Rules

Hi,

Chiang Rai had another perfect 'vacation day'. The morning was cool, and then it warmed to a comfortable temperature. We had a successful trip to Mae Sai, and did more shopping for basic items we need. In the background I hear the thumping of a bass, and the booming of fireworks. The party has started.

Nice to see that some of you haven't lost your touch when it comes to creative answers to 'Easy Monday' songs. (Ha)
"...And I feel nice, like sugar and spice. I feel nice, like sugar and spice. So nice, so nice, I got you. Whoa! __ __ __, I knew that I would...." Hint: Seriously, if you need a hint, it won't make a difference. If you know, you know.

We left the house at 8am for our trip to immigration. There was morning traffic for about 10 minutes and then it was clear road to the first check point. The police have two checks going each way between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai. I can understand the vehicle checks going south from the border with Burma, but going north is still a mystery. Anyway, we thought by leaving early that we'd breeze through immigration without a wait. Wrong. The room was full, but many of the people waiting were in a group. It wasn't bad, and while we waited we got some good news. On the first Saturday of each month, at Central Plaza, there will be an opportunity to do our check-in without leaving town.

Let me start this paragraph by saying that we have plenty to eat and drink, and our lives haven't really been interrupted by the flooding. The news from the Bangkok area is not good. It seems that things are going to be rough for at least a month. This means that many goods produced in Thailand are going to continue to be in short supply. We went to Tesco-Lotus and Makro on the way home. It's an eerie feeling to walk down the aisles and see empty shelves. We got more water and juice, and we'll get more things that may go away tomorrow. Meanwhile, the water just keeps moving around in Bangkok. Over 2,500 schools are flooded to some degree. People are doing what they can to help the refugees and donations are coming from many countries. It's going to be a long recovery and Thailand will lose a tourist season in the aftermath.

Around us you would never know there was a problem at all. The celebration has begun across the river, even though Loy Krathong doesn't actually take place until Thursday, which marks the 12th Full Moon of the Lunar Year. The traditional intention of the festival was to pay respects to the rivers, and to ask forgiveness for any harm done to the water. Today you will hear many reasons for the festival, including 'having fun'. At the core of it is the name: Loy means to float, and Krathong means Lotus shape. Banana leaves are the material of choice but in recent years bread dough has been used since it breaks down in the water more easily. Visit Mr. Google and you can see many photos of the various creations. We will be going to Jaffee's house to celebrate. He lives near the river so we'll all walk to the banks, float some Krathongs and then have dinner at his house. We're going to bring some balloon/lanterns to send up in the night sky. More on that tomorrow.

Tonight, after dinner, we made cookies. Actually, Lisa makes them, I just stir a lot. This makes me very happy.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively."
~Dalai Lama

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com