Tonight we're staying in with the dogs so Boot can go out and celebrate with some of her friends. BamBam can't stand the sudden loud noise of the fireworks and the usually laid-back Daku is mildly upset by it all.

There was an article in the Bangkok Post yesterday stating that rumors of Green Mambas (a poisonous snake) in the flood waters were false. Then later in the same article it mentioned that a reward had been posted for their capture. Hmm.

Tomorrow night we're going to another art exhibit opening. This time it's at Praatap Jai and Lisa is one of the artists on exhibit. She's showing three of her watercolor paintings. There are six artists in the exhibit that will present a wide range of mediums from different cultures.

Earlier this week while we were in the big market we saw a very moving scene. There was a couple, both blind, slowly walking down the main aisle. He was holding his cane and a machine that played music tracks, with a speaker attached. She was walking behind him to one side. Her left hand was on his right shoulder while her right hand held a microphone. She had the most beautiful voice. Everyone around them paused to watch and listen. A woman approached, wai'd reverently and put money in their collection box. It was one of the most respectful gestures I could imagine. I hope I see them again.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. This week's 'Funnies' are from my good friend Brenda. Thanks!

Peace,
Danny

5 pearls of Scottish wisdom to remember.

1. Money cannot buy happiness, but somehow, it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes Benz than it is on a bicycle.

2. Forgive your enemy, but remember the bastard's name.

3. Help a man when he is in trouble and he will remember you when he is in trouble again.
4. Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them.

5. Alcohol does not solve any problem, but then neither does milk.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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